(L+CR) Chihayafuru

[Kazu-kun]

Originally Posted by DragoonKain3

But :sigh: it looks like Chihaya is treating Arata like Arata did his grandfather... that they're the ones who introduced them to competitive Karuta and thus, their God of Karuta. While not totally out yet, that did put a big gaping hole in the ArataXChihaya ship.

Wow, you're the first viewer I've come across to that actually got this episode right. Everyone else thinks this episode puts Arata ahead of Taichi in the shipping race....

But you're right. Because of the long separation, Chihaya's impression of Arata, which was already pretty strong due to him basically changing her life, grew so huge that it became almost worshiping. This definitely puts a wall between them as possible romantic partners because she's unable to see him as an equal.

At any rate, I'm impressed by your comprehension prowess.

[4Tran]

Originally Posted by Kazu-kun

Wow, you're the first viewer I've come across to that actually got this episode right. Everyone else thinks this episode puts Arate ahead of Taichi in the shipping race....

The question is whether anyone is going to catch Harada sensei.

[Kazu-kun]

Originally Posted by 4Tran

The question is whether anyone is going to catch Harada sensei.

Not a chance. Harada's waifu NTR'd the hell out of poor Chihaya.

[Guardian Enzo]

Originally Posted by 4Tran

The question is whether anyone is going to catch Harada sensei.

There's the friendzone, and then there's the "I don't plan to go to jail so forget it" zone...

[Sol Falling]

Originally Posted by Kazu-kun

Wow, you're the first viewer I've come across to that actually got this episode right. Everyone else thinks this episode puts Arata ahead of Taichi in the shipping race....

But you're right. Because of the long separation, Chihaya's impression of Arata, which was already pretty strong due to him basically changing her life, grew so huge that it became almost worshiping. This definitely puts a wall between them as possible romantic partners because she's unable to see him as an equal.

At any rate, I'm impressed by your comprehension prowess.

That's not really true. While what Chihaya and Arata both "worshipped" in others was their experience and love of Karuta, there's no reason to think that Chihaya can't see Arata as an equal in terms of skill or competitive play. Particularly given Chihaya's personality as portrayed in earlier episodes, this much should already be clear.

Beyond that, Chihaya's illusion of Arata has already been pretty much shattered by this episode anyway.

I'd say the real obstacle to an Arata x Chihaya romantic relationship is in the fact that they both seem to appreciate comraderie in Karuta much more than love of the romantic variety. Frankly, that's an obstacle that I hope will stick around, for a good period of time at least.

[Kazu-kun]

Originally Posted by Sol Falling

That's not really true.

I don't want to give away anything so for now let's just agree to disagree.

[Haak]

Originally Posted by Kazu-kun

Wow, you're the first viewer I've come across to that actually got this episode right. Everyone else thinks this episode puts Arata ahead of Taichi in the shipping race....

But you're right. Because of the long separation, Chihaya's impression of Arata, which was already pretty strong due to him basically changing her life, grew so huge that it became almost worshiping. This definitely puts a wall between them as possible romantic partners because she's unable to see him as an equal.

At any rate, I'm impressed by your comprehension prowess.

Although I'm inclined to agree, I think this is just us projecting our values onto the story. I think that it really could go ArataxChihaya despite the fact that to us, Chihaya seems to be more in love with an idealised Arata than the real one. I mean there already seems to be a genuine Alternative Character Interpretation with Taichi's girlfriend between us and the story...

I do however think that Taichi has such great chemistry with Chihaya that I don't think Arata could match. But really I also doubt that Chihaya will pick either one. It'll probably be another Star Driver ending

[Kazu-kun]

Originally Posted by Haak

Although I'm inclined to agree, I think this is just us projecting our values onto the story. I think that it really could go ArataxChiyaha despite the fact that to us, Chihaya seems to be more in love with an idealised Arata than the real one.

Don't get me wrong. It's not that I think an ArataxChihaya pairing is impossible. I'm just saying this episode makes it clear there's a wall between them that Chihaya would need to break through in order for this to happen.

Originally Posted by Haak

I mean there already seems to be a genuine Alternative Character Interpretation with Taichi's girlfriend between us and the story...

Definitely. People here are way overreacting over the girlfriend thing.

Originally Posted by Haak

I do however think that Taichi has such great chemistry with Chiyaha that I don't think Arata could match. But really I also doubt that Chiyaha will pick either one. It'll probably be another Star Driver ending.

The romance isn't the focus but it's way too strong a subplot not to resolve it. I think there will be a conclusion to the love triangle, otherwise it'll to feel like a cop-out IMO.

[Sides]

Originally Posted by Haak

I do however think that Taichi has such great chemistry with Chihaya that I don't think Arata could match. But really I also doubt that Chihaya will pick either one. It'll probably be another Star Driver ending

I get the feeling that Arata would back-down if Taichi tells him, that he has feelings for Chihaya. But if he stays being a wimp, I doubt Arata would respect him as a potential partner for Chihaya, even if he himself is not interested in her.

[ars89]

Lol Taichi ditched his girlfriend to accompany Chihaya. Like how he tried to ask Chihaya who she liked and she said Harada-sensei. Like how she wrote little discussion points on the wrappers. Only Chihaya would run after someone on a bike and knock him down instead of calling out and asking the to stop. The best part about her is her childish personality. Nice job by Taichi to agree to help her start a club.

So he basically blames himself for not being there when his Grandfather had a relapse because he was at a Karuta tournament. First of its not his fault that his grandfather had a relapse and i'm sure his grandfather wanted him to go to the tournament instead of being home with him. Though losing a loved one does cause severe grief. Glad he read the letter and chased after them wanting to still be friends. Might take time for him to come back to Karuta, but at least they can still be friends.

[Razziell22]

Hmm, I just had this random thought (i don't read the manga btw) What if Taichi's girlfriend is an arrangement by his Parents...what if they chose him a 'girlfriend' because of her family status, maybe something to do with business or whatever. So maybe there is a reason why he says that he doesn't 'love' her? but despite this, is still with her. Just speculating >_< i might be completely wrong and there might be another problem/reason, or non at all...

[Kazu-kun]

Originally Posted by Razziell22

i might be completely wrong and there might be another problem/reason, or not at all...

The only problem is that everyone is thinking too much about it IMO. We don't even know her name.

[Haak]

I was actually hoping she'd be more relevant since she seemed to be a genuine part of Taichi's life.

[Sides]

Isn't Taichi's girlfriend and Arata's neighbour voiced by the same seiyuu? If so, I totally expect that they are really minor characters.

[sikvod00]

^ Haha. Yeah, when I found that out I thought the same thing. Such laziness can indicate how inconsequential the person will be to the story.

[LKK]

Originally Posted by Razziell22

Hmm, I just had this random thought (i don't read the manga btw) What if Taichi's girlfriend is an arrangement by his Parents...what if they chose him a 'girlfriend' because of her family status, maybe something to do with business or whatever. So maybe there is a reason why he says that he doesn't 'love' her? but despite this, is still with her. Just speculating >_< i might be completely wrong and there might be another problem/reason, or non at all...

I don't think it's an arranged relationship. IIRC, Taichi said that she confessed to him and he accepted her suggestion to date each other. That doesn't sound like an arranged relationship to me, especially not one arranged by his parents.

To me, it's another sign of Taichi's one great flaw -- his inability to fight against what others want if it's not what he wants. He's afraid to displease others. He'll do almost anything -- steal, lie, or sacrifice himself -- in order to avoid displeasing others. That's why Arata called him a coward. IMO, Taichi's true growth moment will come when he refuses someone by saying "No, I don't want to do that. I'm going to do this instead!" and sticks with his decision.

[Razziell22]

Originally Posted by LKK

I don't think it's an arranged relationship. IIRC, Taichi said that she confessed to him and he accepted her suggestion to date each other. That doesn't sound like an arranged relationship to me, especially not one arranged by his parents.

ah yeah, you're right he did say that...i totally forgot about it >_<

Originally Posted by Kazu-kun

The only problem is that everyone is thinking too much about it IMO. We don't even know her name.

I don't really have a big problem with that, is just that... I really like Chihaya's interactions with Taichi... so it's kind of a shame that he dose have one xP

[Kazu-kun]

Originally Posted by Razziell22

I don't really have a big problem with that, is just that... I really like Chihaya's interactions with Taichi... so it's kind of a shame that he dose have one xP

It's not a shame, it's meaningless. So just forget about it, sit back, and enjoy the interaction between Chihaya and Taichi.

[Haak]

I think everyone knows her purpose in the story is meaningless. It's just that some might feel there are Unfortunate Implications in that. Or maybe some are just invoking Death Of The Author.

[Kaoru Chujo]

Originally Posted by Haak

...I do however think that Taichi has such great chemistry with Chihaya that I don't think Arata could match. But really I also doubt that Chihaya will pick either one. It'll probably be another Star Driver ending

I'm not sure about the chemistry. He tails along with her, enabling and agreeing, right up to the point he breaks and drags her from Arata's home. I'm not sure they understand each other at all.

But I also think we could easily end with her not romantically involved with anyone. Her sakura-shrouded view of Arata might not have been a romantic view at all, just a view of the god.