"Whether it's a practice match or an official match."
Sanada's expression was stern. His cold gaze swept over everyone. "We will not tolerate a single weak spot if we're to win our fourteenth consecutive Kanto Tournament."
"Next, I'll announce the lineup for this practice match."
"First, me. Then Sanada Genichiro, Yanagi Renji, Miura Takuya, Akiyama Yuji, Ishihara Jun, Fushimi Seiichi, and Mori Jusaburo!"
When Yukimura finished reading the last name, everyone's eyes turned in unison to Mori Jusaburo.
Miura and Akiyama were Rikkai Dai's second doubles team. They were among the best in the Kanto region, and their singles skills were also at Kanto level. Ishihara and Fushimi, meanwhile, were Rikkai Dai's first doubles team. They were at national level, and their singles skills were among the best in Kanto.
They had always been the core of the team that dominated the Kanto Tournament. Every year, Rikkai Dai developed an outstanding next generation, ensuring they could win the Kanto Tournament and advance to the National Tournament.
But Mori Jusaburo!
He hadn't originally attended Rikkai Dai Fuzhong. He'd transferred from Shitenhoji in Kansai.
When everyone else was training, he was either skipping practice or slacking off on the court. He always seemed a little out of place.
Rikkai Dai tennis club was known for its strictness. The training had already been grueling, and ever since Yanagi Renji had become the club's strategist, the workload had practically doubled.
Everyone grew stronger through the pain—except Mori Jusaburo.
"Mori! Mori!"
A second-year teammate standing beside him nudged Mori with an elbow.
He was actually sleeping at a time this serious—and sleeping while standing. He clearly hadn't taken anything Yukimura or Sanada had just said to heart.
"Oh, is practice over for today? I could really go for some Oyakodon."
Mori rubbed his eyes and