Zero-Sense Tennis, Mirage Mirror, and the Zone's Failure

"Tezuka Kunimitsu! Looks like it's time to show what I can really do!"

Yukimura gave Tezuka a long, deep look, then tossed the ball high once more.

Bang!

A sharp crack rang out, and the ball vanished from everyone's sight.

"Even faster than the first serve!"

The spectators stared in shock. Starting with the second ball, it seemed neither player planned to hold back. Was this the level of the top junior-high players today?

Bang!

But a serve that fast didn't pose much of a problem for Tezuka. He struck it with his backhand, and the ball became a streak of golden light as it shot away from him.

"Nice return, Tezuka. You picked the perfect moment, too!"

As he spoke, Yukimura was already at the center of the court. He pushed off on his toes, leapt, and swung his arm down in a heavy smash.

Bang!

A straight beam of golden light shot toward the far corner of the baseline on Tezuka's opposite side.

Whoosh!

As expected, an invisible aura surged around Tezuka, sweeping in every direction. He slid his foot across the court, and the ball, on the verge of flying out, was drawn toward him.

The ball, smashed toward the corner of Tezuka's court, curved sharply around the backcourt and flew back in front of him.

Bang!

Tezuka swung his arm, sending a pillar of golden light straight toward Yukimura.

Yukimura remained calm. He leapt again, his arm tracing a graceful arc at his side before he brought it down in a powerful smash.

Yet this shot, which should have been a surefire winner, was once again neutralized by the Zone rising around Tezuka.

Bang!

"The way this ball moves..."

Yukimura lowered his stance, pivoted, and chased after the ball at his side again.

His gaze fixed