HANEBADO! (はねバド！)

#7 "I'll Mop the Floor With Her"

The rallies are getting longer and longer.

The score's fixed in place.

She returns everything!

Damn it!

That girl...

Is she...

8-all.

Don't sweat it, Satomi!

It's still just a tie!

That Hanesaki girl...

She plays amazing defense, but her attacks are nothing special, huh?

But since I lost my first match, I guess I'm not one to judge.

Kaoruko-chan?

Oh? Of course...

Too bad for Satomi-senpai, huh?

But good luck for you!

I mean, you creamed her when you played her at Kitakomachi!

You'll beat her, no sweat!

I most certainly will.

I'll mop the floor with her—

Kaoruko-chan.

Shall I ask how you're feeling?

Though it will hardly make a difference one way or the other.

I could have used a little more warm-up before I played you...

I knew it. She extended the rallies on purpose.

Well, see you later.

Hanesaki-san.

A handkerchief?

You'll need it to wipe away your tears when you lose, right?

Or maybe...

...you'll be wiping off snot?

Oh, yeah, that sure was frustrating.

But...

I've been training to grind you into the dirt.

Now I'm trembling with anticipation.

You did your best.

Don't cry, Satomi.

Let's cool down, okay?

I mean, I lost in the first round, so I probably don't need it myself.

You face her next, right, Serigaya?

Get us some revenge.

I have no interest in revenge.

Kaoruko-chan!

What does that mean?

In badminton, might makes right.

I play only for myself.

S-Senpai!

Kaoruko-chan's just a little nervous is all.

Out of my way!

Stop it!

I guess you think you can beat her, then?

I've already visualized the pattern that will lead to my victory.

A loss is unthinkable.

If you will excuse me, I need to warm up.

Aw, Yu lost, too...

Who's left now?

Aragaki, Sora, and Hanesaki.

Boy, Hanesaki's darn good...

Yeah.

Her mom won ten straight national tournaments, they say.

No wonder she glided her way to the third round.

I guess next week's matches are the last for us third-years.

Not if we win.

Yeah, you're right.

Isehara!

Hey, are you gonna keep playing badminton in college?

No. Probably not.

I see.

Meat really does taste best after a workout!

It was really close, you know? Cheer up.

She was one grade below me. A first-year.

She was really good.

But you'll get another shot next year.

I've been playing badminton since my fifth year of elementary school.

But I still lost in the second round.

I really must not have any talent.

Don't be stupid!

Whether you have talent or not...

You just gotta do it!

Serigaya Kaoruko (Konan)

Hanesaki Ayano (Kitakomachi)

You're up soon, Hanesaki.

Your next opponent is Serigaya.

I'm sure you don't need to hear it, but keep your guard up.

Okay!

Ayanon! Good luck!

I'm off!

Ayanon isn't nervous at all, is she?

Yeah.

E-Excuse me...

Tachibana... Kentaro... sama?

Huh? Me?

Wh-When this match is over...

Might we chat in private somewhere?

I-If it's not too bold of me to ask.

S-Sure... I don't mind.

Thank you very much!

It's not a problem, of course,

but you shouldn't have talked to me right before your match.

You'll lose focus.

You needn't worry about that.

The moment I cross this line,

I can't help but shift gears.

I won't be playing around today, so be careful, Kaoruko-chan.

You've developed quite a mouth.

Resplendence

The match between Konan High School, Serigaya Kaoruko,

and Kitakomachi High School, Hanesaki Ayano, will now begin.

On my right, Hanesaki Ayano.

Hanesaki Ayano - Kitakomachi High School

Konan High School - Serigaya Kaoruko

On my left, Serigaya Kaoruko.

Serigaya to serve.

Love-all. Play!

First, I'll drop it just past the net.

It's short!

And if you return my short serve with your backhand...

You'll hit a straight hairpin from the racket face in the direction your toes point.

Bingo.

Now, let's get started!

She's fast!

But... you can't make it back to the net from there.

1-love.

Th-That's impossible.

Oh boy, she gave up first blood just like that.

Worry not.

I've already visualized the pattern that will lead to my victory.

A loss is unthinkable!

Don't lose your cool, Kaoruko-chan!

I thought I had accounted for Hanesaki-san's speed,

but if I don't adapt,

she'll mop the floor with me.

Hanesaki to serve. Play!

Standard attacks won't work on you.

I'll need to engage overkill mode!

Her backhand's open!

Hanesaki wins!

Out.

5-love.

You're amazing, Hanesaki.