The training camp from hell begins. Ryo decides he'll make use of his perseverance, which is his greatest strength. As Ebihara taught him, he watches closely and thinks carefully as he follows the training schedule. While doing his laundry at the end of the first day, Ryo is deep in thought about Yusa and the other upperclassmen. They build their stamina regularly and seem perfectly fine even after a hard day of training. While Ryo is contemplating how impressive they are, Akira comes along. He seems to have figured something out and tells Ryo a certain story about Yusa...

There are new faces on the badminton team. Middle school students planning to attend Yokohama Minato High School next year have begun attending practice, and Hana joins the team as a manager. In order to show off to Hana, the giddy boys take it upon themselves to practice with middle school student Shiba. However, Shiba won't listen to them. Despite his skill, Shiba is rumored to be an uncooperative maverick. The stormy new members give Ryo a headache.

Spring arrives, and Ryo becomes a second-year. His class is selecting committee members, but nobody volunteers to take on the burdensome responsibilities of the recreation committee. Ryo reluctantly accepts the job so the class can move forward. He holds a meeting to plan a class party, but his classmates are unenthusiastic. Ryo does his best to make the party a success despite the trouble they're giving him. Meanwhile, Yokokawa has troubles of his own. The badminton team is experiencing its own problems.

Ryo is panicking. Only one month remains until the Inter-High. Unless he acquires the thing he lacks, he won't be able to beat Yusa. However, his desperation has made him lose sight of his surroundings. He's antagonizing his teammates, but he doesn't have time to worry about them. Unable to ignore his selfish behavior, Hana the manager finds the courage to give him some candid advice, but Ryo refuses to listen. Ebihara steps in, and Ryo is suspended from practice...

At last, the finals have begun. Yusa immediately begins attacking at the start of the match. He is clearly rushing the game. He must still be tired from the doubles final. Ryo settles on a strategy of running Yusa around the court. He eventually makes an impressive shot, but Ryo's careful observation of Yusa's movements reveal to him that that was no ordinary mistake. Yusa is protecting his right leg. Ryo is determined to win and goes on the offensive, targeting Yusa's weakness.