National Tournament Finals

As night fell, after the routine training session ended, Muneyoshi and Hanamura Aoi discussed the roster for the finals and then returned to their residence.

When Muneyoshi pushed open the door, he saw Tachibana Kippei leaning against the window, gazing at the brightly lit night view outside, seemingly lost in thought.

"Ju, are you thinking about the match on the day of the finals?"

Muneyoshi closed the door and walked to Tachibana Kippei's side.

Tachibana Kippei nodded and said, "Judging from Rikkai Dai's competitive form so far, the final will likely be a tough battle."

Muneyoshi nodded, but did not answer immediately. Instead, he walked to the opposite side of Tachibana Kippei, leaned against the windowsill, and said in a calm voice.

"Your concerns are not unfounded; Rikkai Dai is indeed the strongest opponent we have ever faced."

Muneyoshi first acknowledged Tachibana Kippei's concerns, then changed the subject and continued:

"But, Tachibana, you don't need to worry too much. Since we were able to defeat Rikkai Dai in the Kanto Tournament, I believe we can do it again in the National Tournament."

Upon hearing Muneyoshi confidently utter those words, Tachibana Kippei straightened up and turned to look directly into Muneyoshi's eyes.

"No, Muneyoshi, I'm not as optimistic as you. From the Kanto Tournament until now, there's an absolutely insurmountable mental gap between us and Rikkai Dai!"

"Just like what happened between us and Seigaku back then, you know, Muneyoshi!"

Tachibana Kippei's voice was very serious. This was the first time Muneyoshi had seen Tachibana Kippei refute him so solemnly, which surprised Muneyoshi for a moment.

However, after a moment's thought, Muneyoshi understood exactly what Tachibana Kippei was worried about.

"Is it the same pain of defeat as when we Metropolitan Tournament?"

Muneyoshi smiled slightly, then his gaze became very serious.

After the Semifinals, he had been intentionally trying to downplay this factor in the minds of the Fudomine team.

This is to avoid putting too much mental pressure on the team members.

Unexpectedly, Tachibana Kippei it out at this moment.

Furthermore, Muneyoshi himself knew how far the Rikkai Dai students could ultimately go, so he was never surprised by their growth.

However, the people of Fudomine were unaware of these things.

Such growth was astonishing in the eyes of others, especially in the eyes of Tachibana Kippei.

This is also one of the reasons why Muneyoshi downplayed this point: one should strive for success at the first attempt, but then lose momentum, and eventually exhaust oneself.

Especially at such critical moments, it's crucial to avoid doing anything that could damage morale.

Tachibana Kippei was aware of this as well, so he didn't point it out in front of everyone.

Tachibana Kippei turned to look out the window and continued, "That's right, Muneyoshi, have you ever tasted the bitterness of defeat from the team's perspective?"

Have you forgotten the amazing transformation that occurred after our past failures?

Seeing Tachibana Kippei's solemn expression, Muneyoshi was taken aback. He suddenly remembered that when he was a first-year student, after suffering another crushing defeat in the back mountain, Mifune Nyudo had said something similar to him.

"Muneyoshi, remember this feeling of repeated failures. People who have tasted the pain of defeat and can rise again are incredibly strong!"

"Saeki Muneyoshi, abandon your pride, your past glory, and everything you hold dear. Climb out of hell and challenge them again!"

Suddenly, memories of his past failures flashed through his mind. Muneyoshi took a deep breath and smiled happily.

Muneyoshi was smiling happily at this moment, his eyes narrowed into a circle. This was the first time he had felt Tachibana Kippei's truest qualities.

After shedding all pretense, Tachibana Kippei finally demonstrated the will to go even further.

However, when possessing this quality, the worst thing is to be indecisive.

"Ju, you're right, but you've forgotten something very important!"

"What..."

Muneyoshi straightened up, withdrew his gaze from the starry sky, and said calmly:

"Ju, it's really great that you think this way. I believe you'll definitely improve again after this National Tournament, but..."

Do you think we've become complacent after winning the Kanto Championship? You were leading the team throughout the previous training camp; you should know that better than I do.

Tachibana Kippei paused, recalling everyone's efforts during this time, and said, "No, no, whether it's Kamio or Shinji, they've all been working tirelessly!"

"That's right. Although they are very proud at this moment, they have never forgotten that the National Tournament is the real challenger for Fudomine."

We, Fudomine, were discovered by everyone as a dark horse, weren't we?!

"Ju, have you lost your challenger's mentality and now believe you're the absolute victor? If that's the case, we'll have to win this championship to have that right."

Muneyoshi's eyes flashed with a brilliant light, filled with confidence.

"I understand, Muneyoshi!"

A moment later, the light in Tachibana Kippei's eyes also changed, becoming full of aggression.

Muneyoshi knew that the Lion King had once again cleared the gloom from his heart and recovered.

The final day of the National Tournament.

Chiba at 4 a. m.

Inside the Muneyoshi family's martial arts arena.

Saeki Muneyoshi and Tachibana Kippei are having a warm-up match.

The others were also practicing, warming up their bodies.

Kurikawa Park Stadium, the central sports center stadium.

Unlike the group stage and Semifinals, which were held in outdoor park venues, the finals were held in this brand-new tennis stadium that can accommodate tens of thousands of people.

Furthermore, the tennis venue was exceptionally lively today.

Spectators and players from all over the country stepped onto the court with great anticipation, all there to watch this top-level competition among junior high school students.

Upon arriving at the venue, one can see contestants wearing all sorts of school uniforms.

And, the reporters who arrived before the match even started.

The venue was bustling with people.

Compared to the previous group stage and Semifinals, the audience for the National Tournament finals was several times larger.

Apart from teams from the Kanto region.

Teams from various regions, including Kansai, Chubu, and Kyushu, have already qualified for the National Tournament. This includes many teams that have been eliminated but aspire to qualify for the National Tournament next year.

They all came out to observe this competition.

After all, this is for any team with the belief that they can reach the top of the national championships.

Both Fudomine and Rikkai Dai are hurdles they must overcome.

As the match progressed, the crowd grew larger and larger, creating a very noisy atmosphere.

Even the sweltering August heat couldn't dampen the audience's enthusiasm.

Compared to the area outside the stadium, the facilities in the stands are quite good. Thanks to the semi-shaded roofs, the sunlight inside the stadium is not too harsh.

"This is the National Tournament Finals! Just sitting here is already exhilarating! It's a pity that Seigaku missed out by just one step because of me."

This was the first time Fuji had ever experienced this kind of atmosphere.

He had participated in many competitions during his primary school years, but none of them had the same exciting atmosphere as the National Tournament finals.

"Oishi! Let's keep working hard, and next year we must stand on this stage!"

Kikumaru, who enjoys being in the spotlight and loves excitement, longs for such a scene, his eyes filled with envy. At this moment, all he wants is to showcase himself on such a stage.

"Yes! We can definitely do it!"

Oishi nodded excitedly, even he was infected by the excitement.

This scene wasn't limited to them; even Akutsu, Tezuka, and Fuji were somewhat affected by the atmosphere.

Everyone looked towards the stadium tunnel, where the two Regular were walking into the stadium, looking at the luxurious stadium and the sea of spectators.

All the defeated teams and players were very excited, and their fighting spirit began to burn.

This is simply the perfect stage to showcase your tennis skills.

"Tezuka, next year, Seigaku will definitely stand on this stage just like them, right!"

Fuji gazed at the two Regular from the two teams, who were the focus of everyone's attention, in the center of the court, a sudden longing arose in his heart.

"Yeah, Jin, Fuji, let's work hard together next year. We'll definitely make it to the finals."

Tezuka was also somewhat excited at this moment, his eyes shining with the same fiery fighting spirit.

Not far from Seigaku, the Regular from Shitenhoji, Hyotei Academy, Higa Junior High watched the two Regular on the field, their eyes shining just like Seigaku's.

Atobe, in particular, was dissatisfied that Hyotei Academy was not present at the court after seeing the venue.

Next year, he will definitely lead Hyotei Academy to stand on this supreme stage.

Many others share the same thoughts as Atobe and the Seigaku, and such promises have been made in many schools.

After all, no one wants to be a nobody, and seeing the glory of the finals will surely motivate them to work even harder.

As the clock struck nine in the morning, an announcement rang out precisely on time in the venue.

Ladies and gentlemen!

"Now, let's give a warm welcome to the star of today's match!"

"They are Fudomine Junior High, representing Tokyo, and Rikkai Dai High School, representing Kanagawa!"

The host suddenly raised the volume, startling everyone who was chatting.

As soon as the host called out the names of the two teams, cheers erupted from the audience.

"Ooh ooh ooh!"

"Rikkai Dai! Rikkai Dai!"

"Fudomine! Fudomine!"

There were people cheering for Fudomine Rikkai Dai.

Pfft~

Two plumes of white mist suddenly shot out from the entrance passage below.

At the entrance shrouded in mist, one team dressed in black uniforms and the other in khaki uniforms slowly walked in and entered the stadium.

The atmosphere reached its peak when both teams appeared on the field.

With the host's introduction, both teams lined up in their respective rows in front of the net.

The two sides faced each other across the net.

"We meet again, Yukimura!"

Saeki Muneyoshi, who thought he would never get excited about junior high school competitions again, was somewhat excited today.

If they take down Rikkai Dai, Fudomine can dominate the nation and make history for Fudomine.

Similarly, Yukimura held the same belief: if they could defeat Fudomine, Rikkai Dai's title defense would allow their legend to continue.

"We haven't avenged our defeat at the Kanto Tournament yet, so how could Rikkai Dai possibly stop here? That's why I've always been convinced that in the end, it will only be a contest between our two sides!"

Yukimura smiled faintly; he never doubted his intuition.

"Haha, it seems Rikkai Dai's progress is impossible. I hope we can have a great match today."

Upon hearing this, Muneyoshi burst into laughter, then composed himself and shook hands with Yukimura, both of them regaining their cold expressions.

However, Tachibana Kippei and Sanada, who were standing next to the two of them, were different.

Both of them had a mature composure beyond their years, and were unusually calm and serious.

Muneyoshi and Yukimura, Tachibana Kippei and Sanada.

These two pairs present a stark contrast.

After exchanging salutes and handshakes at the net, the two players went their separate ways, with Yukimura settling down on the coach's bench at the sidelines.

On Fudomine's side, Hanamura Aoi was already seated on the coach's bench.

Meanwhile, Muneyoshi stood in the players' area with the Fudomine team.

The National Tournament finals are about to begin.

P. S.: "I wrote about some off-stage experiences and my personal growth journey, please vote with your monthly tickets~"

I did consider whether I needed to write about these off-field confrontations and the characters' emotional journeys, but I ended up writing it anyway. After all, only in this way can we see their growth. If we suddenly jump around, sometimes the characters and the duels will seem dry.

Hope you all like it!