Ep 45. Tears at the Airport

Captain Tsubasa is a Japanese anime series that follows the story of a young boy named Tsubasa Oozora and his journey to become a professional football player. In season 1 episode 45, titled Tears at the Airport, Tsubasa and his team arrive at the airport to head to France for a football tournament. However, Tsubasa is troubled with the recent news of his father's illness, and he struggles to focus on the upcoming competition.

The episode begins with Tsubasa and his team, Nankatsu FC, arriving at the airport to board their flight to France for the International Youth Championship tournament. Tsubasa is excited to represent Japan and showcase his skills on an international stage, but he is also preoccupied with thoughts about his father, who has fallen gravely ill. He received the news just before leaving for the airport, and it weighs heavily on his mind.

As they wait to board the plane, Tsubasa is lost in his thoughts, thinking about his father and the possibility of not being able to see him again. His teammates try to cheer him up, but he is unresponsive and lost in his own world. Just then, his childhood friend and love interest, Sanae Nakazawa, arrives at the airport to see him off. She notices that something is amiss with Tsubasa and tries to comfort him.

Tsubasa confides in her about his father's illness and his worries about not being able to see him again. Sanae tries to reassure him, telling him that his father will recover soon and that he needs to focus on the tournament. She hands him a handkerchief and tells him to hold onto it, saying that it always brings her good luck. Tsubasa is touched by her kindness and thanks her, feeling slightly better.

As they board the plane, Tsubasa is still lost in thought, but he remembers Sanae's words and holds onto the handkerchief tightly. The flight is long and tiring, but they finally arrive in France and are greeted by the other teams participating in the tournament. Tsubasa is still feeling down but is determined to play his best for his father and his team.

The first match of the tournament is against a strong Italian team, and Nankatsu FC struggles to keep up. Tsubasa is playing in midfield and is having a hard time concentrating on the game. His mind keeps wandering to his father, and he feels guilty for not being able to be by his side. However, he manages to make a crucial pass to his teammate, who scores a goal, bringing the team back into the game.

As the game progresses, Tsubasa's team rallies around him, sensing his distress. They play with renewed energy, and Tsubasa starts to shine on the field. He makes several brilliant passes and even scores a goal himself, leading his team to victory. As they celebrate their win, Tsubasa sheds tears of relief and happiness, feeling a weight lifted off of his shoulders.

The episode ends with Tsubasa thanking Sanae for the handkerchief and admitting that it did bring him good luck. He is still worried about his father, but he realizes that he needs to focus on the tournament and do his best for him. The stage is set for the rest of the championship, and Tsubasa and Nankatsu FC are ready to take on the world.

Overall, Tears at the Airport is an emotional and heartfelt episode that highlights the struggles and inner turmoil of a young athlete. Tsubasa's dedication to his father and his passion for football are juxtaposed, showcasing the importance of balancing personal and professional goals. The episode serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and support, even when facing immense pressure.