Matsuda's father pays him a sudden visit because there has been no progress in his son's romantic life; he brings pictures and details of a prospect, a "nice girl" who works as an elementary school teacher in the next town. He does not believe Matsuda can get Yawara to be his girlfriend, as he is only a "3rd rate reporter at a 3rd rate paper" (a common insult that Shinnosuke, Sayaka, and Jigoro often hurl at him) and she is destined for much greater things. As proof, his father asks if he has "made it" with Yawara, or even kissed her or touched her boobs; Matsuda claims he has an "enviable relationship," but the father wants to see for himself how they interact. He meets Yawara at a cafe, trying to figure out ways to show his father (sitting nearby to observe them) that they are close. Yawara surprises him by telling him she is neither going to the world championships nor Saikai, but is only entering the upcoming tournament to help prepare Fujiko, but will be looking for a job. He could have used the occasion to show some of his true feelings toward her, but fails completely. However, Kuniko comes to his rescue by showing her typical physical close to him (a fake girlfriend acting as a pretend girlfriend). Later at night, the father peruses Matsuda's personal "Yawara volumes" (there are up to 3 so far), and understands better his son's love (or obsession) for her but still calls him a "dump mug." The next morning, he tries confess Matsuda's feelings to Yawara on his behalf, but is interrupted by the judo members, who believes him to be an old peeping tom. He tells Matsuda to keep fighting for Yawara at their parting. Hanazono and Fujiko are training/running in the morning. He gives her his tip to combat pre-match jitters, which is to suck in air forcefully and then scream, "I'm the strongest here!". As he tries to romance her, Shinnosuke lies to Yawara by claiming that he had turned down being Sayaka's fiance, Jigoro interrupts his kiss attempt and puts him in a hea
柔と富士子の体重別選手権への出場が決まり、二人は稽古に精を出す。富士子と花園は、前にも増して親しくなっていた。新聞記者の松田は父から見合いを持ち掛けられるが、柔への思いが強く乗り気になれなかった。
