Chapter 34
The national competition began, and the elite teams prepared to show their prowess on the battlefield. As the defending champion, Rikkai University naturally became the focus of everyone's attention.
In the center of the Tokyo tennis court, Seiichi Yukimura returned the championship banner in front of gazes from all directions.
After solemnly handing the banner back to the organizer, Yukimura Seiichi returned to the team.
After a lengthy speech, the national competition officially began, with representatives from various schools taking to the field to draw lots.
The result was announced on the spot; the Rikkai University Tennis Club's first opponent was an unknown team.
Of course, this is only speaking from a national perspective. Locally, they are probably also a team that is always at the top of the regional competitions.
Although the opponent's strength was average, the players from Rikkai University did not underestimate them at all.
"My luck in the draw is pretty good. I drew a relatively weak team in the first round." Yanagi Renji looked at the draw results and could see the end at a glance.
If nothing unexpected happens, one of Makinofuji Junior High School and Shishiraku Junior High School will become Rikkai University's opponent in the semi-finals.
Marui Bunta ignored Hyotei Akutagawa Jiro's enthusiastic wave. "This is the national competition. Be more aware of yourself before the game. We're rivals."
"Atobe's luck is indescribable, how can I put it~ Phew. It's going to be a tough battle to get all the way to the finals~" Niou Masaharu responded to the sighing Ozuchi Ikushi with a smile.
The groups were decided and the familiar teams discussed the upcoming schedule.
Mukaito pointed at the posted format. "Atobe, this time the format is alternating between singles and doubles."
"Hmph~ No matter what happens, I will be the winner. Right, Karachi." Atobe looked towards the location of Rikkai University.
"Who will win in the end will be determined by the end." Yukimura Seiichi did not argue much and led the team off the field.
On the way back, Yukimura Seiichi set the tone for the match. "I'll be the singles first, Sanren or Sanada will be the singles second, and Kirihara will be the singles second. The doubles first and second positions will be held one round per match. Any changes will be announced before the match."
"yes."
The stage of the national competition is not only a platform to demonstrate one's strength, but also a testing ground for testing one's own shortcomings.
Leaving the second singles position to Kirihara Akaya's skills to ensure the team's victory can also allow Kirihara Akaya to accumulate competition experience. After all, except for forfeiting, all games must be played at least three times.
The first game arrived. On the day of the game, the sun was shining and there was a gentle breeze.
The players from Rikkai University walked onto the field.
"I wish the weather would always be like this, haha." Niou Masaharu stretched.
Yagyu Hiroshi picked up his racket. "Go warm up first. The Advisor will be able to finish the match soon."
Not long after the doubles pair left, Yanagi Renji saw through his opponent's intentions and predicted where the tennis ball would land.
"The probability of hitting the net and volleying is 78 percent." When the opponent seized the opportunity to swing the racket and counterattack, Yanagi Renji was already firmly in the best position and easily hit the ball over the net.
"Game Liu, wins 6-1!" the referee announced the result of the match.
Marui Bunta gestured to Niou Masaharu, who was not far away. "Come back soon, the game is over. Jackal, the military advisor has been gathering intelligence much faster lately."
"Maybe the doubled training has taken effect." Jackal Sangyuan scratched his head.
Kirihara Akaya stared at the arena with full energy. "Senior Liu's speed will probably stun the opponent."
With Yanagi Renji winning the singles match, the doubles combination of Niou Masaharu and Yagyu Hiroshi also quickly won the doubles match.
Kirihara Akaya came on next.
"Hahaha! Watch me defeat you." Kirihara Akaya was full of momentum and displayed a powerful offensive as soon as he came on the court.
The opponent's rhythm was obviously disrupted by the pressure of the game and Kirihara Akaya's fierce attack.
"15-0, Kirihara leads!"
Rikkai University supporters on the sidelines cheered for Kirihara Akaya.
Yukimura Seiichi nodded, acknowledging Kirihara's performance. "The return movement is smoother, though a little noisy."
"You're too lax! You're not focused enough during the game, so you need to double your training." Sanada added what Yukimura Seiichi wanted to hear.
Kirihara Akaya was still immersed in the game, unaware that the vice-chairman had increased his training. Seizing the perfect opportunity, Kirihara Akaya swung his racket and unleashed a powerful smash, securing victory in the second singles match.
"Game Kirihara 6-0, Rikkai University wins! The game is over."
Following the referee's announcement, in the first match of the national tournament, Rikkai University swept its opponent with a perfect record of 3-0, making a good start for its journey to the national tournament.
In the subsequent competitions, the players of Rikkai University Tennis Club relied on their outstanding strength to overcome all obstacles, defeating their opponents one by one and becoming the first to advance to the semi-finals of the national competition.
After fierce competition, the remaining three places in the top four were announced one by one, namely Shitenhoji Junior High School, Seigaku and Nagoya Seitoku.
Niou Masaharu pointed at his next opponent. "What a surprise! Advisor, I didn't expect a dark horse to emerge."
"That's true~ I haven't heard of any powerful players from Nagoya Seito before." Marui Bunta nodded. It exceeded Yanagi Renji's expectations and needed special attention.
Yanagi Renji quickly flipped through the data in his hand. "Nagoya Seitoku's data is incomplete. The previous tennis club members were replaced after the national tournament. The newly registered players are all international exchange students, and the actual players are only those who played in the national tournament."
"I didn't expect that the first-year students of Seigaku could defeat Hyotei's Atobe. I thought Hyotei would advance." Kirihara Akashi was also a little surprised.
Yanagi Renji introduced him: "Ryoma Echizen is a first-year student at Seigaku who returned from the United States. He defeated Sadaharu Inui and Takeshi Momoshiro in the main draw to qualify. His strength should not be underestimated. He is left-handed with a unique playing style and is said to possess extraordinary tennis talent. His strengths include an outspin serve and a cool drive..."
Sanada is well aware of Ryoma Echizen's strength and potential. If nothing unexpected had happened, Rikkai University would have been the one to understand this the most.
"There is also Shitenhoji Temple that needs attention." Yagyu Hiroshi added.
Yanagi Renji nodded. "According to the data, the other of the Kyushu duo has joined Shitenhoji. Chitose Chisato's tennis skills are also among the best in the country."
"No matter who the opponent is, victory will only belong to Rikkai University." Yukimura Seiichi said in a firm tone.
Sanada agreed: "Yukimura is right, don't let your guard down."
During the journey to the national competition, the Rikkai University players did not slack off in their training.
As always, Sanada is strict with himself and sets an example as the deputy minister.
"Even if Sanada can rotate with Yanagi, they can't train like this, right? I can't stop seeing how often Sanada trains." Marui Bunta felt that practicing on the same court with Sanada was more stressful than playing with his opponent in a regular match.
Jackal Kuwahara is training with great enthusiasm. "Keep up with the Vice Minister and win the championship with Bunta."
Niou Masaharu wiped the sweat off his forehead and chuckled in response to Marui Bunta. "Practicing a lot doesn't necessarily help. You need to be skilled. Hiroshi, try again."
Yagyu Hiroshi nodded.
"Then let's go, Niou." Marui Bunta made a gesture to the jackal Kuwabara.
Jackal Kuwahara cooperated with Marui Bunta to specialize in Nioh Masaharu.
Niou Masaharu transformed into Yagyu Hiroshi and used the same technique to return the ball. 'How will Hiroshi deal with this situation?'
Yagyu Hiroshi watched Niou Masaharu's response and imagined how he would respond. "This ball can't be received. The Jackal's retreat left a gap. It takes time... a high lob."
"This shot creates a gap, so it doesn't matter if we give him a chance—a lob." Niou Masaharu smiled. So that's how it is.
"Synchronize!"
Bunta Marui and Jackal Kuwabara talked about tennis that didn't care about landing and scoring.
Niou Masaharu let go of the racket. "It's done~ poof."
Yagyu Hiroshi pressed his forehead, silent. "Is this synchro?! This is a bit disgusting."
"This is the shortcut you can take, Niou." Marui Bunta glanced at the jackal Kuwabara behind him.
Jackal Kuwahara didn't know how to respond. "Damn it, I'll eventually reach a consensus with Bunta."
Kirihara Akaya was panting as he made up for the inexplicably increased basic training, and did not notice the movement on the tennis court while running laps.
Yanagi Renji silently observed and recorded the training situation of each player. The data book was densely filled with various data and analysis, making full preparations for the upcoming competition.
Seiichi Yukimura stood on the sidelines, taking in everyone's training results.
In the semi-finals, Rikkai University will face Nagoya Seitoku.
Although the information on Nagoya Seitoku's players is not comprehensive, it is sufficient for Rikkai University.
Before the match, Yanagi Renji reminded Kirihara Akaya, "Pay attention to their playing style."
The only person who needs more attention in Rikkai University is Kirihara Akaya. There is no need to worry about Violent Tennis if it is left to others.
Yagyu Biroshi is more stable, and Niou Masaharu's cunning will not suffer any loss. Marui Bunta and Hulang Sang are veterans of the national competition and have seen
Strong winds and big waves.
It goes without saying that Yanagi Renji holds the data, and Yukimura Seiichi still maintains a sense of mystery. No school has broken through Rikkai University's defense in the first three games and won a single game.
Sanada doesn't have to worry. If they play violent tennis, no one knows who will be the one getting beaten in terms of strength.
In the entire team, the only one who would attack someone head-on was Kirihara Akaya.
"Don't worry, Senior Liu." Kirihara Aka didn't take it seriously.
Sanada's singles match ended quickly. His opponent was no match for him. The huge difference in strength made the match lose suspense. Sanada won easily with a score of 6-0, winning the first point for Rikkai University.
In the doubles match, this time it was Marui Bunta and Jackal Kuwahara who competed.
Facing the players from Nagoya Seito, Marui Bunta and Jackal Kuwahara went on the court directly without taking off their weight-enhancing wristbands.
Jackal Kuwahara's return was decisive and aggressive, and Marui Bunta's net-front volley defense was impeccable.
During the match, the doubles players of Nagoya Seitoku fought hard and made constant small moves.
Bunta Marui and Jackal Kuwahara teamed up to perform flawlessly both in attack and defense, leaving no opportunity for the players from Nagoya Seitoku to take advantage.
"Game Marui Jackal, win 6-2!"
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