"Change sides."
The match had reached the eleventh game when Tezuka finally broke Akutsu's serve.
That meant Tezuka had finally seized the initiative against Akutsu's attacks.
"That cold-blooded kid really has the kind of professional qualities people envy. He's a Japanese player, yet he gets along with those Germany guys exactly the same way!"
Mifune Nyudo took a swig of liquor, feeling a little sentimental about the two players on court, both of whom he had once taken an interest in.
Of course, deep down, he still liked Akutsu a little more.
One reason he had agreed to Germany's request back then was Tezuka Kunimitsu's unique qualities.
Compared to his peers—Akutsu, Atobe, Yukimura, and the others—who were still exploring their own tennis styles,
Tezuka had already begun refining his path. Now was the time for him to bloom.
On the Japan Team's coaching bench,
Akutsu sat down irritably, his body exhausted. Unable to break through Tezuka's Supreme Domain, and with his body's endurance giving out, he grew increasingly agitated.
"Kid, what's wrong? Can't keep going? Or was that all the resolve you were talking about?"
Seeing Akutsu fall behind again, Byōdōin finally spoke. He had said very little since the match began.
At the sound of his voice, Akutsu turned his head and saw the scornful smirk on Byōdōin's lips.
"You can't even beat someone like you, and you're talking about beating me? Don't make me laugh."
Byōdōin's taunts were no joke.
Akutsu wasn't about to take that lying down. He stood up and grabbed Byōdōin by the collar.
The rough move immediately drew startled cries from the Japan Team.
"Whether it's Tezuka, you, or Saeki Muneyoshi, just you wait! I'll beat every one of you!"
Akutsu pressed his forehead against Byōdōin's and glared at him as he continued, "And