The Prince of Tennis

Twelve-year-old tennis prodigy Ryoma Echizen takes down Sasabe the bully easily with his advanced tennis game.

Ryoma’s first day at Seishun Academy, also known as “Seigaku.” He rescues Horio, a seventh grader being picked on by two older tennis team members. He easily dispatches them, piquing the interest of Takeshi Momoshiro, a tennis team regular.

Arai tries to get his revenge on Ryoma. He hides Ryoma’s rackets and challenges him to a match, forcing him to play with an old and broken racket. All the while the Seigaku team members observe Ryoma closely.

Ryoma has been chosen by Captain Kunimitsu Tezuka to play for a spot on the regular team, a first for a seventh grader. His main opponent is Kaoru Kaido, infamous for his “Snake Shot” and reptilian nature.

Ryoma patiently plays Kaido’s game while gathering information crucial to voiding his dangerous “Snake Shot.” Ryoma counters effectively, amazing all who watch.

Mr. Inoue from Monthly Pro Tennis magazine goes to interview Ryoma’s quirky and lazy father Nanjiro. Rebuffing his questions, Nanjiro challenges Inoue to a game of tennis.