Opening Match Defeat
As the scene changed, Irie and Oni returned.
"In terms of teamwork alone, Washio Kazunari and Suzuki Kyō are second to none!"
Looking at the doubles team that had lost the first point, Gui said in a deep voice.
This doubles pair, who came from Yamabuki Middle School, had been a National Level recognized doubles team since junior high school, and after joining the U-17 team, they continued to compete on the world stage.
That unspoken understanding, almost like telepathy, was no less than that of the twins opposite them.
The subsequent matches confirmed Ghost's prediction.
Despite losing the first point, Washio Kazunari and Suzuki Kyō showed no panic, not even exchanging glances; their every move complemented each other perfectly.
At this moment, they both ran towards the center line.
Dual-network strategy!
The Gale Brothers kept their eyes fixed on Washio Kazunari and Suzuki Kyō's movements.
"Dual internet access? Too bad you can't hide it from me, it's on the left!"
Angus saw Washio's figure pass over the falling tennis ball and immediately judged that the ball would be returned by Suzuki Kyō on the right. He immediately took a step and prepared to land.
However, to his surprise, Suzuki Kyō did not slow down and rushed straight past the landing tennis ball.
Bang!
It's Washio's signature between-the-legs Special Skill Shot.
At the crucial moment, Angus, with his excellent balance, forcefully changed direction and caught up with the cross-court kick in the attacking third.
Swish!
With one foot stomping down, Angus lifted one leg, his whole body moving as if he were dancing ballet.
Using his supple strength to twist his abdomen and wrists, the tennis ball flew over Washio Kazunari's head in a huge arc.
Bang!
"Game, France Team, 2-0."
This brilliant performance at the net instantly drew cheers from the audience.
Whether it was Angus's extreme shuttle run or his ingenious idea of incorporating ballet into tennis, they were all thrilled to watch.
"It seems our opponent is a very formidable opponent!"
Irie Kanata adjusted his glasses.
"Yeah, Suzuki and the others just changed their tactics, and we thought they were about to succeed, but Angus managed to score through sheer individual skill."
Muneyoshi's expression also became slightly serious. France's strength as one of the BIG4 was slowly being revealed in such subtle ways.
"Judging from the recent exchanges, the two sides are evenly matched. It all depends on whether they can hold out. They might still have a chance to win!"
Even the ghost became serious, a rare occurrence for him. The tense atmosphere of their brief exchange had affected him as well.
Bang!
Bang!
On the court, the sound of the ball being struck echoed continuously. In the tense exchange where both sides fought for every point, the Gale Brothers proved to be the better player.
With a slight advantage, they won the first set.
"Game, France Team, 6-4."
"Both sides take a five-minute break!"
The second set of the match begins.
Right from the start, Washio Kazunari and Suzuki Kyō launched a fierce attack on the Gale Brothers.
Washio Kazunari dark eyes before hitting the ball towards Amos's left side of the court.
The tennis ball, with strong topspin, flew in an arc towards Amos's left side.
Amos touched the ground with one toe and moved quickly to the left. When he caught up with the tennis ball, he leaped up and lobbed it high back.
Bang!
The mustard-yellow light shot straight up into the net.
Washio Kazunari leaps into the air in front of the net, bringing his hands to his waist.
Smash!
Tap tap tap...
Angus, in the backcourt, once again predicted the ball's landing point and positioned himself in advance.
Looking at the angle of the smash, Angus's lips curled into a cold smile, and he forcefully smacked the ball before it hit the ground.
Before he even landed, Washio Kazunari's pupils contracted as a mustard-yellow tennis ball drew ever closer to him in his line of sight.
A dull thud as it hit my skin.
The ball struck him hard in the abdomen, causing Washio Kazunari to fall backward.
Struggling to his feet, Washio Kazunari dusted himself off, glared fiercely at the person opposite him, and then looked at Suzuki Kyō.
Suzuki Kyō immediately understood; based on their basic doubles skills, they probably couldn't beat their opponents.
So...
Buzz!
Two milky-white auras emanated from Washio Kazunari and Suzuki Kyō, spreading outwards like clouds and mist into the air.
They then intertwined and merged above their heads.
Instantly, a powerful aura erupted from the two of them.
Their eyes instantly changed from black to a pale gold that reflected absolute rationality and ability.
"Oh? I didn't expect this Japan doubles team to be able to do this well?"
Angus and Amos were taken aback at first, then exchanged a smile.
"Synchronization in doubles?"
In the France rest area, a high school senior scoffed dismissively.
If this is the hidden trump card of the Japan Team's doubles, then they are truly disappointed!
"Don't underestimate them. To have come this far in Japan, a tennis wasteland, and to have fought this far against the Gale Brothers, is already quite an achievement!"
Ronard shook his head, expressing his dissatisfaction with the third-year student's dismissive attitude.
Camus, standing at the front, paid no attention, watching the two sides clashing on the field with an extremely gentle gaze.
"Tennis has already told me the outcome of this match..."
Although the Japan Team also mastered Synchronization in doubles, it was still useless.
In a contest of Synchronization strength, the stronger side will more thoroughly crush the opponent.
Buzz!
As if to confirm Camus's words, two milky-white auras also rose from the Gale Brothers.
"Synchronization; it's not that difficult!"
Angus chuckled softly.
"Hmph! Looks like France has caught us in this match!"
Byōdōin snorted coldly, then picked up his racket and walked towards the passageway.
"Byōdōin -senpai, where are you going?"
"Go to the bathroom, and hey kid, stop following me!"
Byōdōin's words seemed to carry a hint of anger. Muneyoshi scratched his head; if it was just going to the toilet, it wouldn't be a big deal.
This time, he didn't follow, but instead turned his attention to the field.
"I never expected to witness something like this in just the group stage."
Muneyoshi remembers that even in the future, the ability to Synchronization and even achieve deeper levels of Ability Resonance and synchronization in doubles is an extremely advanced skill.
"Yes, that's the foundation of the BIG4!"
Irie's smile had vanished; he already knew the outcome of the match.
"Let's take them all down in one go, brother."
Hearing his younger brother Amos's words, Angus's lips curled into a smile, "No problem, dear brother."
Bang!
His words had barely left his mouth when his taut arm slammed the tennis ball down with tremendous force.
After the tennis ball bounced, it flew towards Suzuki Kyō's backhand side as before.
Thump!
After entering a state of Synchronization, Suzuki and Washio's five dimensions were also amplified to a certain extent, and even the sound of their shots became somewhat muffled.
The tennis ball slammed heavily onto the ground, kicking up some red clay and gravel.
The bouncing tennis ball struck Amos's racket, and the heavy force it transmitted made Amos raise an eyebrow.
However, this slight increase in power was still a piece of cake for him; he didn't need to aim at all, and every shot he hit was perfectly accurate.
Suzuki and Washio made runs towards the midfield from the left and right respectively. In the instant their figures crossed, Washio also returned a corner kick.
Angus quickly caught up and reached the tennis ball.
His eyes lowered slightly, and without hesitation, he slammed the tennis ball back.
Call out!
The tennis ball seemed to teleport, exploding at Washio's feet and kicking up a cloud of dust.
Tread!
Washio's powerful reflexes allowed him to make no hesitation and immediately return the ball with another between-the-legs lob from a blind spot.
The tennis ball flew high over the middle of the net, and Amos was already in front of the net.
With a running start, he bends his knees and jumps, smashing the tennis ball back through the air with his racket held vertically.
Whoosh!
An unusually fast near-angle curve flashed by.
Immediately afterwards, a loud thud was heard on the court.
The sound of the ball being struck could already be heard behind Suzuki.
"Game, France Team, 40:0."
Bang!
"Game, France Team, 5-4."
Seeing that the situation was beyond saving, the members of the Japan Team sighed inwardly.
Unexpectedly, their doubles team was completely outmatched by the opposing doubles pair.
In terms of teamwork, coordination, and skill, they are actually not that different, but they just can't gain any advantage.
Bang!
France Team won this match, with a score of 7-5.
"In the third round of the U-17 World Cup group stage, France Team defeated Japan Team in the France Team match with a record of two wins and zero losses!"
"Oh, France..."
The audience gave the France twins a warm round of applause.
P. S.: I'll post each chapter as I write it, please vote with your monthly tickets!