"The wall… the wall collapsed?!"
Outside the court.
The members of both Hyotei and Rikkai teams were utterly stunned by what they had just witnessed.
"30-40!"
At that moment, the referee, who had finally regained his composure, announced the score.
"Hmm."
The faces of the Rikkai members darkened.
Shinji, Yanagi, and the others turned their gaze to the spot near Yukimura, where a completely twisted and deformed racket lay. Their eyes trembled with disbelief.
It was unimaginable.
Just how terrifying was the power behind the shot Ishikawa had just delivered?
"So… this is your true strength, huh?"
Yukimura looked at his opponent and forced a bitter smile.
That last shot had made him realize the insurmountable gap between them—a chasm so vast it felt like an abyss.
If Yukimura's mastery of *Zero Sense* tennis had allowed him to step beyond the boundaries of a middle schooler and advance on his own path, then the person standing before him had already disappeared into the distance, leaving no trace behind.
Yukimura knew he had lost.
Yet, he remained calm. After putting away the shattered racket, he pulled out a spare from his bag and solemnly returned to the court.
"Yukimura Seiichi, the Child of God!"
Outside the court.
Representatives from various schools watched the slender figure with a hint of respect in their eyes.
As the captain of Rikkai and the last figure to be called a legend in middle school tennis, Yukimura had displayed the pride and resilience of his team. Even in the face of certain defeat, he refused to bow to his opponent.
Facing the overwhelmingly powerful and enigmatic Ishikawa, Yukimura tossed the ball into the air, signaling the start of his final stand.
*Thud!*
In the next moment, a pale yellow light erupted at Yukimura's feet.
His serve was effortlessly crushed by Ishikawa. Looking down at the ball, which had turned into a silver streak before vanishing, Yukimura closed his eyes and completely relaxed.
"Game over."
"Ishikawa Shin from Hyotei Gakuen wins, 6-0!"
As the referee's voice echoed, the entire court fell silent. Even Hyotei's cheering squad forgot to celebrate.
They had won!
But instead of the overwhelming excitement they had expected, they felt a strange sense of calm, as if this outcome was only natural.
It was as if Hyotei defeating Rikkai, the reigning champions, was the expected result.
"Hyotei…"
In the stands.
The reactions from representatives of other schools varied.
Schools like Yamabuki and Rokkaku were utterly shocked. Meanwhile, the captains of Shitenhouji and Fudomine, after their initial astonishment, wore complex expressions.
Hyotei defeating Rikkai.
This had been a topic of discussion even before the match began, with many considering it the most likely outcome.
And now.
As it actually happened, it felt natural, as if it had been destined all along.
Thinking about it carefully.
Hyotei had, without anyone noticing, surpassed Rikkai in certain areas.
However.
Yukimura's return had given many hope.
But now, after Ishikawa's dominant 6-0 victory over Yukimura, that hope was completely shattered.
From this day forward.
Hyotei would become the new ruler of middle school tennis.
And Ishikawa would take Yukimura's place as the strongest middle school player in the nation's history!
Without a doubt.
With Hyotei's current lineup and Ishikawa's incredible training abilities, this title would remain with Hyotei for the next three years!
"What an incredible match."
After the referee announced the result, the two players shook hands at the net. Yukimura sighed, "I really envy Hyotei and Atobe for having someone like you join their team. It's a shame I'm already in my third year. I won't have another chance to face you."
As he spoke, his eyes dimmed slightly.
In a way, this was their misfortune, but also their luck. A monster player like Ishikawa wouldn't appear again in the next two years.
As for two years later, when Ishikawa would move on to high school, that would be a different story.
After all.
By then, Yukimura himself might not even be playing tennis anymore.
"You're wrong, senpai."
After releasing Yukimura's hand, Ishikawa shook his head with a smile. "If you want to play, we can always have a friendly match between Hyotei and Rikkai. Besides, I don't think you're ready to put down your racket just yet, are you?"
"Ah… you're right."
Yukimura also smiled.
As Ishikawa had said, matches didn't have to be limited to official competitions or practice matches. If you loved tennis, you could pick up a racket and play anytime.
Ishikawa's words opened a new door for Yukimura. And after losing the match, Yukimura no longer felt the weight of his former title as the "Child of God."
If you love it, just play.
This simple option, which had always been in front of Yukimura but which he had either ignored or dismissed, now seemed so clear.
Moments later.
The players from both teams gathered at the net.
"Thank you for the match."
They bowed to each other, and the referee nodded before announcing, "This match concludes with Hyotei Gakuen winning three matches, one draw, and one loss. They advance to the finals of the National Tournament!"
"Woohoo!!!"
"Hyotei!"
"Hyotei!"
"Hyotei!"
Immediately, the cheering squad erupted in celebration, dancing and shouting in excitement.
*Thud!*
"Game!"
"Fuji from Seigaku, 5-1!"
Meanwhile, in another match taking place—Seigaku vs. Nagoya Seitoku.
In the singles 2 match, Fuji was facing his opponent.
He was playing with ease, not even using half of his strength. The match had only been going for about 10 minutes, and he looked completely relaxed.
In contrast, his opponent was drenched in sweat after just 10 minutes of play. Having witnessed Fuji's incredible techniques, his understanding of tennis had been completely shaken. His palms were slick with sweat as he gripped his racket.
"This match is taking longer than expected."
Coach Ryuzaki, sitting on the bench, frowned slightly. "I wonder how far along Hyotei and Rikkai's match is."
Hearing this, the Seigaku team members glanced toward the court, where a boy wearing a white tennis cap stood.
In the previous singles 3 match, Ryoma had faced Nagoya Seitoku's first-year player, Liliadent Krauser (before his name change). The two had played an intense match.
Caught up in the excitement, Ryoma had lost track of time, causing the match between Seigaku and Nagoya Seitoku to be delayed by at least 30 minutes.
Otherwise, the match would have already ended.
*Thud!*
"15-0!"
"That… that Mikhailov is completely being dominated?"
"Who would have thought that Japan, often called a 'tennis wasteland,' would have such a genius?"
"If we lose this one too, won't we be eliminated?"
The Nagoya Seitoku team members whispered among themselves.
Watching the brown-haired boy on the court, who seemed to control the wind itself, they were filled with awe.
*Thud!*
Another point.
Fuji's quick slice shot scored directly.
"30-0!"
"Nagoya Seitoku isn't a real threat."
Even the usually cautious Oishi nodded. "The real challenge will be our next opponent in the finals."
According to the schedule.
If today's matches ended early, the finals would be held in the afternoon.
It was now just past 11 a.m.
If the match between Hyotei and Rikkai ended before noon, they would face one of the two national powerhouse teams in the afternoon.
Regardless of which team it was, given Seigaku's current overall strength, it would be a tough battle.
"I'll go check it out."
Momoshiro, who had just finished his doubles 2 match, volunteered. "I'm a bit uneasy not knowing how the other match is going."
"Ah, sure."
Oishi nodded.
After all, the next match would undoubtedly be a difficult one. Knowing their opponent would give them a fighting chance.
"Actually, no need."
At that moment, Inui, who had been quietly checking his phone in the corner, shook his head. "The results are in. Hyotei won, and the match went to singles 1. In the final set, Ishikawa defeated Yukimura 6-0!"
"What? 6-0?!"
Everyone's expressions changed dramatically.
"That's right."
Inui nodded. "Yanagi just called me. They've already left the arena."
"Damn…"
Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but shudder.
Even Coach Ryuzaki's face showed disbelief.
Yukimura Seiichi!
The so-called "Child of God," a legend in middle school tennis, hadn't even won a single game?!
*Whoosh!*
At that moment, a gust of wind flew across the court. The Nagoya Seitoku player watched in horror as the ball whizzed past him, tearing a hole in his shirt.
*Thud!*
The ball landed precisely on the baseline.
"40-0!"
*Thud!*
The tall Nagoya Seitoku exchange student fell to his knees, his spirit completely broken. His racket slipped from his trembling hand.
Looking up at the handsome brown-haired boy across the net, he felt as if he were facing a demon.
"6-0?"
Fuji subconsciously tightened his grip on his racket.
The image of Ishikawa's calm, slightly smiling face flashed in his mind, causing his pupils to contract.
"Has he already reached such a terrifying level?"
"Sigh…"
Oishi took a deep breath, his expression grave. "If that's the case… our chances in the afternoon match…"
"No."
Inui shook his head. "The match isn't this afternoon. According to Yanagi, Ishikawa damaged the arena during his match with Yukimura, so… the finals have been postponed for three days!"
"Damaged the arena?"
The Seigaku team's eyes widened in shock.
Instantly, they recalled the terrifying move Ishikawa had used against Tezuka during the Kanto semifinals.
"Well, that's some good news, at least."
Coach Ryuzaki nodded. "In that case, after this match, we'll begin our final intensive training session for the season."
"Right."
Tezuka, Oishi, and the others nodded.
*Thud!*
At that moment, as Fuji's return shot landed, the referee's voice rang out: "Game over! Fuji from Seigaku wins, 6-1!"
With that, the lineup for the national finals was set.
As the referee announced Seigaku's advancement, the entire team prepared themselves for the ultimate showdown with Hyotei!
*Thud!*
"40-0!"
Meanwhile, in another tennis park in Tokyo.
With a lightning-fast serve, the entire court erupted in excitement.
"Is… is this the legendary 'Mach Serve'?"
"It's terrifying! Even Kazuya, one of the top players from Kansai, couldn't react in time!"
"Are you kidding? This is a serve even professional players can't touch!"
"Hmm."
Hearing the chatter from the sidelines, a blue-haired boy in a white and green jacket standing at the baseline couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.
"Yushi… you truly live up to your reputation as No. 4!"
Kazuya Kazahaya.
Representing Hyotei from Tokyo.
As the former captain who led his team to the national semifinals, he remained one of the most active players even after entering high school. (In the original story, Oni's team from Okayama was the national champion, while Byoudouin was overseas at the time.)
He had thought.
That in his final year, he could claim the highest honor representing high school tennis in the country. But he never expected to be so thoroughly dominated by this man.
Yushi Mitsuya!
The national runner-up from his year!
And now the No. 4 player at Japan's U-17 training camp, ranked just above him.
Kazuya had thought the gap between them wasn't that large. But facing Yushi's overwhelming pressure, he realized how wrong he was.
"But I won't give up."
With that thought, Kazuya spread his feet and prepared himself. At this moment, his focus was razor-sharp, his eyes locked on his opponent.
His muscles tensed as he prepared to use his U-17-level speed and explosiveness to return the serve.
"Just one point… just one point is enough!"
With this determination, a faint blue aura enveloped Kazuya.
Those familiar with him knew.
This was Kazuya activating his speed domain, which boosted his speed and explosiveness even further.
*Whoosh!*
At that moment, Yushi moved.
He tossed the ball into the air, stretched his body, and swung his racket with incredible force.
*Thud!*
In an instant, a white streak flashed past.
It was too fast.
The speed was beyond Kazuya's ability to process. By the time he reacted, the ball had already flown past him, leaving him frozen in place.
"Game over."
"Yushi Mitsuya from Hyotei wins, 6-3!"
"The National High School Tennis Tournament has concluded! The champion is Yushi Mitsuya from Hyotei Gakuen in Tokyo!"
As the referee announced the result, the entire court erupted in cheers.
Representatives from Hyotei and other schools celebrated Yushi's victory.
"It's hard to believe he's improved so much in just two months…"
On the other side of the court, Kazuya looked up at his opponent.
He had heard rumors that something had happened during the Kanto Tournament. After returning to the U-17 camp, Yushi had doubled his training intensity.
Since then, Yushi had maintained an undefeated streak in several matches.
"What… happened to him?"
As Kazuya pondered this, his gaze locked onto Yushi.
Sensing the stare, the tall, tower-like figure turned his head and gave Kazuya a deep, chilling look.
*Shiver!*
Instantly, Kazuya, the No. 5 representative of the U-17 camp, felt a cold shiver run down his spine.