Wondering where to pick up the Baby Steps manga after finishing the anime? You’re in the right place to get a clear, direct answer without wading through spoiler-filled forums.
The Baby Steps anime concludes its story at the end of Chapter 182 of the manga. To continue following Eiichiro Maruo’s journey right after the Season 2 finale, you should begin reading from Chapter 183. This is the official starting point for post-anime content.
Based on a direct analysis of the source material, this guide provides the exact starting point to seamlessly transition from anime to manga. You’ll discover not only where to start but also what key story arcs await in the nearly 300 chapters the anime never adapted.
Key Facts
- Anime-to-Manga Starting Point: The anime adaptation concludes at Chapter 182, meaning you should start reading the manga from Chapter 183 to continue the story.
- Anime Coverage: The two seasons of the anime cover approximately 40% of the total manga, adapting the first 182 of 455 chapters.
- Total Manga Content: The Baby Steps manga is a completed series with a total of 455 chapters, leaving a significant portion of the story un-adapted.
- Season 3 Status: As of 2026, there has been no official announcement regarding a third season, making the manga the only way to finish the narrative.
- Post-Anime Story: The manga continues with Eiichiro’s professional career, his training in America, and the conclusion of his relationship with Natsu.
Where Does the Baby Steps Anime End in the Manga?
The direct answer is that the Baby Steps anime ends after adapting the content of Chapter 182 of the manga. For fans looking to continue the journey, the seamless transition point is to begin reading from Chapter 183. This chapter marks a pivotal moment in the story, picking up immediately after Eiichiro “Ei-chan” Maruo makes the life-altering decision to pursue a professional tennis career and prepares for his trip to America.
Unlike many anime adaptations, Baby Steps is known for its remarkable faithfulness to the source material. The two seasons meticulously cover the plot without introducing filler content or deviating from the manga’s narrative. This makes the transition exceptionally smooth for viewers. Starting at Chapter 183 ensures you won’t miss any plot points or have to re-read events you’ve already watched. This is the verified starting point for Eiichiro’s next great challenge in Florida.
How Much of the Manga Does the Baby Steps Anime Actually Cover?
The two seasons of the Baby Steps anime adapt approximately 40% of the completed manga series. The anime covers chapters 1 through 182, while the full manga consists of 455 chapters. This leaves a massive 273 chapters—nearly 60% of the entire story—completely un-adapted and waiting to be explored. This significant gap includes the entirety of Eiichiro’s professional career and the conclusion to all major plotlines.
To put it in perspective, the anime gives you a fantastic introduction to the characters and the core premise, but the manga delivers the complete, sprawling saga. The un-adapted content is not just more of the same; it represents the true culmination of Eiichiro’s journey from a methodical note-taker to a seasoned professional tennis player competing on the world stage.
| Category | Anime Adaptation | Complete Manga |
|---|---|---|
| Story Coverage | ~40% | 100% |
| Chapters Adapted | Chapters 1 – 182 | Chapters 1 – 455 |
| Key Endpoint | Eiichiro decides to go pro | Eiichiro’s full career & conclusion |
| Status | 2 Seasons, No Season 3 | Completed |
What Key Events Does Baby Steps Season 1 Cover?
Season 1 adapts chapters 1 through 70, establishing the foundation of Eiichiro’s tennis journey. It introduces his meticulous, analytical approach to the sport, which sets him apart from other players. Key events from the first season include:
* Eiichiro joining the Southern Tennis Club (STC) to get in shape.
* His first fateful encounters with Natsu Takasaki and Takuma Egawa.
* The development of his iconic note-taking and data-driven playing style.
* His participation in the Kanagawa Junior Tennis Circuit, marking his official entry into competitive tennis.
What Is the Final Stopping Point of Baby Steps Season 2?
Season 2 adapts chapters 71 through 182, focusing on Eiichiro’s rapid development and his critical decision to turn pro. The season’s climax is the intense match against Nao Ide in the All-Japan Junior selection tournament. The final moments of the anime are dedicated to Eiichiro solidifying his resolve to stake his future on tennis. The key takeaways from the season two finale are:
* Eiichiro’s growth from a promising rookie to a nationally recognized junior player.
* The final match of the All-Japan Junior selection tournament.
* His crucial decision to reject a traditional university path and pursue a professional career by training in Florida.
What Key Story Arcs Happen in the Manga After the Anime?
After the anime concludes, the Baby Steps manga transitions into Eiichiro’s professional career, covering his struggles and triumphs on an international scale. This part of the story is where the stakes are highest and his development truly culminates. Here is a spoiler-free overview of the major arcs you have to look forward to:
- The Florida Training Arc: Eiichiro travels to a world-class tennis academy in Florida. Here, he faces a completely new level of competition and must adapt his analytical style to survive against powerful, athletic players from around the globe.
- The Pro Debut Arc: This arc covers Eiichiro’s first steps onto the professional tour. He learns harsh lessons about the physical and mental toll of the pro circuit, facing early-round defeats and financial struggles while trying to earn ranking points.
- The All-Japan Championship Arc: Eiichiro returns to Japan to compete in its most prestigious professional tournament. He faces off against the top players in the country, including familiar rivals who have also gone pro, testing how much he has grown since his time in America.
- The Global Circuit Arc: The story expands as Eiichiro begins competing in professional tournaments around the world. This section showcases his matches against a diverse array of world-ranked players, pushing his strategic abilities to their absolute limit.
- Relationship & Career Conclusion: The final part of the manga provides a definitive conclusion to Eiichiro’s professional tennis career and, just as importantly, resolves the long-developing romance between him and Natsu Takasaki.
Will There Ever Be a Baby Steps Season 3?
As of early 2026, there has been no official confirmation or announcement for a Baby Steps Season 3. The anime’s second season aired in 2015, and the animation studio, Pierrot, has not indicated any plans for a continuation. With the manga officially concluding in 2017, it is considered highly unlikely that a third season will ever be produced.
Several factors contribute to this reality. Anime productions are often used to boost sales of an ongoing manga. Since the Baby Steps manga has been finished for several years, a primary financial incentive for a new season is gone. Therefore, for fans who want to see the conclusion of Eiichiro Maruo’s story, reading the manga is not just the best option—it is the only option.
FAQs About where does the baby steps anime end in the manga
Are there any major differences between the anime and manga?
The biggest difference is the pacing and Eiichiro’s internal monologue. While the anime’s plot is very faithful up to chapter 182, the manga provides significantly more detail on Eiichiro’s thought processes and strategic analysis during matches. This is often condensed in the anime for broadcasting time, so the manga offers a deeper layer of tactical insight.
Is it worth reading the Baby Steps manga from the beginning?
For most fans, starting from Chapter 183 is perfectly fine, but reading from the start can be rewarding. If you love the strategic aspect of tennis and want the most detailed version of Eiichiro’s analytical mind, a full read-through is recommended. However, because the anime is such a faithful adaptation, you will not miss any major plot points by jumping straight to the post-anime content.
What happens to the romance between Eiichiro and Natsu in the manga?
The relationship between Eiichiro and Natsu is fully developed and receives a definitive conclusion in the manga. The 273 chapters that follow the anime’s ending explore their bond as they both navigate the demanding challenges of their respective professional tennis careers, leading to a satisfying resolution for their long-standing romance.
I heard the Baby Steps manga ending was rushed. Is that true?
Yes, it is a common sentiment among the fanbase that the manga’s ending feels somewhat abrupt. After a 10-year serialization, the series was concluded by the publisher more quickly than many expected. While the final chapters do provide closure to the main plotlines, some character arcs and the final tournament feel condensed compared to the meticulous pacing of the rest of the series.
How many chapters does the Baby Steps manga have in total?
The Baby Steps manga is complete with a total of 455 chapters. These chapters have been collected into 47 tankōbon volumes. The series was serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine from October 2007 to November 2017, making it a substantial and complete work.
Does Eiichiro become the number 1 player in the world?
No, Eiichiro does not become the number one ranked player in the world. The manga provides a more realistic and grounded portrayal of a professional tennis career. His journey focuses on maximizing his unique potential and achieving significant success on his own terms, rather than reaching the absolute pinnacle of the sport.
Are there any anime-original episodes or filler in Baby Steps?
No, the Baby Steps anime is known for being extremely faithful to its source material. There are no significant filler arcs or anime-original episodes that deviate from the manga’s plot. This strict adherence is precisely why starting your reading from Chapter 183 offers such a seamless and cohesive continuation of the story.
What is the name of the author of Baby Steps?
The creator (author and illustrator) of the Baby Steps manga is Hikaru Katsuki. This series was his most prominent work and ran for a full decade in Kodansha’s famous Weekly Shōnen Magazine, cementing its place as a classic sports manga.
Where can I legally read the Baby Steps manga?
You can read the Baby Steps manga legally on official digital platforms like K MANGA, which is Kodansha’s official app. You can also support the creator’s work by purchasing the digital or physical volumes from licensed retailers. Supporting the official release is the best way to honor the effort that went into creating the series.
Does the anime skip any important characters from the manga?
No, the anime adaptation is very thorough and includes all key characters from the first 182 chapters of the story. The new and important characters you will meet in the manga are all introduced after the anime’s conclusion. These individuals are primarily related to Eiichiro’s professional career and his training period in America.
Key Takeaways: Continuing Baby Steps After the Anime
- The Exact Starting Point: To continue the story, start reading the manga from Chapter 183. The two-season anime faithfully adapts everything up to Chapter 182.
- Vast Amount of Un-adapted Content: The anime only covers about 40% of the story. Over 270 chapters of content, including Eiichiro’s entire professional career, are available exclusively in the manga.
- No Season 3 in Sight: As of 2026, there has been no official announcement for a third anime season. The manga is the only definitive way to experience the conclusion of the story.
- Key Manga-Only Arcs: The manga continues with Eiichiro’s training in Florida, his debut on the professional circuit, and his participation in the All-Japan Championship.
- Complete Character Development: The full evolution of Eiichiro’s skills and, crucially, the complete romantic storyline with Natsu Takasaki are resolved in the manga.
- A Rushed but Complete Ending: While the manga’s ending is widely considered rushed, it does provide a definitive conclusion to Eiichiro’s journey and is essential for fans seeking closure.
Final Thoughts on Completing the Baby Steps Journey
For fans who finished the Baby Steps anime and were left wanting more, the manga is not just an extension—it’s the main event. The anime serves as a brilliant prologue to a much larger and more rewarding story of professional struggle, strategic evolution, and personal growth. The path forward is clear and simple: pick up the manga at Chapter 183 and get ready to experience the entire, completed journey of Eiichiro Maruo. The realistic portrayal of the pro circuit and the satisfying conclusion to his character arc make it a rewarding read for any fan of the series.
Last update on 2026-02-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
