Chihaya Ayase, a spirited and boyish girl overshadowed by her elder sister, finds purpose when she crosses paths with Arata Wataya. Introduced to the intense world of competitive karuta by the quiet transfer student, Chihaya falls in love with the game's blend of physical and mental prowess. Enthralled by the prospect of mastery, she, Arata, and the dedicated Taichi Mashima form a bond through the Shiranami Society in their youth. As high school beckons, Chihaya's obsession with karuta deepens, fueling her ambition to create a championship-worthy karuta club at Mizusawa High. With Taichi's aloofness challenging her, Chihaya embarks on a quest to assemble a team as passionate about karuta as herself, inching closer to realizing her dream.