Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The draw ceremony for the Kanto Tournament takes place.
• Hyotei Academy's first match is against Aihara First Middle School, a weak team that was easily defeated by Rikkai Dai in the Kanagawa Prefecture finals.
• Potential opponents in later rounds include Midori Mountain Middle School and Rokkaku Middle School.

Character Developments

• Kamikawa and Tezuka attend the draw ceremony together, showing their close friendship and teamwork.
• Kamikawa displays his strategic mind, analyzing potential opponents and planning Hyotei's approach to the tournament.
• Tezuka shows his leadership and responsibility, emphasizing the importance of taking every match seriously.

Significant Themes

• The rise of the Kanto region in tennis, with schools like Hyotei and Rikkai Dai leading the way.
• The importance of teamwork and strategic planning in tennis, as seen in Kamikawa's analysis of potential opponents.
• The responsibility of leaders, as demonstrated by Tezuka's commitment to taking every match seriously.

Character Interactions

• Kamikawa and Tezuka interact, showing their close bond and shared strategic thinking.
• Kamikawa and Tezuka meet Yukimura and Yanagi from Rikkai Dai, acknowledging each other as strong competitors.
• Hyotei Academy's team members prepare for the tournament, with Sanada leading extra practice and Kamikawa planning the team's approach.

Key Plot Points & Events

• The annual Kanto Tournament begins, with high expectations due to last year's strong Kanto performances.
• Hyotei arrives at the venue, led by Tezuka, with their players registering for the tournament.
• Kamikawa is noticed to be missing, and it's revealed he was approached by Coach Kamimura of Jōsei Shōnan, who offered to train him to a quasi-professional level within a year if he joins her team.
• Kamikawa declines, stating his current goal is to lead Hyotei to a three-peat at the National Tournament.

Character Developments

• Kamikawa demonstrates confidence in his abilities and his commitment to Hyotei.
• Coach Kamimura shows her keen eye for talent and ambition to improve her team's standing.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and dedication to one's goals (Kamikawa, Kamimura)
• Loyalty and team commitment (Kamikawa to Hyotei)

Character Interactions

• Kamikawa interacts with Coach Kamimura, declining her offer to join Jōsei Shōnan.
• Hyotei team members discuss Kamikawa's whereabouts and his interaction with the red-haired woman.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Kanto Tournament has 16 teams, not 32, with the first round matchups being Midori Mountain vs. Jōsei Shōnan and Yamabuki vs. Fudomine.
• Seigaku is placed in Rikkai Dai's half of the bracket, with a potential second-round match against Rikkai Dai.
• The tournament's progression is outlined up to the repechage match.

Character Developments

• Coach Ryuzaki reveals that Seigaku's Golden Pair reached the National Tournament in their second year of junior high but performed poorly.

Significant Themes

• The theme of growth and improvement is highlighted, with Seigaku's Golden Pair showing potential but needing further development.

Character Interactions

• The focus is on Coach Ryuzaki's monologue and the revelation about Seigaku's Golden Pair, with no significant interactions between characters mentioned.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Midori Mountain Middle School loses to Jōsei Shōnan in the first round of the Kanto Tournament.
• Fudomine Middle School loses to Yamabuki Junior High in the first round.
• Hyotei Middle School wins against Aihara First Junior High in the first round and faces Jōsei Shōnan in the quarterfinals.

Character Developments

• Inui observes matches and gathers information about other schools.
• Kamikawa and Tezuka from Hyotei scout the next opponent.
• Kamio and Ibu from Fudomine reflect on their loss and vow to improve.

Significant Themes

• The importance of gathering information and strategic planning in tennis matches (seen through Inui's actions).
• The gap in skill and coaching between schools, and the impact on their performance (evident in Fudomine's loss).
• The determination and resolve of players to win and improve (shown by Hyotei and Fudomine).

Character Interactions

• Inui interacts with Kamikawa and Tezuka, discussing their next opponent and Hyotei's chances.
• Kamio and Ibu support each other after Fudomine's loss.
• Hyotei's team members gather to discuss their upcoming match against Jōsei Shōnan, with Shintaro announcing the lineup and Tezuka rallying the team.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tokugawa Kazuya, a highly skilled player returning from overseas, joins the u17 training camp.
• Other notable players invited to the camp include Hirazenji (Shitenhoji), Fuwa (Shishiraku Junior High), and Mitsutani Akuto (unknown high school).
• Kurobe, the camp's coach, plans to organize Shuffle Battles to observe the players' skills and teamwork.
• Meanwhile, in the Kanto Tournament, Hyotei easily defeats Jōsei Shōnan in the doubles matches, with Oshitari and Mukahi winning both matches.

Character Developments

• Tokugawa Kazuya: Confident in his skills, he aims to elevate the weak Japanese tennis scene.
• Hirazenji and Fuwa: Recognize Tokugawa's strength but remain confident in their own abilities.
• Oshitari Yushi and Mukahi: Show impressive teamwork and skill in their doubles matches, defeating opponents easily.

Significant Themes

• The gap in tennis skill between Japanese players and international players.
• The potential of the new generation of Japanese tennis players.
• The importance of teamwork and fundamentals in tennis.

Character Interactions

• Tokugawa Kazuya, Hirazenji, and Fuwa: Recognize each other's strengths and express interest in competing.
• Oshitari Yushi and Mukahi: Display excellent teamwork and communication during their doubles matches.
• Kamikawa Mutsu and Atobe: Exchange words before Atobe's singles match, with Kamikawa expressing confidence in Atobe's victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rikkai Dai's Sanada plays singles 3 against Seigaku's Fuji.
• Sanada aims to reclaim Rikkai Dai's glory as the tennis kings.
• Seigaku struggles in the first two matches, but Inui and the Golden Pair win their respective matches.
• Fuji faces Sanada, knowing the match will be challenging.

Character Developments

• Sanada shows determination and confidence in his match against Fuji.
• Fuji accepts the challenge, understanding the difficulty of his task.
• Coach Ryuzaki worries about Fuji's match against Sanada.
• Kamikawa and Tezuka sneak away from their match to watch Fuji vs. Sanada.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between Seigaku and Rikkai Dai for tennis supremacy.
• The growth and determination of individual players (Fuji, Sanada).
• The importance of team strategy and lineup choices (Ryuzaki's decision to put Fuji in singles 3).

Character Interactions

• Sanada and Fuji exchange words before the match, with Sanada showing arrogance and Fuji remaining silent and determined.
• Kamikawa and Tezuka decide to watch Fuji's match together, showing their interest in the outcome.
• Hyotei's members discuss the match between Rikkai Dai and Seigaku, with some wanting to watch but unable to leave their own match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fuji and Sanada face off in the Kanto Tournament's second round.
• Fuji, previously known for his defensive play, now employs an ultra-offensive style with improved five dimensions.
• Sanada, Rikkai Dai's vice captain, prefers direct confrontations and uses powerful techniques like Aggressive as Fire and Furinkazan.

Character Developments

• Fuji: Transforms from a defensive player to an ultra-offensive one, demonstrating significant growth.
• Sanada: Stays true to his aggressive, direct-confrontation style, showing confidence in his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Transformation: Fuji's change in playstyle reflects his personal growth and adaptation to new challenges.
• Direct Confrontation vs. Strategic Play: Sanada's preference for direct confrontations contrasts with Fuji's strategic use of Aoi Fubuki.

Character Interactions

• Fuji and Sanada: Engage in a high-intensity match, showcasing their unique playstyles and pushing each other's limits.
• Akutsu: Observes the match, acknowledging Fuji's talent and anticipating his future growth.
• Rikkai Dai and Seigaku members: React to the intense match, discussing strategies and predicting outcomes.

Plot Points and Events

• Sanada's aggressive play, using 'Aggressive as Fire' and 'Swift as the Wind', continuously pressures Fuji.
• Fuji struggles to keep up with Sanada's power and speed, leading to a 5-2 game score in Sanada's favor.
• Fuji decides to try a new strategy in the final game, using 'Cover' to neutralize Sanada's spin.
• Sanada wins the final game 6-2, securing Rikkai Dai's advancement to the Quarter-finals with a 3-0 match score.
• Hyotei team arrives to watch the match, and Atobe expresses his surprise at Fuji's aura change.

Character Developments

• Fuji realizes the need to adapt his strategy to counter Sanada's powerful and fast shots.
• Sanada grows in confidence and strength, continuously improving his tennis skills.
• Atobe shows interest in Fuji's potential and growth, acknowledging him as a worthy opponent.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and strategy in tennis, as seen in Fuji's attempt to counter Sanada's powerful shots.
• The continuous growth and improvement of characters, both physically and mentally, as shown in Sanada's and Fuji's development.

Character Interactions

• Fuji and Sanada's intense rivalry on the court, with each pushing the other to improve.
• Atobe and Kamikawa's interaction, with Atobe expressing his surprise at Fuji's growth and Kamikawa's interest in the match.
• The Hyotei team's arrival and discussion about their upcoming matches against Rokkaku Junior High and Rikkai Dai.

Plot Points and Events

• The Kanto Tournament semifinals are underway, with Rikkai Dai vs. Yamabuki's first match in progress.
• Inoue and Shibashiori, reporters, discuss the tournament's intensity and Seigaku's potential advancement to the National Tournament.
• Kamikawa, Tezuka, Oshitari, Atobe, Fuji, and Inui arrive to watch the crucial singles 3 match between Sanada (Rikkai Dai) and Akutsu (Yamabuki).
• The match begins, with both players showcasing exceptional skills and determination.

Character Developments

• Inoue shows favoritism towards Seigaku, his alma mater, and acknowledges their growth.
• Kamikawa and Tezuka display their competitive nature, eager to watch and learn from strong players.
• Atobe expresses interest in playing against Akutsu in the future.
• Sanada and Akutsu demonstrate significant improvements in their skills since their last encounter.

Significant Themes

• Competition and growth through facing strong opponents.
• The evolution of playstyles and techniques.
• The intensity and unpredictability of high-level tennis matches.

Character Interactions

• Inoue and Shibashiori discuss the tournament and Seigaku's potential.
• Kamikawa, Tezuka, Oshitari, Atobe, Fuji, and Inui interact, sharing their thoughts on the match and players.
• Sanada and Akutsu engage in a fierce and evenly matched tennis battle, with both players pushing each other to their limits.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sanada and Akutsu engage in an intense tennis match, with Sanada's superior stamina and strategic use of Furinkazan (swift as the wind and immovable as a mountain) giving him an edge.
• The match reaches a tie-breaker, with both players displaying exceptional skill and endurance.
• Akutsu reveals a move similar to Sanada's swift as lightning, which he calls thunder.
• Sanada counters Akutsu's thunder with his own swift as lightning, ultimately winning the match 7-5.
• After the match, Akutsu emits a violent, blood-red aura that catches the attention of several national-level players.

Character Developments

• Sanada demonstrates growth in his ability to strategize and endure, making him a formidable opponent.
• Akutsu shows improvement in his physical abilities, able to mimic Sanada's swift as lightning move.
• Akutsu's violent, blood-red aura suggests a new level of intensity and potential danger.

Significant Themes

• Endurance and stamina as crucial factors in high-level tennis matches.
• The influence of one's mental state on physical performance, as seen in Akutsu's post-match aura.
• The blurring line between human and monster, hinted at by Akutsu's nickname and his newfound aura.

Character Interactions

• Sanada and Akutsu engage in a tense, competitive match, with each pushing the other to their limits.
• Sanada feels concern for Akutsu's well-being after the match, while Akutsu vows revenge.
• Various national-level players, including Tezuka, Kamikawa, and Atobe, take note of Akutsu's post-match aura, hinting at future challenges.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hyotei's tennis club continues their training, with the match against Rokkaku postponed.
• Coach Shin calls for Atobe, Kamikawa, and Tezuka to discuss the next day's match lineup against Rokkaku.
• Tenkon Hikaru, a first-year student from Rokkaku Junior High, arrives at Hyotei's tennis club to challenge them.

Character Developments

• Atobe suggests switching the singles 3 position to Jiro to give him a chance to play.
• Kamikawa and Tezuka show little concern about the match against Rokkaku, indicating their confidence in their team's strength.
• Tenkon Hikaru demonstrates his eccentric and confident personality, arriving at Hyotei to challenge their tennis club.

Significant Themes

• The intense training regime of Hyotei's tennis club and its impact on members.
• The competitive nature of high school tennis and the desire to prove oneself.
• The importance of match strategy and lineup in competitive tennis.

Character Interactions

• Atobe, Kamikawa, and Tezuka discuss the match lineup and training plans with Coach Shin.
• Tenkon Hikaru interacts with Hyotei's tennis club members, causing confusion and bewilderment.
• Oshitari intervenes when Tenkon arrives, showing his leadership and responsibility within the club.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tenkon Hikaru from Rokkaku Junior High visits Hyotei to challenge Kamikawa Mutsu but finds Oshitari Yushi instead.
• Oshitari and Tenkon have a practice match, with Oshitari easily defeating Tenkon 6-3.
• Oshitari reveals that Hyotei is the strongest team in the country, not just Tokyo.

Character Developments

• Oshitari Yushi: Shows his hidden strength and quasi-national level skills, defeating Tenkon easily.
• Tenkon Hikaru: Realizes the vast gap between Hyotei and Rokkaku Junior High, receives a harsh lesson from Oshitari.
• Kamikawa Mutsu: Briefly appears, acknowledges Tenkon's strength as passable (Kanto level).

Significant Themes

• The strength and pride of Hyotei Tennis Club.
• The gap in skill between Hyotei and other schools.
• The importance of not underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Oshitari and Tenkon: A one-sided match, with Oshitari showing no mercy.
• Kamikawa and Tezuka: Discuss Tenkon and Hyotei's strength.
• Atobe and Kabaji: Witness the match, with Atobe finding it boring.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The match between Hyotei Academy and Rokkaku Junior High begins.
• Hyotei's team, led by Tezuka, intimidates the spectators with their strong aura.
• Tenkon, Rokkaku's first-year player, is nervous and scared of Hyotei's strength.
• Kamikawa Mutsu, Hyotei's ace, meets Rokkaku's coach, the Old Man, and they discuss Kamikawa's potential.
• The first doubles match begins with Hyotei winning easily.

Character Developments

• Tenkon shows fear and tension when facing Hyotei, indicating his growth and understanding of their strength.
• Kamikawa is humble about his abilities but is praised by the Old Man for his potential.
• The Old Man reveals hints of his past, suggesting a history of coaching or playing tennis at a high level.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Hyotei and other schools, emphasizing Hyotei's dominance.
• The mental strength and pressure of facing formidable opponents, as seen through Tenkon's fear and Kamikawa's humility.

Character Interactions

• Kamikawa and the Old Man discuss tennis and acknowledge each other's strengths.
• Tenkon and Kuroba interact, showing their partnership and Tenkon's nervousness.
• Tezuka and Takeda, the club presidents of Hyotei and Rokkaku, respectively, have a brief exchange before the match.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hyotei fields Kamikawa and Tezuka for doubles, aiming to win quickly.
• Rokkaku Junior High struggles against Hyotei's powerful duo.
• Kamikawa's serve, akin to Ochi's Mach Serve, dominates the match.
• Hyotei wins 6-0, 6-0 in just 14 minutes.

Character Developments

• Kamikawa Mutsu: Demonstrates exceptional serving skills, hinting at future greatness.
• Amagane Hikaru & Kuroba Shunpu: Face mental and physical exhaustion against Hyotei's powerful duo, learning from the experience.

Significant Themes

• The power of Hyotei's top players and their impact on opponents' morale.
• The importance of experience and learning from defeat for growth.

Character Interactions

• Kamikawa and Tezuka display excellent teamwork and understanding.
• Coach Shin advises Ohtori to study Kamikawa's serve.
• Akutsu expresses disinterest in the one-sided match and encourages Yamabuki members to train harder.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Aoi Kentaro, a promising first-year student from Rokkaku Junior High, watches Hyotei's match, expressing his admiration for Kamikawa but also his intent to lead Rokkaku Junior High himself.
• Oshitari Yushi and Kabaji Ryoma pair up for Hyotei's doubles match against Rokkaku Junior High. Oshitari, known as the "Kansai Wolf," is a formidable player with exceptional psychological warfare skills.
• The doubles match begins, with Oshitari and Kabaji showcasing remarkable teamwork and unpredictability, leading to a 6-0 shutout victory.

Character Developments

• Aoi Kentaro: Expresses his ambition to lead Rokkaku Junior High, inspired by Kamikawa's example, and reassures his seniors that he won't join Hyotei.
• Oshitari Yushi: Demonstrates his exceptional doubles skills and strategic prowess, playing at 70% of his capacity. Coach Shin encourages him to find his own path in tennis.
• Kabaji Ryoma: Proves his talent and potential in doubles, successfully imitating and adapting Ishida Gin's Wave Ball skill. Coach Shin praises his accurate imitation and encourages him to observe more.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination: Kentaro's desire to lead Rokkaku Junior High, Oshitari's pursuit of his own tennis path.
• Teamwork and strategy: Oshitari and Kabaji's successful doubles partnership, showcasing their ability to read each other's thoughts and adapt to their opponents.
• Talent and potential: Kentaro, Oshitari, and Kabaji's exceptional skills and potential, drawing the attention and praise of their coaches and peers.

Character Interactions

• Kentaro interacts with Saeki and other Rokkaku Junior High members, reassuring them of his commitment to their school.
• Oshitari and Kabaji form a strong doubles pair, communicating effectively and complementing each other's skills.
• Coach Shin interacts with Oshitari and Kabaji, providing guidance and encouragement tailored to each player's strengths and areas for improvement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rokkaku Junior High loses the first two matches against Hyotei Academy, with scores of 6-0.
• Takeda, Rokkaku's club president, places high hopes on Saeki, their top-tier player, for the singles 3 match.
• Atobe, Hyotei's captain, has yet to play and is the only remaining "Big Three" member.
• Jiro, Hyotei's mysterious player, is woken up by Kabaji to play singles 3 against Saeki.
• Jiro wins the match 6-3, showcasing his impressive net-rushing speed and volley skills.
• Hyotei Academy advances to the Kanto Tournament finals with a 3-0 victory.

Character Developments

• Takeda: Shows determination to secure at least one victory for Rokkaku Junior High.
• Saeki: Proves to be a strong player but struggles against Jiro's unique playing style.
• Jiro: Demonstrates exceptional net-rushing speed and volley skills, winning his match against Saeki.
• Atobe: Displays his serious and determined side, pushing for ultimate victory and not tolerating mistakes from his teammates.

Significant Themes

• Determination and Perseverance: Atobe's relentless pursuit of victory and Jiro's unexpected skill showcase the importance of determination and perseverance in tennis.
• Adaptation and Strategy: Saeki's struggle against Jiro highlights the need for players to adapt their strategies to counter their opponents' strengths.

Character Interactions

• Atobe and Jiro: Atobe's sternness towards Jiro's sleeping habits contrasts with his determination to win, while Jiro's nonchalant attitude towards the match reveals his hidden skills.
• Saeki and Jiro: Saeki's initial underestimation of Jiro leads to a challenging match, with Saeki struggling to adapt to Jiro's unique playing style.
• Takeda and Saeki: Takeda's confidence in Saeki's abilities shows his trust in his team's top-tier player, while Saeki's performance puts pressure on him to live up to expectations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rikkai Dai and Hyotei Academy submit their match lists for the Kanto Tournament finals.
• The first match is announced: Oshitari Yushi and Keigo Atobe (Hyotei) vs. Yanagi Renji and Mori Jusaburo (Rikkai Dai).
• Both teams express confidence in their victory.

Character Developments

• Yanagi Renji: He is worried about Rikkai Dai's chances against Hyotei's strong lineup and emphasizes the importance of winning every match.
• Mori Jusaburo: He shows confidence in his team's victory and is ready to face Atobe in their first match.
• Atobe Keigo: He is determined to win the match with absolute dominance and believes in Oshitari's abilities.
• Oshitari Yushi: He is calm and confident in his partnership with Atobe.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and determination in facing strong opponents.
• The importance of winning every match in a tournament.
• The development of characters' abilities and growth over time.

Character Interactions

• Rikkai Dai vs. Hyotei Academy: Both teams express their confidence in winning the Kanto Tournament, setting up a tense and exciting match.
• Yanagi & Mori vs. Oshitari & Atobe: The two pairs exchange polite greetings before the match, with Atobe expressing his intention to defeat Rikkai Dai and Mori responding with confidence.
• Coach Shin & Coach Bandou: They discuss the potential of Akutsu from Yamabuki Junior High and the possibility of him training under Old Man from Rokkaku Junior High.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The doubles match between Hyotei Academy and Rikkai Dai Fuzhong begins.
• Atobe serves first, and Hyotei takes the first game.
• Mori successfully counters Atobe's Tauser Serve, surprising the Hyotei team.
• The score becomes tied at 1-1 after both teams hold their serves.
• Mori falls asleep during the match, raising concerns and suspicions.

Character Developments

• Atobe shows his powerful Tauser Serve but is countered by Mori.
• Oshitari demonstrates skillful net play and drop shots.
• Mori displays exceptional technique and confidence in countering Atobe's serve.
• Yanagi Renji shows strategic prowess in gathering information and supporting Mori.
• Mori's ability to fall asleep during a match is revealed, hinting at his unique mental strength.

Significant Themes

• The importance of skill, strategy, and teamwork in doubles tennis.
• The role of information gathering and adaptation in competitive matches.
• The exploration of unique abilities and their impact on gameplay.

Character Interactions

• Atobe and Oshitari work together to maintain control of the match, with Atobe focusing on baseline play and Oshitari handling the net.
• Mori and Yanagi Renji exhibit strong tacit understanding, with Mori relying on Yanagi's information gathering to adjust his strategy.
• The Hyotei team is surprised and concerned by Mori's ability to fall asleep during the match, while Kamikawa and Tezuka suspect that Mori is using a unique ability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mori of Rikkai Dai enters a unique sleeping state that enhances his tennis skills.
• Atobe and Oshitari struggle against Mori and Yanagi Renji in doubles.
• Atobe improves his perception and uses dead angles to win the match.

Character Developments

• Atobe: Becomes more perceptive and strategic, adapting to Mori's sleeping state.
• Mori: Shows exceptional skill while asleep, relying on senses rather than sight.
• Oshitari: Demonstrates clever feints and teamwork with Atobe.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Characters must adapt to changing circumstances and opponents' abilities.
• Perception: Atobe's improved perception is crucial for victory.
• Teamwork: Both Hyotei and Rikkai Dai teams exhibit strong teamwork strategies.

Character Interactions

• Atobe and Oshitari: Show excellent teamwork, with Atobe leading the offense and Oshitari providing crucial support.
• Mori and Yanagi Renji: Display a strong partnership, with Mori relying on his senses and Yanagi Renji collecting data for strategy.
• Coaches and spectators: Analyze the match, providing insights into the characters' abilities and strategies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rikkai Dai's strength this year is much higher than last year.
• Hyotei sends Tezuka and Kabaji for Doubles 1 against Rikkai Dai's Sanada and Niou.
• Tezuka uses his Domain Technique to cover the court, creating a one-versus-two situation.
• Sanada and Tezuka engage in a fierce rally, with Sanada's swift as the wind and calm as the forest moves.

Character Developments

• Sanada: Shows determination and skill, entering his zone during the match.
• Tezuka: Demonstrates his flawless offense and defense, using his Domain Technique to cover the court.
• Niou: Uses illusions, conjuring Atobe to psychologically affect Kabaji.
• Kabaji: Struggles with playing against an illusion of Atobe, his childhood friend and idol.

Significant Themes

• Psychological warfare and its impact on players' performance.
• The power of determination and focus in high-stakes matches.
• The evolution of players' skills and strategies over time.

Character Interactions

• Sanada and Tezuka: Engage in a tense and skillful rally, each pushing the other to their limits.
• Niou and Kabaji: Niou's illusion of Atobe affects Kabaji's ability to play, creating a one-versus-two situation for Tezuka.
• Atobe and Kabaji: Atobe's presence on the opposing side psychologically affects Kabaji, making it difficult for him to play against his idol.