After Chihaya hears Arata say that he quit playing karuta, she and Taichi make a trip to Arata's home in Fukui. Once they find Arata, Chihaya is thrilled and suggest that they play karuta together again, but Arata turns her down. He's no longer the same boy he used to be. So Chihaya tries to learn the truth—

After Ms. Miyauchi tells Chihaya that she needs five members to start an official club, Chihaya starts recruiting. One day, Oe Kanade, a fan of classical literature whose family owns a traditional clothing store, visits the karuta club. She is shocked by the gap between the elegant karuta of the Imperial Court and competitive karuta. However, Chihaya wants Kanade to realize how fun competitive karuta can be.

The karuta club only needs one more member to become an official club. Chihaya and the other members continue working to recruit members, but they're having trouble finding anyone who's interested in joining. But then one day, Chihaya runs into Porky, her old opponent from back when she was in grade school. Porky is on the tennis team and he refuses to join the karuta club. However, Chihaya perceives that Porky still loves karuta, so she challenges him to a match.

The karuta club has become an official club. Chihaya announces that the five of them will make it to the national tournament. The beginners, Kana-chan and Desktomu-kun, are worried, but Chihaya shows no mercy. Chihaya is set on making a strong karuta team and aiming for the top. And so, they decided to hold a camp.

Mizusawa High School karuta club makes its debut at the Tokyo regionals for the national championship. Mizusawa successfully makes it past the group stage. Desk-kun, who was unable to win a single match, feels that he isn't needed and says that he isn't going to play. Taichi realizes how Desk-kun feels, so he makes a decision as the club president to bring the team together.

The Mizusawa karuta club has advanced to the finals to face a regular fixture at the national tournament, Hokuo Academy. As the match begins, Mizusawa is unable to go on the offensive, and Chihaya is distracted when her opponent, Sudo, begins to taunt her. However, she soon learns to play as a team, that every card she takes is a point for the team...

The Mizusawa High School Karuta Club members visit the Omi Jingu shrine to pray for their victory. However, Chihaya is acting strangely during her match. Meanwhile, Arata reflects upon his separation from karuta and his grandfather as he heads towards Omi Jingu.

Chihaya is helpless against the Queen, but she still manages to take a few cards. But this match has taken her one step closer to understanding what true strength is. Meanwhile, Taichi has advanced to the Class B final. The Mizusawa High School karuta club members have gathered to cheer him on. Taichi has shown that he is willing to move forward, but can he achieve victory?

The deal was to get 5 new members for the Karuta club. Chihaya has to figure out a way to keep the room and deal with the band club.

Mizusawa has finally made it to the first round of the High School Championship playoffs. However, Porky says that they should play without Desk-kun. After looking at Desk-kun's notebook, she agrees that they should leave him out of the lineup. Their opponent is Shoyo High school, representing Kyoto. Will Porky and Desk-kun be able to make peace?

With winners and losers riding emotional waves, Chihaya is sent a video of the Class A final, and while watching, it stirs of memories of playing Karuta with Arata.