Training Camp Ends

"But that's not what you need to worry about. The starting lineup for the competition hasn't been finalized yet. What you need to do is strive for the remaining spots."

Not wanting outside news to disrupt the players' rhythm, Horio stopped the discussion.

"That guy is the Captain of the West Coast team in this competition. If you want to see what he's made of, you'd better focus on getting into the West Coast team."

After saying that, Horio left the cafeteria, leaving the others in silent contemplation.

"Oh... the other player Coach Hanamura wants to recommend is Oshitari."

"Yes, he's the player who has improved the most during training in my group."

"I see. By the way, Tezuka, have you decided on the player you're recommending?"

Inside the Coach' office, four Coach are compiling a list of nominees.

"Alright, we've decided to recommend these two players for the national team."

Upon hearing Coach Sakaki's question, Tezuka handed over the form he was holding.

Coach Sakaki frowned as he looked at the list on the form.

Are you sure you want to recommend these two?

Hearing Coach Sakaki's question, Coach Hanamura also came over to take a look.

"Tezuka, how could you forget to write Echizen's name?"

"No, that's fine. I'd like to recommend Sengoku and Kirihara."

Seeing Tezuka's affirmative look, Coach Sakaki turned to look at Horio by the window.

"Horio, is this also your decision?"

"That's good. If we're talking about progress, Sengoku and Kirihara's playing styles have both changed and improved. In terms of ability, they're no worse than Echizen."

Moreover, this competition is essentially a contest between two countries, so selecting relatively mature players is the best choice.

Upon hearing Horio's words, Coach Sakaki thought for a moment and then remained silent.

"Tezuka, Horio, although you didn't choose Ryoma, my advice is different from yours. We really need his strength in this tournament; he's the kind of player who can improve during matches."

Inside the office, the Coach were finalizing the roster.

Coach Hanamura clearly preferred Ryoma to Tezuka's recommendations.

"I would like to recommend Fuji; his genius-level skills are very effective even against unfamiliar opponents."

Coach Sakaki looked at the form in his hand. Sanada, Atobe, Oshitari, Kikumaru, Kirihara, and Sengoku had been decided. Only Fuji and Echizen were still arguing.

"I agree with Coach Sakaki's opinion. In your impression, Fuji is definitely known for his three-move return shot, but he must have developed even better skills now."

As for Ryoma, Coach Hanamura is right, but for a player with exceptional talent, focusing solely on improving external skills while neglecting mental fortitude is fatal.

Horio's words silenced Coach Hanamura, and the two of them looked at Tezuka at the same time.

"What Horio said is exactly what I was thinking; we need a more mature player to play."

"As of today, this training camp has come to an end, and seven of you will be selected to West Coast team."

Besides Sanada and Atobe, who have already been confirmed, I will now announce the remaining spots.

Oshitari Yushi, a third-year student at the Hyotei Academy; Kikumaru Eiji, a third-year student at the Seigaku Academy; Sengoku Kiyosumi, a third-year student at Yamabuki Middle School; and Kirihara Akaya, a second-year student at Rikkai Dai Fuzoku Junior High School.

"There's one last spot left, for Fuji Syusuke at Seishun Seigaku Academy."

Coach Sakaki read out the final list, everyone was clearly surprised that Ryoma had been selected.

When he heard that his name wasn't called, Ryoma frowned, his displeasure evident in his eyes.

"I failed to get elected, how awful!"

"However, after seeing these candidates, I have to admit I'm convinced."

Many people present were disappointed that they were not selected.

However, the names on the list were not difficult to criticize.

"The order of appearance and the list of doubles pairs will be announced another day. Those selected for the team should go back and intensify their training to be in the best physical condition and form for the competition."

Now everyone pack your things and get ready to board the bus back to your respective schools. Dismissed.

"Alright, we'll part ways here for now. We'll see the team again on the day of the competition. Everyone practice in the meantime. That's all for now."

At the entrance of Seigaku, the Seigaku team had already arrived at their destination.

Because everyone had worked very hard during this period of practice, Tezuka did not require the regular players to come to the school for training.

"Echizen! Oh no! That foreigner who challenged you to a duel has reappeared!"

Just as everyone was about to leave, Dan Taichi suddenly ran over.

"After Kevin challenged our Yamabuki that day, Akutsu Senpai and has been looking for him ever since, not long ago. "Senpai

Akutsu Senpai Kevin, and they're already in the competition.

Hearing Dan Taichi's somewhat anxious words, everyone in Seigaku, including Tezuka, took notice.

Seeing the direction Dan Taichi led Ryoma away in, the group immediately followed.

Horio watched the group leave without stopping, without any worry.

If it were the old Akutsu, he might have been taught a lesson by Kevin, but now he should be worried about Kevin.

Meanwhile, on another court, a match between Akutsu and Kevin was underway.

The two players traded baskets, with Kevin managing to win a few games thanks to Ryoma's skillful play.

However, Akutsu would immediately catch up, and Kevin, relentlessly pursued by Akutsu, became irritable.

During the back-and-forth rallies, they started targeting Akutsu's body with their ball skills, but one or two attacks were insignificant to Akutsu.

However, after being hit repeatedly, Akutsu also became angry.

The Beast's Aura was then detected, and just then, the members of Seigaku arrived.

"Has Akutsu already been able to control the Beast's Aura with ease?"

"But judging from his injuries, Kevin doesn't seem like someone to be trifled with."

Seeing Akutsu's increasingly powerful Aura, those who had previously watched Horio and Akutsu's match couldn't help but marvel at how strong Akutsu had become.

The appearance of the Seigaku members did not attract Akutsu's attention.

At that moment, Akutsu only had eyes for Kevin across from him, and tossed the ball into the air.

The tennis ball made a dull thud, flying out as a blur.

Faced with Akutsu's sudden change, Kevin on the other side was also caught off guard.

Akutsu couldn't even catch the trajectory of the ball's serve before it landed directly in his own half of the court.

"Akutsu is already this strong? He's much stronger than Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament."

"His momentum and that serve just now... he's probably several times stronger now than he was back then."