Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hyotei Gakuen's tennis team, fueled by revenge after their loss to Seigaku, trains relentlessly but still loses in the first round of the Kanto Tournament.
• They are granted a wildcard to participate in the National Tournament, where they meet Seigaku again.
• The match begins with Seigaku's Inui serving, showcasing his improved "Waterfall Pouring Down" serve, which reaches a record-breaking speed of 212 km/h.
• Inui and Kaitou win the first game against Hyotei's Second Doubles, Hiyoshi and Mukahi.

Character Developments

• Atobe Keigo: Still driven by revenge, he accepts Hyotei's wildcard entry into the National Tournament.
• Inui Sadaharu: His "Waterfall Pouring Down" serve improves in technique and power, breaking the tournament record.
• Horio Takashi: Recognizes Inui's progress and looks forward to facing Echizen Nanjirou in the future.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and redemption: Hyotei's players are driven by their desire to avenge their loss to Seigaku.
• Improvement through hard work: Inui's serve improves due to his dedicated practice.
• Overcoming limitations: Horio looks forward to pushing his physical limits and mastering new techniques.

Character Interactions

• Atobe and Horio: Atobe is stimulated by Horio's words, leading him to vow revenge.
• Inui and Kaitou: They form a double backcourt formation, demonstrating their teamwork.
• Inui and Hyotei's Second Doubles: Inui's powerful serves intimidate and surprise Hiyoshi and Mukahi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hyotei (Mukahi and Hiyoshi) plays against Seigaku (Inui and Kaitou).
• Hyotei employs an aggressive, quick-paced strategy to end the match swiftly.
• Inui struggles to adapt to Hyotei's unexpected tactics and data becomes unreliable.
• Seigaku manages to hold their service games due to Inui's Waterfall Pouring Down.
• Hyotei's strategy begins to falter, and they start to tire out.

Character Developments

• Mukahi and Hiyoshi demonstrate their teamwork and adaptability.
• Inui faces challenges in his Information Tennis, leading to self-doubt.
• Kaitou shows resilience but struggles to keep up with Hyotei's pace.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and flexibility in strategy.
• The limitations of relying solely on data and analysis.
• The impact of physical endurance and stamina in tennis.

Character Interactions

• Mukahi and Hiyoshi work seamlessly together, complementing each other's skills.
• Inui and Kaitou struggle to coordinate, with Inui's data proving unreliable.
• Atobe observes the match with confidence in Hyotei's strategy.
• Seigaku members express concern about their team's situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The match between Seigaku and Hyotei is intense and prolonged, with both teams tied at several points.
• Hyotei's strategy is to exhaust Seigaku's stamina by maintaining a close score and aiming for a quick victory.
• Inui analyzes Hyotei's tactics and decides to switch serving duties to Kaitou to tire out Hyotei's players, particularly Hiyoshi.
• Hyotei reaches match point, believing their strategy is successful.

Character Developments

• Inui demonstrates his strategic prowess by analyzing Hyotei's tactics and adjusting Seigaku's strategy.
• Kaitou shows resilience and consistency in his serves, gradually tiring out Hiyoshi.
• Mukahi and Hiyoshi exhibit confidence in their quick-victory strategy, underestimating Seigaku's ability to adapt.

Significant Themes

• Strategy and Adaptability: Both teams employ different strategies, with Hyotei aiming for a quick victory and Seigaku focusing on endurance and adaptation.
• Stamina and Endurance: The match highlights the importance of managing stamina and endurance in tennis, with both teams trying to outlast the other.

Character Interactions

• Inui and Kaitou work together, with Inui providing strategic guidance and Kaitou executing the plan.
• Mukahi and Hiyoshi interact confidently, believing they have the upper hand in the match.
• Horio and Fuji discuss and analyze the match, providing insights into the strategies being employed.

Plot Points and Events

• The tenth game begins with Mukahi serving, but he lets Hiyoshi defend the front court.
• Kaitou targets Hiyoshi with heavy spin shots, causing strain on his wrist.
• Inui and Kaitou score the first point, 15:0.
• Kaitou uses a Wave Snake Shot, breaking Mukahi's racket, and scores another point, 30:0.

Character Developments

• Hiyoshi's wrist injury worsens, affecting his performance.
• Mukahi acknowledges Hiyoshi's injury and decides not to push him further.
• Kaitou reveals a new move, the Wave Snake Shot.
• Inui demonstrates his strategic prowess, adapting to Hyotei's situation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of physical condition in tennis.
• Strategic adaptation and countermeasures in competitive sports.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Mukahi and Hiyoshi discuss their strategy, acknowledging their injuries.
• Inui and Kaitou work together, with Inui providing strategies and Kaitou executing them.
• Atobe observes the match, noticing Hiyoshi's wrist injury.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hyotei's Mukahi and Seigaku's Inui and Kaitou are in a tense tennis match.
• Hiyoshi (Hyotei) surprises Inui by changing the ball's direction, scoring a point.
• Inui adjusts his strategy, predicting Hyotei's next moves based on data analysis.
• Kaitou (Seigaku) increases his power output, targeting Hiyoshi.
• Mukahi (Hyotei) serves a powerful shot using his Special Skill Shot, Moon Surface Flip, but Inui manages to return it.
• Inui and Kaitou work together to score the final point, winning the match 6:4.

Character Developments

• Mukahi (Hyotei): Initially frustrated, he gains confidence and determination after scoring a point, leading to a powerful serve.
• Hiyoshi (Hyotei): Despite wrist pain, he remains determined and adapts his technique to return Kaitou's powerful shots.
• Inui (Seigaku): He adjusts his strategy based on data analysis, showing adaptability and quick thinking.
• Kaitou (Seigaku): He increases his power output to target Hyotei's weak points, demonstrating his ability to adapt to opponents' strategies.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and Flexibility: Characters adapt their strategies based on new information and opponents' actions.
• Determination and Perseverance: Despite setbacks, characters remain determined to win.
• Teamwork: Inui and Kaitou work together to score the final point, showcasing the importance of teamwork.

Character Interactions

• Mukahi and Hiyoshi (Hyotei teammates) encourage each other and work together to score points.
• Inui and Kaitou (Seigaku teammates) communicate and strategize to counter Hyotei's moves, ultimately winning the match.
• Mukahi and Inui exchange verbal challenges, highlighting their competitive rivalry.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Seigaku wins Second Doubles, securing a 2-0 lead against Hyotei.
• Hyotei's team is disheartened, but Atobe motivates them.
• Seigaku's ace, Horio, plays Second Singles against Hyotei's Kabaji.
• Horio uses a Disappearing Serve, which Kabaji struggles to return, giving Seigaku the first point.

Character Developments

• Atobe shows leadership and determination, rallying his team despite the setbacks.
• Horio demonstrates his skills and strategic thinking by using a unique serve against Kabaji.
• Kabaji remains calm and composed despite facing a challenging serve.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and perseverance in the face of adversity (Atobe's pep talk).
• Strategic thinking and adaptability (Horio's use of the Disappearing Serve).
• The power of individual skills and their impact on team dynamics (Horio vs. Kabaji).

Character Interactions

• Atobe interacts with his team, motivating them after their losses.
• Horio and Kabaji interact on the court, showcasing their skills and strategies.
• Seigaku and Hyotei team members interact off the court, discussing the match and players' strategies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horio surprises Hyotei with his Disappearing Serve, which they've never seen before.
• Horio wins the first game using two Disappearing Serves and two Waterfall Pouring Downs.
• Kabaji imitates Horio's Disappearing Serve perfectly in his next service.

Character Developments

• Horio demonstrates his ability to control serve power and uses his Eye of Shattering Delusions to analyze Kabaji's shot.
• Kabaji shows his exceptional ability to absorb and imitate opponents' techniques.

Significant Themes

• The power of imitation and adaptation in tennis.
• The importance of understanding one's opponent and adjusting strategies accordingly.

Character Interactions

• Horio taunts Kabaji, provoking Atobe and leading Kabaji to imitate Horio's serve.
• Atobe, Kikumaru, Momoshiro, and Inui discuss Horio's strategy and Kabaji's abilities.
• Oshitari guesses that Horio is not using his full strength against Kabaji.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horio hits a Spinning Snake Shot with a backhand, surprising Kaitou.
• Kabaji mirrors Horio's shot, but Horio counters with a Lob Shot.
• Horio attempts a Shotgun Intercept, but Kabaji's Smash goes over the net.
• Horio scores the point, leading 15:0.
• Kabaji serves a Waterfall Pouring Down, which Horio returns successfully.

Character Developments

• Horio demonstrates his ability to analyze and adapt to opponents' techniques.
• Kabaji shows his ability to mimic opponents' shots perfectly but struggles to improve upon them.
• Inui and Fuji analyze Kabaji's mimicry limitations.

Significant Themes

• The double-edged nature of talent: while Kabaji can mimic techniques perfectly, he also mimics their flaws and can't improve upon them.
• The importance of understanding one's own limits and the limits of one's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Horio and Kabaji engage in a tense rally, with Horio trying to exploit Kabaji's mimicry limitations.
• Inui, Fuji, and Tezuka discuss Kabaji's mimicry abilities and Horio's strategies.
• Kaitou, Oishi, and other Seigaku members watch the match and comment on the players' techniques.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horio and Kabaji's match continues, mirroring each other's moves.
• Horio uses Kamishiro Reiji's Deep Power, which Kabaji also uses, surprising the Seigaku team.
• Horio uses a lob shot, and Kabaji returns it, setting up a tense rally.
• Horio scores using Marui Bunta's Tightrope Walk, surprising his teammates.
• Atobe orders Kabaji to increase his intensity, causing him to emit a stronger aura.

Character Developments

• Horio shows adaptability and strategic thinking, using Deep Power and Tightrope Walk effectively.
• Kabaji demonstrates his strength and skill, handling Horio's powerful shots and learning new techniques.
• Atobe shows his leadership, strategizing and pushing Kabaji to perform better.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and strategic thinking in tennis.
• The power of learning and adapting to new techniques.
• Leadership and motivation in competitive sports.

Character Interactions

• Horio and Kabaji's intense and skillful match-up.
• Atobe's interaction with Kabaji, pushing him to perform better.
• Seigaku team's reactions to Horio's use of Tightrope Walk.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kabaji, previously holding back, unleashes a powerful Waterfall Pouring Down serve, breaking the tournament record.
• Horio successfully returns Kabaji's record-breaking serve using a new move, surprising everyone.
• Kabaji responds with a Drop Shot, demonstrating his versatility, and then hits a smash, which Horio returns easily.
• Horio uses a new move, likely an improved version of his previous technique, to effortlessly handle Kabaji's powerful smash.

Character Developments

• Kabaji: Shows his true power and technique, breaking the tournament record and demonstrating his versatility with a Drop Shot. He becomes more determined after seeing Horio's improvement.
• Horio: Shows significant improvement, successfully returning Kabaji's record-breaking serve and handling his powerful smash with ease. He realizes he needs to complete his fusion of Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired and Elevate Might.

Significant Themes

• Improvement and Growth: Both Kabaji and Horio show significant improvement in their skills, pushing each other to grow.
• Versatility: Kabaji demonstrates his versatility by using a Drop Shot after a powerful serve, challenging Horio's expectations.
• Unpredictability: Horio's new move surprises everyone, highlighting the importance of adaptability and unpredictability in tennis.

Character Interactions

• Kabaji vs. Horio: Their intense rally showcases their skills and pushes each other to improve. Their interaction highlights the theme of growth and the importance of strong opponents.
• Atobe: Provides commentary and support for Kabaji, showing his role as a mentor and teammate.
• Seigaku and Hyotei Members: Both teams show concern and admiration for their respective teammates, highlighting their camaraderie and support for each other's growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horio realizes the potential of fusing 'Elevate Might' with 'Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired' to increase his return shots' power.
• Horio plans to have Kabaji imitate 'Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired' to aid his technique's completion.
• Horio uses 'Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired' to return Kabaji's 'Waterfall Pouring Down', increasing the ball's power.
• Kabaji imitates 'Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired', further enhancing the ball's power.
• Horio successfully receives and neutralizes the spin of Kabaji's powerful shot, winning the game 2:0.

Character Developments

• Horio: Realizes the potential of his skills, strategizes to improve his technique using Kabaji.
• Kabaji: Demonstrates his ability to imitate powerful techniques, shows confidence and resilience on the court.

Significant Themes

• Strategic thinking and adaptation in competitive situations.
• The power of imitation and learning from opponents.
• The importance of understanding and respecting one's physical limits (Kabaji's arm injury consideration).

Character Interactions

• Horio and Kabaji: Horio uses Kabaji to advance his technique, while Kabaji holds his own against Horio's powerful shots.
• Atobe and Oshitari: Discuss and analyze Horio's impressive skill of neutralizing the spin on the tennis ball.
• Fuji and others: Anxiously watch Horio and Kabaji's intense rally, unaware of Horio's true intentions.

Key Plot Points

• Horio plays against Kabaji, a player who can imitate others' techniques.
• Horio uses various techniques (Invisible Swing, Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired) to win the game 3:0.
• Horio intentionally uses Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired to practice a move he hasn't completed yet, using Kabaji as a sparring partner.

Character Developments

• Horio demonstrates his strategic thinking and sportsmanship by using Kabaji to practice without harming him.
• Kabaji shows his ability to imitate techniques but struggles against Horio's speed and power.
• Atobe and Tezuka analyze Horio's strategies from the sidelines.

Significant Themes

• The power of strategy and adaptability in tennis.
• The importance of sportsmanship and not harming opponents.
• The struggle between imitation and originality in technique.

Character Interactions

• Horio and Kabaji's intense match, with Kabaji struggling to keep up with Horio's speed and power.
• Atobe and Tezuka's analysis and support for their respective team members.
• Fuji, Tezuka, and Inui discussing Horio's strategies and Kabaji's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kabaji uses Waterfall Pouring Down, maintaining its power.
• Horio activates Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired, returning the ball with increased power.
• Kabaji returns the ball with enhanced power, surprising Horio.
• Horio uses Weak Water, tricking Kabaji into making a mistake.
• Kabaji learns from his mistakes and serves a normal shot.
• Horio hits a topspin shot, and Kabaji attempts to replicate Weak Water.
• Horio rushes the net and scores with a Slice Shot, acknowledging Kabaji's talent but noting imperfections in his replication.

Character Developments

• Kabaji shows growth by learning from his mistakes and adapting his strategy.
• Horio demonstrates his experience and skill by testing Kabaji and acknowledging his potential.
• Atobe recognizes Horio's Weak Water and its evolution.

Significant Themes

• Learning and growth through experience and mistakes.
• Adaptation and counter-strategy in competitive situations.
• The evolution of skills and techniques over time.

Character Interactions

• Kabaji and Horio engage in a tense and strategic match, with each learning from the other.
• Atobe and the Seigaku members analyze and discuss the match, highlighting key moments and strategies.
• Kikumaru expresses concern for Kabaji's well-being amidst the intense match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kabaji analyzes Horio's "Weak Water" technique and finds it difficult to replicate.
• Kabaji's performance drops, and he struggles to return Horio's shots.
• Horio uses "Shatter," injuring Kabaji's arm, and Hyotei requests a timeout.
• Kabaji resumes the match, determined to win, but Horio maintains his lead.
• The match reaches Horio's match point in the fifth game.

Character Developments

• Kabaji: Initially confident, he becomes listless after failing to copy Horio's technique and is injured, but he regains determination with Atobe's encouragement.
• Horio: Stays focused and serious throughout the match, using his unique techniques effectively.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against powerful, unique techniques (Horio's "Weak Water" and "Shatter").
• The importance of mental resilience and determination in tennis (Kabaji's recovery).

Character Interactions

• Atobe supports Kabaji by snapping his fingers, helping him regain focus and determination.
• Horio acknowledges Kabaji's determination and encourages him to give his best.
• Coach Sakaki prioritizes Hyotei's victory, pressuring Kabaji to continue playing despite his injury.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horio easily defeats Kabaji in the Second Singles match, winning 6:0.
• Seigaku advances to the top four with a perfect record of three wins.
• Hyotei loses to Seigaku for the second time in the tournament.
• The match ends near noon, and Seigaku members are free for the rest of the day.
• Horio accidentally helps catch a thief on roller skates who had stolen a pregnant woman's bag.

Character Developments

• Horio demonstrates his exceptional tennis skills, defeating Kabaji without breaking a sweat.
• Atobe, despite his unwillingness to lose, maintains his composure and encourages his team to learn from their defeat.
• Horio shows his quick thinking and mischievous side when he trips the thief without causing serious harm.

Significant Themes

• Skill vs. Stamina: Horio's skill and stamina allow him to outplay Kabaji, highlighting the importance of both aspects in tennis.
• Redemption and Learning from Defeat: Hyotei members are encouraged to learn from their loss and strive for revenge in the future.

Character Interactions

• Horio and Kabaji's intense rally showcases their skills and determination.
• Atobe and his team interact, with Atobe trying to keep his team's spirits up despite their loss.
• Horio interacts with the thief and the crowd, displaying his quick thinking and helpful nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Horio helps catch a thief and meets Tooyama Kintaro, a Shitenhoji tennis player who mistakes Horio for Kaitou Kaoru.
• Horio rejoins his teammates, and they discuss the ongoing matches. Rikkai Dai and Nagoya Seidoku have won all their matches, setting up a semifinal clash.
• The next day, Shitenhoji's Kintaro easily defeats Fudomine's ace, Ibu Shinji, in the Third Singles match. Fudomine's Second Doubles team, Ishida Tetsu and Kamio Akira, takes the court against Shitenhoji's Oshitari Kenta and Ishida Gin.

Character Developments

• Horio shows his strength and kindness by helping catch a thief.
• Kintaro demonstrates his powerful tennis skills and enthusiasm for competition.
• Ibu Shinji shows his determination but is overwhelmed by Kintaro's strength.
• Tachibana Kippei, Fudomine's captain, remains calm and strategic despite their team's setbacks.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Determination: Characters display their physical strength and mental resolve on and off the court.
• Mistaken Identity: Horio's encounter with Kintaro highlights the theme of appearances deceiving, as Kintaro mistakes Horio for Kaitou Kaoru.
• Teamwork and Strategy: Both Fudomine and Shitenhoji show teamwork and strategic thinking, with Fudomine's captain making decisions based on the situation.

Character Interactions

• Horio and Kintaro: Horio initially interacts with Kintaro under the guise of Kaitou Kaoru, leading to a humorous exchange.
• Fudomine Team: The team members support each other, with Ibu Shinji urging his teammates to continue fighting despite his defeat.
• Shitenhoji Team: Kintaro celebrates his victory, and the team prepares for the next match with confidence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Oshitari and Kamio's initial exchange showcases Oshitari's speed and Kamio's new Beast's Aura ability.
• Ishida Gin returns Ishida Tetsu's powerful Original Wave Ball with ease, demonstrating his strength.
• Kamio and Ishida Tetsu activate their Beast's Aura, temporarily matching Shitenhoji's power and speed.
• Shitenhoji removes their training equipment, signaling they're taking the match seriously.
• Fudomine's Second Doubles (Kamio & Ishida Tetsu) forfeit after four games due to exhaustion.

Character Developments

• Kamio Akira and Ishida Tetsu show significant improvement, learning the Beast's Aura and pushing Shitenhoji's powerhouses.
• Oshitari Kenya and Ishida Gin display their prowess, easily handling Fudomine's enhanced opponents.
• Tachibana Kippei shows concern for his team's well-being, ending the match when Kamio and Ishida Tetsu can't continue.

Significant Themes

• The theme of growth and improvement is evident as Kamio and Ishida Tetsu push their limits against stronger opponents.
• The power dynamics between schools are emphasized, with Shitenhoji's dominance over Fudomine.
• The importance of teamwork and strategy is hinted at, as Shitenhoji adapts to Fudomine's new abilities.

Character Interactions

• Oshitari and Kamio's initial exchange sets the stage for their respective schools' power dynamics.
• Ishida Gin and Ishida Tetsu's brotherly bond is shown as they support each other throughout the match.
• Tachibana Kippei's concern for his team's well-being leads him to end the match when his players can't continue.
• Coach Watanabe Shu and Shiraishi commentate on the match, providing insights into the characters and their abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chitose Senri and Tachibana Kippei, former friends and tennis partners, face each other as opponents.
• Chitose enters the State of Selflessness, while Tachibana unleashes his Beast's Aura.
• The match begins with Chitose serving, and they engage in a series of fast-paced rallies.
• Tachibana uses his eyes to receive Chitose's smash, referencing a past incident.
• Chitose uses his Divine Concealment technique, which Tachibana initially struggles to counter.
• Tachibana retaliates with his Rampaging Lion shot, powered by his Beast's Aura.

Character Developments

• Tachibana Kippei: Struggles with guilt over a past injury he caused Chitose, leading to his temporary retirement from tennis. Now, he plays with renewed determination and power.
• Chitose Senri: Has developed new skills like Divine Concealment and Radiant Talent, showcasing his growth as a player.

Significant Themes

• Redemption: Tachibana seeks to atone for his past actions.
• Growth: Both characters have evolved as tennis players since their middle school days.
• Rivalry: The intense match highlights their competitive nature and desire to outdo each other.

Character Interactions

• Tachibana Kippei and Chitose Senri: Their tense interaction reveals a complex history, with lingering tension and unspoken words.
• Horio and Tachibana An: They provide backstory and context for the match, explaining the history between the two main characters.
• Seigaku and Fudomine members: They react to the match, expressing curiosity, fear, and awe at the players' skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chitose activates 'Radiant Talent Limit', predicting and winning the seventh ball against Tachibana Kippei.
• Tachibana Kippei uses 'Explosive Ball Dance', splitting the ball into over a dozen fragments, but Chitose returns it with 'Divine Concealment', winning the match 7:5.
• Chitose quits the tennis club and approaches Tezuka about the 'Seamless Limit', with Tezuka mentioning Tooyama Kintaro and hinting at a potential third gate unlocker.
• Fudomine and Shitenhoji prepare for their semifinal match against each other.

Character Developments

• Chitose demonstrates growth in his abilities, activating 'Radiant Talent Limit' and successfully returning 'Explosive Ball Dance'.
• Chitose shows determination and initiative in pursuing his goals, quitting the tennis club and seeking Tezuka's guidance.
• Tezuka reveals knowledge about the 'Seamless Limit' and hints at a potential third gate unlocker, showing his wisdom and experience.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of tennis mastery and unlocking hidden abilities.
• The importance of confidence and strategy in competitive matches.
• The role of mentors and guidance in personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Chitose and Tachibana Kippei engage in a intense match, showcasing their skills and strategies.
• Chitose and Tezuka discuss the 'Seamless Limit', with Tezuka providing guidance and hints.
• Fudomine and Shitenhoji coaches and players prepare for their upcoming semifinal match, demonstrating their strategies and confidence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fuji plays his first singles match in the national tournament against Shiraishi from Shitenhoji High School.
• Shiraishi, known for his perfect fundamentals, toys with Fuji at the start, leading 15-0.
• Fuji introduces the Disappearing Serve, which Shiraishi returns, surprising the Seigaku team.
• Shiraishi breaks Fuji's serve, winning the first game 6-0.

Character Developments

• Fuji shows motivation and aggression but struggles against Shiraishi's solid fundamentals.
• Shiraishi demonstrates his textbook-perfect tennis style, living up to his "Bible of Tennis" nickname.

Significant Themes

• The clash of styles: Fuji's unique, powerful shots vs. Shiraishi's perfect fundamentals.
• The importance of solid basics in tennis.

Character Interactions

• Fuji and Shiraishi's match highlights their contrasting playstyles and strengths.
• Seigaku members react to Fuji's struggles and Shiraishi's impressive skills, expressing astonishment and concern.