Chapter 36
Shortly after the Rikkai University match ended, the battle between Shitenhoji and Seigaku came to a conclusion.
Seigaku defeated Shitenhoji 3-1 and advanced to the finals.
This result surprised the players of Rikkai University. The strength of Shitenhoji should not be underestimated. It can be said that it is a regular in the top four of the national competition. However, it was defeated by Seigaku, which made it to the national competition for the first time in recent years.
Having finished their match earlier, Rikkai University returned to prepare for the finals. The players gathered together to analyze footage of Seigaku's match.
"Is the genius of Seigaku not that great~" Kirihara Akaya has no good impression of Fuji Shusuke, the genius of Seigaku who always picks on him.
Yanagi Renji shared the live data he had someone record. "Fuji Shusuke played singles three against Shiraishi, captain of Shitenhoji. Shiraishi won 6-4. Fuji Shusuke's triple attacking tactics evolved during the match... The doubles match was between Momoshiro Takeshi and Kaido Kaoru, but we'll skip that for now. Let's focus on the other doubles pairing, Tezuka Kunimitsu. The entire match was between Tezuka Kunimitsu and Shitenhoji's Chitose Chisato, and Sanada was particularly interested in that match. Seigaku's golden doubles didn't play, but they did demonstrate synchro in the Hyotei match. It's unclear whether it was a fluke or if they've mastered it... The above is all the data from Seigaku up to the finals."
"Ah~ Another synchronized doubles team." Marui Bunta looked at the Jackal Kuwabara. "Want to give it a try, Jackal?"
"Even if we have to synchronize our forces, our combination won't lose! Bunta." Jackal Kuwabara patted his chest.
Yagyu Hiroshi calmly analyzed, "While Synchro is powerful, it's not invincible. As long as we can find a flaw in their rhythm, we can defeat them in one blow."
Having personal experience, Yagyu Hiroshi does not think that Synchro is an unsolvable ability, although doubles who can synchronize are indeed a problem.
"Pfft~ I can do both." Niou Masaharu felt that both singles and doubles were fine, as long as it was convenient for team arrangements.
Seiichi Yukimura originally wanted to separate Masaharu Nioh from the doubles combination during the competition. After all, Masaharu Nioh's true strength has never been demonstrated in the main competition, and his performance in singles will definitely give his opponent a surprise.
As for doubles, facing the sudden synchronization displayed by the Seigaku doubles, Rikkai University would have only had one choice before, Marui Bunta and Jackal Kuwahara.
In terms of on-field synergy, the halfway-forward duo of Niou Masaharu and Yagyu Hiroshi is certainly not as strong as their long-time partners, Marui Bunta and his team. But now there's a second option: Rikkai Dai Niou Masaharu and Yagyu Hiroshi can also synchronize.
The idea of letting Yanagi Renji rely on his strength to raise the upper limit of doubles needs to be changed. When Sanada and Tezuka fight, the probability of losing should be kept at 50%...
Yukimura Seiichi kept replaying Rikkai University's lineup in his mind, each permutation having its advantages and disadvantages. Finally, Yukimura Seiichi made a decision. "Sanada, you play singles three. Yagyu and Niou doubles two, Renji singles two, and Marui and Jackal doubles one."
Sanada had no objection and would definitely give his all in the first game.
Marui Bunta and Jackal Kuwahara looked at each other. It seemed that the tough opponent this time would be left to another group.
Even though Kirihara Akari was eager to show his strength and help the team win the championship, he also understood that the national competition was not the time to act on impulse, so he waited for arrangements.
Yukimura Seiichi quickly arranged the order of appearance for the finals. "Renji, this time, we need to show those people that Rikkai University's Big Three aren't ranked by priority; each one is capable of independently supporting the team."
"I understand, Minister Yukimura." Yanagi Renji nodded slightly, understanding what Yukimura Seiichi meant.
Sanada silently stared at the schedule. "The lineup has changed, but Rikkai University's goal remains unchanged."
Even if the outcome is unpredictable, Sanada firmly believes in victory at the Rikkai tournament. For the team led by Yukimura Seiichi, victory and defeat are both glories and trials they share.
"There is no blind spot in Rikkai University's three consecutive championships." Sanada said in a firm tone.
The players from Rikkai University nodded in agreement.
Yukimura Seiichi's gaze swept over his teammates, stopping at Sanada. "Sanada, I believe you will bring Rikkai University its first victory."
"I will, Yukimura." Sanada nodded calmly.
Not long after the Rikkai University players dispersed after being mobilized, they returned to the tennis club's activity room.
Niou Masaharu and Yagyu Hiroshi were holding a videotape of the Seigaku Double Gold Tag Team match.
Yanagi Renji, along with his fellow practitioners Akaya Kirihara, Bunta Marui, and Jackal Kuwahara, went to gather with Sanada who came to call for help, tennis rackets in hand.
Yukimura Seiichi sat in the center of the activity room, relaying the news he'd received from the school. "Looks like everyone's here. The organizers announced that due to venue restrictions, the finals against Seigaku will be postponed to three days later."
"What? It's going to be delayed again!" Kirihara Akaya opened his mouth in surprise, and the tennis racket in his hand almost fell to the ground because he didn't hold it firmly.
"Yes, it is said that the venue needs maintenance, so the final has been postponed to three days later." Liu Lian confirmed the accuracy of the information with a hint of helplessness in her tone.
Marui Bunta curled his lips. "What a bummer! I thought I could have a showdown with Seigaku right away."
"I hope there won't be any more changes." Jackal Sangyuan scratched his head. This was not the first time.
Niou Masaharu was a little impatient. "Why are there problems as soon as we get to Seigaku? We've competed so many times before and never had any problems with the venue. Besides, there's a secondary venue at the national tournament."
"Too lax!" As soon as Sanada spoke, the atmosphere in the activity room became serious.
Yukimura Seiichi waved his hand. "It's only three days. It won't affect anything. Just keep in shape, everyone."
"yes!"
The players from Rikkai University are preparing for the competition.
On the other side, Seigaku and Shitenhoji gathered together for team building after the game.
"Barbecue! Barbecue!" Driven by the enthusiasm of Takeshi Momoshiro and Eiji Kikumaru, a group of students gathered together for some unknown reason and started eating barbecue.
The day of the finals arrived, and the players from Rikkai University stepped onto the field, their yellow uniforms shining brightly in the sun.
Seigaku and Rikkai University stand opposite each other.
The audience cheered one after another, and elite teams from all over the country were scattered in different corners of the audience seats to watch the game.
Seiichi Yukimura stood in front of the team, his smile like warm sunshine, yet carrying deadly danger.
Kunimitsu Tezuka of Seigaku stood in front of the team and shook hands with Yukimura.
The Rikkai University players glanced at the trembling first-year student from Seigaku and said nothing.
If the problem is obvious at a glance, no one in the team will say anything unless Captain Yukimura speaks out.
"Singles match between Sanritsu Kaida Sanada and Tezuka, the match begins and ends in one set."
Only the two people who were about to compete were left on the field.
Marui Bunta stuffed a piece of bubble gum into his mouth. "Sei Gaku is really in trouble. This is the nth time a contestant has had problems."
"The third time, no! The fourth time." Kirihara Akaya, who was still wearing bandages, emphasized and expressed his opinion of Seigaku directly.
Yanagi Renji pointed out. "The first match of the district qualifiers, the Kanto tournament against Hyotei, the Kanto finals, and now."
"The problem lies in the tournament, not to mention the district selection. Let's just say there were mistakes in the inspection. What's going on with Kanto and Nationwide? Are they waiting for us to report and disqualify the other team? The pre-match registration was so sloppy, so why not just find a senior from the university to compete in their place? Phew~" Niou Masaharu complained about the omissions in the competition.
Sanada serves. "Let me lead you to the abyss of defeat, Tezuka. Fast as the wind!"
When masters fight, every ball is a killer move.
Small tricks were ineffective against an opponent of equal strength, and Sanada showed off his skills with just one shot.
Kunimitsu Tezuka responded calmly and at a speed beyond expectations, simply pulling the ball back to his own area.
Standing in the middle of the court, Kunimitsu Tezuka stared at the flying tennis ball.
Sanada swung back, waiting at the impact point.
To neutralize the powerful spin added by Tezuka's territory, Sanada tilted his racket and swung it short.
The tennis ball slowly floated down to the net of the opponent's court. Tezuka's domain was still in effect, pulling the tennis ball away.
The strength of the return of the ball, whose spin was weakened, needed to be readjusted. Tezuka Kunimitsu kept moving, swung the racket lightly, and returned the ball.
Sanada looked up in Tezuka Kunimitsu's direction. "Even with the improved technique, the domain still holds up. As expected of Tezuka."
Tezuka Kunimitsu stared at Sanada, secretly admiring him. "Sanada's strength has increased a lot. We can't be careless."
Tezuka Kunimitsu didn't have a particularly clear impression of the elementary school match. Although Sanada was quite strong at the time, he never made Tezuka Kunimitsu feel threatened.
And now it was only the first game, and Kunimitsu Tezuka was adjusting his pace and playing style to maintain his territory.
Sanada's eyes were sharp, and his body didn't move, but he was ready to attack. "Invasion is like fire!"
"Game Tatekai Ohsanada, 15-0!"
While retaining two moves, Sanada used fire to break through Tezuka Kunimitsu's territory.
Unaffected by the point, Kunimitsu Tezuka returned to the defensive zone with an unchanged expression, waiting for Sanada to play.
Sanada started by hitting the ball at super high speed, with the tennis ball clearly aimed straight at Tezuka Kunimitsu.
Kunimitsu Tezuka concentrated and calmed himself, swung his racket to hit the ball, and the tennis ball made a crisp sound on the racket.
Sanada went to the net to intercept and hit the ball back with a backhand.
Tezuka Kunimitsu's territory was ineffective against Sanada's fierce attack.
"Game Tatekai Ohsanada, 1-0!"
After losing a point, Tezuka Kunimitsu became even more motivated. The serve changed sides, and Zero started.
Unlike his previous serving movements, Sanada, who was focused on the court, quickly judged the trajectory of the tennis ball and moved his feet.
In a zero-style slice, the ball will not bounce when it lands in front of the net, but will roll towards the net instead.
If Sanada wants to catch this ball, he has to act before the tennis ball hits the ground. The principle is the same as the swallow returning to its nest to hit back Fuji Shusuke. He has to act before the ball changes.
"Game Tatekai Ohsanada, 15-0!"
Sanada hit the ball accurately to the corner of the field and scored.
"Always win! Rikkai University!"
"Let's go! Let's go! Rikkai University! Take the lead and win first place!"...
The battle, which should have been evenly matched, was unexpectedly one-sided.
The cheers of the Rikkai University cheerleaders resounded throughout the stadium, and everyone's attention was fixed on one side of the field, where Sanada was.
"Your moves, your strength, your thinking... I'm increasingly eager to fight you again, Sanada." Yukimura Seiichi felt a real threat from Sanada. He wasn't just a challenger, but a strong enough person to stand shoulder to shoulder with him.
The game on the field continued, Sanada was unstoppable, Tezuka Kunimitsu fought hard but still could not turn the situation around.
"Game Rikkai University Sanada, 40-0!" With the referee's announcement, Sanada got another match point.
Tezuka Kunimitsu took a deep breath, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. "Focus on this!"
Having made the decision, Tezuka Kunimitsu used his ultimate strength, as if surrounded by a silver band of light, concentrating his power in his left hand.
Sanada bent his knees slightly, ready for battle.
Kunimitsu Tezuka swung his racket, silver light flowed on the racket, and the tennis ball seemed to be given life.
Sanada took the initiative to go online, and a black aura spread from his feet.
A strange arc lightly brushed the net, narrowly avoiding the range of Tezuka Kunimitsu's return attack.
"Game Tatekai Ohsanada, 3-0!"
Kirihara Akaya gripped the fence with both hands, his eyes wide open. "What kind of move is that?!"
"It's as hard to know as the shadow, one of Sanada's sealed moves." Yukimura Seiichi explained lightly, but his eyes never left the arena.
Kirihara Akaya was deeply shocked. He had never seen Sanada so powerful before. "One of them? Are there other moves? Senior Yanagi, do you know?"
Looking at Kirihara who was as curious as a baby, Yanagi Renji slowly opened his mouth to answer: "As far as I know, there is another one. If there is a moment when it is absolutely necessary, Sanada will use it. It is called the Difficult to Know Like the Shadow. The principle is to use multiple action patterns to confuse the opponent."
"Niou, why did you react like this?" Marui Bunta suddenly remembered that Sanada and Niou were the first to reach a syncopation in the team.
Niou Masaharu crossed his arms. "Sanada has a lot of secrets hidden. Forget it. You'll know once he uses them."
Yagyu Hiroshi knew very well the reason why Niou Masaharu changed his face. During private practice, Niou Masaharu kept complaining about the difficulty of Sanada's phantom moves, and also about Sanada's moves, which Niou Masaharu currently had no way to perfectly phantom.
"Wow! I didn't expect Rikkai University's Sanada to have a hidden trick."
“I don’t know who will win now~”
"Sanada has a better chance, the score is better."
"It's hard to say. I heard they competed before, and Tezuka won."
The discussion in the stands continued, but it didn't affect the game on the field. The duel between Sanada and Tezuka Kunimitsu had reached a fever pitch.
Kunimitsu Tezuka used his newly discovered move, Tezuka Phantom.
The return ball has a spin 60% higher than the field, and has the opposite ability to the field.
"Out of bounds, game Aogaku Tezuka, 2-5!"
Tezuka Kunimitsu adjusted his breathing, his arms trembling slightly from the new moves he had just used. The new moves put a lot of pressure on his arms, which was undoubtedly a huge burden for Tezuka Kunimitsu, who had only returned after treatment for the national competition.
At this moment, Tezuka Kunimitsu had no time to care about his physical fatigue, he just wanted to win victory for Seigaku.
Sanada's eyes were solemn, unaffected by the loss. Between the two, there was no need for words; the confrontation on the court was communication.
Kunimitsu Tezuka serves again.
Sanada gathered all his strength and appeared on the right side of the field like lightning. "Move like thunder!"
The edge of the racket hit the tennis ball, and it instantly burst into a strong rotation. The ball rushed towards Tezuka Kunimitsu with a deafening roar and pierced the net string of the racket.
"Game Tatekai Ohsanada, 6-2!"
The score announced the end of the duel.
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