"Akutsu, isn't it still too early for the match?"
Kamikawa knew Akutsu had come looking for him. Jiro wasn't injured at all, and it was clear Akutsu had held back instead of deliberately aiming for him.
"Kamikawa~"
Akutsu said coldly, "I can't wait anymore. Get down here and play me."
That was right. Akutsu couldn't keep his temper in check. Ever since losing that match, he'd thought constantly about Kamikawa's face. He wanted revenge. He wanted to crush that guy completely.
Now that the guy was standing right in front of him, Akutsu was determined to play him, no matter what.
"Kamikawa, the next match is about to start."
Tezuka reached out and held Kamikawa back, saying calmly, "Don't cause trouble at a time like this."
"I know."
Kamikawa wasn't going to act on impulse. He turned to Akutsu and said, "If you want to play, I'll be waiting for you in the third singles match of the finals."
"Hmph!"
Akutsu snorted, turned with his racket, and walked away.
Nearby, Mukahi hurried to help Jiro, who was gasping for breath on the ground.
Shishido saw them and jogged over to lend a hand.
"Are you all right, Jiro?"
Atobe glanced at Jiro, his expression turning serious.
"N-no... I'm fine."
Jiro managed a strained smile. "I'm... just really tired."
"Hey, Gakuto..."
Oshitari nudged his glasses and walked over to Mukahi. "Didn't you say Jiro was fighting someone?"
Mukahi froze, then pointed to the court. "Isn't he fighting someone right there?"
Oshitari's mouth twitched. So that was what the guy meant.
He'd thought Jiro had gotten into a real fight with someone.
Oshitari wasn't the only one. The other Hyotei members had all thought Jiro was fighting someone, too. Who would've guessed he'd just been playing tennis and gotten worn out?
"Gakuto,