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Nov 22, 2019 5:23 AM

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Nov 2019
756
What's up with all the boys gawking at Itsuki while he was undressing..



Like, don't they understand that's one of the reasons he didn't want to undress there..
Nov 22, 2019 5:30 AM

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Jan 2017
603
OK, Oji not being a TOTAL dick at the barbecue got me by surprise. From a rival to a friend un 1 episode was quite fast but I don't mind.

Also that "little chocolates" story.... Just how fucked up is his childhood.
Nov 22, 2019 6:12 AM
孔真・コウマコト

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Jun 2017
7868
Solid episode! No Op so y'know this was some episode. Having the Op play during the tight moments was a real treat though and the usage of soundtrack for the episode as a whole was exemplary to boot!

Maki and Toma fought really hard but at the end of the day, it was always going to be the opposition due to the stark difference in experience and ability. God, why did it have to end like that though? Crushing...

But good thing the teacher came up with a bright idea against that. Props to him, even going as far as to burrowing stuff from that female coach and etc.

I had a feeling that Prince isn't actually that bad by nature and especially more so when he stopped "controlling" his partner but I certainly didn't think he'd open up to them like that. Maki's cooking sure looks darn delicious though. Also, lol @ dat "little chocolates" story. Who would've thought this mystery would have such an odd twist xD.

I'm a little baffled with the hate surrounding Mitsue here, she's just playing the bad role here to mingle with the group (or maybe snare Maki, who knows) I reckon.

Anyways, looks like something about to go down next episode! Can't wait to see what that'll be. Condolences to Itsuki btw, that scar on the back looks absolutely hideous fudge.
#Anime4Life be my Life Motto! #PrayForKyoAni


Nov 22, 2019 6:22 AM

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Jan 2018
238
I really enjoyed this game, too bad Maki and Toma didn't win.

It was a nice surprise to see that Oji isn't actually a jerk and how he gets along with others at the BBQ party.
Nov 22, 2019 6:31 AM

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Apr 2009
775
DirectorK said:
this_shit_again said:
What's with all the Mitsue hate..

She's the only recurring character that gives counterbalance when the boys get extra perky (which is like all the time lately).

Two reasons.

One, it's her attitude that sets most people off. Mitsue just seems to be there because she's got nothing better to do and she strikes me as one of those people who just lives for the moment. Like she was expecting Maki and Touma to lose badly so she could sit there and laugh about it but came away disappointed. Maybe her backstory might give us some closure on her character but it's a bit too late for that now that we're in the second half of this series.

The second reason is that in terms of plot she's practically served no purpose to the story. She's just there because the writer put her there. It's the second half of the series and we've been given no reason to care about her. Again, maybe her backstory might change but at this point I'm not sure if it's going to do much for her character.


She probably likes Maki and she seemed genuinely happy when they were winning, though Maki seems to be more aware of Touma's orbiter than her.

But yes, her character is not connected to anything, she just keeps being a negative nancy and seems to exist so Yuta can explain the rules of soft tennis to the audience. You could remove her without losing too much.

Nov 22, 2019 6:50 AM

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Aug 2013
4150
Why do their parents have to be such party poopers in this anime
How I wish ahving barbeque on a Sunday as gruelling intense training. LOL.
Nov 22, 2019 10:07 AM

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Aug 2013
191
In my opinion Mitsue is a really annoying und unbearably negative character. I'd even see a bit of Tomoko from Watamote in her... antisocial, always negative and just a bother.

Else this episode was fantastic. The tennis match was extremely hype and how it ended wasn't clear at all. I rooted so much for Maki to jump, get hurt but still save the round. Guess they will get a rematch another day.

Also Maki and Toma stand way too close to another in that one scene for it to not be a fujoshi dogwhistle. I'd take every possible ship over anything with Mitsue though.
Nov 22, 2019 4:36 PM

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Nov 2019
756
Since there's some confusion about the Mitsue character, here's a short 6 slide presentation on her general disposition:


This concludes the presentation.

I'd be more worried about the mary sue in the room club..
Nov 22, 2019 5:21 PM

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Sep 2018
2157
Oji is so cocky!! He's the ace?? It takes two to play doubles! Obviously lol

I really really love the OP song, I listen to it and never skip even the ED!

I love the match! I love how camera follow the ball! Looks good ❤

Mitsue is so tsundere lol she always say she don't want to support them but she's always there with them XD Atleast Oji redeem himself, he's funny. I love this episode ❤
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Nov 22, 2019 7:52 PM

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Jul 2009
666
I love this show so much. Oji turning out to not be a huge dick and enjoying the BBQ with them was a nice touch and was really sweet to watch.

Poor Toma though...he's obviously dealing with some shit. :( I hope things get better for him by the end..
Nov 22, 2019 9:45 PM

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Nov 2019
291
I really loved the match and i can't wait to see our lil team grow and get better.
Nov 22, 2019 10:00 PM

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Mar 2017
144
That match was that intense. Barbecue scene was quite nice and that cockroach story was really something. A bit worried about the post-credits scene though.
Nov 23, 2019 6:49 AM

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Apr 2012
21424
Jin_uzuki said:
Hey, this was pretty good. I wish the show didn't look so weird in the second half, there were so many uncanny moments.

We got a major hint of Mitsue's issues, but we are 7 episodes in, at this point that ship is sailed. I do not look forward the writer dumping her backstory all over the plot out of nowhere in the next episode or so.


Did this ship come to life just now? Does this mean that their previous real ship tease was only in the second episode? It feels like she’s only here so that the guys don't accidentally think that this is fujoshi bait and don't ignore the series.

@this_shit_again You want to say that she is a local version of Gou and exists only for female otaku fantasies?
RobertBobertNov 23, 2019 6:53 AM
Nov 23, 2019 10:23 AM

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Apr 2009
775
RobertBobert said:
Jin_uzuki said:
Hey, this was pretty good. I wish the show didn't look so weird in the second half, there were so many uncanny moments.

We got a major hint of Mitsue's issues, but we are 7 episodes in, at this point that ship is sailed. I do not look forward the writer dumping her backstory all over the plot out of nowhere in the next episode or so.


Did this ship come to life just now?

No I don't mean "ship" has in "shipping", it's an expression lol.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/that_ship_has_sailed

I meant her character isn't well integrated in the story and just feels like an extra at this point, it's too late to have her become a major player.

Gou was legitimately funny and actually had a purpose in the series. (Also she was related to one of the main characters)

Nov 23, 2019 12:27 PM

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Nov 2019
756
RobertBobert said:

@this_shit_again You want to say that she is a local version of Gou and exists only for female otaku fantasies?


I meant that the show makes it quite clear that her outward pessimism is not indicative of her actual feelings. As others have said, she's a tsundere so expect her to open up more in the upcoming episodes. Maki is the mary sue.

I didn't watch Free!
this_shit_againNov 23, 2019 12:33 PM
Nov 23, 2019 1:36 PM

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Apr 2012
21424
this_shit_again said:
RobertBobert said:

@this_shit_again You want to say that she is a local version of Gou and exists only for female otaku fantasies?


I meant that the show makes it quite clear that her outward pessimism is not indicative of her actual feelings. As others have said, she's a tsundere so expect her to open up more in the upcoming episodes. Maki is the mary sue.

I didn't watch Free!


Well, I still do not understand what kind of audience this show is counting on, but at the moment, yes, to me personally Maki seems too superficial to MC for a sports anime. I have not reached this episode myself, but still.

@Jin_uzuki Well, as I said above, I have not watched these episodes yet. But to me personally, she seems to be someone in between the local Daria and the female otaku MC.
Nov 23, 2019 5:29 PM
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Mar 2018
3
i don't inderstand Toma issues really??

i think the one who complined it Maki's Father (i really hate him)
Nov 23, 2019 7:34 PM

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Jun 2013
3514
Ouji was obviously a nice guy and an actual ouji, his family must be loaded. They have their own personal cook and nutritionist. It isn't that uncommon to have maids in a lot of Asian, especially Southeast Asian countries like Thaialand, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, etc. but a nutritionist is something else. Usually characters like him aren't malicious at all, it's the ones who act nice in the beginning who end up being the most twisted.

Anyways, I wonder what kind of dog he has? I remember watching a Youtube video about the most expensive dogs but I can't seem to put a finger on what breed Kamuy is.
臭い-
Nov 23, 2019 7:55 PM

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Nov 2016
10
ebtesam20 said:
i don't inderstand Toma issues really??


I think he has or had some anger issues or some kind of history of violence, or at least is implied as that

About Mitsue

So, for some time i tought that she would have some kind of romantic relatonship with Maki, but we are in EP 7 and they barely even interact, they had some interaction in the two first episodes, but Maki don't even look her way.

I really don't understand her role so far, like many people said here, she is just there, she seems to be a loner, and that's why she hangs with the tennis club, she knows no better, and well, it's implied that she has fellings for Maki.
Kallran006Nov 23, 2019 8:02 PM
Nov 24, 2019 2:36 AM

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Oct 2008
13718
Another wonderful episode!
they still lost but the fight was super close it was worth it!
nice barbecue party!
5/5.


Nov 24, 2019 4:40 AM

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Dec 2008
4016
Very nice episode. Ouji quickly becoming friends with the boys was a surprise but a welcome one. I really couldn't bring myself to dislike him, even more so when he actually realized the problem with his doubles play and even communicated with his partner. I was sure he'd get along with Shingo too.

That being said, inb4 the parent was Maki's dad because he was pissed that he didn't catch maki at home to extort money
Nov 24, 2019 7:37 AM
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Nov 2017
229
This was a nice episode and I've never watched such an intense tennis match before. That Arashi guy is actually pretty cute lol he seem to have some background too that might be revealed later on, just a guess though. Arashi when he was walking his dog and slipped, that face he mad as he slipped was priceless xD
Nov 24, 2019 8:10 AM

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Nov 2019
756
Toma just sitting there alone in the back while Maki is playing with Oji's dog is like the saddest thing..

Nov 24, 2019 11:59 PM

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Oct 2017
27094
Maki sure knows how to exploit others weakness lol. Also the barbecue part was fun and damn the part after the ed, looks like more troubles coming.
Nov 25, 2019 7:45 AM

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Jul 2017
14648
Of course being champions, the head ace honcho of Misaki Academy, Oji Arashi doesn't care about playing doubles, he is his own strength. But in doubles, it takes two to play, and a single person cannot tackle on his own.

Every POINT, Toma and Maki kept leveling with the ace and his lackey player in breakneck speed and strategy skill. But Oji overcomes his pride and ego, by LEARNING TO LET GO, and asked his partner to cover for his open areas. In the end, even the best pair lost, it was all cheers and applause. What an intense match coupled with perfection of camerawork.

And a BBQ to ease the time for the soft tennis club. Of course, Mitsue would join at any chance she gets. Her shtick as far as I can see is being attached to Yuta (like their 4-man clique). Definitely glad to see Oji interact with the club with no hard feelings.

this_shit_again said:
Toma just sitting there alone in the back while Maki is playing with Oji's dog is like the saddest thing..



And to the surprise of no one, Oji strikes off as being rich. But to the surprise of everyone, Toma strikes off as being an introvert? Being an advocate for everyone but not fitting into any clique, that's not just sad but scary too...

Looks like there's more trouble brewing in the post-credits...have to await next episode!
Nov 25, 2019 9:46 AM

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Apr 2012
528
The girl is seriously getting on my nerves. She has absolutely no function in the story but her rude behaviour ruins every secene she's in...
Nov 25, 2019 12:51 PM

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Nov 2019
756
Lylaaz said:
Toma should be cautious. Otherwise the "rich boy" will buy Maki soon. :'D

Repeatedly and loudly having a foodgasm from Maki's cooking and telling him how incredible he is while his partner sits 4 seats over. So rude..

this_shit_againNov 25, 2019 12:56 PM
Nov 25, 2019 1:32 PM

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Feb 2018
118
Toma better get tf in there and socialize before I start to ship Maki with someone else
Nov 25, 2019 10:33 PM

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Mar 2019
948
Casual Mitsue looked so cute...

Great last match.
Nyan-Pasu!... [ Ara Ara ] [ Waifus ]
Nov 26, 2019 7:03 AM

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Nov 2019
756
They didn't add internal monologue during Toma's close-up, but you could just feel it..

Nov 27, 2019 3:29 PM

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Feb 2010
1694
this_shit_again said:
Toma just sitting there alone in the back while Maki is playing with Oji's dog is like the saddest thing..


It can be seen as sad... but, honestly, it's a reality and it's a struggle that a lot of people who are more introverted face. I actually think the barbecue scene is one of my favorite scenes so far since it illustrates the bond they're all forming with one another, but it also manages to throw in that snippet of reality. I feel like this is a trend in this anime and it has been pretty good at presenting light-hearted scenes and then bringing light to issues you may have missed and wouldn't think twice about really. Like when Toma is sitting by himself and they highlight some realistic thoughts and feelings that go through people who have difficulty fitting in or socializing. Even things like abuse, adoption, bullying, and topics like someone's wealth being observed and mentioned in a anime about middle schoolers...is amazing. I love it. It doesn't just talk about these issues but brings room for discussion which I think is very bold to do in japanese media, and in any type of media really.

There is a beautiful story that is being told and I am here for it.

RisuSaya said:
The girl is seriously getting on my nerves. She has absolutely no function in the story but her rude behaviour ruins every secene she's in...


Mitsue annoyed me at first too...and I'd be lying if I said she does not still, but I do think she has a function in the story.

Her function in the story is that she is an outcast, trying to form relationships with people who are also considered outcasts by the school and even society. Her attitude...it is interesting because I get the impression she wants to be friends, be a part of a community or group but she is reluctant and doesn't even know how. She has a rather pessimistic attitude, which makes you believe she is 'mature', yet she is very child-like. I think that Mitsue is trying to hide her weaknesses or insecurities and since she is an outcast, she is so honest and blunt towards people simply because she hasn't really had opportunities to develop her social skills. It is also part of her personality, I suppose but my point is it does make sense that she doesn't know how to keep thoughts to herself or be 'friendly' since...well, people have labeled her as 'gross, an otaku' and I am assuming no one really has been friendly to her so she does not know how to act.
EarlCielNov 27, 2019 3:33 PM
Nov 28, 2019 5:33 AM

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Nov 2019
756
You could sense that Yuuta was trying to say something..



But the powers that be wouldn't let him..
Dec 3, 2019 5:38 PM
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Jul 2013
491
I think Toma's mother is not his real mother, that and other things we still don't know are a source of him being "twisted".
As for Mitsue, give her some more time, she's not easy to be around, but there will come a time when she starts giving back. I like her character, she's a good counterweight and I think the show would lose out without her.
Dec 12, 2019 9:35 PM

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Aug 2018
879
Great episode, love the cliff hanger in the end. Is Mitsue the girl character suppose to be the love interest? She is annoying me but that's a good thing i want to know where she characters goes.
Dec 14, 2019 10:09 PM

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Nov 2013
495
What a shock. I was thinking this was going to be 'filler' until the next good anime comes along and --surprise--this IS IT!
What particularly stood out this episode was the camera work and the choreography of the games. It was on a whole new level. The way the camera sometimes follows the ball, the reaction shots, the energy and relentlessness of the game play. I found myself getting exhausted just watching, because my body thought *I* was the one playing. Talk about 'drawing the viewer in'. A masterpiece of anime. And the characters are such good people. Maki is a genius and can think on his feet and come up with strategy. And to think he comes from a broken family. Intelligence makes a difference. An admirable personality, he makes the best of life and outstrips most of his peers.
Jan 4, 2020 8:59 PM
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Nov 2017
379
Arashi and his dog are the best boys. I'm waiting for the girl to become a manager already
Jan 14, 2020 6:28 PM

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Aug 2017
11418
Mitsue needs her backstory immediately since she's getting annoying.

Oh no, incoming more dumb drama for the next episode.

All weebs creatures of the galaxy, hear this message. Those of you who listen will not be struck by western animation. You will no longer know hunger, nor pain. Your Anime have come to lead you now. Our strength shall serve as a luminous sun toward which all intelligence may blossom. And the impervious shelter beneath which you will prosper. However, for those who refuse our offer and cling to their western animation ways… For you, there will be great wrath.
Feb 4, 2020 12:57 PM

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Aug 2018
767
Great Episode
- complete -
Feb 15, 2020 5:57 PM
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Jul 2016
93
After such a tense match, I'd say this episode was a much-needed wholesome breather.

.. but of course the writer just HAD to put something foreboding at the end. This show is about all sorts of wrong things in this world, after all.
Feb 21, 2020 2:57 PM

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Jun 2014
22512
This was definitely one of the best episodes yet. Maki and Touma came really close to winning, and I'd say that their skill is near equal to their opponent.

They met their toughest opponent at their barbeque, and he seems a lot nicer this time around.

That bit at the very end doesn't look good, though. The "parent" who complained was probably the mother of the fat rich girl.

Feb 23, 2020 7:10 AM
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Feb 2015
66
I love the
part, maybe the best episode so far.
Mar 30, 2020 6:20 AM

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Jul 2015
9999
Great match, Maki definitely has the talent if only he also had the experience they would have on a higher level

No wonder Maki has such a good reflexes, he has unlocked ultra instinct at a young age

Aug 29, 2020 11:25 PM
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Oct 2019
4329
Haha neighbor girl lost her appetite for that barbecue. I can't believe everyone in here dislikes her. She's probably my favorite character.

So is this show technically boy's love (whatever the term is)?

Poor kid thinks he's broken and incapable of having fun with others. What the heck did his mom do to him?
HagePotPotatoAug 30, 2020 7:45 AM
Aug 4, 2021 1:37 PM

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Jan 2021
5854
It’s a shame they lost.
But it was honestly pretty realistic that they did.
Oct 13, 2022 6:30 AM

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Jan 2021
54
I don't like Mitsue and her attitude
I mean if you can't say something nice then don't say anything at all
I just don't like her
May 16, 2023 12:06 PM

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Aug 2019
1688
What was with that match? They're supposed to be the ace pair of one of the best soft tennis high school teams and yet they barely have their shit together. Why hasn't the coach chewed them out already to clean up their act?
Aug 6, 1:22 PM

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Aug 2013
234
Man, that game had me on the edge of my seat. Maki and Toma were soooo close! Obviously, the other pair would do better once Arashi finally accepted the fact that they’re a PAIR. This is a team sport, and he’s acting like it’s all about him. It was funny though, seeing him do so badly after acting like a big shot.

I’m proud of Itsuki for taking his shirt off in front of the others. I can imagine how nervous he was to do that. Seeing his scar made me so sad 🥺 It was nice to see Arashi get over himself and hang out with the boys. At the end of the day, they’re all middle schoolers who are doing what they love. They should at least get along. And Kamuy’s so cute 😭

I feel for Toma and hope that he’s able to step outside his comfort zone soon, but… COCKROACKES? Finding out that it’s thanks to his mom offering him 10 yen per roach that Maki has great reflexes is hilarious 😂 Their reactions were golden. And for him to use chopsticks… This kid is something else

Been seeing lots of Mitsue hate, and I get it that she’s not always needed, but it’s nice to have a different personality thrown in there. Also, since she’s the only person there who doesn’t understand the rules of soft tennis, Yuta teaches her, and in turn, teaches us. I like that.
imjayhimeAug 6, 1:29 PM
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