Peco practices among college students at the training center in preparation for the Inter-High preliminaries. When Koizumi learns from Obaba that Peco is still playing table tennis, he registers Peco for the event.

Smile is finally scouted by Kaio. Dragon declares, "Keep playing in this dumpy environment and your talent will rot." After attempting to persuade Smile, as Dragon heads home, he recalls painful memories from his past. Meanwhile, Peco decides to make a comeback and Obaba works him hard.

Having quit table tennis, Peco hangs around Tamura Table Tennis Hall eating snacks. Meanwhile, Smile polishes his skills with Koizumi in order to win, causing discord between himself and his teammates.

After winning the Inter-High, Dragon goes on to win the Junior Olympics singles, and makes his triumphant return. At a press conference after his return, Dragon clearly states Kaio's need for players on Tsukimoto's level. Dragon's statement creates subtle waves in the Kaio Academy team.

Peco is shocked when he gets skunked by "China" a.k.a. Kong Wenge. Meanwhile, Koizumi tells Smile not to play with Peco anymore. Koizumi instructs Smile to overcome his lack of competitive spirit by the Inter High.