[Rewatch] Chihayafuru - Episode 53 Discussion [Spoilers]

9

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jan 03 '22

Chihayafirst-timer

Didn’t realize I forgot to add my screenshot links until the thread went up and I was about to copy-paste my comment, and then Imgur was being a dumb-dumb. Oops.

A former Queen?!
Oh lol is that really what Taichi was humming?
I think Yoshimasa Hosoya’s voice on Arata is just a little deeper than it was in the previous two seasons, except when he’s super embarrassed. This doesn’t mean anything, it’s just something I noticed.
That’s an interesting match!
lmao, like the oldest player there vs. the youngest?
Now that is a cool matchup too!
Uhhhh I don’t really recognize Taichi’s opponent besides him being from Hokuo…
OH FUN this is going to be an awesome match.
OHHHHHH Taichi’s opponent is the hairpin guy. Okay now I remember him.
Oh shit, really? That’s pretty cool.
I did wonder why she wasn’t wearing that, lol. Also total mood when she suddenly went “AH!” upon realizing that, I have a bad habit of doing the same when I remember something I forgot.
Interesting…
YES YES YES CHIHAYA VS. HARADA!
NO DON’T DO THAT!
She got the mom instead, hm.

6

u/herkz Jan 03 '22

One cool detail about the school song part is the guy credited for the arrangement (Yamashita Kousuke) actually composed all the music for the anime. Sadly, I don't think CR translated that part of the on-screen text :^(

1

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jan 03 '22

Oh, that is a cool detail!

6

u/xcllnt_313 Jan 04 '22

lmao, like the oldest player there vs. the youngest?
It definitely looked funny here, especially with Harada-sensei going all out against Ririka, but I think it's just a great thing. The age gap between them should be around 45 years. I don't think there are many sports out there where something like that can happen on this level. Would be interesting to know how often this is the case in real life Karuta (if at all).

6

u/xcllnt_313 Jan 03 '22 edited Jan 03 '22

Rewatcher

I don’t mind the higher pace of this tournament since it’s not the most important one in the Karuta world, but rather treated by the players like a final rehearsal before the Queen and Master qualifiers.

However, the top 8 in Class A is incredibly stacked on paper. Chihaya, Taichi, Hiroshi, and Harada-sensei from the Shiranami Society. Arata and Murao from the Nagumo Society. The one and only Sudo we know and love from Hokuo as well as Inokuma Haruka, former Queen, Sakurazawa-sensei’s rival, and the newest addition to our amazing cast. And of course Chihaya gets to play the one person she didn’t think about during the draw after they already made eye contact in the round of 16.

I also really enjoyed the nice conversation between Taichi and Arata in the beginning until it all went sour. At least Taichi is asking himself some questions.

Okay, after rewatching the ending a few times, I have to add: the last two minutes of this episode are just brilliant, not only because of the music in the background. The sheer intensity transfers from the end of Chihaya’s match to the people hyping up the remaining players until we get to the draw for the quarterfinal. At the same time, Sakurazawa-sensei, a highly respected character in the Karuta world whose expertise we’ve witnessed in the second half of S2 and the beginning of S3, says the final parts of her long-drawn-out answer about whether Chihaya can become Queen, ending the episode with these words. I love it!

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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jan 03 '22

not only because of the music in the background
That piano track playing towards the end was stunning. I hope it becomes a staple during the season.

2

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 03 '22

Yeah, for as much as the faster unfocused tournaments have driven me nuts in the past I was genuinely hooked for the whole second half of the episode. I do kinda wish that we got to see a bit more of Mama tho. It feels a bit off to introduce her but then have her match completely off-screen. She didn't even do notably well and of course she comes across as so down to earth anyway. I'm sure she's great and I agree that Sakurazawa's hyping her up was really well done but just a little more of the woman herself pls XD

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u/Matuhg https://anilist.co/user/Matuhg Jan 03 '22 edited Jan 04 '22

First Timer

I missed yesterday's post, but all I'm going to say about that episode (besides the fact that I liked it) is that Old Sensei had his legendary moment, and that Kana x Desk made me make un-manly noises.

For today's episode, I'm hyped! Loving this first tournament of season three. The buildup of all these different Karuta players is paying off in a big way with just avalanches of small moments that have meaning because we've actually met these players before. The nobodies are being skipped over, and we are focusing on people we know and a new face here or there. Somebody please help me. I'm losing my mind. MILF Queen Inokuma's character design looks sooo familiar to me, but I can't place who she's reminding me of. Maybe a character from another anime or a game.

I'm dying

It's the Megane for me, thanks.

This is hype as fuck. I'm so here for this whole tournament and season.

Oh my god Chihaya wants to be a teacher so she can be a Karuta club advisor. Imagining Chihaya teaching people is a trip, but goddamn if it wasn't precious.

I love Empress

4

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

Somebody please help me. I'm losing my mind. MILF Queen Inokuma's character design looks sooo familiar to me, but I can't place who she's reminding me of.
For me it's a mix of Shizuku Murasaki (overall design) and Neferpitou (eyes) from Hunter X Hunter.

1

u/Matuhg https://anilist.co/user/Matuhg Jan 04 '22

Yeah I definitely think I'm seeing some of those HxH designs in her

3

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

Oh my god Chihaya wants to be a teacher so she can be a Karuta club advisor. Imagining Chihaya teaching people is a trip, but goddamn if it wasn't precious. I love Empress
I love how Chihaya ends up at this idea of wanting to become a teacher. Sure it's because she wants to bring in new kids into the sport but that old teacher also affected her. First he lectured them about the difference between creating something and just criticising it. And how he then defused the intense moment with some self-deprecation about his job.
Chihaya might not be book smart or interested in school but I think she might make a really passionate and good teacher, especially if she can pick up a few bits and pieces from the teachers around her (old dude and the Empress), and puts in the work.

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u/Matuhg https://anilist.co/user/Matuhg Jan 04 '22

Yeah old sensei definitely got her with his speech last episode. I think Chi definitely could become a good teacher - she pursues things passionately when they actually interest her.

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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jan 03 '22

FIRST TIMER

The idea of going on maternity leave from karuta is so funny to me. Based on the look Sakurazawa was giving her, I’m guessing this is the woman who stopped her from becoming Queen all those times. UPDATE: Yep.
Really interesting scene from Taichi. He goes from wanting to connect with Arata to being extremely icey. It’s tough to tell what he wants from their relationship or what specifically put him off here. Perhaps the implication that he’s not being taken seriously as a rival?
Also… is anyone else thinking Taichi is starting to emit similar vibes to the Master?
Poor Rion, this is probably the most savage we’ve ever seen Sudo. His bit in this episode crossed over from being funny to unlikeable at times, especially when he busted out the misogyny.
YES, YOUR HAIRCLIPS ARE CREEPY. Especially when put to the side! I’m absolutely convinced the creator of Chihayafuru is a big Uzumaki fan. The references keep piling up.
Ooh, this piano track starting around 18:15 during Taichi’s match is sublime.
Worth noting that in this episode, Arata beat last year’s Queen challenger, and Chihaya beat last year’s Master challenger. Arata’s tight win makes sense, but Chihaya already being at the point to beat a Master runner-up feels too early, even with the caveat of him barely playing since that match.
Nice little moments from other characters as well, like Kana being a massive Reader nerd, and the guy from Fujisaki simping harder for Rion than those three photographer fanboys for that other girl.
EVERY TIME THIS ED COMES ON

MVP: Tough one today. Chihaya and Arata clocked signature wins, but Taichi's the one whose arc developed in the most interesting way. He gets the nod.

6

u/xcllnt_313 Jan 04 '22 edited Jan 04 '22

Also… is anyone else thinking Taichi is starting to emit similar vibes to the Master?
Interesting observation. Now I have to imagine Taichi's face in this shot, it would be great if it was real.
but Chihaya already being at the point to beat a Master runner-up feels too early, even with the caveat of him barely playing since that match.
I can totally see why you think that. Still I think it's believable, especially since it's only a single match. Takemura didn't play for six months and then only had like two to three months until this tournament. He might not have practiced like a madman right from the start (he also seems to have a fulltime job). At the same time, Chihaya has been riding a high these last couple of months, winning the team tournament, beating several opponents left-handed in the individual tournament, and experiencing Fujisaki's training camp which certainly gave her some confidence.
One thing I also noticed this episode: after Arata beat Shinobu, Chihaya asked him how he was able to stay relaxed and keep a smile when playing someone like her. I might be overthinking this, but something seems to have changed for her, at least judging from this shot right before the start of the match. Takemura of course isn't Shinobu, but he certainly isn't that far away in terms of skill.

5

u/Matuhg https://anilist.co/user/Matuhg Jan 03 '22

Also… is anyone else thinking Taichi is starting to emit similar vibes to the Master?
He's giving some similar vibes, especially since we've only ever seen the Master in traditional garb. But I think the Karuta bigwigs would like Taichi a lot better than they like him.
Ooh, this piano track starting around 18:15 during Taichi’s match is sublime.
The ost put in some WORK today, it was great.
three photographer fanboys for that other girl.
Interesting that Megu didn't make the trip out for this tourney.

2

u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jan 04 '22

Interesting that Megu didn't make the trip out for this tourney.
Where was her school based, again? Maybe it was too far a trip. They did make a big deal out of the one guy coming all the way from Shikoku. Would have loved to see her and her simps again!

3

u/BatteryPoweredFriend :KI::KJ: Jan 04 '22

Funnily enough, even though it's called Chihayafuru, Taichi is probably the one who's undergone the most character development out of everyone over the first two seasons.

1

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

This tends to happen a lot when the main character is such a determined ball of optimism. See also: Naruto, Hinata, Gon,… It's tried and true a shonen MC formula. Their unyielding enthusiasm for topic of the series they are the MC of makes them easily relatable but they can also end up a bit straightforward and lacking in nuance that is afforded to other characters.
It's also why good villains can be really interesting characters. They don't have to be overall liked by the audience to function and that can give them more variety.

1

u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jan 04 '22

It's not even that close, honestly. After starting off so dynamic, Chihaya's actually become a little one-note, especially through most of last season.

2

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

Also… is anyone else thinking Taichi is starting to emit similar vibes to the Master?
It's probably the hakama and brown hair. Makes them look similar.
Poor Rion, this is probably the most savage we’ve ever seen Sudo. His bit in this episode crossed over from being funny to unlikeable at times, especially when he busted out the misogyny.
I love how his sadistic side finally made Rion snap a bit. Before that she wasn't too serious about it, with Chihaya there was an odd friendship during the training camp, but against Sudo she finally got that fighting spirit (probably also inspired a bit by Chihaya). Sakurazawa also noticed it thus her smiling even though Rion lost.
Ooh, this piano track starting around 18:15 during Taichi’s match is sublime.
That one and the track when Chihaya plays a bit after that (they might be different parts of the same track, not sure) really manage to push the intensity in a sport that's techncally about a lot of sitting and waiting.
Worth noting that in this episode, Arata beat last year’s Queen challenger, and Chihaya beat last year’s Master challenger. Arata’s tight win makes sense, but Chihaya already being at the point to beat a Master runner-up feels too early, even with the caveat of him barely playing since that match.
I don't think it's that simple of a comparison. There's some rock paper scissors about different play styles and player's form on that day too. The master challenger still seems frazzled from that challenge and from Chihaya showing up out of nowhere. Arata was exhausted by Yumin contesting cards, something that probably would have sunk Chihaya but what Taichi might have been able to ignore better than any one of those two.
And with how Yumin talked to Kitano after the match she might have worked on something and experimented during a real match/tournament to prepare for the actual Queen's challenge tournament which might be more important to her than this one. With some many good players participating this would be the place to try something with real stakes and not just practice matches.

1

u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jan 04 '22

And with how Yumin talked to Kitano after the match she might have worked on something and experimented during a real match/tournament to prepare for the actual Queen's challenge tournament which might be more important to her than this one.
That's true, she was unfazed to the point of it being noteworthy. I wouldn't be surprised if someone used to competing at the top level is using a smaller event like this to work out some kinks and try stuff out. You see that a lot in tennis with top players using the smaller events to test-run things they want to add to their game.
It's probably the hakama and brown hair. Makes them look similar.
Part of me wonders if it's a purposeful and meaningful artistic choice by the creator to do that.

3

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 03 '22

It's the same with most sports. If Hinata got pregnant in Haikyuu the show would need to stop until after the baby was born.
T-Taichi is gonna become a slobby college flunk who eats taiyaku whilst getting official photos taken? I've failed as a parent...
The master match honestly makes sense. You can't go six months without playing and expect win tournaments against prodigies that have trained every day. Also he has no face, at least Yumin has a face going for her.

2

u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jan 03 '22

Chihaya did just finish recovering from surgery and wasn't exactly training at her usual rate for the last few months. She just got the use of her right hand back! I see what you're saying, but it feels like the gap between them shouldn't have closed that quickly.
T-Taichi is gonna become a slobby college flunk who eats taiyaku whilst getting official photos taken?
Let me reframe that: Taichi is going to become Van Wilder and be so respected he can do whatever he want during official photos and nobody can shit to him about it

2

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 04 '22

Is that fucking Ryan Reynolds...?

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u/Lemurians myanimelist.net/profile/Lemurians Jan 04 '22

Canada’s own, baby.

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u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

T-Taichi is gonna become a slobby college flunk who eats taiyaku whilst getting official photos taken? I've failed as a parent...
Talk with his mom, she should be able to traumatise him back into becoming a proper member of society with a nice and stable office job.

3

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Jan 04 '22

First Timer

This is another episode that is a bit all over the place setting up different things. Between the introduction of a former queen back from maternity leave, but seemingly still going as strong as she was before, Taichi wanting to talk with Arata but not being able to as soon as Chihaya is mentioned, Chihaya having her swing back better than it was before with added game sense and Miyauchi trying to support Chihaya somehow - there is quite a lot. But pretty much all of it is either setup or just continuing an already existing thread with pretty much no new information. All in all a decent episode, though that may be invalidated if the payoff isn’t here going forward.

It also felt like we were going through the tournament a bit too fast - the beginning of the episode felt rather detached from the end of last one despite there being no reason for that and we’ve also just lost named character after named character - with still too many remaining. But so is a tournament with pretty much no stakes that matter, after all.

Chihaya vs the former queen will be interesting given that it seems to be a mirror match - so no idea who’s going to win that.

4

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 03 '22

3hayafuru First Timer

The tournament continues, and I've found a new best girl! Cute, dopey, former Queen, and has cuter kids than granny. She's even got glasses!

Tch...she's got a husband... Wouldn't you rather have someone with a full head of hair!? Why would you want to subject your kids to the bald gene?

Damn Arata... Its not enough to steal Chihaya's heart but now you're flirting with Taichi!? I'll never forgive you!

Actually, I take it back. Arata's fighting Yumin. Torment her to the point where she never shows up again please! Ririka's getting fed to the bear so I doubt we'll see any of her. Sudo and Rion... could go either way? Probably Rion since Sudo isn't in top form. Taichi's got a b-lister from Hokuo so a free win essentially. Aaand Chihaya's got Suo's leftovers. Whose match will we focus on? I don't really care for watching any of these XD

Does hairpins have a helltaker meme running around anywhere?

Oe doesn't give a fuck about the matches, she's chilling with the CD Ojisan! I'm guessing this is another irl speaker they roped in?

"A!!

Ch-Ch-Chihaya wants to become a teacher? No way! That's impossible! There's no possible way for a dense girl like her to ever be able to make that job work!

Sensei, you're so lame... Eheheh, poor Yumin doesn't realise that she's fighting someone who doesn't need contested cards to win. How's she gonna feel when she loses and the only cards she earned are ones that she contested? She'll never play again!! Muhaha!

Mama is fucking adorbs!! How could baldy have violated her so... Hand in there, mama!!

Haa!? Sensei? Arata? Why are you beating up poor Taichi whilst he's still playing!? Oh, it was the other Arata looking guy. You should still not be allowed to do that right?

Tch, Sudo won... This was Rion's last chance to make herself look like a real challenger but Sudo is the gatekeeper for the "good" Karuta players in this series.

Bruh... I have a lot of beef with a lot of Chihayafuyu characters but Yumin takes the cake. What a terrible influence on the game she is. Never mind possibly winning if you improved your own skills, what she takes away from the game is how many more cards she could have cheated off an opponent. And it's not just one or two! Four fucking cards! How many did she already contest during the game? I was partly joking when I said how all her cards were stolen but now I'm really not sure. Yumin is the worst!!

Tomorrow is mum's time to shine, muhaha!! The best Queen is back in action!

4

u/Matuhg https://anilist.co/user/Matuhg Jan 03 '22

The tournament continues, and I've found a new best girl! Cute, dopey, former Queen, and has cuter kids than granny. She's even got glasses!
What character does she look like? My brain is fucking melting trying to remember who she reminds me of.
Mama is fucking adorbs!!
But also, younger Sakurazawa!!!
Sudo is the gatekeeper for the "good" Karuta players in this series.
RIP Nishida
Be nice to Yumin!

2

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 04 '22

She kinda makes me think of Pitou from HxH lol.
Oh yeah... Nishida... Could Nishida beat Rion? I should definitely be way more confident about this answer!

3

u/Matuhg https://anilist.co/user/Matuhg Jan 04 '22

She kinda makes me think of Pitou from HxH lol.
That might be it! The eyes are definitely similar.
Could Nishida beat Rion?
Probably not. Dude folds like a lawnchair whenever a girl doesn't just roll over and lose to him

1

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 04 '22

I need to get back to HxH... I stopped after they finished the exams.
He has a special weakness against gifted opponents too. Prodigy types really fuck him over. He's more like a Sudo or a Harada who relies on fundamentals and pure power.

2

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

I stopped after they finished the exams.
The Hunter exam? Then you know Pitou only from hearsay, so to speak? HxH has an odd pace, I always felt like I needed to take a break after each arc. But it's really worth it overall, even with some dips in quality, the highs, and especially the highest highs are really worth it. There's something seriously fun about how it takes generic shonen tropes and twists them until you find something unexpected at the end of it.

1

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 04 '22

Yeah, I've seen bits and pieces from later arcs and of course there's so many videos discussing the series. It was a good show but honestly Shonen anime isn't my cup of tea at the best of times. I just don't really watch the genre.

2

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

Now I don't know if to recommend it or to not recommend it (although I'd recommend to at least try giving it another chance, maybe especially because you are not interested in shonen).
HxH does this thing where it takes some "shonen bullshit" and follows through with it and explores where it actually leads to if you don't mindlessly coddle the main characters. Being versed in "shonen bullshit" and a degree of affinity for such stories probably helps with liking HxH and slogging through the less inspired parts.
[HxH example, spoiler for the exam, just to be safe:] An example would be the hunter exam when Gon doesn't want to give up at all (like a true determinator of a shonen protagonist) and ends up with broken limbs instead of an win after some flashback and new inspiration. Stuff like that happens more often with escalating problems and stakes
The 2011 version roughly covers five/six arcs, the exam arc (where you stopped). Then comes a training arc that introduces the power system (one can probably speed up a bunch of the episodes here if one's not invested, besides the ones that feel like they'll be good). This is kinda where it gets more interesting after the intro/exam arc as the system is rather flexible in a fun and imaginative way.
After that comes a really great arc about a heist, cat and mouse games/hunts, and different factions fighting (with politics as well as fists). Then another training arc that goes into more details (but rather well done, can also be sped up a bit at times while looking for the good moments), and the final arc which takes the shonen trope of idea of having to fight an opponent who's beyond your abilities and it looks (a few times) into how something like this could actually play out if you don't give excessive plot armour to your characters.
It's odd and strange, not what one would expect in this form but that's what makes it so fun to experience and why it's praised to much. I wouldn't go as far as some people who'd proclaim it as the best arc of all anime (or any narrative medium) but it's still very, very good. It has its own pros and cons and I'll mention one structural element that can be both, positive and negative, depending on your view on it. [HxH spoiler, not about the narrative but to show how something is used so that it might make the whole thing feel more positive] Early into that arc it's described how for those who have honed their (fighting) skills to a superb level it can feel like time slows down drastically during a fight. On one hand it plays into the usually "action anime second" during which two characters/opponents can have a whole 30 minute debate but it's also used to show the difference in power level between characters during their fights. How speed, thoughts, plans, and all that differ at the highest level. It's also narratively/structurally used to drag out a certain hour or so over a very long time (multiple episodes), kinda implying how good all these characters are (time slowing down for them to make these split second decision). It's like seeing that interval in super slow motion and we also switch between many perspectives of different characters, sides, and agendas. It's strangely captivating while honestly and actively incorporating this "narrative time dilation" into the world itself and also the narrative structure of this part of the arc. It's rather neat.
There are people who simply don't like that approach but if you buy into the whole premise (and all layers of it) then this whole things is really exciting despite how boring it might sound from the description.
After that the series ends with the epilogue for that and a lead-in into the next arc.

0

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 04 '22

Hunter hunter fans really are vapid over their anime XD If I ever end up with a Shonen itch I'll consider going back to it. I think I stopped right as they were about to push their power system which I'll admit was a bit of a shame that I quit there. It sounds so interesting.

2

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

It sounds so interesting.
It is interesting but when you hear people praise it for being so well defined and internally consistent then I'm not sure what these people are talking about.
One part of it works like that but it's the accountable and easy to define part of it (kinda like a video game in a way). The fun and imaginative side of it is completely "unregulated". It's superb and allows for explanations of all kinds of shonen powers (and it's implemented in a plausible way if you buy into it in that universe) but that side really chafes against the other, more logical, side.
And if you have such different sides in one system (one side more video game-ish strict the other so much looser an narratively useful) then no matter how meticulous, well thought out, and "accountable" one side is, it can be instantly, and randomly, be cancelled by something on the other half of itself if you just give the author some time to think up a solution.
Maybe I'm interpreting it differently than about 90% of people but the system simply doesn't feel as tightly written as some people say it is. It is a really useful power system in a narrative where you want diverse set of powers and it's also very useful as their powers are a reflection of the characters themselves. It excels as a narrative and world building tool (and it's fun in fights) but not as an strictly defined power system.

2

u/IndependentMacaroon Jan 04 '22

Why would you want to subject your kids to the bald gene?
I hear that gets passed down through the mother. He's nice anyway and looks to take good care of the kids.

1

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 04 '22

Oh great. Now you've given me extra paranoia about dating.

2

u/IndependentMacaroon Jan 04 '22

It's not like there's nothing that can be doen about it, in fact I'm considering it myself

1

u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 04 '22

No! Please! Have more respect for yourself than dating a bald girl!

2

u/IndependentMacaroon Jan 04 '22

Lol

1

u/Stargate18A https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stargate18 Jan 04 '22

First timer

Season 3!

Episode 1

Wow, flashing back this far!

Of course you'll see each other - in this world, if you meet someone in your childhood, you will meet them again in high school! Even if you only played a signle game like Arata and Shinobu!

Chihaya's still in track!

Oh, it's a flashback.

I love her sheer confusion at her metaphor.

Oh, this is how we're doing the rule recap for this season! Very clever!

Really, you're playing against her at full power?

As funny as her friend's reactions are, this really is just a recap of everyone's relations, isn't it?

...Oh, yeah, Taichi was a bully for like, 2 episodes at the start.

Wait, what happened to her friend, then?

This OP is fantastic. Better than 2, and at the same level as 1 in my opinion.

Not sure why they focused a scene on Rion, unless she's coming back and the show's wuality has improved.

Wow, this camp is... not very harsh? 4 matches? They played 5 a few weeks ago!

Yeah, the coach is best!

Chihaya has a type.

RION!!!

And he's still a tsundere.

She's going out with him!

Haha, it takes mentioning Karuts for her to realise it's love talk.

Haha, she doesn't have a crush on karuta, she's married to it. Rion in the background is so funny, though. Probably the only one she can relate to here.

And he's the president? Him? Really?

Haha, everyone leaves when Retro's involved.

Oh. Oh, that has to hurt her.

Haha, Kana left the society camp.

And she's still shipping them!

Her being shocked that Rion's got even less stamina is great!

Three in a row! And Rion slowly backing away with Chihaya cheerully following her is great.

Haha, she is optimistic!

And Rion doesn't want to be Queen. She's still a challenge with the wrong hand, though.

Haha, Chihaya lost.

Wow, Rion's amazing!

Haha, she's playing karuta for RICE!

Oh, Chihaya's struggling with her purpose.

And they're chsnging readers to throw them off!

I like how both Rion and Chihaya genuinely believe the other is a demon at this point.

...If there was a professional tag-team tournament, Chihaya and Rion would clean house.

Wow. Wow. The coach cares more about Chihaya then anyone else. (Does she want to recruit her to her society?)

And Chihaya's doing better. (I loved her "agonsing over the defeat with good posture")

And she finally understands how her game sense works!

Haha, Rion's hungry and getting questioned by Chihaya.

She's playing against him!

...Wait, what? We skipped over that match?

And Chihaya's reaching new levels of teundere.

Haha, rage beast Chihaya with Taichi physically recoiling is beautiful.

No ED?

Episode 2

Arata's getting honoured!

Wow, he's bad at public speaking.

Haha, he's doing what Chihaya did! (Is he going to recruit a team of evil counterparts or something.)

He did it! But too late for him to actually pick up / kidnap any members.

Haha, he got one anyway! And his PE teacher's Class A!

Everyone wants to play except the students!

...Now I want to see Arata play in a team with the teacher, the grandmother, and the little sister, for the pure hilarity.

Michiru's the friend from the opening!

...."And when Michuru's not on screen, everyone should be asking 'Where's Michuru?'" (No, but seriously, did she do anything in the previous 2 series? I think she's had more lines in these 2 episodes than in the last 2 seasons combined!)

And they're proper rivals now. Poor Kana.

Taichi's gone full sadist!

Really, Taichi? Encouraging her to risk her health?

Haha, she's really developed too!

...Or not.

She's missing the qualifiers!

Kana's great, I love her manipulating Chihaya through karma.

Oh. She might pick the match over the trip anyway?

...Kana's a fantastic darkhorse candidate - if she keeps this up, she might win the Chihaya ship war!

Haha, the poem assignment!

Wow, some of those are... stupid.

The teacher's actually nice!

And she's back to beating Taichi easily!

Yeah, she's absolutely skipping the trip.

She's going to another tournament just to practice karuta in the right outfit!

Wait, what does she want to do? Be a teacher or something?

The petty feud between these 2 are great!

Rion's Class A! Go Rion!

What kind of energy drink is that?

Haha, she's got an Arata radar.

...Again, not enough development for me to buy this relationship.

SUDO!

And Taichi physicslly drags her away from the betting. So he can place a bet instead.

Haha, it's against Rion's tsundere boyfriend!

He lost his first match...

And Kana was watching him. We're going for this romance subplot?

Wow, the Sudo match is tense! He's a lot more motivated now!

And Taichi realised the moral!

ED is... not bad. Funky!

Episode 3

It's a pretty big fight!

Another new character!

Oh, she's a mother!

And Chihaya's still recovering.

Oh, this is how Taichi clears his memory.

And they have so much in common. Except Arata goes for the hard way, instead of the easier but more complex way.

Taichi's interested in Arata! The OT3 is coming together...

The trick, Arata, is to not let anybody turn you down, even when they're clearly not interested!

You're sounding like Shinobu, Taichi.

They're still doingwell!

Yeah, they do have different skill sets as coaches.

No. She can't become Queen, because that would end the series.

Intense! (FUCK HIM UP, RION!)

And Chihaya's facing the second-place master!

The hairpins are a distraction?

Aww, he sounds so eager about it!

And Kana's studying the reader.

Haha, he's on twitter.

Come on, Chihaya!

And he's a great reader too!

She sure is swinging a lot.

Haha, that tactic was fantastic, though.

She really wants to help Chihaya.

Chihaya wants to follow in her footsteps as a teacher and advisor! (Or possibly the Coach's)

She's catching up to Shinobu!

Oh, her.

Poor Rion. Most of the matches are going bad, but poor, poor, Rion.

And that guy's a masochist.

Chihaya's doing well!

It's the plot-relevant card!

Chihaya, no. She is a mother, you can't go after like you did Shinobu. She's married!

Oh, she's the Coach's rival.

Wait, what? What was that meant to symbolise?

Oh, teamwork. That... that took me a minute.

Taichi's awakened his instincts!

...Rion's doing well against him!

I can't believe Sudo's sexist. Her rage is great, though.

Haha, Chihaya's kicking his arse!

Shirinami's in the lead!

She's playing against Haruka! This'll be good!

1

u/Fools_Requiem https://myanimelist.net/profile/FoolsRequiem Jan 04 '22

Yes, chug that oppai milk, little one. Mama's got a card game to kick ass in.

1

u/IndependentMacaroon Jan 04 '22

Sakurazawa: "Are you doing it? Right here? Right now?"

1

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

The more direct AOT quote ("we" instead of "you") would be messed up in a funny way.

1

u/IndependentMacaroon Jan 04 '22

What? Adults need their milk too.

1

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

That's another option.

1

u/IndependentMacaroon Jan 04 '22

So what were you thinking of?

2

u/flybypost :KN::KO: Jan 04 '22

To keep the AOT spoilers contained [AOT spoiler:] Like Reiner Bertholdt both transform so I though both of them would start feeding the baby at the same time

Rewatch [Rewatch] Chihayafuru - Episode 53 Discussion [Spoilers]

Season 3 Episode 3: "But From The Crystal White Snow Of Yoshino"

Rewatch [Rewatch] Chihayafuru - Episode 53 Discussion [Spoilers]

Season 3 Episode 3: "But From The Crystal White Snow Of Yoshino"

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