The Match Ended, and Seigaku Became Champions

"It shouldn't be this serious..."

"How I felt when I first started playing tennis..."

Horio's words made everyone, including Yukimura, think.

Tennis should be a sport that brings joy, not a tool for becoming mechanical in order to win or achieve a certain goal.

Only by joyfully enjoying the game of tennis can one achieve true victory.

Having said that, Horio left the thoughtful Rikkai Dai behind and turned to leave.

After walking a few steps, Horio seemed to remember something and turned to Yukimura.

"Someone I know who's similar became stronger than before after letting go of his burdens and rediscovering the joy of playing tennis."

Horio was referring to Tezuka, but by this time he was already receiving formal professional tennis training.

"Everyone! We've won the national championship!"

Horio, who had rejoined the Seigaku group, called out with a smile. The Seigaku regulars exchanged glances and all smiled in unison.

Then they ran to Horio, picked Horio up, and threw him into the air.

"Let's go, the banquet is over."

Seigaku made history, and Hyotei can't lose either. From now on, the future is in your hands.

In the stands, Atobe watched Horio being tossed around by the crowd, a smug smile playing on his lips, before leading the Hyotei team away from the stadium.

The other schools that watched the game did the same; after the game, they also had to return to their own schools.

Inside the stadium, after the organizing committee presented awards to the top four schools in the National Tournament, the National Tournament came to an end.

Seigaku ultimately defeated the reigning champions Rikkai Dai to become the national champions, and Horio fulfilled his promise to Tezuka.

"Alright, thanks to everyone's tireless efforts, our Seigaku has finally achieved this year's goal and won the National Tournament!"

As night fell, Coach Ryuzaki looked at his students with a broad smile in Kawamura's sushi restaurant.

"I haven't been able to help you much along the way, but it's my honor to witness you make history, and it's an honor for the entire Seigaku."

Eat as much as you like today, and I, your wife, will cover all the expenses!

"That's right, that's right, I'm so happy you won the national championship. You can eat whatever you want today. I closed early especially to treat you."

Upon hearing Coach Ryuzaki tell everyone to eat as much as they wanted, Kawamura's father also warmly welcomed everyone.

"Thank you all for your hard work. I'll make sure you all have a good meal and go home happy today. If anyone leaves without being full, I'll be angry!"

"Aron, you don't need to help me today. You're a national champion too. Just eat your food properly. Your dad isn't that old yet."

Kawamura, who had already subconsciously wanted to help, was refused by his father this time. He wanted to say something, but seeing that his father was so interested, he didn't want to disturb him.

So Kawamura joined in, and the first floor of Kawamura's family sushi restaurant was filled with Coach Ryuzaki and a group of Seigaku regulars.

"That's fantastic! To have Seigaku reach the national championship in their final year of junior high is truly amazing."

"Yeah, I never thought my wish from first grade would actually come true two years later."

In a corner of the store, both Oishi and Fuji were somewhat sentimental.

"Being able to achieve this great goal before graduation means I'll have no regrets about my junior high school life."

"Agan is right! It feels amazing to fight alongside Oishi in the finals!"

Kane also revealed a slight smile, while Kikumaru maintained his usual optimistic demeanor.

Kawamura listened quietly to their conversation, only speaking after they had finished.

"I used to think that being able to make it into the National Tournament or even the top four in the country would be a great achievement."

Not only have they achieved these results, but they've also defeated Rikkai Dai. It's truly unbelievable.

"I feel the same way, but it's all thanks to Horio."

"If it weren't for his special training plan and advice, our skills wouldn't have improved so quickly."

Kawamura's words expressed the feelings of these third-year students, especially for the senior Senpai who had been in the Seigaku tennis club for three years.

The changes this year are of extraordinary significance to them compared to the previous two years.

"I really don't want to graduate. I'll miss my teammates and my old friends with whom I've fought side by side for three years."

"Times are changing; we can't stay here forever. We need to give them the opportunities."

"Yes, the future of Seigaku will depend on them."

Even after winning the national championship, Oishi's sentimental personality remained unchanged.

Fuji takes it all in stride. Although his playing style has become increasingly aggressive, his personality hasn't changed much.

"Tezuka must be very happy to hear that we won the championship."

"That's right, I called him right after the match, and I've never heard him sound so happy before."

"Is he doing alright over there? Professional training must be very tiring."

He didn't say much, only that he felt fulfilled every day, working hard towards his dream.

After winning the championship trophy, Oishi called Tezuka, Tezuka was in Germany.

Upon hearing that Seigaku had indeed won the national championship, Tezuka finally let go of his last lingering worry.

"But he also told me some other things, about the leadership transition."

Now that the National Tournament is over, we have plenty of time to train the next generation. Among the current second-year students, only Atao and Kaitou are truly representative, which is far from enough.

"After Echizen went to America, only Horio remained in the first year, but Arai made great progress in the second year."

Furthermore, the Coach has lifted the rule that first-year students cannot participate in the school's ranking tournaments, so maybe next year we'll have some strong newcomers like Horio and Echizen."

"No matter what, our Seigaku's reserve force is still far too weak compared to other schools. We need to hurry up while we third-year students are still in school."

With the National Tournament just over, several graduating third-year students are already thinking about the future of Seigaku.

However, the facts speak for themselves: so far, this year's lineup is the best Seigaku has had in decades.

Even the class that Echizen Nanjirou was in couldn't compare, and there's no guarantee that there will be anyone better in the future.

Horio, who overheard their entire conversation, said nothing.

Having already made his own plans, he wouldn't waste any more time at Seigaku. By the time Oishi and the other third-year students graduate, Horio will also be heading out into the world.