The Third Showdown Between Seigaku and Fudomine

The next day.

It was the day of the Kanto Tournament finals at Ariake Tennis Forest Park.

That morning, at the Fudomine Tennis Club courts,

Hanamura Aoi strode in from afar, her steps elegant.

She had a full figure and a dignified face. Her wine-red hair added a touch of allure, while her sharp gaze gave her an air of heroism.

After carefully checking that the team had assembled, Hanamura saw how spirited everyone looked and nodded. Then she gave a light wave.

"Let's claim our second consecutive Kanto title. Move out!"

At the school gates, the Fudomine Tennis Club members who weren't regulars had also gathered in force. They would be heading to the venue later.

Fudomine was determined to win the Kanto Tournament for a second year in a row!

At the same time,

at the Seigaku Tennis Club courts in Seishundai, not far from Fudomine,

Tezuka quietly entered the already assembled team. He surveyed the expressions of the regulars, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes. Then, under everyone's gaze,

Tezuka stepped forward and stood before the regulars. His expression was solemn, but his words were firm. "Let's go. We're heading to the venue!"

By the time both teams arrived at Ariake Tennis Forest Park, a sizable crowd had already gathered around the courts.

The outcome had surprised most people.

The former dominators of the Kanto Tournament had fallen from the heights without anyone noticing. This year's final was between two schools from Tokyo Metropolis.

And they were no ordinary opponents.

The history between the two teams could be traced back to their very first preliminary tournament, even to last year's preliminaries.

"Good morning, Tezuka."

At the venue's registration desk, Saeki Muneyoshi greeted Tezuka, who had arrived just after them.

The two had known each