They better have Retro's perspective of Mashima's game next episode. So far they've both been "jack of all trades" such that I really can't define them too much. This applies more so to Nikuman.

Quote Originally Posted by Kraco
hihaya got her current playing style from him, since she was so impressed by his aggressive speed that set him apart from all the other players back then (that she had witnessed, anyway).
In a sense, but not quite. I think it might have more to do with the fact that she got her current playing style from playing Arata. Matched against such a good player, her only chance at taking a card back then was to rely on her speed and good hearing. Perhaps she thought that was her only weapon.

Honestly, I actually don't care about Arata anymore. He's the background final boss who's been alluded to since the beginning of the series, but other than that he doesn't really matter anymore. If Taichi starts being a dick again though, I might change my opinion.