Two Days Later

Two days later. ☜💥 🍓🐧

As the morning sun rose over the horizon, the Japan Team players boarded the bus and arrived once again at their familiar playing venue, Roland Garros Stadium.

Looking at the familiar red clay of the court, Muneyoshi's thoughts seemed to drift back to two years ago.

Two years ago, in this very venue, Muneyoshi stepped onto the tennis stage for the first time.

Two years have passed in the blink of an eye. Now, as they visit France again, what surprises will the other side bring them this time?

Today's match certainly won't garner as much attention as the World Tournament, but if the Japan Team beats the France Team today, their world ranking will very likely jump directly into the top 20.

That way, the Japan Team can finally shed their label as being ranked last in the world.

This is also one of the goals that Byōdōin and others have been striving for over the past two years.

Nine o'clock in the morning.

The First String Japan Team arrived at the competition venue arranged by the organizing committee for the round-robin tournament.

Upon entering the venue, Muneyoshi and the others discovered that the France Team's players were already on the field.

As the Japan Team entered, a handsome man with platinum blonde hair walked over from the France side.

"Duke, you're finally back on the France stage. How's it going? How's life in Japan?"

The man's voice was gentle, and as he spoke, a gentle breeze blew by, making it seem as if countless flower petals were fluttering in the wind.

"It's you, Camus! I heard you've completely forged your own path, and France tennis has undergone a dramatic transformation under your guidance. Congratulations!"

Duke and Camus are probably the only people in the France Team who are still considered friends, so Duke is very friendly towards Camus.

After a brief chat, Camus approached Saeki Muneyoshi Muneyoshi shook his hand.

"It's great to see you again, Saeki Muneyoshi. I've heard of your reputation all over France. I hope we can have a good match today!"

"I also look forward to my duel with you, Leopold Camus Don Charpentier. I'll be waiting for you in singles third place!"

Sensing Camus's extraordinary aura, Muneyoshi raised an eyebrow slightly.

Two years ago, because Camus's path was not yet perfect and the France general believed that the outcome of their match was already decided, he and Camus did not meet. Now that they have met again, Muneyoshi does not want to miss the opportunity.

After all, Camus of France was known as a revolutionary in tennis philosophy and demonstrated considerable strength throughout Europe.

Camus frowned when he heard that the important person said he was playing three-on-one.

After a brief greeting and conversation, he returned to the rest area and found the staff to prepare for changing the competition roster.

"The next match will be World Cup Cycle Points Tournament game between the Japan national team and the France national team."

"Please allow both players to enter the arena."

After both teams had entered the arena and were ready, the referee's voice came over the loudspeaker.

Upon hearing the announcement, the contestants from both teams immediately became serious.

This match is quite important for the Japan Team. If they win, they could achieve Japan best-ever ranking result in the U-17 World Cup.

As for the France Team, they harbored a desire for revenge against the Japan Team, after all, they had lost to Japan Team in the World Cup two years ago.

On the court, the two players came to the net, but did not talk much. After shaking hands, they returned to their respective team areas.

However, when Muneyoshi shook hands with Camus, the France captain, he sensed a burning fighting spirit in the other man's eyes.

Soon after, both sides returned to their respective areas and began preparing for the match.

"According to the new rules, this competition will use a mixed singles and doubles format. We will now begin this round-robin tournament, specifically the singles matches."

"Japan's representative team Saeki Muneyoshi (Junior High 3), versus France's representative team, Leopold Camus Don Charpentier (Senior High 3)."

"Wow! Muneyoshi's guess was spot on, their captain is also playing three singles matches!"

"Looks like this is going to be another very exciting match..."

In the Japan rest area, the Japan Team members perked up after seeing the referee announce the match roster.

The audience outside the venue reacted similarly.

"It's a captain versus captain match right from the start?"

"Is it that intense? Is the first battle the decisive one?"

"I know that middle school student over there. He appeared two years ago; he's a really good guy!"

"Muneyoshi, Camus is not someone to be trifled with, be careful!"

Duke's smile faded slightly, and he spoke very seriously.

Having been trained alongside Camus in France, he would very much like to have a duel with Camus if he could.

Unfortunately, I had made a promise with Muneyoshi before the match: whoever I faced, I would fight hard, and Muneyoshi Saeki Muneyoshi's strength...

Thinking of this, Duke stood up and patted Muneyoshi on the shoulder.

"Go for it, Muneyoshi!"

With a smile on his face, Mori Juzaburo gave Muneyoshi a thumbs up. Mouri was truly impressed by this middle school student who was a year younger than him.

With the two of them taking the lead, Omagari, Ochi, Kimijima, Mitsuya and other high school students also smiled and encouraged Muneyoshi.

Although they were facing the France captain, Saeki Muneyoshi had already instilled in them the belief that they would win.

This left them with no doubt that Muneyoshi might win.

"Muneyoshi, this is your last match on this expedition. Go and experience the world!"

Even the usually aloof Byōdōin stood up and came to the sidelines to encourage him.

"Ha, Byōdōin- senpai, don't worry, I'll get this off to a winning start!"

After nodding, Muneyoshi picked up his racket and walked towards the court.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone in the stadium, Muneyoshi and Camus met at the net.

"I never expected to actually meet you in a singles match, Camus- senpai! Please take good care of me!"

Muneyoshi's unique aura spread out, and this time, Saeki Muneyoshi took the initiative.

"Hmm, Saeki Muneyoshi, we should be mentoring each other. Besides, I've watched your matches, and my lover also told me you're very dangerous and incredibly strong!"

Camus gently stroked his racket and said in a mild tone.

"Even though it's dangerous, I can feel your passion for tennis, so let's have a match of love!"

"Heh... It's truly an honor to receive praise from a senior like you. But whether I like it or not is another matter. I think we should have a real tennis match instead!"

Even though Muneyoshi knew Camus's current tennis style, he didn't expect that he was already completely "terminally ill".

"Hey! What's this guy doing?! I was focused on Muneyoshi and didn't notice the other guy, and he's already strung a ring on his racket?"

In the Japan rest area, many people noticed Camus's demeanor and the ring on his racket.

Although they had heard rumors about him to some extent, this was the first time they had ever seen such a strange person.

"This is Leopold Camus's tennis journey, a love for tennis!"

Mitsuya Akito then adjusted his glasses and shared the information he had gathered.

Exclamations of sudden realization frequently erupted from the Japan rest area.

On the field, after shaking hands and exchanging greetings, the two sides began guessing which side to choose.

"For or against?"

"Just!"

The entire process was completed very efficiently.

"The singles match begins! The Japan team's Saeki Muneyoshi will serve first!"

After both sides dictated who would serve, they returned to their respective receiving areas, and the match officially began!

P. S.: "You probably didn't expect me to write about the protagonist and Camus directly, did you?!"