After the draw ceremony concluded, the matches were set to begin on Saturday—tomorrow.
QP, now fluent enough to converse smoothly, laid out his analysis:
"Based on Yamato's draw, I've run simulations. If things go as predicted, our path is:
1. First match (after bye): Shishigaku
2. Quarterfinals: Shitenhouji
3. Semifinals: Likely Maiko Academy (Kansai champions)
4. Finals: Either Rikkai or Makinofuji."
"In short, we'll be fighting through the Kansai gauntlet."
Since the Kanto Tournament, QP had solidified his role as Seigaku's strategist, handling data analysis and tactical adjustments—though final decisions rested with Yoru.
(Not that Yoru ever overruled him. He just pretended to for the sake of not looking like a total slacker in front of the system.)
Kirihara grinned. "Nice one, Yamato! Who knew someone so obsessed with cleanliness could have such rotten luck?"
Yamato sighed. When he saw Seigaku placed in Group C—essentially the Kansai death zone—he'd been stunned.
QP reassured them: "No need to worry. Data shows both Shishigaku and Shitenhouji are weakened this year due to generational gaps. We'll handle them easily."
The team gulped.
Kawakami blinked. "QP… you analyzed all this overnight?"
QP: "Yes."
Team (internally): …Monster.
---
### The Nationals – Opening Day
As the pinnacle of Japanese middle school tennis, the Nationals drew massive crowds, especially during summer break.
Seigaku had arrived early, staying at a high-end hotel—fully funded by the school board, thanks to their long-awaited return to the Nationals.
(Yoru begrudgingly admitted: "Guess the old hag did do something decent for once.")
Before matches began, Makinofuji returned the Nationals banner to the committee.
(Fun fact: A school could keep the banner permanently—but only by winning three consecutive Nationals. So far, no one had done it.)
---
### Round 2 – Seigaku vs. Shishigaku
Just as QP predicted, their first opponent was Shishigaku.
Washio Kazuya, Shishigaku's captain, sighed. "Well… at least we didn't get eliminated in Round 1."
Still, as captain, he had to rally his team.
"Everyone! We've fought hard to get here! Let's believe in miracles!"
Team: "YES, CAPTAIN!"
(The louder the cheer, the harder the fall.)
With Shishigaku's roster in shambles, Washio and Suzuki Shun—normally a doubles pair—were forced into singles, facing Yoru and QP.
The result?
Three straight wins in under an hour.
But per tournament rules, all five matches had to be played—so Suzuki had to suffer through a 6-0 demolition by QP in seven minutes.
Then came Washio vs. Yoru.
Before Yoru could even step on court, Washio clutched his stomach dramatically.
"Ref! I… I forfeit! cough wheeze!"
The referee—a seasoned veteran—saw right through the act but let it slide.
Final score: Seigaku 5-0.
Shishigaku hadn't even scraped three games total across all matches.
Washio and Suzuki exchanged a tired smile.
"Well… we saw it coming."
---
### Back at the Hotel – Preparing for Shitenhouji
The team gathered in Yoru's room—including Tezuka, who was being groomed as Seigaku's future leader.
QP flipped through notes.
"Tomorrow's match: Shitenhouji. Three players to watch."
He displayed profiles of Hira Yoshimitsu and Hara Tetsuya—Shitenhouji's undefeated doubles pair, known for their comedy tennis (but don't underestimate them).
"Their teamwork and individual skills are top-tier. Yamato and Kawakami, you'll face them in Doubles 1—use this to gauge elite doubles play."
"Kaido, Imai—Doubles 2 is yours."
"As for the third threat…"
Mouri Koshiro.
Shitenhouji's sleeping ace, who'd dominated in Kansai.
QP: "But we'll handle him."
(Translation: Yoru or QP will vaporize him.)
Yoru smirked. "Kirihara, want to switch spots tomorrow? You can fight Mouri."
Kirihara's eyes lit up. "REALLY?! FINALLY, A REAL MATCH!"
The rest of the team stared at him with pity.
(Yoru and QP were nationally feared. Any sane opponent would avoid them at all costs—meaning Mouri would likely be placed in Singles 3, far from Kirihara.)
But Kirihara, blissfully unaware, pumped his fist.
"THANKS, CAPTAIN! YOU'RE THE BEST!"
Yamato sighed, recalling Yoru's words:
"I recruited Kirihara because he's smart and fun to mess with."
(Mission accomplished.)
---
Next: The Battle Against Shitenhouji's Comedy Duo!
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