An Easy Victory

Kurikawa Park Gardens.

A black bus drove into the park, Fudomine, led by Tachibana Kippei, walked into the competition area.

Everyone remained silent; their black uniforms and somber aura exuded a powerful presence that drew attention from the other schools on the court.

"So these are the members of Fudomine? Their aura is terrifying!"

Some schools from Kyushu, Shikoku, or Hokkaido, who were seeing Fudomine for the first time, seemed to be overwhelmed by its Fudomine presence.

On a high platform in the distance.

As usual, Tezuka appeared here with the Seigaku members; the national-level tournament was worth their attention.

Hyotei Academy, Rikkai Dai, and Shitenhoji shared the same idea.

"Heh... Fudomine's style is really quite aggressive these days~"

Seemingly sensing the anger of Mai no Saka, Fuji Shusuke, standing beside Tezuka, wore his uniquely gentle smile and spoke meaningfully.

"This is also a form of psychological interference from outside the game, and it seems to be quite effective in influencing the opponent's emotions..."

Tezuka stood calmly at the front, but his composed words resonated in the ears of everyone at Seigaku.

"Compared to last year when only Akutsu, Fuji, and Miki were able to maintain composure, the entire Seigaku has grown a lot this year, and this is an opportunity for us."

Tezuka's gaze held a hint of determination; this year, Seigaku had come to the National Tournament with even greater ambitions.

On the field.

"Next, the second round of the National Tournament will begin, with Fudomine Junior High facing off against Mai no Saka Academy."

"Both teams, please come forward!"

After the announcement, both sides shook hands expressionlessly.

Although Mifune Nyudo already knew that the World Tournament would be reformed next year, which would also change the way junior high school students compete.

However, these rules have not yet been issued to the National Tournament by the Tennis Association, so the competition format this year will remain the same as before.

It will also start with doubles. As for the first round, which is a singles match, we'll have to wait until next year when Mifune Nyudo issues the notice so that junior high school students can start getting used to it.

"Next, the doubles match number two will begin."

"Keith and Lin Xiu of Fudomine will face off against Kobayashi and Kaoru Hisashi of Mai no Mai no Saka."

Under the relentless bombardment of Keith and Lin Xiu, the two, known as the strongest tag team on Mai no Saka, were completely powerless to resist.

Just over ten minutes later, Keith and Lin Xiu decisively won the game with a score of 6-0.

Even when they were leaving the arena, the two seemed to be completely stunned by Keith and Lin Xiu's attacks, as if they hadn't reacted at all.

The doubles match then resumed.

Of course, it was Kamio Akira and Ishida Tetsu who appeared from Fudomine. Although they were only first-year students, their strength had improved significantly after experiencing many defeats.

In the same clean and decisive manner, in less than half an hour, Kamio Akira and Ishida Tetsu won with a score of 6-2.

"Minister, I'm sorry, we lost."

Among the players entering the doubles match Ryosuke, who had previously boasted quite a bit. Now, after being hit by Ishida Tetsu's powerful tennis ball, his face had turned somewhat pale.

Their doubles team, which they considered quite good, suffered a crushing defeat against two first-year students.

This made Ryosuke's pre-match boastful words truly turn into clownish remarks.

"Go down!"

With a wave of his hand, Matsudaira Masashi, his face grim, dismissed the two men.

Although he was Ryosuke to the bone in his mind, judging from the competitive state of both sides, he knew that this new generation Kanto champion was indeed not to be trifled with.

"I didn't expect a group of first-year students to be this strong!"

Matsudaira Masashi roared inwardly, compared to his two older brothers, Matsudaira Chikahiko of Court 3 and Matsudaira Chikao of Court 5.

His strength is much weaker, and he won't even qualify for the second-tier army in the future. He will probably be eliminated and sent to the back mountain after the junior high school students enter the training camp.

However, no matter how bleak his future may be, Matsudaira Masashi is currently the strongest player at Mai no Saka Academy.

"The singles match for number three is about to begin."

"Ibu Shinji of Fudomine will face Matsudaira Masashi of Mai no Saka."

As the referee announced the list of players for singles third, Fudomine's lineup surprised many people off the court, as it turned out that Fudomine was not the Tachibana Kippei fielded for singles third.

Instead, they sent out a first-year student directly for the first match.

Many people looked toward the Fudomine players' area, but both Hanamura Aoi on the referee's bench and Tachibana Kippei in the players' area remained silent.

You couldn't tell anything else from their faces.

"Senior, please give me your guidance!"

Ibu Shinji shook hands with the burly young man wearing a baseball cap in front of him, his face expressionless.

"Hmph, you first-year brat, I didn't expect my opponent to be you instead of Tachibana Kippei. Say as much as you can while you still can, or you'll be left only wailing later!"

With a sneer, Matsudaira Masashi raised his thick eyebrows and leaned close to Ibu Shinji, whispering something.

"Oh? I hope your tennis is as good as you say..."

Ibu Shinji completely disregarded Matsudaira Masashi's threat; in fact, he would be happy if the other party's strength was truly as he claimed.

"Let's guess quickly, and then we'll begin!"

Even though he was somewhat excited, Ibu Shinji's eyes remained completely unmoved, and this indifferent attitude only further enraged the other party.

"You little rascal..."

Matsudaira Masashi's anger intensified; in his view, Ibu Shinji was completely disregarding him...

"The match begins, with Matsudaira Masashi of Mai no Saka Academy serving. The first set is over."

With the referee's whistle, the match officially began.

"Hmph! Kid, I'll make you pay for your arrogance!"

Matsudaira Masashi tossed the ball high into the air, stomped his feet hard, stretched out his arms, and slammed the racket down in his hand.

Bang!

A whooshing sound came, and the tennis ball, carrying a gust of air, rushed towards Ibu Shinji's right half of the court.

"Ha, is this your tennis? So weak and powerless, how are you going to teach me a lesson?!"

With a hint of mockery in his expression, Ibu Shinji quickly strode towards the tennis ball.

Bang!

The moment he touched the ball, he felt a tremendous force coming from the racket.

"Oh? Looks like it's not all just for show!"

Ibu Shinji's eyes lit up. It was just pure power; as long as it didn't exceed his limits, it wasn't a big deal for him.

With a conscious effort, the wrist presses against the racket face and gently shakes, dissipating most of the force.

Bang!

Then, Shinji gently pulled the ball back, and the powerful serve was returned by him.

"Kid, not bad, you actually fought back, but your reaction was too slow!"

Tap tap...

Matsudaira Masashi sprinted towards the net, leaping high with a smug smile.

Bang!

Another powerful smash landed at Ibu Shinji's feet.

"Alright, since you've made your move, then I'm going to join in!"

Shinji glanced at the ball mark at his feet, then went to the receiving area on his left.

Bang!

30-0.

Bang!

"Game score: Mai no Saka Matsudaira Masashi, 1-0."

"Change venues."

Matsudaira Masashi looked confident as the game changed, but the situation that followed was completely out of his control.

In the subsequent matches, Ibu Shinji seemed to be able to intercept his tennis balls at crucial moments every time and then hit them in unexpected places.

Bang!

40-0.

Bang!

"Game, Fudomine Ibu Shinji, 1-1."

Bang!

"Game, Fudomine Ibu Shinji, 4-1."

"It seems Shinji has gotten the rhythm under control. Shuichi, go warm up."

Seeing that the rhythm of the game on the field had been taken over by Ibu Shinji, Tachibana Kippei nodded and said.

Ten minutes later, Ibu Shinji secured the victory.

Fudomine also advanced to the next round with a record of three wins and zero losses. However, since Fudomine played the first match, they still need to finish the other matches even though the match has ended.

Makihara Shuichi, playing second in singles, Tachibana Kippei, Singles 1, both secured their victories.

Fudomine easily won the first match of the National Tournament.

P. S.: "Requesting monthly votes"