Niou's Counterattack

The tennis ball traced an arc through the air as it flew towards the net.

Just after clearing the net, the tennis ball began to fall rapidly.

At that moment, Tezuka, the phantom of Niou, also returned the shot with a backhand, hitting the falling ball back at the net.

Everything happened so fast that Fuji didn't even have time to react before the tennis ball landed in his half of the court.

Moreover, the tennis ball did not bounce after landing, but instead slid towards the net.

"Rikkai Dai Fuzoku Junior High's Niou scores, 40:0"

Niou unleashed the Zero-style Drop Shot, breaking Fuji's Fuji Triple Counter within a single ball's time.

"Returning Fuji's triple return and finishing with Zero-style Drop Shot, that's really Tezuka's style."

"It's practically a real match Tezuka Captain and Fuji Senpai..."

Upon hearing Oishi's words, Momoshiro's eyes were filled with shock.

"As long as his phantom exists, not only you, Sanada, but even I can create a phantom."

"What did you say?"

That's what he told me.

On Rikkai Dai's side, Yukimura had already returned to his chair on the Coach's bench.

He didn't turn around, but he said these words to Sanada.

Sanada was also puzzled by these strange words.

Needless to Sanada, even Yukimura was taken aback when he heard Niou say that.

Bang...

"Rikkai Dai Fuzoku Junior High's Niou scores, score 1:4"

Niou once again delivered a dominant point, breaking Fuji's serve and allowing Niou to pull back a point.

"In a sense, perhaps Niou is Rikkai Dai's most troublesome person."

At this moment, Yukimura, sitting on the Coach's bench, looked at Niou, who was in the center of the Tezuka Zone on the court, and remained as calm as ever.

"Fuji has been held back since the last round; I wonder what his strategy is."

"Niou's phantom is completely different from ordinary tennis imitations; it's simply impossible to do without skill levels close to the real person."

"Whether it's the real deal or a fake, I never expected this match to turn into a duel between Fuji and Tezuka. It's amazing he even thought of that."

"That's true. Those two are considered Seigaku's two trump cards, and it's quite unexpected that they're competing against each other now."

As Seigaku's long-time rival, Oshitari couldn't help but worry about Fuji.

Mukahi was still wary of Niou's phantom, while Atobe was very interested in this novel approach.

"Tezuka the last match, Captain completely defeated Fuji Senpai. He must still be feeling resentful about that match."

"But he's already lost once, so the pressure on him should be even greater this time. Fuji is having a really tough time right now."

"So, if Fuji doesn't find a way to break this deadlock, then there's no hope for this match."

Momoshiro clearly knew that Fuji was under a lot of pressure, and the data analysis results he had prepared were also unfavorable to Fuji.

Hearing Oishi's somewhat unfounded worries, Horio spoke up.

"No, Fuji- Senpai now is not the same person he was back then. After these matches and the training before the finals, his skills have improved significantly."

Horio pointed out the difference directly, then, as if he had thought of something else, continued.

"Furthermore, even Niou, the Captain Tezuka Niou is still at roughly the same level as before the National Tournament. Even if he doesn't have an advantage now, who knows what will happen in the future."

Horio had a general idea of Tezuka level from the Niou Phantom, and the Tezuka Zone and the Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired were indeed troublesome for someone like Fuji who hadn't been exposed to them.

Most importantly, Tezuka has not yet unleashed another profound state of selflessness.

Although it's unknown whether Niou successfully teleported there, it is indeed a potential problem.

Bang...

"Rikkai Dai Fuzoku Junior High's Niou scores, score 2:4"

Another game ended, Niou once again narrowed the gap.

"I never expected to meet you on the field again in this way so soon, Tezuka... I still remember your defeat from last time so clearly."

Ever since that competition in first grade, I've been looking forward to competing against you again. Last time, my wish finally came true, but I lost miserably.

After being caught up by Tezuka for two games, Fuji's face was already covered in sweat.

But this was just the beginning; Niou's counterattack was just getting started.

At the start of the seventh round, Fuji had already given it his all, but Niou's phantom was just too troublesome.

After losing the seventh game again, the eighth game came down to the final point.

At this moment, in order to deal with the current situation, Fuji has already used the Mayfly Encirclement to alleviate the power of the Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired.

However, Niou simply twisted his body, spun around, and then hit a backhand volley at the net.

Bang...

"Rikkai Dai Fuzoku Junior High's Niou scores, making the score 4-4."

"They still caught up with us."

"He was leading by four games, but in the blink of an eye, his opponent caught up. What's wrong with Fuji?"

"He seems to be concentrating, but he's always distracted. His behavior is so strange."

While Oshitari wondering about Fuji's situation, Mukahi noticed Fuji's unusual state.

"After the last competition, I realized that my strength was still very weak, so with that unwillingness to accept it, I have been working hard to become stronger."

Bang!

"Rikkai Dai Fuzoku Junior High's Niou scores, making the score 5-4."

Niou scored again, successfully taking the lead.

As Mukahi said, Fuji was indeed trying his best to concentrate on the match, but his mind was filled with resentment after losing to Tezuka.

Adding to the fact that Tezuka suddenly decided to leave the club before the finals to pursue his own dream, it's uncertain when they will face each other again.

"Even Fuji, who is known as a genius, has a barrier that he can't overcome no matter what. If there is Fuji who can stop Fuji from constantly evolving, it must be Tezuka."

"If Fuji can't surpass Tezuka in this match, then Seigaku has no chance of winning."

As the leaders of Rikkai Dai and Hyotei, Yukimura and Atobe pointed directly to the key to this match.

"We've finally reached the final stage of Rikkai Dai's match. At this pace, even Fuji- Senpai won't be able to handle it."

It was Niou's final game again, and it was his serve. No matter how you look at it, the disadvantage was on Fuji's side.

Six balls.

At that moment, Niou suddenly spoke on the court, drawing Fuji's attention back. Fuji looked Fuji and saw Niou, whose gleaming eyes seemed to see right through him.

"As expected, he brought Tezuka's Radiant Talent life."

Seeing Niou surrounded by a seven-colored aura, Gan pushed up his glasses and said.

"It's time for you to fight back. It's just Radiant Talent; take the first victory."

Horio wasn't worried about this at all. If being Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired and Tezuka Zone were more troublesome, then Radiant Talent wasn't so scary.