The Hill in Byōdōin's Way Was Nothing but a Small Rise (May the New Year Bring Blessings and Good Health to Your Family)

As Byōdōin's voice rang out, accepting the challenge.🎉💢

Muneyoshi and Byōdōin stepped onto the U17 Training Camp's main court, their fighting spirits growing stronger under everyone's gaze.

At the net.

"Ever since that match at the temple two years ago, I've been looking forward to facing you, Senior."

Looking at Byōdōin, Saeki Muneyoshi held out his hand and spoke first.

His gaze had grown razor-sharp. He had stepped onto the court determined to seize power.

He would defeat Byōdōin here and rise to the top of Japan's U17 team.

Then he would make his name known throughout the World Tournament, and finally climb, step by step, to the pinnacle of world tennis.

To accomplish all that, he first had to get over the great mountain that was Byōdōin.

On the other side of the net, Byōdōin looked at the fighting spirit in Muneyoshi's eyes. Somehow, he managed to rein in his normally explosive temper.

But that didn't mean Byōdōin was being nice to Muneyoshi. It meant he truly regarded him as an opponent on the same level.

The cold glint remained in his eyes, and there was none of the playful amusement he'd shown toward Tokugawa. His expression was utterly ruthless.

"Muneyoshi, you little brat. You've finally dared to come looking for revenge. But I won't hold back. Anyone who dares challenge me had better be ready to die."

After delivering those cold words, Byōdōin reached out and clasped Muneyoshi's hand.

At once, the aura that had swelled after his victory over Tokugawa surged toward Muneyoshi.

Muneyoshi wouldn't let him get away with that, either. The aura he'd built up after defeating Oni Jūjirō seemed every bit as strong as Byōdōin's.

"Senior, you'd better be ready to lose, too. I've officially set out into the world, and you're nothing but