The Change in Playing Style

"That Net Cord Shot... you did it on purpose, didn't you?"

"You're really something, Tezuka. Although you managed to score a goal by luck, the chances of winning this match are still fifty-fifty."

The two men, each with their own thoughts as they returned to the backfield, shared the same fighting spirit.

At the start of the second point, Fuji did not go to the net after serving, and Tezuka simply stayed at the baseline to return the ball.

This time, neither of them went to the net; they just kept hitting the ball from the baseline.

"Because neither of them dared to easily initiate close combat."

"Just watching from the sidelines made me tremble all over."

The match between the two was very intense; even Kaitou, who usually preferred to remain silent, seemed like a completely different person.

The two players moved back and forth along the baseline. Suddenly, Fuji hit a flat drive with Fuji hands.

The tennis ball flew out, and then Fuji ran quickly.

With increased speed and Fuji's forward momentum, the tennis Tezuka flew back to Tezuka before he could even react after returning the ball.

Bang...

"Fuji scores, 30:0"

"My palms are already sweating after just two goals. Tezuka, how are you feeling right now?"

Seeing the tiny beads of sweat appearing on his palms, Fuji a surge of excitement.

"What's your next move, Fuji?"

On the other side, Tezuka, who conceded two goals in a row, was not affected.

"These two are really going at it, but you can't determine a winner just by looking at it like this."

Horio, watching from the sidelines, observed both of their exchanges: Fuji's unconventional attack and Tezuka's steady rhythm.

The two were a stark contrast from the very beginning, and it was a contrast of styles they had swapped.

On the third point, Fuji served and volleyed again.

Tezuka chose to respond with Lob Shot, and saw the Lob Shot appear.

Fuji stopped abruptly, preparing to Smash Shot.

Seeing Fuji's move, even the people on the sidelines thought that Fuji was definitely going to smash the ball.

However, just as the ball was about to reach the ideal hitting point, Fuji suddenly took two steps back.

Let the ball bounce, then return it with a forehand flat drive.

Bang...

"Fuji scores, 40:0"

"That was a brilliantly timed shot."

Even Tezuka is completely immobilized.

For the fourth ball, Fuji used the same old method: serve and volley, then find Tezuka's blind spot and smash the ball to the baseline.

Bang...

"Fuji scores, score 1-0"

"Fuji won the first game decisively."

"I can't believe the Captain didn't even score a single point. It seems the crushing defeat in his first year was indeed true."

Upon hearing that they already knew the news, Coach Ryuzaki recalled that time.

His gaze towards the field held a hint of other thoughts.

"It's been a long time since someone shaved my head. Is this how you greet me, Fuji? Well then, I'll respond properly."

The second game begins with Tezuka serving.

Because of Fuji's attack in the first game, Tezuka also began a fierce attack.

The tennis ball was tossed into the air, Tezuka's arm muscles tensed.

Horio then noticed a faint wisp of air emanating from the racket, followed by a dull thud as the ball was struck.

Bang...

"Tezuka scores, 15:0"

"Serve... serve and score!"

"Fuji... he can't even move a single step."

"When did he become so powerful?"

Even Kawamura was somewhat surprised by the power of Tezuka's serve, while Horio looked at Tezuka with a smile on his face.

"It seems he's become even stronger in the short time since he returned. As expected of Tezuka."

Coach Ryuzaki was also somewhat surprised by Tezuka's strength, but he was relieved to think that he and Horio had disappeared for a while after the Kanto Tournament.

Tezuka started the second ball on the field, and this time Fuji managed to react with difficulty.

However, he underestimated Tezuka's strength, and even with both hands, he could only barely retaliate.

Tezuka seized the opportunity and, before Fuji could react, returned a cross-court shot.

Bang...

"Tezuka scores, 30:0"

Bang...

"Tezuka scores, 40:0"

Bang...

Tezuka scores, score 1-1

As Tezuka began his counterattack, Fuji's first win, which had taken some time, was instantly turned around.

"These two are really evenly matched."

"They caught up immediately after losing just one game."

"This time, Captain Tezuka has won a complete victory."

Clearly, everyone only saw the result and ignored the process.

"Look closely, Fuji- Senpai is at a disadvantage."

Seeing that the group was confused about the situation, Horio spoke up to remind them.

"In the game just now, every time Tezuka Captain or returned the ball, there was a slight gust of air that radiated outwards when he hit it. That's the best proof of his skill."

"Horio, you mean the way you looked when you fought Sanada in the Kanto Tournament finals?"

"Now that you mention it, things do seem a bit different."

"So, in that case, Tezuka is slightly better than Fuji right now."

The two players on the field were unaware of the others' belated realization; at that moment, they only had each other as opponents.

"You always far exceed my expectations, Tezuka. I originally thought I couldn't be obsessed with victory anymore, but ever since you chose to treat your arm for the National Tournament, and that match against Horio."

All of this made me realize that you are also someone who is very obsessed with winning. Horio also woke me up from my obsession with winning, so come and see the me now.

Fuji patted the tennis ball Fuji unleashed a powerful serve.

Infected by Fuji's aggressive emotions, Tezuka also became belligerent.

A quick run, a slight jump, and a flat smash to counterattack.

Fuji was already prepared, and the air around his body swirled as he unleashed the Swallow Returns to Nest attack.

Bang...

"Fuji scores, 15:0"

"It's here! The Swallow Returns to Nest."

When Fuji finally unleashed one of his four counterattacks, Swallow Returns to Nest, the crowd below the arena erupted in excitement.

"It was Fuji who launched the attack first."

"That was so exhilarating! No wonder they're two of Seigaku's top players."

"Surprise, Tezuka! Fuji, who used to only lure his opponents into going all out, has now become aggressive."

Horio also had a smile on his face. Tezuka on the field was indeed a little surprised by Fuji's attack just now, and Horio could clearly see that surprised expression.

Thump...

"Fuji scores, score 2-1"

"Using Net Cord Shot against Net Cord Shot... This is the first time I've ever seen this."

"They both deliberately timed their shots to Net Cord Shot balls."

"This is incredible..."

"These two are really exceptionally strong."

In the final point of the third game, Tezuka suddenly unleashed a powerful shot, hitting a Net Cord Shot.

However, Fuji reacted quickly and retaliated with Net Cord Shot.

Tezuka, far from the frontcourt, was unable to defend and lost the third game.