Hi Score Girl

In 1991, arcade games are the center of youth culture, even as the idea of becoming a professional gamer still feels like an impossible long shot. Sixth-grader Haruo Yaguchi lives for the local arcade scene, where his skill has earned him a reputation—and a healthy dose of confidence. That pride takes a sudden hit when his classmate Akira Oono soundly defeats him in *Street Fighter II*.

Akira seems untouchable: wealthy, attractive, and academically gifted. Haruo has never cared about any of that, convinced that his one unquestioned strength is gaming. Faced with a rival who can match and surpass him, he’s torn between resentment and the thrill of finally finding someone who can truly challenge him on equal footing.