Ep. 2: Dark Clouds Gather as the World Tournament Begins

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Matsukaze Tenma, Tsurugi Kyousuke, and Shindou Takuto arrive for practice, learning details about opponents like Matatagi Hayato’s siblings. Shindou’s anger toward new players leads him to discuss a defensive strategy with Kuroiwa Ryuusei, which Ibuki Munemasa overhears. Frustrated, Ibuki trains intensely but fails to catch their shots. Later, Matatagi remains unconvinced by Tenma’s encouragement. On match day, Manabe Jinichirou falsely accuses Hayato of theft, a claim Minaho Kazuto dismisses for lack of evidence. Shindou interrupts their argument to reveal that all eight players are paid, further infuriating him. During the game, Lee Chung-Yun shoots, and Shindou blocks it despite Ibuki’s anticipation, causing tension between them. The team faces uncertainty as the first match unfolds.