A Bone to Pick

A Bone to Pick is the first mission of the Adventure Mode in Mario Tennis Aces, taking place in Bask Ruins itself.

Layout
When Mario and Toad arrive at Bask Ruins, they are greeted by a Dry Bones who stops them, claiming that the ruins can only be accessed by those who can play tennis. Realizing the duo is not asking for trouble, the Dry Bones challenges Mario to a singles tennis match for entry to the Temple of Bask.

Being the first mission in the game, it serves as a tutorial for much of the game's mechanics. The Dry Bones starts by explaining how to toss and serve the ball. He then continues by teaching Mario how to return the ball, then expands on it by teaching the various tactical moves (topspin, slice, flat) and begins the match for real after that. The match is a simple one-set where Mario's best bet is to remain near the center of the court in order to counter the Dry Bones's serves.

Afterwards, the Dry Bones allows Mario and Toad to enter the Temple of Bask.

In-game text

 * "Beat Dry Bones in a tennis match!"

Names in other languages
Farsi le ossa