Facing Fudomine Again at Hyotei Academy

"An, how did Seigaku do in the Loser's Bracket's bracket?"

On the way home together, Muneyoshi asked curiously.

He knew that Tachibana An wasn't at the Tennis Club today; she had left to watch a match, and she must have gone to scout out the competition.

Tachibana An has been doing this for the past year. Although she can't compare to Inui Sadaharu and Yanagi Renji in terms of data collection, Fudomine is better than nothing.

"Uh, it was a complete victory."

Without hesitation, Tachibana An revealed everything about Seigaku's performance.

Muneyoshi nodded, not surprised by the situation.

"While not surprising, it has to be admitted that they are really strong this year."

Tachibana An has been watching a lot of Seigaku's matches lately and has witnessed their growth firsthand. She can definitely be considered their biggest rival Fudomine.

"Don't worry, An, no matter who our opponent is, we won't be careless this time. Don't forget we lost the Metropolitan Tournament last year, but we'll definitely win the Metropolitan Tournament this year."

This week's competition has come to a close. Due to the double-elimination format, the losers' Loser's Bracket matches were played first.

As expected, Seigaku and Yamabuki made it into the Loser's Bracket.

The Semifinals and finals of this Tokyo Metropolis tournament have been scheduled for the following weekend.

The final rankings of the top four were determined in two days, so the time was quite tight.

The contestants from the four Metropolitan Tournament schools spent five days in this tense atmosphere of preparation before the weekend arrived.

The Tokyo Metropolis Tournament Semifinals begin on Saturday.

Early in the morning, all the Regular of Fudomine gathered at the school.

"Set off!"

Once everyone had arrived, Tachibana Kippei waved his hand and led everyone onto the bus, which slowly drove towards the competition venue.

"Inoue-senpai, today Fudomine vs. Hyotei Academy, and Seigaku vs. Yamabuki are facing off again. Which match should we go see?"

At the competition venue, Shiba Saori wiped her precious camera and then asked Inoue Mamoru a question.

She had favorite players on both sides, and at this moment she was genuinely hesitant.

"Let's go to the Hyotei Academy and Fudomine! Their captain, Saeki Muneyoshi, might make an appearance."

Inoue Mamoru thought for a moment and gave an affirmative answer.

"Saeki Muneyoshi?"

Shiba Saori instantly recalled that tall figure and immediately nodded in agreement with the decision.

"They're here! It's Fudomine!"

Suddenly, the people around him became excited. Their team uniforms, mainly black with red and white stripes, were very eye-catching, and the leaders, Saeki Muneyoshi and Tachibana Kippei, were particularly imposing.

"Let's hurry over there, Inoue-senpai!"

Upon seeing the main character appear, Shiba Saori quickly urged Inoue Mamoru set off.

This was her first time photographing Saeki Muneyoshi, so she had to find a good spot.

When Shiba Saori and Inoue Mamoru rushed to the Fudomine match venue, the Fudomine Junior High and Hyotei Academy students were already exchanging salutes at the net.

Please give me your guidance!

Please give me your guidance!

Led by Muneyoshi and Atobe, the two teams saluted each other across the net.

"Muneyoshi! Long time no see. It seems you gained a lot from this trip!"

After Atobe greeted Tachibana Kippei Keith, he ignored everyone else and stared intently at Muneyoshi.

Upon hearing this, Muneyoshi smiled.

"It has indeed been a while since we last met. I wonder if you've kept up with your training since leaving the training camp? Has your skill level declined?"

"Hmph! My training is never compromised, just you wait and see!"

Tachibana Kippei wasn't surprised by Muneyoshi and Atobe's bickering; it was just how two proud people got along.

Even back in the training camp, Muneyoshi's provocations like this were common occurrences.

Of course, this was not the time for reminiscing. After the greetings, the final of the Tokyo Metropolis Tournament was about to begin.

This year will be the last year for many people on both teams.

→

Now in their third year, they will all be entering high school next year, so no one wants to have any regrets this time.

Hyotei Academy is going all out!

This is what Atobe and Oshitari were thinking at that moment.

"Next, we will begin the Semifinals of this Tokyo Metropolis Tournament: Fudomine Junior High vs. Hyotei Academy's No. 3 singles player."

"The Atobe Keigo Tachibana Kippei of Fudomine Junior High and Hyotei Academy. Please enter the arena!"

Soon, the staff's voice came through the loudspeaker.

However, the audience present was greatly surprised upon hearing this news.

"What?! Atobe is going straight into singles with three players on the court? Is Hyotei Academy trying to seize the initiative?"

"The match starts with Tachibana Kippei versus Atobe Keigo, this is going to be exciting!"

"Ah Zhi, remember to take the photos!"

"Don't worry, Inoue-senpai!"

The surrounding audience buzzed with discussion, and Inoue Mamoru and Shiba Saori on the sidelines instantly perked up.

"Shinji!"

Muneyoshi glanced at Ibu Shinji indifferently.

You'd better watch this match closely.

"Yes, Minister!"

Even without Muneyoshi's reminder, Ibu Shinji would not have missed the match between Tachibana Kippei and Atobe.

"Interesting!"

Keith, who was resting with his eyes closed on the bench, opened them and stood up to walk to the sidelines.

He probably wouldn't even watch other people's matches.

However, he was still very interested in the match between Tachibana and Atobe.

"Why is Atobe on the other side in singles match 3? Under the current rules, singles match 3 isn't the key to winning."

The only person present who seemed somewhat incredulous was probably Kamio Akira. Although he was well aware of Tachibana Kippei's strength, Atobe Keigo had taught him a lesson quite a bit during the training camp.

"Atobe?"

At this moment, Tachibana Kippei's mindset was much calmer. He looked at Atobe, who was talking to Sakaki Tarou, and felt a strange pressure in his heart.

The Atobe Keigo of a tree, the name of a man; Hyotei Academy, the King of Hyotei.

Moreover, after having truly interacted with Atobe in many matches, Tachibana Kippei was very clear about Atobe's strength.

Especially during the Four Nations Tournament, Atobe seemed to have crossed a threshold, and as for his current strength, even Tachibana Kippei didn't know where he had reached.

To be honest, Tachibana Kippei really wanted to have a real match with Atobe. Although they were both in Tokyo Metropolis, the two teams didn't have many opportunities to meet.

Although they had competed during training camp, both sides held back at that time.

Besides, that was just training; this was his first real match against Atobe in the main tournament.

This time, my wish can finally come true!

"Hyotei Academy! Hyotei Academy!"

"Atobe! Atobe!"

Hyotei has won! Fudomine has been defeated!

"Atobe has won! Tachibana Kippei has lost!"

When Atobe's appearance was announced over the loudspeaker, the Hyotei Academy second team members around him began to prepare.

The moment Atobe left the field, the entire Hyotei Academy team erupted in a deafening roar.

The unified shouts and concerted cheers turned the arena into the Hyotei Academy's home ground.

Upon entering the court, Atobe did not immediately go to the net, but instead surveyed his surroundings like King.

The cheers grew even louder when Atobe saw them.

Hey!

Atobe approached the net with a smile, then snapped his fingers to the sky. The entire Hyotei Academy team immediately stopped cheering; the cheers abruptly ceased, and the court fell silent.

"The winner will be me!"

As an opponent, Tachibana Kippei had seen Atobe's signature arrogant moves many times, but this was his first time experiencing them firsthand.

His lips twitched involuntarily; he wanted to say something, but ultimately held back.

"Atobe, let's begin!"

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