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Post by amina on Jun 26, 2018 1:06:16 GMT -8
I don't know, but after I reread the chapters since the start of the matches, it seems like Taichi has an upper hand overall. Even though he's not really winning I mean in the first match it felt more like he was leading psychologically, so many times there were "that's right Arata, it's okay to think of me as nuisance, that's the face I wanted to see all along, do you know how stiff you are" etc. So, in this aspect, it seems like Taichi had Arata exactly where he needed him, watching him closely and being overall like "you're doing great, aha, look at me like that" Although in terms of cards they were going neck in neck. As for the second match, we didn't see much of it yet, and I can only assume by the panels... But in the 200 ch. there is that scene with a lot of water and Taichi doesn't look panicked. More like he closes his eyes & opens them in a calm way, like sort of "embracing" it, you know? It reminds me of what he thought in the previous match that damming a river is not the only way to defeat it, and that he would rather let the river pour out or something... so maaaybe.. maaaaaybe, he still has Arata where he wants him. Even though he is losing by cards, lol. Speaking of the score, I can't be sure he is adjusting, it's just a guess.. I just mean in his match with Sudo after he saw that Chihaya was actually losing he started losing by the same number of cards. Then as soon as Chihaya "woke up" he tells Sudo "sorry, but NOW I'm going for the win". Meaning like previously he wasn't going for the win. Sudo was baffled of course and was like "nah, no way, not possible". But the fact that after that Taichi said he needs 3 more cards to win, even though he was losing by more, says that he had calculated a lot. He already had a formula in his head on how to win as soon as Chihaya woke up... So... yeah, there is a possibility he was just messing with Sudo. But the fact that apparently, the same thing is happening in his match with Arata... I don't know, it feels like he slows down his matches when he sees that Chihaya's in trouble.... I could be wrong though. Actually, I wish I was wrong, because I don't like the burden it places on Chihaya... ---- You know, speaking of the romance part of the plot, I'm pretty sure we are heading for the open ending. I don't think she stays with any of the boys right in the end of the manga, maybe after a time skip. There is not enough time for her to "fall in love" and it doesn't seem like she has real romantic feelings towards any of the boys. Her relationship with Taichi does look more intimate and even intricate, and I also see subtle signs mangaka gives of her closeness to Taichi. But for me, there is no sign of being "in love" yet. Potentially it could be the case when the feelings are hidden unless something triggers them out, but if being apart didn't trigger them, then I don't know what else can? a second karuta match? but is there really enough time to develop her falling in love and will be realistic at this point if she didn't feel any romantic prickles for God knows how long and then suddenly fell in love so abrubtly like from a cliff... sigh, don't know.. Plus if it happens after the poll it will look like mangaka adjusted her plot according to results, yikes -_- As for Arata, I guess it was confirmed canon that she sees him as a hero from her childhood with the whole "does she have a hero" talk and the way she imagined him after she found out he won the qualifiers. So, he is her hero, that is quite clear. I don't think they can even be called friends at this point, he is her hero and she is a kind of a childhood hero for him too, isn't she? For now I can only hope Chihaya gives him a reply to his confession leaving karuta aside and speaking only about her feelings... Arata is realizing his true feelings towards Taichi, admits that he loathes him... I hope he will also realize that his dream of three of them being together is not possible anymore and he will drop the naive utopia. They are not kids anymore, you can't be best buddies with someone you harbor bitter feelings towards. They are special people in each other's lives, frenemies, but not buddies. That is especially sad because he still believes they are his only friends apart from Yuu. Like when he was in the train with Murao-san and they talked about it.. I'm not sure how he still perceives them as friends even though they literally don't talk except for when they meet at the matches, while he has a dozen of fellow members in his society and has a karuta team at school... But better late than never. Hope he makes real friends in his hometown when he returns. ------ random thought: who else thinks that Taichi's element is the wind, after all? I'm getting more confident about that with how he makes holes in himself becoming light and airy, hehe.
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Post by chiakimagoto on Jun 26, 2018 2:25:31 GMT -8
I wonder if nothing was triggered in Chihaya when Taichi left....she truly found out how she missed him and how much she relied on him. I think that thank you after he helped her out with her mother was't only for that, but for all the times she missed out on telling him how grateful she was to him being by her side.
As long as they don't clearly speak about what happened between them, they won't be able to close the rift....they both feel guilty about what happened....he for crossing the line, leaving, being a jerk and she for being the one to crush his feelings....
Since Chihaya has always been looking out if he was around and it still makes her feel at ease to know he's there....it's really not clear how she feels. It's clear she still finds strength in seeing the two boys.....I wish we could have a scan soon....
Yeah,
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Post by virane on Jun 26, 2018 2:31:50 GMT -8
- amina Taichi matching his cards to Chihaya... That would be really badass indeed but I think it’s not what is happening right now, maybe it’s a coincidence? Like you said it’s really suspicious but this is Arata we’re talking about... And romance part... An open ending is really possible indeed but after everything that happened I also want some conclusion... I also don’t want Chiarata... It’s really a dead end! Open ending would be realistic since Chihaya is... Chihaya and not much is happening right now. I think having a mini university arc is really determinant. I would want to see it but to see it Chihaya would have to lose to Shinobu this year which I think is quite possible with the mention of 5 match games in the next Queen tournament. And Taichi’s song... (I really put some hope to this song lol) And the poll... Haters can use it for their argument, it’s such a shame. A double edged sword for us... And about the trios friendship... I never was a fan of the way it was portrayed tbh, most of the time it’s Taichi-Chihaya and Arata... They’re not even communicating that much, they’re not even communicating anymore. It’s just about karuta. And yes I think wind is Taichi’s element too! We only really saw it at the start of Taichi-Chihaya match in Yoshino though. I want to see it more! - chiakimagoto I think there isn’t a hiatus in between so next chapter should be in July 1st, I’m not sure though! Yes, what is Suetsugu thinking? Greedy league ftw! We’re bound to lose but it’s not important! - ayumiakimoto Arata becoming meijin still seems more probable because like you said, who is Arata without karuta and his dream? Even when a Taichi meijin story would move me more emotionally Arata is all about the meijin title...
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Post by virane on Jun 26, 2018 2:38:30 GMT -8
They should really have the talk... 👀 I think Taichi is more important to her, they’re really close. But Arata is important too... My shipper heart why are you doing this 😂
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Post by iatheia on Jun 26, 2018 7:06:35 GMT -8
Next chapter is June 30.
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Post by marisa on Jun 26, 2018 7:55:49 GMT -8
If I understand correctly, next volume will be released at August 9. So next chapters will appear without hiatus.
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Post by biribirichan on Jun 26, 2018 9:09:19 GMT -8
iatheia and marisa: Thanks for the next chapter updates. amina: I totally feel you regarding Chihaya's development. I was really hopeful right after Taichi left when she took on the role of the president. While she was initially just mimicking Taichi, I had really hoped she would eventually add new elements, her own style of leadership and passion to the team. The thing that also really puzzles me was why there was no development when there are so many things about Chihaya's character that could have been delved into more detail - like how her parents attitude/neglect shaped her obsession with karuta or her loneliness in middle school affected here personality. That could be one the reasons why she held on to the friendship despite both boys confessing to her, because she does not want to abandon either of them. Regarding Taichi being the wind, I can understand where you are coming from. But his character always conjures up an image of fire and passion in my head. I know this is probably not the case, but I've speculated from time to time if in the end the chihayaburu card will end up describing him >///< (but this is probably the fangirl in me talking ) chiakimagoto: Chiaki chan, somehow I've always thought that Chihaya would fall in love with Taichi because her closeness and reactions to him have always felt like that would be the eventual outcome. Her reactions to Taichi are different from the reactions of say two very close friends (in my opinion anyways). I have several really close guy friends, and our interactions are completely different from that of Taichi and Chihaya. Despite me being nonchalant about who Taichi ends up with, the chemistry between those two are undeniable (especially in the anime, where some of their scenes were portrayed a little differently from the manga). Now considering this is jousei, I'm not sure if they would end up together just because she fell for him. At this point in the story, like amina chan I think an open ending is more realistic, and Taichi's character (to me) would be stronger for walking away instead of being stuck and continuously getting hurt by an unrequited love. If they do end up together, I think I'd like a time skip, with Chihaya showing a matched passion for Taichi at the end. virane chan: I laughed so much when I read this. I have thought this one line to myself sooo manyyy times for soooo many animes! P.S. - Anyone watching Love is Hard for an Otaku? Tooo funny!
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Post by marisa on Jun 26, 2018 22:31:41 GMT -8
I doubt that Taichi matching his cards with Chihaya. However I admit he playing that on purpose. Arata suggested Taichi give him first five cards in game. And what did we seen in chapter 199? Arata outranning Taichi by 5 cards. I wonder if it just coincidence.
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Post by virane on Jun 27, 2018 2:55:49 GMT -8
- iatheia and marisa thanks for the info! Soon we should get the spoilers then? - biribirichan Her parents’ neglect really affected Chihaya and it’s such a shame that it wasn’t explored more! Suetsugu could do so much more... I also think Chihayaburu poem describes him in a way, his love for Chihaya and the passion he has. Iirc it was Kana-chan who said: “Chihayaburu is a poem about a deep red love.” Arata was shown then (Suetsugu is such a tease ) but the one we saw with red mapple leaves and the one we saw his love burning is Taichi. I’m never sure with this series it makes me anxious I only follow mha these days but I heard it, maybe I should add it to my ptw list
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Post by chiakimagoto on Jun 27, 2018 3:41:50 GMT -8
Biribiri chan, i also think her reactions are different than to just any guy friend.....the way she was reacting before he confessed, valentine's day and his birthday....her desire for him to smile, unconsciously feeling anxious he might leave. It's funny but somehow she was creeping closer to him, bit by bit, without getting herself in the dangerzone of commitment. Maybe she was slowly falling for him. And then he confessed. Arata's confession was so much more easier to handle.....he confessed and left, so she had all the time she needed to keep her distance. And in a way Arata wasn't only distant physically, in her imagenerie, he is distant as well, high on a pedestal, like an ultimate goal for her to reach and long for, but still far away. Like your favorite idol saying her really likes you. She is affected'though, blushing when they speak on the phone, feeling like she will burn up if she sees him again, she's flustered. But his confession doesn't change anything in her daily routine.
While Taichi was almost an extension of herself.....and suddenly he seperated himself from her confessing his deep feelings, always being the one who had teased her, scolded her, supported her....and then he left.
I think to her it felt like a big void....and she felt so guilty....
He sure makes her cry....before he left, crying that she wants him to be happy, then crying when he left after the confession, crying when he came back after her win against Arata, crying when he left again....heck, it's obvious she cares a hell alot about him. Her exagerated reaction that he cut his hair....i wonder if these aren't signs that she is very invested in him since a while already.😅 i czn't help but keep shipping, lol.
But honestly for now, i'm badly rooting for Taichi to just beat Arata! I just can't take thinking of consequence to the story if he wins....i guess i just'don't want to think about it and greedily root for him to win...i'll just let Suetsugu san handle that problem 😉.
Ayumi chan, i think these little things Taichi does, like showing her the card, shows how close their bond is. They are plzying an individual match, but still are on the same team. I wonder if Chihaya opened the window for one of the boys in paricular.....i'm almost sure she did it to lift some of the tension between them.....only it bothered Taichi, cause she gets too close to him in those moments. He closed a door and Chihaya just keeps turning the knob.
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Post by virane on Jun 27, 2018 7:14:04 GMT -8
Welcome furayuchan! I was a lurker as well, now I’m active biribirichan and chiakimagoto I agree! They’re closer than most friends. And their chemistry... I love their interactions, the way they care about each other, develop together, and grow up together... I just love it! Chiaki my heart was clenching while I was reading your post She really cried a lot for him didn’t she? And they were really suffering when they were away from each other. It’s like something is missing with them, they’re not as happy... When you think about it a lot of time has passed since they parted actually... 7 months? (April to November) And I really want them to talk about what happened... Will it happen before Meijin-Queen match or after it I wonder... They will talk about it, right? Not talking about it would be absurd. And about their support to each other in the matchs, I really loved how she gave him tasuki. And Arata’s face After dozens of chapters worth Taichi suffering that satisfied me a little
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Post by chiakimagoto on Jun 27, 2018 11:12:54 GMT -8
Yeah, in manga time 7 months past. He left in April, they hardly saw eachother in the summer, just when he came back to see the tournament. They saw eachother at the club room and karaoke. This was the moment Taichi wanted to speak to her, but heck, for the story they were interrupted.(this is also why i think Suetsugu san will have this come up again) Then she went to Toudai, but didn't see him. Was she aware that he was practising there? I wonder if that even crossed her mind.Then they met at the qualifiers. So and now the East West.....i think Chihaya has had truely enough time to let things sink in. I mean, we haven't had any indication that she has fallen for Taichi. But lets turn things around.....we haven't had any clue about her preferring Arata either. The last moment they actually spoke was whe she had totally forgotten about him, and Kana made her remember.....that moment he told her he was coming in her direction. But since, it's been a total romance desert. We have no idea if Chihaya has actually been milling thoughts about the boys while she is alone. I guess this is also where our problems with her development come from. We haven't gotten any scene from Chihaya and her personal thoughts. It's all about karuta..... i just reread those last chapters.....read all at once, it's so much more flowing....but i still have no idea how this is all going to end. I really love those latest chapters with Taichi's badass matches and how he went from someone to come and mess around, and then finally facing Harada sensei.......it was so well written. So really, if he goes to face Suou, it would be more than satisfying. About the romance, i still have no idea. Arata's cause it acutally very plausible. Only what was that super deep blush of Chihaya when she couldn't go for the kimono for Taichi with the team? Is she finally noticing him because he won the qualifiers? Nah, Sensei is the worst tease. PS: Welcome Furayu chan!
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Post by kimiko on Jun 27, 2018 18:01:13 GMT -8
Hi minna! Im a new member here nice to meet you all. I really appreciate this thread and thank you for clearing up some things for me including the possible meaning of the poem and your thoughtful insights. Personally I believe that part of the reason Im so interested in Taichi is because I don't really know who Chihaya will end up with. His efforts and his struggles without really having a clue if the feeling would be mutual is a what makes me root for him. It's been a bittersweet ride seeing him smile and cry and battling his inner demons. I've never had this much suspense in a romance series and his worries are almost relatable. I applaud Suetsugu san for her creative ideas on the plot and the influential characters that really touched my heart. As for the love triangle, Chihaya is the type to appreciate the people around her in her own ways, I think she really admires Taichi as the president of the club and for the man he is to the point that it really broke her when he left (as it should hehe). I'm not sure if it could be interpreted as romantic feelings but there had been some hints of her affections that my shipper heart is really grateful for. When Arata left them and refused to play karuta, sure it also bothered her that she even decided to go to him herself. But she trusted in Taichi's words that he will pick himself up sooner or later and they have to make themselves stronger while waiting for him (which was really very thoughtful of him considering Arata is his rival). In Taichi's case, I sense there's a fear in her when he left that I didn't sense with Arata's. He didn't participate in that tournament and she had to shoulder the burden of being the captain alone without his leadership and assurance. She finally got a taste of how dull life could be without him and kept on imagining Taichi beside her all the time (her vibes made it seem as if Taichi died lol). During the team tournament she knew in her heart Taichi wouldn't go back as the president and it affected her so much that she couldn't even realize it was Arata she was battling, her idol who confessed to her. As if his confession was already forgotten (I dont remember her ever recalling Arata's confession or am I being too bias lol) There are also scenarios where Chihaya has become more awkward around him and blushing like when he got invited on that time Taichi wanted to choose his own hakama because his mom approved. And his actions seem to be affecting her twice than they usually do before the confession. Maybe I'm being too optimistic but no matter what, Taichi deserves a happy ending and so do the rest of the characters. And the only way I see that happening is if Chihaya gets to become the queen finally and Arata gets to be the meijin (but I'd be more than happy if Taichi wins, greedy me) and Taichi finally gets his feelings reciprocated by Chihaya. But since Chihaya's main goal is to beat Shinobu, I don't think we'd finally get to sense her thoughts about Taichi until then otherwise it could only be distracting her and that wouldn't end pretty nicely. Arata is finally experiencing the wonderful bliss of not being alone and having his own team that he can rely on. He deserves a happy ending, too.
It's gotten long, so sorry. >.<
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Post by chiakimagoto on Jun 28, 2018 6:53:12 GMT -8
Maybe she was blushing at that hakama incident, because he now is on the same level as her. He even beat Harada, i mean, i don't think Chihaya ever beat Harada sensei.....she must be wondering how strong he is now after all those months being away and training with Suou. I just loved her reaction so much when Nikuman and Komano told her he was at Toudai training....the most hilarious face!( if i could find that panel, i would have put it up). We might be looking for romance while it's only one karuta mix in her head. I truely bet she's craving to play a match against Taichi and find out if she can still beat him or not. Just imagine what would happen in her head if he beats Arata, her idol....and goes to the Meijin match?! I think she will totally blank out. I just would relish her reaction so much. Gosh i want Taichi to win even more! First for himself, second to beat Arata and surprise the karuta community and Suou and last to find out what Chihaya will think of it all. I wonder if she is rooting for one of them. She definitely is following their match. And Taichi is following hers....And Arata?
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Post by virane on Jun 28, 2018 6:59:07 GMT -8
Welcome kimiko ! About the confessions, they were as opposite as they could be (The boys are also as opposite as they can be so there is that). Arata confessed as soon as he realised his feelings, it nearly took two years for Taichi to do it. Arata did it in front of everyone, Taichi did it when they were alone. When Arata did it they were in a muggy karuta hall, when Taichi did it they were in their club room window opened sakura petals flying. Arata did it in the spur of the moment, Taichi thought beforehand (The timing wasn’t as he planned though since he didn’t expect Chihaya there then). Arata’s confession was forgotten after a few chapters, Taichi’s confession changed the whole story. When you think about it, and you don’t even have to think much, it’s clear which confession is more important, right? Arata’s confession happened out of nowhere and it was gone as soon as it came, Taichi’s confession had it’s own build up and the story didn’t treat it as a joke. Taichi’s love is serious. His confession is a sole proof of that. I think this might sound harsh but I don’t think Arata even loves Chihaya. He likes her, sure, but love is much more stronger than that. And it’s definetely more than “You love karuta, I love karuta then why don’t we play it together?”. They don’t even now each other that much, Arata even thought of her 12 year old self when he confessed because that’s what he knows of her. He probably doesn’t even know her Dady Bear obsession. Chihaya’s reactions also speaks volumes. She only got the karuta part of Arata’s confession but with Taichi’s even when it took some time she got what he was talking about. And if Chihaya really loves Arata, or even likes him (I think she has a crush on him which is mostly because of karuta) then why wasn’t she more happy? (I saw a japanese blog comparing her reaction in the beginning of 120 (Which she only got the “Let’s play karuta” part of the confession) and 138 with the black cards... (Which she was thinking how much she hurt Taichi all this time (blaming herself for his struggles which is only partly true)) I have no words for that.) Your “love” confessed to you and you forgot it for 9 months? Inokuma gave birth fgs! Your “love” is mutual then why aren’t you together already? And Chihaya’s excuse omg “I only have the Queen title in my mind right now.” AKA “I don’t feel the same, I have no idea about that love thing right now btw I forgot your confession for 9 months lol” Cause you can’t love a person and the game at the same time, right? Cause love is a nuisance for your dreams, right? Bullshit. (Excuse my language I’m fired up ) The more I think about it the more necessary a university arc gets. Arata must be near Chihaya and only then she will stop putting him on a pedestal. Only then she will see him as more than a karuta god, a distant mighty being, but as a normal boy like any other. I hope for the best for Taichi, no matter what happens I hope he finds the true happiness. I hope he makes peace with himself. He is the most humane and the most lovable character in the series for me, and what makes Chihayafuru special. I’m a little more hopeful with the result of the poll actually (going from “planned as a support” to “most popular character” ), people showed how much they cared for him, and I’m sure there was a sense of protectiveness too (I know from myself ) since he suffers and struggles the most. But that’s what makes him special!.. I always felt like Suetsugu has a soft spot for Arata but with the result of the poll she will be more considerate of Taichi too I hope (I also think Suetsugu’s “soft spot” could be the reason Arata’s character feels pretty flat to me, it’s like Suetsugu is afraid to hurt him or make him make mistake) And I hope he’ll find his “tangible dream” too like Chihaya and Arata...
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