Chapter 175: Players and the U-17 World Cup Pre-Fever...
The brave NPC started poaching players without even a pretense.
The idiot cat 'Koko' smiled, but his face wasn't smiling, not even his eyes. He just stared at NPC Ralph Reinhardt with a pair of dead fish eyes.
I don't know why, even though it's just a young Asian face, a black-haired boy,
Ralph Reinhardt, the battle-hardened captain of the U-17 US national team, felt a chill run through him as soon as he made eye contact.
It's like being targeted by some prehistoric giant crocodile, Godzilla... or some alien.
No, it must be an illusion.
Even though he was trapped in the sea of tennis, facing the culprit who caused the roar of the tennis sea, Ralf Reinhardt maintained a tolerant and kind attitude. He paused and tried to speak again to the black-haired boy who said "yo" to him.
“…Hello?”
“…”
“…”
Everyone was caught up in the incomparable sea of tennis, like a washing machine, spinning and turning under the influence of gravity.
Even in this crisis situation, it was difficult to separate the mind to pay attention to the nasty cat over there and the blond exotic handsome man who seemed to be an old acquaintance of Echizen Ryuga.
Especially those who are familiar with English, especially those who heard Reinhardt say "The American team has been waiting for you", "As long as you are willing to come back", "There will always be a place for you——",
All of a sudden, everyone looked at each other, completely surprised that a huge piece of news and a shocking secret had appeared before my eyes.
It turns out that the mysterious hooded man number four who was picked up by Byodoin is actually a member of the U-17 US national team!
In this case, the extraordinary strength this guy possesses can be fully explained.
So now, this guy who also sounds like he's from Team USA... is recalling Echizen Ryuga in front of Head Coach Yagi/Kyu-sama/Yagi-kun.
——How could there be such a brave warrior!
For a moment, everyone in U17 looked at Reinhardt as if he were a dead man.
"That guy is definitely finished."
"...Yes, it's absolutely over. Actually trying to compete with the head coach for someone... I'm sure he's prepared to die here."
'...Amen, God will forgive you.'
All the unspoken words turned into sights, projected neatly.
Ralf Reinhart, who was still struggling in the ocean of tennis, felt only that his back was getting heavier and heavier, and the pressure he felt was getting deeper and deeper.
How could this happen? The tennis ball here...was he going to drown here?
“——LOVE!”
A shout suddenly came out, in full view of everyone.
Leopold Camus, who was tied up in three layers of clothes in the previous second, suddenly appeared in front of everyone!
He looked so free, happy, and delighted—joyful from the bottom of his heart,
His agile and nimble movements and graceful and perfect body enable him to complete several difficult movements while maintaining a stable core for a certain period of time.
He was spinning, jumping, closing his eyes—wait, where did the roses fall from the sky?!
The U17 players, trapped in the turbine tennis washing machine, looked up blankly at the rose petals that were floating down in the air without anyone noticing.
In just a blink of an eye, rose rain began to fall!
Such a familiar scene, such a familiar style, such a familiar...
"Don't look at me—I'm not that unglamorous!"
His eyebrows twitched several times, sensing the gaze coming from the side, and Atobe Keigo immediately understood what these guys were thinking.
Although he said "not gorgeous", he still followed his body's instinct very honestly. He barely managed to split a little sight from the corner of his closed eyes and took a look at the rose rain in the air.
An extremely exquisite and special fragrance spread out, and at the same time, an exotic beauty with blond hair and cobalt blue eyes - Leopold Camus fell from the sky!
Everyone's eyes were aligned, reflecting his genuine joy and happiness at the moment.
——After finally breaking free from his restraints, who on earth was he coming for?
Under the watchful eyes of the public, closely watched,
Leopold Camus had made his choice!
At this moment, he chose——
Unexpected tennis! !
"……tennis?"
"...It's tennis."
"This guy doesn't seem to be a normal person either."
Looking at the blond handsome boy who was happily swimming and contentedly wandering in the ocean of tennis, the U17 players were speechless.
But that’s not the point!
With Camus' interruption, the atmosphere became lighter.
Seeing that the scope of the tennis sea is expanding, and even affecting innocent beach tourists,
However, the tourists thought it was a special event held on the beach, and not only did they not avoid it, but they even felt a little bit of anticipation and excitement.
The U17 people who saw it were even more speechless.
Now is no longer the time to remain silent. For the safety of everyone, they must stand up and stop all this.
Everyone looked at each other in unison, and at the same time, everyone took out tennis rackets from inside their swimsuits, swimming trunks, under their arms, and even from some other unimaginable places!
Witnessing all this, Ralph Reinhardt slowly typed a question mark.
Well... although, but,
But...can the tennis racket really be taken out from these places?
Despite repeated doubts, they actually took it out!
And show it to everyone,
"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh——" a few times, the footsteps were as swift as a puppet,
Ralf Reinhardt and Leopold Camus, who seemed to be immersed in the ocean of tennis, were either looking at each other or glancing at each other from the corner of their eyes.
This movement——!
Not just one person, but groups of people, the entire U-17 Japan team,
Everyone's movements were in perfect unison, like a dragonfly skimming the water or stepping on the tennis balls floating on the sea surface.
The familiar touch under their feet immediately brought back familiar memories to the U17 team, especially those who had gone through the first and second rounds of elimination and had trained in the mines behind the mountain.
"This is simply the reappearance of the magma layer!"
"Traveling quickly on floating slabs of stone above the lava, reaching the only safe area—it's been so long!"
"No, no, no—compared to that, it's way too safe now!"
"That's right! You won't die if you fall into the lava, and there are no scary lava slimes or lava skeletons to interrupt you. It's so easy!"
"Hehehehe... As expected, the head coach's training policy is perfect. Only after experiencing the torture of life and death, looking back on everything you've experienced - it's nothing at all."
Saito Zhi felt deeply honored, and he couldn't stop smiling when he looked at the figure of a chicken-like cat stepping on Echizen Ryuga's head not far away.
Not only the U17 first and second round elimination group members, but also the first and second round winning group members are quite agile and quick in their movements.
Although they did not experience the hellish torture of the magma layer like the elimination group, the bomb attacks they had to endure every day at the U17 training camp were no joke.
Just quick movement and dodging—no problem at all!
For the U17 members, it was just a daily routine of sprinkling water, but for them, it was the first time they had seen such a speed that was beyond normal people, almost comparable to that of a secret agent. Only a few afterimages were left on the spot.
And it's not just one person, it's dozens of people!
Ralph Reinhardt and Leopold Camus locked gazes, their gazes fixed on each other.
The uniform movements and the degree of cooperation between each other are simply perfect.
Not only that, but also with unparalleled precision, everyone holds a racket in their hands and controls the sea of tennis balls as if they were their own arms.
Every ball hits back accurately to a fixed point on the golden beach.
"Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing—!"
The sound of hitting the ball came in unison, dozens or even hundreds of times overlapping and interweaving. It gave the illusion that it was not several people swinging the rackets to return the ball, but only one person swinging the racket to return the ball!
"this……"
Camus's cobalt blue eyes gradually lit up, and Reinhardt stared at him closely.
As Ralph Reinhardt, who has the ability to gradually resolve his own flaws and constantly move towards perfection,
At this moment, looking at the actions of this group of people,
Perfect—absolutely perfect!
It can be said to be absolutely perfect!
"Ah—found it, there it is!"
"Come on, Dudu, Reinhardt is there!"
Reinhard's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden voice that entered his ears.
The next second, two familiar faces came into view. They were the U-17 US team members, Dudu Ovando and Kiko Valentine.
The two men noticed the movement outside and rushed out in a hurry, worried about Ralph Reinhardt who was still outside and in an unknown condition.
Looking closely, Reinhard was surrounded by a group of big men!
Dudu Ovando: “——!”
Kiko Valentine: “——!”
"What happened Reinhardt! Are you okay!?"
Kiko, who had caught up, first checked Reinhard's condition. He found nothing wrong, then exchanged a glance with Dudu before looking around.
Looking around, they found several bright spots.
——On this golden beach, was there such a tall and majestic Tennis Mountain before?
And... why does that blond figure over there look so familiar? Does he look like Camus from the U-17 French team?
Take another closer look——
Among a bunch of unfamiliar Asian faces, several familiar faces flashed across my eyes.
For example, the players from the U-17 Japanese team, the big blond guy over there seems to be Byodoin, and the one over here is Ikuto Kimijima, who I've dealt with before.
The one next to him was more familiar... "Longya!?"
Kiko exclaimed in surprise, "Why are you here—Longya!?"
Dudu turned around and looked over when he heard the voice, startled: "We've been looking for you for a long time, Long Ya! Are you finally back?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Echizen Ryuga's presence suddenly became stronger.
He hadn't spoken a word the entire time, his silence was so uncharacteristic of him.
At this moment, he was called by Dudu and Kiko at the same time, and had to face them head-on.
Echizen Ryuya turned his head slightly and glanced at the three figures of the American team.
"Long time no see, Kiko, Dudu."
Seeing that it was indeed Echizen Ryuga, Dudu Ovando and Kiko Valentine could no longer hold back, especially Dudu, who stood up and rushed forward to punch him.
"Really? Long Ya, why didn't you tell us you were back? We've been trying to contact you. Fortunately, we're still in time. You can come back and rejoin the team smoothly..."
Dudu kept talking, not noticing the subtle atmosphere around him.
Kiko noticed the next step more keenly than Dudu. He didn't immediately go to talk to Echizen Ryuga like Dudu did. Instead, his eyes quickly swept over the group of people surrounding him.
I just took a quick glance and saw that there were members of the U-17 Japanese national team, but I didn't look closely.
Now, all of them are Asian faces, looking at the positions and distribution of people...
A little speculation filled Kiko's mind, but he didn't say it directly. He looked at Reinhardt next to him and confirmed more from his expression.
"Ah, that..." Echizen Ryuga just opened his mouth,
Dudu excitedly stepped forward, but suddenly found that there was a person stepping on Echizen Ryuya's head... Is that a person?
It seems to be a person,
But why can he stand like a golden rooster... Is this also ancient oriental kung fu?
Dudu didn't understand, but Dudu chose to respect. He tried not to look at the figure standing on one leg and stepping on Echizen Ryuga's head.
But it’s okay if you don’t notice it, but once you notice it… it’s totally unavoidable!
One glance, two glances, three glances... after confirming that he really couldn't ignore this extremely conspicuous figure, Dudu accepted his fate.
"So, why don't you introduce me, Longya... The one who can step on your head must not be an ordinary guy, right?"
Echizen Ryuya: "Oh,"
"This guy,"
Echizen Ryuya thought for a moment, "It's my new teammate."
“——New teammates??”*3!
When Echizen Ryuga said this, Reinhard, Dudu, and Kiko looked over at the same time.
Looking at the familiar faces among the Asian faces surrounding me, everything became clear.
Reinhardt had a complicated expression. "So, Longya, are you joining the U-17 Japanese national team now?"
Echizen Ryuga: “Probably.”
After Ryuga Echizen disappeared and lost contact, the American team probably had some expectations. After all, with Ryuga Echizen's strength, no one could keep him from leaving when he was so determined to leave.
Are you back to your own country now?
They quickly adjusted their mentality. The three members of the American team were not the ones who were obsessed with this. They even smiled and gave their blessings.
"If that's the case—then we might become rivals, Longya."
Kiko's attention was also on the mountain of tennis balls nearby, so he asked, "So where do all these tennis balls come from? I didn't see any just now..."
He picked up one while talking.
It would be better if you don't take it, but once you take it, take a closer look -
Kiko shook the weight, a little confused. "Is there something wrong with this tennis ball? Why does it feel so ominous..."
Everyone in U17 turned around upon hearing the sound, their gazes fixed on the ball in Kiko's hand that looked so familiar.
Others might not be able to tell at a glance, but these guys who spend all day playing with the U17 special bomb balls - there is absolutely no way they can make a mistake.
“No, no… Who on earth put this ball in there?!?”
"Throw it away, throw it away—those blond boys over there, throw that thing away!"
Even Echizen Ryuga said, "Kiko, if you don't want to die—right now, throw that ball in your hand as far as possible!"
Kiko Valentine: “?”
What's going on? Why are these guys suddenly reacting so strongly?
Isn't this just an ordinary tennis ball?
"Beep,'...' Beep,'...' Beep,'——
The countdown of "click, click, click" is faint, but the silent environment is extremely clear.
The source of the sound was precisely in Kiko's hand!!
Kiko Valentine, defenseless, bowed his head.
A blinding and dazzling light, a white light, a fire light—suddenly burst out,
“BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM——!!”
With three seconds left on the countdown, the U17 players had already mastered the art of running away and lying on the ground. Their movements were so smooth and flowing that they seemed to have been experienced after hundreds of times.
In contrast, the three members of the American team and Camus of the French team, who were still standing there and sensing the 'whoosh whoosh' sound of the fleeing movement, were completely stunned.
He took it with his face—
The real mastermind behind the scenes took out a bomb ball and prepared to attack the second passerby NPC, the chicken cat, and looked at its claws.
Hey, where's the ball?
Looking at the passerby NPC and Qiaodou Sackbag again—how come their health bars are suddenly empty?!
Wait, the player's mission has not been completed yet.
How can I really die——!
NPC, and the players are in for a treat!
“…”
“…”
It’s a beautiful day, but let’s end it early.
——For the U-17 World Cup, representatives from various countries have finally gathered in Australia!
On the eve of the World Cup, the entire next day is show time, and athletes from all over the world will make their debut!
——In the form of a 'pre-World Cup warm-up match'!
"Haha, this U-17 friendly match is a doubles match between high school and middle school students from various countries, with three teams competing."
Saito Shi narrowed his eyes and smiled slightly.
Kurobe Yukio: "It seems like it's time to showcase each country's strengths to sponsors and the media."
"So, here comes the question. Who will go to tomorrow's drawing ceremony?"
“…”
“…”
Dead silence, silence, and low pressure,
In the lounge,
Although no one spoke, their gazes could not help but turn in a common direction.
It was the damn cat who was fishing in the toilet with a tennis racket in his hand and his back to everyone!
——No, why is there a flush toilet here?!
The picture is so beautiful that I am almost powerless to complain.
Fishing in a toilet bowl or something...
"Impressive, isn't it? Our Kei can even fish in the bathtub!" Kirihara Akaya hummed proudly, crossing his arms and tilting his nose.
U17 everyone: “…”
——No, I wasn’t praising you at all!!
There is nothing we can do about the toxic fangirl Kirihara Aka who is everywhere and always showing off his power.
Everyone had complicated expressions. Although they knew the outcome could not be changed, they still tried their best to struggle a little longer.
"Um, is there really no other way? Since that person can't be changed...how about we find the most reliable option in high school?"
"The most reliable option for high school students..."
"Besides Byodoin, who else..."
Irie Kanata was skipped directly, and Oni Jujiro... looked like a spoiled child.
Tanejima Shuji or Duke Watanabe, they can't keep an eye on these two guys, Jibaimao, it's good enough if they don't get fooled around by Jibaimao,
Echizen Ryuga... No, forget it.
Tokugawa Kazuya, another toxic fan, just skip it,
…
After careful consideration, the only remaining "reliable" candidate was Byodoin Phoenix.
"Besides Byodoin... there's no one else you can trust."
Have to accept this reality,
Under the gaze of the crowd, the burden on the shoulders of the Phoenix of Byodoin Temple was extremely heavy.
On one side are the U17 players who are full of anticipation, hope and expectation;
On one side, there was a cat that was fishing in the toilet, bathtub, cup, and even climbed onto the ceiling, cosplaying as Spider-Man.
Even if Byodoin Phoenix was calm, she couldn't be completely free of pressure.
He even had a vague feeling that the U-17 warm-up match draw ceremony... could it really go through safely?
“…”
"At this time, We'd like to open the lottery! (The draw for the U-17 World Cup warm-up matches will begin now!)"
Under the dazzling flashing spotlights, the venue where the draw ceremony began was worthy of being the center of a world-class competition.
The decoration and furnishings are all magnificent and world-class.
There were countless reporters, media and sponsors in the stands.
The two hosts on the stage spoke fluently about the warm-up before the formal start, and representatives from various countries who had drawn lots entered the venue one by one.
The Byodoin Phoenix, dressed in a suit and tie, had his bangs styled and tied into a ponytail.
Under the effect of the Gui Juice, the old scar on his forehead caused by the ghost had faded away. Now there was no need to hide it and reveal his uncle's face.
Many reporters and media focused on his face, which was rarely fully exposed, and their cameras were clicking non-stop.
If it were the previous Equal Odori Temple, they would definitely be extremely concerned, even stern and hostile, with their entire body full of momentum.
But the current Byodoin Phoenix couldn't care less about these things——
He grabbed the wrist of the black-haired man beside him, using his rough fingertips to limit the movement as much as possible, ensuring that he could hold it without causing discomfort.
All my energy and attention is focused on the black-haired boy beside me.
With a face so tense that even a hint of a smile could not be squeezed out,
"—Just hold on a little longer. Don't move, don't run, don't jump. Once you're in position—you'll be safe!"
Just a short distance into the entrance, Byodoin was already terrified, with his heart rate soaring to over 160, fearing that if he wasn't careful, the cat would run away in the blink of an eye.
He closed his eyes deeply and forcefully. To cope with today's situation, he had even put on a serious face after the group meeting last night and knocked on the door of the Rikkai University member of the U-17 junior high school group, where Yagi Kei's senior was.
He asked Yukimura Seiichi, Sanada Genichirō, Niou Masaharu, and even Kirihara Akaya one by one.
Yukimura Seiichi: "Hmm...how should I respond to Kei's suggestion?"
Looking at the burly figure who was blocking the door, and whoever didn't know would think he was bullying the Byodoin Temple, Yukimura smiled and thought for a while.
"Maybe... we shouldn't restrict Kei too much. It's better to let him do whatever he wants. After all... the more he treats him against his will, the worse the situation might get. So..."
Next,
Genichirō Sanada: "When dealing with Yagi, you must keep your eyes fixed on him, never looking away. If you lose track of him, you must search for him immediately and stop him before the situation becomes serious."
Next,
Niou Masaharu: "Eh~ Kei, then Byodoin-senpai, please pay more attention to the trash cans around the venue. Maybe a Kei will grow out of them~"
Next,
Kirihara Akaya: "——Byōdōin-senpai, can't you take me with you?! I won't say a word or make any trouble! I'll just watch over Kei, okay?!!"
...Forget about this.
In short, after a lot of consultation and summary, the teaching of being optimistic about the cat and not being too confrontational was deeply engraved in the mind of the Equal Court.
I was nervously thinking about this degree all the way.
After a lot of searching, Byodoin finally reached the seat with the sticker of the U-17 Japanese national team.
As Byodoin looked up, he felt relieved. He had thought that something unexpected would happen on this short but incredibly long journey.
It seems that he was just scaring himself, and Yagi Kei did not do anything excessive.
It seems that this kid still has some discernment when it comes to big things...
"Take a seat first, Yagi, the lottery ceremony will begin soon—"
Byodoin bowed its head,
"……beginning."
The Phoenix of Byodoin turned its head slowly and stiffly.
The clicking sound of the neck twisting was like that of an old, dilapidated robot. If that were all, it would be fine.
More serious, more important, more bewildering, and more unexpected—
Where my left hand had previously held the chicken and cat, now—it was empty!!
The cat that was so big, so black, and so obvious just now suddenly disappeared without a trace!
No, cat, where’s the cat!? !
——Where on earth did the cat go?!
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