Chapter 216: Fierce Battle, Marui's Perfect Fortress (Part 2)
Boom!
As soon as the referee's voice fell, Jackal decisively sent the tennis ball flying.
The ball landed deep, and with Jackal's solid technique, it spun fiercely upon bouncing. This forced Kaidō to take half a step back to create enough space to return the shot.
However, Kaidō was incredibly agile.
In the blink of an eye, he adjusted his stance. With a swift motion of his racket, he sent the ball back with a sharp smack.
Tap tap!
At the net, Marui quickly sprang into action.
Chewing his bubblegum, his eyes were locked onto the trajectory of his opponent's return. Having decided on a fast-paced strategy, he suppressed his usual urge to show off his flashy techniques.
For him, the primary goal now was to score points and win the match. His skills were merely tools to achieve that goal—and the faster, the better.
Smack!
Marui caught up to the ball and lightly tapped it, sending it bouncing off the net. To everyone's surprise, the ball rolled along the top of the net before dropping to the other side.
"It's here!" Akutagawa from Hyotei exclaimed excitedly. "Marui's Tightrope Walk!"
Swish!
The ball rolled down.
Boom!
But Ōshitari, who had been watching Marui's movements closely, dashed forward and managed to flick the ball back just before it hit the ground.
Whoosh!
However, Marui was ready.
He leaped into the air, preparing for a smash. As Ōshitari retreated, Marui twisted mid-air, reversing his racket to hit the ball with precision.
"Secret Technique: Time Difference Hell!"
Boom!
"15-0!"
Marui landed steadily, his sharp gaze fixed on Ōshitari. "A word of advice for Hyotei—don't let your guard down for even a second from now on!"
"Tch!"
Ōshitari and Kaidō's expressions darkened, while the spectators were left in awe.
"Is this what the national No. 1 doubles pair looks like?"
Under the stunned gazes of the crowd, Marui and Jackal launched a relentless offensive. Marui's speed, technique, and keen sense of the net play allowed him to deliver致命一击 after致命一击.
Soon, with Marui's Iron Pillar Crash scoring another point, the referee announced, "Game! Rikkai, 1-0! Change sides!"
The first game ended in less than two minutes—a pace that would be impressive even in regional or metropolitan tournaments. But in the national stage, especially in a top-tier doubles match, it was downright terrifying.
"Rikkai's genius, Marui Bunta... truly lives up to his reputation," Coach Tōru Sakaki murmured, nodding in approval.
In terms of scoring efficiency, Marui was undoubtedly one of the best he had ever seen. Marui's presence was like a sharp blade piercing through Hyotei's defenses at the net.
Kaidō, though quick, couldn't match the explosive power of Shishido. Plus, this being his first match against Marui, he was still adjusting to his opponent's playstyle.
Moreover, Marui and Jackal had removed their weights from the start, ensuring their early攻势 would be猛烈.
In response, Ōshitari and Kaidō adjusted their strategy. They avoided Marui's锋芒, opting to target Jackal at the baseline with lobs and passing shots.
But Jackal wasn't to be underestimated.
After a brief exchange, he found his rhythm and unleashed his signature move.
Whoosh!
A fiery trajectory shot past Ōshitari and Kaidō, landing squarely for a point.
"That's one fast volley!" Ōshitari's eyes narrowed. "Its speed and power might even rival Shishido's Super Volley!"
"Did he really hide such a move until now?" Kaidō muttered, his expression tense.
The second game, which was supposed to be Hyotei's serve, had turned into a struggle for them.
Boom!
"Game! Rikkai, 2-0!"
Just five minutes in, Rikkai had secured the second game. The efficiency of their scoring left the crowd in awe, but Marui and Jackal showed no signs of slowing down.
In the third game, with Marui leading the charge and Jackal providing support, their seamless进攻战术 earned them yet another point.
Boom!
"Game! Rikkai, 3-0!"
In the blink of an eye, Rikkai had taken three games.
Many spectators glanced at Hyotei's side, their faces filled with doubt.
"Is this for real?" someone whispered. "The gap between Hyotei's first doubles pair and their earlier players is way too big!"
"Or maybe," another spectator chimed in, "they fielded their strongest players in the first three matches. These fourth and fifth matches might be..."
Boom!
Before the speculation could finish, Ōshitari finally made his move.
Swoosh!
His spin shot skimmed low across the ground, leaving Marui and Jackal stunned as it slid past them.
"15-0!"
"Finally showing your hand, Hyotei's genius?" Rikkai's Yanagi observed, his gaze sharp. "This Swallow Return is even more elusive than Fuji's Phoenix Return from Seigaku."
Smack!
Ōshitari struck again.
The ball flew over the net, dipped sharply, and skidded along the ground, changing direction mid-slide. Jackal, waiting at the baseline, was left grasping at air.
"30-0!"
"This isn't working," Marui said grimly. "We need to avoid topspin shots."
"Got it," Jackal nodded firmly.
From then on, the two focused on hitting low, flat shots to prevent Ōshitari from using his Swallow Return.
Smack!
Finally, during one return, the ball clipped the net.
The added topspin gave Ōshitari the perfect opportunity to unleash his move once more.
Swoosh!
The ball slid past, and Marui and Jackal's expressions darkened.
"40-0!"
With their momentum stifled, Rikkai's spirits visibly dipped. Meanwhile, Hyotei, led by Ōshitari's破局招数, began to turn the tide.
But Marui and Jackal weren't fools.
If topspin was off the table, they switched to no-spin shots.
Ōshitari, seizing the chance, pressed forward aggressively.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
One shot after another, Marui and Jackal found themselves pinned down by Ōshitari's relentless进攻.
"Damn it!"
Unable to hold back, Jackal finally took action. He sent a high lob, hoping to bypass Ōshitari.
But Ōshitari only smiled.
Whoosh!
From behind him, Kaidō leaped into the air, executing his Moon Volley.
The ball struck the open court, scoring a clean point!
"Game! Hyotei, 1-3!"
"Ugh," Jackal muttered in frustration. "We were so focused on Ōshitari that we forgot Kaidō's specialty is空中击球!"
Marui's expression tightened.
Though they still held the lead, it was clear that Hyotei's counterattack was gaining strength.
"We need to change tactics," Marui thought.
Boom!
Boom!
Boom!
The match continued.
As Marui had predicted, Hyotei, led by Ōshitari's control and Kaidō's灵活进攻, began to dominate.
Boom!
"Game! Hyotei, 2-3!"
Boom!
"Game! Hyotei, 3-3!"
In no time, Hyotei had leveled the score, their morale soaring.
Meanwhile, Rikkai's spirits plummeted with each lost point. Many began to fear that their journey would end here.
Boom!
In the seventh game, Marui served.
Without hesitation, he rushed to the net after his serve.
"Is he going for a双上网战术?" Ōshitari raised an eyebrow.
In doubles, such a formation was typically used when a team had a commanding lead. But now, with Rikkai on the backfoot, Marui's move seemed like a desperate gamble.
"Marui, what are you—" Jackal was equally confused.
Marui's sudden advance left the baseline wide open.
"Fine, I'll cover the back!" Jackal quickly retreated to defend.
"Too late!"
Ōshitari, spotting the opening, swiftly sent the ball toward the exposed gap.
Swish!
But Marui appeared out of nowhere, intercepting the shot with a firm smack.
"Huh?"
Ōshitari was taken aback. "Is he planning to hold us off alone?"
Kaidō chuckled. "He's good, but taking on both of us? Not a chance."
The two launched a fierce assault, but to everyone's astonishment, Marui held his ground, blocking every shot.
"Is this guy a wall or something?" someone exclaimed.
From the net, Marui blew a bubble with his gum, his eyes unwavering. "From this point on, I won't let a single ball get past me!"
In the face of adversity, Marui had made his resolve clear. His defense was nothing short of impregnable—a true fortress on the court.
(End of Chapter)
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