It's actually kind of difficult to articulate why I feel like this season did that better than the first, but I certainly felt more moved during many of the shogi matches, and other events in this season, and not for narrative reasons. But as all of the differences were all perceived mood from the art it's very difficult to do any more other than say this season just makes you feel what the characters feel, whether aided by dialogue or not. This sort of execution could almost work with any narrative.
The only thing making this show not be one of my absolute favorites (it's still close) is that the plot isn't all that interesting. The most interesting plot thread in 3-gatsu for me was the first half of season 1 where you learn about Rei's upbringing and foster family and most of the other threads didn't really compare. In this season there is a big focus on Hina and a bullying situation in her school, which while being a very good representation of the subject topically and within the narrative, it was just a typical realistic situation so I didn't find it all that interesting. Outside of that you just have some shogi matches and tournaments and stuff with Nikaidou's health. I also ultimately never really liked Akari so having one of the main characters in the show being one if felt really meh about wasn't great.
This is really a how show and not a what show, and it simply excels in delivering mood and emotion through it's visuals.
