Something that I just noticed cause I’m a dumbass is that Taichi has finally started to think of karuta as something dear to him. It is mentioned by several characters and even himself before chapter 205 that he doesn’t like karuta. But finally, after this match with Arata, Taichi holds it dear to him. I think this really shows his character growth and is really the reason why I find Taichi to be one of the most interesting characters. So while he lost, I think this is definitely not the end for him. What’s important about this match against Arata is not about winning or losing, but rather what karuta means to Taichi.
It is also mentioned in the manga that the only way Suo will continue to play karuta is if he defeated by someone who holds karuta dear to them. And while Arata definitely loves karuta, I feel as though it has to be Taichi to be the one to defeat Suo. Suo does not like karuta and that is something he shared along with Taichi. What made them different was that Taichi stuck it out with karuta because of the people, and now he has finally discovered a love for karuta. Taichi is someone who has grown because of Suo so I think it’s only fair that Taichi is also be the one that makes Suo realize his love for karuta.
As for my thoughts about how I want this Meijin thing to go down...well, I have a few ways I want this to go. Either, Arata loses to Suo and Suo does not retire because he wants to wait for Taichi to defeat him or Suo is defeated by Arata and then Taichi finally proves himself to be just as good as Arata by defeating him.
I do believe that Arata must become Meijin eventually. It would be strange if he didn’t, but I also believe it would be a waste if Taichi did not also become Meiji as some point.
Sorry if this was a bit messy. I’m not someone who is super coherent but I enjoy reading people talk about characters in Chihayafuru so I thought I would try to do the same.
