The following day was the Metropolitan Tournament finals.
As the final match of the Metropolitan Tournament, Ariake Tennis Forest Park, which had been empty early in the morning, was clearly much more crowded.
Starting at eight o'clock, more and more people gradually gathered, streaming in shoulder to shoulder through the entrance.
As a sport immensely popular in Japan and even around the world, the Metropolitan Tournament finals were naturally a feast that many tennis enthusiasts could not afford to miss, drawing countless visitors who had come specifically for it.
The finals were being held on the largest court in the center of the park.
By then, the area outside the court was already packed solid, a sea of heads stretching as far as the eye could see, with members of other schools' Tennis Clubs among them.
They flocked to the finals venue. Not only were the stands outside the court filled, even the space beyond the court fences was crowded with standing spectators.
Everyone intended to secure a good spot early and wait for the two teams starring in today's match to appear.
"As expected of the Metropolitan Tournament finals. So many people came to watch."
Tennis Monthly reporter Inoue Mamoru naturally would not miss the event either. Looking around at the countless spectators surrounding the court, he could not help sighing inwardly.
He then withdrew his gaze and looked toward the court entrance, searching for the two teams that would be competing in the finals.
At that moment, a neat rhythm of footsteps sounded not far behind him.
Tap... tap... tap...
Inoue looked up and saw a line of boys in blue-and-white uniforms marching in orderly fashion toward the players' area the tournament committee had prepared.
"It's Seigaku."
Recognizing the uniforms on the boys, Inoue Mamoru immediately knew they were Seigaku's team. He quickly raised his camera and pressed the shutter at the Seigaku players.
Click... click...
In the players' area, the Seigaku team quietly waited for the match.
"So many people! It really is the finals!"
After setting down his tennis bag, Kikumaru Eiji immediately regained his energy and looked around.
He was thrilled by the lively atmosphere and excited to be able to compete on such an occasion.
"Tezuka, Hyotei Academy still isn't here. Today's going to be a tough battle."
Oishi Shuichiro spoke somewhat nervously to the composed boy leading the group.
Unlike the carefree Kikumaru, Oishi, Seigaku's caretaker, could not help feeling concerned.
"Oishi, there's no need to worry. We have a forty percent chance of winning against Hyotei Academy. If we can catch their lineup, our chances will rise to sixty percent."
Inui silently adjusted his thick glasses and gave a reassuring probability.
"Only forty percent? Is Hyotei Academy really that strong?"
"Oishi, they've been the kings of the Metropolitan Tournament all this time."
"That's true."
Oishi suddenly remembered that and scratched his head somewhat sheepishly.
"Victory belongs to Hyotei Academy..."
"Victory belongs to Hyotei Academy..."
Hyotei Academy had arrived!
Hearing the deafening chant, everyone turned their heads.
A team of boys dressed in gray-and-white uniforms also entered the players' area, led by none other than Atobe Keigo.
Behind Hyotei Academy's Regulars followed a cheer squad of two hundred people, who were now shouting themselves hoarse behind the players.
Such an overwhelming display instantly made Seigaku's Regulars feel a trace of pressure and nervousness.
Around the court, Hyotei Academy's cheer squad, dressed in the academy's uniforms, forcefully pushed open a gap in the crowd that had already surrounded the area and reclaimed the perimeter of the tennis court.
All kinds of banners and slogans were raised. Since it was summer, many of Atobe's female fans had also formed a striking sight.
In contrast, apart from reserve player Kawamura Takashi, there was practically no one who had come to cheer for Seigaku.
By comparison, this Metropolitan Tournament final seemed more like Hyotei Academy's home match.
Amid the crowd's cheers, Atobe walked over to Seigaku's waiting area.
"Tezuka Kunimitsu? I heard you defeated every upperclassman at Seigaku and broke Seigaku's long-standing system. In that regard, you're quite similar to me. I also defeated every player at Hyotei Academy and claimed the captain's position."
"However, Hyotei Academy's goal is this year's National Tournament, while Seigaku is only at the Kanto Tournament level at best."
"You're still far too inferior!"
Atobe looked at the calm-faced Tezuka and spoke arrogantly.
"Atobe, I hope this will be an exciting match."
Tezuka's expression did not change at all as he replied coolly.
Atobe gave a soft laugh and raised his right hand, pointing one finger at the sky. Thunderous cheers immediately erupted across the court again.
"The victors are Hyotei Academy, and the defeated are Seigaku!"
"The victors are Hyotei Academy, and the defeated are Seigaku!"
Atobe snapped his fingers, and the court instantly fell silent.
"These cheers have already made it clear that the winner of this match is... me!"
"That guy is so full of himself!"
Watching Atobe stride away with elegant steps, Kikumaru said indignantly.
The thunderous cheers from Hyotei Academy's massive support squad inevitably affected Seigaku's morale to some extent.
"Everyone, don't let it bother you. Hyotei Academy's Tennis Club has nearly a hundred members. Even other National Level powerhouse schools cannot compare to them in that regard."
In the end, the experienced Yamato Yūdai clapped his hands and stood up to encourage everyone.
"..."
"Heh, all I can say is, that's Atobe for you."
Under a large tree outside the court, Saeki Muneyoshi sat on the grass with his back against the trunk. Glancing at the situation on the court, he spoke with a faint smile.
In the entire world of The Prince of Tennis, perhaps only Atobe Keigo, that young master, could do something like this.
"Still, things probably won't look good for Seigaku this match. They don't have a coach, while Coach Sakaki, Sakaki Tarou, is no simple man..."
In Hyotei Academy's players' area, Sakaki Tarou was giving the Regulars their pre-match briefing.
"Atobe, you did well in undermining the opponent's morale."
Sakaki Tarou gave Atobe an approving look. This was precisely why he believed the boy should be Hyotei Academy's king. Then he took out a stack of documents.
"We have gathered detailed information on Seigaku's roster, except for Tezuka Kunimitsu. Judging from the data, their singles are a strong point. Their doubles are not weak either, but compared to their singles, they are a disadvantage. Therefore, we need to adjust our lineup..."
"Coach..." Atobe's lips moved as he tried to object.
Sakaki Tarou directly raised a hand to cut him off, speaking in an even yet resolute tone.
"Atobe, victory is Hyotei Academy's only pursuit. As for your wish to face Tezuka, wait for the next time."
Seeing Sakaki Tarou's unquestionable gaze, Atobe ultimately said nothing and silently accepted it.
Sakaki Tarou greatly appreciated Atobe's willingness to put the bigger picture first. That was the quality a captain ought to possess.
"All right, go get ready."
With a wave of his hand, Sakaki Tarou sat down in the coach's seat and waited for the match to begin.
PS: "It was already very late when I finished writing last night, so I didn't post it. There'll be an extra update today. Please vote with recommendations and monthly tickets~"
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