The Final Stop: France

The plane landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. 💝😎 ✋👽

Muneyoshi and his friends, dressed in uniforms representing Japan's U17 team and carrying their tennis bags, exited the airport through a special members' channel.

Saeki Muneyoshi, as the commander-in-chief of this expedition, led the way, followed by the rest of the First String.

Tōno Atsukyō had been recovering from his injury for a long time, also came with the team. Although his knee was not fully healed, he was able to move around with crutches.

As for Byōdōin, his injuries were almost healed, but after this long expedition, he had grown to appreciate Muneyoshi's leadership skills even more.

So he walked at the very back of the group with Tōno.

He was not included in the activation list for this rematch against France.

Although Byōdōin was displeased, he didn't say much, and besides, there was really no one in France worth his time.

At the airport, many women focused their attention on the tall, handsome men, including Saeki Muneyoshi.

Although they are all minors, just as men love to look at beautiful women, women also enjoy looking at handsome young men.

When the France staff saw Muneyoshi and his group walking out in their Japan U17 team uniforms, they immediately recognized them and came over.

"Hello friends from Japan, I'm a staff member from the France Tennis Federation. May I ask who your team leader is?"

The staff member looked towards Byodoin Byōdōin at the very back of the group, somewhat puzzled.

After Byōdōin, he still had a vague impression of Byodoin's appearance, especially after last year's European expedition, which made this pirate from Japan increasingly famous.

However, he was standing at the very back, and wasn't the team leader?

"Hello, my name is Saeki Muneyoshi, and I'm their team leader."

Saeki Muneyoshi took a few steps, extended his hand to the staff member, and shook hands with him in a friendly manner. The staff member then looked over the entire Japan U17.

These players are not unfamiliar to France; they were the ones who defeated France and advanced to the knockout stage two years ago.

Therefore, the staff still remembered Muneyoshi and others.

After scanning the area, the staff member looked away and spoke to Muneyoshi.

"Dear members of the Japan U17 team, on behalf of France U17, I welcome you! Your hotel for this qualifying tournament has been arranged. Please follow me. ☺🐯 💲🐉"

Thank you, I appreciate your help.

Saeki Muneyoshi nodded and said politely, then led his team to follow behind the reception staff.

The group left the airport and boarded a bus that was already waiting outside.

The France people along the way paid more and more attention to them, and then some tennis fans spotted Duke Watanabe in the crowd.

"Hey, isn't that Duke, the Destroyer King?"

"I heard he left the France Team; so he went back to the Japan Team?"

"Japan Team, isn't that guy at the front the same middle school student from two years ago?"

"I'm not quite sure, East Asians all look pretty much the same, but the way you put it, they do seem a bit alike..."

As the crowd grew larger, more and more people recognized them.

After all, the Japan Team is no pushover in Paris; they've defeated them before.

Just like us, when others drink with you, you might not know who offers you a toast, but you'll definitely know who doesn't.

After drinking, whoever can get you drunk is definitely someone you'll remember vividly.

The same applies to France; as one of the BIG4 teams, losing to Japan Team in the World Tournament is a first in many years.

Therefore, even after two years, they will not be completely forgotten by France tennis enthusiasts.

After squeezing through the crowded throng and boarding the vehicle, the tension and fatigue eased slightly, and the First String began to chat.

"Duke is really popular in France," Saeki Muneyoshi said with a smile to Duke beside him.

"No, my fame is almost gone, but you and the boss, Saeki, are more popular. Your names were called the most just now." Duke narrowed his eyes honestly and smiled.

They chatted and laughed along the way, creating a great atmosphere in the group.

They were quickly taken by bus to the hotel where they would be staying during this expedition.

After checking in, everyone in the First String picked up their bags and chose their rooms.

"France U17 is currently on an away trip, but they are already on their way back. Therefore, the match may be postponed by a few days. France U17 will contact us later to inform us of the specific match time. 🐳♔ 👺♬"

After settling Muneyoshi and his group into their accommodations, the staff who received them revealed the arrangements for this expedition.

Muneyoshi hadn't expected their arrival to be so coincidental; it turned out that France was also away on an expedition and hadn't returned.

However, as members of the BIG4, their expeditions are likely more about exchanges, and more likely with other BIG4 countries like Spain and Switzerland.

"Also, regarding your training, there's a tennis club near this hotel where you can train. Everything has been arranged, so just head over there when the time comes."

Of course, you can also choose to visit the attractions in Paris, but in that case we won't have any arrangements, and you'll have to do everything yourself.

"Please wait for further notice regarding other matters; I won't disturb your rest any longer."

After the reception staff arranged everyone's rooms, they said goodbye to Saeki Muneyoshi and left.

He was just a receptionist, not a guide for the Japan Team. If the entire France team hadn't gone on an expedition, they probably wouldn't have asked him to receive them.

"Does anyone want to go out and have some fun?" Saeki Muneyoshi asked, glancing at everyone.

"Hmph, Muneyoshi, you're too lenient with them. During an expedition, the rules for training camp expeditions should be followed." Seeing that a few people were interested, Byōdōin said from the back.

Upon hearing his words, the First String, which had initially been somewhat interested, fell silent.

"Alright, if anyone wants to go out, we can go together. I think Duke is quite familiar with this place, but let's rest first; everyone's quite tired from the journey."

Saeki Muneyoshi nodded in response to Byōdōin's request, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

After Muneyoshi and the others had dinner at the hotel, Muneyoshi summoned all the First String to his room.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Muneyoshi nodded to Mitsuya then adjusted his glasses and spoke:

"The France U17 team has already sent over the specific match time and rules. The match will be held in three days. The ranking tournament will use the new rules of the world tennis community to determine the winners, with three singles matches and two doubles matches, but all five matches must be played."

The First String members had no objection to the requirements of this competition; when they were in someone else's territory, they would naturally have to follow the other party's rules.

Moreover, playing all five games under the new rules can be a valuable experience for those who take the field.

"Since everyone agrees, I will now arrange the list of participants."

Saeki Muneyoshi's words drew everyone's attention away from Mitsuya.

"Let's start with doubles. Doubles pair number two Date Otori and Ban Rikiya."

"Don't worry, Muneyoshi, we'll be fine!"

Date Otori and Ban Rikiya were very excited to hear that it was their turn to fight.

"Double team, Kimijima- senpai and Ochi- senpai, is that alright?" Saeki Muneyoshi looked at Kimijima and Ochi.

"No problem!"

The two exchanged a glance, then responded in unison.

"As for singles number three..."

Muneyoshi's gaze swept over Fuwa the Iron Man, Hakamada Izō, Akitomo Kōyō, Mitsuya Akito.

These players have all played in previous matches for Sweden, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Denmark.

Muneyoshi himself didn't play in some of the matches, considering this was his last match on this expedition...

"I'll take on number three in singles. Everyone should agree, right?"

"Um."

The First String members simply nodded in agreement. They now had great faith in Muneyoshi's abilities, and Muneyoshi had given them many opportunities to train in previous matches.

Facing a formidable opponent like France, it is only natural that Muneyoshi should take the field.

"Singles 2, Duke Watanabe! Duke- senpai, whether it's you or me, we're both very likely to encounter Camus. I hope that neither of us will hold back and we'll defeat him!"

"Singles 1. Kiriya- senpai."

Kiriya was somewhat surprised that Saeki Muneyoshi had actually arranged for him to Singles 1.

"Although our opponent is France, there's no need to be impatient. Our ultimate goal is this year's World Cup, and these away matches are more about helping us grow."

"Besides, we beat them two years ago, so let's beat them again this time!" Saeki Muneyoshi said resolutely.

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

"We'll get up together for training tomorrow morning. Now you're free to do as you please, but please be careful."

After giving all the instructions, Saeki Muneyoshi asked them to leave his room.

The next morning

Having developed good habits, the members of the First String didn't really need Muneyoshi to come over; they got up, tidied up, and ate breakfast on their own.

After tidying everything up, Muneyoshi and Duke led everyone to the tennis club.

"The tennis club will provide these two days for those who need to play to get into shape. Others will mainly help the players who are going to play with their training. Those who don't have matches can form groups freely, but don't forget to warm up beforehand."

"Mutsu Brothers, you two help each other out. Date, take a moment to adjust your condition."

"Good!"

"Omagari -senpai, Kaji- senpai, you two should help Ochi and Kimijima."

"Hakamada-senpai, Akiba-senpai, you two help Kiriya- senpai together."

"I'll train with Duke- senpai. Byōdōin- senpai, the unified management of these people is up to you!"

After giving his instructions, Saeki Muneyoshi clapped his hands to dismiss the group.

Although Byōdōin was very unhappy that Saeki Muneyoshi was constantly assigning him all sorts of tasks during this time, his eyes were still full of appreciation.

During this expedition, the First String truly felt the leadership qualities displayed by Muneyoshi, who was temporarily in charge.

This group of high school students, dressed in uniforms with "JAPAN" written on them, naturally attracted a lot of attention.

However, Muneyoshi and the others were already used to these things.

The training proceeded smoothly and methodically.

Watching the Japan Team train, the France around them stopped their own training and began to quietly comment on their movements.

In one corner of the fence, two people were silently recording everything. One of them, a bespectacled boy, was sketching and drawing in a notebook, just like Inui Sadaharu.

However, besides these people with ulterior motives, there was also a little girl, slightly younger than Muneyoshi, staring at him and Byōdōin.

Her name is Chloe Watanabe.

Only two chapters today. I need to take a break; I feel completely drained.

With the story of one main character ending, another story begins. France won't be explicitly written about much anymore; I've written about it before. This time, I'll mainly focus on the main character and Camus. I wrote this part when I was working on a multi-chapter project, but I couldn't finish it, so I deleted it. Now I can finally write it.