Blossoming Beginnings! New Year's Karuta Showdown

So, we're divining a way to make the new year happy for all! That is what you wanted, right?

Yes. I... I've spent this whole year being a screwup and causing tons of trouble for everyone...

So next year, I-I want to be someone who makes others happy. I know that sounds... laughable coming from me, but...

No, no, I'm not laughing at all. It's a noble goal, if you ask me!

Besides, a happy new year sounds good to me too, so I'm happy to help however I can! Now then, let's get to divining!

Fimbally... mimbally... Awe-awe... mubble-maw!

EIYAHHHH! EEEEEEEEP!

Ohh, we have an auspicious sign! Thank you, Shiraoki! From the northeast it comes, visions of tatami!

In the coming year, should you join forces with friends and endeavor in competition, great, great fortune awaits!

A-a-anyway, th-that's why I gathered you guys here.

A team competition! I'm excited already! What are we gonna play?

Glad you asked... Ta-da! Check it out! It's the New Year's tradition, the Umamusume Hundred Poets karuta championship!

Ooh, karuta! Long have our forerunners sent cards flying and set mats ablaze in the heat of competition, or so the legends say!

Oh, I've seen that on TV! Karuta's the game where everyone races to grab those big cards, right?

Yep, that's the one! Teams of Umamusume meet in a grand arena to run and run, run amok, even! Ah, the joys of tradition!

To be honest, I had no idea what kind of competition I could enter with friends... so I went to Tazuna for advice.

And then...

Excellent! Your drive to start the year off honing your skills is truly admirable!

Thus, a proposal! Say, Tazuna, that New Year's tradition is still going, isn't it?

Yes. ♪ She means the URA-sponsored National Umamusume Karuta Championship.

In Umamusume karuta, oversized cards featuring the Hundred Poets are arranged in a spacious arena, where teams of four face each other.

You can sign up through the academy, so if you'd like to compete, and have at least four members, I'd be happy to register your team. ♪

Umamusume karuta is a test of speed, knowledge, and teamwork. A demanding sport indeed, which is perhaps why participation has declined in recent years...

But fear not! We will ensure that you are well-practiced, properly registered, and well-dressed! Best of luck!

Haaah ha ha ha! Magnificent! The curtains rise on a new year to reveal a numinous new overlord and her entourage, broadcast live for all to see!

That sounds fun! Let's do it, let's do it!

Yes, I like the enthusiasm! This is a sure way to ring in happiness, so I say we waste no time in signing up!

Our team will be named... Oh, I know, Team Great Fortune in the New Year!

(Th-that's a relief... I wasn't sure they'd be willing to join...)

(Now I just have to not screw anything up and be useful... I can't "join forces" without first being a force myself!)

Ah...

...

(It's Ayabe! She always lets me train with her, even though I just end up tripping and wasting her time...)

(I... I want to repay her too!)

Um... A-A-Ayabe! Do you, um, maybe have a moment?

Doto? What is it?

So, you see, um... for New Year's, me, Fukukitaru, and a couple others are competing in a karuta tournament.

My fortune said competing together will bring us all happiness, so I was wondering if you wanted to join too...

This past year, me being such a screwup has caused you a bunch of trouble, so...

I want to bring happiness to you too!

Doto...

...Sorry, but I'll pass.

Wha?

I want to focus on racing right now, so... See you.

Ah... Ayabe...

(D-did I make her mad? I'm probably the last person she wants any sort of invitation from...)

All righty! Thanks to the school we have everything we need! Since it's everyone's first time playing karuta, let's go over the rules.

Our variant involves two teams of four, but just like in regular karuta, you listen for the first half of a poem, then take the card with the second half on it!

So the only differences are the size of the cards... and that you have to run to get them?

That's right! We run, and sometimes clash... It's called the martial art of the humanities for good reason!

Each team splits into "finders" and "takers." Basically, people who look for the matching card, and those who go and get it.

Hm... Well, who better to give commands than yours truly? I, T.M. Opera O, shall don the mantle of finder. Are you ready, Doto?

Y-yes! Th-that means I'm a taker. I-I'll do my best!

All right then, Urara, that leaves us to pair up. Think you're up to be a finder?

Okie dokie! I'll give it a shot!

I'm pretty sure there are more rules, but I'm no expert either. So why don't we learn by doing and give it a go!

First things first, our reciter will be this nifty app... The conveniences of modern life, am I right? Okay then...

Springtime is now upon us, the blossoming plum declares... Umamusume, go forth unto the finish...

Now off with you Doto, upon wings of gold! To the south, secondo da destra!

Wha? S-south? You mean this way? Or this way?! Oooh, wh-which way is it?!

Hmm, so what am I supposed to be finding?

Urara! It's "Negishi's trodden turf heights"! Look for the one that starts with "ne"!

Ne... ne... Found it! Fuku, over there!

Where's there?! I've never heard more ambiguous directions!

Oooh, which way's south?! I th-th-think that side gets sunlight in the morning, which means...

Oh no no, not Meisho "Doh"-to! Run straight or you'll crash into someone!

Huh? There's two "ne" cards. Hey, Fuku, which one do we want?

Bwoohh?! Urara, the one that goes "ne" then "gi"!

Wait, "gi"? Then this is the wrong one... wh-whoa! M-my foot!

Hyikes! Doto, this isn't the time to be practicing twirls! Waaah!

Owww!

Well, that was such a disaster I almost feel refreshed!

Nnghh... Sorry, if only I wasn't so clumsy...

Nonsense, Doto, it's not your fault! We're all beginners here, after all!

But... if I didn't trip, I wouldn't have brought you down with me...

No worries, no worries. It's not like you did it on purpose, we all know that.

Plus, did you forget already? Shiraoki foretold that if we join forces in a competition, great, great fortune awaits!

Which means, if we all enter the karuta tournament together, then win or lose, good fortune will be ours!

What?

B-but... can we really say we "joined forces" if all we do is show up?

Of course we can! Imagine the great Shiraoki telling amateurs like us "You better win!" She would never.

As long as we all take part and have fun, everyone goes home happy! That's what she wanted to get across, if you ask me!

Th-that kind of makes sense...

Still, I shouldn't be tripping left and right. Wouldn't want anyone getting hurt... I really need to practice...

Now, now, wipe that worry off your face. Where smiles bloom, fortune looms!

Well, if I may... At times, a little rehearsal is in order! So as your commander, allow me to ask you this...

When you think "commander," does this strike you as a fitting pose? Or perhaps this?

Whoa, so cool! I wanna try too!

Ooh, looking good! But why not take it a step further, like this?

(They're all so... motivated. Ohh, I need to practice so I don't screw up...)

H-h-h-here I go!

Ahh! D-Doto! Run off in a hurry like that and you'll...

Ohh... Sniffle.

Sorry, I'm so sorry, I can't believe I tripped again... This practice isn't helping anyone, is it? I'm really sorry!

D-don't sweat it! I'm sure you'll get the hang of it tomorrow, yeah?

But... I haven't gotten a single card since we started practicing...

All I've managed to do is bring you tumbling down with me, and send a random card flying at the other two...

That was quite the thrilling experience! This overlord almost got a card to her beautiful face!

We had to stop, drop, and roll, it was so fun!

Ohh... I always have to screw things up for everyone... I really am just a nuisance...

At this rate, the tournament's not looking so good... I'll screw something up and we'll go home without a single win...

(My resolution is supposed to be making others happy, but it might just be another year of making them annoyed...)

Ohh, I can't let that happen... Um, I-I'm going to go practice a little more!

Wha? Where are you, Doto?!

Well, well. Fickle as a feather in the wind... It seems my partner has left me.

Hm... In that case, I think I shall take my leave. The new year must begin with a grand show, and there is much to prepare!

Huh? Opera O too? Aw, c'mon, I thought we could all head back together.

Well, they're both gone now.

Hmm, I wonder if Doto's all right. It's not like we need to win, so I hope she's not being too hard on herself...

Wait, we don't need to win? Why not?

Because Shiraoki didn't tell us "You better win!" or anything. In this kind of event, it's having fun that matters most.

Yeah, playing karuta with friends is fun! Which is why I think winning would be even more fun!

Huh?

Wouldn't you be happy if we won together? I would, and that's why I want to win!

AAAAGHH! Your motivations are too pure! It's blinding! Blinding, I say!

Blinding? Oh, there's some shade over there! Wanna move?

No, don't mind me! ...Anyways, let's call it a day. More practice awaits tomorrow.

Yeah, let's keep it up!

(If we win, it'll be more fun... So simple, and yet... Urara never fails to amaze.)

Pant, pant...

(Wonder if Doto and her team are still practicing...)

This past year, me being such a screwup has caused you a bunch of trouble, so...

I want to bring happiness to you too!

...Sorry, but I'll pass.

...

I could use a breather...

Sob... Listen for the poem, then run!

...?

No running into people. Listen to Opera O's orders, and... and what else?

What kind of practice could make me any better? Ohh, why am I always so useless and clumsy...

B-but, I have to do this! O-one more try!

Whoooa!

Doto... What are you doing?

Oh, Ayabe... Well, you see, I... I'm practicing on my own, like a solo boot camp kinda...

I... I'm dragging everyone down again, and... Ooohhh, I'm never going to change, am I...

I see... So you felt the need to practice alone.

I know you're a hard worker, so I'm sure you really do just want to be useful to the others.

But... don't you think you're pushing yourself a little too hard?

Ayabe...

Ohh, I really appreciate it, you worrying about me. But I... I'll never be enough if I don't change something.

I've received so much from so many people this year.

Fukukitaru is always there to lend me an ear, or tell my fortune, or find knickknacks to improve my luck.

Urara has nothing but smiles for me, and kind words I don't deserve, like how I'm so grown-up and hardworking...

And Opera O, she's always shining... like a light for me to look to. It's because of her I can keep my chin up.

And you, Ayabe...

Me?

You always give me so much courage. Like... do you remember that one time?

Ooohhh... There I go again... Slipping on the downhill, bumping into the rail...

I... I'm such a mess... a bumbling mess... At this rate, I don't think I'm ever going to be like Opera O...

(Do I just have to... give up? No, not yet, I should practice at least a little more...)

(Wait... someone else is still here?)

Pant, pant... Urgh.

(Ayabe's practicing too... She looks a bit tired, though...)

Um, A-Ayabe?

Doto? ...What, is something the matter?

Hm? O-oh, no, nothing's the matter here... But, are you all right? Are you sure you're not doing too much?

This isn't "too much." I'm reaching for the stars, and I can't afford to stop until I get there.

The... stars?

Do you think you'll ever reach them? I mean, they're so, so far away...

I'm going to reach them, that's why I'm here this late. Aren't you the same?

Ah...

When you said that, it made me want to keep running, and one day reach the stars myself... It was the push I needed.

So you, and the others... I owe all of you. You're always so nice, and accepting...

And me, I'm always clumsy, and useless, and have so much to fix, and I'm down in the dumps half the time...

But being with you guys makes me so, so happy.

S-so that's why, next year, I want to take all of that happiness, and give it back... I have to give it back!

Doto...

I guess this is why I can never let you out of my sight...

So, um... Anyway, I'm going to practice a little more. Seeing you so concerned for me gave me a boost of energy...

Well, um... Th-thanks so much!

...

(She's going down the same path again...)

Well, not that I can stop her.

Yawn. I'm so tired... And I don't even feel like I improved much... Wait, what's this?

Did I leave something on my desk? Books?

W-whoa! They're about karuta... and there's so many!

Tips for memorizing the poems, training exercises for finders and takers... W-wow!

Wait, but... who would've... Oh, there's a note in between the pages...

Ah...

(Was this Ayabe? She found all these for me?)

Thank you so much, Ayabe! I'll study hard and get butter at karuta! I mean better!

A-all right, tonight's going to be an all-night study session!

Everyone doing all right? No sizing issues or anything?

Ah, um, just a minute, please! Can't... tie the sash!

Whoa there, Urara! Stay still for just a little longer! We're almost done!

Haah ha ha ha! Gaze upon me, robed in splendor! Such beauty cannot be of this realm, I am as a rose sent from heaven itself!

My very person is a cause for celebration, a herald of the new year! Witness! For I hereby declare the founding of the New Overlord Kingdom!

I'm all dressed up too! Oh hey, mine's different from Oppy's!

Hehe. Given the special occasion, I thought I'd ask the designer to tailor the pieces to match each of you. ♪

That's our Tazuna! Always paying attention to detail! Now, how fare the other two?

And here I am! The size, the fit, it's just perfect!

I can feel the fortune coming already! Auspicious and ostentatious! I think I could take a 3,000-meter over turf with ease!

Umm, Director? It's so gorgeous, I can't help but feel like it's wasted on me...

Nonsense! When our students challenge their limits, it is our duty to support them in any way we can!

Karuta may seem like an elegant game, but in truth it is fierce! Proper dress requires the same material used in racewear!

As you will be representing our academy, we want you competing at full strength!

D-Director... Thank you so much!

(I'm sure the old me would've felt nothing but pressure hearing those words... but now...)

Basically, a taker needs acceleration, fast reflexes, the ability to make snap judgments, and speed.

So, um... since you excel in the final leg of a race, I think you would be best for the role.

That's it? When you suddenly requested a change of command, I thought you were planning a rebellious takeover scene!

Wh-wh-what? I-I would never do that! A-also, I was thinking about you two, and...

In karuta, you also need someone to "guard" and "screen", get in the opponent's way, basically.

You guard the card when it's on your side, and when it's on their side, you set a screen so your teammate has a clear path to it.

S-so I was thinking, Fukukitaru, you could focus on the opponent and tell Urara how to move accordingly...

That makes sense. My voice is louder, and I bet Urara would stick to her mark like glue!

And if that slows down our opponents even a little, Opera O can make a run for it, and sh-she'd never lose!

Ah, erm, sorry, I know coming from me it... i-it might sound stupid, but...

No, not at all! Who knew karuta had so much strategic depth to it, color me surprised!

You know, I'm starting to get excited! Okay then, let's swap roles and give it a go!

Oh? What's the matter, Doto? Something on your mind?

Oh, no! I-it's just, wearing these robes suddenly makes the tournament feel so much more real...

Huh, I think you're right! Before a race, it's once you put on your racewear that the nerves really start to kick in!

Now all that's left for us to do is put your strategy to the test.

Hey folks, really appreciate you lending us a hand!

Oh, don't mention it. You guys are gonna compete in the tournament, right? That's so cool!

We're all rooting for ya, you guys got this!

Aw, well thank you. Okay, so, when the poem starts, if you could run over to this side of the field...

Umamusume, eternal...

O-O-Opera O! Our side, left, five-one!

Already there!

Urara, time to guard! Spread out your arms and don't let them past!

Got it! Just like this!

Aha! Mine for the taking!

Uhh... um, did we just...

A truly ideal, truly elegant performance! Perfect, I might even venture to call it!

Hey, hey! My guard was perfect too, wasn't it?

You know, I had my doubts at first, but we absolutely crushed it. I don't think it gets any better than that!

And it's all thanks to Doto studying up on karuta for us. Isn't that right, "Commander" Doto?

Eeep! I-I didn't do that much! B-but, if I helped even a little bit, th-then I'm glad!

We worked super hard, so I know we're gonna win!

(She's not wrong... Practice is going well, so maybe, just maybe... I thought it'd be totally out of our reach, but...)

W-well, there are no guarantees! But win or lose, let's go into it ready to grab ourselves a bag of New Year's fortune!

Yeah!

I-it's finally here... Just thinking about it is making me nervous... Ooh, my tummy...

I-it'll be fine! We prepped the best we could, and even if we don't do so hot, I'm sure Shiraoki won't mind!

By the way, do you know where the others went off to? It's almost time, so we need to get changed soon...

So you have your eyes on first place and nothing less, is that right?

Why of course! I am here today to proclaim to the karuta world that a new overlord is crowned!

I hereby declare, that the main character at today's tournament shall be none other than me, T.M. Opera O!

We practiced a bunch, so I hope we can win a bunch too! We'll give it our all!

H-hold up! I was not expecting to find you doing THIS! Seriously, what are you two even saying?!

You can't just... Total beginners like us belong in a corner somewhere sitting quietly by ourselves!

Hey, those girls over there, you think they're from Tracen? They look pretty competent.

Yeah, but racing and karuta are different. If the game were that easy to win, it wouldn't be a sport.

Eep... They're totally surrounded... I-I don't think I can walk up to them...

Doto...

Wahh?! A-Ayabe! W-wait, are you here to cheer us on?

Oh, u-umm, thanks for the karuta books the other day! Without your help, I would've been so doomed...

Don't say that... You're the one who put in the hard work.

I barely did anything, and if I did, it's only because of your help. And you even took the time to be here for us...

Not really, I just happened to be nearby. Anyway, think you can do it?

Yeah, um... I mean, I'm not sure, but I think we'll do fine! And I'll try my best not to drag the team down!

And with that, memorization time is over, and we're ready to begin the Umamusume Karuta Championship, round one, match three.

We have newcomers to the tournament, the Tracen team everyone's been talking about, Great Fortune in the New Year!

It is time... New Overlord and Friends, are we ready?

Our team name is actually Great Fortune in the New Year, but yes, Doto and I are good to go!

W-we c-c-can't do it! I mean can!

I'm all ready to go too! Let's knock it out of the park!

And now let's get into the match, beginning with the starting poem.

Naniwa Harbor: behold its blossoming plum, once sealed in winter; springtime is now upon us, the blossoming plum declares.

...

Umamusume, mountainous...

Urara, guard! Just like we practiced, don't let anyone through!

Remember all the hard work you put in. With your guts, you can stand up to anyone!

Leave it to me, Fuku!

O-O-Opera O, our side, right, three-two!

Mine!

Holy... That was fast!

They just got lucky! This is literally their first tourney!

Oh? It appears the room is haunted by a sleep-inducing trickster of the woods.

They dream that our skill is mere luck... I suppose we shall have to wake them up!

Fuku! I did it!

You did great, Urara! All of you did! I have a good feeling about this. We just might pull it off!

Our newcomers show great coordination to take the first card. Team Great Fortune in the New Year, can they take the second too?

Just as a reminder, the second half of the poem we just heard will now be read before moving on to the next poem.

Unto the highest of heights, ride swiftly, shadow of night... Umamusume, go forth unto...

O-o-oh, Opera O! Their field, left, two-one!

Urara! Get over to their side! Keep them occupied!

Got it!

And mine again!

Whoa! T.M. Opera O is freaking fast!

Let's not forget Haru Urara's blocking! I think this team could go pretty far!

You guys! Let's win this!

Yeah... Yeah, let's! Don't hold back. We're in it to win it!

...

Both teams have fought their way through three rounds before meeting in this nail-biter. Which will come out on top?

Urara, guard!

(I want to win... I want us to keep going as far as we can!)

You got it! There's no getting past me!

We're in the first match of the semifinals. Will Team Great Fortune in the New Year advance to the finals in their first appearance?

Um, umm, Opera O! L-left, two-two!

It shall be mine. Hahhh!

Wow... This team is the real deal! They might actually win it all!

That's it, everybody! Keep it up! We can win. We will win!

Fuku, raising her voice? You must be super fired up!

Well, it's a big room! I'll shout till I'm hoarse if I need to!

Hehe... You know, they're kind of adorable. You can tell they're trying so hard, it makes you want to cheer for them.

...

And that's it! Advancing to the finals will be Team Great Fortune in the New Year!

GyeaAHHHH! W-we did it guys!

...Hm? Wait, what?!

Okay, that match was crazy. Now I kind of want to watch them race too!

Same! But... one of them seemed a little off earlier, don't you think?

Dude, did you hear? Apparently the rosters might change for this afternoon's final.

Wait, why? Was there trouble?

...

...

Ngh... You guys... I'm so sor, cough, cough!

Wh-whoa, Fuku! You shouldn't be talking!

You don't need to apologize... You were giving out orders and cheering us on. That must've been hard on your voice...

We don't have anyone who can swap in for you, so... It's sad, but I guess we just have to forfeit the finals...

Ooh... It's all my fault isn't it...

I got so excited about winning I let myself go and... Ugh, we were doing so well together too...

D-don't blame yourself like that... O-oh, hey, remember what you told us?

Having fun is what matters most. We accomplished that just by participating. Isn't that enough?

Just... just partici...

I'm sorry?

Just participating is enough? Cough, cough! I know I said that, I believed it!

Which means, if we all enter the karuta tournament together, then win or lose, good fortune will be ours!

As long as we all take part and have fun, everyone goes home happy! That's what she wanted to get across, if you ask me!

But... wouldn't winning make you happy?! Making fun a priority isn't the same thing as not trying at all.

It's because we tried that we had so much fun! But just when I finally started to understand that, I...

Wahhh, I'm such a nincompoop! I just wish you guys could compete in the finals, even if it was without me...

If only... we had someone, anyone, who could sub in for me...

Now seems a good time as any.

My friends, what if I were to tell you there is indeed a way out of this predicament?

As Fukukitaru just said, we are in need of a messenger from Victory herself, nothing less than a savior!

Come on out now, your moment has arrived! You are here, aren't you, Ayabe?

...Still haven't learned your indoor voice, I see.

I overheard you talking, but... don't get the wrong idea. This isn't my "moment."

That's not true! Just say the word, and I shall use the power of the golden ring!

I'm being serious here... Even if I wanted to help, I'm not registered as part of your team.

Oh, but you are. I took the liberty of registering you as a backup member.

You what?

You even have an outfit. I asked the director myself!

Huh? W-wait, you did this when, exactly?

Haaah ha ha ha! I had a hunch we might want someone waiting in the wings to swoop in and save the day! Call it clairvoyance!

And when it came to picking our final member, it could only have been you! For you and I clash, lift each other up, and at times join hands, we are rivals!

Plus, you too found yourself drawn in by Doto's wish to bring happiness to all, did you not? Your very being here is proof enough!

...

U-umm, Ayabe? Are you sure you're okay with this? It's not too much?

Why would you think that?

You said you wanted to focus on racing, didn't you? Isn't this just wasting your time then?

It's fine. I'm choosing to help.

I know how hard you guys worked for this, so... I mean, what choice do I really have?

Huh?

C'mon, Doto.

We're just about ready for the final round of the National Umamusume Karuta Championship. Both teams look tense as their memorization time concludes.

Wait, Tracen's team had a member swap. They've changed positions too. Guess one of their members really did get hurt.

I don't mind helping, but on one condition... Doto and Opera, you two swap roles.

Running in karuta is different from in a race. After being taker this whole time, you're getting tired, aren't you?

I can't hide anything from you, can I?

B-but if somebody has to swap with Opera, you'd be better than me...

Someone's got to go for the win... and bring back happiness for all of us. That's you, isn't it?

...Y-yeah!

C'mon, guys... Cough, cough! Please... let's not leave here with any regrets.

Umamusume, on the cliffs...

Got it!

(They're so fast! Or more like we're slow... W-well, figures, those four never practiced together...)

(Ooh... I feel so useless... I hate this! In their time of need I can't even muster a single cheer...)

(C'mon, team... Please, please... Just get one card to start!)

The clanging of cleats alone, echoes swiftly into dawn... As the skies themselves, light up in sunny splendor, on this springtime day...

Gotcha!

Oh! Great Fortune in the New Year strikes back! I believe this is the first time we've seen this taker step up.

Yippee! Fuku, I did it! "Ever so carefree they grow: buds upon the cherry trees"!

I told myself, I have to at least get this one!

...!

(Yet again she continues to amaze! Even in a pinch like this, she's got her eyes right on the prize.)

(The simple desire to win is something to nurture, not shy away from, that's what I've learned from her!)

URARA! YOU GUYS! Take it one card at a time! Bring home the wiiin!

Doto! Go on the offensive, right, three-five!

On it! One card at a time!

Urara, set a screen! Cover for Doto!

No one's getting in Doto's way!

That one card really gave them a lot of momentum, and Team Great Fortune in the New Year is not letting up.

Doto, far back to the left!

You can reach it! Run!

We're not stopping here... We're going to win, and then...

We're going to spend a happy new year, together!

That's it! Our national karuta champions this year are the rookies from Tracen Academy, Great Fortune in the New Year!

Okie dokie, are we all ready? It's time to tell the gods all about the tournament and pray for this year's good fortune!

So... why am I here praying with you guys?

Why wouldn't you be? Imagine the shining star of the thrilling final act missing the curtain call, unthinkable!

Y-yeah... You also gave me the strength I needed, and got me all those books on karuta...

If it wasn't for you... we never would've even come close to winning!

...

Hey, hey, can I ring the bell already?

Ahh, Urara, hold on a sec! C'mon, guys, line up, line up! We all have to say hello together!

O goddess above, O great Shiraoki! We have done your will and endeavored in competition with friends!

Getting to work together as a team was a lot of f-fun. We hope to keep growing together, s-so...

Please bless us with another good year ahead!