At last, the summer tournament the girls are working towards at Fukuoka is finally here. But, of course, the girls have some time before the real action begins.
As expected, the girls finally arrived at Fukuoka as it was finally summer break. Funny how Michi is all fired up and thinking about tonkatsu ramen. The funny thing is that Towa seems airsick as Himeno comforts her. Also, Sanae gets upset over Nagumo and Michi focusing on what souvenirs to get rather than on the tournament. Still, I doubt she will forget about the tournament, as we see later.
At last, the girls make it to the Japanese-style inn. Yep, that feeling seems different for the girls since it’s not a school trip, but it gives me some nostalgia. This is especially true since I haven’t stayed in a hotel or been on vacation for three years. Either way, Shino mentions what Sanae said earlier to focus on the tournament and rest up. After all, they will need all the energy they need for tomorrow.
Of course, Michi overslept during their rest and almost missed the opening ceremony. So, they try to find the bus that goes to the venue. Thankfully, one of the girls asking if they were there for Kinshuki pointed them in the right direction. The funny thing is that Michi becomes friendly with Sachi. Of course, Sachi’s teammates are not amused by her familiarity with Michi. Also, the funny thing is that Sacchi is Michi’s opponent in the first round.
Of course, when the girls are in the hot springs, Nagumo looks up some information about Hakata South High School. Yep, she is trying to get information about the members there. Still, it’s interesting to learn from the Hakata South High School that they are in a similar situation as Aoba West. They just revived the Judo Club after not being one for five years.
Also, in the episode, we saw quite a few flashbacks. You might be wondering why Shino is extra cautious. She doesn’t want any of her club members to get injured. It’s because of an incident in high school when she was running, and two girls got hit by a bicycle. Shino jumped in to save them, but she got injured. Therefore, this ended her high school Judo career. So, with that, she doesn’t want any of her student’s high school Judo run to get ruined by an injury that can end it.
A second and most crucial flashback is Michi’s first throwdown during her childhood. She had difficulty throwing down a fat boy. Of course, Michi’s older brother gives his little sister the support she needs. That is when her older brother said it felt crazy good to throw an opponent like that.
During the first round, Michi also remembers this when she faces Sachi, taller and slightly stronger than her. Of course, Nagumo, Machi’s best friend, gives her the information she needs to fight against her and win. The question is, will Michi manage to throw down Sachi and win the first round? We’ll see next time.
I do so enjoy Nagumo quickly switching to loving mode after listening to the story about Hot Coach and realizing she needs to be more serious about tournament prep. Still sad she can’t compete yet. Hope we get to see her in at least one match.
Hope we see a bit more of Team Sachi after their match is over. They’re lovely.
Nagumo is love, but it’s nice to see her help out Michi and I wonder if she will pull it off. Yes, what happened to Shino is unfortunate, but I can see why she takes a nire risk adverse approach.
Should be interesting how rest of the round turn out and hopefully Michi’s team won’t get eliminated so early on.