Ep. 23: Taichi Cup Karuta Tournament and Taichi's Confession to Chihaya

The Taichi cup is an unofficial karuta tournament attended by thirty six players celebrating Taichi's birthday. Played in a Genpei style with all hundred cards in play, each player competes against the opposite team and his own teammates to collect the most cards. Retro and Taichi reminisce about playing with Arata and Chihaya. Chihaya and Taichi tie with the highest points in the tournament. Arata recalls the Takamatsu Memorial Cup, where he won against Taichi but could not refocus afterwards. He wonders if he could have protected the Chihayafuru card against Taichi, though it was never read. Later, Taichi and Chihaya spend time at the karuta club room. Taichi reveals he took Arata's glasses back during the sixth grade karuta tournament. He decides to stop being a coward and confesses his feelings to Chihaya. Chihaya apologizes and leaves. The karuta club members prepare for the new term's club demo, but Miyauchi-sensei informs them that Taichi quits the club. Chihaya tries to convince Taichi to stay, but he kisses her and refuses, asking if she thinks he is made of stone. He states that ever since she rejected him, the karuta cards all appear black in colour to him.

▶ Watch on Crunchyroll