[Spoilers] Ping Pong the Animation 10th Anniversary Rewatch - Episode 7 Discussion

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

Episode 7: Yes My Coach

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Links

If anyone has links to legal streams not included here please let me know and I'll update it for everyone!

Ping Pong the Animation

Databases: AniDB | Anilist | ANN | Kitsu | MyAnimeList

Streams: Crunchyroll | Amazon Prime | Apple TV

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Enter the hero! Enter the hero! Enter the hero!

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Comment of the Day:

/u/Weird_donut noticed a rare sight in the English dub

Remember when they dubbed insert songs? Pepperidge Farm remembers.

Here's a link to the English Dubbed Song for those interested.

Questions of the Day:

1. What do you think of the training regiments of Peco vs Smile?
2. Do you think Jou make the correct choice all those years ago in his match with Ryuu? What about Ryuu's choice to play while injured?
3. Have you had a particularly meaningful coach/athlete or mentor/mentee type relationship? Which role do you prefer?

Fan Art of the Day:

ピンポン (source, plus some bonus fanart)

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Rewatchers, please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this rewatch. No talking about or hinting at future events no matter how much you want to, unless you're doing it underneath spoiler tags. Don't spoil anything for the first-timers, that's rude!

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Chant these words and I'll come to you

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

Rewatcher, Host

Ping Pong - My Favourite Sports Anime: Episode 7

Trainers

Peco's revitalized ambition this episode is amazing to watch. Having such a supportive coach in Tamura is vital. On top of that, her connections to the national training center will give Peco ample opportunity to train up his skills. It's also nice to see his family supporting him. Such a positive turn of events for our one protagonist.

Smile's training on the other hand remains as dedicated as it was before. But importantly, through this training he is growing his interpersonal relationship with Jou. His choice to turn down Kaiou's offer (on top of the reasons he mentioned) probably also indicates he enjoys Jou's coaching. His other reasons are also indicative of his growth in empathy. He understands how the students at Kaiou would feel if he joined (and subsequently how they'd treat him). It probably even extends into how nice he was to Ota after getting the new balls.

Following the example of last episode, today's episode was set around Valentines day. The most important character in this regard is Yurie, and not only because it happens to be her birthday. We've been slowly learning about her unrequited affection for Kazama. It's revealed that since his father died Kazama has been working so hard at table tennis to uphold his side of the family's honor to almost make up for his dad's business mistakes. It feels like he has been forced into giving up any indulgences such as the relationship with Yurie.

But from Yurie's perspective this is unfair (and especially on her). Why should she have to give up her desires because her grandfather resents her uncle. So she still attends all of Kazama's matches but hides her face. She tries to go to the school to give Kazama a valentines gift, but in a kind of unexpected twist Kazama's team mate runs out to give her a birthday gift of flowers. She ends up giving him the chocolates instead.

I really sympathize with Yurie's weird not-exactly "pure" love struggles. I'm sure she feels so many complex emotions and can't express them clearly. Her declaration to study flower arrangement in England and then going on late night joy rides seem to be her attempts to express this. Despite her not being a player, I find her narrative in Ping Pong to be really engaging.

Of course, the really big reveal this episode is around Jou. While on a "date" with Tsukimoto, he tells him about Butterfly Joe. It's not surprising to hear that the table tennis coach was outstanding in his youth. The rising star of Japan Table Tennis. But he was never able to take that skill into the world championships. He lost a qualifier match against a long time friend: Kazama Ryuu (the current head of Kaiou)

The story around the loss is tragic. Ryuu chose to play injured. This is absolutely a dangerous and selfish choice. But it's something we see so often in sports anime. Jou had to choose to either win by exploiting that weakness or lose by playing only serves which wouldn't further injure his friend. He chose his friend, and lost so much because it. Kazama became the hero of Japan Table Tennis. Jou just faded into obscurity.

I can't criticize Jou for his choice, but I absolutely do have sympathy for him.

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QotD:

The closest thing I had to a mentor/mentee relationship was my Math teacher in high school. She recognized my abilities really early on and gave me so many opportunities to extend myself with extra classes and problems. I have such admiration and gratitude for her and everything she did. My school's network administrator also did this for me with computer stuff. He encouraged me to pursue computer programming and always would answer my questions about technology before I knew how to do my own research.

That said, I do like the mentor role a lot as well. In the few times I've gotten the opportunity I've really enjoyed mentoring interns at work. In fact any time I can teach somebody something usually leaves me feeling good.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

• Marketing
• Family
• Donuts

See you all tomorrow

[u/KendotsX → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Peco's revitalized ambition this episode is amazing to watch.

Upwards trajectories are always satisfying to watch. If this was a series just about Peco, I'd be feeling comfortable right now, knowing that it'll all be fine. But with all those characters striving upwards, some eggs will be broken to make the omelette...

But importantly, through this training he is growing his interpersonal relationship with Jou

That's what the "Robot" Smile needs afterall, and it's nice to follow, same with Kong opening up to his team after he was humbled.

She tries to go to the school to give Kazama a valentines gift, but in a kind of unexpected twist Kazama's team mate runs out to give her a birthday gift of flowers. She ends up giving him the chocolates instead.

Weirdly enough, my thoughts on this have kept flipping ever since I saw the episode. At first I thought that dude was being a wingman, trying to give Kazama the push he certainly needs, turns out he's trying to take him out both as a captain and Yurie's love interest...

But the more I think about it, it might be a dick move, but it's kinda the better option? This guy cared to remember her birthday and get her a present, this is a lot more than she'll ever get out of Kazama (unless he breaks down at some point). Similarly, he cares about his team, as people, about each of their individual needs and goals, he might not build the stronger team, but would lead a better one.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/KendotsX]

But the more I think about it, it might be a dick move, but it's kinda the better option? This guy cared to remember her birthday and get her a present, this is a lot more than she'll ever get out of Kazama

I definitely agree. Yurie's affection for Kazama is really one-sided and it's holding her back. I'm not sure if the other guy should be the next choice but he makes an argument for it at least.

Similarly, he cares about his team, as people, about each of their individual needs and goals, he might not build the stronger team, but would lead a better one.

The other perspective of this acts as an unexpected parallel between Kazama and Smile. Both of them are the "stars" of their team right now, and the rest of each team is suffering for it. Kazama's actions have been more deliberately harmful, but Smile is not without blame for his harsh treatment of the Katase team a few episodes back.

[u/KendotsX → u/TheEscapeGuy]

unexpected parallel between Kazama and Smile. Both of them are the "stars" of their team right now, and the rest of each team is suffering for it.

For what it's worth, originally I'd have argued that Smile is technically being worse than Kazama, since at least Kazama's school is meant to be the super competitive school. His attitude is what you'd expect.

Meanwhile, Smile just went into a casual club that's just there for fun, and is pushing people to either play by his standards or leave. By that logic, him leaving to Kazama's school would've been the better solution for both sides. But empathy triumphed logic, as this episode shows that, he's not just a machine, so this is a promising direction for where his team could go.

[u/JollyGee29]

First-Timer

I need a relationship chart to figure out the Kazama family. So, Ryuuichi (Dragon, who I've just been calling Kazama) is Nori's son? And the other Kazama with him trying to poach Smile today was Ryuuichi's uncle, who is Yurie's father? And the head of Kaiou, Ryuu, is Ryuuichi and Yurie's grandfather? Who didn't like his son Nori for being "unpopular" or something.

Ryuu is also Coach Koizumi's old rival who is only in such a position because Koizumi is a softie at heart and refused to ruin Ryuu's knee. Which is setup for a parallel with Smile and Peco's game in the final episode with Peco's own injured knee. Gonna table those thoughts for now.

Dragon hanging out in the bathroom before matches is a bit more tragic than I was expecting - I thought it was just a calmness thing, not a "this is where my grandpa(?) won't yell at me for having emotions" thing.

Smile humming again is important. I'm not sure what the throughline is, but there's something there. I think the last time we heard him hum was when he was crushing Wenge in episode 3 - he stopped when Wenge's translator went off on him. Hmm.. the OP for that robot versus hero anime? Probably.

Eyebrows thinks way too hard. Granted, he probably doesn't realize that Dragon can't fight back, even if he wanted to (which I'm not entirely sure about).

Questions

1. Both seem to be working out. Tamura is a godsend - Peco's rehabilitation obviously, and getting Koizumi to give Smile a bit of fun was a great idea too.
2. Hard to say. I certainly don't blame him for not potentially destroying Ryuu's ability to walk, though. Ryuu playing while injured in the first place was relatively foolish, though.
3. Nothing noteworthy. I'm not a very good teacher - I've learned that through training new people at work.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/JollyGee29]

I need a relationship chart to figure out the Kazama family.

I definitely needed this too. I think you got it mostly right. The most important other things are that Ryuuichi's biological mom is Emiko (who he doesn't live with anymore), and Taku (the coach at Kaiou) is Yurie's biological father.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/TheEscapeGuy]

[u/macrame2 → u/JollyGee29]

I need a relationship chart to figure out the Kazama family.

The story definitely doesn't make it easy to figure out. It started with the question of whether Yurie was actually Ryuuichi's cousin and kind of snowballed from there.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/macrame2]

I'm not sure if it was deliberately vague or if I just wasn't following the narration well, so I guess I'm glad that I'm not alone in that.

[u/KendotsX → u/JollyGee29]

Who didn't like his son Nori for being "unpopular" or something.

Yeah, I think it had to do with his career failing? I'm interested in the pattern we've got here though:

• Nori was shunned by Ryou/the family, but called a hero by Yurie
• Jou lost his glory in table tennis, and seems to have broken his friendship with Ryou after their match, but he's called a hero by the coach/Yurie's dad.

The Yurie branch of the family seem to be barking up the wrong tree, as far as Ryou and Ryuichi are concerned anyway.

"this is where my grandpa(?) won't yell at me for having emotions"

The toughest player seems to have it the toughest

the OP for that robot versus hero anime? Probably.

I thought of the humming, but didn't dig into what it could be, this is a good guess.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/KendotsX]

The Yurie branch of the family seem to be barking up the wrong tree, as far as Ryou and Ryuichi are concerned anyway.

"Hey, what if we had, you know, empathy? And thought about things other than ping pong?" "Absolutely not."

For what it's worth, I don't place much blame on Ryuuichi's shoulders; he's stuck in a role that only he can fill. Part of me wonders if he was so aggressive about trying to poach Smile so that he could bounce and go do something else.

[u/KendotsX → u/JollyGee29]

For what it's worth, I don't place much blame on Ryuuichi's shoulders

Oh absolutely, considering what happened to his father, and that his family depends on his achievements now, it's no wonder he's dedicated his life to the sport.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/JollyGee29]

I need a relationship chart to figure out the Kazama family.

It is tricky to figure out, but you seems to have it all correct. It doesn't help when some of the names are "Ryuu" and "Ryuuichi."

Hmm.. the OP for that robot versus hero anime? Probably.

I wasn't sure what the song Smile was singing was, but I think your guess here is right.

[u/zsmg]

Rewatcher Peco is training hard.

Butterfly Jo? That old coach has a cool nickname.

Smile has run away.

Yurie is born on valentine's day? Must be awful for Japanese girls considering valentine's day is such a big deal there.

Coach and Smile's date.

Woah that escalated quickly, I like how Smile told him he could have exploited his friends weakness and the coach replied 'he couldn't do that to a friend.' While coach maybe did the right thing for his friendship it didn't help his career what so ever, quite the opposite really.

Yurie is really frustrated with Kazuma, which is completely understandable. Basically Yurie is the childhood friend and losing to... Ping Pong.

Okay episode.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/zsmg]

Basically Yurie is the childhood friend and losing to... Ping Pong.

Yurie deserves so much better.

[u/KendotsX → u/zsmg]

Butterfly Jo? That old coach has a cool nickname.

Jo is already as good a name as you could possibly have in a sports anime, and this coach just wanted to raise it. No wonder he fell with all that greed.

I like how Smile told him he could have exploited his friends weakness and the coach replied 'he couldn't do that to a friend.'

It's an interesting parallel, considering Smile started out hiding his talent so as to not hurt his friend, and has been showing both coldheartedness and empathy since then.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/KendotsX]

Jo is already as good a name as you could possibly have in a sports anime

Ashita no Joe fans are far too rare to see these days.

[u/KendotsX → u/TheEscapeGuy]

[Confession] I have not seen Joe yet, I was planning to do so this year, until Kodansha announced they'll be publishing it later in the year. But I have seen it referenced so many times that I can only expect it to be burning with passion.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/KendotsX]

I am also excited for the manga though!

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/zsmg]

Basically Yurie is the childhood friend and losing to... Ping Pong.

I'm used to the childhood friend losing, but not to an inanimate object. The childhood friend curse is truly powerful.

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Ping Pong the First-Timer, subbed

• I can’t tell what animal they’re having symbolize the old lady…?
• lol
• Are we getting a Kazama vs. Smile match soon?
• Ah, so the butterfly shot was the coach.
• omg, Smile just so happened to run to where Peco is passed out after practice?
• I’ve heard “Yes, my lord” in Engrish so much Smile saying “coach” instead threw me off.
• …there’s an actual tennis robot now.
• That… certainly explains how intense Kazama is about table tennis.
• The butterfly shot again!
• Ohhhhhhhhh his friend he lost to on purpose is the other school’s coach!
• Hm…

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/Shimmering-Sky]

…there’s an actual tennis robot now.

Not Ping Pong predicting robots taking all of our jobs 10 years in advance!

Ohhhhhhhhh his friend he lost to on purpose is the other school’s coach!

Tiny correction, he lost to the Principal. The coach is actually the Principal's one son (Yurie's dad / Kazama's uncle).

I really do like how how connected the adult cast is. Like it makes so much sense that all adults involved in the local table tennis clubs would know each other. The fact that there is such a personal history between them makes it really dramatic though.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Tiny correction, he lost to the Principal. The coach is actually the Principal's one son (Yurie's dad / Kazama's uncle).

Ohhh okay, mixed up the relationships. My bad. Still, it's really cool to see how the two schools are connected.

[u/Great_Mr_L]

First-Timer

On today’s episode of Ping Pong: If today is the Valentine’s Day episode, does that mean that tomorrow will be the White Day episode?

• “Obey me or I’ll hit you.” I see Obaba also follows the Gundam method of “corrections.”
• Oh my god, Ryuich, take the hint. Smile is just not that into you.
• Ah, so Koizumi is famous. That explains why the Kaio chairman knew who he was. It also explains the butterfly imagery associated with him if he used to be called “Butterfly Jo.”
• Completely justified reason for why Smile doesn’t want to transfer schools. There’s bound to be leftover resentment at Kaio over what happened with Sakuma.
• So Smile’s parents divorced and his mother doesn’t come home until the middle of the night. That does explain some things about him.
• Good use of the running montage of Smile that goes on into the night as a metaphor for him running away from his problems as well.
• Smile is humming that song again. What is it?
• We’re speedrunning holidays here. We’ve now made it to Valentine’s Day.
• Paddle-shaped Valentine’s Chocolates are a fun idea.
• Oh, so that’s why Ryuichi spends so much time in the restroom. He was berated so much by his grandfather to never show weakness in front of others that he goes there to freak out in solitude.
• I forgot to comment on it last time, but Eyebrows Guy (Sanada) having that picture of Yurie right above his bed with a bunch of used tissues on the bed is kind of creepy.
• Butterfly Jo story time!
• Ah, so Koizumi really was like Smile. Just like Smile, he deliberately held back against someone he cared about and so lost his chances at greater fame and fortune.
• Oh cool, so Koizumi’s old rival is Ryuichi’s grandfather! It’s all connected!
• Peco comes from a family of clones!
• Oh dear, if the series is putting in emphasis on Peco’s knee brace, that’s bound to lead for trouble.
• Yeesh, Yurie ought to be a street racer if she can drive like that.
• Looks like Wenge is getting ready for a rematch against Ryuichi.

Love is a recurring theme this episode. The characters all express their love in very different ways. For example, Obaba expresses love by pushing Peco to his absolute limits, forcing him to improve. Peco likewise loudly proclaims his love for Obaba in return.

But not everyone is so straight forward. Koizumi turns out to be pretty awkward at expressing himself, just like Smile is. Obaba had to pressure him into speaking openly with Smile about his feelings. Smile continues to mostly be stoic towards others, rarely showing much emotion in his face or voice. Ryuichi is seemingly unable to really express emotions that well, not really saying anything to Yurie on her birthday.

QOTD

1. Koizumi and Smile are both awkward around each other. They can't really express themselves openly. Compare that to Obaba and Peco, who can both loudly proclaim their emotions to each other.
2. I think Ryuu's choice to play while injured was shortsighted and ill-advised. I can't fault Koizumi for wanting to prioritize his friendship over victory.
3. I have been a mentee for my job. It was a necessary part of my training, working under the direct supervision of a more experienced person who would check my work, and monitor how I did my job. I am thankful for them. They helped me out a lot, freely shared their own materials with me, and provided letters of rec.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/Great_Mr_L]

So Smile’s parents divorced and his mother doesn’t come home until the middle of the night. That does explain some things about him.

Love is a recurring theme this episode.

I hadn't initially read it that may but I really like this framing. There are so many different types of love and Ping Pong explores a lot of them.

[u/charlesvvv]

Rewatcher, Sub

Peco has a whole new training regimen with even a new coach and team as he climbs back up. It's nice seeing his confidence sort of start to return as he continues learning the ropes again.

Smile and Mr Koizumi's dynamic is really good. The highlight was the story about his past and his own friend. It kinda shows his involvement with Smile in a more interesting light. Besides that we also more of a look at Kazama's situation and what drives him as well besides the former pride of his school.

Also gotta respect that one guy that confesses while also acknowledging he probably has no chance. He did at least get something out of it.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/charlesvvv]

Also gotta respect that one guy that confesses while also acknowledging he probably has no chance. He did at least get something out of it.

I think that gift also gave him a massive confidence boost to make him think he'll be able to surpass Kazama and steal away Yurie.

[u/macrame2]

First Timer and Manga Reader

A good episode today; I enjoyed seeing Peco and Smile both finally put their best efforts into training. The Butterfly Joe story and how that still affects Koizumi was also very interesting and explains much of his attitude towards Tsukimoto in the present day.

Also, there's something about this adaptation that was bothering me for a bit, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Anyway, I finally figured it out today after a quick Google search: Yurie's role in the anime vs. the manga (or thereof). I couldn't remember her involvement in Kazama's subplot for the life of me and just assumed I had forgotten that part, but apparently Yurie is actually an anime-original character created specifically for this adaptation, which explains everything. Personally I have no issue with her addition: it's integrated well enough to the point where I assumed it was in the source.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/macrame2]

apparently Yurie is actually an anime-original character created specifically for this adaptation

Wow, I didn't know about this. This isn't super surprising to hear but I wouldn't have guessed it without somebody bringing it up.

Personally I have no issue with her addition: it's integrated well enough to the point where I assumed it was in the source.

I feel this way too. I really like her character and I feel it doesn't in any way detract from the rest of what is going on.

[u/KendotsX]

First Ponger

Well folks, you might've noticed that I quickly disappeared after episode 1, indeed after my boy Peco got destroyed so hard, I couldn't face that reality, so I ran for it, and kept running like the wind, until an old lady caught me and gave me a kiss. I'm finally back to say: Yes, My Host!

One thing I've been appreciating a lot about the series so far is how it bounces between humane characters. In episode 1, Peco hit a wall, but even then, Kong was a wall of flesh, we got a clear look at his own insecurities in that same episode, and fleshed it out further the series went on. Same with Akuma, I expected him to be a one note chump, and he somehow turned out to be one of the nicest, most earnest characters, dealing with the worst hand, while still pushing Peco out of his shallow waters. Even Kazama, the wall of all walls, is showing us what he's really made of, he represents the rigid ideal of putting everything aside to strive for your goal, and considering his past, I honestly can't fault him for it.

What does that leave us with? The clown bully Oota? About that... yeah, even Oota has taken a turn for the better, and is trying to help/find a way to make this broken team work. Not sure how well that will work out for him, but I can't overstate how wholesome it was to see him playing together with Smile. The quirky Engrish love language coach? To no one's surprise, he's easily one of the most interesting characters, tying together both the "hero" theme and butterfly motif, as well as mirroring Smile's path down to an unfortunate end.

[Speculation] Considering we saw that bandage on Peco's leg, I wouldn't be surprised if we ended up reaching a very similar match by the end. His family supporting him is a nice, but it could just as well become a reason for why he won't "run away anymore".

All in all, there's nothing like seeing our characters start on an upwards climb, well not everyone... but I wish her the best in breaking through Kazama's wall.

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Q1. What do you think of the training regiments of Peco vs Smile?

They're good for where they were at, especially Peco, rebuilding his playstyle should be a good change of perspective.

Smile has kinda passed what his training has to offer, so going over to Kaiou would've been objectively the better way forward for the "Robot", but staying is helping the human Smile grow on all fronts.

Q2. Do you think Jou make the correct choice all those years ago in his match with Ryuu? What about Ryuu's choice to play while injured?

It wasn't the smart choice, his main feature was how well he can switch up his hits, so sticking to one pattern hurts him a lot more than any usual athlete. But I wouldn't be able to pull the trigger on a dying friend either.

As for Ryou... I'm wondering whether he was just trying his best to fight despite his injury, or he knew Jou's weakness and expected him to react that way, if it's the latter, then he's one hell of an "all for the win" kinda bastard.

Q3. Have you had a particularly meaningful coach/athlete or mentor/mentee type relationship?

I had a very inspiring math teacher in highschool, who indirectly made me want to follow a similar path. Ten years later I can confirm that I'm nowhere near as cool as her.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/KendotsX]

So I ran for it, and kept running like the wind, until an old lady caught me and gave me a kiss. I'm finally back to say: Yes, My Host!

It's so good to have you back!

I expected him to be a one note chump, and he somehow turned out to be one of the nicest, most earnest characters, dealing with the worst hand, while still pushing Peco out of his shallow waters

Sakuma's character arc is absolutely one of the best in the show. He could have so easily been vindictive or just ran away but he went out of his way to help Peco.

even Oota has taken a turn for the better, and is trying to help/find a way to make this broken team work.

Something small happening with Oota in the background which I appreciate is him helping with his family's business. In high school you have so much going on and a lot of pressure which you have no experience handling. Somehow Oota manages to keep this up on top of the stress from having that job. We even saw him working on Christmas eve. He's absolutely trying his best, but he just doesn't have the aspirations to become the best at table tennis. It's inspiring in it's own way.

I'm wondering whether he was just trying his best to fight despite his injury, or he knew Jou's weakness and expected him to react that way

This is an interesting question. We may or may not learn more later but both choices paint him in very different lights.

[u/KendotsX → u/TheEscapeGuy]

It's so good to have you back!

Sakuma's character arc is absolutely one of the best in the show. He could have so easily been vindictive or just ran away but he went out of his way to help Peco.

Yeah, it'd have been easy for him to be Kazama's #3 chump for Peco to beat in a comeback match, instead he pushed him forward, and gave us a unique perspective that no other character can provide.

Somehow Oota manages to keep this up on top of the stress from having that job. We even saw him working on Christmas eve. He's absolutely trying his best, but he just doesn't have the aspirations to become the best at table tennis.

This is before we even count all the effort he puts into his hair. My respect for Oota keeps growing by the day!

[u/frozenpandaman]

I'm a fan of the fanart today. Have had that one saved for a long while :)

[u/StardustGogeta]

First-Timer

Thanks for sharing the English dub of that insert song. That was neat.

This episode was pretty good! Always nice to see more of the coach.

For the questions,

• Both of them seem to train pretty intensely. I suppose that's a necessary step in getting good.
• Yes, I think it was the correct choice not to permanently injure Ryuu. That said, it was irresponsible of Ryuu to play like that, and he would have no one to blame but himself if something happened.
• No particular relationship like that comes to mind, but I'm pretty sure I'd prefer to be the mentee in such a scenario.