Aim for the Ace! (1979)

[bunniefuu]

Oka Hiromi, years old.

This spring, I have entered Nishi High...

and became a member of the tennis team.

In the rainy night I kick-off Goemon.

Springtime of life,

Seishyon,

It's a dazzling season

sore wa mabushii kisetsu

Springtime of life,

Seishyon,

that's like free wings

sore wa jiyuu na tsubasa

youthfulness paired with shyness,

wakasa ni hajirai

seeking for one's dream

yume wo motome te saa

the beginning of the journey.

tabidachi no toki

Those days of youth

Wakai hi wa

the road is winding, as if a maze path

mawarimichi, mayoi michi

remember, my dear

omoide shite, anata

those days of yearning.

ano hi no akogare wo

Springtime of life,

Seishyon,

It's a dazzling season

sore wa mubushii kisetsu

Springtime of life,

Seishyon,

that's like free wings

sore wa jiyuu na tsubasa

youthfulness paired with shyness,

wakasa ni hajirai

seeking for one's dream

yume wo motome te saa

the beginning of the journey.

tabidachi no toki

Game. Five games to love.

Lead Ryuuzaki.

I'm going to miss it! Ochoufujin's match is ending!

"Ochoufujin" means "Madame Butterfly"

Game set. End match won by Ryuuzaki.

Scores, six games to one, six games to love.

Spring Seasonal Match: Minamisawa Academy VS Nishi High School

Here goes!

Nearly there!

Sorry, are you all right?

I'm really sorry, I was in hurry.

This is yours, isn't it?

Ah, yes. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Ah!

Excuse me!

How is the match going?

Is Nishi High winning?

Straight wins for the Girls' team.

Boys' match has already started.

Thanks!

Ah, just as I feared, I couldn't make it on time for Ochoufujin's match.

Ochoufujin. Her real name is Ryuuzaki Reika.

She holds the record for successive victories in the regular games.

No one has defeated her yet.

She's a brilliant high school-level player.

You are late, Hiromi.

I'm sorry.

This year, there are so many freshmen joining the Nishi High's tennis team,

all aspiring to be like Ochoufujin.

Needless to say, I am one of those hopefuls.

You woke up late!?

That's right!

The person you wanted to see has just left.

Ok.

I met her just a moment ago, and she spoke to me.

Wow, what did she say?

You are late, Hiromi.

What? You've just got scolded!?

But, it's okay.

So far, the Boy's team seems to be doing very well.

The captain of the Boy's team,

Ozaki-san.

And the trump card...

Toudou Takayuki-san.

Wow!

Hiromi, what are you doing after this?

Are you going directly home?

How about coming for some Ramen?

Ah, Aikawa Maki-dono.

Are you prepared for tomorrow's test?

Ah! Test...!?

The first English test...

Oh, so it is...

Well, it's Sunday today!

Still early in the afternoon.

It would be great to have Ramen together!

Sure, sure.

Hiromi, did you do well in the test?

Sure sure sure...

How about you, Maki?

Yes yes, almost...

Two!

One!

Two!

One!

Back !

Captain, he's coming.

Finish practice!

All members line up!

As from today I will be your coach.

I'm Munakata.

First, run laps around the ground.

Eeeh!? Oh no! laps!?

Please wait, coach!

Although the former coach left the team last autumn,

we still have been practicing,

based on our own scheduled plan.

From next week on, it's all right.

This week we would like to continue practicing in our own ways.

Your practice schedule,

I have checked it already.

To me, it looks more like child's play.

Start running!

laps!

Captain!

Yes!?

How many members are there in the Girls' team?

Yes!

In total, there are members.

There are freshmen.

seniors, including regular players.

Still more laps!

All members raise your voices!

Ye-s!

Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

What an arrogant man, he is!

It's old-fashioned,

to force others to follow his methods.

That's rather behind times.

Ah hurt! My knees are trembling still.

Dammit!

Hiromi, today, let's eat something nutritious.

Ramen plus Gyoza.

Gyoza: Japanese crescent shaped, pan-fried dumplings stuff with minced pork & vegetables

Let's!

You know...

He doesn't know anything about Nishi High.

People call our school, the Kingdom of Tennis.

That's a fact about Nishi High.

Right!

He even made our idol, Ochoufujin,

ran with us laps!

Unacceptable!

You know...

Men with long legs, the skinny kind...

I prefer those.

Don't come close to me!

Legs so short! You're kind of fat!

Don't come close to me!

One by one, step forward and say your name and grade.

I will test your service and return abilities.

Look Maki, over there.

A video camera.

Please.

Throw the balls at high speed.

About balls for each person,

beyond that if you like.

You can choose the course of the balls.

Yes!

Let's start!

Don't waste your time!

They better not be wasting their time.

Second grade, Tashima Emi!

First grade, Kitashima Kazue!

First grade, Mimura Keiko!

Throw more speedy balls!

Hurt!

Aikawa Maki, First grade!

Oka Hiromi, years old!

Ah-ah, no! First grade!

Uh-oh!

Yeah, enter.

Here are the videotapes.

Ah, thanks.

Leave it there.

I will pay for the tapes tomorrow.

There's no need.

The High School's representatives have plenty of tapes to spare.

Well then, excuse me.

Yeah! Here we have...

The High School's chief and famous anchor man,

Shibauji!

Thanks for your co-operation in filming.

You are welcome!

Toudou, and Ozaki, the big two!

You also did well with the machine operating.

Besides that, tell me the truth.

What is going on, really?

If it was a for match, that's fine.

But he only wanted to record the practice.

I don't know.

That's what we want to know as well!

We were told to go to the girls' tennis-ground.

That's when we realized you were there also.

He doesn't talk a lot.

Only the tennis machine instructions.

That's all.

Same, he turned up at the Resource room.

I will borrow a video camera.

Just those words.

Munakata coach...{wasn't it Munakata?}

Who is he?

He is a coach dispatched from the Federation.

That's for sure, but...

I will check for more details.

Yes, this is Oka.

Yes, just a minute please.

Hiromi...?!

Telephone! From Maki-chan!

Yes, yes, yes, yes!

Yes, what's up, Maki-chan?

What's going on?

Just took a bath.

I'm brushing my hair row.

How about you, Maki?

Oh wow, you're polishing your nails?

You working hard?

Good work, good work!

So, what's up?

I can't sleep!

I need you to listen to me.

I feel rather nervous.

This will be a long story, then.

I'll put it through my room.

I'm ready, okay?

Can I start?

Go ahead.

What does that novice coach want?!

That practice we had today?!

It's as if he's testing each one of us.

I don't want tests other than in school subjects!

I never imagined we would be tested for playing club tennis!

I can't accept it!

Even if he has long legs!

I can't accept it!

If I have to suffer...

I will quit from the tennis team!

I will quit...!

Jin, long time no see!

How have you been?

Ranko...

Welcome.

Come in.

You surprised me...

By accepting to coach the Nishi tennis team.

Are you interested in Ryuuzaki Reika?

Or Toudou Takayuki?

They are Nishi members, right?

You're not going to be my coach?

It's okay, Jin.

Though, I'm glad to see that you're back in the tennis courts.

Well then, I must get going.

Did you have something to talk with me?

I just came to see you.

See you.

Take care.

Well, I like playing tennis,

and I will practice very hard.

But just as a club activity...

I don't mean to become a professional.

I only want to take it easy.

I'm not saying that I will quit.

I mean, I do have resentments.

That coach did make us all uncomfortable.

Club activities are supposed to be relaxing,

compared to classes!

Ah, you gathered all that from yesterday's practice?

Maki, you're so {sensai (=delicate)}delicate!

Yes, like Kantou-dai Shinsai earthquake!{Yes, that's true Kantou-dai Shinsai!}{pun, Kantou-dai Shinsai - big historical earthquake in japan}

I'm a living species of the delicate order.

Fight! Fight! Fight!

What now?! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Fight! Fight! Fight!

Everybody, listen to me!

The Kantou District Tournament is next week.

From now on, I'm going to nominate five of you as regular players.

rd grade, Ryuuzaki Reika.

Yes!

Same rd grade, Tagi Michiru.

Yes!

Ikeda Kazuko... rd grade.

Yes!

nd grade, Hagi Machiko.

Yes!

And Oka Hiromi, st grade.

That is all.

Oka, are you paying attention?

Yes!

All nominated players,

come to my office immediately.

I will list your training schedule.

Otowa Kyouko?

Yes, she is.

You should not have chosen Oka-san over Otowa Kyouko-san.

Last autumn,

when we won the National Championship.

Otowa-san was a regular player then.

Oka-san...

has barely learned enough of the main techniques.

And only recently joined our members.

Not to be impudent, Ryuuzaki...

It's up to me to choose the regulars.

That's terrible!

What on earth?

Otowa-san, poor her!

I think so, too!

Oka-san and that coach,

do they have something special?

Never!

It's not right!

Well...

Well...

Can you go with me, Aikawa Maki?

I've come to correct a misunderstanding.

You don't know much about our Nishi Tennis team, yet.

I suppose...

If I play as a representative player in the match,

perhaps...

No, I'm sure that...

I will hurt Nishi's great pride as the symbol of the tennis kingdom.

As Ryuuzaki-senpai says,

Otowa Kyouko-san should be the regular.

That's all!

Is that all right?

I haven't left out anything?

No, you did very well.

You've told him everything you wanted to say.

Please allow me to withdraw.

Excuse me!

My decision is final.

You'll have a match in one week.

Until then, you got a lot of preparing to do.

Don't waste your time.

Welcome home.

What's wrong, Reika?

Why don't you take off your coat?

May I ask you something, Father?

All right, go on.

Who is he, that Mr. Munakata?

Pardon?

I thought, you must have recommended him...

as Nishi Highs' tennis coach.

That's right.

What's wrong with Mr. Munakata?

I just wanted to ask you who he is.

He's an excellent coach.

As the Director of the Tennis Union,

I can guarantee that.

Is that not enough to be a coach?

Reika,

as a first grade player,shouldn't you trust your coach regardless?

Same as I trust you...

Now!

Hiromi?

Hiromi can you hear me?

Hiromi,

Hiromi?

Don't sleep around here...

Now change your clothes and go home.

Right, right?

Everyone is talking.

Even now that the match is coming close.

Just one player.

Besides, she's just a fresh member that you're spending all your time on.

That's unfair!

Go home.

The main gate will be closed.

Coach, please tell me why?!

What part is Oka-san better than me?!

Munakata coach!!

Stop, don't be like that, Otowa-san.

If you are my friend,

don't behave in such a way that hurts your pride.

Hiromi, what are you thinking of?

Nothing special.

Really?

You got three days left before the match.

It is certain that you'll be rejected as a regular player at that time, more forcibly.

I can't bear watching you...

Everyday, everyday,

you're put into hard training, and all exhausted.

I'm all right.

What?

I'm exhausted, but it's all right.

To my surprise Hiromi seems all right.

Excuse me!

You're the player who got selected as a regular...

Oka Hiromi-kun, right?

Do your best in the match.

Yes, I will do my best!

Nothing, but that Munakata coach has made a drastic decision...

I heard that she's literally a beginner...

Wait, wait, now you're getting more interested...

in that enigmatic person, Munakata Jin!

You must be full of curiosity{curiosities},

as the head of the press department!

Apart from that,

the gaze you gave Oka Hiromi just now...

That attracted my interests more.

Have a heart!

Do I?

Yes, you do.

Wait, wait, I also have a right!

Go!

Ryuuzaki, play against Oka!

Oka, take your racket and enter the court!

Yes!

I'm grateful to you!

What was that?

Ochoufujin was being kind playing against her.

She couldn't even return one ball!

I can't believe she is a regular player!

It's impossible!

What will become of our tennis kingdom?

I didn't become a regular player because I wanted!

But because you, Munakata, wanted!

All right!

That things have come to this much debated match,

I will decorate my debut with a great victory.

Best of three set match, service Oka!

Calm down!

Fault!

Double fault!

Love fifteen!

Love thirty!

Hiromi!

Telephone!

Yes, yes!

From Munakata-san.

I'm giving you just one word of advice for tomorrow's match...

Tennis Rule, Article ...

During the games,

the players should not receive any kind of instruction nor advice.

This is the essence of tennis play.

You should hit the ball,

run and think by yourself alone.

I lost my game due to a twitch...

As my debut match, that's quite spectacular.

But now everything should be obvious.

Even that coach who pushed the matter ahead,

by force.

He doesn't have any reason to set me in a regular position now...

You're right...

For Munakata coach,

it should be obvious on that topic.

I see...

You see...

If you lose points,

or lose your match, no way.

But dropping out of the game because of a twitch,

that's the worst way to lose as a player.

Physical strength is part of the real ability.

I repeat, I don't have any real ability.

Absolutely certain that I don't have it.

So please, set Otowa-san back as a regular.

I did my best by my own effort...

You did your best?

I do not think so.

From tomorrow morning, for a month, you'll run five kilometres before you come to school.

If you can do that, then I will recognize that you're doing your best.

That can't be, coach.

I'm really mad!

Jin, are you awake?

I'm just on my way to school, but I have some time,

so I decided to stop by.

Ranko...

I'm awake.

I want to hear about the match the other day.

The player who lost the game by twitching,

is that the player you're looking for?

I'm not sure that she will become a real treasure.

No, she has a good spring in her body.

That's what you would expect of Jin, good choice!

You go to the hospital frequently, don't you?

Arms closer to your body!

Draw the balls closer to your body!

Step towards the ball!

Ten more times!

Hiromi, Hiromi!

Where are you going all of a sudden?

Sorry Maki,

Coach called for me, for some reason...

I understand...

You're also called for by Munakata coach?

Y-yes.

Toudou,

Ozaki and Ochoufujin were also called for.

Really?

Something will happen, to us.

Come in!

Well, I'm...

Sit down, Ryuuzaki.

Oka, we finished discussing just before you entered.

So, I will give you a briefing of it.

In one month's time,

the Union and prefecture's TV will organize

junior selection match to take place.

This is just a regular one,

for prefecture players and double match only.

From Nishi High,

we will select a team each of girls and boys.

The boy's team, Toudou and Ozaki...

and the girls team Ryuuzaki and Oka,

it's you...

But, it's not decided yet, Oka-san.

Sometime ago, I,

decided not to participate in that match.

Ryuuzaki!

Are you insisting that you won't play with Oka?

Stop talking about that.

Do you want me to say the reason again?

In front of Oka-san?

Coach, it's impossible.

It's impossible for me to double with Ochoufujin.

There's so much difference in our abilities.

It's natural that Ochoufujin,

no - Ryuuzaki-senpai is vexed about this.

Oka,

you should double with Ryuuzaki in the match.

You should think only of that!

Ochoufujin didn't come to practice today, either.

What happened to her?

Did you know,

she reported that she'd caught a cold?

To the esteemed Ryuuzaki-sama,

I...

I was yearning for you,

I was just simply yearning for you.

I was just simply yearning for you.

See, you, bye!

Simply, well,

Yearning for you and joining the tennis team.

I know it's untrue that you'd caught a cold.

I understand...

But...

But I accepted it...

I will send you these flowers in sympathy.

Come back soon to the tennis court, please.

About that double match,

I will tell the coach,

that I definitely can not play.

H. O.

Yes!

That will not do.

It's not even classy,

it'll only ruin it further.

Reika,

We have a guest, come inside.

I understand how Oka-san feels now...

She must've been confused,

about coach's forcible ways.

You are being rude to our guest.

Sit down and let's have a talk.

I...

I've been making a record of successive victories,

not only in the single games but also in the doubles.

That's because,

I'd. selected my partner, myself.

To form a combination of doubles,

it's necessary to be chosen by each other.

Reika, take a seat.

Yes...

Coach, I can't understand it.

You can't be satisfied with a freshman as regular,

you want me double with her as well.

It's no use.

I can't accept your proposal, at all.

Don't misunderstand. Ryuuzaki,

I didn't come here to persuade you.

Reika,

I will leave matters concerning you to, Mr. Munakata.

Oka-san, all of my previous partners can return such balls.

Hurry, back to the base line.

Yes!

Fore, Backhand, Volley...

You can't seem to do anything satisfactorily.

Even if you are my partner,

you can't be accepted, totally.

Then the God of Thunder said...

Why are you hiding not your navel but your head?

Intrepidly, the little boy answered.

I have eyes, nose and mouth on my head...

With my eyes,

I can find my mother's white hair.

With my nose,

I can smell my mother's scent.

And with my mouth,

I can sing a song...

I can sing a song for my mother.

Impressed, the god of thunder became moved,

due to the loving feelings of that little boy towards his mother.

It's cruel!

For Ochoufujin, to say such a harsh thing...

to poor Hiromi!

Morning, Oka-kun.

Good morning...

Toudou-san.

Come with me.

I will take you to some place nice.

This, is my secret practice ground.

Every morning, I would play against this wall.

No wonder Toudousan is such a good player,

every morning!

I still need more...

Use this one.

It's mine, so it's rather heavy.

I wish you'll do your best, I know you have problems.

You have tense shoulders!

Yes!

Munakata Jin, years old.

th Wimbledon,

representative player of Japan.

th game, that was years ago.

I understand!

He's a former first-class player.

Wait until you hear this interesting story.

He's now a coach of the Tennis Federation,

and a member of the All Japan Junior Reinforcement Committee.

Member of the All Japan Junior Reinforcement Committee?

I've never heard of it.

That's right.

The committee was formed this year.

Member of the All Japan Junior Reinforcement Committee,

Munakata Jin...

Nishi is now in the center of the Junior Tennis World of Japan.

And Munakata Jin came from there.

What is going to happen?

No, something is happening, if not strange...

Where's father?

He's in the library.

Thanks.

Miss!

He's with a visitor.

A man who was here before, Munakata.

I was told they are not to be disturbed.

I just want to say good night.

Your proposal has been approved in the Board of Directors, Mr. Munakata.

Thank you very much.

As you said,

for Japanese Tennis to make strides into the world,

it's urgent to bring up Junior players.

I've already sent an official notice to the branches of the federation.

Requested them,

as soon as possible, to recommend candidates for the All Japan Special Junior Team.

All Japan Special Junior Team?!

Mr. Munakata,

we should start listing the names of those in our prefecture.

In our prefecture,

I've already decided on two boys and three girls.

Really?

Could you name them, if you don't mind?

The Boys, Toudou Takayuki and Ozaki Yuu.

The Girls, Ryuuzaki Reika,

Midorikawa Ranko of Kaga High School

and Nishi's Oka Hiromi.

Oka?

The one playing with Reika in the double?

I thought you were going to choose,

the team's captain, Tagi, of Nishi High.

No, it's Oka Hiromi.

All right.

I'll leave the whole matter up to you.

Thank you very much...

You see, it's raining!

Practice is off for a long interval.

Listen Hiromi, how about going to the movies?

The revival movie of Dustin Hoffman.

Can't, have to get up early in the morning.

It's going to rain tomorrow.

So, there's no early morning practice.

Yes, you are free!

Come to the court, Oka-san.

Oka-san.

Yes!

Not only on Sunday...

but also in windy and rainy days,

you'll have games.

Yes.

Oka-san...

Yes...

I'm not doing this because I hate you.

I first held a racket when I was seven.

Since that day,

I've spent most of my time playing tennis.

It was tough for me.

No, it's still tough for me.

But...

Those long hard days, have supported me to what I'm now.

So, I want to tell, not to you, but to Munakata coach...

However excellent the coach may be.

Complete beginners cannot play at the same level as me.

Even if he takes special care off them.

If you are growing by your own effort,

however that may be.

You should be ashamed of yourself for being looked after by him.

You two, what are you doing?!

You shouldn't have practice today!

Come inside and dry yourself!

Wait, Ryuuzaki!

Aikawa.

Open your umbrella for Oka.

Yes!

If you are growing by your own effort,

however that may be.

You should be ashamed of yourself for being looked after by him.

Oka, right?

Well, I would like to ask you one thing.

Give me an answer, please.

Why are you looking after me especially?

I need you to reply, for the life of me!

I've no need to reply.

Then I...

will quit from the tennis club, forever!

I understand.

Too noisy, you damned idiot!

What did the coach say?

I understand.

Just those words.

And so,

I hung up.

That's all.

What will happen to the double match?

As usual,

she will play with Captain Tagi-san.

Our tennis team will be worthy of Nishi's tradition again.

That's all.

Excuse me, I just need to talk with you.

Oran of Kaga High!

Oran of Kaga High?

Hiromi, you don't know her?

. Look, last year, in the National Games,

Ochoufujin competed in the final against Oran of the b*llet Service!

I'm Midorikawa Ranko of Kaga High.

You are, Oka Hiromi-san of Nishi,

aren't you?

Yes, but, how do you know me?

Through Jin.

Jin?

In the coming doubles match,

I'm supposed to play against you.

I'm looking forward to it.

Because I want to confirm how well Jin has trained you.

Excuse me, you are you kind of rude.

Jin, Jin, he is our coach!

Sorry.

Munakata Jin is my brother.

He's the son of the woman my father left before.

Jin is my brother.

You, who wins Jin's confidence,

must receive my b*llet service.

If you can.

Midorikawa-san!

Thanks for your words,

but I've quit the tennis club.

Are you joking?!

If you behave in any way to make Jin sad,

I will not forgive you!

Why would the coach feel sad?

Midorikawa-san!

I would like to see his face sad, if I can!

Have a care!

One!

Two!

One!

Two...

We will be late!

Are you still going to practice?

Y-yes.

You haven't been to the morning practice these past few days.

Don't skip practice too much.

Toudou-san doesn't know yet,

that I've quit the tennis team.

Coach, that's the problem,

you should have let it known to everybody.

Look Hiromi, which do you like?

Maki-chan, why don't you go to the practice?

What are you saying?

I'm keeping you company, Hiromi.

You should go to the practice.

Because you didn't quit the team.

Don't sound so self-important!

I'll quit too.

I'll send a notice that I'm leaving the team tomorrow.

If I back-dated it, or days,

it will be the same date as yours.

Maki...

Don't quit the tennis team.

I quit because I have problems.

Maki, don't do that, just continue.

Ridiculous!

Without you, the tennis team doesn't mean anything to me.

Yes, it does!

If I'm not there...

You can still enjoy playing tennis.

Stupid!

You love tennis the most,

why did you quit it?!

What does Ochoufujin matter...

What do the others matter?!

You should do it, Hiromi!

Hiromi, you should continue playing tennis!

Hey, sit-down!

I can't see!

Please tell me, you'll do it, Hiromi.

Tell me you'll play again!

Please! Please!

Come in!

It's Aikawa.

I'm here, on behalf of Oka Hiromi.

On behalf of?

Oka has stated as follows:

She's really sorry about the telephone call the other day.

She regrets it very much.

If she could have a chance,

with your permission,

she would like to join the team again.

Aikawa...

Yes?

I've not received any formal report stating that she had quit.

So, Oka is still a member of the team.

Hiromi!

Come, you're okay, come on in!

Oka...

Yes...

How many days have you missed?

Five days.

Okay.

It'll be tougher due to that.

Yes!

Ryuuzaki, come to the court!

Formation A!

If I continue playing tennis, anyhow...

I want to become just like Ochoufujin!

Along the baseline, ten more times!

Yes!

Ten more times!

Fight!

I can't hit such a terrific service.

-

-

Oka-san,

don't interfere with my game.

Game!

End first set!

Midorikawa!

Six games to three!

Ryuuzaki!

Are you playing alone in the double?

You are hitting the balls for Oka,

undoubtedly!

You don't like it?

I intended to do the best I can.

You didn't even let your partner hit the ball,

what is your best then?

This game,

we were meant to lose from the start.

If the game is to be lost,

I want to lose it, out of my own fault.

Oka!

You can leave the worries to Ryuuzaki.

You've other things to do than that!

Just one ball...

In the next service, only one ball...

Show me that you can return the service of Midorikawa.

If Ryuuzaki can,

there's no reason you can't!

Just one ball!

She made it again, b*llet service!

Hiromi, fight!

She did it! Hiromi got an Ace!

She broke the b*llet Service!

She received it again!

Next game we'll take Formation A,

We will go on to win!

You can do it, Hiro!

Yes!

You did it Hiromi!

You've won against Midorikawa,

even though defeat seemed certain!

Because you broke the b*llet service!

Ochoufujin also, since then,

has regained her form.

To tell you the truth,

I have always recognized your true ability,

That's the truth!!

How cheeky, to say such a thing, Maki.

It could be another of your jests.

Oh, why?!

It was by chance, it was just pure luck.

I was just lucky.

No, it wasn't!

I have evidence for that.

It was while I was desperate,

that a song came into my head,

and as I played, it stayed in my head.

What's the song? Is it new?

Yep! Maybe new...

because I made it up without thinking during that match.

Oka-kun, pass!

Nice catch!

Oka-kun, I was looking for you.

I will present this to you...

The match against Midorikawa.

I think it'll be of use to you.

For me, so thoughtful?

No, Oka-kun, no need to thank him for that.

He did take the the pictures,

but the idea was brought up by him.

Hey, Ozaki!

You'd promised not to blow it wide open.

Thank you very much.

N-no, it's...

Shall we go, Toudou?

Lunch-break is over!

O-Okay...

See you!

Ball! Ball!

Dear Aikawa Maki-dono,

How is your summer vacation?

I'm in the highlands,

with refreshing winds and lots of greenery,

totally immersed in playing tennis.

Two weeks have already passed since I joined the camp.

But as you know,

this is not like the usual camping trips.

From all over Japan,

about selected junior players gathered.

And among them,

some will be selected as members of the first All Japan Junior Special Team.

So this is a very serious camping trip.

Powerful players from all over Japan,

hoping to be selected for the Team.

And all are trying very hard.

So they're not in the mood to feel free,

nor have the time to be fascinated with the beautiful lake and forest sceneries.

The Special team is selected by having each of us compete against the other,

by drawing lots and play ten matches.

They're later chosen according to their results from those matches.

So Aikawa-kun,

I have special trainings daily.

And once, a two-days match!

Goodness, goodness, goodness!

Why should I have such a hard time?

Damn!

It can't be helped...

Coach's forcible ways is nothing new to us!

Anyway,

I've completed five matches so far, three wins and two losses.

Ok, see you.

P.S.

But at least it's some consolation that...

I'm with Ochoufujin, Midorikawa-san,

Ozaki-san and Toudou-san.

Hey, look Toudou.

That racket of Oka-kun...

It has lead on it's frame.

And early every morning...

she runs along the lakeside dragging a car tire.

All the other players saw her doing that.

And now...

there are talks that such methods are too hard for girls.

He's going too far, Munakata coach...

To have vomited,

is it necessary to go so far as to vomiting?

Even the male players would give out.

Did Oka ask you to say that?

N-no...

Then it's not necessary.

If she doesn't give up,

nobody has the right to put in a word.

Yes...

Girls don't have power, by nature...

so they require more training than boys.

Oka is the material that I have chosen.

I can refer to her as an experimental material.

For the players who are competing at world level,

having skill is not enough...

They need power!

Japanese girl players,

have to enter the age of power tennis.

Just as the boys.

Oka should go beyond being a mere woman!

A leg cramp.

Don't worry,

after a massage it will feel better.

Everyone go ahead!

I'll take her back once she can walk.

Does it still hurt?

Yes, a little...

It's all right,

they will pick us up soon,

when they've returned to the lodging.

I'm so sorry, because I was...

Don't worry about that.

You must be exhausted.

Do you feel cold? You're shaking.

Oka-kun, look at this.

I got it the first time I won the National Championship.

I want you to keep it...

Thank you very much.

I have ruined this afternoon's training schedule.

I'm sorry.

There's no need to apologize.

You didn't do anything to be apologized for.

Hurry inside and warm yourself up.

He gave it to you?

It was a gift, from Toudou-san.

I will keep it for you.

All right?

How was your camping trip?

Not too bad.

How was your record from the matches?

Six wins and four losses.

You have more wins than losses!

Yes, very good fights.

Do you think you'll be in the All Japan Special Junior Team?

Not yet.

The selection meeting is to beheld by now.

But I'm afraid I won't be selected.

The number of those that won all the games are less than those that won or games.

I'm home!

Are you disappointed?

Not really.

Really?

Really!

At all?

At all!

Ok, good good!

Then I'll see you when school starts, okay?

Ok ok!

For the All Japan Junior Special Team,

boys' players, Toudou Takayuki, Ozaki Yuu,

Suzuki Hisashi, Nishiyama Hajime,

Higashi Shyouji, Matsumura Saburou,

Ooishi Makoto, Umeda Jun.

We have selected the above eight.

Now, the issue for the girls'...

Everyone read the list given to you.

Complete victory, Ryuuzaki,

Midorikawa with nine wins,

and five players with eight wins.

For the above seven players,

I understand that none of you will disagree.

But no one follows those seven...

For there are ten players with six wins and four losses.

In our original plan,

we've decided that there'll be eight members for both boys and girls team.

And we would let them enter the World Junior Championship,

held in America, this year.

However, in reference to the girls,

we would like to select seven players this time.

I'd like to hear opinions, before we proceed.

I think that's appropriate.

How about rematches,

among those ten players with six wins, four losses?

Well, we have considered that,

but within this week,

the entrance notice must be submitted to the headquarters, in America.

Also, the players have already dispersed to their own areas,

and started school by now.

It's absolutely impossible.

As for the eighth player,

I recommend Oka Hiromi.

Because Oka is the only first grade student among the 'six wins' players.

And one more point...

it's been barely six months since she started playing tennis.

Yet she's able to progress that well.

I think this is worth mentioning,

among all the participants.

If this committee puts its subject matter in the development of Japanese Tennis,

I believe that we should appreciate the prospects of Oka.

I agree on that opinion with Mr. Munakata.

As far as her prospects go,

Oka-san has as much to be appreciated,

as my daughter, Reika.

I, too, recommend her.

Please wait, Chairman!

Munakata-san...

Oka, is she not the player you've trained?

This is why it's not fair.

Are you not ashamed of this?

If I have confidence in the players,

whom, I myself trained...

why should I be ashamed?

In short, I want you to show us not something vague,

such as prospects, but something clear.

Oka-san of the st Grade, Class B,

come to the office of coach Munakata,

immediately.

Oka-san of the st Grade, Class B...

Tomorrow, after school,

you are to play on the Nishi tennis court.

The Chairman of the Tennis Committee,

and its members will be present.

If you win, you'll become a member.

Against Ryuuzaki Reika,

you're sure to win!

I'm absolutely not...

Sooner or later,

you're to come up against her.

I am sure not to win!

Cross my heart!

I've been doing some hard thinking,

Even in the severe special training,

I've intended to do my very best.

Once, I did so much...

wanted to be selected for that team!

To tell you the truth,

I still have such a feeling.

But that's different...

It's not as such that I want to fight against Ochoufujin.

Even then,

I have to be at the court, tomorrow.

Coach...

since I started playing tennis...

No, since you've appeared,

I've been changing into such a bad girl.

Everything I'm thinking of,

evolves around tennis.

I'm afraid that...

I'll forget something more important.

It's time to tell him!

Now, it is time to quit tennis!

Oka is it.

I remember now,

the same thing happened before.

I didn't say a word.

Yet, how did you know it's me?

Because the thing I think of...

is always about you.

What's the matter?

Can't you sleep?

N-no...

So what did you want?

In tomorrow's match,

I will do my best.

I'll get an ace from Ochoufujin.

Only one is enough for me!

Oka, Ryuuzaki!

Best of three set match.

Service Oka!

Play!

Hiromi, that was a splendid ace!

You've advanced so much to be at this level!

In this match,

I won't lose a game to you,

as far as you're following me,

that's my way of showing my love for you!

So come on, Hiromi!

With all your strength!

Game!

End First Set, Ryuuzaki!

Six games to three.

She was too good for losing this set.

She is going to recover.

For, me, it's the first time...

to see the queen of the junior tennis world,

Ryuuzaki Reika, playing for her life!

Out!

to love!

That's amazing!

Now, it's time to tell me the reason...

why you've chosen Oka-san.

Oka was...

Oka was, among the freshman players,

with the form the easiest to handle,

has good spring,

and much power.

Is that all?

No...

and somehow, Oka is the very image of my mother.

My mother, the woman who was left...

by the man she loved and ended her life failing to escape the sorrow.

She's that sort of woman...

He, who left Jin's mother is my father.

Ever since I was eight years old,

my mother and I had lived alone.

But in my memory...

I only see her sobbing alone.

I don't even remember her smile.

That's my mother...

Somehow, Oka is the image of her.

One fainthearted woman,

like my mother, is enough in this world.

So...

I wanted to make Oka a strong player,

a strong player in her mind!

By my hand!

Even if I have to use up all of my time!

Game!

End Second Set, Oka!

Six games to four.

Set count, one more!

She did it!

Hiromi got the second set!

Deuce!

Deuce!

Deuce!

Advantage, Oka!

A tight corner!

She's putting Ochoufujin into a corner!

Hiromi, one more point to win!

Game Set!

End match won by Oka!

Scores...

Three games to six,

six games to four,

seven games to five!

Nice fight!

Thank you very much!

Jin, are you happy?

Don't ask me stupid things.

It's written all over your face!

Everything has just begun.

It's merely a passing of the first mountain.

Jin!

Jin!

Jin!

Jin!

Marrow Leukaemia.

It isn't something that just happened yesterday.

Yes...

Six years ago he collapsed,

while he was playing an important match.

It's a wonder that he lasted until now.

What's up?

You guys are not usually this meek, aren't you?

This flower...

Sweet smell.

- Oka - Yes.

You're leaving tomorrow, at last.

Coach, are you really coming there later?

Of course!

I can't stand having you play too freely.

When the fever leaves,

I'll get the doctor's permission.

- Right, Ranko? - Yes...

He exaggerated,

it's merely a cold.

He is okay!

I've decided to go there later,

together with Jin.

Ryuuzaki.

Yes.

Toudou, Ozaki...

Yes, yes.

and Oka.

Yes.

The future of the Tennis World rests upon your shoulders.

You shall learn that technique and power...

of the world is more than victory and defeat.

Yes!

This smells really good.

Thank you, Oka.

Ranko...

Yes.

I'm sorry but can you call back,

Toudou only?

Yes.

Someday...

when Oka needs support in her mind,

give it to her again.

Coach, you found Oka-kun,

and you trained her...

so that's what you should do.

I'll leave all of Oka to you!

No, what on earth, Coach?!

No, you must not ask...

me anything!

Do me the last favour...

Ranko,

Yes.

Change the water for the flowers, please.

Ok.

What's the matter, Toudou?

Nothing...

The telephone, mother...

Oka is calling me again...

Oka, aim for the best!!

There is no one in the court.

Dare mo inai court de

I cried there...

Watashi wa naita

The wind blows,

Kaze ga wataru

In the court.

court de

Thinking of you...

Anata wo omotte

Stumbling,

Tsumazuite

looking back...

furimuite

Faraway.

Hurukana

in search of a dream.

yume wo sagasutoki

Ah, farewell to those tears.

Aa namidayo sayonara

Ah, how wonderful youth is.

Aa wakaitte subarashii

And I,

Watashi niwa

and I,

watashi niwa

will always have tomorrow.

ashita ga aru

I've selected you,

Oka!

You must overcome being a mere woman!

Now that you're selected, you fight!

Now that you're selected you run!

You have no time to cry!

Coach, it's impossible!

It's impossible for me to double with Ochoufujin!

Coach, impossible!

There's so much difference in our abilities.

Oka-kun, use my racket.

Hiromi, I want to get ace!