Blue Box episode 8: Taiki's dreams for getting into the Nationals tournament are crushed, as he loses to Sajikawa High School

In Blue Box episode 8, titled Score!, Inomata’s aspirations of making it to the Badminton Nationals are heartbreakingly shattered as he faces Sajikawa High School’s formidable players.

The episode, released on November 21, 2024, masterfully captures the emotional rollercoaster of determination, defeat, and resilience, centering on Taiki and his partner Haryu’s doubles match against Hyodo and Tateyama.

Despite their spirited efforts, Eimei High falls short. Taiki’s struggles continue into the singles rounds, where he faces an overwhelming defeat against Sajikawa’s Yusa. As Taiki grapples with the reality of his loss, the stark contrast between his setbacks and the triumphs of his peers deepens his resolve to grow stronger.

Blue Box episode 8: Taiki and Haryu lose to Sajikawa's Hyodo and Tateyama

Taiki and Chinatsu as shown in the anime (Image via TMS Entertainment)

The episode begins with a light-hearted moment between Taiki and Chinatsu as they stretch together in the morning. Chinatsu reveals that her basketball team will likely face Kagohara High in the finals. Seizing the moment, Taiki asks if he could ask her something once she finishes her Prefectural Qualifiers for Basketball.

He wants to know about her earlier comment about being jealous of Hina. To encourage Taiki, Chinatsu cheers him on with a playful “Taiki score!”, a gesture that leaves Taiki flustered but determined.

Taiki and Haryu were teammates for the doubles Prefectural Qualifiers (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Taiki teams up with Haryu in the badminton arena for the doubles match. Before their game, Haryu invites Taiki to watch a match featuring Hyodo, a star player from Sajikawa High School and Haryu’s rival.

Hyodo’s impressive gameplay leaves Taiki in awe, while Haryu compares Hyodo to a player with “max stats” in a video game. As the Sajikawa duo dominates the match, Haryu warns Taiki of the immense challenge ahead.

Taiki's first encounter with Yusa, another Sajikawa player, occurs by chance. Taiki notices Yusa napping on a bench and helps him retrieve a dropped wallet. Although Yusa finds Taiki kind, he remarks dismissively:

“Nice guys aren’t cut out for badminton.”

This ominous statement foreshadows Taiki's struggles ahead.

Sajikawa High defeated Eimein the doubles category (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Taiki and Haryu battle Hyodo and his teammate in the first doubles match. Despite their best efforts, Eimei loses the first set 16-9. Taiki struggles to regain composure after the loss, but Haryu encourages him to stay focused. Unfortunately, their efforts fall short as Sajikawa clinches victory, eliminating Taiki and Haryu from the doubles tournament.

Blue Box episode 8: Overconfident in his abilities, Taiki loses to Sajikawa's Yusa

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

Back home, Chinatsu learns of Taiki’s defeat and finds him asleep at his desk. She notices his notebook, where he’s written to himself:

“I’ll definitely get my smashes inside the court.”

The next day brings the singles matches. Haryu reminds Taiki that if he advances, he’ll face Hyodo in the semi-finals, but Taiki remains undeterred. However, his journey abruptly ends as he faces Yusa in the early rounds.

Yusa as shown in the anime series (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Showcasing remarkable skill, Yusa defeats Taiki handily, crushing Taiki’s hopes of reaching Nationals. Shocked by the quick loss, Taiki realizes the vast gap between his current level and the elite players like Haryu and Hyodo.

Now, out of the tournament, Taiki assists the referees in the remaining matches. Hina arrives to cheer for him, only to find he has already been eliminated. Attempting to comfort him, she finds Taiki surprisingly resilient. Despite his disappointment, Taiki acknowledges the need to work harder and sets his sights on improving for the future.

Blue Box episode 8: Haryu and Chinatsu reach the nationals in their respective sports

Haryu was the finalist in the Prefectural Qualifiers (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Meanwhile, Haryu faces Hyodo in the singles finals. Despite a spirited performance, Haryu loses as expected, but his place as a finalist secures his spot at Nationals. The contrast between Haryu’s accomplishment and Taiki’s early exit is palpable, adding to Taiki’s internal conflict.

After the tournament, Taiki returns home, burdened by his failures. Standing on the veranda, he overhears Chinatsu being congratulated by his mother for advancing to the basketball Nationals. While happy for Chinatsu, the reminder of her success stings deeply. Overwhelmed by his own shortcomings, Taiki runs out of the house, vowing to become stronger and more determined than ever.

Final thoughts

A snapshot of Inomata Taiki (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Blue Box episode 8 delivers an emotional narrative of resilience and determination as Taiki confronts the harsh reality of his limitations after losing to Sajikawa High School.

While his dreams of Nationals are crushed, his vow to rise stronger ignites hope for his journey ahead. With the next episode releasing on November 28, 2024, fans eagerly anticipate how Taiki channels his setbacks into motivation to improve.