One Win, One Loss

Bang...

"West Coast team scores, 1-0"

"West Coast team scores, 2-0"

"Kanto team scores, 1:2"

"Kanto team scores, 5:6"

"Great, let's drag the game out until the very end, build up the atmosphere to its peak, and then decisively lose the game."

Coach Baker was very satisfied to see the Griffith Brothers keeping the score so close, and the atmosphere in the stadium had reached a fever pitch.

"Brother, it's been so long since I've felt this way."

"Yeah, Terry, this exhilarating feeling is something we only experienced when we first started playing tennis."

"It's all thanks to those two people that we understood that you have to give it your all in a competition."

"Therefore, we absolutely cannot afford to lose this match; it would be the best reward we can give them both."

The Griffith Brothers, their enthusiasm rekindled, smiled.

Kikumaru and Oshitari on the opposite side were also spurred on, and a match that was driven by self-interest suddenly became a purely competitive one.

Bang...

"West Coast team scores, score 7:6"

In the end, after a fierce battle, the Griffith Brothers proved to be the better player and won the doubles match.

"What! They actually won..."

To his surprise, Coach Baker was somewhat taken aback.

Seeing the eruption of cheers from the crowd, Coach Baker once again began to doubt his own script.

"I accept my defeat wholeheartedly, but I won't let you win next time."

Thank you very much.

"This was a very good game."

"Yes, thanks to you all."

After the match, the two sides shook hands, and the Griffith Brothers finally opened up to each other.

"You two, you've had a tough time in the match."

Coach Baker applauded as the Griffith Brothers walked off the field.

"I'm sorry, you instructed us to lose, but we won instead."

"No problem. Didn't I say winning or losing isn't important? Look at you, you're the ones who made the audience so excited. You've done a great job, and the sponsors should be very satisfied."

Seeing the cheers erupting throughout the stadium, Coach Baker clearly didn't care about winning the game.

"Boss... no, Mr. Baker, our brothers and I have received so much care from you over the years, words cannot express our gratitude."

"We'll never be able to pay back this debt in our lifetime, but from now on, we'll play tennis the way we want."

Hearing Coach Baker's nonchalant words, the Griffith Brothers also made up their minds to express their support to Coach Baker.

However, this did not attract Coach Baker's attention; all he cared about now was sponsorship.

"To reiterate... it is now lunchtime. Please take care of your valuables..."

By the time the two doubles matches ended, it was already noon.

"It's your turn to play in the Third Singles match, Sengoku. Prepare well at noon and be in top form for the afternoon's match."

In the players' locker room, Coach Sakaki was giving his closing remarks.

Hearing that it was finally his turn to perform, Sengoku could hardly contain his excitement.

"It's the Coach."

"Alright, everyone worked hard this morning. Have a good rest at noon. Now, dismissed."

"Seriously, where did the Senpai go?"

Inside the stadium's cafeteria, Momoshiro and Kaitou had just finished picking up their food with Katsuro and Katsuo, but Oishi, who were supposed to eat with them, were nowhere to be seen.

"Hey, over here, over here."

Only after hearing Oishi's voice did the group manage to spot them in the crowded throng.

"Momoshiro- Senpai, are you sure it's okay for you to eat so much?"

The Seigaku team was having dinner together, including Tomoka, who was part of the Seigaku cheerleading squad.

Seeing the mountain of hamburgers piled on Momoshiro's plate, even the usually carefree Tomoka couldn't help but worry.

"It's no problem at all, it's nothing."

"I remember the next match is between Sengoku and Bobby, right? Their current record is one win and one loss, so Sengoku has to beat her in the next match."

"I understand. It seems everyone's putting a lot of pressure on me. I'll definitely have to step up my game now."

"No, that's not what I meant..."

"It's okay, I think Lady Luck is on my side today, so please give me your best luck!"

Katsuro Katsuo, reflecting on the current score, couldn't help but feel a little worried about the upcoming matches.

As luck would have it, Sengoku suddenly appeared behind them at that moment, startling the two timid individuals while also leaving them somewhat embarrassed.

However, Sengoku did not blame anyone and expressed his gratitude for everyone's concern, saying he would do his best.

"Sengoku was selected for the youth team last year. I think he's a shoo-in for the win in the Third Singles match."

Moreover, there's no indication that they'll lose the other two matches; they're already guaranteed to win.

Watching Sengoku's departing figure, the simple-minded Momoshiro had already begun to celebrate victory.

"You're acting up again. You don't even know the starting lineups for the other two games. Where does your confidence come from?"

Kaitou, Momoshiro's brainless confidence, immediately spoke up to refute it, as her old rival.

"Exactly, that means one of them will be unable to play."

"What Oishi -Senpai means is that one of Ryoma, Kirihara, and Fuji- Senpai will be benched."

"It's really cruel that the starting lineup won't be announced until right before the match starts. It's really sad to think about how they feel right now."

"What's wrong, everyone? Why aren't you eating properly and why do you all look so worried?"

Just as everyone was worried about the three of them, Horio appeared.

"Horio, you're here! You're also a member of the Coach staff. Do you know the starting lineups for the next two games?"

As soon as Horio appeared, Momoshiro immediately asked about the lineup.

"Of course I know, but it's a secret, so you'll find out when the time comes."

"Seriously, you really know how to keep us in suspense..."

"There's nothing we can do about it. Since the competition is arranged this way, it's meant to showcase the effect you're putting on. But don't worry, someone from Seigaku will definitely be on the field."

Seeing that everyone still looked very expectant, Horio once again whetted their appetites to a new level.

"Alright everyone, let's eat quickly, otherwise we won't have the energy to watch the game this afternoon."

After saying that, he turned and left, leaving the crowd somewhat bewildered.

Meanwhile, outside the stadium, the three players, whose starting lineups were yet to be finalized, were warming up.

Although none of them showed it much, all three valued the opportunity to compete.

Fuji Syusuke has become more competitive, Akaya Kirihara's playing style Kirihara Akaya, and Echizen Ryoma wants to duel Kevin Smith.

Before the competition even started, the three of them had already begun their secret rivalry.