In the era of 1991, arcade gaming emerges as the hottest trend. For Haruo Yaguchi, a determined sixth-grader, the unlikely dream of becoming a professional gamer beckons. His prowess in video games earns him local acclaim and a sense of pride, until his confidence shatters when classmate Akira Oono effortlessly bests him in Street Fighter 2. Akira embodies perfection with her wealth, beauty, and intelligence—a stark contrast to Haruo's carefree attitude. While initially resenting her intrusion on his gaming supremacy, a part of Haruo secretly craves a worthy rival like Akira who can challenge him on an even playing field.