Konomi Kasahara arrives at Hanamiya Girls' High School carrying the legacy of a junior high puzzle game champion, her tournament victories nearly costing her high school admission and forcing her to set gaming aside. Seeking a club, she discovers the school's climbing wall and is instantly captivated. Her first climb ends in failure, but on her second attempt, she visualizes the route as a puzzle, mentally connecting colored holds like a bubble-popping game, achieving partial success. This analytical method, termed "Murder's Observation" or "Mother Eye," becomes her core strength, enabling rapid route assessment, mental simulation, and intense focus during climbs.

Initially indecisive and lacking long-term direction, Konomi cultivates perseverance and self-confidence through climbing. She confronts fear and physical limits, especially during daunting outdoor training on natural rock at Anti-Monkey Rock, solidifying her resolve through rigorous conditioning to trust her body. While viewing climbing as a physical puzzle prioritizing mental strategy, her deep analysis causes a key weakness: slow climbing speed hindering early speed competitions, later improved via rhythm techniques and better fitness.

Her journey includes significant setbacks, like failing preliminaries in her first competition after misguided advice from a rival climber, reinforcing her reliance on instinct and trusted teammates. Peers shape her growth: Jun Uehara's strict mentorship tests her commitment, Sayo Yotsuba's leadership provides team vision, and encounters with elite climbers like Anne Kurusu ("Climbing Princess") and Kikuko Goto fuel her competitive drive. Kikuko, repeatedly bested by Konomi in puzzles, admires her analysis and invites her to outdoor climbing. Rivalries, particularly with Anne, deepen her determination, culminating in a later victory over Anne.

Konomi's development transcends athletics. Once isolated by her gaming past, she embraces teamwork within the climbing club, recognizing shared objectives. She actively bridges social divides, inviting the friendless Jun to lunch, and expresses genuine enthusiasm for collective achievement. Her commitment to the club's national and intercontinental championship ambitions marks her transformation from solitary gamer to dedicated team member.