(L) Chihayafuru [Manga]

[GundamZZ]

Once again, Arata establishes himself as the boss level opponent.

Spoiler:

[Undertaker]

I was just over in Chinese forum reading chapter 90.

Spoiler for Chap 90 thoughts:

I got to say while my prior statement still holds true somewhat that I still think Arata/Shinobu is a bad match up for Shinobu. I have to changed my prior opinion that Arata and Shinobu's are at same level with Arata slightly stronger. That last thing he did is really a slap in the face for Shinobu. Shinobu acted earlier, as fast as usual, yet Arata still out-fast her. The entire match is in Arata's control.

I mean, sure based on first half it seems that skill wise Arata is better while Shinobu is faster and the main reason Arata is holding 6-card advantage was because luck where Shinbu's cards weren't been called. But that last move showed that not only Arata has the skill advantage and strategic advantage, now he might even holds the speed advantage as well.

Simply put, that last move is basically telling Shinobu that her assumption back then were wrong. Even if her cards are being called, Arata will still have weapon to counter back.

Really, unless some miracle happens, I can't see Arata losing this one. Even if the next nine cards read all end up to be Shinobu's card I can still see Arata take about a half of those.

Arata = Sudo 3.0

Sudo is really nothing compare to Arata. That a real S right there.

The look on Shinobu's face is pretty telling:

Spoiler for Chap 90:

[smokeesid]

Originally Posted by Undertaker

I was just over in Chinese forum reading chapter 90.

Spoiler for Chap 90 thoughts:

I got to say while my prior statement still holds true somewhat that I still think Arata/Shinobu is a bad match up for Shinobu. I have to changed my prior opinion that Arata and Shinobu's are at same level with Arata slightly stronger. That last thing he did is really a slap in the face for Shinobu. Shinobu acted earlier, as fast as usual, yet Arata still out-fast her. The entire match is in Arata's control.

I mean, sure based on first half it seems that skill wise Arata is better while Shinobu is faster and the main reason Arata is holding 6-card advantage was because luck where Shinbu's cards weren't been called. But that last move showed that not only Arata has the skill advantage and strategic advantage, now he might even holds the speed advantage as well.

Simply put, that last move is basically telling Shinobu that her assumption back then were wrong. Even if her cards are being called, Arata will still have weapon to counter back.

Really, unless some miracle happens, I can't see Arata losing this one. Even if the next nine cards read all end up to be Shinobu's card I can still see Arata take about a half of those.

Arata = Sudo 3.0

Sudo is really nothing compare to Arata. That a real S right there.

The look on Shinobu's face is pretty telling:

Spoiler for Chap 90:

Spoiler for 90:

Great portrayal right when Arata came into the scene and its always pure win whenever Arata comes in the manga. That is one of the times when it becomes actually enjoyable for me. And looks like some development in between Chihaya and Taichi. Now I am even more waiting for whats going to happen in the next chapter. Arata is gonna win though, there is a thing about who is stronger by being alone or having friends. Thats a very shonen manga common line and its refreshing to see it here in this setting

And Undertaker did you read the chapter from here http://tieba.baidu.com/p/1483484667 as all the manga hosting site that I saw either have incorrect page order or missing pages.

I don't actually know what S is.One of the chihaya's group member was sitting there and said something about S too.

And as always thanks for putting up your thoughts on it

[Undertaker]

Yeah, that is where I got my info, as that is also a place where a few Chinese fan translators is active in and I believe it ond of the first place they release new chapter.

As for other site have mixed order, I might be because the file names are scrambled in that site so who ever take picture from there and didn't both to re-name them, the order is going to get messed up.


An "S" is short for sadist. As in S&M. Except in East Asia, it's not as heavily suggest on the physical side but more on a mental side. In real life and ACG term, and S-character mean character that likes to mess other people's head or pressure them into submission and had no remorse or even take pleasure in doing it. It works effective well with haraguro-type characters and usually every character can be categorical into either an S or M though it could change depend on the people they interact with.

For example, Taichi is mostly an M, Chihaya on the other hand would be an hidden S. Shinobu would be an S normally,m but it seem she turns into an M when interacting with Arata.

[GundamZZ]

You forget to mention that S stands for Sudo. They are implying the certain karuta player is acting like Sudo.

[Undertaker]

Hence I mentioned Sudo 3.0

[karice67]

#91 is out in Japan.

Spoiler for spoilers:

I don't need to say who won, do I?

The chapter apparently begins with a flashback that explains why Arata is so relaxed: his grandfather once asked him to consider when it is that he moves fastest, and when it is that he enjoys karuta the most...

The difference was 2 cards, with the last card being "Kimi ga tame ha" (on Arata's side of the field), which was also the focus of the 15th episode of the anime. hyperborealis's excellent analysis is still incredibly relevant.

Originally Posted by hyperborealis

Why does the episode take its title from the 15th of the hyakunin isshu?

Here's a translation, from the University of Virgina online library:

It is for your sake
That I walk the fields in spring,
Gathering green herbs,
While my garment's hanging sleeves
Are speckled with falling snow.

Another translation explains that the author of the waka, Emperor Kwoko, wrote it in honor of his grandmother.

Accordingly, the episode title alludes to Arata, to the time he had left his grandfather to compete in the karuta tournament. The season matches: the tournament is in February, so like the emperor, he has gone out in spring. The wakana the emperor seeks is, in Arata's case, karuta cards, victory in the competition, and broadly the honor he intends to bring back to his grandfather. The respect for a grandparent is the key parallel between the waka and the narrative: like the author of the poem, Arata has gone out from his house in honor of his grandparent.

The parallel holds to the second half of the poem. The snow on the garment alludes to the cost of the emperor's efforts: discomfort, the coldness of snow itself. Arata has also paid, in his grief after his grandfather's death, in his sense of guilt.

In following Chihaya to Omi Jingu, Arata has repeated his earlier gesture, as his grandfather's colleague makes clear. By returning to play, Arata honors his grandfather by bringing his style of play back to life. In some sense, he brings his grandfather back to life, or perhaps better said, he keeps the memory of his grandfather alive.

The waka is a spring poem. It is about bringing life, the wakana, out of death, the winter world of snow on sleeves. This is what Arata is doing for his Ojiisan.

Last thing of note: Shinobu is not feeling well. Arata observes that she's been playing with a fever. But the most interesting thing here is that Arata naturally extends his hand to her forehead to check, even though a lot of people are watching...

[Eistir]

Spoiler:

What was Chihaya's reaction to Arata reaching his hand out to Shinobu's forehead?

[Undertaker]

Originally Posted by karice67

#91 is out in Japan.

Spoiler for spoilers:

I don't need to say who won, do I?

The chapter apparently begins with a flashback that explains why Arata is so relaxed: his grandfather once asked him to consider when it is that he moves fastest, and when it is that he enjoys karuta the most...

The difference was 2 cards, with the last card being "Kimi ga tame ha" (on Arata's side of the field), which was also the focus of the 15th episode of the anime. hyperborealis's excellent analysis is still incredibly relevant.




Last thing of note: Shinobu is not feeling well. Arata observes that she's been playing with a fever. But the most interesting thing here is that Arata naturally extends his hand to her forehead to check, even though a lot of people are watching...

Thanks for the update,

Spoiler for thought:

So that's how they justified that ownage in the beginning. With that been said, I'm a bit surprised that difference was only 2 cards. I would have expected to keep his 4-5 card advantage after the display in chapter 90.

Either way Shinobu was able to cut to 2 card difference, and with the fever card used, it seems to suggest that at this time 100% Shinobu might still be a stronger player than Arata depend on how serious the fever is, for some (like me), a light fever actually helps one's concentration and even reflex.

Anyway, this might paved way for potential Arata lost in Suo Mejin match while not undermining Shinobu's ability in process, which would leads to the climax that is the third year.

Of course that is just my analysis and opinion.


And oh yeah!!! Arata x Shinobu sets another flag....

[pajvaj]

Well, if the spoiler for chapter 91 is true, I would hate it.

Spoiler for chap 91:

If we are judging all the performance that Shinobu shown and the skill that Arata has, to just undermine that game with the excuse "ooohhh it's because Shinobu has a fever and she isn't playing 100 percent." so we can't tell who is stronger, just leaves a bad taste in my eye because there was nothing pointing out that shinobu is not playing her best and normal. If anything, she seemed to play a lot better than normal because she personally know how strong Arata is. yeah, i personally like to think that Arata is better than Shinobu because that means Her and Chihaya and taichi has a reason to chase after him. That is why they are so focus on kurata.

[smokeesid]

Spoiler for thoughts:

I think this interests people for the next Shinobu X Arata match as it eases out the feeling of Arata's win for some. Moreover that could be to add some drama and development like Arata touching her forehead and some more that are yet to come or so

And I agree with pajvaj. Nice post buddy says a lot. By what we could grasp by the summaries and the look of the game that Arata is more strategic and quite faster in some cards and I can not think how Shinobu would have played any differently.

And I wonder how many people still would like to see Arata romancing with Chihaya. I don't. And lots of love to Karice for the nice summary

Are there three years of high school in Japan and they are in 2nd year? Does anyone have any idea how many months could be left before that scene which appeared in the first chapter of first volume comes?

[Undertaker]

They should be at mid-point tight now. Japanese high school typically starts in March/April (hence all the graduation song release during this time.)

Inter-high like other school sports usually happens during in summer vacation. so they should be effectively at mid-point, half year left in 2nd year and have 1st half of year to play with before it crunch time for college entrance exams.

Though depend on school some might prohibit 3rd years from entering competition as we seen in various sport manga.

[karice67]

Originally Posted by Eistir

Spoiler:

What was Chihaya's reaction to Arata reaching his hand out to Shinobu's forehead?

Neither of the two major bloggers covering the manga said anything about any reactions - either by Chihaya or the other spectators.

Originally Posted by smokeesid

Spoiler for thoughts:

Are there three years of high school in Japan and they are in 2nd year? Does anyone have any idea how many months could be left before that scene which appeared in the first chapter of first volume comes?

Well...on the very first page after that first scene, we're told that Chihaya was waiting for the paper delivery "6 years earlier, in Tokyo". (NB: there are 3 years of Junior High and 3 years of Senior High in Japan.) Hence, I would assume that the first scene occurs in Chihaya's final year of school, i.e. about 1.5 years from where the manga is currently at.

[smokeesid]

Then loads of development can happen LOL

This manga is open in every way. Taichi too could become the Mejin

[pajvaj]

Well, so far in shipping war, I was shipping Arata and Chihaya because I love the notion of love transcending time. I am a romanticist. But now I am giving up the shipping war and just being an Arata Fan because, whenever he shows up in the manga is when it just sizzles. Not only that he is the "spark" that everyone is trying to catch up to, though his spark is driven by the meijin title so presently, his goal is Suo. Everyone else in my arrogance is a stepping stone for him to rise for the challenge. His brief moments usually have more impact than any one's character besides Taichi's inner monologues. But then his inner monologues are always screaming his affections for chihaya so that we all know where his lovelorn yearnings are for. Even when we got a back story from Arata we didn't get his personal feelings, just point of view on things, we get a third person summary of the events. He's like a bit out of reach. Chihaya's has no other thoughts than Kurata and besting her rival so again we don't see much personality from her even though the manga is about her. They should rename this to Taichifuru. Because almost everything personal and thought monologues are always in his perspective. Not only that hes the only one who has grown from when he is a grade schooler.

Here's an example:

Chihaya: Simpleminded and goal is to be queen and meeting Arata who she considers a rival and god in a match since they are separated from grade school.

Arata: He has always been the same person since he was in grade school. Nice, level headed, determined to be meijin. That has not change since his friends came to see him in fuikui.

Taichi: Spoiled snot nose that everyone hates. has now changed to who he is now currently in highschool fueled by his love for Chiahya and a renew goal to rival Arata and get the meijin title.

[smokeesid]

http://tieba.baidu.com/p/1490703614

And 91 is out

I think its in Japanese

And I think its the first chapter completely dedicated to Arata(and Shinobu to boot)

EDIT

http://tdx-manga.livejournal.com/tag/spoilers

Summary for chapter 84-91

[Eistir]

Oh my god. I love Shinobu... Getting sick because she's looking at the matches like a creeper in the rain.

Arata is such a sadist.. n.n'''

But Chihaya.. Throughout the last 2 chapters, her mouth seems to be opened all the time... Pretty dumbfounded. Makes you want to slap her a bit. o.o;;;

[Undertaker]

Actually, Shinobu had no interest in yesterday's team match. In fact she considers that only weak player would participate in team competition.

Spoiler for Just in case:

She was there for one thing and one thing only: The Bird Man Competition that is held at lake side ever year on the same day. She was only there because the competition got rained out. and later only went to see the Finals because she was curious due to the interest Arata showed in that match.

[Kazu-kun]

Originally Posted by Undertaker

Actually, Shinobu had no interest in yesterday's team match. In fact she considers that only weak player would participate in team competition.

Spoiler for Just in case:

She was there for one thing and one thing only: The Bird Man Competition that is held at lake side ever year on the same day. She was only there because the competition got rained out. and later only went to see the Finals because she was curious due to the interest Arata showed in that match.

Wasn't she just being tsundere about it though? I mean, I think she does care about the other players and team competitions, but probably didn't want to admit it, hence that excuse. At least, chapter 91 seems to imply she does care.

[Undertaker]

That's mainly only because Arata is showing interest in it.

Spoiler for Team:

Keep in mind that the Bird Competition is held at same day at same time. If not because it was postponed due to rain, she won't even be there to begin with. That was made clear to Arata when they met before the team competition and Arata assume she was there to watch team competition.

Shinobu than reply sternly that she is hee every year, a day before individual to pray in the temple and watch the Bird Man Competiion. It's her routine.

Arata then ask since she here, why don't she watch the team competition. Then Shinbu shut him down by saying that team competition are only so those who doesn't like karuta, and that there is no way someone like Arata will take a part in it and then left.

Even after she came back due to postpone, she was ready to go straight home after her cloth dried up and after Arata is now sure to enter the singles competition. It was when she noticed that Arata was interested in the team competition, in which then she changed her mind.

I mean, for all the interest she shown in Chihaya back in the 1st year, she had no recollection of her at beginning even after watching the team competition.