America

Retru glanced back at Tezuka. "I'll leave you two alone," he said, then led QP away to give them some space.

He'd understood from their conversation just now.

Though the young captain was somewhat upset, he was rational and restrained.

Besides, he knew perfectly well that Saeki Muneyoshi hadn't come to persuade Tezuka to change his mind.

So he decided to give Tezuka some time to say goodbye to his friends.

"Muneyoshi, congratulations on entering the world of professional tennis."

Tezuka looked at Muneyoshi, a hint of envy in his voice. After all, becoming a professional player had always been his dream and the goal he pursued.

"Tezuka, aren't you pursuing the same goal? Otherwise, you wouldn't be going with them."

Muneyoshi understood Tezuka's ambitions, of course.

Leaving Japan, leaving Seigaku, leaving everything familiar behind.

Going somewhere unfamiliar, free from the constraints of any country.

Tezuka wanted to play tennis entirely for himself.

Muneyoshi was eager to see how far Tezuka Kunimitsu could go.

"...Muneyoshi, another important reason I'm leaving is you and the Japan Team!"

But Tezuka didn't entirely agree with him. His deep gaze fixed on Muneyoshi, as though he wanted to etch him into his memory.

"Me too?"

Muneyoshi was baffled by that.

"That's right, Muneyoshi. I know that if I stay in Japan and remain by your side, I'll never be able to surpass you!"

"I'm going to become the world's number one tennis player, so I have to surpass you!"

As Tezuka looked at Saeki Muneyoshi, his mind drifted back to the afternoon three years ago, when he'd just finished his match against Sanada.

That was the first time Saeki Muneyoshi had appeared before him and challenged him to a match.

He didn't know why—perhaps it was the aura Muneyoshi had shown that day?