Black Dragon Slash

On the court, Sanada gently rubbed his cheek. The force and heat of the sunlight carried by that last ball had left it stinging painfully.

More than the pain, though, Muneyoshi's forceful response made him furious with himself.

"What's wrong, Sanada? It's been so long since we played each other. Is that really all you've got?"

Muneyoshi walked slowly to the service line on the left. His fair-skinned face wore a teasing smile, and his eyes shimmered with golden and black light.

"Hmph. I'm just getting started, Saeki Muneyoshi!"

Sanada gave a cold snort and moved to the service area on the left.

Muneyoshi's last shot had only caught him off guard. Next time, he would return it. No question.

"Oh, is that so? Then I'm looking forward to it. Bring it on, Sanada!"

Muneyoshi didn't dispute Sanada's claim.

"The match has only just begun, but I really can't afford to hold anything back..."

Sanada ignored Muneyoshi's next words. He had clearly felt his reactions slow by half a beat after Muneyoshi unleashed his mental power.

Even with the aura of Yin, Saeki Muneyoshi's return had given him the illusion that time and space had grown sluggish.

He knew the reason: his opponent was too fast and had seized on the instant when the ball was still in the air.

Now that he knew what the problem was, Sanada had to adjust.

Storm Forest, Flame Peak... To him, they were more than a complete upgrade to his sword-style tennis. They marked the beginning of his true path.

After glancing once more at Muneyoshi across the court, Sanada tossed the ball and drew back his racket again.

Thwack!

The racket sent the tennis ball hurtling toward Muneyoshi's side of the court in a terrifying gale. At the same time, Sanada charged