A Clash Between Captains

"Hey Sanada, I was thinking this training camp would be really boring."

"I'm practicing, I don't have time to listen to your complaints, please be quiet."

"Listen to me, but my thoughts have changed today."

"Because of Tezuka..."

"No... it's not just because of Tezuka. Tezuka's return is certainly interesting, but more importantly, that person appeared with him."

"You mean Horio... He's definitely very strong."

"For me, the only person I could consider a rival was Tezuka, but after that match, Horio became the second."

"You treat others as rivals, but they might not even consider you a threat."

"Hmph, you're really harsh with your words. Actually, you're no different from me. In the finals of the Kanto Tournament, you got beaten up like that by Horio. You and I aren't that different."

Inside the gym, two figures were talking.

After the welcome party ended, Sanada left the cafeteria and went to the gym for extra training.

Atobe saw Sanada leaving and immediately followed.

The sudden return of Horio and Tezuka put pressure on the two who weren't very enthusiastic about the training camp.

"Since we both consider those two as rivals, it's time for us to settle things once and for all."

Atobe looked at Sanada, who had already stood up, and extended an invitation to the match.

Let's have a match.

"No problem."

"Here's your coffee, Coach Sakaki. Tezuka, do you want some?"

"No need, thank you."

Inside the Coach' office, all three Coach except Horio were gathered.

"The training camp should be ending soon; it's about time to select representatives."

After taking a sip of coffee, Coach Sakaki looked at Hanamura and Tezuka.

"That's right, it's time to start the selection process."

After hearing Coach Sakaki's reminder, Coach Hanamura thought it was time to act.

"Therefore, each group should first select a representative."

"No problem, I've already thought of several candidates."

"Tezuka, you should choose one too."

With the training camp nearing its end, Head Coach Sakaki has begun selecting representative players.

Coach Hanamura already had the answer in his mind, while Tezuka still looked uncertain.

"After the warm-up, we'll have a practice match, so remember to be prepared, everyone."

Inside the training ground of the Hanamura, everyone was doing warm-up exercises.

Atobe, who was stretching his legs, stood up, glanced at Sanada, then turned and picked up his racket to leave.

"Atobe, where are you going? Training is about to begin."

"Go to the toilet, go to the toilet."

After saying that, he picked up his racket and left. Coach Hanamura watched Atobe leave, his brows furrowed slightly.

On the other side, Sanada, who was doing strength training, also stopped practicing, picked up his racket, and left.

"Aren't we going to stop them from acting like this?"

"No need, those two are destined to fight to the death."

Inside the office, Coach Hanamura was somewhat worried when he saw his team members playing against other teams in private.

Coach Sakaki, however, did not object, and Tezuka did not stop the two as they prepared for the match.

"Sanada, you serve first."

Upon reaching the Atobe, Atobe voluntarily ceded the serve to Sanada.

Atobe dared not underestimate Sanada and gave it his all from the very first serve.

Similarly, facing Sanada, who was his equal, Atobe was also giving it his all.

"That's amazing..."

"What an astonishing aura..."

"It looks like they're serious."

The two players, locked in a fierce battle on the court, impressed the audience with their formidable skills.

Bang...

"Atobe scores, score 1-0"

"Sanada's serve has been broken. Atobe really lived up to his reputation."

"But so far, the two of them have only used about 70% of their strength."

Just as Atobe and Sanada finished their game, Tezuka, who was originally in the office, also appeared with the Ryuzaki team.

As the Head Coach, Sakaki also made a special trip to the field to observe the two players' match up close.

"Not bad, it seems you two have both made great progress recently."

On the rooftop of the Training Base, Horio, who was taking a break, was awakened by noises coming from the tennis courts.

Seeing that it was a match between Atobe and Sanada, Horio also became interested.

"Sanada scores, 15:0"

"Atobe's score: 15:15"

"Sanada scores..."

"Atobe scores, score 2-0"

Another intense match ensued, Atobe scored another point.

"Atobe actually won two games in a row!"

"Yes, Atobe has a complete advantage."

"I initially thought Sanada would be a cut above Atobe, but it seems that's not the case."

Those watching from the sidelines were quite surprised that Atobe scored the first two points; in their view, Sanada should have been the stronger player.

Horio, who was also watching the game from the rooftop, looked at Atobe with a smile.

"You're already panting after only two rounds? That's bad."

On the court, Atobe, who had scored the first two points, was slightly out of breath as he looked at Sanada, whose breathing was steady.

"You're saying I have the upper hand? What are you looking at?"

On the other hand, because they needed to select a representative list, Coach Hanamura kept all his team members behind for the competition.

Watching Kabaji and Wakato compete on the field, Oshitari and the others on the sidelines were somewhat distracted.

The gossipy Ibu, who was standing to the side, had also wanted to leave for a while, saying he wanted to take the opportunity to slip away.

They were also afraid of being caught by Coach Hanamura, which can be said to have spoken out the true feelings of these people.

Inside the court, Atobe and Sanada continued their match, each swing of their rackets captivating the hearts of the spectators outside.

"It's about time, isn't it? Atobe should be showing off his special skill soon."

As a member of the Hyotei team, Meido was naturally familiar with Atobe's playing habits.

Hearing Meido's words, Yanagi, who was standing to the side, showed no concern for Sanada whatsoever.

"By then, it will be pretty much Atobe's death day."

"Atobe, let me see what your secret weapon is."

On the court, Sanada, having overheard Meido's words from the sidelines, was also eager to witness Atobe's signature move.

So after Atobe returned the ball, he estimated the angle of his racket and hit a Lob Shot.

Seeing the Lob Shot appear, Atobe certainly wouldn't let it pass.

He jumped up, his eyes fixed on Sanada's hand holding the racket.

"I've spotted Sanada, so enjoy my skills."

Having said that, Atobe swung his paddle.

A powerful smash followed, and the tennis ball flew straight into Sanada's hand.

"Hmph, utterly boring."

Seeing Atobe's powerful smash, Sanada was somewhat disdainful and immediately adjusted his posture.

Bang...

"Sanada scores, 30:30"

Upon landing, Atobe was momentarily stunned by the referee's decision.

Those watching from the sidelines were also taken aback by what had just happened, only realizing after a moment that Sanada had begun his counterattack.