Chihayafuru Vol. 26 (Kodansha, 2021)

The Master Match with Hisashi Suou's fifth consecutive title on the line has come to a close with Master Suou successfully defending in a hard-fought battle. As all eyes gather on Suou, who had stated before that he would retire after winning five championships in a row, Arata cuts him off to declare that he will come to defeat the Master next year, creating a commotion in the crowd. Suou then gives Arata a one-year extension. Taichi is also present, standing motionless as he sees these two, only to face none other than Arata the next day in the Takamatsunomiya Cup tournament! These players with unshakable convictions who have vowed to never stop chasing their goals now take the first steps into a new year!