Blue Box episode 7: Chinatsu wins her first prefectural tournament match as Haryu and Taiki prepare for their own

Blue Box episode 7, titled Can I Have One, released on November 14, 2024. In this episode, the stakes rise as Taiki and Chinatsu focus on their respective sports. The episode showcases Taiki’s ongoing training for the badminton prefectural tournament alongside his teammate Haryu, who offers both guidance and competition.

Meanwhile, Chinatsu’s basketball team secures an early victory in their qualifiers, though her resolve is tested by rivals who doubt her abilities. Amid intense practice, playful moments, and shared dreams, Taiki and Chinatsu’s relationship grows stronger, balancing support and lighthearted interactions. Episode 7 deepens the portrayal of their determination, friendship, and budding affection, setting an exciting tone for the tournaments ahead.

Blue Box episode 7: Haryu and Taiki continue their practice for the upcoming prefectural tournament

Inomata Taiki (Image via TMS Entertainment)

In Blue Box episode 7, Taiki continues his training for the badminton prefectural qualifiers while supporting Chinatsu as her basketball team starts their own tournament journey. The episode begins with Taiki leaving for badminton practice in the early morning, briefly noting that Chinatsu’s basketball qualifiers are also starting soon.

At the gymnasium, Taiki challenges Haryu in a practice match but loses. When Taiki asks for another game, Haryu declines, warning him that repeated losses could damage his confidence.

Nishida makes fun of Haryu (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Their conversation is interrupted by Nishida, who reveals that Haryu himself faced a major defeat last year against Hyodo from Sajikawa. Haryu, slightly annoyed, turns the focus back to Taiki, noting that while they are doubles partners, they’ll also compete against each other in singles.

As they take a break outside, Haryu and Taiki meet the women’s basketball team members. Haryu learns that the team has been practicing intensely due to their upcoming tournament. When Chinatsu mentions that the badminton tournament begins on June 18, Haryu confirms it.

Taiki helps Chinatsu with her bags (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Later that day, on his way home, Taiki spots Chinatsu carrying several bags and wonders if he should offer to help. After some hesitation, he approaches her. Initially, she assures him that she’s fine on her own and playfully teases that he might feel awkward if they’re seen walking home together.

However, Taiki turns the situation into a lighthearted role-play, pretending they’re mere acquaintances. He “introduces” himself and offers to carry her bags, which Chinatsu accepts. As they walk, she mentions how comfortable she feels in her new living arrangement, which happens to be at Taiki’s house. This makes Taiki blush.

To add a bit of fun, Taiki invites her to a quick game of rock-paper-scissors, which he wins. He then takes her to a local shrine and suggests they pray for victory in their respective tournaments. Together, they make their wishes, each hoping to reach nationals.

Blue Box episode 7: Chinatsu and her team win their first game while Taiki beats Haryu for the first time

Chinatsu won her first game at the prefectural tournament (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The following day, the prefectural basketball matches commence, and Chinatsu’s team wins their first round, advancing to the next stage. As the team celebrates, they notice Kagohara Academy—the team that defeated them last year—also won their first match.

Eimei’s players vow to win against them this time around. While on a break, Chinatsu and her teammate Nagisa overhear Kagohara players dismissively talking about Chinatsu, claiming they’ll easily defeat her. Though Nagisa is upset, Chinatsu calmly brushes it off, saying it’s natural for competitors to think this way.

Chinatsu Kano (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Returning to school, Chinatsu seems down despite the victory, which catches Taiki’s attention. Later, he overhears Nagisa complaining to a classmate about the Kagohara team’s remarks and expressing her frustration that they have no idea how much Chinatsu has sacrificed. This helps Taiki understand why Chinatsu seemed upset.

Just then, he realizes Chinatsu is standing right behind him. She shushes him otherwise he'll get caught, but as they walk together, she reassures him that she’s unaffected by the other team’s comments. She declares that she’ll prove them wrong by defeating them, revealing a competitive side that surprises Taiki.

Haryu lost a set against Taiki for the first time (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Meanwhile, back at badminton practice, Taiki finally manages to win a set against Haryu, but he uses a new technique in the next set to reclaim victory. Haryu thanks Taiki for pushing him to improve, saying it’s just what he needed before the tournament. Before leaving, Haryu encourages Taiki not to lose to anyone until they meet again on the court.

Blue Box episode 7: Chinatsu's interaction with Taiki leaves the latter stunned

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

Later, as Taiki and Kyo walk home, Kyo teases him about asking Chinatsu out if he qualifies for nationals. Taiki admits he’d like to, but worries that if she turns him down, it might make living together uncomfortable. They then run into Nishida, Haryu, and their teacher Mr. Yamamoto, who generously offers them a pre-tournament treat.

Inside the store, Taiki buys fried chicken, which Hina playfully takes a piece of, sparking teasing from his friends. Hina promises to make him a lunchbox for the tournament, and as she leaves, Chinatsu surprises him by asking for a piece as well, teasing that she felt “jealous.” Taiki’s heart races as he tries to figure out what Chinatsu meant, ending the episode on a light, hopeful note.

Final thoughts

Hina Chono (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Blue Box episode 7 beautifully captures the excitement and tension as Taiki and Chinatsu support each other while pursuing their athletic dreams. As Chinatsu triumphs in her first tournament match, Taiki finds renewed motivation in his training with Haryu, underscoring their shared resilience and determination to succeed.