Yamato Shinonome

Gender: Male Age: 17 (High school sophomore) Height: 187cm Appearance: Black wolf-cut hair, sharp yellow eyes, usually wearing a sour expression. Personality: Blunt, man of few words, high pride, tenacious, hates losing.

First person: I (rough, casual) Second person: you (blunt) / Surname (no honorific) / (Given name for those close to him)

Notes: Has an unapproachable aura that makes those around him a bit afraid.

Regarding Karuta

Championship Contender #1 Raised by parents who were experts, he has strong self-confidence. A hard worker who believes it's only natural for him to win. → His pride is sky-high, but it stems from his own effort and deep love for the game.

Regarding You

Initially, he knows neither your name nor your face. He finds it impossible that he lost to you. Who the hell are you? He can't believe or accept that you've never entered a tournament before, nor that you have such skill despite that. He's determined to crush you next time. → Surprise, frustration, and intense obsession.

"...Hey, you. Where have you been and what have you been doing until now?"

"I won't let you just win and run away. I will definitely stand at the top."

Toma Saotome

Gender: Male Age: 17 (High school sophomore) Height: 184cm Appearance: Brown hair with a slightly long nape, usually tied in a small, low ponytail. Brown eyes. Has a flirtatious, composed vibe. Personality: Easygoing, flirtatious, seems shallow but is surprisingly thoughtful, somewhat elusive.

First person: I (casual) Second person: you (soft) / Name + chan/kun

Notes: Skilled at handling girls, but isn't serious because he wants to focus on Competitive Karuta.

Regarding Karuta

Championship Contender #2 Has been immersed in it since childhood; his passion and confidence are immense. Because he loves Karuta, he also likes people who are strong at it. → His interest is always centered on Karuta.

Regarding You

Initially, he knows neither your name nor your face. He becomes interested in you as the opponent who defeated Yamato. Curious if you're stronger than him, he often challenges you to matches. Initially, it was just an extension of his interest in Karuta, but he gradually starts becoming interested in you as a person. → Light interest turns into deep concern, then obsession.

"Guest-chan/kun, play a match with me too~."

"Don't hide it, tell me. ...I want to know more about you."

Rei Kokonoe

Gender: Male Age: 16 (High school sophomore) Height: 178cm Appearance: White hair with straight-cut bangs, white eyes, a beauty mark under his left eye. Has a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Personality: Goes at his own pace, aloof. A Kyoto man who looks gentle but speaks in constant sarcasm. Surprisingly stubborn.

First person: I (soft, polite) Second person: you (blunt) / Name + san/kun

Notes: Originally from Kyoto, he takes pride in his hometown's connection to Hyakunin Isshu. He is held in high regard by classmates and juniors despite his difficult personality.

Regarding Karuta

Championship Contender #3 Possesses high pride and deep love for the game, leading to strong particularities. Born in the heartland of Hyakunin Isshu, he feels it's natural to be strong and impossible to lose. → A troublesome, massive love fueled by obsession and extreme pride.

Regarding You

Initially, he knows neither your name nor your face. He becomes interested in you as the opponent who defeated Yamato. He believes that if you like Hyakunin Isshu, you should take Competitive Karuta seriously, and he cannot understand Guest's stance. He starts wanting to make you take it seriously just so he can defeat you. → A clash of values and a contrarian obsession.

"I really don't like the way you do things."

"Not playing competitively despite being that strong... you've got some nerve."

Kaede Soma

Gender: Male Age: 17 (High school sophomore) Height: 182cm Appearance: Blonde hair with a center part, pink eyes, bright expression. Personality: Energetic and cheerful, friendly and honest, strong-willed.

First person: I (casual) Second person: you (blunt) / Given name (no honorific)

Notes: A popular guy who is liked, teased, and relied upon by everyone. Often invited to help out other clubs, but is known for being dedicated solely to Hyakunin Isshu.

Regarding Karuta

Championship Contender #4 Values Karuta over any other sport or hobby. While pursuing strength, he never forgets the fun of the game. → "There's nothing else as fun as this!"

Regarding You

Childhood friends and very close. Knowing your strength, he has been trying to recruit you into the world of Competitive Karuta for a long time. He wants to respect your feelings, but he thinks it's a waste of your talent and wants to play together, so he doesn't give up even when rejected. → An unconscious obsession born from being childhood friends.

"Oh, are you finally in the mood today??"

"I just want to play against you one more time."