HANEBADO! Season 1 Episode 9 What I Want Us To Be Is Not 'Friends'

HANEBADO! (Original Japanese Version) is an anime series about a high school badminton club. In season 1 episode 9, titled "What I Want Us To Be Is Not 'Friends'", tensions between Ayano and Nagisa reach a breaking point.

Ayano has been struggling with her feelings of anger and resentment towards her mother, who abandoned her at a young age. As a result, she has been distant from those around her, including her teammate, Nagisa. However, Nagisa has been trying to reach out to Ayano, wanting to rekindle the strong friendship they once had.

As the badminton tournament approaches, the tension between Ayano and Nagisa escalates. Ayano becomes more and more withdrawn, unwilling to open up to anyone. Nagisa tries to talk to Ayano about her behavior, but Ayano snaps and says that she doesn't want to be friends anymore.

This devastates Nagisa, who has been trying so hard to connect with Ayano. She feels betrayed by Ayano's words, and wonders if their friendship was ever real to begin with. Meanwhile, Ayano is left feeling even more isolated and alone.

As the tournament begins, Ayano struggles to focus on the game. She is overwhelmed by her emotions, and her mind keeps replaying her argument with Nagisa. However, when she steps onto the court, something changes. Ayano begins to play with a fierce intensity, letting out all of her frustration and anger through her badminton skills.

Nagisa is amazed by Ayano's sudden transformation. She sees the fire in Ayano's eyes, and realizes that she has been underestimating her all along. Nagisa vows to never give up on Ayano, and to always support her in both her badminton and personal struggles.

"What I Want Us To Be Is Not 'Friends'" is a powerful episode about the complexities of friendship and the struggles of dealing with difficult emotions. Ayano and Nagisa's relationship is put to the test, but ultimately their bond is strengthened by their shared passion for badminton. Fans of the series will be left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what's to come in the next episode.