Come On, Let's Hurt Each Other

"No way, why are we facing Muneyoshi and your team?!"

Across the court, Kamio Akira said with a speechless expression, though there was another sentence he didn't say aloud.

That's why his teammate is such a freak.

Glancing at the infatuated Konjiki Koharu beside him, Kamio Akira felt even more that their group's Fate was sealed.

"Hehe... Kamio, if you admit defeat, I don't think I'll mind."

Muneyoshi couldn't help but smile when he saw Kamio's utterly dejected expression.

In fact, everyone who sees Konjiki Koharu for the first time will be captivated by him, but Muneyoshi knows that this person is a rare Data Tennis master in the entire junior high school world.

"Sigh... Kamio, don't give up! We've finally run into Muneyoshi and Kenjiro, so let's enjoy this moment!"

Konjiki Koharu was practically lying on top of Kamio Akira, but he ignored Kamio's flushed face and stared at Muneyoshi and Oshitari Kenya with shining eyes.

"Xiaochun, if you want to play, just play properly and stop acting like a jerk!"

Watching his teammates' performance, Oshitari Kenya sighed in exasperation. Compared to Fudomine's normal teammates, their teammates were all incredibly eccentric.

"Xiaochun, watch yourself! Don't try to have an affair while I'm not around!"

On the next court, Hitotsui Yuji yelled angrily at Konjiki Koharu. Even Lin Xiu, who was usually good-natured, almost couldn't keep his composure, and his lips twitched unnaturally.

"So playing doubles with Keith and Kamio is such a wonderful thing...?"

Lin Xiu pursed his lips; he desperately wanted to end the match as soon as possible.

"The match is about to begin, everyone get ready!"

This time, Hanamura Aoi also brought all the reserve players, so there were a total of eight doubles pairs. There were only four courts, so they were divided into two groups.

Meanwhile, four professionals in matching uniforms arrived at the court, led by Hanamura Aoi. Judging from the insignia on their uniforms, they were likely the professional coaches of this tennis club.

"Coach Hanamura's preparations were truly thorough."

Looking at the professional facilities and services, Watanabe Osamu couldn't help but feel a little envious.

The venue was booked by Hanamura Aoi herself at her own expense. Although both schools will reimburse part of the cost, he still couldn't bear to let Watanabe Osamu come.

"The match begins with Saeki Muneyoshi and Oshitari Kenya facing Kamio Akira and Konjiki Koharu."

"The match begins, with Keith and Hara Tetsuya facing off against Tachibana Kippei and Shiraishi Kuranosuke."

"The match begins with Chitose Senri and Ibu Shinji facing Zaizen Hikaru and Ishida Tetsu."

"The match begins with Lin Xiu and Hitotsui Yuji facing off against Ishida Gin and Sakurai Masaya."

Bang!

Bang!

With matches taking place simultaneously on four courts, the sounds of balls being struck filled the air.

Meanwhile, outside the stadium, Watanabe Osamu and Hanamura Aoi were also observing the performance of the players on various courts.

"Coach Hanamura, we've already gathered basic data and information on each player from previous matches. Why are you still arranging this completely shuffled doubles match?"

Actually, Watanabe Osamu had thought about it for a while on his own, and he didn't quite understand Hanamura Aoi's intention. At this moment, he asked Hanamura Aoi for advice with a hint of doubt.

"Coach Watanabe, this arrangement is actually not difficult to understand; it's a simple form of motivation!"

"Every athlete, whether they admit it or not, has a subconscious desire to win, and this desire to win will be amplified between different teams."

In familiar teammates and environments, this competitive spirit will gradually fade over time, which is why elimination mechanisms are often introduced.

Introduce them with new stimuli or new companions, and let them compete again. This will reignite their competitive spirit and desire to win that have been worn down by fatigue.

Especially after stimulating this competitive spirit, imposing appropriate punishments and letting the loser watch the winner enjoy everything will intensify the loser's competitive drive.

When the will to win is amplified in the hearts of those who have lost, it can greatly help improve their abilities.

Hanamura Aoi briefly explained her current coaching philosophy, which was full of harsh reality.

The exchange of coaching philosophies between the two coaches did not hinder the game on the field.

After an initial period of adjustment, these gifted young men quickly found their knack for teaming up with their new teammates.

They also demonstrated a stronger competitive spirit and a greater desire to win.

Bang!

"I'm Osaka's Speed Star! Kamio, your title of Tokyo's Speed Star is undeserved! Take this— Flowing Star!"

Oshitari Kenya pushed his speed to the limit, running back and forth like a whirlwind.

With a triumphant shout, Oshitari Kenya easily caught up with the tennis ball, using the momentum of his body to swing his racket forcefully.

Bang!

The tennis ball crossed the center line between Konjiki Koharu and Kamio Akira.

"Game score: Saeki Muneyoshi, Oshitari Kenya, 6-0."

"Match over! Saeki Muneyoshi and Oshitari Kenya have won!"

The doubles match went very quickly.

Muneyoshi and Oshitari Kenya were the first to win.

"Muneyoshi, playing doubles with you is so much fun! Why don't you come to Shitenhoji?"

Oshitari Kenya wore a bright smile; he was completely captivated by his first time playing doubles with Muneyoshi.

Partnering with Muneyoshi, he doesn't have to worry about the backcourt at all. In fact, he can simply not receive any difficult balls, as Muneyoshi in the backcourt can naturally return them for him.

With such strong backing, the entire first half of the competition became his domain, allowing him to dominate.

This method of utilizing his superb leg speed, combined with his own fast-attack style, is his favorite.

"Hehe... Oshitari- kun also did very well."

After winning the match, Muneyoshi was in a good mood. Everyone did what suited them best, and the doubles teamwork was very easy.

Meanwhile, Kamio Akira, on the losing side, looked helplessly at Konjiki Koharu, who still had a smile on her face. The two of them had no chemistry at all, and they could have won some points by relying on Koharu's data.

However, Oshitari Kenya learned very quickly; he would simply refuse to return balls that were difficult for him to hit.

Naturally, Muneyoshi from the backcourt would help cover for him.

Half an hour later.

The other three matches have also concluded.

The winning team was not unexpected; Lin Xiu and Hitotsui Yuji defeated Ishida Gin and Sakurai Masaya.

Chitose Senri and Ibu Shinji also defeated Zaizen Hikaru and Ishida Tetsu.

The most thrilling match was between Keith and Hara Tetsuya, who went to a tiebreaker with Tachibana Kippei and Shiraishi Kuranosuke, and the score remained close at 45-43 before a winner was finally decided.

Shiraishi and Hara Tetsuya weren't initially going all out, but Keith and Tachibana Kippei really went all out in this match.

They never faced each other during team practice matches, and Hanamura Aoi hadn't arranged any matches for them. But now that they'd met, they were both eager to prove themselves.

Especially after Tachibana Kippei's breakthrough against Sanada, Keith's desire to fight Tachibana Kippei became even stronger.

Their intense clash also stirred up the emotions of Shiraishi and Hara Tetsuya.

Therefore, the competition became increasingly intense.

Ultimately, the combination of Keith and Hara Tetsuya defeated the combination of Tachibana Kippei and Shiraishi by a slight margin.

After the competition, all of them were quite exhausted and it took them more than ten minutes to recover.

P. S.: "The protagonist won't be training for the entire month or so before the National Tournament. In fact, he'll be temporarily leaving, since training with them hasn't led to any improvement. As for his destination, there's foreshadowing in the earlier chapters."

The month or so leading up to the National Tournament won't be entirely dedicated to training. The protagonist is about to leave; in fact, he'll be temporarily departing, as training with them hasn't led to any improvement. His destination is foreshadowed earlier in the story.