Chihaya's Back! Me, on the Other Hand...

So, um... hi folks. I originally was going to just write about Chihayafuru, but the post ended up starting with me explaining myself. I've labeled the part where I actually get to the point of the post, if you want to skip to it...

I'm sitting here in my comfy chair, which we moved into my dorm room this semester, and realizing just how long it's been since I've posted. Or visited anyone else's anime blog, for that matter. I've gotten pretty out of the loop on the anime world, and I'm not sure that will change much anytime soon. I'm taking more credits this semester, and my academic advisor has suggested I do some independent research. I think I'm going to do it, once I've finished writing At His Whim (I'm about two chapters, possibly three, from the end!). So aniblogging will continue to take a side role for the time being. I wish I had the time to read more blogs (and watch the anime people are blogging about, so I could understand those blogs), but there's no way it's going to happen. I have to interact and keep up with real live people now, in addition to my homework. At least I'm still on Twitter...

That aside, I'm pretty excited right now. Justin of Organization Anti-Social Geniuses alerted me that the second season of Chihayafuru had finally started. Yes, I realize I should have learned about it long ago, but like I said, I'm out of the loop. I did, in passing, see a picture that said "Chihayafuru 2" on it, but it didn't really register. I was too busy scrolling to watch Hunter x Hunter and Space Brothers, the only two anime on my Anime-Planet watching list that I'm actually fairly caught up on. No, I don't want to talk about the 20 other anime staring forlornly at me from my watching list... or the ones on my stalled list. I'm busy, okay? And tired. And I'm finally about to finish At His Whim (now that I can barely stand to look at the first few chapters, since I've matured in both self and writing since I wrote them).

Anyway...

Chihaya, Taichi, and the rest of the karuta club are back!

I just watched the first episode, and I think this season might be even better than the last. Chihaya and the original five club members are second years now. We watched them grow a lot in the first season, and their growth is even more obvious when we meet their underclassmen. I love how confident Kana-chan is. She's become more of a leader than I would have expected when I met her in the first season. And Chihaya is just as in love with karuta as ever. Her desire to pass the torch on, while still continuing toward her own goal, is exactly what I'd expect from her. I can't help but love her enthusiasm.

I'm not extremely pleased with the entrance of this Hanano chick. She has no right to march into the karuta club, with no interest in the game, and set her sights on Taichi. He is her sempai, way out of her league, and not someone to be hunted like prey. Yet, I am a patient viewer. I will trust, for the time being, that the writers know what they're doing, and the drama will be tasteful. I hope she sees the light and starts to come to club for the game, not for him. I won't hold my breath, though.

Unfortunately, this is as far as this blog post goes. I'm sleep deprived, it's late, and I won't have time to try to lengthen this post tomorrow. I love these characters, and I look forward to seeing more of them. Hopefully I'll remember to make room to watch an episode every week!