Quote Originally Posted by David75 View Post
Explanation: Left handed people have shorter brain to muscle connection, hence better reflexes. Chihaya probably is already unmatched in that area. Add a little more speed and she probably will be untouchable.
On the other hand, lack of use and less developed muscles would impact on her reaction time and endurance, just as it's shown in this episode where she comments that she hears the sound, but can't react in time.
Quote Originally Posted by Kraco
I don't think, either, that he's consumed by wrath, and thus I wrote at some level. Because how far is that from hating? Arata called him his friend, yet Taichi called Arata an enemy out of earshot. Do you call your friends enemies? A rival would be still cool, since they have invested much in a competitive sport, so there's nothing wrong about a friend being a rival. But an enemy? An enemy is the opposite of a friend. Especially when a girl gets involved. Like you said, Arata even has the two bonuses of being better at Karuta plus the history and long distance have made him even more dream like for Chihaya. I also think a little hating would suit Taichi's personality. We have seen him do underhanded tricks and have dark thoughts in general.
Taichi can't call Arata a rival because they're unequal, and there's no real way he should be able to beat him. As well, to Taichi Arata isn't a rival because he doesn't really wish to be better than Arata. He just wants Arata to disappear/crush him. It's how you feel once you pretty much accept that you can't top the other guy - only option is to drag them down.

Taichi isn't above hating though, I'll give you that.