The next day.

August 17th.

Sunny.

Tokyo Arena Tennis Court.

Located in the heart of Tokyo's sports complex, this massive stadium, shaped like a dome, could hold nearly 20,000 spectators.

By 8 a.m., the area outside the stadium was already packed with hundreds of people lined up in queues stretching for meters.

"Is this the scale of the national tournament?"

Inside the press-pass corridor, Shiba couldn't help but snap a photo of the crowd with his camera.

"That's right," Inoue replied with a sigh. "This year's participating teams are the strongest in history."

Teams like Hyotei, Rikkai Dai, Shitenhouji, and Seigaku—any one of them, in previous years, could have easily taken the championship. Other schools, such as Fudomine and Makinofuji, were also strong contenders in their own right.

It was clear that this year's national tournament would be more intense than ever.

"If nothing unexpected happens," Shiba mused, "the championship will likely come down to either Hyotei or Rikkai Dai."

"Agreed," Inoue nodded.

Compared to the other teams, these two were in a league of their own. Especially Rikkai Dai. With their captain, Yukimura, back in action, last year's defending champions were now flawless. Inoue couldn't help but look forward to the inevitable clash between the two teams' strongest players: Ishikawa and Yukimura.

As they chatted, the two made their way through the corridor and into the stadium. Meanwhile, the first wave of spectators began filing into their seats.

About 20 minutes later, once the crowd had settled, a bald middle-aged man with a microphone stepped onto the court and announced, "The annual National Middle School Tennis Tournament is now open! Please welcome the players!"

The stadium erupted in cheers as representatives from each school, led by volunteers holding placards, began entering the court.

From Tokyo: Hyotei, Seigaku, Fudomine, and Yamabuki.

From Chiba: Rokkaku Chuu.

From Kanagawa: Rikkai Dai.

From Osaka: Shitenhouji.

From Hyogo: Makinofuji.

From Aichi: Nagoya Seitoku.

From Okinawa:Higa Chuu.

Each team's representative walked with their heads held high, exuding confidence and determination. The leading players, in particular, radiated an aura of authority and intensity.

These were the aces of their respective teams.

As they entered, the core players from the schools scheduled to face each other in the first round exchanged glances, their eyes already locked in a silent battle.

"Next, please welcome the representative from Rikkai Dai Fuzoku!"

As the announcer spoke, Sanada, wearing a black cap, stepped forward, clutching the championship banner symbolizing the national tournament's "Victory." He handed it over to the official.

In an instant, the banner became the focal point of every player's gaze.

"The national tournament…"

Among the crowd, Tezuka narrowed his eyes. He had fulfilled his promise to Oishi, leading Seigaku to the national stage. Logically, he should have felt at peace. But as his eyes fell on the banner, something deep within him stirred.

They had come this far. Who was to say Seigaku couldn't reach the pinnacle of the nation?

On the other side,Kite Eishirou fromHiga Middle School,Shiraishi from Shitenhouji, Sanada from Rikkai Dai, and the other core players all had their eyes set on that banner.

"Atobe-sama."

Over at Hyotei's side, Ishikawa noticed Atobe's gaze fixed on the banner and smiled. "Don't worry. This year's national championship will belong to Hyotei."

Huh?

The others turned to him in surprise. In their minds, Ishikawa was always calm and composed, never one to make bold declarations, even if he secretly aimed for the top.

"No need to be surprised," Ishikawa said, meeting their gazes with a confident smile. "This is where I'll begin Hyotei's three-peat!"

A three-peat?!

The others exchanged glances, but soon, excitement flickered in their eyes.

"Hmph."

Atobe's lips curled into a smirk. Ishikawa's bold declaration had dispelled the tension he'd felt moments ago.

That's right.

This year's national tournament was just the beginning. Hyotei's goal was not only to win the championship but to surpass Rikkai Dai and achieve the unprecedented feat of a three-peat!

After the opening ceremony, the representatives, guided by volunteers, left the dome and headed to the outdoor courts.

"There are no matches this morning. You're free to do as you please," Coach Sakaki instructed. "Just make sure you don't miss the second round. If anything comes up, let me know."

"Understood."

With that, the team dispersed.

The national tournament consisted of five rounds. Under this format, there were 64 participating teams. However, seeded teams like Rikkai Dai, Shitenhouji, Makinofuji, and Shishigaku, as last year's top four, received byes in the first round.

As the reigning champions of the Kanto region, Hyotei also received a bye.

This might seem unfair to some, but it was the best way to prevent top teams from facing each other too early.

"Inoue-senpai," Shiba asked hesitantly near the courts, "Seigaku is playing against Rokurikuya, and Rokkaku is facing Higa Chuu. Which match should we watch?"

"Hmm… let's go with Seigaku," Inoue replied after a moment's thought. "Rokurikuya is a strong team. It'll be a good test for Seigaku. Huh?"

Just then, Inoue noticed something and turned his gaze toward a nearby area. There, led by a hunched, white-bearded old man, the Rokkaku team was approaching.

"It's Rokkaku's coach, the old man," Shiba said in surprise. "Wait, isn't that Hyotei's Ishikawa?"

Inoue followed her gaze and saw Ishikawa standing near one of the courts. He had just crossed paths with Rokkaku's coach.

The old man paused, looked up at Ishikawa, and gave a nod of approval.

"You've done well," the old man said, his wrinkled face breaking into a faint smile. "Keep it up. And remember, never doubt the path you've chosen."

"Thank you for your guidance," Ishikawa replied respectfully.

He held great respect for the old man, who had not only taught him the art of yoga but had also indirectly guided him during his breakthrough on that unnamed island.

That's why he had come to this particular court.

"Ishikawa-kun, hello!"

Rokkaku's cheerful captain, Tendo Kintaro, greeted him with a smile. Other members, like Saeki, Kurobane, and Amane, also nodded in acknowledgment, their faces filled with optimism and confidence.

Just then, the sound of synchronized footsteps echoed nearby.

A group of boys in purple jackets, led by a portly middle-aged man, approached.

"Hey, move it!" the bald, pot-bellied man barked impatiently. "You're Rokkaku, right? What's a half-dead old man doing coaching a team? Tch."

"What a rude guy," Shiba muttered, glaring at him.

"That's Higa Chuu from Okinawa," Inoue said gravely. "They defeated last year's national semifinalists, Shishigaku, in the Kyushu tournament. They're not to be underestimated."

"Strong or not, that's no excuse to be so disrespectful," Shiba retorted.

"Let's go," the old man said calmly, leading his team onto the court without paying any mind to Higa Chuu's coach, Saotome.

"Hmph," the bald man sneered before following his team inside.

Behind him, the Higa Chuu players strutted in with an air of arrogance. Winning the Kyushu tournament had clearly inflated their confidence.

But then, as they passed through the gate, Hirakoba, Kai, and the others suddenly froze when they spotted Ishikawa.

"Ishikawa Makoto?"

Kite,s Higa Chuu captain, narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp and menacing. "I know you defeated Rikkai Dai's Sanada. But in our next match, I'll show you the true strength ofHiga Chuu."

With that, he led his team onto the court.

"That's odd," Shiba said, puzzled. "Do those Higa Chuuguys know Ishikawa?"

"I'm not sure," Inoue replied.

But at that moment, he decided against watching Seigaku's match. Something told him that Ishikawa's presence here meant something unexpected was about to happen on this court.

(Chapter end)

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com