Tss-tss-tss!
Wisps of black and red aura billowed around Akutsu.
From Tezuka's perspective, Akutsu hadn't even reached the ball's landing point, yet six figures had appeared on the opposite side of the court, each striking a completely different attacking pose.
"Wumò Consciousness..."
Tezuka's gaze was unwavering. His pupils glimmered as he focused all his attention on trying to catch Akutsu's every move.
At his current level, Tezuka knew that no matter how powerful an opponent's techniques were, they weren't what mattered most in a tennis match.
Only the fundamentals determined how far a player could go.
The essence of tennis was finding the ball your opponent returned and hitting it back!
Thump!
The rush of air from the passing ball lifted Tezuka's light brown bangs.
He tried to make out the shot and had only just identified the most likely return when he shifted one foot a single step. But it was already over.
The ball had flown past him and bounced out of the court.
Fine beads of sweat trickled down his cheek once more.
Tezuka realized that whenever Akutsu made more than five movements, he simply couldn't stop him.
Of course, Akutsu wasn't going to give Tezuka that chance.
Thwack!
"0–30!"
Thwack!
"Game, Akutsu Jin of the Japan Team wins. The score is 6–2!"
"The overall score is tied at 1–1!"
In just eight games, Akutsu had completely dominated Tezuka.
It seemed Tezuka had barely been able to fight back.
The glow of Tezuka's Ten'i faded. He silently returned to the rest area, picked up a towel, and wiped away his sweat. Then he put it down and grabbed a sports drink to rehydrate.
At the Japan Team's bench, meanwhile, Akutsu had simply collapsed onto his back. A towel covered his face, and his chest rose and