Ep. 12: Challenger playoffs commence as Harada defeats Arata, prompting Inokuma to overcome Megumu and Arata to receive a default win.
The Challenger playoffs begin with Harada taking an early lead against Arata through consecutive takes. Arata adapts with a flexible style, causing Tsuboguchi to note that Harada had studied his previous version too closely. Simultaneously, Megumu leads against Inokuma, who questions her relevance until Megumu plays the Chiha card, mistakenly forgetting Inokuma’s maiden name was Chihara. Harada leverages his experience as a teacher and veteran to tie the score and win the first round. Inspired by this victory, Inokuma reverses her match against Megumu, winning by two cards. Harada then withdraws from the second round, awarding Arata a default win, which visibly frustrates him. Following this outcome, Chihaya whispers something significant to Arata.
Episodes
- Ep. 8 · The narrative explores the dynamics between friends and strangers
- Ep. 9 · Suou departs while Chihaya focuses on her trip and Taichi faces elimination
- Ep. 10 · Arata Overcomes Distraction to Defeat Murao in West Meijin Qualifiers Final
- Ep. 11 · Chihaya and Inokuma prepare for challenges while Taichi memorizes placements
- Ep. 12 · Challenger playoffs commence as Harada defeats Arata, prompting Inokuma to overcome Megumu and Arata to receive a default win.
- Ep. 13 · Arata prepares for the third round while Inokuma becomes Queen's Challenger
- Ep. 14 · Kitano and Harada reflect on Harada's past while Arata loses to Harada and confesses to Chihaya.
- Ep. 15 · Chihaya struggles with Arata's confession while facing Suou's dominant karuta skills
- Ep. 16 · Taichi plays Suou without faults, Chihaya reveals weakness, and Arata watches the Meijin match online.