Ep 12. Seigaku vs. Champion Rikkaidai! I'll be the One who'll Win! (part I)

The Prince of Tennis is an anime series that revolves around a young player named Ryoma Echizen, who wants to become the world's best tennis player. In season 5, Echizen and his team from Seishun Academy, Seigaku, are up against the champion team from Rikkaidai, one of the best schools in the country. In episode 12, titled "Seigaku vs. Champion Rikkaidai! I'll be the One who'll Win! (part I)," the two teams meet for the first time in the National Tournament semifinals.

The episode starts with Seigaku's captain, Kunimitsu Tezuka, announcing the team's lineup for the match. He puts Echizen in the number three spot, surprising some of his teammates as Echizen is usually the team's ace. However, Tezuka has a plan, and he wants Echizen to face Rikkaidai's captain, Seiichi Yukimura, who is considered to be the strongest player in the nation.

As the match begins, it is clear that Rikkaidai is a formidable opponent. Their players are all skilled and have unique playing styles that make them difficult to predict. Seigaku quickly falls behind, losing the first two matches.

Echizen is determined to turn things around, but he knows that he will have to bring his best game to beat Yukimura. He watches Yukimura's previous matches on a laptop and analyzes his opponent's playing style. He even goes to the extent of visiting Yukimura's old school to learn more about him.

As Echizen prepares for his match, he is visited by his father, Nanjiroh Echizen, a former professional tennis player himself. Nanjiroh imparts some wisdom to his son, telling him that he should have fun playing the game, and not let the pressure get to him.

The match between Echizen and Yukimura is intense from the start. Both players are evenly matched, and they exchange powerful shots that leave the crowd in awe. However, Yukimura's injuries from past matches start to surface, and Echizen takes advantage of the situation, winning the first set.

However, Yukimura is not one to give up easily. He fights back in the second set, using a new strategy that catches Echizen off guard. The two players are neck and neck, and the tension in the stadium is palpable.

The episode ends with the second set tied at five games apiece, and the crowd on the edge of their seats. The match between Seigaku and Rikkaidai is far from over, and both teams are determined to come out on top.

"Seigaku vs. Champion Rikkaidai! I'll be the One who'll Win! (part I)" is a thrilling episode that showcases the fierce competition between two powerhouse tennis teams. With strong character development, intense matches, and nail-biting suspense, this episode will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.