Chihayafuru Season 1 Episode 9 But I Cannot Hide

Chihayafuru season 1 episode 9 is titled "But I Cannot Hide". In this episode, the Mizusawa Karuta Club begins their preparations for the upcoming regional tournament. They practice intensively, working on both their accuracy and speed. However, Chihaya struggles to concentrate during practice as she can't stop thinking about Arata.

Meanwhile, Arata is also preparing for his team's upcoming tournament. He reflects on his past and the time he spent with Chihaya and Taichi, remembering how they always played karuta together. He wonders if he will ever be able to play with them again.

Back at school, Chihaya is approached by the school's karuta club captain, who invites her to practice with them. Chihaya joins the practice and is impressed by the captain's skills. She asks the captain to play against her, hoping to improve her own game.

During their match, Chihaya realizes that the captain has been watching her play and has developed strategies to counter her moves. Chihaya is impressed by the captain's dedication and determination to win. However, Chihaya manages to turn the tables and win the match, much to the captain's surprise.

As the regional tournament draws near, the Mizusawa Karuta Club trains even harder. However, tensions rise between Taichi and the rest of the team when he is accused of not taking the practice seriously. The team has a talk and tries to work out their issues, eventually resolving the conflict.

In the final scene, Chihaya receives a phone call from Arata, who tells her that his team has won their tournament. Chihaya congratulates him and tells him that she will do her best at the upcoming regional tournament. Arata wishes her luck and hangs up, leaving Chihaya feeling both happy and sad.

Overall, "But I Cannot Hide" is a powerful and emotional episode that shows the characters' dedication and passion for karuta. It also sets up the upcoming regional tournament, promising plenty of excitement and drama in future episodes.