The Struggling King (Request for Double Votes)

" Atobe! Wake up!"

"Atobe! Move!"

The entire court erupted in deafening cheers. Everyone from Hyotei seemed to be calling their King back to his senses.

"Ha! You really are Hyotei's King, beloved by all. But no amount of cheering will wake you from your dream!"

Muneyoshi wasn't surprised by Hyotei's response. He'd experienced cheers even louder than these.

It was just that every time, he seemed to get cast as the villain. That annoyed him a little.

Thinking of that, Muneyoshi glanced at Atobe, who stood motionless across the net. His gaze sharpened, and he flicked his wrist, tossing the ball into the air.

The road to victory was always full of hostility. If he wanted to claim the ultimate win, this kind of noise was child's play.

Thwack!

"Hm?! He actually managed it?"

The instant he served, Muneyoshi frowned. Atobe had broken free of the Mental Restraint and escaped the effects of Seed of Illusory Dream?

A second later.

As Hyotei's players watched with a mix of worry and delight, Atobe, who had been as still as a clay statue, suddenly moved.

His racket met the bouncing ball squarely, and a carefree smile played at the corner of his mouth.

Thump!

Atobe swung his arm, returning Muneyoshi's shot with a simple stroke.

"Ha! You really can evolve without limit, Atobe. You deserve praise for moving again!"

Muneyoshi smiled faintly and stepped forward. As his clothes fluttered, golden light surged in his palm, and he swept a backhand crosscourt shot through the air.

Thwack!

The Light Ball shot from Muneyoshi's side, tearing through the space above the court and reaching Atobe's side in an instant with unimaginable force.

Among middle schoolers, Muneyoshi's control of the match and his ability to use momentum to overwhelm his opponent were unmatched.