It is time...
Let us commence this Karuta battle!
Good luck, you two!
I'm not sure who to root for...
I sort of want them both to win somehow.
Miku, you've been working all week on this with Rin. What's her condition like?
She seems a little nervous, but she should be fine as long as she does what we practiced!
Alright, let's begin!
“Crickets chirping...”
Got it!!
Rin...!
Oh wow! Rin got the first card! She's off to an auspicious start!
She certainly is! It's one of her best cards too...!
Now I see...
You've come a long way.
I guess I'll need to step up my game too.
There's no way I'm losing!
“At daybreak...”
Wait...
(Be careful here, Rin! Remember that there are two poems that start with that...!)
“When the mists on the Uji River...”
Mine!
Incredible! He listened so patiently there just now!
How is he able to do that?
He's only played once before, right?
I remember him mentioning that he borrowed a book about Hyakunin Isshu from Airi. He must've spent some time studying everything as well...
No, I had that one...
You're doing great, Rin!
Just focus on the next one!
Miku...
Just try your best and you'll do fine! Don't forget to keep believing in yourself!
Okay...!
(You can do it, Rin...!!)
Let's move on to the next one.
“Through a sleepless night...”
There!!
That was the last one...
Yes, it was!
Let's see the results!
Who do you think won...?
It was so close the entire time.
Yes, it was. I kept count through most of it but lost track because of all the excitement.
...
Rin wins by one card...!
I... I did it!!
C-Congratulations, Rin!!
Thank you so much!!
I couldn't have done it without you, Miku...!
Darn. I really tried my best too. I probably lost because Rin actually took the time to memorize everything...
But you were also spectacular, Len.
You had this cool expression on you the entire time.
I agree. It was an instant classic.
Hehe. You're really bawling, Rin. Let me get you a handkerchief... Oh...
Y-You're crying too, Miku!
B-Because I'm so happy for you...!
You did such an amazing job back there...!
Miku...!!
Rin!!
Hehe. Rin was understandably nervous, but I guess Miku was just as anxious. I'm glad for them.
After all, she worked hand-in-hand with Rin for this.
All true...
What they've achieved is so beautiful...! Hm...?
Um, KAITO, can you help me practice after this?
I know this is gonna sound really childish, but I can't let Rin hog all the glory...
Yes, of course! It'd be my pleasure...!
Thank you for being such a great teacher, Miku!
And I'm not talking about just this. I feel like I can do anything now because I know you'll be there for me...!
Rin...!
Hehe. That's so kind of you.
I couldn't ask for a more wonderful way to start off the new year♪
Let's both keep trying our best, Rin!
We should be able to accomplish anything as long as we're together!
Yeah!