As the ranking matches to determine Inter-High qualifier participation approach, the first-years express their dissatisfaction with the way they are treated. Yusa is as overbearing as ever, and the first-years don't even have their own lockers. These ranking matches could be an opportunity for them. Even if they don't win, they can still leave a mark on him and demand better conditions. The first-years band together as the ranking matches begin.

Yokohama Minato makes it through the Inter-High prefectural qualifiers and advances to the prefectural tournament. The individual singles matches begin. Yokokawa suffers a close loss against Hojo High School's Okazaki, but Yusa avenges him. Later, during the doubles matches, the team comes up against Hojo High School again. The twins face off against Okazaki and Arimura. The twins who seemed to be doing well and in high spirits are suddenly thrown off their game. Overwhelmed by Okazaki's intensity, Yoji crumbles under the pressure...

First semester is over and summer vacation starts tomorrow. Ryo is lectured by Ebihara and his parents for his poor grades. Not wanting to quit playing badminton, Ryo studies as hard as he can. Even the night before the team leaves for the Inter-High, Ryo diligently works on his assignments. Though he does his best to catch up on his studies, he eventually falls asleep at his desk. When he wakes up in the morning, he has the chills. Ryo turns pale when he realizes he's messed up. He's caught a cold...

The newbie tournament is scheduled for fall. However, Yusa and Yokokawa are busy preparing for nationals and won't be participating, which means an extra spot has opened up for the other team members. Of the two doubles spots, one of them will undoubtedly go to the twins. Sakaki and Ryo do their best to win the remaining spot. They begin practicing right away, but things don't go as well as planned. Both of them struggle to play on their uncoordinated team...