216-220

*Chapter 216: Fierce Battle, Marui's Perfect Fortress (Part 2)*

Boom!

As soon as the referee's voice fell, Jackal decisively sent the tennis ball flying.

The ball landed deep, and with Jackal's solid technique, it spun fiercely upon bouncing. This forced Kaidō to take half a step back to create enough space to return the shot.

However, Kaidō was incredibly agile.

In the blink of an eye, he adjusted his stance. With a swift motion of his racket, he sent the ball back with a sharp smack.

Tap tap!

At the net, Marui quickly sprang into action.

Chewing his bubblegum, his eyes were locked onto the trajectory of his opponent's return. Having decided on a fast-paced strategy, he suppressed his usual urge to show off his flashy techniques.

For him, the primary goal now was to score points and win the match. His skills were merely tools to achieve that goal—and the faster, the better.

Smack!

Marui caught up to the ball and lightly tapped it, sending it bouncing off the net. To everyone's surprise, the ball rolled along the top of the net before dropping to the other side.

"It's here!" Akutagawa from Hyotei exclaimed excitedly. "Marui's Tightrope Walk!"

Swish!

The ball rolled down.

Boom!

But Ōshitari, who had been watching Marui's movements closely, dashed forward and managed to flick the ball back just before it hit the ground.

Whoosh!

However, Marui was ready.

He leaped into the air, preparing for a smash. As Ōshitari retreated, Marui twisted mid-air, reversing his racket to hit the ball with precision.

"Secret Technique: Time Difference Hell!"

Boom!

"15-0!"

Marui landed steadily, his sharp gaze fixed on Ōshitari. "A word of advice for Hyotei—don't let your guard down for even a second from now on!"

"Tch!"

Ōshitari and Kaidō's expressions darkened, while the spectators were left in awe.

"Is this what the national No. 1 doubles pair looks like?"

Under the stunned gazes of the crowd, Marui and Jackal launched a relentless offensive. Marui's speed, technique, and keen sense of the net play allowed him to deliver致命一击 after致命一击.

Soon, with Marui's Iron Pillar Crash scoring another point, the referee announced, "Game! Rikkai, 1-0! Change sides!"

The first game ended in less than two minutes—a pace that would be impressive even in regional or metropolitan tournaments. But in the national stage, especially in a top-tier doubles match, it was downright terrifying.

"Rikkai's genius, Marui Bunta... truly lives up to his reputation," Coach Tōru Sakaki murmured, nodding in approval.

In terms of scoring efficiency, Marui was undoubtedly one of the best he had ever seen. Marui's presence was like a sharp blade piercing through Hyotei's defenses at the net.

Kaidō, though quick, couldn't match the explosive power of Shishido. Plus, this being his first match against Marui, he was still adjusting to his opponent's playstyle.

Moreover, Marui and Jackal had removed their weights from the start, ensuring their early攻势 would be猛烈.

In response, Ōshitari and Kaidō adjusted their strategy. They avoided Marui's锋芒, opting to target Jackal at the baseline with lobs and passing shots.

But Jackal wasn't to be underestimated.

After a brief exchange, he found his rhythm and unleashed his signature move.

Whoosh!

A fiery trajectory shot past Ōshitari and Kaidō, landing squarely for a point.

"That's one fast volley!" Ōshitari's eyes narrowed. "Its speed and power might even rival Shishido's Super Volley!"

"Did he really hide such a move until now?" Kaidō muttered, his expression tense.

The second game, which was supposed to be Hyotei's serve, had turned into a struggle for them.

Boom!

"Game! Rikkai, 2-0!"

Just five minutes in, Rikkai had secured the second game. The efficiency of their scoring left the crowd in awe, but Marui and Jackal showed no signs of slowing down.

In the third game, with Marui leading the charge and Jackal providing support, their seamless进攻战术 earned them yet another point.

Boom!

"Game! Rikkai, 3-0!"

In the blink of an eye, Rikkai had taken three games.

Many spectators glanced at Hyotei's side, their faces filled with doubt.

"Is this for real?" someone whispered. "The gap between Hyotei's first doubles pair and their earlier players is way too big!"

"Or maybe," another spectator chimed in, "they fielded their strongest players in the first three matches. These fourth and fifth matches might be..."

Boom!

Before the speculation could finish, Ōshitari finally made his move.

Swoosh!

His spin shot skimmed low across the ground, leaving Marui and Jackal stunned as it slid past them.

"15-0!"

"Finally showing your hand, Hyotei's genius?" Rikkai's Yanagi observed, his gaze sharp. "This Swallow Return is even more elusive than Fuji's Phoenix Return from Seigaku."

Smack!

Ōshitari struck again.

The ball flew over the net, dipped sharply, and skidded along the ground, changing direction mid-slide. Jackal, waiting at the baseline, was left grasping at air.

"30-0!"

"This isn't working," Marui said grimly. "We need to avoid topspin shots."

"Got it," Jackal nodded firmly.

From then on, the two focused on hitting low, flat shots to prevent Ōshitari from using his Swallow Return.

Smack!

Finally, during one return, the ball clipped the net.

The added topspin gave Ōshitari the perfect opportunity to unleash his move once more.

Swoosh!

The ball slid past, and Marui and Jackal's expressions darkened.

"40-0!"

With their momentum stifled, Rikkai's spirits visibly dipped. Meanwhile, Hyotei, led by Ōshitari's破局招数, began to turn the tide.

But Marui and Jackal weren't fools.

If topspin was off the table, they switched to no-spin shots.

Ōshitari, seizing the chance, pressed forward aggressively.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

One shot after another, Marui and Jackal found themselves pinned down by Ōshitari's relentless进攻.

"Damn it!"

Unable to hold back, Jackal finally took action. He sent a high lob, hoping to bypass Ōshitari.

But Ōshitari only smiled.

Whoosh!

From behind him, Kaidō leaped into the air, executing his Moon Volley.

The ball struck the open court, scoring a clean point!

"Game! Hyotei, 1-3!"

"Ugh," Jackal muttered in frustration. "We were so focused on Ōshitari that we forgot Kaidō's specialty is空中击球!"

Marui's expression tightened.

Though they still held the lead, it was clear that Hyotei's counterattack was gaining strength.

"We need to change tactics," Marui thought.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

The match continued.

As Marui had predicted, Hyotei, led by Ōshitari's control and Kaidō's灵活进攻, began to dominate.

Boom!

"Game! Hyotei, 2-3!"

Boom!

"Game! Hyotei, 3-3!"

In no time, Hyotei had leveled the score, their morale soaring.

Meanwhile, Rikkai's spirits plummeted with each lost point. Many began to fear that their journey would end here.

Boom!

In the seventh game, Marui served.

Without hesitation, he rushed to the net after his serve.

"Is he going for a双上网战术?" Ōshitari raised an eyebrow.

In doubles, such a formation was typically used when a team had a commanding lead. But now, with Rikkai on the backfoot, Marui's move seemed like a desperate gamble.

"Marui, what are you—" Jackal was equally confused.

Marui's sudden advance left the baseline wide open.

"Fine, I'll cover the back!" Jackal quickly retreated to defend.

"Too late!"

Ōshitari, spotting the opening, swiftly sent the ball toward the exposed gap.

Swish!

But Marui appeared out of nowhere, intercepting the shot with a firm smack.

"Huh?"

Ōshitari was taken aback. "Is he planning to hold us off alone?"

Kaidō chuckled. "He's good, but taking on both of us? Not a chance."

The two launched a fierce assault, but to everyone's astonishment, Marui held his ground, blocking every shot.

"Is this guy a wall or something?" someone exclaimed.

From the net, Marui blew a bubble with his gum, his eyes unwavering. "From this point on, I won't let a single ball get past me!"

In the face of adversity, Marui had made his resolve clear. His defense was nothing short of impregnable—a true fortress on the court.

(End of Chapter)

belamy20

Chapter 217: The Fusion of Motion and Stillness – A Vessel for Breakthrough (Part 3)

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

On the court, the three players were locked in an intense battle.

No matter how hard Mitsui and Mukahi attacked, they couldn’t break through Marui’s defense. As the relentless attacks continued without results, their fighting spirit began to wane.

“His defense is just too terrifying!” Hiyoshi from the Hyotei side exclaimed in shock.

Facing two opponents alone without losing a single point—such defensive prowess was something he had only seen in Ishikawa during the early stages.

“Marui Bunta,” Atobe remarked with narrowed eyes, his tone full of admiration. “Not only does he possess exceptional scoring ability, but he can also transform his talent into a defensive fortress. The genius of Rikkai Dai… truly lives up to his reputation!”

After all, his opponents were no ordinary players.

“This must be his innate talent,” Ishikawa chimed in. “He doesn’t have dynamic vision or domain-like techniques, yet he can instantly transition from observation to action the moment his opponent attacks.”

“Indeed,” Atobe nodded. “With such talent, he’d excel in any sport he chooses.”

Swish!

At that moment, Marui made his move.

He had been using his [Perfect Fortress] to wear down his opponents’ morale and block their momentum. Now, seizing the opportunity, he decisively struck the ball.

Tap!

The ball hit the net and bounced lightly.

“It’s Tightrope Walk!” Mukahi’s expression shifted as he immediately activated his agile footwork, dashing toward the ball.

Tap!

He managed to flick the ball back just before it hit the ground.

Whoosh!

But then, a figure leaped into the air—Jackal. With a fierce glint in his eyes, he had been waiting for this moment.

Boom!

A powerful smash came crashing down.

“Beautiful! Direct point!” the Rikkai team cheered.

“No,” Yanagi frowned. “It’s not that simple. That guy anticipated this.”

Swish!

On the Hyotei side, Mitsui turned his back, crouched low, and swung his racket forward in a sweeping motion.

Boom!

Jackal’s smash was deflected.

“Bear Hunt?!” Kikumaru’s face paled.

The rest of the Rikkai team was equally stunned. No one expected Mitsui to maintain such incredible reflexes amid such a heated match.

Swish!

But then, another figure leaped into the air.

Marui raised his racket high, aiming at the high ball Mitsui had returned, and slammed it down with a fierce smash.

Boom!

A bright yellow flash erupted near the baseline.

“15-0!”

“Nice shot!”

“That smash was perfectly timed!”

“As expected of Marui-senpai. He probably saw this coming.”

The Rikkai team praised him enthusiastically.

On the Hyotei side, Mitsui and Mukahi looked visibly frustrated.

“Marui Bunta… you’re truly impressive,” Mitsui muttered, his gaze fixed on his opponent. “Using defense to block our attacks, then seamlessly switching to offense. Facing an opponent like you is my good fortune!”

Hum!

Suddenly, a faint blue aura enveloped Mitsui’s body.

“This is…” Yanagi’s eyes narrowed. “Shadow Moon Mode?”

Shadow Moon and Daylight—Mitsui’s two abilities. One allowed him to enter a state of absolute calm and rationality, while the other unleashed his full explosive power.

Clearly, Mitsui was preparing to break through Marui’s [Perfect Fortress] head-on!

Boom!

Soon after, Marui served again and quickly moved to the net.

Jackal, understanding his partner’s intentions, shifted back, leaving the front to Marui.

Standing at the net, Marui was an impenetrable fortress. If you couldn’t break through his defense, scoring was nearly impossible. Meanwhile, he could launch attacks at any moment.

Boom!

From the baseline, Mukahi returned the ball.

Marui intercepted it and adjusted his position to the center of the court.

Swish!

At that moment, Mitsui activated his ability. His clear, cold eyes locked onto Marui.

Every subtle movement of Marui’s body became crystal clear to Mitsui. With his keen insight and analytical skills, he could observe even the slightest changes in his opponent’s actions.

However, at first glance, Mitsui found no openings.

“His movements are too fast. Even if there’s a gap, it’ll only appear for an instant.”

Not finding a weakness immediately didn’t faze Mitsui. Like a seasoned hunter, he continued to probe with various shots, observing Marui’s reactions with each return.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

One shot, two shots, three shots…

Despite the relentless attacks, Marui’s defense remained flawless.

Most players would have grown frustrated by now, but Mitsui remained patient.

Swish!

Suddenly, Marui moved.

In an instant, he shifted from defense to offense.

Tap!

The ball struck the pole and ricocheted toward Mitsui’s backhand.

But Mitsui didn’t react. Mukahi, seeing this, quickly covered for him, using his nimble footwork to return the ball.

Tap! Tap!

At that moment, Jackal, who had been waiting for his chance, sprang into action. Moving swiftly, he raised his racket and unleashed his signature move—Fire Rat Shot!

Boom!

The ball landed, scoring another point.

“30-0!”

“Damn it… he took advantage of the opening,” Mukahi grumbled, glancing at Jackal as he walked away. Then, he turned to his partner. “Mitsui, haven’t you found his weakness yet?”

“I’ve seen it!”

At that moment, Mitsui’s eyes narrowed.

Just as Marui transitioned from defense to offense, Mitsui had caught a glimpse of a flaw.

But as he had suspected, the window was incredibly brief. If Marui completed his attack, the momentum of the match would shift in his favor.

“My time is short… just a split second.”

Mitsui took a deep breath.

His opponent was unlike anyone he had faced before.

Of course, if this were a singles match, he had other ways to defeat Marui. But this was doubles, and Marui had Jackal backing him up.

So, Mitsui had to break through the [Perfect Fortress] first!

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

The match continued.

Marui, now at the net, activated his [Perfect Fortress] once more, blocking Hyotei’s attacks.

The two sides clashed fiercely.

Believing he had found an opening, Marui suddenly accelerated, shifting from defense to offense.

Hum!

At that moment, the blue aura around Mitsui turned red. With a burst of explosive power, he charged forward and unleashed a fierce shot.

Boom!

However, Marui’s adaptability was just as quick. Sensing the danger, he immediately switched back to defense.

“Did I fail?” Mitsui’s heart sank.

His two abilities had to be used sequentially. Once he activated Daylight Mode, he would miss the best opportunity to attack.

“It’s no use!” Marui, chewing his bubblegum, said firmly. “Mitsui, your killing intent is too strong. I won’t let you break through this defense!”

Killing intent?

Mitsui was momentarily stunned.

Marui’s words made him realize that his intentions had been exposed all along.

“Of course,” Mitsui thought to himself. “He must have known I was looking for his weakness. If my attacks are too obvious, he’ll catch on.”

At this point, he couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless.

He seemed trapped in a paradox. His Shadow Moon Mode allowed him to hide his emotions and maintain calm, but Daylight Mode was too intense and easily revealed his intentions.

“So what!” Mukahi suddenly interjected. “Why not use both abilities at the same time?”

“Use both at the same time?” Mitsui shook his head helplessly. “Mukahi, you don’t understand. These two abilities aren’t compatible…”

But Mukahi grinned. “You won’t know unless you try, right?”

“Huh?”

Mitsui was taken aback.

Then, looking at his optimistic partner, a smile spread across his face. “You’re right. If I don’t try, how will I know if it’s possible?”

With that, Mitsui began his attempt.

However, as he had said, the two abilities were incompatible. When he entered the calm Shadow Moon Mode, his emotions stabilized, but his explosive power vanished.

Similarly, when he activated the intense Daylight Mode, his calmness disappeared, and his insight and judgment weakened.

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

The match continued.

Mitsui tried again and again, but to no avail. Instead, he kept losing points, allowing Rikkai to secure the 7th game and even dropping three consecutive points in his own serve.

“It’s no use,” Chitose shook his head as he watched Mitsui repeatedly attempt the impossible, his aura flickering between blue and red. “Instead of wasting energy on this, he should focus on how to disrupt Marui’s rhythm.”

“Exactly,” Shiraishi agreed. “When offense isn’t working, switching to defense is a viable option. If he can hold off Marui’s attacks and prolong the match, he might find a way.”

In their eyes, there were multiple ways to score. There was no need to obsess over merging the two abilities.

“Mitsui…” Kenya, watching his cousin, sighed softly. “You’re as stubborn as ever.”

Back then, Mitsui had insisted on leaving Osaka to study in Tokyo, despite his family’s objections. Now, faced with an insurmountable challenge, he was once again stubbornly pushing forward.

Kenya’s eyes filled with concern.

“Motion and stillness?”

At that moment, Mitsui’s mind raced as he pondered the nature of his two abilities.

How could two distinctly different attributes coexist?

Fusion? Compatibility?

Perhaps he needed a vessel to bridge them?

Wait!

Suddenly, Mitsui’s thoughts turned to Ishikawa’s match against Akutsu, where Ishikawa had used the third technique of the Four Gods’ Martial Arts—a unique circular motion.

“It’s no use,” Kikumaru sneered from the sidelines. “Marui-senpai’s [Perfect Fortress] is unbreakable!”

Swish!

At the same time, Marui activated his [Perfect Fortress] once more.

In this state, his judgment was flawless, allowing him to intercept any ball that tried to breach his defense.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a faint purple light flashed past him.

“Huh?!”

Watching the ball sail past him, Marui’s pupils contracted. “What was that?!”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 218: Forfeit? Is Hyotei Crazy?! (Part 1)*

"How... how is this possible?"

At this moment, time seemed to stand still.

Marui stared at the tennis ball that had just whizzed past him. He tried to swing his racket to intercept it, but found himself frozen, as if his movements had been locked in place. It felt as though his opponent had struck the ball in a state of absolute stillness, making it impossible for him to react.

Boom!

The ball landed, and the entire court fell into silence.

"15-40!"

The referee's voice broke the stillness, and everyone's eyes instinctively turned toward Ōshitari on the court.

"That aura..."

Ōshitari's body was now enveloped in a peculiar mix of black and white energy. The aura fluctuated, sometimes intense, sometimes faint, giving off an air of mystery.

"Has Ōshitari... broken through?!"

On Rikkai's side, Yukimura, Sanada, and Yanagi exchanged glances, their expressions shifting. Yanagi, in particular, observed the uncertain aura around Ōshitari and said gravely, "He's merged his Shadow Moon and Daylight abilities. This is bad..."

The rest of the Rikkai team felt a heavy weight settle in their chests.

Marui's Perfect Fortress was not just a solid defensive line on the court—it was also Rikkai's last line of defense in this match. If the fortress was breached, it would mean their journey in the national tournament was over.

For a moment, everyone felt as though they were trapped in a dream, unable to believe this was reality.

"Marui, snap out of it!"

On the court, Jackal's urgent voice broke through the tension. He rushed to the net, looking at the dazed Marui. "Don't lose heart! We still have the advantage. Don't let their moves shake your confidence!"

"Jackal..."

Marui blinked, the sunlight reflecting off Jackal's head bringing him back to his senses.

"I understand," Marui nodded firmly.

Ōshitari's breakthrough had disrupted his plans, leaving him momentarily lost. But the thought that Rikkai absolutely could not lose reignited his spirit. This match wasn't just about personal victory—it was about the future of their team. There was no room for hesitation.

Tap!

Tap!

Tap!

At the baseline, Ōshitari bent down, tapping the tennis ball against the ground.

After his breakthrough, his entire demeanor had changed. If before he had been calm and composed, now he exuded an air of mystery, as if an invisible force separated him from the outside world.

Whoosh!

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Ōshitari tossed the ball into the air. With a natural, fluid motion, he swung his racket, sending the ball flying with a blend of light and shadow.

Boom!

The ball, wrapped in a faint mix of black and white, sped toward Jackal's service line.

"Hmph!"

Jackal's eyes narrowed as he focused on the incoming ball. "No matter what's happened to you, I won't let your ball get past me!"

Swish!

He swung his racket, aiming to return the ball with a powerful stroke.

But to his shock, the ball, which had seemed to have ordinary spin, suddenly accelerated upon bouncing.

"A speed-changing ball?!"

Jackal's pupils contracted. He tried to adjust, but it was too late. He could only watch as the ball flew past him.

"30-40!"

"He... scored directly?!"

The Rikkai team was stunned.

Jackal's reflexes were among the best in Rikkai, and his baseline defense was considered impenetrable. Yet, he had been completely outplayed.

"The ball's speed changed," Yanagi said grimly. "That serve was too deceptive. The sudden acceleration made it nearly impossible to defend."

Yukimura nodded slightly. He had seen it clearly—Ōshitari's serve had a unique quality. The ball's spin wasn't particularly fast, but upon bouncing, it shifted from one state to another in an instant.

Boom!

Ōshitari served again.

The ball flew over the net, landing sharply in front of Marui. Marui's eyes narrowed, his caution heightened after Jackal's earlier misstep.

Tap!

The ball landed, and Marui took a step back to give himself more room to react.

But this time, the ball's behavior was ordinary—no sudden acceleration or change in direction.

"Was I overthinking it?"

Marui squinted, preparing to return the shot.

Bang!

However, the moment his racket made contact with the ball, a tremendous force surged through it.

"What?!"

Marui's expression changed drastically.

Clatter!

His racket fell to the ground, leaving the spectators in shock.

"Deuce, 40-40!"

"The ball's power increased instantly?!"

Marui stared at his fallen racket, then looked up at Ōshitari in disbelief. "He can change the ball's spin, speed, and power in an instant? What is going on?"

The rest of the Rikkai team was equally baffled.

"He's switching the ball's state in an instant?" Niō adjusted his glasses, deep in thought. "This change is internal... Wait!"

Suddenly, his expression shifted.

Yanagi's eyes snapped open. "A deeper level of power?"

The interplay of surface and hidden changes—this was the deeper level of power that Ryoma's theory had hinted at. First, Akutagawa, then Atobe, and now Ōshitari...

The spectators were equally stunned.

Aside from Ryoma, who had yet to play, Hyotei now had three players who had reached this level of mastery.

"By merging the states of day and night," Ryoma observed, watching Ōshitari's mysterious aura, "he's truly tapped into a deeper level of power. He's applying a technique that shifts the ball's state at the moment of impact."

Under the influence of this mysterious aura, the ball existed in a dual state. Only upon contact could its true nature be revealed—but by then, it was too late.

Speed, power, spin...

With so many variables, a single misjudgment could cost a point. And even if the opponent guessed correctly, Ōshitari could always switch things up.

In this situation, the opponent had to guess correctly every time. With three possible changes, each with a 50% chance, the probability of guessing correctly was a mere 16.7%—and that was just for a single shot.

Without the ability to truly see through the ball's changes, relying on guesswork was a losing strategy.

Boom!

"Advantage, server!"

Boom!

"Game! Hyotei, 4-4!"

The score was tied, and the momentum had shifted in Hyotei's favor.

Facing Ōshitari's unpredictable playstyle, Marui and Jackal felt as though they were groping in the dark, unable to find a way out.

Jackal's defense crumbled, and Marui's Perfect Fortress was dismantled.

Even working together, they could barely keep up with Ōshitari. But as time went on, Hyotei's scoring became more and more dominant.

Boom!

"Game! Hyotei, 5-4! Change sides!"

In the blink of an eye, Hyotei had broken Rikkai's serve, taking a crucial lead.

A shadow seemed to fall over Rikkai. Many of their players began to feel that victory was slipping away, mentally preparing themselves for defeat.

Boom!

"15-0!"

Boom!

"30-0!"

Boom!

"40-0!"

Under Hyotei's relentless assault, Marui and Jackal were left gasping for breath, their movements growing increasingly desperate.

Tap!

Tap!

Tap!

At the baseline, Kaidō lightly tapped the ball. With victory within reach, he felt as though he was holding not just a tennis ball, but Rikkai's fate in his hands.

This point would decide the match!

The so-called "Kings of Tennis," Rikkai, would become a thing of the past, a footnote in history. Hyotei would rise as the true, undisputed national champions!

"Referee, I request a timeout."

Just then, Ōshitari, who was at the net, suddenly spoke up.

"Huh?"

The Hyotei team was stunned. No one had expected Ōshitari to call a timeout just as they were about to secure victory.

He walked over to Kaidō, whispering something in his ear. Kaidō nodded, and the two of them approached their coach, Tōru Sakaki, bowing slightly.

"What is it?" Sakaki asked, a faint smile on his face as if he already knew what they were about to say.

"Coach," Ōshitari said, his words shocking everyone present, "we've decided to forfeit this match."

"Forfeit?!"

Not just the Hyotei team, but the entire crowd was dumbfounded.

What was going on?!

They had the national finals within their grasp, yet these two Hyotei doubles players were choosing to forfeit. Were they secretly working for Rikkai?!

For a moment, the absurd thought crossed everyone's minds.

As for the Rikkai team, it was as if a drowning man had been thrown a lifeline. Many of their players looked to Hyotei's coach, hoping against hope.

"I see," Sakaki said, raising an eyebrow. But instead of anger, he simply shook his head. "While I am Hyotei's coach, this isn't my decision to make."

The Rikkai team's hopes were dashed.

Of course, no one would be foolish enough to give up a sure victory. If they were in Hyotei's shoes, they wouldn't do it either.

"I think it's fine," Atobe, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "We can forfeit this match."

"I agree."

"Me too."

"I support this decision."

To everyone's astonishment, after Atobe spoke, the rest of the Hyotei team—starters, substitutes, even the support staff—nodded in agreement.

"Are they... insane?!"

The representatives from other teams were utterly baffled.

This was unheard of! They had seen people bend the rules to win, but this was the first time they had seen a team willingly give up a sure victory.

If this were professional tennis, with all its financial stakes, people would have accused Hyotei of match-fixing!

But this was just a middle school national tournament.

"Hmph."

Sakaki, far from being angry, actually smiled. Clearly, the team's decision aligned with his own thoughts.

He turned to the black-haired boy who had remained silent throughout, his expression calm and composed. "Ryoma... what do you think?"

In that moment, every eye in the stadium—whether from Hyotei, Rikkai, or the spectators—turned to Ryoma.

Some shook their heads. To them, agreeing to forfeit meant handing victory to their opponents. The pressure that would follow would be immense.

If Hyotei failed to advance, all the blame would fall on Ryoma's shoulders.

This was no joking matter.

"Me?"

Ryoma, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, nodded calmly. "I have no objections."

"Referee!"

With Ryoma's approval, Sakaki raised his hand and declared solemnly, "Hyotei forfeits this match!"

The stadium erupted.

Shock, disbelief, ridicule!

But amidst the chaos, a sense of anticipation began to grow.

Ryoma versus Yukimura!

The two players widely regarded as the strongest middle schoolers in Japan were finally about to face off on the national stage.

(End of Chapter)

belamy20

Chapter 219: Ishikawa vs. Yukimura – The Battle of the Strongest Middle Schoolers (Part 2)

“Due to Hyotei Academy’s forfeiture, the winner of this doubles match is Rikkai Dai—”

After confirming Hyotei’s decision, the referee was about to announce the result.

“Wait!”

But at that moment, Yukimura, who had been sitting on the bench, suddenly stood up. With a serious expression, he looked toward the Hyotei side and said, “Mr. Tōru Sakaki, we deeply appreciate Hyotei’s sportsmanship. However, we cannot accept this result!”

Huh?!

Everyone was stunned. They had assumed the match would be decided in the singles 1 round.

“Captain…”

The Rikkai team members were equally surprised, but when they saw the determination in Yukimura’s eyes, they quickly understood.

That’s right!

They were the reigning champions, Rikkai Dai!

As kings of the court, they would rather fall standing than kneel and accept a hollow victory.

“This…”

The referee was at a loss. This was the first time he had encountered such a situation—one side voluntarily forfeiting while the other refused to accept the win.

“In that case,” the referee said after a moment, his tone serious as he addressed both teams’ representatives, “according to the rules, this will be considered a draw. Are you both in agreement?”

A draw?

The audience was taken aback.

After exchanging glances, Sakaki and Yukimura both nodded.

“Very well,” the referee announced. “Since both sides have withdrawn, this match is declared a draw!”

“A draw…”

In the stands, Shiraishi, the captain of Shitenhōji, sighed with emotion. “I never expected it to end like this.”

“Yeah,” Chitose nodded, his tone equally complex. “Last year’s national champions now need Hyotei to concede just to have a chance at victory.”

If anyone had predicted this outcome before the match, they would have been laughed at.

“But honestly, wasn’t Hyotei being too careless?” Zaizen squinted his eyes. “Rikkai’s singles 1 is Yukimura, the legendary ‘Child of God’! Hyotei’s gamble could backfire spectacularly.”

In his opinion, Hyotei’s decision was downright foolish.

They had victory within their grasp but chose to create unnecessary suspense. If they won, fine. But if they lost, Hyotei would become the biggest joke in national tournament history!

“Perhaps,” Shiraishi mused. “But for Hyotei, giving up an easy victory to place their hopes on Ishikawa shows they’re aiming for more than just a finals ticket.”

“Exactly,” Chitose agreed. “Rikkai’s true core is Yukimura. Without defeating him, even if Hyotei wins the national championship, it won’t carry the same weight.”

Of course, for most teams, even Shitenhōji, winning the national championship was the ultimate goal.

But Hyotei was different. From Coach Sakaki to the players, they were clearly aiming for something beyond the title.

And that something couldn’t be achieved by simply defeating Rikkai.

The fact that Hyotei could make such a bold decision showed that their vision and ambition were on a completely different level.

“Next up is the singles 1 match.”

“Hyotei Academy’s Ishikawa Shin versus Rikkai Dai Fuzoku’s Yukimura Seiichi.”

“Both players, please prepare.”

As the announcement ended, the audience’s attention shifted to the two teams.

“Kikumaru.”

At that moment, Yukimura, now wearing a short-sleeved shirt, turned to the curly-haired boy beside him. “You’ll be the court coach for this match.”

“M-me?” Kikumaru was taken aback.

Sanada, standing nearby, gave him a light push, sending him stumbling onto the bench.

“Remember,” Yukimura said solemnly, “watch this match carefully. Understand?”

“Y-yes, I understand,” Kikumaru nodded repeatedly.

He quickly realized that Rikkai’s current record was one win, one draw, and two losses. If Yukimura won this match, it would lead to a sixth deciding match!

Yukimura’s words were clearly a reminder for him to stay alert and be ready to step in if needed.

“This pressure…”

At that moment, Kikumaru felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.

Half of Rikkai’s fate now rested on him, while the other half was carried by Yukimura, who had to secure this victory.

“Captain Yukimura… huh?”

As Kikumaru was lost in thought, he suddenly noticed something and his expression changed. “The captain’s jacket?”

Jacket?

The others quickly realized that Yukimura’s signature jacket, which he always wore during matches, was now hanging on the bench.

“Hmm.”

Sanada, Yanagi, and the others exchanged glances.

They knew Yukimura’s strength. Since entering middle school, he had never removed his jacket during a match—not even during his practice match with Sanada the previous day.

But now, before the match had even begun, Yukimura had taken off his jacket. This showed just how much he respected his opponent.

At the net, Ishikawa and Yukimura faced each other.

Both wore gentle, friendly smiles, devoid of Sanada’s fierceness or Atobe’s regal aura. They looked like two ordinary, approachable seniors.

But everyone knew better.

These two were the pinnacle of middle school tennis in Japan.

“Ishikawa-kun,” Yukimura said with a smile, “it seems your teammates have a lot of faith in you.”

Even Yukimura had been surprised by Hyotei’s collective decision to forfeit the doubles match.

They had been one step away from securing a spot in the national finals!

With Rikkai out of the way, Hyotei would have been unstoppable in the finals.

Yet, they had given up that chance just to let Ishikawa compete in the singles 1 match.

Their goal was clear: to have Ishikawa defeat Yukimura and claim the title of the strongest middle schooler in the nation.

With that, Hyotei would become the strongest team in history.

Such ambition and vision left even Yukimura impressed.

However, as the captain of Rikkai, Yukimura would not allow this to happen.

Geniuses, prodigies—none of that mattered to him.

He would crush any obstacle in Rikkai’s path with absolute dominance!

“Senpai,” Ishikawa replied with a smile, “I can feel your intense fighting spirit.”

Hmm?

Yukimura’s brow rose slightly in surprise.

He prided himself on his ability to control his emotions. The thoughts that had just flashed through his mind were fleeting, yet Ishikawa had picked up on them.

‘Such sharp insight.’

A glint of admiration flickered in Yukimura’s eyes.

“As expected of someone who surpassed Atobe in vision,” Yukimura said with a smile. “Let me see the tennis of Hyotei’s ‘Demon King.’”

“I look forward to it,” Ishikawa replied with a slight nod.

He was genuinely curious to see just how strong the “Child of God” was—the player who, in the original story, stood above all other middle schoolers and was only defeated by the protagonist’s plot armor.

After determining the serve, both players retreated to their respective baselines.

“The match begins, best of one set!”

The referee’s gaze swept over the two players before he declared, “Hyotei’s Ishikawa to serve. Game start!”

*Swish!*

All eyes turned to the black-haired boy on the court, his expression calm and composed.

*Tap!*

*Tap!*

*Tap!*

Ishikawa gently bounced the ball, feeling the rhythm as his mind grew increasingly focused.

*Tap!*

He caught the ball and looked up, his gaze locking onto Yukimura.

“Let’s begin.”

*Whoosh!*

With a fluid motion, Ishikawa tossed the ball into the air.

He rose gracefully, his body extending naturally as he swung his racket, striking the ball with precision.

*Boom!*

The ball shot across the net, arcing toward the intersection of the service line and the singles sideline on Yukimura’s right.

“Wow!”

The Rikkai team was visibly impressed.

Ishikawa’s serve was both fast and accurate, his control so precise it was almost surgical.

*Swish!*

The ball landed and kicked up sharply, curving outward in a wide arc that threatened to fly out of bounds.

This sudden change was swift and unexpected.

Even many players at the Kanto level would have struggled to handle such a serve.

*Swish!*

But in the next moment, Yukimura, wearing his green headband, appeared at the perfect spot.

*Boom!*

With a crisp sound, Yukimura effortlessly returned Ishikawa’s powerful serve.

*Swish!*

Not only that, the ball flew back almost parallel to the sideline, landing precisely on the baseline.

“Such control!”

The Hyotei team was equally impressed.

Yukimura had not only read Ishikawa’s serve but also countered with a perfectly placed return.

Even Akutsu might not have been able to pull that off.

“This is the tennis of Rikkai’s captain, Yukimura Seiichi,” Coach Sakaki murmured, his tone filled with admiration.

*Boom!*

Ishikawa returned the shot, sending the ball to Yukimura’s backhand. But Yukimura, as if anticipating the move, quickly adjusted and countered with another powerful shot.

*Boom!*

*Boom!*

*Boom!*

The two engaged in a rapid baseline rally, each shot faster and more precise than the last.

The spin and speed of the ball left the audience breathless.

Some spectators rubbed their eyes, only to find they could no longer keep up with the players’ movements.

“No way…” someone whispered in awe. “The match just started, and they’re already playing at this level? This is insane!”

Insane?

To top players like Atobe, Sanada, Shiraishi, and Chitose, this was just the beginning.

*Tap!*

Suddenly, Yukimura shifted his grip, slicing the ball with a sharp, angled shot that sped toward Ishikawa’s baseline.

“He’s finally making a move,” Mukahi said, his expression serious.

“No,” Atobe corrected. “That’s just Yukimura’s standard return. A high-speed slice was the most appropriate shot for that position.”

“Wait, you’re saying…” Mukahi trailed off, realization dawning. “That was just a basic return?”

“Exactly,” Atobe nodded. “For players at their level, even their ordinary shots are stronger than most players’ special techniques.”

*Boom!*

Ishikawa countered, sending the ball back like a bullet, its speed rivaling Yūshi’s Laser Beam.

“This speed?!” Yūshi adjusted his glasses, his eyes widening in shock.

“Too strong!”

On the bench, Kikumaru felt the pressure mounting. From his position, the intensity of the match was overwhelming.

He couldn’t even keep up with their movements, let alone imagine returning their shots.

*Boom!*

*Boom!*

*Boom!*

After more than twenty exchanges, only a handful of spectators could still follow the action.

“Are these two really middle schoolers?” players from Rokkaku and Shitenhōji muttered in disbelief.

*Boom!*

Ishikawa easily returned Yukimura’s shot and smiled. “Senpai, I think the warm-up is over, don’t you?”

Warm-up?!

The audience was stunned.

*Swish!*

Ishikawa accelerated, the ball suddenly gaining speed mid-flight.

“A double-speed shot?!”

The crowd gasped.

*Tap! Tap!*

But Yukimura was already in position, calmly returning the shot.

“Indeed,” Yukimura said, his tone calm but firm. “It’s time to get serious.”

The entire stadium erupted in excitement.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 220: Terrifying Skills, Complete Domination (Part 3)

Boom!

Boom!

Boom!

On the court, two figures darted back and forth.

With every swing of their rackets, a faint yellow streak flashed across the court. Their speed was so overwhelming that many spectators struggled to process one shot before the next one was already in motion.

As a result, most of the audience couldn’t keep up with the pace of the match. They could only watch in awe as the two players seemed to engage in a godlike battle.

"Indeed," Chitose muttered, barely able to follow the action. "The only one who can stand against Yukimura is Ryoma, and the only one who can stop Ryoma is Yukimura."

Beside him, Tachibana nodded in agreement.

Yukimura had been the undisputed strongest player in the nation since his first year, leading Rikkai to dominate every opponent and creating a myth in middle school tennis.

As for Ryoma, he had swept through every powerhouse since the metropolitan tournaments. From Tachibana, one of the "Two Kings of Kyushu," to Seigaku's Fuji, Yamabuki's Akutagawa, and even national-level players like Tezuka and Sanada—none of them had been able to stop him.

In a way, Ryoma was like Yukimura from years past, carving out his own legend with an unstoppable streak.

And now, at the intersection of two eras, the strongest players of their respective generations had finally clashed.

On the court, as the two exchanged blows, Chitose, Tachibana, and others witnessed an intense battle of power, speed, technique, and reflexes.

Who would win?

This was no longer something they could determine. The level these two were playing at was far beyond their reach.

Boom!

As Ryoma returned another shot, Yukimura's brow furrowed slightly. "His power and spin are perfectly combined. It's nearly impossible to deal with either aspect separately."

After thirty or forty exchanges, neither player had gained the upper hand, and neither showed any signs of faltering.

But the prolonged rally allowed Yukimura to further appreciate the complexity of Ryoma's shots. His balls couldn't be judged by power or spin alone. They were fundamentally different from those of other national-level players.

"His technique is incredibly refined. His mastery of both strength and skill is at an extraordinary level!"

Though they had only just begun, Yukimura knew that his opponent's skill was unfathomable.

Moreover, having thoroughly researched Ryoma's track record, Yukimura was well aware that despite being a first-year, Ryoma's stamina was exceptional. If the match dragged on, it would only put Yukimura at a greater disadvantage.

Swish!

With this in mind, Yukimura's gaze sharpened as he looked at his opponent.

Tap tap!

He quickly chased down the ball, lifting his racket and slicing it with precision. With a twist of his wrist, he applied his signature spin technique.

Whoosh!

The ball spiraled through the air, curving sharply before landing perfectly at the baseline.

"Wow..."

The crowd gasped at the shot.

Players like Chitose and Ōshitari, who had a deep understanding of technique, were particularly impressed. To them, Yukimura's shot was like a work of art—utterly unpredictable.

Tap tap!

But then, a gray figure appeared near the ball's landing spot. It was Ryoma.

"This guy!!!"

The Rikkai team's expressions darkened. "His reaction time... it's way too fast!"

"No, it's not just reaction time," Yanagi corrected. "He used his exceptional insight to predict Yukimura's shot and positioned himself accordingly."

The two abilities might produce similar results, but the processes were entirely different. One relied on instinct, the other on intelligence.

For Yukimura, players with exceptional instincts were easy to handle. But someone with Ryoma's level of insight? That was a different story.

"Getting serious, are we?"

Seeing Yukimura's precise return, Ryoma's eyes gleamed with amusement. "In that case, I'll show you a bit more of what I can do."

Swish!

He swiftly pushed his racket forward.

The speed of his swing was so fast that the silver edge of his racket seemed to blur with the ball, magnifying in the spectators' vision.

Hum!

As the ball flew, a blinding white light erupted, obscuring everyone's vision.

Shot Technique: Dawn Break!

A high-speed, sharply angled topspin shot with extreme spin. The rapid swing caused an overexposure effect, temporarily blinding the opponent.

In an instant, Yukimura's vision was completely obscured.

"Not bad," Yukimura chuckled, unfazed.

As a player who had transcended the national level, his experience was second to none. Losing his vision, he simply closed his eyes and focused on the sounds around him, reconstructing the court in his mind.

Tap!

The ball landed, and Yukimura's racket rose to meet it. With a crisp boom, he returned Ryoma's technique.

"Beautiful!!!"

Though the Rikkai team couldn't see clearly, the sound alone told them their captain had countered the opponent's move.

"As expected of Yukimura."

Ryoma wasn't surprised. In the original story, Yukimura had effortlessly countered Ryoma's deep-level "Muga no Kyouchi" techniques while wearing his jacket.

Swish!

Meanwhile, Ryoma's racket, positioned low to the left, had already completed its setup. "Let's see if you can return this one."

Whoosh!

With a flick of his wrist, a sharp white light burst forth.

Boom!

The ball shot forward at an incredible speed, too fast for most to follow.

As the ball rapidly approached, Yukimura felt an odd sensation—as if he wasn't watching the ball come toward him, but rather his body was moving toward the ball.

"It's that technique again!"

Yukimura quickly realized that the earlier Dawn Break had left him with lingering visual distortion.

But instead of panicking, he calmly assessed the situation.

Whoosh!

Using his hearing to pinpoint the ball's trajectory, he swung his racket with precision.

"Did he see through it?!"

The Hyotei team's expressions shifted. They hadn't expected Ryoma's consecutive techniques to be countered so easily.

Yukimura's strength... was truly terrifying.

Swish!

But the next moment, as Yukimura's racket swung through the air, he felt no impact. His expression changed.

Boom!

The sound of the ball hitting the ground echoed from a distance.

"What?!"

This time, it was Rikkai's turn to be shocked.

They stared in disbelief at the clear mark left by the ball on the far side of the court.

"No way..."

Kaidō muttered, his jaw dropping. "Captain Yukimura... misjudged the shot?!"

"15-0!"

The referee's voice broke the silence.

The crowd, as if gasping for air after nearly drowning, finally caught their breath.

"Incredible technique!"

Yagyū and Niō exchanged glances. Whether it was the blinding Dawn Break, the follow-up Mind Shift, or the final shot that scored against Yukimura, Ryoma's skills were a masterclass in technique.

Even Sanada's Rai had been instantly countered by Yukimura.

But now, the so-called "Child of God" had finally met someone who could match—and even surpass—him in skill.

"Ryoma Shin..."

Yukimura stared at his opponent, his gaze flickering.

He was still processing the sensation of that last shot. He had clearly locked onto the ball's trajectory, but when he swung, it felt like hitting air.

"Has his technique reached the level of blending reality and illusion?"

Yukimura was inwardly shocked.

Swish!

Under the stunned gazes of his teammates, Yukimura spread his feet and assumed a defensive stance.

Boom!

Ryoma's serve came next.

The ultra-fast serve was beyond what most could see, but Yukimura's keen insight allowed him to track its path.

Boom!

He returned the shot and prepared to defend.

"Yukimura..."

Sanada's expression darkened. This was the first time he had seen Yukimura take a defensive stance. Even against his Rai, Yukimura had countered it with a single glance.

"Come on, Ryoma!"

Yukimura looked up, his eyes burning with determination. "Show me that technique again!"

He refused to believe there was a technique he couldn't see through.

Boom!

But then, Ryoma unleashed another shot.

Whoosh!

In an instant, the ball split into countless afterimages.

"Is that... Tachibana's Wild Ball Dance?!"

The Fudomine team's eyes widened.

"That guy..."

Tachibana's expression shifted. In his eyes, Ryoma's version of the technique far surpassed his own.

It was almost unbelievable.

As the original creator of the move, Tachibana's mastery paled in comparison to Ryoma's casual execution.

"Hmm."

On the court, Yukimura's expression changed as the swarm of afterimages closed in.

There were too many!

The number of afterimages far exceeded what even the original user or someone using "Muga no Kyouchi" could produce.

What frustrated Yukimura most was that each afterimage was indistinguishable from the real ball.

To discern the real one, he had to focus intently.

Even with his exceptional insight, it took a significant amount of mental energy to identify the true ball.

Boom.

As a result, his return was slightly rushed, lacking his usual composure.

Tap!

On the other side, Ryoma smiled and gently sliced his racket. The ball floated softly over the net.

"That drop shot?!"

The Rikkai team's eyes widened.

Even Sanada and Yanagi lost their composure. The drop shot was executed with such precision and finesse that it was textbook perfect.

Tap tap!

But Yukimura, at the baseline, charged forward without hesitation.

He could feel the immense pressure Ryoma was exerting. Yukimura knew that if he gave up on this point, the match would be lost.

With this determination, he accelerated. His footwork was impeccable, befitting someone who stood above the rest of the middle school tennis world.

"He... he actually caught up?!"

The spectators' eyes widened as Yukimura closed in on the ball.

In him, they saw an unyielding will and an ironclad resolve.

The top players from other teams felt it most acutely. Yukimura's skills, power, technique, insight, and mental fortitude were all at the pinnacle.

Seeing Yukimura charge forward, those who had thought he was being dominated realized their mistake.

"Someone like him... how could he ever be dominated?!"

Rustle...

The next moment, as the ball landed and spun back toward the net, the crowd's hearts skipped a beat.

"Zero-Shiki Drop Shot?!"

Yanagi's voice trembled as he recognized the technique.

"Gulp."

The rest of the Rikkai team swallowed hard. They looked at their captain, frozen on the court, and a thought crept into their minds.

Their captain, the so-called "Child of God," Yukimura Seiichi...

Was being completely and utterly dominated by another middle schooler.

(End of Chapter)

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