Ep 21. Kawazoe Tamake and Suzuki Rin

Kawazoe Tamaki and Suzuki Rin are the main focus of season 1 episode 21 of Bamboo Blade. Kawazoe Tamaki, a member of the Muroe High kendo club, is excited to participate in an upcoming tournament, even though it means competing against her former club members at Yamaji. However, her excitement soon turns to disappointment when the team's ace player, Miyako Miyazaki, cancels at the last minute due to a stomachache.

Meanwhile, Suzuki Rin, a talented kendo practitioner from the northern island of Hokkaido, arrives in Japan to participate in the same tournament and to reunite with her longtime friend, Ishida Yojirou, who is the coach of the Yamaji team. However, Rin is surprised to learn that Yojirou has taken on a second job and is unable to coach the team for the tournament.

As Tamaki and her teammates struggle to fill the gap left by Miyako's absence, Rin offers to help coach the team. Despite her initial reluctance, Tamaki agrees to accept Rin's advice and guidance, and the two develop a close friendship.

As the tournament progresses, Tamaki, Rin, and their respective teams face off against each other in intense kendo matches. Tamaki struggles with her lack of confidence as well as her desire to prove herself against her former teammates. However, with Rin's guidance and support, Tamaki begins to believe in herself and her abilities as a kendo fighter.

Meanwhile, Rin is forced to confront her own past as she faces off against Yojirou, who has chosen to compete against her instead of coaching his team. Rin is determined to prove herself against Yojirou, who was once her kendo mentor, but is also conflicted about her feelings towards him.

As the tournament draws to a close, both Tamaki and Rin face their greatest challenges yet, both on and off the kendo mat. However, with the support of their friends and teammates, they are able to rise to the occasion and leave a lasting impression on their opponents and on each other.

Overall, Bamboo Blade season 1 episode 21 is a thrilling and emotional installment in the series, focusing on the bonds of friendship and the challenges of competition in the world of kendo.