Tono Atsukyo, Who Looked Down on Everyone

"Tono and Ochi, stop arguing. After such a long flight and bus ride, do you still have the energy to argue?"

"Tch, Kiriya, you don't think you're the boss just because Byodoin isn't around, do you?"

The last person to get off the bus tried to stop the two from arguing, but the purple-haired man wasn't too bothered.

"So what do you want? Want to play a game with me? If you win, my No. 4 is yours; if you lose, you quit the Expeditionary Force. How about it?"

The man called Kiriya didn't hold back either, leaving Tono speechless with his words.

"Since everything's alright, let's head back to the dorms. We're going overseas for a month of training in a few days, so everyone should get plenty of rest."

Seeing that Tono Kiriya shut up, Kiritani called the others and they walked into the training camp together.

"Long time no see, everyone! Welcome back!"

The Expeditionary Force had not gone far Saito Itaru appeared and blocked their way.

"It's you, Coach Saito. We're just back to rest for a few days. Did you come all this way to pick us up?"

"You're still as humorous as ever, Kiriya. But you're right, I really did come to pick you up. The Head Coach prepared a special surprise for you this time."

Upon hearing the words "Head Coach," the Expeditionary Force members were stunned, for these three words held great reverence in their hearts.

"Don't be so nervous, just follow me. But I can't guarantee everyone will enjoy this surprise."

Saito Itaru's words brought the stunned crowd to their senses, and they immediately followed in his footsteps.

After traversing several stadiums, Saito Itaru led the Expeditionary Force to the venue where Horio and Tokugawa had previously played their match.

At this moment, Horio, Oni, Irie, Tanegashima, and Tokugawa were already present on the field.

"They've arrived."

"The show is about to begin."

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how long those people can hold out."

The rustling footsteps became increasingly clear, and Oni, Irie, and Tanegashima immediately realized what was happening.

"Alright everyone, we've arrived at our destination."

"Coach Saito, are these guys the surprise the Head Coach was talking about?"

The Expeditionary Force also saw Horio's five players on the field. Apart from Horio, the other four familiar faces did not surprise them.

"That's right, the Head Coach's surprise is that you all have to accept the challenge from that brown-haired boy. No matter which one of you he challenges, you can't refuse."

Saito's words caused the expressions of the Expeditionary Force members to change. Some were surprised, some found it absurd, and some felt insulted.

"That brat? He's only a middle school student, what makes him think he can challenge us?"

Tono, who was already somewhat Tono, chose to vent his anger on Horio, but Saito's next words silenced him.

"Because this is the Head Coach's decision. That boy was specially approved by the Head Coach to enter the reserve team, and he even defeated Tokugawa to become No. 1 in Court No. 1. 1."

Hey! What are you all still looking at?!

No sooner had Saito finished speaking than the demons in the arena roared.

As someone who ranks among the top five in the entire U-17, he naturally has a deterrent effect on these Expeditionary Force.

Seeing that the Expeditionary Force was frightened by his shout, a look of disdain appeared on his face; perhaps that was why he thought these people were trash.

But they quickly realized what was happening and, after a moment's hesitation, went to the sidelines.

"Little brother, since it's the Head Coach's arrangement, you can choose whoever you want to challenge."

"Whoever is the strongest among you, that's the one I'll pick."

Horio's words stunned not only Kiriya, but also everyone else, who didn't know how to respond.

"This is outrageous! He's just a middle school student, yet he acts so arrogant. I'll let you experience the pain of being punished by my Execution Song."

Then Tono stepped forward again, and before Horio could refuse, he went onto the field.

"Number eight? Fine, number eight it is then."

"Is that middle school student really that confident? Tono's Execution Song is far more terrifying than it sounds."

"What, Kimijima? Are you afraid of that guy?"

"Mitsuya, although Tono has a bad temper, he's very serious about training, so don't underestimate him."

At this moment, a long-haired man wearing glasses and a number seventeen badge spoke to a short-haired man next to him who also wore glasses and a number seven badge.

The white-haired man called Kimijima clearly knew Tono well, so he didn't pay any attention to the teasing from the man called Mitsuya.

"Kid, I'll let you serve first, so you won't have no chance at all."

On the field, Tono raised his head slightly, looking at Horio with disdain.

"Really? Thank you so much. But I'm not used to people looking up at me when they talk to me, so either you lower your head now, or I'll do it myself."

"Hahaha! Alright, if you have the ability, then go ahead and use it."

"What an idiot! After training overseas for so long, he hasn't changed at all."

Hearing Tono's arrogant words, Oni in the audience cursed disdainfully.

"However, such people often suffer a greater blow after their attempts fail."

Irie to the side, was also watching the scene with great interest, as if he could already see Tono defeat.

On the court, looking at the still arrogant Tono on the other side, Horio tossed the tennis ball into the air.

Bang!

Fifteen minutes later, on the field where Horio and Tono were playing.

The sound of the tennis ball hitting the ground rang out, and Tono collapsed on his way to catch the ball.

"Hey, it looks like you're not just bowing your head, you're practically sprawled on the ground now."

Looking at Tono lying on the ground, Horio spoke in a relaxed tone.

Tono didn't even have the strength to speak, but he still tried his best to stand up.

After several attempts, he finally collapsed on the field, and Saito immediately called for emergency medical assistance.

"Next, is there anyone else who wants to volunteer?"

After watching the paramedics put Tono on a stretcher and carry him away, Horio turned his gaze back to the other members of the Expeditionary Force.

But no one came out immediately. After a few seconds of silence, the tall man from before stepped forward.

"Since you're in such a hurry, I'll play with you for a bit."

Ochi Moonlight, the former captain of Hyotei, was the first man to lead Hyotei to national fame.

Looking up at the man who was much taller than him, Horio couldn't help but shake his head.

"Your hair is so long, doesn't it hurt your eyes?"

"I'm afraid you won't be able to serve after you see my eyes. Enough talk, let's begin."

"If you can break my serve, you win."

"Oh? Then I'll have to see for myself, but you'll have to use your full power with that Mach Serve."