The semi-final round matches Mizusawa against Akashi and Hokuō against Fujisaki. Seeing Mizusawa and Hokuō, the officials think Arata's friends from Tokyo are Hokuō. Chihaya assesses Megumu's play compared to her play in the queen challenger match against Yumi the previous fall, concluding Megumu has improved. Sudō, who has arrived to support Hokuō, begins watching the match between Chihaya and Megumu. Chihaya struggles, but believes it is going to be a fun match.