Thank you for sharing this story :D. I've wondered what Shinobu-chan's grandma's story could be.

Hm, grandma made Shinobu-chan wear wide long hanging sleeves (impractical for karuta) for the match during Chihaya's 2nd year (without giving her tasuki). Based on that, there's a higher chance that grandma doesn't know anything about karuta.
Still this is a fun alternative past.

OOOOOOOH
Sorry, that was me exclaiming.
This fic is so wonderful I want to cry!
Short, but nicely fleshed-out.
Kudos to you!

well, that was awesome. an interesting bit of backstory and history for shinobu and her grandmother, and of course three generations of women being awesome in their own ways is always a draw for me. thanks for writing this.

i clicked on this because 1) that summary is gorgeous and 2) i am /all about/ minor characters, and this fic definitely did not disappoint! this is absolutely incredible and i adore the backstory you've constructed for shinobu's grandmother - her weighty presence, her style a precursor of shinobu's, the mention of rivalry with arata's grandfather (and their grandchildren the successors of their legacy!), the way you've spun this woman of ambition and longing and dreams and expectation. thank you so much for writing this!

I absolutely loved how you used the poems to express what the person was feeling without stating it directly. One of the best Chihayafuru fanfiction I've read.

I loved Chihayafuru and went looking for FF when I finished watching S2. This was the best story I found. Thank you for sharing it with everyone! Shinobu is perhaps the most intriguing character of the show, and this feels so right for her. It's certainly part of my 'head canon' now. :-)

This is such a gorgeous story. I don't know how I've missed it for so long...

you breathed life into the character of Shinobu's Grandmother. I wonder did you come up with a name for her or did you find a mention of it in the manga/anime?
I think it was wonderful how you included years and very plausible socio/cultural (if I may call it) details such as Naoko-san's family running the textile business, how her father might have looked upon her playing competitive karuta.

Can I ask if Mikoto is someone's relative? Did you have in mind she could be someone's mother/grandmother/teacher?

I also really liked the Naoko - Wataya Hajime interaction. And the cameo by Harada-sensei was a great humorous touch. I can see Harada-sensei annoying everybody.
And I feel like you totally captured Naoko-san's Kyoto charm.

And the way you weaved the poem "Though I would hide it" into the whole story...I don't know how to put it. It has such a love poem vibe to it yet you gave it a whole another meaning.

I wonder what made you decide to write about Shinobu's Grandmother? Whatever the reason I'm really glad you've decided to share it with us!
Sorry about the chaotic review. I was writing this while reading.