This episode feels like a bridge to the actual final between the two regions to fight for a chance to challange the meijin and queen. It's more laid back, but definitely still exciting. We get to see how Harada-sensei decided to train, roping the whole Shiranami society, including Chihaya and Taichi. I do like his speech about how he won, and how it all went back to the saying he always had said since the first season, that team matches are individual matches and individual matches are team matches. I really like how we get to see real comparison of Chihaya and Suo, which is really interesting. But seeing Taichi analizing Arata is also very intriguing. But what I wanted to highlight next is once again the heart of Chihayafuru, it's side character, with Haruka being shown having doubts, which fleshed her up. Excited for the next match!