The Prince of Tennis: From Data-Driven Tennis to the Pinnacle of His Career

Chapter 94 Yamabuki VS Shishiraku

On the second day of the national tournament, when the Yamabuki team returned to Shinjo Comprehensive Park in Aichi Prefecture, they saw many passersby gathering in their direction.

"Kagura, there seem to be more spectators at the match today than yesterday."

Sengoku Kiyosumi glanced around and found that there were passersby everywhere, some even with children, holding drinks and snacks, as if they were on a picnic.

Such a lively scene is rarely seen even in Tokyo; the National Tournament truly lives up to its reputation as the most watched event.

"That's quite a lot more."

Kagura Ikjin nodded, his gaze deep and profound.

If yesterday's matches were just an appetizer, then today's matches are the real, brutal knockout rounds.

Of the eight strong schools, only four will remain in the end.

The victors enjoy the glory and applause and continue to climb towards the summit, while the losers can only go home with regret and tears.

"I heard our opponent this time is Lion Music? Is he very strong?"

Sengoku Kiyosumi suddenly turned his head and looked at Kagura Ichijin with a serious expression.

When he returned to Tokyo yesterday, he noticed that Kagura Ichijin's complexion was not good, although he did not pay much attention to it at the time.

But today was different. Kagura Ichijin had a stern face the whole way, looking much more serious than usual, which made him feel uncertain.

"That's impressive. Yesterday we were the last school to make it into the quarterfinals; the other schools had already finished their matches and gone home."

After hesitating for a moment, Kagura Ichijin still revealed a painful truth.

They were actually playing fast enough yesterday, but even so, other schools were still faster than them!

Moreover, as far as he knew, the total scores of those schools were basically 5 to 0!

This means that the schools that made it to the quarterfinals swept their opponents, demonstrating a terrifying level of dominance.

"So fast? Is the opponent too weak? Or—"

Sengoku Kiyosumi's face was filled with disbelief, her mouth slightly open.

They're all schools that made it to the top eight, so how come there's such a big difference? And judging from what Kagura Ichijin said, Yamabuki seems to be the weakest school among the top eight?

"—

'

Kagura Ichijin remained silent.

Which school that can enter the national competition is weak? But those champion schools from each region all fell in yesterday's competition.

Last year, Hyotei, led by Gekiko Echi, was already very strong, but they still fell in the quarterfinals.

Even Rikkai University, which has consistently made it to the national tournament, has not reached the semi-finals in recent years, which is enough to show how competitive the national tournament is.

"By the way, Kagura, only making it to the top four will add a spot for the Kanto region, right?"

Seeing Kagura Ichijin remain silent, Sengoku Kiyosumi's expression became much more serious.

But he quickly thought of something important that would happen next year, so he stopped and asked with concern.

"That's right."

Kagura Ichijin nodded.

This year, the Kanto region only has two spots because of its poor performance last year.

If Yamabuki and Rikkai can make it to the semifinals this year, then the number of teams from the Kanto region that can participate in the national tournament next year will increase.

Conversely, if none of them make it, then the Kanto region will still only have a pitiful two spots next year.

"We must win this match no matter what, otherwise the Kanto Tournament next year will still be a bloodbath."

Sengoku Kiyosumi frowned, his fists clenching unconsciously.

Yamabuki only made it to the national competition this year by stepping over other schools; their journey has been incredibly difficult.

If there are still only two spots next year, then Yamabuki might not be able to get one.

Hyotei Academy is the best example. Last year they were among the top eight in the national tournament, but this year they didn't even qualify.

"I hope so."

Kagura Ichijin patted Sengoku Kiyosumi on the shoulder, then walked towards Banta Mikiya who was in front of him.

Soon, the Yamabuki group followed Banta Mikiya into the arena.

They found an open space on the sidelines to use as a temporary gathering place, and then began their respective warm-up activities.

After an unknown amount of time, the third round of the national competition officially began with the sound of a broadcast.

Yamabuki Junior High School has met its match, Shishiraku Junior High School from the Kyushu region.

After handing the starting lineup to the referee, Banta Mikiya returned to his seat on the coaching bench.

Since all the participating schools had already played a match yesterday, starting from this round, they no longer need to play a full five matches. The first side to win three matches will advance directly.

The specific lineup of players.

The third singles player is Jin Akutsu.

Doubles Team 2: Guji Muxin and Ishimaru Kanto.

The second singles match is against Kagura Ichijin.

Doubles Team 1: Kentaro Minami and Masami Higashikata.

The first singles match was against Sengoku Kiyosumi.

"The first match begins. Yamabuki will play the third singles match, and Shishira will play the third singles match."

"Kagura, I'm going."

Having warmed up, Akutsu Jin threw off his jacket, nodded to Kagura Ichijin, picked up his racket, and strode toward the referee.

This time, his opponent is Miyamoto, a third-year regular from Shishiraku Junior High School.

"A decisive game, Miyamoto serves."

"A first-year student?"

Looking at Akutsu Jin, who had a fierce expression on his face, Miyamoto was taken aback for a moment, and then a contemptuous smile appeared on his lips.

He didn't expect Yamabuki to be so arrogant. They had already made it to the quarterfinals, but instead of letting their main players go first, they sent a first-year kid to lead the way. Wasn't that just giving him free points?

"What? Can't first graders participate in the national competition?"

Akutsu Jin keenly caught the disdain in the other person's eyes and glared back fiercely.

These senior students who participated in the national competition are seriously underestimating us freshmen. They act like they've already won before even starting.

He despises this kind of behavior of relying on one's age; what matters on the field is skill, not age!

These guys will never understand this principle until they suffer a great loss.

"Of course! I'd be thrilled to get something for free!"

Miyamoto clapped his hands, then looked at Akutsu Jin with disdain, his tone full of sarcasm.

A freshman wants to perform in a national competition? Are you kidding me? Do you really think these seasoned upperclassmen are all useless?

I don't know how this arrogant and domineering kid has managed to stay in the game until now, daring to be so arrogant in front of me.

It seems they really haven't been properly educated and don't know how brutal the national competition is.

"Really? I hope you can still say that later."

Akutsu Jin sneered and, without saying another word, turned and walked towards the receiving area.

Banta Mikiya and Kagura Ichijin made him the first to appear this time, just so that Yamabuki could get off to a good start, and he would not let them down.

"What an arrogant brat! I'm going to teach you a lesson today!"

Looking at Akutsu Jin's arrogant back, a cold glint flashed in Miyamoto's eyes.

He gripped his racket tightly and walked toward the service court, plotting how to teach this arrogant brat a lesson.