The Deadly Knee

There wasn't much communication on the field.

After a brief greeting, both teams returned to their respective player areas and sat on opposite sides of the court.

After submitting their respective lists to the refereeing team, the personnel were confirmed after verification by the staff of the World Tennis Association.

After both teams did a short warm-up, the match began.

"Next, we will play a World Cup round-robin match between the Japan England teams."

"The first match will be Doubles 2, with the Japan team Tōno Atsukyō and Kimijima Ikuto facing off against the England team Steven Caldwell and Russell."

"Please allow both players to enter the arena."

As the referee finished speaking in both languages, the athletes in both rest areas began to move.

On the Japan team's side, Tōno Atsukyō had already picked up his racket and was constantly moving his wrist joints while speaking to Kimijima Ikuto:

"It's our turn! Kimijima, this time I'm going to finish off all the executions!"

Looking at his partner, whom he had been paired with since junior high school, Kimijima Ikuto didn't say much, but stood up and picked up his racket.

Having spent so many years together, he knew very well Tōno Atsukyō was thinking at that moment.

Although they cannot be certain whether they were responsible for the attack on the Byōdōin, England's involvement is certainly undeniable.

Therefore, Kimijima Ikuto's expression also carried a chill. "This match is crucial, and my negotiations must begin from the very beginning. Don't let me down."

"Hehehe, Kimijima, with you saying that, I'm going to go all out in this match."

Upon hearing this, Tōno Atsukyō burst into an exaggerated laugh, staring at the two people opposite him as if he were eyeing prey.

However, they themselves are certainly very clear about their own thoughts, and even the hostility the entire Japan Team harbors towards England.

Therefore, both of them who took the field were strong players, one of whom was already a third-year student and would not be able to participate in next year's Russell.

"Steven, during the game later, you'd better watch my eyes and do what I say!"

Russell walked onto the field side by side with Steven, patted Steven on the shoulder, and whispered, "You're still young. We'll be counting on you next year, so leave everything to me."

Off the field, Saeki Muneyoshi looked at the completely unfamiliar England Team, and he himself had no idea what to expect.

Although Mitsuya had collected very detailed information, Muneyoshi was unsure about the England team's players because he hadn't actually watched their matches.

Moreover, Byōdōin's sudden injury this time was an event that went beyond the original plot.

Muneyoshi could only vaguely sense an ominous premonition lingering in his heart.

He couldn't help but turn his gaze to Duke Watanabe beside him. "Duke, you've been in Europe for many years, you should know a thing or two about these players on the England Team, right?"

Byōdōin's injury caused even this usually kind and honest big man to show a hint of ferocity.

However, he controlled these emotions very well, and they were all directed at his opponents. When it came to Muneyoshi, he was still smiling, his eyes narrowed like crescent moons.

"Don't worry, Muneyoshi, their strength is nothing to you, but the only thing you need to be careful of is that they might resort to underhanded tactics!"

"But they're all just underhanded tactics."

Duke's words were full of disdain for these methods.

After all, he is the Destroyer King. Compared to those gloomy and cunning methods, he prefers to suppress his opponents with absolute power.

"Using underhanded tactics? I understand, Senior Duke. It's great to have you backing me up this time!"

Muneyoshi, and even those who had personally witnessed Duke's bloody battle with Byōdōin, had great faith in his abilities.

It was precisely because of Duke's support that Muneyoshi had fewer constraints and was able to act freely.

"Muneyoshi, there's no need to be so polite. You're someone the boss values, and I can sense your abilities, so just go for it!"

As the two continued their conversation, the game on the field intensified.

On the field, the explosive attack created a cloud of dust that obscured everyone's vision.

"Hehehe, die!"

Suddenly, a series of eerie laughs came from within the smoke.

"Execution Song No. 4, Iron Pear Blossom!"

Bang!

Accompanying this terrifying laughter was an incredibly sharp sound of a ball being struck.

The violent swing produced a muffled thud from the racket, and the resulting air pressure pushed away the surrounding dust.

A loud thud.

A sound of something hitting the ground rang out, but it wasn't the sound of a tennis ball hitting the ground; it sounded more like someone falling heavily to the ground.

"Game score: Japan Team scores, score 4-4."

As the referee announced the score, Tōno's even more arrogant voice echoed throughout the stadium.

"Hahaha, you're finished!"

Swish!

As the smoke and dust slowly dissipated, it was Tōno's serve time. He flicked his arm upwards, sending the tennis ball soaring high, and then swung his dark gray racket down from behind his head.

Bang!

The tennis ball, which had just been tossed into the air, was forcefully flung out by him.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the court, as Steven Caldwell watched Tōno's dangerous shot fly past his ear once again, white sweat broke out on his forehead once more.

"Steven, don't be afraid, I'm here for you!"

In the backcourt receiving area, Russell's calm voice rang in his teammates' ears.

However, when he saw the tennis ball that Tōno was attacking him with, a ruthless gray light began to appear in his eyes.

"A dangerous tennis match, but still too weak compared to that Greece family, and their intentions are too obvious."

Bang!

A muffled thud.

The tennis ball was intercepted by Russell and slammed towards Tōno Atsukyō's foot.

"Heh, looks like you're harder to deal with than that guy, but that makes it more interesting!"

Tōno Atsukyō was not surprised that Russell was able to receive the ball.

He slipped backward, raised his racket, and a cruel smile appeared on Tōno Atsukyō's lips, "Execution Method Two: Execution by Firing Squad!"

Bang!

In an instant, his racket left a blur in the air, striking the bouncing tennis ball with a speed that was difficult for ordinary people to see.

The tennis ball, carrying immense impact and penetrating power, flew directly towards Russell's forehead.

However, this tactic, which had been used against Steven before, was still dodged by Russell, who then retaliated once again.

"Oh dear, it seems I was right, you really are difficult to deal with..."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Tōno Atsukyō's eyes. Apart from the first goal, after Russell became prepared, his attacks had become difficult to hurt his opponent.

If the Execution by Firing Squad had hit, he would have secured the victory in this match.

"But for a guy like you, it would be absolutely wonderful to be able to apply all thirteen Execution Method!"

Tōno Atsukyō's smile deepened as he glanced at various parts of Russell's body.

His year-long expedition also spread his reputation as the Japan Executioner.

There are thirteen Execution Method; surely one will suit the victim. If one doesn't work, try a few more.

"Ah!"

"Bull of Faoloris!"

Tōno Atsukyō hit Russell's return shot again, and even let out a strange cry.

"Execution Method —seppuku!"

"Execution Method: The Electric Chair!"

Bang!

The constant entanglement seemed to annoy Tōno, and his attacks became increasingly aggressive and dangerous.

In fact, with this electric Electric Chair attack, the tennis ball didn't even seem to touch the ground; instead, it flew straight towards Russell's body.

But it was precisely because of this huge arc of movement that Tono, who leaped high into the Tōno, revealed an opening in front of Russell.

And it's an obvious flaw!

"Haha, you've been practicing your Execution Method for so long, but I haven't told you yet that I can also use such Execution Method, right?"

Russell immediately changed his defensive stance and ran directly towards the tennis ball.

"What?!"

This unusual scene alerted Kimijima Ikuto on the other side to the danger, but it was too late.

"Monday's Kite!"

Russell intercepted the ball Tōno, which was clearly out of bounds, and then hit it towards Tōno Atsukyō, who was in mid-air.

He attacked not just the body, but more precisely, Tōno's knee.

Twisted gray and blood-red intertwined, and lightning crackled above Tōno's knees.

"Aaaaaah~~"

The powerful impact sent Tōno flying like a kite, crashing heavily to the ground, his piercing screams instantly echoing throughout the stadium.

"Tōno!"

On the field, Kimijima's expression suddenly changed, and he quickly ran towards Tōno.

P. S.: "I only knew that Tōno had a knee injury, but I didn't know why I used this plot extension to fill in the gaps!"

I have a picture, wait for me to post a bonus.