Blue Box episode 3: One of Inumaki's obstacles is cleared as he teams up with Haryu

In Blue Box episode 3, Taiki Inumaki faces a surprising twist as he navigates his feelings for Chinatsu and prepares for the Inter-High tournament. After struggling with jealousy over Chinatsu's closeness with Haryu, Taiki's hopes seem crushed. However, the real surprise comes when Taiki is paired with Haryu as doubles partners for the upcoming nationals.

Despite their awkward tension, Haryu acknowledges Taiki's badminton potential and pushes him to improve through intense training. With Haryu's unexpected reveal of having a girlfriend, one of Taiki's obstacles is cleared, setting the stage for a stronger focus on their badminton journey ahead.

Blue Box: Taiki's hopes of getting together with Chinatsu are shattered as he spots her with his senior in the badminton team, Haryu

Taiki is shocked to see Haryu and Chinatsu together (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Taiki had been wrestling with his feelings for Chinatsu for a while. Hina, a friend and fellow badminton club member, tried to reassure him by suggesting that Chinatsu and Haryu were likely just friends. Taiki agreed, but he was surprised to see them still talking the next day, stirring a sense of unease in him.

Kyo, another badminton player, quickly pointed out that it was no surprise since both Chinatsu and Haryu were MVPs in their respective sports, while Taiki hadn’t yet reached their level.

A snapshot from the Blue Box anime series (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Kyo also mentioned that they were in the same class and had been chosen as class representatives, furthering Taiki’s frustration. Hina tried to calm Taiki, reminding him that Chinatsu was focused on basketball. Taiki agreed, though he knew that wouldn’t stop her from possibly falling for someone. Wanting to clear his mind, he grabbed Kyo to go practice.

As the team practiced, one of the coaches expressed high hopes for Taiki’s potential. During practice, Chinatsu’s basketball accidentally rolled toward Taiki, and as he handed it back, she asked him when he would finish. She needed to know because everyone else would be out of the house, and she needed a way to get in.

Taiki is shocked to hear Haryu calling Chinatsu with a nickname in the latest Blue Box episode (Image via TMS Entertainment)

He told her he’d be done by seven, which coincided with the end of her practice. Their conversation was cut short by Haryu, who interrupted to ask Chinatsu about an extra timer for the basketball team. This irritated Taiki, especially since Haryu had a nickname for Chinatsu, while Taiki still addressed her as “Chinatsu Senpai.”

Blue Box: After a quick conversation with Chinatsu, Taiki vows to focus on badminton in the coming days

Taiki is determined to get to the Nationals (Image via TMS Entertainment)

At home, Taiki couldn’t stop thinking about how Haryu seemed so close to Chinatsu. He even wondered if he could stop calling her by such a formal title but quickly dismissed the idea. When Chinatsu returned home later, she startled him. She remarked on how quickly he’d gotten back, noticing that the badminton players were still practicing when she left.

Taiki was flustered, lied, and said he had returned to get extra training. Feeling restless, he went out for another run. As he jogged, he realized he couldn’t let himself get too hung up on Chinatsu. He resolved to focus on badminton and the upcoming matches instead.

Taiki overhears a conversation between Haryu and his friend (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Taiki was on a winning streak during the team matches, but he downplayed it, telling Kyo he had only faced first-year players. Kyo mentioned that Haryu had won all his matches and asked how Taiki felt about the situation with Haryu and Chinatsu.

Taiki explained that he wouldn’t let his emotions control him. However, as they passed by, Taiki overheard Haryu talking with a friend about his closeness with Chinatsu. When asked if there was more to their relationship, Haryu casually said they were just friends, though he admitted he admired hardworking girls. Kyo thought it was bad timing for Taiki to hear that, but Taiki tried to shake it off.

Blue Box: Taiki and Haryu are chosen as teammates in the upcoming Inter-High tournament

Haryu and Taiki go head to head in the intra-department match (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The tension between Taiki and Haryu came to a head in their match, where Taiki struggled against his more experienced opponent. Though Taiki gave it his best, he lost 21-15. Afterward, he told Kyo he was frustrated with the defeat.

Surprisingly, Haryu, too, confided to a friend that he was frustrated despite his victory. The next day, Taiki was shocked to learn he had been paired with Haryu for the doubles team heading to nationals. This frustrated him even more, as it would be difficult for him to play against Haryu, who used to spend time with Chinatsu, the girl Taiki liked.

Haryu is frustrated even though he won against Taiki (Image via TMS Entertainment)

During training, Haryu revealed he knew about Taiki’s crush on Chinatsu. Despite the awkwardness, they continued their intense regimen, with Haryu pushing Taiki to improve. After a grueling session, Taiki met Haryu and his friends outside the school.

Haryu acknowledged Taiki’s efforts and expressed confidence in his future badminton skills. Then, surprisingly, Haryu mentioned getting a text from his girlfriend, someone in show business. Taiki was shocked, having assumed Haryu was interested in Chinatsu. Haryu smirked at Taiki, teasing him by saying it was too early for him to worry about getting a girlfriend.

Final thoughts

Haryu as shown in the Blue Box anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

In Blue Box episode 4, set to release on October 24, 2024, fans can expect further development in Taiki and Haryu’s partnership as they prepare for the upcoming tournament. With their newfound understanding, the focus will likely shift to Taiki’s progress in badminton while his feelings for Chinatsu continue to simmer.

Viewers can also anticipate deeper insights into the dynamics between the characters, especially how Taiki handles his emotions and sports ambitions as the stakes rise in both badminton and his personal life.