Prince of Tennis Season 1 Episode 6 That Man, Echizen Nanjiro...
- November 14, 2001
That Man, Echizen Nanjiro is the sixth episode of the first season of Prince of Tennis. The episode focuses on the father of the main character, Ryoma Echizen.
The episode begins with the Seishun Academy tennis team practicing for their upcoming match against Fudomine Middle School. Ryoma's father, Nanjiro Echizen, suddenly appears at the tennis courts, surprising everyone. Nanjiro is a former tennis player who was known as the "Samurai Nanjiro" during his tennis career. He left the tennis world after losing a match against Ryoma's current coach, Genichiro Sanada.
Nanjiro reveals to his son that he made a bet with Sanada - if Sanada could defeat Nanjiro, Nanjiro would retire from tennis for good. Sanada won the match, forcing Nanjiro to retire from tennis. Nanjiro has been living a carefree life ever since, but he still misses tennis. He challenges his son to a match, hoping to relive his glory days.
Ryoma initially declines his father's challenge, but he eventually agrees to play against him. The two play a one-set match, which is evenly matched. Nanjiro is amazed at his son's improved tennis skills and realizes that Ryoma has surpassed him as a tennis player. Ryoma eventually wins the match, but Nanjiro is proud of his son's improvement.
Later, the Seishun Academy tennis team faces Fudomine Middle School in their official match. Ryoma is able to use what he learned from playing against his father to help the team win their matches. The episode ends with Nanjiro watching the match from the stands and cheering on his son.
Overall, That Man, Echizen Nanjiro is a heartwarming episode that explores the relationship between a father and son through tennis. Viewers are able to see Nanjiro's love for tennis and the impact it has had on his life. The episode also showcases Ryoma's growth as a tennis player and how he is able to use his skills to help his team win.