Reader’s Question:
Can someone please help me with a scene from The Prince of Tennis? I’m trying to remember the match between Tezuka and Atobe in the Kanto tournament. I think Tezuka’s Zero Shiki didn’t work, and it didn’t go over the net? I believe Atobe won, but I can’t recall
the details of how the match ended. Could someone explain how the deciding point was made? Also, I’ve only watched the anime—was there a difference in the manga? I’d appreciate any clarification on both!
Remembering the Epic Tezuka vs. Atobe Match
Ah, The Prince of Tennis—what a nostalgic trip down memory lane! I remember binge-watching this anime during my high school days, and one match that really stood out for me was the showdown between Tezuka and Atobe during the Kanto tournament. So, let’s break this down and revisit that intense moment together.
The Build-Up
First off, let me just say that the tension in that match was palpable. Tezuka, with his focused demeanor, was facing off against the flamboyant and somewhat arrogant Atobe. You could practically feel the energy crackling through the air—like you were sitting right there on the sidelines, holding your breath with every swing of the racket. It was one of those moments where you think to yourself, “What am I doing with my life? I need to get on the court!”
Now, if anyone remembers the build-up to this match, a lot of it was about Tezuka’s Zero Shiki. It’s a move that’s almost legendary at this point. I mean, he’s known for his insane skills and that awe-inspiring technique, but let’s be real—it wasn’t working out this time! I felt a pang of disappointment; I mean, who doesn’t love an underdog story? But oh boy, did Atobe bring his A-game!
The Deciding Point
The climax of the match was just brutal. Tezuka attempted to unleash his Zero Shiki Drop shot, and I could almost hear the collective gasp from the audience. But then… it didn’t clear the net! I can’t tell you how many times I replayed that moment in my head—right as I thought Tezuka had it, that ball just didn’t cooperate. It was like watching a suspenseful thriller where you think the hero is about to win, only to have the rug pulled out from under you at the last second.
Atobe counters with a diving return. I was on the edge of my seat! And when Tezuka managed to get a backhand on the ball, I thought, “This is it! He’s going to pull it through!” But alas, it just didn’t go over. The ending was a mix of frustration and admiration for both players. Atobe takes the match, and I had to pause for a moment, just to digest everything that had unfolded.
Manga vs. Anime: The Differences
Now, I’m sure many of you are wondering how the manga differs from the anime, right? Well, for starters, the manga (specifically chapter 153) really delves deeper into the emotions and tactics of the match. The anime, while brilliant in capturing the action, sometimes glosses over the internal struggles of the characters. I found that the manga had a more nuanced portrayal of Tezuka’s mindset—how he battled not only Atobe but his own limitations. It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion—there’s so much more to the story!
Reading the manga made me appreciate the intricacies of the game and the mental fortitude that players like Tezuka exhibit. I mean, who knew tennis could be such an emotional rollercoaster? Sometimes, I find myself rooting for the characters as if they were my best friends. It’s funny how an anime can evoke such strong feelings, isn’t it?
Final Thoughts
So, to wrap up this little nostalgic jaunt, the match between Tezuka and Atobe remains one of the standout moments in The Prince of Tennis. It’s a classic case of expectations versus reality, and I think many of us can relate to that feeling in our own lives. We train hard for our goals but sometimes, things just don’t go as planned. And that’s okay! Just like Tezuka, we get knocked down, but we rally back, ready to take on the next challenge.
If you haven’t revisited this match recently, I highly recommend you do so. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching it again with fresh eyes. And who knows, maybe it’ll inspire you to hit the courts yourself. Until next time, keep swinging for the fences—both on and off the court!
