Atobe's challenge was one Mouri Jusaburou didn't refuse. Normally, Mouri didn't care much about winning or losing, but this match held special meaning for him. So when he stepped onto the court, he unleashed his full presence.
It was the aura of a top national-level player.
"Interesting."
Atobe watched Mouri's powerful aura with interest, then released his own national-level presence. In an instant, the two auras collided, neither yielding to the other.
"So he's national-level." After seeing Atobe Keigo display his presence, Mouri Jusaburou's expression grew more serious. He hadn't expected the Hyotei vice-captain featured in the magazine to be a national-level player.
Seeing the two players on court facing off, Kannagi Shinichi had no intention of intervening. He wanted a close look at just how strong Mouri Jusaburou was now.
So, under Oshitari Yuushi's resentful gaze, he went straight to the umpire's chair.
"If you two don't mind, I'll umpire this match."
The two glanced at Kannagi Shinichi, then nodded. Neither objected to having him umpire.
Kannagi Shinichi didn't waste time. After having them decide who would serve, he promptly announced the start of the match.
"Match start. One game, all. Mouri Jusaburou to serve."
On court, Mouri Jusaburou gently bounced the ball. The playful smile he usually wore was gone, replaced by an utterly serious expression as he looked at Atobe Keigo across the net.
Then he tossed the ball high into the air and swung his racket down.
The orange ball shot forward at tremendous speed, its spin fierce.
Thwack...
The ball hit the ground with a crisp sound, landing right in the corner of the baseline before flying out of bounds.
Watching the serve, Kannagi Shinichi couldn't help admiring its quality.
Atobe moved too. Mouri Jusaburou's serve was extremely dangerous, and he didn't dare let his