Forum SettingsEpisode Information
Forums
New
What did you think of this episode?
DO NOT discuss the source material beyond this episode. If you want to discuss future events or theories, please use separate threads.
DO NOT ask where to watch/download this episode or give links to copyrighted, non-fair use material.
DO NOT troll/bait/harass/abuse other users for liking or disliking the series/characters.
DO read the Anime Discussion Rules and Site & Forum Guidelines.
Pages (2) [1] 2 »
Nov 14, 7:30 AM
#1

Offline
Dec 2021
2861
Chii might've taken the dub in her match, but poor Taiki lost his... :(


Nov 14, 7:34 AM
#2
Offline
Aug 2022
1622
Taiki was defeated by Yusa, a completely new character introduced to the scene. Meanwhile, Haryu-senpai lost to Sajikawa’s top player and will be heading to the nationals as the runner-up. On a brighter note, Chinatsu-san triumphed in the tournament and secured a spot at the nationals as the prefecture winner. Taiki, your pain is so relatable. 😭
Ricky16Yesterday, 9:05 AM
Nov 14, 8:28 AM
#3
Offline
Apr 2022
5
WTF is up with hyodo 😭😭 why is he drawn like that what
Nov 14, 9:11 AM
#4

Offline
Oct 2011
9071
taiki nooooooooooooooooo😱😭😭😭😭
Nov 14, 9:31 AM
#5

Offline
Aug 2013
5418
I really didn't expect Taiki to lose in the very first match.
Dub = fake crap. Always.
Nov 14, 10:49 AM
#6
Offline
Jun 2020
27
this is stupid, the rest of the world is 1 episode behind.
Nov 14, 11:18 AM
#7

Offline
Feb 2019
9372
Did not see Taiki losing in the very first match after all the build up and training he put in, but I like it honestly. It’s a bold choice from the author and shows the talent gap between he and the very top. It gives us something to look forward to as he continues to grow.

PLUS it’s also realistic. Just because you work hard at something or want to do it, doesn’t mean you’ll have success. Failure is a part of life, and it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you pick yourself back up. Also, dude got babied by Hina after the match so he won in my book lmao. God she’s so pretty and looked great today. Wish she would’ve at least got to see the match tho 😭

Sucks seeing him run off sad at the end, but again, Chinatsu is older and went thru that same failure earlier in her career. It’s because she failed that she was able to succeed this time and he’ll get there too one day. Brilliant ep as per
Marinate1016Nov 14, 4:51 PM
Nov 14, 11:43 AM
#8

Offline
Apr 2016
18754
Man, Daiki has lost, but Taiki will get it the next time ...

Anyway, I don't know why are people so surprised that Taiki has lost his very first match, that's the reality of a competitive sport, a very realistic representation too, you train, then you train even more, you slowly gain confidence, and then you get paired with an opponent that rolls you over like a joint.

But it is from this point when you accept you have lost, that you move on. Very shounen, very anime, but actual peak episode.
Nov 14, 12:02 PM
#9

Offline
Oct 2011
9071
rsc-pl said:
I really didn't expect Taiki to lose in the very first match.

he did lose AU Nagi Seishiro of Badminton
Nov 14, 12:11 PM

Offline
Jun 2019
6579
I'm glad Chinatsu Senpai made it into the Inter-High. Taiki lost and it was a very tough loss for him. He definitely improved but it seems like he has a long way to go before he can challenge Sachi School or can go against someone like Haryuu senpai who himself lost to his rival from Sachi.

We took quite a few losses this week but it is what it is. This is sports for you. Don't feel down Taiki. We're gonna go stronger from here on out.
Nov 14, 12:46 PM

Offline
Mar 2021
1847
Absolutely gutted that Taiki lost I was so hoping he would get to the finals.
Nov 14, 4:18 PM
Offline
Mar 2024
27
It’s good to see the new character daiki performing so well. Hope taiki can do better than getting past the first round tho. In all seriousness for those who aren’t manga readers, yusa who he lost too is seriously up there so there’s no shame in unfortunate matchups.
Nov 14, 6:14 PM
Offline
Mar 2020
46
Reply to joshlill
It’s good to see the new character daiki performing so well. Hope taiki can do better than getting past the first round tho. In all seriousness for those who aren’t manga readers, yusa who he lost too is seriously up there so there’s no shame in unfortunate matchups.
@joshlill The whole "Daiki" thing makes me wonder if the subtitles are done by AI, it annoyed me so much
Nov 14, 6:46 PM

Offline
Nov 2016
5
How will Taiki recover from not having his match even animated?
Nov 14, 7:56 PM

Offline
Oct 2011
9071
SamuelPapprill said:
@joshlill The whole "Daiki" thing makes me wonder if the subtitles are done by AI, it annoyed me so much

Hariu senpai 😡😡😡😡😡😡😡😡
Nov 14, 7:57 PM
Offline
Jan 2021
98
I did not expect bro to lose in the 1st match of both formats. oof
Nov 14, 9:30 PM
Offline
Aug 2021
344
Raphix said:
How will Taiki recover from not having his match even animated?

He got cooked off screen 😭🙏
Nov 14, 10:34 PM
Offline
Mar 2015
13461
Our boi lost but Chinatsu won Rhytm gymnastics gril does not know what it is like to lose like Chinatsu being jealous of the karage our boi gave to the gymnastics gril
landofthekwtNov 14, 10:38 PM
Nov 15, 12:58 AM
Offline
Sep 2023
126
Man I was already depressed after watching dandadan, but this ep put more salt in the wound😭
Nov 15, 2:57 AM

Offline
May 2017
28
Reply to SamuelPapprill
@joshlill The whole "Daiki" thing makes me wonder if the subtitles are done by AI, it annoyed me so much
@SamuelPapprill no, this is straight google translate.

There are other good AI-assisted subs that are actually way better and accurate than netflix ones IMO.
Look for Ai-kun release. I won't give you a link obviously.
KawaiiTanukiNov 15, 3:53 AM
Nov 15, 3:00 AM
Offline
Mar 2020
46
Reply to KawaiiTanuki
@SamuelPapprill no, this is straight google translate.

There are other good AI-assisted subs that are actually way better and accurate than netflix ones IMO.
Look for Ai-kun release. I won't give you a link obviously.
@KawaiiTanuki I'm not against AI translation tools. I think they can be good when used in conjunction with a human translators, they can speed up the process but I don't think they can replace them yet.
Nov 15, 3:52 AM
Deadhead

Offline
Dec 2018
3952
Well I’m glad I can still watch the early release episode day of, but the subs I watched were questionable and it looks like others found the same one with mentions of Daiki and Hariu lol. Maybe they got replaced by doppelgängers or something and this is how things play out in the manga too, it would explain why Taiki lost, it’s not Taiki at all but some poser named Daiki lol.

Jokes aside, pretty realistic episode with Taiki’s loss, he got better and gained a lot of confidence but Yusa and Hyodo quickly ended his career. But really it makes sense, Taiki is a first year with a lot of room for improvement, and these losses will be a big part of helping him grow. Plus, it’s not all bad really, he’s got two beautiful babes in his corner with Chinatsu and Hina, he’ll absolutely bounce back with support like that lol. Also loved Chinatsu’s “ippon”, really cute, also reminded me of a show called “Ippon Again” which was a judo anime back in Winter 2023, I miss that one.
Nov 15, 6:10 AM
Offline
Oct 2022
670
I feel so happy about Chinatsu, but poor Taiki, he lost his game and I know he is so frustrated… Maybe next time will be his chance of winning.
Nov 15, 7:46 AM

Offline
Jul 2023
1598
had to press dislike. Perhaps I was so used to how matches are stretched out into multiple episodes in typical sports anime that I did not appreciate this episode, even though for spectators, matches do finish quickly. Taiki will now have to avenge his lost against both players.
Nov 15, 7:50 AM

Offline
Aug 2018
293
Wow, this episode was really surprising...

I believe that this episode had the purpose of being a reality check for us and for Taiki. I personally found this episode as a reality check. The truth is that, from the very beginning, everything was pointing out to the fact that Taiki wasn't going to be able to get into the finals in his first year. Although he got a lot better since the first episode, they did say in the first episode that he wasn't that good of a player, so it would be impossible for him to get into the finals in just 6 months of training.
But with all the positive and optimistic vibe the anime and Taiki have, you kind of get carried away with that too, and you start believing it too.
I was expecting Taiki to not be able to get into the nationals through the singles tournament, but I thought they would make it happen in the doubles tournament, since he's with Haryuu, that is a pretty more experienced player. But when they cut to Taiki and Haryuu losing the match, I was like "hey, wait, and now what? Are they making him pass in the singles?", but I was finding that weird, because how would Taiki win over Haryuu or Hyoudou? So, from the outside it seems like a predictable outcome, when you're into the anime it completely shocks you, and I wasn't expecting that.

Now, I have to say, that although I missed having matches that were actually shown in the anime, I really liked the fast-paced feeling this episode had. In the first half of the episode you're like "yes Taiki, you can do it", but after he loses with Haryuu in the doubles tournament, they keep throwing you information, and when you're not even prepared, the singles tournament is starting, and when you think they're going to do a big climatic match until Taiki gets to Hyoudou, they just show Taiki losing his first match. The way they directed this actually gave me chills, and I cannot stress enough how I feel like this fast-paced episode really conveyed the feelings the episode has too.

Cherry on top for me, was in the end of the episode, when Taiki returned home, and heard Chinatsu telling Taiki's mother that she was able to advance to the inter-high, winning against the team that was saying that Chinatsu wasn't really that good (welp, Chinatsu proved them wrong), and Taiki was happy for her, but he also started to feel worse about losing in the tournament, and feel even more disappointed in himself. I feel like everyone gets this feeling, when something goes really wrong for you, but for your friend it went perfectly, and you want to be happy for them, but at the same time, you kinda feel jealous at the same time, and angry that they could do it, but not you. I was worried they would only make Taiki like "ohoh, no big deal, I completely failed my main objective, but not to worry, I don't dwell in things from the past", but no, they actually showed him being affected by what happened. Losing in the first match must be so hard... I also loved how Hina was there to support Taiki, but since he lost the very first game, she wasn't even able to cheer for him...

Honestly, for me, this episode was the best episode so far, and it really delivered with everything the anime has been building from the very 1st episode. It's also the 1st depressing episode we have in this anime. With these series of events, I'm curious to see which direction the anime is taking, because we won't have anything about inter-high from Taiki, unless we are only going to see Hina and Chinatsu's perspectives on that (and maybe Haryuu's). I suppose that by the end of the 1st cour, Taiki is moving up to the next grade, and Chinatsu will be also moving on.

Now, can someone please remind me why Chinatsu has to be in the finals this year, and won't be able to see Taiki going to the finals next year? Isn't she only 1 year older than Taiki, so therefore she also has 1 more year until completing high school? She's the same age as Haryuu, and they stated this episode that he will probably become the best badmiton player the next year, because Hyoudou would be graduating. I never gave much thought on that, is it because she will move in with her parents in another region of Japan? I suppose they will fix that, since the anime would be ending no time soon if she does that.
This tournament thing was much more quick than what I expected, so I'm expecting the 2nd cour of the anime to present a time skip to them being 1 year older.

Anyways, last week I wasn't able to see the 7th episode (some problem with Netflix Japan? I think it was because of lack of english subs there), but now episode 8th came out at the right time, right after the delayed episode 7, so really happy to be right on track again!
Nov 15, 7:56 AM

Offline
Aug 2018
293
Reply to Swagernator
Man, Daiki has lost, but Taiki will get it the next time ...

Anyway, I don't know why are people so surprised that Taiki has lost his very first match, that's the reality of a competitive sport, a very realistic representation too, you train, then you train even more, you slowly gain confidence, and then you get paired with an opponent that rolls you over like a joint.

But it is from this point when you accept you have lost, that you move on. Very shounen, very anime, but actual peak episode.
Swagernator said:
Man, Daiki has lost, but Taiki will get it the next time ...


Daiki is the Taiki of the timeline where he lost in the tournament, so I'm sure Taiki is getting that 1st place
Nov 15, 8:39 AM
Offline
Apr 2024
32
i wish taiki won against that twink.
Urmameh.newgrounds.com
Nov 15, 10:44 AM

Offline
Jan 2018
3811
Chinatsu doing radio calisthenics with Taiki was cute. So was her writing the note in Taiki's notebook.

Taiki and Haryu lost the doubles. But Taiki losing his first solo match hit hard. Of course, I wasn't expecting him to actually go to Inter High as a first-year. Virtually no sports anime MC makes it to the nationals in their first year and especially not so early in the story. It's supposed to be climactic. And I think all of the MCs went to the nationals in their 3rd year in the anime that I watched. Which makes Blue Box's case interesting since Taiki has to do something by his 2nd year or else Chinatsu would graduate and probably distance herself from him.

I'd be very depressed if I were him. I understand his frustration. It was cute how Chono brought him food. I think this is probably the first time we saw her wearing a casual outfit? I think it's great that Chinatsu was able to go to the nationals I think. But I wonder how Taiki's gonna break the news that he lost at the first match.
Nov 15, 10:52 AM
Offline
Nov 2020
6
even this anime have bad end i still love it

Nov 15, 12:42 PM

Offline
May 2019
2707
While I was surprised that Taiki lost both of his matches it shows how he has room to grow and plus he's a first year which means, as he himself said, he still has 2 more opportunities. Also, Hina was impressed by his attitude after his losses and I'm sure even she thinks he'll do better next time. Speaking of Hina...


Girl looks even cuter in casual clothes.
Alfredo-SauceNov 15, 9:53 PM
Nov 15, 2:37 PM

Offline
Jul 2017
1154
suger overdose to depression in the span of 20 minutes...
damn
Nov 15, 3:04 PM
Offline
Oct 2023
8
Reply to PokefanPT
Wow, this episode was really surprising...

I believe that this episode had the purpose of being a reality check for us and for Taiki. I personally found this episode as a reality check. The truth is that, from the very beginning, everything was pointing out to the fact that Taiki wasn't going to be able to get into the finals in his first year. Although he got a lot better since the first episode, they did say in the first episode that he wasn't that good of a player, so it would be impossible for him to get into the finals in just 6 months of training.
But with all the positive and optimistic vibe the anime and Taiki have, you kind of get carried away with that too, and you start believing it too.
I was expecting Taiki to not be able to get into the nationals through the singles tournament, but I thought they would make it happen in the doubles tournament, since he's with Haryuu, that is a pretty more experienced player. But when they cut to Taiki and Haryuu losing the match, I was like "hey, wait, and now what? Are they making him pass in the singles?", but I was finding that weird, because how would Taiki win over Haryuu or Hyoudou? So, from the outside it seems like a predictable outcome, when you're into the anime it completely shocks you, and I wasn't expecting that.

Now, I have to say, that although I missed having matches that were actually shown in the anime, I really liked the fast-paced feeling this episode had. In the first half of the episode you're like "yes Taiki, you can do it", but after he loses with Haryuu in the doubles tournament, they keep throwing you information, and when you're not even prepared, the singles tournament is starting, and when you think they're going to do a big climatic match until Taiki gets to Hyoudou, they just show Taiki losing his first match. The way they directed this actually gave me chills, and I cannot stress enough how I feel like this fast-paced episode really conveyed the feelings the episode has too.

Cherry on top for me, was in the end of the episode, when Taiki returned home, and heard Chinatsu telling Taiki's mother that she was able to advance to the inter-high, winning against the team that was saying that Chinatsu wasn't really that good (welp, Chinatsu proved them wrong), and Taiki was happy for her, but he also started to feel worse about losing in the tournament, and feel even more disappointed in himself. I feel like everyone gets this feeling, when something goes really wrong for you, but for your friend it went perfectly, and you want to be happy for them, but at the same time, you kinda feel jealous at the same time, and angry that they could do it, but not you. I was worried they would only make Taiki like "ohoh, no big deal, I completely failed my main objective, but not to worry, I don't dwell in things from the past", but no, they actually showed him being affected by what happened. Losing in the first match must be so hard... I also loved how Hina was there to support Taiki, but since he lost the very first game, she wasn't even able to cheer for him...

Honestly, for me, this episode was the best episode so far, and it really delivered with everything the anime has been building from the very 1st episode. It's also the 1st depressing episode we have in this anime. With these series of events, I'm curious to see which direction the anime is taking, because we won't have anything about inter-high from Taiki, unless we are only going to see Hina and Chinatsu's perspectives on that (and maybe Haryuu's). I suppose that by the end of the 1st cour, Taiki is moving up to the next grade, and Chinatsu will be also moving on.

Now, can someone please remind me why Chinatsu has to be in the finals this year, and won't be able to see Taiki going to the finals next year? Isn't she only 1 year older than Taiki, so therefore she also has 1 more year until completing high school? She's the same age as Haryuu, and they stated this episode that he will probably become the best badmiton player the next year, because Hyoudou would be graduating. I never gave much thought on that, is it because she will move in with her parents in another region of Japan? I suppose they will fix that, since the anime would be ending no time soon if she does that.
This tournament thing was much more quick than what I expected, so I'm expecting the 2nd cour of the anime to present a time skip to them being 1 year older.

Anyways, last week I wasn't able to see the 7th episode (some problem with Netflix Japan? I think it was because of lack of english subs there), but now episode 8th came out at the right time, right after the delayed episode 7, so really happy to be right on track again!
@PokefanPT
Yes, they could both go next year. I think the urgency for Chinatsu this year is to overcome the heartbreak of missing out last year and also justifying her reason for staying. For Taiki, beyond his personal motivation, he kind of equates going to nationals with being worthy of pursuing Chinatsu.
Nov 15, 4:17 PM
Online
Dec 2020
1462
i mean ig it makes sense the series is ongoing after all
Nov 15, 4:21 PM
Online
Dec 2020
1462
@PokefanPT
im pretty sure the subs will just be one episode off on nf for the rest of the series. It makes me wonder why they're encouraging piracy
Nov 15, 9:00 PM
Offline
Apr 2021
1734
Noooooo Taiki don’t feel like that please it makes me sad seeing a kind soul like Taiki being in that state of hurt man but I felt his pain when you really put in work and wanted to win but didn’t it hurts man and I feel Taiki for not ruining Chinatsu’s win by interrupting her being praise he’s so thoughtful man🥺🥺🥺☹️

The calisthenics that Chinatsu and Taiki were doing was so cute but funny as hell they were moving funny during the end of it haha

Hina looks SOOOOOO cute in normal clothing man I wish she was real so I could date her when she gets rejected by Taiki😫
Nov 15, 11:41 PM
Offline
Jan 2024
13
dang it Daiki must've lost but Taiki is still in there
Nov 16, 3:56 AM
Offline
May 2024
2
Taiki must win the next champion
Nov 16, 4:02 AM

Offline
Feb 2014
3959
A bittersweet episode in a nutshell, I must say.

While I'm happy for Chinatsu for finally winning and qualifying for the Inter-High tournament, Taiki had a double dose of reality at the badminton competition. He and Haryu performed well in doubles, but Hyodo and his teammate were simply too strong. Even in the singles tournament, Taiki got beat convincingly by Yusa while Haryu had to settle as a runners-up yet again to Hyodo. At least Haryu qualifies for the Inter-High as well, so I do pray that he can finally get his first victory against Hyodo there.

Hina appeared after Taiki's matches were over, but she did a nice job in cheering him up with the snacks that she brought along. Not only that, but her casual clothing outfit here looks absolute perfection on her! =)

Knowing Taiki, dealing with the frustrating way of getting knocked out is pretty realistic and I applaud the story for going this way. I do see him bouncing back from this and getting right back to practicing badminton as much as he can. He has good potential of going further in his second year, so I will have hope that he can achieve his dream by then.
Nov 16, 5:53 AM

Offline
Jan 2013
14276
These last two episodes have been very lacking in terms of animation quality compared to the other episodes, I mean. Add that to the fact that the subs were not up to par, and this episode wasn't a good experience. I don't remember if the manga was rushed like this, but probably not.
Nov 16, 10:08 AM

Offline
Aug 2018
293
Reply to doalabs
@PokefanPT
Yes, they could both go next year. I think the urgency for Chinatsu this year is to overcome the heartbreak of missing out last year and also justifying her reason for staying. For Taiki, beyond his personal motivation, he kind of equates going to nationals with being worthy of pursuing Chinatsu.
doalabs said:
I think the urgency for Chinatsu this year is to overcome the heartbreak of missing out last year and also justifying her reason for staying.

Ahh, ok, it's more about that, isn't it? I was getting a bit confused after this episode, because they are really implying that this is Chinatsu's last hope, which is not exactly like that. Thank you for the reply!
Nov 16, 10:10 AM

Offline
Aug 2018
293
Reply to Pillsbury_Uchiha
@PokefanPT
im pretty sure the subs will just be one episode off on nf for the rest of the series. It makes me wonder why they're encouraging piracy
Pillsbury_Uchiha said:
im pretty sure the subs will just be one episode off on nf for the rest of the series. It makes me wonder why they're encouraging piracy


It's really weird why only on Netflix Japan they are releasing these newer episodes, and why the rest of Netflix is one episode behind, especially because they also put english subs for that. I'm glad that the anime is doing well nonetheless, even if it's a bit confusing this situation xD
Nov 17, 3:57 AM
Offline
Aug 2021
853
This Is The Part In The Manga Which Started To Goat It For Me
Nov 17, 4:25 AM

Offline
Oct 2017
2725
Poor Daiki, lost early cuz of bad matchup.
The guy he faced is literally the 3rd strongest guy in the rooster.
Basically 3 extremely strong winner contender in one tournament.
Nov 17, 4:45 AM

Offline
Jul 2016
2375
The sting of defeat combined and happiness for the person you admire most's victory has to be on its own tier of bittersweet. She may be a losing heroine but Hina's gesture was something he really needed at that moment.
Nov 17, 7:57 AM
Offline
Mar 2018
463
It was over in the blink of an eye, poor guy. When I played badminton in middle school, every match felt like it took forever.
Nov 17, 10:53 AM
Offline
Mar 2024
5
perfect music and perfect anime
Nov 17, 8:43 PM
Offline
Dec 2022
35
the author made it very realistic. like literally noone won! I guess athlet's life are not always what we see on those sports animes
Nov 19, 7:43 PM
Offline
Oct 2019
7387
Damn i didn't expect Taiki to lose on his first match.

Never Give up, because we Believe!!
Yesterday, 9:43 AM
Shingster

Offline
Jun 2015
4396
Stretching exercises are perfect for athletes and workers alike. It was so cute watching them too. Observing one's opponents during their matches is a excellent learning exp. Hyudo though really is a force to be reckoned with. Shame that Taiki's match ended in defeat but it was a good display nontheless. But saying that you did your best just doesn't cut it. While its easy to rationlise that Taiki still has time losing still hurts.
Signature removed. Please follow the signature rules, as defined in the Site & Forum Guidelines.
Yesterday, 9:52 AM

Offline
Jul 2022
805
Poor Taiki, losing both matches must have been so frustrating. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can't get what you want. What really matters is whether you can keep going after a loss and keep trying. Taiki still has opportunities, and little by little, he's showing how good he is. I have no doubt that after this tough defeat, he'll keep training, and Chinatsu's victory will inspire him.
Pages (2) [1] 2 »

More topics from this board

Poll: » Ao no Hako Episode 9 Discussion

Softhenic03 - Yesterday

20 by patkarunungan »»
3 hours ago

» I'm curious...

rahez - Nov 1

7 by doalabs »»
Yesterday, 9:22 AM

Poll: » Ao no Hako Episode 2 Discussion ( 1 2 3 )

IzanaSolos - Sep 7

100 by FragmantLemon »»
Nov 20, 7:39 AM

Poll: » Ao no Hako Episode 7 Discussion ( 1 2 )

IzanaSolos - Nov 7

80 by ForeverTraitor »»
Nov 19, 8:16 AM

Poll: » Ao no Hako Episode 6 Discussion ( 1 2 3 )

Softhenic03 - Oct 31

110 by UhhhHHHHhhhh »»
Nov 19, 12:57 AM
It’s time to ditch the text file.
Keep track of your anime easily by creating your own list.
Sign Up Login