When it came to crippling Echizen Ryoga, Muneyoshi felt no guilt.
After all, their grudge had been set in stone from the moment they first met.
It had also become irreconcilable the first time Echizen Ryoga used his devouring ability against him.
Then there had been Ryoga's ruthless behavior when he returned to Japan to take Echizen Ryoma away before the World Tournament, and Muneyoshi went to pick a fight with the Japan expedition team.
And when he'd faced Muneyoshi on court, the greed in his eyes had made the deep malice he felt toward Muneyoshi unmistakable.
It was the malice of someone who wanted to destroy and devour him...
During the Four Nations Tournament, Muneyoshi hadn't been strong enough to cripple Echizen Ryoga.
In fact, since it had been a best-of-three match, Muneyoshi had clearly been at a disadvantage. If they'd continued, he might well have lost to Ryoga.
Still, Muneyoshi understood Coach Mifune's concerns.
After crippling Echizen Ryoga this time, it might not be long before Echizen Nanjirō set his sights on him. Muneyoshi might have already made an enemy of the entire Echizen family.
But Muneyoshi didn't care. After absorbing everything Echizen Ryoga had, he could feel himself growing stronger in every way.
It was just as he'd joked before the match.
He was now powerful enough to fear nothing...
After the post-match handshake between the two teams, Muneyoshi felt the power surging through him and walked off the court with a solemn expression, under the fearful gazes of the America Team members.
As he assimilated Echizen Ryoga's strength and path, the cold, indifferent aura around Muneyoshi gradually faded.
By the time they celebrated over dinner after the match, Muneyoshi had returned to his usual self.
He even sat with Atobe and Yukimura, chatting and laughing.
Still,