It’s finally summer break and Manaka’s grandmother has a surprise to share with her and her friends. Yes, a trip to Okinawa in exchange for some work.
While Manaka and her friends didn’t win their first practice game, hope is not lost since they have Yu after all. Of course, Yoko isn’t going to let the girls off that easily. She wants them to work on the areas they need to improve on. I find it funny Yoko gives the girls new choreography for the victory dance. Yep, Yu had a bad feeling about this. Not to mention, Yoko made it harder. She is not giving up on her girl’s ice hockey idol dream yet.
When Manaka and Ayaka returns home, their grandmother tells them that her friend who runs a hotel in Okinawa needs some help. Of course, they accept the offer since they haven’t been to Okinawa before. They also invited Kaoruko, Naomi, Riko, and Yu as well. Not to mention, it’s probably a good spot to have a summer camp.
After flying there, the owner of the hotel meets them. On the way there, they see the ocean. I find it funny how Mana strips her clothing to her swimsuit to go into the ocean. Yep, she really wanted to play in the water this badly. Sadly, the other girls weren’t wearing their swimsuits, so they couldn’t do that. However, they went into the water until the owner says it’s time for them to head to the hotel and start working. After all, they need to work so they can afford the room and food.
With that, the girls worked cleaning the pool and serving customers at the buffet. Afterwards, they did some training. When evening came, Kaoruko seems worried about what Yoko said. She tells Kaoruko she needs to improve her communication with her teammates and using her voice. Of course, she is reluctant to do when Mika calls her for dinner.
At bedtime, Naomi of course tried to scare her friends with a scary story. Of course, she shares her desire to go to an aquarium during dinner to see a spotted eel. When they saw it, they find out how cute they are. What I find interesting is that they have penguin plushies in the background. Of course, they didn’t go to that aquarium.
Of course, the girls play beach volleyball. After all, Okinawa is a great place to play this sport at after all. While Manaka’s team is at a disadvantage since Naomi and Riko has Yu, but Manaka’s team managed to score a few points.
Sadly, Yu’s team takes the lead, especially when Kaoruko and Ayaka tries to reach the ball and hit into each other. Yep, Kaoruko forgot to use her voice to signal that she will get it. However, Kaoruko holds herself back since she is used to following Ayaka’s and Manaka’s lead. Manaka eventually notices something is up with Kaoruko as she tells what Yoko told her.
After Manaka reassures her that Kaoruko has her side, she wants her to say how she feels. Eventually, she did, and they were able to stage a partial comeback. Of course, it’s not enough to stop Yu from winning the game. At least Kaoruko is now awakened and can now reach her full potential. Aside from that, we do see Manaka talk to Mami via text. Yep, she is still there despite being on a different team. Either way, they look forward to meeting them at the championship.
Blesseth be the anime tradition!
Not only did Kaoruko get her well deserved time to shine but Naomi showed us her hidden power. So good.
A beach episode never disappoints, but I agree that it’s nice to see Kaoruko unlock her potential.