Sengoku came out ahead in the racket spin and easily won the right to serve first.
For a singles player, getting the serve first could have a major impact on the match.
Sengoku walked to the right side of the court to serve. He bounced the ball a few times, watching Atobe across the net. The easygoing look on his face faded as he focused. He knew just how important this match was.
If he lost, Yamabuki would be out for good.
But...
I'm Sengoku Kiyosumi, Yamabuki Junior High's second-in-command.
He tossed the ball, raised his arm, and swung!!
Smack!!
The ball traced an arc into the left half of Atobe's court, landing near the edge of the service line before bouncing toward the baseline.
Thwack!!
Atobe reacted quickly, judging the ball's landing point almost instantly. He struck a beautiful, flat shot.
"What?!"
Sengoku tracked the ball with his eyes and hurried to the left. Before he could get close, it bounced away and flew past him.
"0–15!"
"He scored on the return?!"
On the sidelines, Yamabuki captain Kitayama frowned as he watched Atobe. "As expected of Hyotei's second-in-command. His strength might even surpass Kamikawa's."
Inugaki, standing beside him, disagreed. "I wouldn't say that just yet! The match has only just begun, Kitayama. Do you really think that kid Sengoku will give up?"
"Don't forget, he's got that excellent serve!"
At Inugaki's reminder, Kitayama remembered Sengoku's killer serve—Tiger Cannon!
But could Tiger Cannon really score against that guy?!
Kitayama couldn't help worrying.
Phew...
Keigo Atobe really was tough to deal with.
Sengoku took a deep breath and bounced the ball a few times. He tossed it again, bent his knees, and fixed his eyes on the ball hanging in the sky before launching himself high into the air.
Both Sengoku