Chibi Maruko‑chan is the nickname of a sweet‑but‑obnoxious nine‑year‑old girl who tricks her grandfather, debates how to spend her allowance, and dislikes sitting next to unattractive boys. She talks, feels, and lives just like real children. When the second school term begins, Maruko and her classmates are divided into small groups. Maruko’s group contains two mischievous boys, and she finds herself subordinated to them. School life feels demanding for her. As the annual athletic meet approaches, all classmates, including Maruko, prepare with exercise; her habitual laziness sometimes makes her late. She notices that the two boys constantly compete in everything they do.