The Seigaku Can't Afford to Lose Again

"How are you feeling, Kaitou? Facing an opponent like Sanada who's way beyond the level of middle school tennis, you must be feeling a lot of pressure."

On Seigaku's side, Coach Ryuzaki looked at Kaitou, who was having some difficulty even walking.

I simply smiled and chatted with him, without blaming him.

"Yes, Coach, Sanada is really strong. Even though I tried my best, I couldn't do anything against him."

"I see. It seems you still have a long way to go. But you must have gained a lot from this competition; it's been a truly meaningful experience."

"Um... Coach... was this match really arranged by Captain Tezuka on his Tezuka?"

Kaitou didn't take Coach Ryuzaki's words of comfort to heart.

Because he had something else on his mind, after a struggle with his thoughts, he finally said those words.

"That's right, it was Tezuka who arranged it; he recommended you as the next Captain."

However, he had to go abroad and was very pressed for time, so he entrusted the tasks that were originally his to Sanada.

At first, I was worried that something might happen if he did that, and then you suddenly Demonization during the game and then suddenly lost control, which really made me regret it.

But I've also seen your progress in the competition, and you've understood the qualities a team leader needs, so I'm very satisfied with this result."

Having received an affirmative answer from Coach Ryuzaki, Kaitou didn't say anything more, but instead walked back to the players' area with her head down.

"You've worked hard, Kaitou! I never imagined you could achieve Demonization like Kirihara, and even surpass him! It's truly an eye-opener!"

"And he even secretly mastered techniques like the Tornado Snake Shot and the Wave Tornado Snake Shot. It seems Tezuka made the right choice in selecting you as his successor."

"Kaitou, is your arm alright? Should we spray some pain relief spray?"

When Kaitou returned to the players' area, a group of Seigaku regulars surrounded him.

Kaitou felt a little uncomfortable facing these enthusiastic third-year Senpai and quickly went back to her seat.

Just as he shook off the others, Momoshiro's figure blocked his way.

"Although I don't know why Captain Tezuka would want you to be the next Captain, that doesn't mean I'll submit to you."

Even if you're the Captain, I'll still beat you.

"You're welcome to challenge me anytime. No matter how many times you try, I'll beat you."

Seeing Momoshiro's unusually serious expression, Kaitou also became serious.

"Sigh, if you were a little more mature, Momoshiro, you might have been the Captain Senpai. What a pity."

Just then, the two who were glaring at each other heard Horio sigh.

Momoshiro, in particular, looked dejected when he heard Horio say that he was not qualified to be the Captain because he was not mature enough.

Feeling embarrassed after being teased by a first-year student, he immediately prepared to teach Horio a lesson, but Oishi's voice stopped him.

"Are you ready, Eiji? This is our last doubles match."

"I'm ready to play anytime. Let's win this match and give our doubles a perfect ending."

Oishi took his racket out of the tennis bag, rotated his wrist, and, feeling no discomfort, smiled confidently.

"That familiar feeling is back. Let's go, Eiji, let's show them the power of our Golden Pair."

After Oishi finished speaking, he walked towards the court, and Kikumaru followed him with his racket on his back.

"Next up is the Seishun Gakuen vs. Rikkai Seigaku Academy Rikkai Dai Fuzoku Junior High Doubles Match 1, featuring Seigaku's Oishi and Kikumaru against Rikkai Dai's Wolf Marui."

The match begins with Rikkai Dai Wolf serving.

This match was crucial for both sides, so the two sides didn't exchange many words before the game started.

"Victory belongs to Rikkai Dai."

Standing on the baseline, the Wolf uttered this declaration again in a low voice, and then tossed the ball high into the air.

After a powerful swing, the tennis ball was hit out.

Oishi reacted quickly, moving the instant the tennis ball flew out.

Kikumaru understood what he had to do the instant Oishi moved, and so he returned the Wolf 'Oishi serve.

Kikumaru's Special Skill Shot was already in place when Marui made his volley at the net.

Bang...

"Seigaku Oishi and Kikumaru score, 15:0"

Before the two Rikkai Dai could react, the ball had already been returned and scored.

Seigaku's Golden Pair displayed excellent teamwork and mature doubles skills from the start of the match, temporarily suppressing the Rikkai Dai duo of Wolf and Marui.

Bang...

"Seigaku Oishi and Kikumaru scored, 30:0"

Thanks to their excellent teamwork, Oishi and Kikumaru scored another point.

"As expected of the Golden Pair, their opponents simply can't keep up with their pace."

"While gaining an early advantage is a good thing, Wolf and Marui's strength can't possibly remain at the level they were at during the Kanto Tournament."

"Fuji, are you saying they're still testing the waters?"

"That should be the case, after all, they are Rikkai Dai's regular players, how could they be scored on so easily by their opponents?"

Kawamura Oishi, who was a substitute for this match, and Kikumaru, who had such a smooth start, were naturally someone to be happy for.

Fuji to the side, felt somewhat uneasy, because situations that go too smoothly are often the most prone to unexpected changes.

Bang...

"Seigaku Oishi and Kikumaru scored, the score is 1:0"

With the agile offense and defense of the Seigaku Golden Pair, they successfully won the first game and also broke Rikkai Dai's serve.

"Well done."

At Seigaku's halftime, Oishi and Kikumaru, the Oishi of the first game, gave each other a high five.

"Don't be so happy yet; the truly terrifying thing is just around the corner."

On the other side, Wolf, Marui Kikumaru, Oishi, and Marui were so happy after winning just one round that they also made their move.

They removed the weight training wristbands from their hands and feet, and the wristbands that fell to the ground kicked up dust, showing how heavy they were.

"It's just one game won, is it really that exciting? We're only happy when we win the whole game."

After removing the wristbands from his feet, Marui felt lighter.

"They were still wearing training wristbands during the finals!? Are they really that confident?"

The actions of the two Rikkai Dai not only made Oishi frown, but even Kikumaru, who was usually optimistic, became serious.

"It's alright, Oishi. The outcome is never certain until the very last moment."

Kikumaru stared at the Wolf and Marui, but said words of comfort to Oishi.

Upon hearing Kikumaru's words, Oishi nodded and turned to walk to the baseline.

He served into most of Rikkai Dai, but the Wolf, now freed from its restraints, became even more powerful.

"Fire Rat Cannon Shot!"