Doubles Two
"Our next goal is the Kanto Tournament finals, and what we need to do is prepare for the finals."
Inside the Seigaku tennis courts, Coach Ryuzaki was giving a pep talk before today's training session.
"Horio won't be training with us for the next few days; he has his own things to do."
"Horio has disappeared again. Did he go to some mysterious place to practice alone again, like last time?"
"He returned stronger after disappearing last time. How much stronger will he be this time when he comes back?"
Upon hearing Coach Ryuzaki say that Horio taken leave, everyone guessed the reason.
"So you need to work even harder in the training from now on, otherwise the final match against Rikkai Dai Fuzoku Junior High will be very tough."
While Coach Ryuzaki was giving instructions, Horio was practicing diligently in a forest somewhere.
Besides Ryoma, there was another imposing figure.
The figure's disheveled appearance perfectly matched the forest, making him look like a wild man from the woods.
"Hey old man, that's not enough, give me a little more."
"Stop being so arrogant. Do your training properly first."
After saying that, he took his sake bottle and left, leaving Horio alone to practice.
Ring ring ring...
"Is today the final?"
At Ryoma's house, Ryoma was awakened by an alarm clock.
After arriving in the living room, I was called to eat, but I was urged to leave by Echizen Nanjirou when I was only halfway through my meal.
Kikumaru prepared breakfast for his family as usual, even though he knew it was the finals.
Gan was sitting in his room looking at a photo on his desk. The photo showed Gan and another friend when they were in elementary school.
I think it would be better if I drove you there.
"No need, there's still time, it's alright."
"If I have time, I'll come over and cheer you on."
Fuji declined his sister's offer to give him a ride and left with his tennis bag on his back.
"Even if I'm just a substitute, it's okay. I'll come watch your game as soon as I'm done with my work."
"If we win today, we'll advance to the National Tournament. That's when I'll truly shine."
"Good job, keep up the momentum."
With his father's encouragement, Kawamura walked toward the competition venue.
"Tezuka, I will definitely keep my promise to you."
Oishi stared at the fish tank in front of him, his eyes resolute as he muttered to himself.
"Alright, is everyone here?"
Outside the stadium, Oishi watched as his teammates gradually appeared.
"It seems like we're only missing Horio, and it's those two brats again."
"Oh, I'm used to it by now, and I know how to handle it."
"That's right, let's watch them."
After saying that, Momoshiro and Kikumaru both turned their heads toward Katsuo.
After a thorough cleanup, two clones of Horio and Ryoma appeared.
"Even though we're about the same height, I'm still worried about being recognized."
"If Horio and Echizen arrive on time, then Katsuo won't need to fill in. If they don't, then we'll just have to try anything, even if it's a long shot."
"Looks like everyone's gradually arriving."
I wonder who I'll be playing against.
"However, we still cannot let our guard down."
"We can't underestimate Seigaku now; they have a lot of weirdos."
"Especially that first-year student, Horio Satoshi, whose strength is said to be unfathomable."
In a corner of the stadium, the Rikkai Dai team had already assembled.
Sanada, holding the roster of competitors, frowned slightly, clearly somewhat worried.
"This arrangement maximizes the chances of winning."
He then got up and submitted the roster to the reporting office, while Seigaku waited for Horio to appear.
"We can't wait any longer, Katsuro Katsuo. You two stay at the back of the group and don't make a sound."
Oishi checked the time, decided not to wait any longer, and headed towards the reporting area.
"Not too late, not too early, the timing is just right, everyone, I'm back."
As soon as everyone turned around, they heard Horio's voice.
"Now we only need Ryoma. Kid, you always seem to show up at the perfect time."
"As long as they're not late, that's fine. Ryoma hasn't arrived yet either."
"Never mind, let's go report first. As for Ryoma, let him be a substitute; time is running out."
After Horio arrived, Oishi and was no longer so flustered.
"Next up is the match between the Seigaku Academy and Rikkai Dai Fuzoku Junior High School. Players, please enter the field."
"Let's go, everyone, and win today's game."
Upon hearing the referee's voice, Oishi led everyone towards the court.
"Hello, I hope for a great match."
"I think so too, keep it up!"
After the two team Captain shook hands, their respective players returned to the spectator area.
"Next up is Second Doubles. Players, please prepare."
"Kaitou, it's time to go."
"He's Senpai."
Seigaku's Second Doubles was still the combination of Kaitou and Inui.
Rikkai Dai fielded Marui Bunta and Wally Kuwahara, which is considered Rikkai Dai's signature doubles pair.
"Please give me your guidance. It's a rare opportunity, so please enjoy my amazing skills before you go back."
Upon entering the stage, Marui delivered a series of cool, somewhat cheesy lines.
"Kaitou, don't worry about them. Let's just stick to the plan."
"The match begins, Seigaku serves."
The first game was Seigaku's serve, and they dared not be careless against Rikkai Dai.
Looking at the two Rikkai Dai opposite him, he unleashed Waterfall Pouring Down attacks.
Bang...
"Seigaku score, 15:0"
"That's a powerful serve; the speed must be close to 200 kilometers per hour."
"They're almost the same, let's wait a little longer."
Marui and Kuwahara were not too surprised to see the dry, Waterfall Pouring Down.
Bang...
Bang...
"Seigaku scores, score 1-0"
"How about it? It should be about done."
"That's about it. That serve means you can forget about scoring in the next game."
The two Seigaku scored a point directly with their Waterfall Pouring Down, and the two Rikkai Dai also saw the Waterfall Pouring Down clearly.
Next up is Rikkai Dai's serve, Kuwahara is already preparing to serve.
Kuwahara didn't use any fancy skills; it was just a simple serve.
However, the ball's speed was also quite fast, which surprised the receiver.
"The data was indeed incorrect; it seems we need to collect and reorganize it."
Having made up his mind, Gan returned the ball with force, while Marui at the net aimed and Half Volley.
Bang...
Rikkai Dai scores, 15:0
"That... is that Fuji Yuta's Half Volley?"
"Judging from Fuji Yuta's Half Volley was most likely learned from him."
"Even a simple return shot possesses the power of Fuji Yuta's signature move."
Rikkai Dai is no pushover either; after Seigaku took a point, they immediately launched a counterattack.
"If you think you can win so easily, you're dreaming."