Episode 15 - HS



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Very strong going, as always. Nobody's surprised Chihaya lost the fight, but Taichi losing was more significant in some ways. He's always burdened by the fact the only way through to Chihaya seems to be karuta, yet he's behind her and also behind the legend of Arata (since nobody knows his current state). He's facing double the pressure in his own progress, not only fighting for a regular standing in the game like everybody else but also against that legend to gain recognition from Chihaya - or so he thinks.

Damn, I want to see Arata playing again. So much hangs on how they pull that off. This story is good enough that I won't be expecting it to be ruined if Arata doesn't immediately kick ass, but it will make me very sad indeed if Chihaya beats him immediately. That could realistically happen, but it feels like something would be lost in the bigger story. No idea what even Chihaya herself would think about it. I don't think she would be altogether satisfied, unless she first saw Arata beat lots of other tough people, at the very least. But who knows. Somehow they need to mix this Queen in as well.