Ep 23. Different Kind Of Fight

The Prince of Tennis season 2 episode 23 titled "Different Kind Of Fight" takes place during the National Tennis Championship tournament in Tokyo. Seigaku's captain Tezuka Kunimitsu is prepping his team for their upcoming match against Fudomine Junior High School. It's an important match for Seigaku, and they need to win to remain in the tournament. However, their opponent, Fudomine, has a reputation for being a brutal team that plays dirty and uses unorthodox techniques to throw their opponents off balance.

The episode begins with Seigaku's vice-captain, Shusuke Fuji, observing Fudomine's practice session with a watchful eye. He quickly notices that Fudomine's top player, Kamio Akira, is dominating his opponent with his aggressive playing style. Fuji has previously played against Kamio in a practice match and knows that he's a formidable opponent to take on.

Meanwhile, Seigaku's new player, Echizen Ryoma, is nursing a nagging shoulder injury, which is causing him to miss quite a few shots. His shoulder is still sore from his previous match, and he's finding it difficult to hit the ball with the accuracy he's known for. However, Ryoma's resolve is unshaken, and he's determined to play through the pain and help his team win.

The match between Seigaku and Fudomine begins, and it's immediately clear that the latter team's players are playing rough. They keep targeting Ryoma's injured shoulder, and it's evident that they're not playing fair. Seigaku's coach, Inui Sadaharu, decides to use a strategy to counter Fudomine's rough tactics by using a new technique known as the Twist Serve, which is not easy to return.

As the match progresses, the tension between the two teams is palpable, and it all boils down to the last doubles match. Seigaku's Tezuka and Fuji face off against Fudomine's Kamio and Tachibana, with both teams giving it their all. It's an intense battle with both teams employing their best techniques to win.

The episode's title "Different Kind Of Fight" is apt for this particular match, as it's not just about the physical skill but also the mental toughness and the ability to adapt to different situations. Seigaku's players are under immense pressure to win, and it's not just about progressing to the next round; they're also fighting for their pride and reputation.

The animation style in this episode is top-notch, with well-illustrated tennis techniques and smooth animation sequences. The soundtrack also adds to the overall experience, with intense music elevating the tension of the match.

In conclusion, The Prince of Tennis season 2 episode 23 "Different Kind Of Fight" is an action-packed episode that showcases the true spirit of the game. It's a battle between two teams with different playing styles, and it's an impressive feat to see Seigaku come out on top despite the rough tactics employed by Fudomine. Tennis fans will certainly enjoy this episode, which highlights the importance of mental fortitude, sportsmanship, and teamwork.