Tokugawa returned to the team, his fighting spirit high despite his exhausted body.
This time, everyone immediately stepped aside for him. Tokugawa calmly took a seat beside Byōdōin and Oni Jūjirō.
He now had a confidence he hadn't possessed before.
Neither Byōdōin nor Oni stopped him. Clearly, both of them approved of Tokugawa as he was now.
"Tokugawa, you did well. Go get those injuries treated first."
Oni Jūjirō patted Tokugawa on the shoulder, breaking the silence.
Tokugawa's performance in this match had exceeded everyone's expectations. Even Oni Jūjirō, who was usually so composed, was amazed.
He was delighted by Tokugawa's improvement, and proud that Tokugawa had proven himself.
The only real concern was Tokugawa's frightening condition.
Perhaps because he'd pushed himself so hard in the final moments, capillaries all over his body had burst. His exposed arms were streaked with red.
It was a sign that his body had been pushed beyond its limits.
What's more, before that final burst, Tokugawa had used Black Hole an untold number of times in a row.
Black Hole also took a toll on his body.
Together, these factors could leave lasting damage to his future tennis career if he didn't get proper treatment. Oni Jūjirō didn't want to see that happen.
"Don't worry, Oni-senpai. I know my own body. I'm fine. Just let me watch the rest of the matches!"
Tokugawa refused Oni Jūjirō's suggestion, his voice firm.
He wanted to watch Japan Team win.
"Hmph. You know your own injuries best. I'm waiting for you to heal up so I can beat you again!"
Byōdōin spoke coldly.
But when Tokugawa heard that, he smiled for the first time. Aside from the first time they'd met, this was the only time Byōdōin had challenged him.
It meant that Byōdōin acknowledged his ability.