"Looks like we're next~"
As the two teams met, Shiraishi was the first to greet them.
Yoru nodded. "Hello."
Both Shiraishi and Inui had likable personalities—traits Yoru appreciated in the original story.
As for Kaji, though more reserved, he wasn't unpleasant either.
"Yoru."
Shiraishi smiled. "Looking forward to facing you in Singles 1."
He extended his hand.
Whether the challenge was genuine or not, Yoru had no reason to refuse. "Then we'll meet in Singles 1."
Their hands clasped firmly.
Meanwhile, Inui turned to QP, adjusting his glasses with a grin. "Seems we'll be facing off in Singles 2."
"Agreed."
To everyone's surprise, QP—usually the tactician—answered without hesitation.
Hearing this exchange, Kirihara (the ever-enthusiastic "genius") eagerly looked at Kaji.
QP had mentioned that Shitenhouji's "Big Three" were in a league of their own. Surely Kaji was strong too?
But Kirihara was disappointed.
Kaji, never one for unnecessary conversation, barely glanced up from his book.
"Hey!" Kirihara snapped. "Aren't you gonna say anything?"
"Oh. Hello."
"Gah!"
Kirihara nearly tore his hair out in frustration.
Since they were about to compete, neither team lingered. After a brief farewell, they went their separate ways.
Once Shitenhouji was out of earshot, Yoru asked, "How credible was that?"
Everyone except Kirihara turned to QP.
"100%," QP replied. "Their doubles are even weaker than expected. Based on their personalities and data, they were sincere."
Shitenhouji's doubles lineup was undeniably lacking.
Yoru had already assessed the other four players—all rated around 3 stars.
As QP said, no matter how Shitenhouji arranged their lineup, their chances were slim.
Rather than scheming their way to a loss, it made sense for them to seek a satisfying match—at least they'd lose with dignity.
Shiraishi, Inui, and Kaji were prodigies. They had their pride. Hence, the direct challenges.
"Your suggestion?"
"No need to adjust our lineup."
"Agreed."
Kirihara, utterly lost, blinked. "What are you guys talking about?"
"What to eat later."
"Obviously烤肉 (BBQ)!"
"..."
---
Restaurant – Shitenhouji's Gathering
"Do you think they bought it?"
"Probably. I just hope they don't change their lineup. Sigh..."
Shiraishi and Inui looked pensive as their team ate.
This wasn't some ploy.
As QP predicted, their challenges were genuine.
With their doubles being a glaring weakness this year, Shitenhouji had relied on strategy throughout nationals.
But now, facing Seigaku in the semifinals, they'd rather abandon tactics and play a straight game.
Even if they somehow won, Mizuki's reinforced Rokkaku lineup awaited in the finals.
In sports, finishing second was often worse than third. Everyone knew that.
So why not challenge Yoru and QP? At least they'd end their junior high careers with a match worth remembering.
---
3:00 PM – National Semifinals
After hours of rest, the semifinals began.
Both teams arrived early at the new venue.
From this round onward, matches would be held on professional-grade courts, complete with locker rooms—a significant upgrade.
With ten minutes until entry, both teams submitted their lineups simultaneously, startling the referees.
In all their years officiating, they'd never seen decisions made this fast.
"Seigaku, please enter first!"
The announcement echoed as Seigaku, led by Yoru, marched onto the court.
The crowd erupted—especially the girls, many there just for Yoru.
"SEIGAKU! FIGHT!"
"SEIGAKU! FIGHT!"
"SEIGAKU! FIGHT!"
The synchronized cheers drew Seigaku's attention to a section packed with their school's uniforms—and Ryūzaki Sumire at the center.
She smiled. "How could we not bring our own cheer squad at this stage?"
Before nationals, Ryūzaki had stepped down as coach, transitioning to a managerial role.
The team barely reacted.
Since Yoru became captain, her presence had faded—until now.
Her flawless handling of logistics during nationals had softened their opinions.
Still, QP had once mentioned the team needed a proper coach.
Yoru had even approached Ryūzaki about finding a dynamic replacement.
She agreed—on one condition: Seigaku had to win nationals first. Only then would she retire in peace.
"Shitenhouji, please enter!"
Shiraishi led his team onto the court.
Shitenhouji's fanbase, though smaller than Seigaku's, was still formidable, thanks to their Kansai championship.
At the net, Shiraishi grinned. "I'll be in Singles 1. You?"
Yoru nodded. "Keeping my word."
Shiraishi exhaled in relief.
---
"National Semifinals – Seigaku vs. Shitenhouji! Singles 3, prepare to begin!"
The referee's whistle blew.
Both teams' Singles 3 players stood.
Kirihara nearly tripped in his excitement but managed to stay upright this time.
Yoru glanced at Yamato, who instantly understood.
"Go get that first win, Kirihara-senpai!"
"Show us what you've got!"
Two sentences—and Kirihara's power level ticked up by 0.6, barely pushing him to 9 stars.
Though Kaji was only mid-tier 7 stars, it never hurt to stack the odds.
(Yamato's buff capped at two lines. Any more cheering had no effect. Pity—if it stacked infinitely, they could've sent Kirihara to challenge Nanjiroh at 20 stars.)
Yoru's gaze shifted to Kaji.
In the original timeline, Kaji had suffered brutal losses—especially against Oni.
Skilled, yet cursed with unfortunate matchups. Against most others, he might've had a better record.
Now, the battle was about to begin!
---
Next: The Unpredictable "Genius" vs. The Silent Storm!