Chapter 215: Two Wins, One Loss – Rikkai Dai's Last Stand (Part 1)
Bang!
The tennis ball shot past the direction of 'Ishikawa,' landing precisely on the baseline.
"0-15!"
"This..."
Kirihara stared in confusion. "That serve... was actually returned?"
Though he was reluctant to admit it, in his heart, Ishikawa's techniques represented a kind of invincibility. The previous two games had proven that. But now, Atobe had returned the [Stellar Trace] serve, completely catching the rest of the Rikkai Dai team off guard.
"Is that... the aura of an emperor?"
Yanagi narrowed his eyes as he looked at Atobe.
At this moment, Atobe was enveloped in a golden aura, exuding an overwhelming sense of authority. Wherever his gaze fell, people instinctively looked away, as if subjects bowing before their king.
This was Atobe's ability—a unique way of releasing his full power to suppress his opponent, an overwhelmingly dominant technique!
"I didn't expect him to hold back until now," Shinjiro said, surprised.
In his memory, the Atobe he knew was equally ambitious, but now, he seemed more composed. Time had tempered his impulsiveness, and his sharp edges had been honed into something even more formidable.
"Atobe Keigo..."
On the court, 'Ishikawa's' expression darkened after losing the point.
Atobe's golden aura radiated an intense pressure, an indescribable weight that made 'Ishikawa' instinctively tighten his grip on his racket.
"Again."
'Ishikawa' raised an eyebrow, tossed the ball into the air, and locked his gaze on his opponent. With a fluid motion, he swung his racket, sending the ball flying.
Bang!
The crisp sound of the racket striking the ball echoed.
A faint yellow streak shot across the court, almost too fast for the naked eye to follow.
"It's coming!!!"
Many spectators' eyes widened.
This was Ishikawa's super-speed serve, and this time, it was aimed at Atobe's backhand. In the eyes of many, this was a guaranteed point.
Bang!
But in the next moment, a golden arc flashed at the baseline, and 'Ishikawa's' serve was instantly returned, slamming into the opposite baseline.
"0-30!"
"How is this possible?!"
Representatives from various schools widened their eyes in shock.
If the first return could be dismissed as a fluke, this serve had been perfectly aimed at Atobe's backhand, with both speed and angle seemingly flawless. How could it have been returned so easily?
"It's as I thought," Shiraishi, the captain of Rikkai Dai, murmured from the stands. "Yanagi is being suppressed."
"Is it that golden aura?"
Next to him, Chitose narrowed his eyes, studying Atobe's imposing presence.
"Yes," Shiraishi nodded. "That aura seems to have a kind of magical effect, suppressing the opponent's abilities. They can't even use 80% of their full strength."
"A mental-type ability?"
Tachibana raised an eyebrow.
If that was the case, Atobe's ability was ridiculously overpowered.
With the balance of power shifting, even if Yanagi could mimic 50% of Ishikawa's strength, under the pressure of Atobe's [Emperor's Aura], that would be reduced to less than 40%.
Moreover, based on Yanagi's performance, it was unlikely he had even reached 50% of Ishikawa's true power.
Under these circumstances, any previous advantages Yanagi had were now nullified.
Bang!
"0-40!"
Bang!
"Game! Hyotei's Atobe, 3-4. Change sides!"
Soon, Atobe broke Yanagi's serve.
Then, he pressed his advantage.
But Yanagi didn't give up. He continued to mimic 'Ishikawa,' unleashing another technique.
Hum!
A fiery red aura emanated from him.
"Is this... Ishikawa's Martial Stance?"
Hiyoshi's expression shifted.
The Martial Stance was a technique Ishikawa had developed through his mastery of ancient martial arts. In this state, the user's speed, strength, and explosiveness were significantly enhanced, making it a formidable combination of offense and defense.
Bang!
From the baseline, Atobe delivered a high-speed serve.
'Ishikawa' quickly raised his racket, adopting the Martial Stance, and struck the ball as it landed.
Bang!
With a crisp sound, the ball shot like an arrow past the net, heading straight for Atobe.
"Four Gods Martial Arts – White Tiger?!"
Oshitari's eyes widened.
He hadn't expected Yanagi to have mastered even this technique. Yanagi's illusion ability was far more comprehensive than anyone had imagined!
Bang!
But then, Atobe blocked the ball.
The intense impact of [White Tiger] caused his racket to tremble, but Atobe's right hand remained steady, his gaze unwavering.
Swish!
With a powerful swing, Atobe sent the ball flying back.
Tap!
The ball landed, and 'Ishikawa' appeared at the landing point. He quickly lobbed the ball high into the air.
Swish!
The ball soared through the opening in the arena's roof, aligning with the sun. For a moment, it seemed to transform into a fiery divine beast—a Vermilion Bird!
This was another of Ishikawa's signature moves, [Four Gods Martial Arts – Vermilion Bird]!!!
Swish!
Reaching its peak, the ball rapidly descended. Its speed was so fast that some spectators blinked and found the ball already close to the ground.
"A non-bouncing lob?"
Realizing the trick, Atobe quickly moved forward. Just as the ball was about to land, he swung his racket, sending it back with a powerful strike.
Tap!
On the other side, 'Ishikawa's' gaze sharpened. He once again adopted the Martial Stance, but this time, the aura around him was even more intense.
Swish!
Facing the incoming ball, he swung his racket with a force even greater than [White Tiger], sending the ball flying.
Swish!
A green whirlwind roared across the court.
This was the strongest of Ishikawa's Four Gods Martial Arts techniques—[Azure Dragon]!
"This move..."
Behind the Hyotei team, Akutsu narrowed his eyes.
Back then, this technique had shattered his racket and broken his wrist!
Bang!
But in the next moment, Atobe forcefully returned the shot. To everyone's astonishment, he pressed his racket forward, and a golden light flashed beside 'Ishikawa.'
"15-0!"
Atobe scored.
Having broken through all of Ishikawa's Four Gods Martial Arts techniques, his fighting spirit burned even brighter.
In the following match, he relentlessly pressed his advantage, leaving 'Ishikawa' with no room to counter.
Bang!
"Game! Hyotei's Atobe, 4-4!"
The score was tied, and Hyotei's morale soared.
Atobe didn't let up, continuing his aggressive play and keeping his opponent on the defensive.
Bang!
"Game! Hyotei's Atobe, 5-4!"
The score had reversed, and the momentum of the match had clearly shifted in Atobe's favor.
On one side of the court stood Atobe, his aura as deep and unfathomable as an emperor's. On the other side was Yanagi, panting heavily, his form flickering between 'Ishikawa' and his true self. The spectators could see the writing on the wall.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Atobe followed up with three consecutive Tannhäuser serves. The super-spin serves skimmed the ground, leaving 'Ishikawa' unable to react.
Atobe scored three points in a row, reaching 40-0 and securing match point!
Tap!
Finally, Atobe sent 'Ishikawa's' racket flying with a powerful shot. He leaped into the air and delivered a crushing smash.
"Yanagi!"
"Be mesmerized by my brilliance!"
Bang!
The ball landed and skidded across the ground.
On the other side, 'Ishikawa,' now empty-handed, watched the ball pass by, a bitter smile on his face.
Swish!
Then, his form shifted, returning to the sweat-drenched figure of Yanagi.
"Game over," the referee announced. "Hyotei Gakuen's Atobe Keigo wins, 6-4!"
"Woohoo!!!"
With two consecutive wins, the Hyotei team erupted in celebration.
"Hyotei wins, Atobe is victorious!"
"Hyotei wins, Atobe is victorious!"
"Hyotei wins, Atobe is victorious!"
The 200-strong cheering squad chanted Atobe's name, their voices amplifying the emperor's aura to its peak.
On the court, Yanagi bent down to pick up his racket. Looking up at the scene before him, a hint of awe flashed in his eyes.
"Atobe," Yanagi said as he approached the net, his brow furrowed. "I'm curious. Why would someone as strong as you be suppressed by that person?"
To Yanagi, an emperor was the pinnacle of existence. Atobe's personality, his status, and the overwhelming strength he had just displayed—none of it suggested he could be suppressed by Ishikawa.
"Strange, isn't it?"
Atobe smiled faintly and shook his head. "It's simple. What you mimicked was only a fraction of that person's true power."
50%?
40%?
Don't make me laugh!
In Atobe's eyes, if Yanagi had truly mimicked even 50% of Ishikawa's strength, the match wouldn't have ended so easily.
"A fraction... huh?"
Yanagi's heart trembled.
He knew Atobe well enough to understand that the other boy wouldn't exaggerate.
Swish!
Yanagi turned his head, his gaze shifting to where Ishikawa sat. His eyes were filled with deep respect and awe.
"The first three matches are over," Inoue said from the stands, watching as Atobe and Yanagi left the court. "Hyotei has two wins and one loss, firmly grasping control of the match."
"Yes," Shiba nodded solemnly. "If Rikkai Dai can't win the upcoming doubles match, their journey ends here at the national semifinals."
"Sigh."
Inoue sighed, thinking about the potential missed opportunity to witness a showdown between Ishikawa and Yukimura. "Perhaps this semifinal will go down as one of the great regrets in Nationals history."
With that, he turned his gaze to Rikkai Dai's side, focusing on the calm-faced boy sitting on the bench.
Unlike the tension others might expect, this 14-year-old boy showed no signs of anxiety.
Like his title, [Child of God], Yukimura remained perfectly composed.
"Sorry, Yukimura," Yanagi said, standing before the team. He glanced at the calm Yukimura, then turned to Shinjiro. "Punish me."
Shinjiro remained silent.
Having lost his own match earlier, he hadn't accepted any punishment. Now, asking him to punish Yanagi felt unjustifiable.
"No need," Yukimura said from the coach's seat. "This loss isn't your fault. This year's Hyotei is stronger than ever."
It was the truth.
To Yukimura, punishing Yanagi now would serve no purpose. Besides, Yanagi had performed admirably in the match.
"Marui, Jackal," Yukimura turned to the two players who were ready and waiting. "Remember, this match is a must-win."
"Yes!"
Marui and Jackal nodded firmly.
Even without Yukimura's reminder, they knew the team was backed into a corner. Losing this match would mean the end of Rikkai Dai's quest for a third consecutive national title.
Whether for the team or themselves, they couldn't afford to lose!
"Next up, the first doubles match," the announcer's voice echoed through the stadium. "Hyotei Gakuen's Oshitari Yuushi and Mukahi Gakuto pair versus Rikkai Dai Fuzoku's Marui Bunta and Jackal Kuwahara pair. Please prepare!"
As the announcement ended, the crowd's attention shifted to the two teams.
On Hyotei's side, having already secured two wins, Oshitari and Mukahi were relatively relaxed.
Especially Mukahi, who entered the court with his racket resting on his shoulders, whistling casually.
"Too bad it's not Yanagi and Yagyu," Mukahi glanced at Rikkai Dai's side, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "If it were those two, we could've avenged our loss in the Kanto finals."
"Yanagi and Yagyu?"
Oshitari shook his head internally.
If it were those two, this match would be far more challenging. Yagyu aside, Yanagi's illusion ability, as demonstrated earlier, would be a devastating weapon in doubles.
But Hyotei had already secured two wins. Even if they lost this doubles match, with Ishikawa anchoring the final singles match, Hyotei had already secured their spot in the national finals.
"Hmm?"
However, Oshitari's brow furrowed as he noticed something.
"Look at Rikkai Dai's pair!"
"What are they doing?"
"Wait, are those... wrist weights?!"
On Rikkai Dai's side, Marui and Jackal were removing black bands from their ankles—weighted training gear.
"Interesting," Mukahi smirked. "Are these two planning to go all out from the start?"
"Seems like it," Oshitari nodded.
From Hyotei's perspective, they were already in a comfortable position. But for Rikkai Dai, the situation was dire.
If they were in Rikkai Dai's shoes, they'd probably do the same.
A moment later, the four players exchanged brief words at the net before retreating to their positions.
"Match start," the referee looked at the dark-skinned, bald boy. "Rikkai Dai's Jackal Kuwahara to serve, first game!"
(End of Chapter)