TV-Series
Description
Itsuki Ameno is a second-year student at Shijo Minami Junior High and a member of the boys' soft tennis club. He has auburn hair and matching brown eyes, standing as the team's shortest member. Permanent burn scars cover his back and body, a result of his mother pouring boiling water on him at age one due to parental neurosis. Neighbors rushed him to the hospital, but delayed treatment left lasting scars. His parents divorced soon after, and he was raised by his father alongside his older sister, Namie Ameno, the girls' soft tennis club vice-captain. Mockery about his parents' divorce or home life causes him significant distress.
Initially reserved and distant, Itsuki observes others quietly and occupies himself with solitary activities like playing with a gecko or balancing a ball on his racket. He displays a sadistic side, smiling when he inflicts pain by deliberately aiming tennis balls at other students during practice. Known for sarcasm and dark humor, he frequently unsettles peers with threats like "I will kill you." He creates affectionate nicknames for teammates, such as "Maki-maki" for Maki Katsuragi and "Kana-cat" for Kanako Mitsue. While typically ignoring ridicule about the tennis club, he reacts violently when bullied about his family, once striking a tormentor with his racket. He initially belittled Maki but acknowledged him after recognizing his superior skills.
Itsuki joined the soft tennis club following his sister's example but lacked passion for the sport, disliking excessive effort and facing comparisons to Namie from peers. His motivation increased after Maki joined. Originally paired with Nao Tsukinose in doubles, they lost a practice match against Maki and Toma Shinjo. Maki then reconfigured the pairs, partnering Itsuki with Rintaro Futsu as the front player. This new pair won their first practice match and showed improved coordination during a subsequent match against Misaki Academy, though they ultimately lost. At the summer regional tournament, they won early sets against Johoku Middle School but lost due to Rintaro's leg cramp. Itsuki supported Rintaro afterward, reassuring him they would win next time.
Throughout the series, Itsuki gradually becomes more comfortable with the team. He initially avoided changing clothes in the locker room to prevent questions about his scars but later did so openly. He walks home with his sister after stressful incidents. In an epilogue set two years after the national championship, he socializes with friends in senior high school and has grown taller.
Key events involving Itsuki include his violent retaliation against bullies targeting his family, his intervention during Rintaro's emotional crisis at the tournament, and his assistance in searching for Shingo Takenouchi's missing sister during a practice match. He also advocated for additional practice matches with the girls' team to improve the boys' skills.
Initially reserved and distant, Itsuki observes others quietly and occupies himself with solitary activities like playing with a gecko or balancing a ball on his racket. He displays a sadistic side, smiling when he inflicts pain by deliberately aiming tennis balls at other students during practice. Known for sarcasm and dark humor, he frequently unsettles peers with threats like "I will kill you." He creates affectionate nicknames for teammates, such as "Maki-maki" for Maki Katsuragi and "Kana-cat" for Kanako Mitsue. While typically ignoring ridicule about the tennis club, he reacts violently when bullied about his family, once striking a tormentor with his racket. He initially belittled Maki but acknowledged him after recognizing his superior skills.
Itsuki joined the soft tennis club following his sister's example but lacked passion for the sport, disliking excessive effort and facing comparisons to Namie from peers. His motivation increased after Maki joined. Originally paired with Nao Tsukinose in doubles, they lost a practice match against Maki and Toma Shinjo. Maki then reconfigured the pairs, partnering Itsuki with Rintaro Futsu as the front player. This new pair won their first practice match and showed improved coordination during a subsequent match against Misaki Academy, though they ultimately lost. At the summer regional tournament, they won early sets against Johoku Middle School but lost due to Rintaro's leg cramp. Itsuki supported Rintaro afterward, reassuring him they would win next time.
Throughout the series, Itsuki gradually becomes more comfortable with the team. He initially avoided changing clothes in the locker room to prevent questions about his scars but later did so openly. He walks home with his sister after stressful incidents. In an epilogue set two years after the national championship, he socializes with friends in senior high school and has grown taller.
Key events involving Itsuki include his violent retaliation against bullies targeting his family, his intervention during Rintaro's emotional crisis at the tournament, and his assistance in searching for Shingo Takenouchi's missing sister during a practice match. He also advocated for additional practice matches with the girls' team to improve the boys' skills.