Sōhiko Takes the Court in Singles 2

Twenty minutes later. ░▒▓█ Claw █▓▒░

As the staff left, the tournament announcement once again resounded throughout the stadium, giving the audience a jolt!

"Next up is the second singles match, between the Hyotei Academy 'Atobe Keigo and Fudomine High's Saeki Muneyoshi!"

"Please welcome both players to the arena!"

"Hyotei Academy's Atobe Keigo, and Fudomine's captain Saeki Muneyoshi?"

As the broadcast ended, the audience outside the venue erupted in a series of heated discussions.

"Fudomine's completely different approach in every match is really giving other teams a headache. Both sides actually sent their respective captains onto the court when Singles 2?"

"It seems like Saeki Muneyoshi and Atobe Keigo rarely meet in official matches."

"This match is practically a carbon copy of last year 'Metropolitan Tournament Semifinals..."

"Although Atobe Keigo of the Hyotei Academy is very strong now, he is facing Fudomine, and even the strongest person in the entire Middle World of Japan!"

"This match..."

The audience outside the stadium were discussing it, but most felt that the result of the match was already clear. Only a few Atobe fans of Atobe still believed in him and thought he could create a miracle.

These discussions did not affect Atobe, who was about to appear, especially when he learned that his opponent was not Tachibana Kippei but Saeki Muneyoshi, which made him very excited.

"Coach, it's my turn to go on the court!"

Atobe took off his jacket, tossed it behind him, then picked up his racket, bowed to Sakaki Tarou, and stood in front of him.

After seeing the final matchups, he already knew that Hyotei Academy's journey in the Kanto Tournament was probably over again.

However, Atobe did not give up, and since his opponent was Saeki Muneyoshi, he had no reason to back down. Now that he was facing off against him, he hoped to leave no regrets.

Sakaki Tarou was well aware that he had discussed the formation with Atobe for a long time before the match.

In order to secure Hyotei Academy's victory, Sakaki Tarou intentionally prevented Atobe from becoming Saeki Muneyoshi.

With Atobe's current strength, as long as he doesn't face Muneyoshi, no one at Fudomine can cause him any trouble.

Even if it's Tachibana Kippei, he can still avenge the loss he suffered in the Metropolitan Tournament.

However, there's nothing that can be done now; one wrong step in strategizing will lead to a series of mistakes.

I originally thought I could use Kabaji and Mukahi Gakuto to face off against the Kislin combination, and then have Shishido Ryo and Ootori Chotaro face off against Kamio Akira and Ishida Tetsu.

If Hyotei Academy wins the singles match and then also wins the doubles match, then Atobe will have a chance to secure a victory for the Hyotei Academy in the singles match.

However, while the idea was good, its implementation was quite realistic.

On the Fudomine side, Saeki Muneyoshi and Hanamura Aoi were no fools either. Their constantly adjusted formation was precisely to prevent their opponents from finding their weaknesses.

This time, they came out on top.

Knowing the result, Atobe had no reason to hesitate. Since defeat was inevitable, he wanted to compete with Muneyoshi again in a fair and square manner.

Metropolitan Tournament, Atobe wasn't actually bothered, because even though Tachibana Kippei defeated him, Atobe was still full of confidence.

Because he knew his own strength and was quite certain that he would not lose if he competed with Tachibana Kippei again.

However, Saeki Muneyoshi was the only opponent he was not confident he could defeat.

For the arrogant Atobe, admitting that he was inferior to others was an unimaginable punishment.

Therefore, after his strength reached a bottleneck, Atobe wanted to see the gap between himself and Muneyoshi, in order to motivate himself to move towards a higher level.

At this moment, Atobe had put Hyotei Academy out of his mind and was only focused on his match against Muneyoshi.

Sakaki Tarou also noticed Atobe's condition, but he didn't stop him. Instead, he put two fingers together, indicating that Atobe could go on stage.

"Go and show your full power as the King of the Ice Empire, Atobe!"

Like Atobe, Sakaki Tarou knew immediately upon seeing the final match list that Hyotei Academy's journey in the Kanto Tournament was over.

Now that it was over, he no longer cared about the outcome. Atobe was determined to fight Muneyoshi with all his might, and he fully supported him.

Atobe Keigo is the most talented player he has seen at the Hyotei Academy in recent years, even more talented than the previous Hyotei Academy captain Ochi Gekko.

He wouldn't stop such a player from pursuing higher levels.

Sakaki Tarou was even happy because the King commanded the Hyotei Academy tennis club of over 200 people was finally going to start fighting for himself.

He was looking forward to Atobe's changes and was also very curious to know just how far Atobe could go.

Fudomine's side, Saeki Muneyoshi also came out of the rest area, reached out and unzipped his clothes, and his jacket slipped off.

"Next!"

Taking a step forward, Muneyoshi casually tossed his Fudomine uniform out, which was caught by Ibu Shinji behind him.

At that moment, the audience cheered as the ministers from both sides entered the arena.

"It's Atobe and Muneyoshi! I'll have to pay close attention later, I can't miss any of the exciting moments. Inoue-senpai always says my footage doesn't have enough climaxes, so is this one big enough?"

Shiba Saori was thrilled to find herself in a corner of the field with an excellent view; such a wonderful match was a rare treat.

She first carefully checked her camera to prevent any mistakes or omissions.

Then, the tripod was set up, ready to capture the best moment.

At that moment, Saeki Muneyoshi and Atobe Keigo stood in the center of the court, and the court erupted in a deafening roar. All eyes were fixed on the two who stepped onto the court.

"Hyotei Academy! Atobe!"

"Fudomine! Fudomine!"

Off the field, players and supporters from both sides cheered and encouraged their respective ministers.

On the field, Muneyoshi and Atobe stood across the net from each other.

Muneyoshi watched Atobe step by step with a calm gaze, as if surveying his own kingdom.

Although he had stolen Atobe's thunder before, he only did it once and didn't intend to do it again.

Bang!

Atobe raised his right hand above his head and snapped his fingers, instantly silencing the previously noisy court.

"Saeki! I've finally met you again, and this time I'm sure to win!"

Atobe held his head high, his proud face filled with fighting spirit; he had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Atobe's words plunged the room into silence. Muneyoshi nodded in approval Atobe! But if you lose later, you'll be embarrassed again!"

Muneyoshi's words caused Atobe's smile to vanish, and a cold glint appeared in his eyes, sending a chill through the air.

"Hmph! Muneyoshi, you're such an unglamorous fellow!"

Whether it's flashy or not is another matter, but you can't beat me, Atobe!

Feeling the chill around him, Muneyoshi grinned and said...

"Don't be so sure of yourself. How will you know if you don't try?"

Atobe's eyes gleamed with fire, his fighting spirit burning fiercely.

"Furthermore, Muneyoshi, don't underestimate me. During the expedition, my progress was by leaps and bounds!"

"Since you're so confident, then let me see your strength for myself, Atobe!"

Muneyoshi's face still wore a calm and composed smile.

He was not surprised by Atobe's words and was very confident that Atobe would have made great progress compared to last year.

But progress is relative; as they grew stronger, Muneyoshi did not stop.

There is still a vast gap between Atobe and other junior high school students of his grade.

"For or against!"

Atobe placed the racket on the court and asked Muneyoshi.

"How about I just give you the serve, Atobe!"

Muneyoshi glanced at the gesture of preparing to guess first and said jokingly.

"Hmph! Saeki Muneyoshi! I'm not some Tom, Dick, or Harry. Why should I need you to give way? Choose sides!"

"Okay, then let's go against it!"

Snap!

"See, Atobe? If I let you have it, you could serve right away!"

Atobe gave Muneyoshi a deep look, then turned and went to the baseline to receive the serve.

"The match begins, Fudomine Saeki Muneyoshi's serve ends!"

P. S.: "Requesting guaranteed monthly votes at the beginning of the month!"

This should be the last match between the protagonist and Atobe as opponents; many characters who appear later will not compete against the protagonist again.

Requesting monthly votes~