Ep 5. The Snake Shot

Ryoma continues to cause a stir at Seigaku Junior High School as he impresses his tennis teammates with his exceptional skills. In episode 5, titled "The Snake Shot," Ryoma faces off against his toughest competitor yet, known for his signature move, the snake shot.

The episode opens with the Seigaku Junior High tennis team preparing for their match against St. Rudolph Senior High School, a team that they lost to the previous year. During practice, Ryoma showcases his new technique, the drive B, which catches the attention of his teammates and coach. As they discuss their game plan for the upcoming match, they learn that they will be playing against a formidable opponent, a player named Kaido Kaoru. Kaido is known for his snake shot, a technique that involves a fierce spin that makes the ball appear to slither like a snake.

At the match, the Seigaku team watches as Kaido easily defeats his first opponent, leaving them worried about their chances. Ryoma, however, is determined to face Kaido and take on his signature move. As they warm up, Kaido warns Ryoma that he will not be able to handle his snake shot. Ryoma responds with quiet confidence, promising to show Kaido what he's made of.

The match between Ryoma and Kaido begins, and the two players seem evenly matched. Kaido is surprised by Ryoma's agility and speed, but it's not long before he unleashes his snake shot. Ryoma struggles to keep up, and it seems like Kaido has the upper hand. In a desperate move, Ryoma manages to hit the ball with an unexpected backhand that sends Kaido's shot flying back to him. Kaido is shocked as he realizes that Ryoma has figured out how to counter his signature move.

As the match continues, Ryoma's skills continue to impress everyone watching, including Kaido. The two players engage in fierce rallies, each determined to come out on top. Eventually, Ryoma manages to win the match, much to the surprise of his teammates and coach.

After the match, Kaido approaches Ryoma and congratulates him on his victory. He tells Ryoma that he has never encountered anyone like him before and that he can't wait to see what he will do next. Ryoma, meanwhile, reflects on the match and how he managed to overcome Kaido's snake shot. He realizes that he still has much to learn, but he's excited for the challenge that lies ahead.

Overall, "The Snake Shot" is a thrilling episode that showcases Ryoma's incredible tennis skills and his ability to think on his feet in high-pressure situations. The match between Ryoma and Kaido is intense and highlights the importance of adapting to your opponent's moves and techniques. The episode also sets up future plotlines as Ryoma continues to face off against new opponents and improve his game.