The Captain Showdown

Near the courts where Fudomine and Nagoya Seidoku were playing.

Not far from the courts where Fudomine and Nagoya Seidoku were playing.

Muneyoshi brought Tachibana Kippei to the courts where Hyotei and Rikkai Dai were facing off. At a glance, they spotted Tachibana An watching from the stands.

"An~"

"Ah, Big Brother! Muneyoshi! You're here. Is our match already over?"

Muneyoshi rested a hand on her head. "Of course. They were no match for us."

"Hey! You liar! You messed up my hair again. Big Brother, look at him!"

"Hahaha..."

Tachibana Kippei couldn't stand watching them tease each other any longer. He pulled Muneyoshi away and stepped between them.

"An, how's the match going here?" Tachibana Kippei asked once she'd smoothed her hair back into place.

"It's tied at two matches apiece. Hyotei's lineup has been really impressive this time."

Tachibana An sounded excited as she talked about the match.

"Hyotei have been taking full advantage of their strengths every time. Oshitari won Singles 3 against Kirihara, and Shishido Ryo and Ohtori Choutarou won Doubles 1 against Rikkai Dai's Marui and Kuwa!"

"Now it's down to the two teams' captains!"

"Hyotei really have managed to seize every opportunity. Their coach, Sakaki Tarou, is incredible!"

Tachibana Kippei was impressed. They'd faced Hyotei several times, and before each match he and Muneyoshi had spent ages discussing the lineup with Hanamura Aoi.

That was because Sakaki Tarou was exceptionally good at spotting weaknesses in an opponent's lineup and striking back. This time, he'd probably managed to do the same to Rikkai Dai.

"So that makes it two wins and two losses for each side. Singles 1 will decide the match."

Listening to Tachibana Kippei and Tachibana An discuss the match, Muneyoshi spoke calmly.

Hyotei and Rikkai Dai had clearly been setting up a