23: Chihayafuru 3 Episode

The episode centers on a meeting between Taichi and Chihaya in the club room before the new school year begins.

The immediate aftermath of the rejection is a tectonic shift for the Mizusawa Karuta Club: Chihayafuru 3 Episode 23

: When Taichi confesses his feelings, Chihaya is so shocked she can barely speak, eventually offering a faint, "I'm sorry". Reviewers note that Chihaya's mind immediately drifts to Arata during this moment, highlighting the tragic disconnect between her and Taichi. The episode centers on a meeting between Taichi

: Before confessing his love, Taichi finally admits to a secret he has carried since elementary school: he was the one who stole Arata’s glasses during their first tournament. This admission serves as his way of shedding his "impure" past before being honest with Chihaya. eventually offering a faint