"If we continue karuta, we'll definitely meet again." With that promise to the distant Arata in their hearts, Chihaya and Taichi enter middle school. Chihaya tries to find friends to play karuta with her, but her effort is fruitless. Taichi realises his limits at Kaimeisei Middle School, where only prodigies gather, and loses his fervour for karuta. The distance between Chihaya and Taichi slowly grows...