AHIRU NO SORA

Sora Kurumatani can't wait to join his new school's basketball team. But his hopes are dashed when he learns it's full of delinquents who don't play.

Sora's duck-like skills impress his classmates but facing five players by himself proves tough. A little-known rule works to his advantage.

The twins realize Sora's spirit is changing their own attitudes towards basketball. Some of their peers show up wanting a different kind of match.

Sora and the team prepare for their upcoming first-ever match, impressing those who look on. He tells Madoka about his decision to never ever give up.

Tokiwa exploits Sora's hidden weakness, but Sora just seems to enjoy the additional challenge. That is, until he misses a shot for the first time.

Sora pulls off a two-handed shot and impresses the crowd with his spirit. But Shinmaruko High is still 40 points ahead and Sora takes a nasty fall.

Madoka carries a near-comatose Sora to his grandmother and learns how he came to Kanagawa. The next day, she's shocked to see he's full of energy.

After noticing the wear on Tobi's basketball, Sora reaches out to him. But Tobi's violent behavior worsens, causing a serious incident on the court.

Sora proves that Tobi was only defending himself but even this doesn't change his suspension. Meanwhile, Tobi has a chat with the Hanazono brothers.

After one of Sora's beloved shoes rip during practice, he goes to have it repaired. The shop turns out to also be the home of his schoolmate, Nao.

A blunt appraisal from Nao, now the team’s manager, sparks a match between the boys and girls basketball teams -- with Madoka’s dignity on the line.

Upset at how the match went, Nao quits the team, but not before forgetting her notebook. When the boys take a peek in it, they're utterly impressed.

The team is excited to be spending their overnight training session with Nao. But she's got a plan prepared for them that is decidedly less than fun.

Nabeshima and Chucky leave the training camp due to a hurtful loss. After Sora fails to convince them to return, they spot something at a nearby park.

Sora thanks Nao for fixing his shoes. Kitasumi High shows up for the practice match, but everyone's surprised to see Tokiwa tagging along with them.

The match heats up, with both Taro and Chiaki hoping to catch Nao's eye. After the score is tied, Nao tells Sora to change tactics.

A vengeful Taro starts covering Sora over the entire court, forcing him to keep up with his pace. Memories of his mother help keep Sora on his feet.

Chucky and Nabeshima pick up where Sora left off, covering Taro two-on-one in a surprise move. But this gives the opposing coach an unfortunate idea.

It's the final period and the scores are even. Momoharu's play starts to lag until Konishi reminds him of an important memory they both share.

Chiaki asks Sora to take on the unlikely responsibility of point guard while he gets to work on scoring. Meanwhile, Madoka greets a special visitor.

After receiving some blunt advice, Sora realizes that his mental game needs work. The next day, he gets a surprising message that lifts his spirits.

Chiaki and Nao talk to Sora about the root cause behind his reluctance to make 3-pointers. Later, Sora faces Tobi in the school basketball tournament.

Sora wants Mokichi to join the basketball team. Mokichi's a talented player, but explains that his doctor forbids him from exercising.

An apologetic Mokichi begs the team to let him join. Sora doubts he's serious and challenges him to a one-on-one match to test his mettle.

Thanks to their academic efforts, the members are set to enter their first-ever Inter High. But they don't get much sleep the night before it starts.

Kuzu High faces a tough team in the first round. Nao sees a path to victory after a change in Shinjo’s lineup, but her strategy has problems.

Shinjo lays a trap and Chiaki falls right into it, losing his cool completely and throwing off the team's rhythm. Kuzu High's lead soon disappears.

Now point guard, Sora works hard to prevent Shinjo from expanding its lead. Chiaki can only watch from the bench as he struggles to contain his anger.

With Chiaki back on the court, Kuzu High takes control of the game. Meanwhile, Sora's mom asks to leave the hospital so she can see Sora play.

Despite his injury, Kojima is back on the court and helps his team rally as Kuzu High's members flag. Madoka helps Sora's mom find a place to watch.

Tobi scores a 3-pointer, putting Kuzu's lead back into double-digits. But the team continues to have trouble putting pressure on a resurgent Shinjo.

Kuzu High is down to a four-point lead with a minute left on the clock. But Momoharu blows two free throws, giving Shinjo a chance to make a comeback.

Sora goes to see his mom and is surprised to receive a tearful apology. Later, Tobi considers an invitation from the coach of a school in Yokohama.

The clubhouse burns down due to an errant cigarette and the team gets a harsh lesson about responsibility. With Sora gone, Madoka feels totally alone.

Other schools react to the news that Kuzu High has lost its basketball team, Tobi plays against a skilled orange-haired opponent, and Sora comes home.

Nao and Chiaki try to start a basketball appreciation club, but have trouble getting permission. Momoharu gets another lesson in responsibility.

Kuzu High’s team members reunite at school but they still need a faculty advisor to start the new club. Momoharu wants to approach Mr. Satsuki alone.

After a trip with friends to karaoke, Madoka realizes her precious earring has fallen out. Later, Nao reflects on the tough situation the team is in.

Sora and his pals watch Yokohama Taiei's match against Shinmaruko High. Soon, the late entrance of a certain orange-haired freshman heats things up.

After some harsh words from Yokohama Taiei's star Shiraishi, freshman Mineta rethinks his future with the team. Meanwhile, Nao reveals her new plan.

With the club's future in the balance, Nao pushes its members to train as earnestly as possible for the upcoming match with Taiei's underclassmen.

An embarrassing blunder by Yasuhara gives Taiei an early lead. Unruffled by his team’s shaky start, Sora responds with some swift 3-pointers.

Tobi joins the game and confounds his opponents and teammates alike with his selfish play. Nao urges Sora to change tactics, but he has other ideas.

Taiei refuses to give up any rebounds as halftime approaches, forcing Nao to call a timeout. Taiei's coach orders Tetsuo to break Kuzu's zone defense.

During halftime, Taiei freshman Yozan Kamiki is surprised to learn Sora's family name. Madoka goes on a date with Tsukasa, but her mind is elsewhere.

Kuzu pushes back as Tobi’s assault earns some free throws and Sora sinks a tricky 3-pointer. Nao employs an aggressive tactic to keep up the pressure.

Though still behind in the final seconds of the quarter, Kuzu rattles Taiei with some dizzying passes. Yozan boldly requests to be put in the game.

Sora realizes he has underestimated his opponent after Yozan dribbles past him. Mokichi gets back in the game, and Mineta is eager to prove his worth.

In the game’s final minutes, Tobi gives Fuwa a lesson in humility, but it's not enough to slow Taiei down as Shiraishi unleashes a barrage of shots.

The Kuzu High players learn the school has officially recognized their team. Though everyone has mixed feelings, Sora is willing to put in the work.