The Target of the Challenge

On the black bus, the returning First String members received a message from the coaching staff.

Upon their return, the traditions of the training camp will remain unchanged, and hunting operations will continue as before.

"Those guys in the base think they can challenge us?"

In the back seats of the bus, several older students were talking in a very disdainful tone.

The experience of the World Tournament has been a test for many, especially the Japan Team's quarterfinal finish, which has further fueled the arrogance of many.

The Byōdōin did not stop the bus from entering the parking lot.

"It seems some of you are getting impatient. In that case, those of you in the bottom ten rankings can go on the free hunt first."

Unlike in the original work, his injury did not cause the Japan Team to be eliminated in the group stage.

Byōdōin's mindset did not change much at this time.

Although they were eliminated in the quarterfinals, this result was still in line with the expectations before the trip.

Therefore, under the sunlight, Byōdōin's handsome face, accentuated by his dazzling blond hair, was radiant as he walked at the head of the procession, exuding a kingly aura.

Upon hearing his command, all those whose numbers were in the last ten positions, except for Irie Kanata, dispersed to hunt on their own.

As for you!

Byōdōin then turned his gaze to the remaining members of the group, including Saeki Muneyoshi. After scanning them for a moment, and lingering on Muneyoshi for a couple of seconds, Byōdōin said:

"You can all act on whatever ideas you have now. Let's disband!"

"Irie, you're really living a leisurely life. Aren't you afraid that those guys down below will fight tooth and nail to take your place?"

Tanegashima Shūji, who had left Paris early and returned by other means of transportation, came to greet everyone. Seeing Irie Kanata Muneyoshi, he smiled knowingly and said something meaningful.

The World Tournament has come to a temporary end, and what follows is a long period of growth and qualifying matches in international tournaments.

Japan's original points were too low. Even though they achieved a good result of reaching the quarterfinals this year, their final points were only slightly higher than their original points.

However, this still lags behind the top twenty countries.

Muneyoshi estimates that once the final competition is over and the international rankings are released, Japan will be lucky to rise six or seven places.

Therefore, to achieve a higher ranking, the next two years of points-based matches and expeditions are indispensable.

The same is true in the original work; over two years, thanks to the efforts of Byōdōin and others, Japan's ranking rose several places.

However, these things really meant nothing to the two people in front of them.

They would never go on an expedition.

"Wouldn't it be better if I lost? I could hand over the badge and continue as a reserve member within the base. Entrusting the important task of overseas expeditions to everyone would definitely be no problem."

Irie Kanata gently pushed up his small round-framed glasses, smiled warmly, and, as Muneyoshi had expected, laid out his plans in detail.

"Ah, I'm really defeated by you, but not having to go on expeditions is definitely something worth considering..."

Having lived together for many years, the two understood each other perfectly. Tanegashima, seeing that Irie had already made her decision, stopped trying to persuade her.

On the contrary, Tanegashima also seems to be considering giving up the badge.

"Tanegashima -senpai's strength, even if you wanted to relinquish it, I doubt anyone would dare challenge you, right?"

Seeing the two of them so readily offering to give away badges that others coveted, Muneyoshi was speechless.

"Ha! Yeah."

Tanegashima scratched his head, looked Muneyoshi up and down, and said, "Muneyoshi, what are your plans? The second year of your first year of middle school is already more than halfway over, you should be going back to school soon, right?"

"That's right, but before I leave, I'd like to challenge a few more people!"

How many people will you challenge?

Irie and Tanegashima exchanged a glance, their smiles widening.

Tanegashima shook his head, slung his tennis racket behind his back, and walked towards the dormitory. "Young people have so much energy! Whatever!"

Watching Tanegashima's retreating figure, Muneyoshi wanted to challenge him several times, but he held back each time.

His current strength is indeed somewhat inferior to Tanegashima's.

Moreover, facing Tanegashima won't offer much improvement beyond being countered, because his skills haven't reached the point of transformation.

However, his eyes darted around, and Muneyoshi seemed to have thought of something funny, and suddenly said loudly.

"Irie- senpai, isn't Tanegashima- senpai afraid of airplanes? How about we secretly drug him and bring him on the plane next time?"

Tanegashima Shūji, who hadn't gone far, suddenly stumbled, as if remembering something terrifying, and fled as if running away.

Watching Tanegashima's flustered retreating figure, Irie laughed gleefully, "I'm afraid that last boat trip made Tanegashima- kun even more terrified."

Time flies.

The tense and exciting return hunting battle has finally come to an end, and the positions of the bottom ten members of the original First String have changed again.

Date Otori and Banri's doubles duo successfully challenged for First String.

Hakamada Izō successfully challenged Yoshioka Kunihide and also secured First String.

The base reserve members have no more challenge opportunities. Tomorrow, all members of the First String will have two chances to choose any two people from the U17 first team for two challenges.

Muneyoshi didn't want to let such an opportunity slip by.

His time at the training camp was coming to a temporary end, and he wanted to leave without any regrets.

Under the moonlight.

Bang!

Bang!

On a quiet golf course, the rhythmic sound of balls being struck echoed continuously.

Two figures, First String, locked in combat, gradually came into view.

"Ghost King, what did the head coach say to you today? You seemed quite interested?"

Bang!

Do you have a goal for tomorrow's challenge?

Bang!

"I'll pass on that. Besides, I don't think anyone would dare challenge the Demon King."

Irie chuckled softly, and as he spoke, his foot slipped, and he quickly pulled to the side.

Bang!

With a flick of his wrist, the tennis ball, imbued with terrifying power by Oni Jūjirō, was instantly spun back by him.

"Smack!"

Irie Kanata's words seemed to remind Oni Jūjirō of something. He stopped his swing and firmly caught the incredibly fast return with his left hand.

"This time, you're wrong. Someone will definitely challenge me."

Oni Jūjirō spoke with some emotion, looking down at the tennis ball in the center of his palm.

"And even if he doesn't come, the head coach has already arranged a match between me and him. I'll be waiting for him at a designated place tomorrow!"

You mean Saeki Muneyoshi?

For the first time, a hint of surprise appeared on Irie Kanata's face. The head coach had actually assigned Saeki -kun as the task for Oni today?

That's all for today.

Without giving a direct answer, Oni Jūjirō tucked his racket under his arm and prepared to leave.

"I won't be watching tomorrow's challenge match. Remember to have him come find me then."

"Eh--Isn't the Demon King going to accept the challenge at the base tomorrow? Interesting..."

P. S.: "Requesting monthly votes"