First Victory (Bonus Chapter for 600 Monthly Tickets)

"Oh, my! This is a rare sight. It's the first time I've seen Irie drop the act so early!"

In Japan Team's lounge, Tanegashima watched Irie's performance and chuckled.

Muneyoshi, who knew Irie well, picked up the conversation:

"Losing to Germany and seeing Atobe's growth must have changed Irie a little."

"But now that Irie's keeping their high schooler in check, whether we can break through will come down to Atobe against their middle schooler."

On the court, Irie's sudden burst had stopped England Team's attack.

But Steven, England's No. 3, still showed off his formidable skill and took a point.

Then, when it was Irie's turn to serve, he gave them no chance and quickly won the game.

So far, both sides had held serve.

The score was 2–1.

The match entered the fourth game, with Leo serving.

"Keigo, I won't go easy on you!"

Leo tossed the ball into the air, bent his knees, then pushed off hard and leaped.

BANG!

The explosive crack of the ball rang out especially loudly, and a rolling wave of air swept toward Atobe.

But a ball like that was nothing to Atobe now.

He stepped forward twice, and his icy voice reached Leo's ears.

"What nonsense are you talking about, Leo? You'd better let me freeze you!"

Just after landing, Leo suddenly felt an astonishing chill. His eyes widened.

Several crystal-like pillars of ice sprang up around him, and the chill pouring from them locked his body in place.

Crack.

Atobe swung his racket, and the ice shattered in an instant.

Amid the glittering shards, the ball smashed through the pillars and vanished along with the icy rain, both into the air and against the ground.

Thud!

"Japan Team scores, 0–15."

"Leo, your blind spots are so obvious to me!"

After