Practice Before Leaving
"Let me make this clear from the start, Niou, don't even think about trying anything funny in this match."
"What are you talking about? I have no intention of using any tricks on you, Yanagi. Let's have a fair and square match."
On Rikkai Dai's side, Yanagi and Niou, longtime partners, also faced off.
Yanagi dared not be careless about Niou's level of deception, but it was precisely because he understood Niou that Yanagi was able to guard against him to the greatest extent possible.
Despite being told this by his partner, Niou showed no displeasure.
As a con artist on the field, remaining expressionless is a fundamental quality.
"Upright and honorable, huh? I can't believe such words coming from your mouth. But I'm not stupid enough to believe your nonsense. Bring it on, Niou."
Yanagi truly lived up to his reputation as the one who understood Niou the most; no matter how sincere Niou's words were, Yanagi could see through them at a glance.
Seeing that Yanagi wasn't fooled, Niou gave a strange smile and turned to leave.
So, on the three interconnected courts, the three former doubles pairs began their respective matches.
"The tension is really palpable. They're going all out even after fighting side-by-side before. I really underestimated them."
"It is precisely because we fought side by side that we understand each other's intentions even more, so we treat each other as if it were our last match."
However, there are exceptions when it comes to giving your all, such as our Seigaku's Golden Pair.
Off the field, Irie was quite impressed with the performance of these three groups.
However, Horio quickly provided a counterexample for Irie: following the direction Horio pointed, the match between Oishi and Kikumaru had already begun.
Unlike the matches between Meido and others, the match between Oishi and Kikumaru was not very intense.
The two practiced like they always did at school, but this time they were much more serious.
Puff...
"Oh dear, I made a mistake, this is terrible."
Just as Kikumaru returned Oishi's forehand shot, the tennis ball missed its angle and touched the net.
"Was it intentional? If they really are the top doubles team in the country among junior high school students, then that mistake can only be explained as intentional."
"Who knows? Anyway, no matter who wins or loses, there's always a chance to continue."
Let's go. The demon and Tokugawa are probably already practicing. Before I go settle scores with that old geezer, let's make the most of this time and give Tokugawa a good workout."
Seemingly unwilling to watch any longer, Horio turned and left.
Irie's gaze lingered on the court for a few seconds before he followed Horio's steps.
Unbeknownst to them, an uninvited guest had arrived at the Court No. 1 where Oni and Tokugawa were practicing.
"How did today's training go?"
"It's still within expectations, but there's still one disobedient child."
Inside the control room, Saito had returned.
Upon hearing Kurobe's question, Saito walked to the control panel and looked at one of the screens on the wall.
Kurobe put down his coffee cup and turned to look at the screen that Saito was looking at.
"How did he find the Court No. 1?"
Kurobe frowned slightly as he watched the lively figure on the screen.
"What? This is Court No. 1? I can't even see Horio."
"Hey, have you seen Horio?"
Inside Court No. 1, Kintaro finally found the place.
Tokugawa and Oni, who were practicing on the court, stopped when they heard Kintaro's voice.
"Kid, you shouldn't be here at a time like this. Get back to Center Court."
Seeing Kintaro, who also had red hair like himself, the demon's tone did not change.
"I'm looking for Horio. Just tell me where Horio is, sir."
Kintaro felt no fear when facing the ferocious demon.
"Hmph, he's just a middle school student, how dare he be so bold."
Even if you wanted to challenge Horio, you couldn't beat him. I think you'd be better off going back to Center Court and fighting each other to win a chance to stay."
"So you think I'm not good enough? In that case, I won't challenge Horio, I'll challenge you instead!"
Feeling looked down upon by the demons, and unable to find Horio either, Kintaro simply turned his attention to the demons.
"Hmph, I don't have time to waste on a brat like you. This is your last warning; you'd better get back to Center Court right now."
"Since he wants to challenge you, why don't you give him a try, you devil."
The demon was disdainful of Kintaro's challenge and immediately prepared to leave.
At this moment Horio and Irie also returned to the Court No. 1, thinking that they were going to practice with Tokugawa anyway.
Since the ghost is idle anyway, he might as well teach Kintaro a lesson.
"Horio! You've finally shown up! Let's have a match! This is a new racket that Grandma Sugi made for me, it definitely won't break this time!"
"Hey kid! Weren't you just challenging me?"
"Uncle, Horio's back now, so I won't bother you any longer. Horio! Let's have the match!"
As soon as Horio appeared, the flame that had been extinguished in Kintaro's heart reignited, and he immediately abandoned the demon beside him.
How could a demon tolerate being treated like this? Just as the demon's anger was about to erupt, Horio made a request.
"Since you want to challenge me, you can't break the rules. Of us, only Ghost is from Court No. 5, so you have to defeat him before you can challenge me."
"Really! You'll compete with me if I beat that old ghost!?"
Alright, let's begin, Uncle Oni. In order to compete against Horio, I have to defeat you quickly.
Horio's words were like a royal decree, Kintaro immediately took action upon hearing them.
"Kid, I'll show you what happens when you're arrogant."
The enraged demon, seeing Kintaro's fury, turned and walked back into the court.
Kintaro didn't stop for a moment and arrived opposite the demon.
"Let's go, Tokugawa. Before I leave, let's have one last good fight."
Horio, who had tricked Kintaro away, turned to look at Tokugawa. Tokugawa was slightly surprised but did not refuse and walked towards another court.
Seeing this, Horio took out his racket, swung his arm, and walked onto the court.
"By the time this training camp ends, those guys from the First String and Second Armies should be back by now."
"There's less than a month left. Let me see just how determined you are to defeat Byodoin."
Seeing Horio's familiar provocation, Tokugawa recalled Horio's actions when he first arrived at the training camp.
"Ready? This time it's for real."
After saying that, ten balls appeared on Horio's racket.
When Tokugawa saw that Horio had taken out ten balls right away, he immediately got into position to catch them.
With a gentle flick of his racket towards the sky, ten balls scattered in the air, and then Horio seemed to have split into two.
Ten different figures appeared, simultaneously launching ten balls into the sky.