The Prince of Tennis Episode 21 Recap
> The Prince of Tennis Recap
Mu Siyang gathers the team, delivering a heartfelt speech about their recent low morale and thoughts of quitting, emphasizing the responsibility of making it to the national league. He announces an off-campus training session with Yu Feng at Qingniao Station. Each team member reflects on their commitment; Tang Jiale regrets his tension with Chi Dayong, Qiao Chen struggles with responsibility, and Zhang Baiyang pushes himself physically.
Meanwhile, He Xinglong is preoccupied with his family's roast goose business, avoiding thoughts of returning to tennis. Mu Siyang personally visits He Xinglong's father, revealing He Xinglong's departure from the team and urging the father to persuade him to join the training. Upon arriving at Qingniao Station, Mu Siyang is initially disheartened to see only a few players, fearing others have given up.
However, he soon discovers the team has already arrived and is diligently cleaning the court, having lost a bet to Yu Feng—a loss that means they must eat only plain rice. This initial defeat, and the subsequent plain rice diet, ignite a strong desire to win within the team, leading Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen to commit to increased training. Mu Siyang, whose right hand is unusable, secretly trains his left hand.
Zhuo Zhi discovers this and, guessing the severity, agrees to keep it a secret. Tang Jiale, despite a leg injury, volunteers for intense leg training and wins against a Yu Feng player, though he is in pain. Chi Dayong, observing Tang Jiale's struggles, attempts to offer support, revealing he has been secretly training to be Tang Jiale's backup. Tang Jiale initially spurns his efforts, feeling looked down upon.
Later training matches against Yu Feng also result in losses for Yu Qing, forcing them to continue eating plain rice, leading to frustrations and arguments, particularly between Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang. He Xinglong's father, under the pretense of a delivery, brings He Xinglong to Qingniao Station, leaving his tennis bag behind, encouraging him to pursue his passion. Yu Xiao Gang also visits He Xinglong, subtly pushing him back towards tennis.
Coach Qi then initiates a new training exercise: a search for a legendary "winning secret manual" located on a large tree deep within the vast mountain near Qingniao Station. As the team ascends, some players get lost. He Xinglong, also searching for the team, encounters a lost Qiao Chen, who has sprained his ankle. He Xinglong helps Qiao Chen and joins the quest. Elsewhere, Zhang Baiyang injures his leg after taking a wrong path.
Yan Zhiming finds him and insists on carrying him down the mountain, explaining the risk of infection, leading to a moment of reluctant gratitude from Zhang Baiyang. Huang Jing also gets into trouble, falling into a pond while searching for the manual, confirming its rumored existence.
