World-Class Techniques (Happy New Year)

"Candlelight Illumination!"

As Muneyoshi's words fell, his aura began to change dramatically.

His entire body was enveloped by a black domain, while a golden outline seemed to trace his figure.

To everyone watching, Muneyoshi stood on the court like a towering god or demon, reaching from earth to sky.

Whoosh!

A brilliant golden light, carrying a terrifying aura, emerged from the palm of Muneyoshi's outstretched left hand. The court, already bathed in gold, grew even more dazzling.

But compared to the wild, brazen Light Ball Byōdōin wielded, Muneyoshi's Light Ball was more restrained.

Still, the unique, fierce power of the Shining Shot was unforgettable. Yet as Muneyoshi's mental energy twisted its force, all that golden light seemed to soften in an instant.

It was like a candle flame flickering in the darkness, guiding Muneyoshi along his path.

But anyone with keen senses could tell that hidden in the deepest heart of that light was still a terrifying darkness.

Muneyoshi swept his right arm, and his ordinary-looking black-and-red racket struck the brilliant tennis ball.

In that instant!

The golden light, which made everyone tremble, erupted in a flash. Even the surface of the court shuddered slightly.

Golden lightning poured forth, crackling with a series of thunderous blasts.

Boom!

Zzzzt!

As Muneyoshi swung his racket, another ear-splitting roar rang across the court...

And on the other side of the court...

Watching the golden lightning rush toward him, Byōdōin showed no surprise or hesitation. He seemed to have been ready for this all along.

While the others watched in terror, their faces pale at the ball's power, Byōdōin drove off hard with both feet and charged forward to meet it.

Thud, thud, thud.

Byōdōin's broad frame raced toward the ball's landing point, every step seeming to pound on the spectators' hearts.

The gusts