The Final National Tournament Draw of Their Last Year

Baker had come to terms with the Marx brothers' loss. After two consecutive crushing defeats, his plan to attract sponsors and make money had nearly fallen apart.

Still, Baker wasn't ready to give up just yet. As long as the matches weren't too ugly, his plan might still have a chance.

Thinking this, Baker turned and looked toward the three players who would take the court in the singles matches. "We've already lost two matches in a row. If we lose one more, our trip to Japan will be over."

"Boss, don't worry. I'll pound those little guys into the ground!"

Bobby Marx, nicknamed the Beast and set to play Singles Three, was the first to boast.

He was enormously built. His arms alone were thicker than most people's thighs.

Looking at Bobby, who was as big as a small mountain, Baker smiled with satisfaction. "Then I'll leave it to you, Bobby. Don't disappoint me."

Bobby Marx grinned fiercely. "Of course. I never disappoint you, Boss."

Just then, the referee's announcement rang out.

"Next is the Singles Three match: Ibu Shinji of the Japan Kanto Representative Team versus Bobby Marx of the U.S. West Coast Representative Team."

"Players, take the court."

As the announcement ended, the two walked onto the court.

When Bobby saw that Shinji was nowhere near as tall or muscular as he was, a mean smile spread across his face.

"Shorty, watch out. I'm gonna pound you flat!"

Bobby Marx spoke in English, and Shinji wasn't an academic prodigy like Akutsu or Muneyoshi. He couldn't make out what Bobby was saying.

But seeing the malice on Bobby's face, he knew it wasn't anything good. His expression instantly turned cold.

"If you play fair, then there won't be a problem. But if you try anything funny, don't blame