The Final, vs. Tezuka!

Tokyo Metropolis.

Lawson Tennis Center.

Since all the morning matches had gone the distance, the finals had been moved to the afternoon.

After the morning matches ended, the crowd thinned out considerably.

By three in the afternoon, the once-quiet Lawson Tennis Center had grown lively.

"Mukahi, hurry... hurry up and get over here! I can't squeeze through!"

The brown-haired boy kept pushing his way into the crowd, nearly out of breath.

Behind him, the wine-red-haired boy was also pushing his way forward, trying to claim the best viewing spot.

At first, Shishido and Mukahi hadn't planned on coming to watch the match.

But when they remembered that Tezuka and Kamikawa were playing, they couldn't help coming over.

They had nothing else to do, anyway. If they weren't watching the match, they'd just be going back to train. They might as well squeeze in and watch; who knew, they might even learn a few new techniques.

"Hey, you little brat, stop shoving!"

"Seriously, he doesn't look like much, but he's got some strength."

"Looks like he plays tennis too. I think he made it to the quarterfinals of the JR Tournament earlier. Let them through."

"Honestly, they could've come sooner."

The spectators around them complained, but still made a path for Shishido and Mukahi.

Seeing that, the two didn't hesitate. They hurried to the front and finally got a clear view of the entire court.

"Thanks, you guys!"

Shishido called out to the middle-aged men behind him.

"Who are you calling middle-aged? I'm only eighteen!"

"You've got no eye for age. I only just graduated high school!"

"..."

Who would've thought Shishido's comment would instead provoke the people behind him?

They weren't that old, and even those in their twenties hated being called middle-aged.

But since Shishido was young, most of them let it go. They turned their attention to the court, where the JR Tournament elementary division final was about to begin.

For once, the finalists were both tennis players from Tokyo Metropolis.

And they were two players no one had expected to see in the final.

"Tezuka, this should be the first time we've faced each other in an official match, right?"

Kamikawa walked to the center of the court, racket in hand, and said with a smile.

Unlike Tezuka, Kamikawa had turned down the tournaments held in Tokyo Metropolis, saying they were too much trouble. After all, there were only a few tennis players in Tokyo who were worth mentioning.

Besides, he hadn't wanted to face Tezuka early in an official tournament.

A friendly match was one thing, but an official match was another. Tezuka would never go easy on him, even if he was a close friend and childhood companion.

And Kamikawa wouldn't go easy on Tezuka, either.

But the time hadn't been right, so Kamikawa hadn't made his move.

Now was the time. Kamikawa couldn't bear to see Tezuka go to Seigaku. Even if he did, Kamikawa would personally pave the way for him.

"Yes."

Tezuka nodded. "Let's give this match everything we've got."

"Sure!" Kamikawa nodded.

They placed their rackets on the ground, balancing them upright on the court.

"Which?"

"Smooth!"

The racket spun a few times before clattering onto the ground.

"It's smooth. What's your choice?"

"I'll serve."

"Good. Then I'll take this side."

After their brief exchange, they returned to their respective baselines.

The referee took a deep breath. He couldn't help feeling that a golden age was dawning.

That morning, he had watched Kamikawa and Yukimura's match with his own eyes. It had been an incredible sight, and the boy named Tezuka might be even stronger.

He had beaten that prodigy from Kanagawa Prefecture perfectly, 6–0.

Back in the day, the referee had become a coach for the JR Tournament precisely because he lacked talent.

The world was realistic. Some people could practice tennis for five or ten years and still not measure up to someone who'd been playing for just one year—or even three months. In the face of talent, hard work might truly be worth nothing.

"The match begins! One set, one game!"

Once both players were ready, the referee called out loudly, "Tezuka Kunimitsu to serve. One game to decide the winner!"

Thwack!

Thwack!!

"The final's finally starting."

Shishido watched the two players on the court, excitement written all over his face.

"I think Tezuka's the stronger one."

Mukahi gave his opinion, too. After all, Tezuka was the one Mukahi had lost to, while Shishido had lost to Kamikawa.

If Tezuka won, that would mean Mukahi had beaten Shishido, too.

Shishido shook his head. "Kamikawa's stronger... I just feel like Tezuka's like Yukimura was this morning."

"Tch~"

Mukahi pursed his lips. Yukimura was strong, no doubt.

But was Shishido praising Kamikawa so much because he'd been impressed by his skill? Still, he had to admit Kamikawa's backhand and slice were outstanding. Even Mukahi would've finished with a 6–0 win against Shishido.

"Phew..."

"Here I come."

Facing his childhood friend, Tezuka let a rare smile show.

"Bring it on, Tezuka Kunimitsu!"

Kamikawa's expression was solemn as he spoke calmly.

At that, Tezuka tossed the ball, raised his arm, and swung his racket.

Bam!!

A thunderous crack rang out. The tennis ball left a pale-yellow streak behind it as it landed precisely on the edge of the service line.

"So fast!"

"So accurate!"

Most of the spectators had watched Kamikawa and Yukimura's match. They'd assumed Tezuka's opponent had simply been too weak, which was why he'd won 6–0. Now, Tezuka's serve alone showed them just how strong he was.

"He's no weakling."

Yukimura couldn't help being taken aback. "It's only a simple straight serve, but the speed and accuracy are excellent. Sanada, you didn't lose unfairly."

Sanada didn't reply. His eyes were fixed intently on the two players on the court.

That serve was certainly impressive, but he could return it, too.

What made that man truly powerful wasn't his serve, but his control—and his dazzling Domain Technique!

At almost the same moment, Kamikawa appeared at the ball's landing point. Without a moment's hesitation, he struck it back with his backhand.

Feeling the unusual spin coming off the ball, Kamikawa raised an eyebrow.

Before anyone could react, Tezuka had already chased the ball down and hit it back again.

Whoosh!

The pale-yellow trail flashed through the air.

"Tsk..."

The moment Kamikawa returned the ball, he felt that familiar spin again. Without hesitation, he neutralized some of it in the opposite direction and sent the ball crosscourt.

Others might not know Tezuka well, but Kamikawa knew him better than anyone.

"Phew..."

The two boys' reflexes and judgment were astonishing. Every shot came close to the edge of their opponent's reach.

Anyone else would've already lost points, but the two of them remained locked in a stalemate.

And everyone could tell that neither player was giving it his all yet.

Thwack!

Thwack!!

Kamikawa and Tezuka's returns grew faster and faster. Fewer and fewer spectators could keep up with their pace.

Tap~

Without warning, Kamikawa lowered his racket and sent a high-quality slice over the net.

Tezuka stopped in his tracks, then suddenly charged forward.

Tap!

Before the ball hit the ground, he flicked it up with a backhand, sending it soaring.

By then, Kamikawa had already rushed to the net. He leaped into the air, hung there for a moment, then slammed the ball down.

Tezuka reacted at once and raised his racket to block it!

The instant the racket touched the ball, it met the tremendous force behind it. The racket flew straight out of Tezuka's hand.

Clang!

The racket hit the ground. The ball landed beside Tezuka.

"0–15!"