The middle schoolers defeat their opponents, acquire the No. 11 through 20 pins, and go on to face their next opponents, the first string's No. 1 through 10, also known as the Genius 10! At No. 1 Byodoin Houou's suggestion, they agree to conduct shuffle matches the next morning with their spots on the Japanese team at stake. The night before the battle, as Ryoma and Tokugawa are practicing on the courts, Byodoin hits a powerful shot their way. Tokugawa shields Ryoma with his body, but there's a second shot...! Cutting in front of Ryoma with his racket in hand to return the shot is a mysterious hooded first string player. The name of the man who easily returned Byodoin's fastball is Echizen Ryoga. He claims to be Ryoma's brother, but...
