“It's impossible for a young lady to enjoy a fighting game!” Despite many people's assumptions, intense battles were quietly unfolding. “Tai Ari Deshita. ~Ojou-sama wa Kakutou Game Nante Shinai~” depicts a story centered around a secret fighting game battle that takes place behind the scenes at a prestigious young ladies' school.

The protagonist of the story, Ayami Fukatsuki, enrolls in Kuromi Girls' Academy as a scholarship student. Even though she lives a commoner's life and feels out of place in such a prestigious school, one day, she discovers the secret of Yae Mio, known as “Shirayuri-sama”, the most respected young lady in the academy. The secret is that Mio loves fighting games. Mio eagerly challenges Ayami to a match, igniting a passionate battle between the two. Gradually, mutual understanding and friendship bloom between them as gamers, and as their youth story progresses, other hidden gamers get involved.

It's not just about a fighting game! It's a story that not only reminds young girls but also us, who are now adults, of our “youth.”

In the strict backdrop of a prestigious boarding academy, Ayami and Mio discover mutual interests and engage in secret battles. Their relationship deepens over time, giving rise to new friendships and excitement. This manga skillfully depicts heart-stirring moments and the importance of friendship through a youthful game battle story.

What I felt as a reader is an empathy towards Shirayuri's policy of “doing what you love with all your might”. Also, Ayami's growth, leading up to the point where she shines, was memorable. This story expresses a message that those who work hard can't beat those who enjoy, leaving a profound impression on many readers.

At the core of the story is the intricately portrayed process of young ladies connecting and understanding each other through fighting games! Not just for those who love fighting games, but also for those who wonder what's fun about them, and of course, those who love girls or want to support girls who give their all to something.

It's so entertaining that it's being adapted into a live-action drama! Start with the first volume and give it a read!