Victory

"Kanto team scores, 5:3"

The sustained State of Selflessness rapidly depleted Kevin's strength, and he collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.

The rain had stopped outside, and the roof of the stadium had reopened.

Because Kevin put Ryoma under constant pressure after entering State of Selflessness, Ryoma also successfully entered State of Selflessness in the previous play.

Kevin struggled to his feet, supporting himself on his knees with his hands, and looked at Ryoma opposite him, who seemed to be glowing.

Bang...

"Kanto team scores, 6:3"

Kevin, who was too exhausted to catch the ball again, could only watch as Ryoma, in a state of complete selflessness, scored. At that moment, he finally let go of his obsession with beating Ryoma.

He used to only want to defeat Ryoma, but now he has come to realize Ryoma's strength.

Although he no longer had the strength to retaliate, Kevin maintained his slightly crouched posture.

Watching Ryoma leap into the sky once more, Kevin felt only relief.

A sense of relief regarding his past obsessions and his assessment of Ryoma's abilities.

At this moment, the dark clouds in the sky slowly dispersed, and the sunlight once again pierced through the thick clouds and shone on the earth.

Kevin looked up as the light shone down on him, following the silhouette of the Ryoma in the sky.

"Echizen Ryoma, you are really strong..."

"Dad, were the guys you competed against back then... also this good?"

Bang...

"Kanto team scores, score 7-6, Echizen wins."

Ryoma unleashed a final Tornado Smash, ending the match.

In the end, the Kanto team won the friendly match with three wins, one loss, and one draw.

The moment the referee announced the result, everyone else on the Kanto team, including several Coach, smiled.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the West Coast team, apart from the furious Coach Baker, were all proud of Kevin.

"It's still a long way off."

"Hmph, you brat, I won't lose next time."

At the net, Ryoma extended his hand, but his words remained sharp.

Seeing Ryoma like this, Kevin finally smiled with relief.

Snap snap snap...

Just as the two shook hands, Horio, from the Coach bench, stood up and applauded them.

"Well done, Ryoma, Kevin too. Continue with your own tennis path; that's the path that should belong to you."

Horio was very satisfied with the match; Ryoma had surpassed himself, and Kevin had finally returned to his true self.

As Horio clapped, thunderous applause erupted in the stadium.

The applause wasn't just for Ryoma, who won the game, but also for Kevin, who gave it his all.

"Kevin, congratulations on messing everything up. See how you're going to take responsibility!"

Coach Baker, blinded by defeat, didn't give Kevin a chance to enjoy the applause. He stood up and angrily went to settle the score with Kevin.

"Take responsibility? Take responsibility for what? Coach Baker, does losing a game mean it's entirely the players' fault?"

Listen carefully, the applause is for both of them.

The match was over, Horio, no longer concerned about the rules, stepped forward to rebut Beck.

At this moment, cheers erupted amidst the applause of the entire audience, some for Ryoma and others for Kevin.

"Did you hear that? It's not just the winner who wins; as long as you give it your all, the audience will see it. Someone like you wouldn't understand that."

Hearing Horio's sarcastic remarks and the cheers of the audience, Coach Baker was somewhat at a loss, and even felt ashamed.

"Why... why are we cheering for Kevin who lost..."

"Because Kevin may have lost, but Kevin fighting spirit to the very end really moved everyone. I think... you'll never understand that feeling in your entire life."

Nakamura also came onto the field, no longer willing to associate with this profit-driven businessman in front of him.

After saying his final words to Coach Baker, Nakamura adjusted his glasses and turned to leave.

Hearing the cheers of the audience, the two on the field raised their clasped hands to the sky.

This action undoubtedly added fuel to the already excited audience.

In the spectator area, the audience stood up, and the atmosphere became even more intense.

"Thanks."

Fifteen minutes later, inside the stadium, where the original court had been, an awards ceremony was taking place.

The two teams stood on opposite sides, and the organizers handed a trophy to Horio.

Everyone here, win or lose, is enjoying this moment.

"Everyone has worked hard. Get some rest when you get back today."

"Thank you all for your hard work. The bus back is waiting outside. Go and pack your things."

After the awards ceremony concluded, Coach Sakaki and Coach Hanamura appeared before the crowd.

"Coach Hanamura, I'm worried about Kirihara's injury. I'd like to visit him while I'm there."

"That's good, he's probably also eager to know the result of the match."

Because of Kirihara's hospitalization, Sanada, as the Vice President, was constantly worried.

"Then I'll go with you, Coach Hanamura. I'll leave things here in your care."

Although he was only a temporary Coach, Coach Sakaki still cared about everyone. After handing everyone over to Coach Hanamura, he took Sanada and left.

"Then let's call it a day. Thanks for your hard work today."

"What are you all dawdling about? Hurry up! Every second you stay here is a waste."

In the West Coast team's locker room, Coach Baker, who had become a completely different person, urged everyone on.

The others didn't take Coach Baker's words seriously; they were already somewhat disappointed in Coach.

"That doesn't seem so, Mr. Baker."

At that moment, Nakamura's voice came, and he led Minao Takayama into the lounge.

"Is there something you need? I think we have nothing more to talk about."

Even if I said I wanted to sponsor you, would you still think the same way?

Coach Baker, having lost his sponsor, was impatient with everyone. His profit-driven nature also made him feel that Minao Takayama was there to mock him.

"What? What did you say?!"

When Minao Takayama said that, Coach Baker thought he had misheard, and even the rest of the team members standing nearby were somewhat incredulous.

"Why? Kevin clearly lost."

"Miss Takayama said that although Kevin lost, his performance was very touching."

"Mr. Baker, you must have heard the cheers for Kevin after the game, right?"

It wasn't just Kevin, but all of you guys played really well, and that really touched me."

Minao Takayama was speechless at Coach Baker's question; as expected, this kind of person knew nothing but money.

"Then why did you set the condition that Kevin had to win in the first place?"

"Don't you understand yet, Mr. Baker? The one being tested isn't the athlete, but you as the Coach."

"What... what did you say!?"

Even Nakamura understood, but Coach Baker still didn't, and Minao Takayama frowned.