Ep. 14: Rikka faces Karuta Queen and Jikochu while balancing studies and family reunion

14

Makoto and Davie suspect the crystal from the rose is one of five Royal Crystals needed to awaken great power. Rikka feels depressed after ranking second in tests, having previously always ranked first, prompting her mother to notice her strange behavior. Mana and others discover Rikka’s interest in competitive karuta has slightly affected her academics. Believing she must quit to focus on school, Rikka decides to test her skills against the Karuta Queen before stopping. Mana and the group assist her with both karuta practice and studying. During the tournament, Ira targets the Queen, who becomes irritated by lacking a worthy King and transforms into Karuta Beast Jikochu. The Queen’s desires override the Jikochu, challenging the PreCures to a large-scale karuta match. Rikka uses her practice to turn the match around, allowing Mana to purify the Jikochu. Afterward, the Queen gives Rikka karuta cards that reveal a blue Royal Crystal when touched by Ai. Rikka’s mother assures her she can keep karuta as a hobby, and her father returns from his travels.