151-155

Chapter 151: The National Finals Begin  

The August sky stretched overhead like a dazzling, ever-changing canvas, breathtaking in its beauty.  

The long-awaited finals of the National Tennis Championship were about to commence!  

This climactic showdown had been forged through relentless battles—starting from the district preliminaries, then the city tournaments, the regional qualifiers, and finally the fierce competition of the Nationals. Now, only two powerhouse schools remained: Fudomine and Seigaku.  

They would give their all to claim the ultimate prize—the championship crown!  

Though the match hadn’t even started, the atmosphere was already electric.  

The stands were packed to the brim, buzzing with excitement. The lower tiers were crowded with reporters, their cameras poised and ready, waiting for the players to make their grand entrance.  

The spectators were in a frenzy—not just the die-hard supporters from both schools, but also players from other eliminated teams who had come to witness the battle.  

Amid the lively crowd, one particularly striking figure stood out—a tall, rugged-looking man leading a group of children. They made their way straight to the seating area behind Seigaku’s team bench.  

The kids were full of energy, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.  

"Wow, there are so many people!" they squealed excitedly, huddling together as they chattered nonstop.  

A little girl asked eagerly, "Is Yoru-niichan playing here today?"  

Another boy chimed in, "The National Finals feel even bigger than when Oni-niichan played! There are so many people!"  

"Yeah, I remember the last time Oni-niichan was in the finals, it wasn’t at this stadium!"  

"Playing in a place this amazing… Yoru-niichan and the others are incredible!"  

"I heard this is where the pros play! So cool!"  

"When are the cool big brothers coming out?"  

The kids fidgeted impatiently, their excitement bubbling over.  

This lively bunch was none other than the kids from the Nukumori Orphanage, and the man with them was Oni Juujirou.  

A few days before the finals, Echizen Yoru had personally asked Ryuzaki Sumire to reserve seats for the children. Since the area behind the team benches was reserved for school supporters, Ryuzaki had gladly agreed to the request from Seigaku’s star player.  

Right now, the match hadn’t even started, but the cheering squads from both schools were already fired up, trying to outdo each other.  

"Seigaku, fight!" 

"Fudomine, back-to-back champions!" 

"Seigaku, fight!" 

"Fudomine, back-to-back champions!"  

The kids, naturally drawn to the excitement, immediately joined in, waving their arms and shouting at the top of their lungs. Their laughter and cheers echoed through the stadium.  

Meanwhile, in the spectator sections reserved for other schools…  

Nearly every team that had competed in the Nationals was present—Hyoutei, Yamabuki, Rikkai Dai, Shitenhouji, Maizono, Shishigaku, and more.  

"Why are there so many kids in Seigaku’s cheering section?" Mukahi Gakuto muttered, drawing everyone’s attention to the area.  

Sharp-eyed Shiraishi Kuranosuke quickly zeroed in on Oni Juujirou. "That guy…"  

Inui Sadaharu rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "He looks familiar."  

"To think it’s him!"  

Holding his notebook like a keeper of secrets, Momoshiro Takeshi recited: "Oni Juujirou—a first-year who single-handedly led his team to a National Championship, only to disappear soon after."  

The moment these words were spoken, recognition flashed across everyone’s faces. Their gazes toward Oni now carried a mix of awe and respect.  

For these third-years, Oni Juujirou was nothing short of a legend.  

A first-year leading a team to victory? That was the stuff of dreams.  

Back when they were first-years, some hadn’t even made the regular lineup, while others hadn’t even joined their tennis clubs yet. Yet here was a player their age who had taken an unknown school all the way to Nationals—and won.  

Oshitari Yuushi frowned slightly. "If he’s sitting there, he must have some connection to Seigaku."  

"To think we’d see him here."  

Given Oni’s achievements, calling him a legend was no exaggeration.  

But there were also whispers that the competition back then hadn’t been as strong, casting some doubt on the significance of his victory.  

In any case, his school had faded into obscurity afterward—so much so that no one even remembered its name.  

"Now, please welcome Seigaku Middle School!"  

The moment the announcement rang out, the stadium erupted like a bomb had gone off.  

Every eye turned toward the player tunnel as Seigaku emerged, led by Echizen Yoru.  

Dressed in their iconic blue-and-white uniforms, the team strode forward—especially Yoru, whose habit of draping his jacket over his shoulders sent the girls in the audience into a frenzy. Some were so overwhelmed they might’ve started washing their seats (metaphorically speaking).  

"The finals… we’re here!"  

The roar of the crowd was louder than ever, sending Seigaku’s players’ hearts racing. Their faces flushed with excitement and nerves.  

This was it.  

Countless days of grueling practice, sweat, and determination—all leading to this moment.  

"Let’s go!" 

"We’re taking that championship trophy!"  

With Yoru at the helm, the team marched confidently to the net, ready to face their opponents.  

Then came the next announcement: 

"Now, please welcome Fudomine Middle School!"  

Another deafening wave of cheers crashed through the stadium as Atobe Keigo led Fudomine onto the court.  

As the reigning National Champions, every member of Fudomine carried themselves with unshakable confidence.  

The two teams now stood at the center of the court, waiting for the referee’s signal.  

But when Yoru’s eyes locked onto Atobe Keigo, the data that flashed before him made him freeze in place.  

[Name: Atobe Keigo] 

... 

Chapter 152: The Phoenix Reborn; A Fierce Battle Approaches  

【Name】: Byoudouin Houou 

【Age】: 15 

【Techniques】:  

• Personal "Five Dimensions" (10/10)  

• Tennis Fundamentals (10/10)  

• Glowing Shot (8/10)  

• Destruction (5/10)  

• Bird of Prey Strike (10/10)  

• Pirate's Barrage (10/10)  

• 7 other folded techniques 

【Talent】: Rebirth from the Ashes 

【Combat Power】: ★★★★★★★★★★★ (11 Stars)  

"How is this possible?!"  

11-star combat power!  

Every technique except Destruction has been maxed out to 10/10!  

But that’s not even the most shocking part—it’s the fact that Destruction, despite being only 5/10, is already half-perfected!  

According to the system’s notes, Destruction is a high-tier technique that only reaches its full potential at 10/10.  

In the original timeline, Byoudouin only perfected Destruction after his defeat in the French Open and his subsequent journey around the world with Duke Watanabe.  

Yet right now, he’s already developed the concept of Destruction—that’s insane!  

"Is it because of his Rebirth from the Ashes talent?"  

Yoru frowned.  

[Rebirth from the Ashes]: Every time he suffers defeat or severe injury, his latent potential awakens, making him even stronger.  

Who would’ve thought that Oni Juujirou’s brutal strike would push Byoudouin to this level?  

If he keeps developing and unlocks Asura’s Path, he’ll completely reach the same strength he had in the original story when he led Japan to the U-17 World Cup in France.  

"Oni… you really left me a ‘gift,’ huh."  

Yoru glanced at Oni in the stands, a bitter smile forming on his face.  

Unlike QP, who thrived in evenly matched battles, Yoru preferred opponents who could put up a fight but still lose—basically, "I like crushing noobs, but I don’t wanna play against bots."  

Today’s match was shaping up to be a brutal war.  

Team Lineups: Seigaku vs. Rokkaku 

Rokkaku’s Roster:  

• Byoudouin Houou (11★)  

• Ochi Tsukimitsu & Ban Rikiya (6★, nearing 7★)  

• Tohno Hiroshi & Ohmagari Ryuuji (7★, nearing 8★)  

• Fuji Shuusuke (7★)  

• One 5★ benchwarmer (irrelevant) 

Seigaku’s Roster:  

• Kaidou & Imashi (6★, still developing)  

• Yamato Yuudai (7★, nearing 8★)  

• Kirihara Akaya (8★, nearing 9★)  

• QP (9★, nearing 10★) 

Analysis:  

• Seigaku has the edge in top-tier players, but their doubles will likely get crushed.  

• In a standard match, Seigaku could afford to lose both doubles and still win three singles matches.  

• But Byoudouin isn’t the type to play fair. Even if he can’t see their stats, Yoru can’t afford to underestimate him. 

The Challenge 

"Checking out Rokkaku’s lineup?"  

Byoudouin’s voice cut through the tension.  

*"What do you think? We assembled this team specifically for a two-peat national championship—or, you could say… we built it for Seigaku."*  

Yoru met his gaze calmly. "I’m honored."  

"Tch."  

Byoudouin scowled at Yoru’s lack of reaction but still declared:  

"I’ll be waiting for you in Singles 1."  

Originally, his target wasn’t Yoru—it was QP.  

But after Ryoma mentioned that neither Ralph nor QP had ever taken a single point off Yoru…  

Byoudouin’s resolve was set.  

"Fine."  

Yoru agreed without hesitation.  

He trusted Byoudouin’s word—after all, in the original story, Oni himself said:  

"That bastard Byoudouin is the most infuriating guy alive… but he never lies."  

And with Byoudouin’s explosive growth, it made sense he’d seek the strongest opponent.  

Strategy Meetings 

Rokkaku’s Side:  

Byoudouin crossed his arms. *"I know some of you don’t care about Rokkaku. But we’re all here for one thing—that championship banner. This is your last shot. Don’t waste it."*  

Since the team was hastily assembled before Nationals, most members had no loyalty to Rokkaku.  

But they all shared one goal: winning at all costs.  

"Captain, should we adjust the lineup?" Fuji asked, holding the strategy board.  

(Rokkaku’s coach had been sidelined by Byoudouin, so the team handled tactics themselves.)  

Byoudouin shook his head. "Keep the doubles as-is. Seigaku’s pairs can’t beat us. Fuji, you’re on Singles 3."  

"Understood."  

Fuji didn’t question it.  

Rokkaku’s doubles were overwhelmingly strong—even if Seigaku pulled a surprise switch like in the Kantō Tournament, they wouldn’t lose.  

If they secured two doubles wins, even losing two singles matches wouldn’t matter.  

Byoudouin would handle the final victory.  

Seigaku’s Side:  

In contrast to Rokkaku’s confidence, Seigaku was tense.  

Yoru: "We must take one doubles match. QP, any ideas?"  

QP frowned. "If their stats are accurate, Yamato and Kirihara won’t survive their destructive playstyle. Kirihara’s aggressive returns clash with Yamato’s rhythm, and Tohno’s defensive skills are too strong."  

After a long silence, QP finally said:  

"I’ll pair with Yamato for Doubles 2. Kirihara stays in Singles 3, Kawasaki takes Singles 2. Keep the other positions unchanged."  

The team froze.  

But Yoru’s eyes lit up. "Do it."  

As a product of elite German training, QP had studied doubles tactics—even if he wasn’t a specialist, he’d synergize better than Kirihara.  

If they could steal one doubles win, even if Byoudouin switched positions, Seigaku could still secure three victories.  

Now, it all came down to Doubles 2.  

Meanwhile, Kaidou and Imashi clenched their fists.  

They knew the team didn’t expect much from them—but they were ready to fight like hell for that one crucial win.  

Final Note:  

At the very top of the spectator stands, a lone European woman quietly took her seat, watching intently.  

Chapter 153: Kirihara vs. Fuwa Saizou – The Mirror’s Trap  

The lineups were submitted.  

After the tournament committee confirmed the arrangements, the head referee blew his whistle, announcing:  

"The National Finals—Rokkaku vs. Seigaku! Singles 3 match begins now! Players, take your positions!"  

The Decisive First Match 

Singles 3 was critical—it set the tone for the entire match.  

QP’s voice was calm but firm: "Kirihara. Crush him. Aim for a 6-0 sweep."  

Kirihara smirked, gripping his racket. "Got it."  

As he stepped onto the court, his eyes flicked toward Rokkaku’s bench—who would his opponent be?  

Rokkaku’s Strategy 

Fuwa Saizou (不破鉄人) placed the strategy board down, confidence oozing. "Kirihara for Singles 3? Seigaku isn’t changing tactics. They’re going all-in."  

Byoudouin’s eyes narrowed. "Fuwa. Win this."  

He had personally trained Fuwa for this moment. But against Kirihara’s speed, raw skill wasn’t enough.  

The real weapon? Fuwa’s "Mirror Eye" (鏡像の瞳).  

Fuwa adjusted his blackout goggles—beneath them, his pupils gleamed with calculation. "I’ll take this victory."  

If he won here, Rokkaku’s path to the championship would widen.  

The Crowd’s Doubts 

"Fuwa Saizou in Singles 3? That guy’s eyes…" – Mitsuya Akuto (Hyotei)  

Hyotei had fallen to Rokkaku. Many powerhouse schools had.  

Inui adjusted his glasses. "His 'Mirror Eye' reflects mental attacks. Even Moon’s 'Mental Assassination' backfired."  

"Tch." – Atobe (Ice Emperor)  

"Kirihara’s speed might be his only advantage." – Akutsu (Rikkai)  

The Match Begins 

"Game start! Fuwa Saizou to serve!"  

Fuwa bounced the ball, his hidden gaze analyzing Kirihara’s stance.  

THWACK!  

A heavy, irregular spin serve rocketed across the court—designed to jam Kirihara’s return.  

But Kirihara blurred, sidestepping at the last second.  

"Too slow."  

His racket flashed.  

BOOM!  

A supersonic drive shot past Fuwa before he could react.  

"15-0! Kirihara leads!"  

The crowd erupted.  

Kirihara’s speed was monstrous—even faster than in the Kantō Finals.  

Fuwa remained expressionless.  

"He’s gathering data." – QP (Seigaku’s bench)  

Every move Kirihara made was being recorded by the Mirror Eye.  

The Trap Sets 

Fuwa served again—this time, the spin was sharper, the force heavier.  

Kirihara scoffed. "You think this weak spin can stop me?"  

He dashed forward, racket whipping out—  

BAM!  

Another lightning return.  

"30-0!"  

But Fuwa didn’t flinch.  

"He’s too calm…" – Yamato (Seigaku)  

Kirihara’s instincts prickled. "What’s your game, goggles?"  

The Children’s Cheers 

"Wow! Yoru’s teammate is so fast! Faster than Oni!" – Excited kid  

"Pfft. Oni’s strong, but he’s built like a tank!" – Another kid  

Oni flexed, grinning. "Speed’s not my thing. But power? Nobody beats me."  

Even so, he was impressed. Kirihara’s reflexes were world-class.  

The Turning Point 

Fuwa’s third serve came—another heavy spinner.  

Kirihara lunged, but this time—  

His racket twisted mid-swing.  

"What?!"  

The ball curved unnaturally, shooting past him.  

"15-30!"  

Kirihara’s eyes widened. "That was… my own technique?"  

Fuwa adjusted his goggles. "Mirror Eye: Reflection activated."  

The Counterattack Begins 

"He’s copying Kirihara’s moves?!" – Seigaku’s bench  

QP’s expression darkened. "No. He’s not copying. He’s reflecting."  

Every technique Kirihara used was now being turned against him.  

"40-30! Fuwa leads!"  

Kirihara gritted his teeth. "Damn it…"  

He had to end this fast—before Fuwa mirrored everything.  

Next Point: The Decider 

Fuwa smirked beneath his goggles. "Your speed is impressive. But now… it’s mine."  

He tossed the ball—  

And unleashed Kirihara’s own supersonic drive.  

"GAME! FUWA WINS THE FIRST GAME! 1-0!"  

The stadium roared.  

Kirihara’s fists clenched. "This guy…!"  

Seigaku’s Crisis 

"Kirihara’s in trouble." – Momo (Seigaku)  

Yoru’s gaze sharpened. "He needs to break the mirror… or shatter it."  

Chapter 154: The Changes Brought by the Endurance Rune  

Thwack—!  

The crisp sound of the racket striking the ball echoed across the court.  

Most spectators couldn’t even track the ball’s trajectory—by the time it became visible again, it had already slammed into the wall behind Kurobe Tetsuhito.  

"Kirihara scores, 40-0!"  

"Even spin can't suppress that speed...?"  

Kurobe’s expression darkened.  

His Mirror Eye required time to analyze and counter his opponent’s techniques. But with Kirihara scoring point after point in an instant, the match would be over before he could even adapt!  

His mind raced, searching for a way to slow down the bleeding.  

After about ten seconds, the referee checked his watch and called out, "Kurobe Tetsuhito, you’re approaching the serve time limit. Please proceed."  

"Right!"  

Kurobe quickly served—this time, a pure spin shot with extreme rotation.  

But the result was the same.  

The moment the ball bounced, Kirihara—who had been at the baseline—blurred forward, his racket flashing.  

Boom—!  

Another thunderous strike.  

Super Speed Return.  

This one was even faster. The ball vanished mid-flight, and before Kurobe could even turn his head, the thud of it hitting the back wall froze him in place.  

"Kirihara wins the game, 1-0!"  

The entire game had taken barely over a minute. If not for Kurobe’s delay on the serve, it might’ve been even shorter.  

Break Time.  

Kirihara walked off to hydrate.  

At Seigaku’s bench, Yoru nudged Yamato, who immediately cheered, "Keep it up, Kirihara-senpai! We’re counting on you to take the first point!"  

"Don’t let up! That guy’s strong, but we believe in you!"  

The moment the words left Yamato’s mouth, a tiny "+0.6" buff flickered above Kirihara’s head.  

"Uh... sure." Kirihara scratched his head, bemused.  

He didn’t understand why Yoru always made Yamato give these pep talks, but he did feel oddly energized afterward.  

Yoru turned to Yamato. "From now on, no matter who’s playing, you’re in charge of motivational speeches. Got it?"  

"Understood." Yamato nodded, though he had no clue why.  

The rest of Seigaku’s team exchanged puzzled glances—only QP seemed to grasp the reasoning.  

Yamato’s encouragement directly boosted muscle efficiency, with zero side effects. It was ridiculously useful.  

In the Stands...  

The other schools’ players were deep in discussion.  

"Kurobe’s panicking. The pace is overwhelming him." Inui observed, smirking.  

Compared to Seigaku, they much preferred seeing Fudomine struggle—especially after their underhanded pre-match tactics.  

"Even if Kurobe manages to analyze the Super Speed Returns, Kirihara still has his Lightning Mode, right?"  

"If he activates that, no amount of Mirror Eye counters will work. That speed is beyond reaction."  

Inui’s group stiffened.  

They’d forgotten about Lightning Mode—a state where Kirihara’s speed transcended human limits. Mirror Eye could replicate techniques, but not biological overclocking.  

Match Resumes!  

After losing his serve, Kurobe looked visibly shaken. Even Fudomine’s usually composed players grew restless.  

Then—  

Crackle...  

Electricity began arcing across Kirihara’s body.  

Lightning Mode—activated in the second game.  

"Impossible!"  

Kurobe yanked off his eyepatch, his glass-like pupils dilating in horror.  

This wasn’t supposed to happen yet!  

According to data, Lightning Mode drained stamina brutally—it was a last-resort move, sustainable for three games at most. Kurobe had planned to counter early, then stall until Kirihara exhausted himself.  

But now?  

Thanks to the Endurance Rune, Seigaku’s stamina reserves had skyrocketed—and technique side effects were minimized.  

Kirihara could now maintain Lightning Mode for an entire match.  

"Tch."  

Atobe Keigo sighed from Fudomine’s bench.  

If Kirihara dared use Lightning Mode this early, it meant Seigaku had solved the stamina issue.  

Thwack! Thwack!  

Kirihara served—Super Speed Serve + Lightning Mode.  

The ball’s speed was obscene, triple sonic booms merging into one. Even QP’s Experience Mode might not match this velocity.  

"Kirihara scores, 15-0!" 

"Kirihara scores, 30-0!" 

"Kirihara scores, 40-0!" 

"Kirihara wins the game, 2-0!"  

Four serves. Less than a minute.  

The crowd erupted in applause—and disbelief.  

Who’d have thought the national finals would feature such a one-sided stomp?  

Kurobe’s Nightmare Continued.  

His painstakingly recorded Super Speed Returns? Useless against Lightning Mode’s enhanced versions.  

By the third game, even his own serves were instantly obliterated. Every return was a Lightning-infused Super Speed Strike, leaving him rooted in place.  

"Kirihara-senpai’s improved," Yamato murmured.  

Previously, Kirihara couldn’t combine Lightning Mode with his special techniques. Now? A complete evolution.  

"This match is over." Shiraishi shook his head.  

At this speed, even he would struggle. Kurobe stood no chance.  

And just as predicted—  

Four more games. Five minutes total.  

Adding the first two, the entire match ended in under ten minutes with a merciless 6-0.  

Seigaku’s First Victory.  

The stadium roared for Kirihara, applause shaking the stands.  

Meanwhile, Kurobe stood frozen, unable to process being curb-stomped in under ten minutes.  

Just as QP had strategized—the more brutal the defeat, the harder it would crush Fudomine’s morale.  

Post-match handshakes were a numb formality.  

Fudomine’s Bench.  

"I... failed you, Captain." Kurobe bowed, voice thick with shame.  

"Rest." Atobe’s tone was icy.  

He hadn’t expected much from Kurobe, but this? Pathetic.  

The thought of entrusting Fudomine’s future to him was almost laughable.  

"Tohno. Akutsu." Atobe’s gaze sharpened. **"Go. Take back our pride."**  

Chapter 155: QP & Yamato VS Ochi & Ryūji  

"Ochi, Ryūji—go get that score back!"  

Byōdōin Hōō's face darkened. Then, as if remembering something, he turned to the two and added, "Make sure they leave this match on a stretcher."  

"Leave it to us. I’ll gladly offer them up as sacrifices~"  

"Yeah, yeah, got it."  

One wore a bloodthirsty grin, the other looked half-asleep.  

This bizarre duo quickly drew the crowd’s attention as they stepped onto the court for warm-ups.  

Meanwhile, in Seigaku’s camp, two figures rose to their feet.  

The moment Hōō and Ironman noticed, their pupils shrank in shock.  

Because standing there were Yamato… and QP.  

Ironman’s grip on his strategy board visibly trembled. "No way… There’s no way he’s playing!"  

Beside him, Byōdōin’s expression darkened to its limit.  

They’d been outmaneuvered.  

They had expected Yamato to pair with Kirihara, given past precedent, and assumed Ochi and Ōmura could handle them.  

But QP in Doubles 2?  

There was zero record of QP ever playing doubles. Now, their only hope was that he lacked experience in it—otherwise, this match would be a disaster…  

Seigaku’s Side  

Yamato muttered a few words of encouragement before the two stepped onto the court, buffed and ready.  

"Yay, big brother’s playing!"  

"We get to see big brother’s match!"  

"If he could fight Oni-san like that, he’ll definitely win this one!"  

"Of course!"  

The kids cheered excitedly at the sight of QP. Hearing them, QP gave a rare, slight smile and waved back.  

Sitting nearby, Oni Jūjirō raised an eyebrow. "Yoru, why put QP in doubles? He’s stronger in singles, isn’t he?"  

Since they were positioned at the back of Seigaku’s area, the distance between them wasn’t far.  

Yoru shrugged. "No choice. Their doubles pair is too strong. To secure a win, we have to take this match."  

On the Court  

As they warmed up, QP spoke calmly. "Ōmura Ryūji has exceptional defensive skills. Ochi specializes in high-impact, body-shot tennis. I’ll suppress them early. Your job is to observe their habits—quickly."  

"Got it."  

Yamato nodded.  

Even though it was his first time partnering with QP, the guy radiated reliability. He didn’t need to overthink things.  

Once warm-ups ended, the four players met at the net.  

"So, you’re today’s sacrifices~"  

Ochi licked his lips, grinning like a predator.  

"......"  

Neither replied.  

Yamato didn’t know how to respond to that kind of talk.  

QP, as usual, ignored it entirely.  

The referee blew his whistle.  

"National Finals—Doubles 2 match begins! Seigaku to serve!"  

First Strike  

QP stood at the baseline, bouncing the ball as his eyes scanned Ochi and Ōmura’s positions, processing data in real-time.  

He hadn’t trained extensively in doubles—just the basics. So, he’d rely on raw skill to dominate.  

Whoosh—!  

The ball soared into the air.  

His serve motion was flawless, almost artistic.  

BANG!  

A streak of light.  

The ball shot past Ochi and Ōmura before they could even twitch, slamming into the backcourt.  

"15–0, Seigaku!"  

"Yay! Big brother scored!"  

"That serve was so fast! Whoosh—!"  

The kids erupted in cheers.  

Ōmura’s Counter  

"Guess we can’t slack off~"  

Ōmura’s lazy demeanor vanished as he grabbed a second racket, walking back with both in hand.  

The crowd barely reacted—this was normal for him.  

Yoru could only roll his eyes. (Tennis rules here really allow dual-wielding?)  

QP analyzed coldly.  

"Dual rackets widen his return range… and his footwork just accelerated."  

BANG!  

Another bullet serve.  

This time, Ōmura reacted—swinging at empty air before the ball materialized in his racket’s center.  

"He caught it?!" Yamato tensed.  

Even with Yoru’s buffs, QP’s baseline speed was beyond him.  

But Ōmura hadn’t seen the ball—his muscle memory, honed through dual-wielding, had auto-corrected.  

"Heavy…!"  

Ōmura’s eyes narrowed, but he adjusted his stance and returned it—weakly.  

A perfect chance for a volley.  

Yamato rushed forward—  

—only for QP to suddenly shout:  

"LET IT GO!"  

Yamato froze mid-swing.  

The ball whizzed past him.  

The Trap  

"Huh? QP doesn’t trust Yamato?" Akutsu frowned from the stands.  

But doubles specialist Tetsu replied, "No. That ball was bait. Look at Ōmura’s position."  

Indeed—Ōmura had shifted to cover the gap left by Ochi’s reckless charge.  

Meanwhile, Yamato’s advance had left his side wide open.  

"Tch. Thought they’d have no teamwork as a scratch pair," muttered Nakaharu from Yamabuki.  

The Atsushi brothers (Rokkaku’s elite doubles pair) shook their heads.  

"Not teamwork. Ōmura’s just that good at defense."  

"Ochi’s the type to charge ahead blindly. Ōmura hesitated when covering for him—he didn’t expect Ochi to move either."  

The Battle Unfolds  

BANG! BANG! BANG!  

Strange.  

Only QP and Ōmura were exchanging shots.  

Ochi couldn’t keep up with QP’s speed.  

Yamato chose not to engage, eyes locked onto both opponents’ habits.  

Watching, Yoru smirked.  

"Perfect. Yamato’s in his element now."