"That Greek pair's real core looks like that high schooler, right?" Fuji said with a smile as he watched the four players on screen from Japan's lounge.
"Should be. He hasn't even shown full strength yet, but no doubt he's a world-class player," Krauser replied, his eyes locked on Hercules.
"Greece's captain Zeus is said to be the strongest tennis player in their country. If this high schooler is already world-class, then Zeus' strength might…" Kite's glasses flashed as he spoke in a low voice.
"I'll deal with Zeus myself. No need for you to worry. This is Japan's first official World Cup match. No matter what, defeat is not allowed," Akashi said calmly.
Hearing Akashi's words, everyone relaxed. Fuji wanted to face Zeus himself, but he wasn't confident. Every match now carried the nation's honor—he couldn't act recklessly.
On the other side, in Greece's lounge, the sculpted players were also discussing. Captain Zeus looked at Japan's two middle schoolers, sighing inwardly. Even though Greece had taken Japan seriously, their strength was still beyond expectations.
"This match, Thalatta and the others might not win. Those two Japanese middle schoolers still have huge hidden power," Zeus said gravely. Golden radiance flared from his body.
"I already suggested to coach that we give up against Japan, but they didn't agree," Hermes said helplessly.
"The Stephanopoulos brothers are set for tomorrow's match against England. Against Japan today, our chances aren't high," Vulcan sighed as well.
"Don't be so pessimistic. Even if we lose to Japan, as long as we beat England and Australia, we can still reach the knockout rounds," Zeus reassured them, putting away his glow.
On court, Tachibana Kippei stepped to the baseline. It was his service game. He took a ball, tossed it high, and with a crack, sent it across to the backcourt.
Evan rushed to intercept, but as the ball bounced, dozens of shadows flew past him. By the time he reacted, they had already gone out.
"Abare Jishi!"
"Ace! 15–0!"
"I thought you weren't going to use that again," Chitose teased after seeing Tachibana's serve.
"Just a surprise move. It won't work again," Tachibana said with a grin.
He tossed up another ball. The crimson Beast Aura wrapped his racket. He smashed it down hard. The ball shot across and landed deep on the right side.
This time Evan kept his eyes on the ground's shadow. No extra ball images appeared, so he swung forward. But the sudden roar of a lion froze him in place.
"Roar of the Lion!"
"Ace! 30–0!"
Hercules frowned lightly, though his thick beard hid it. He walked up to Evan and clapped him on the shoulder. "Wake up, Galos."
"What was that just now? I thought I saw a lion charging at me!" Evan muttered in confusion.
"Don't let the opponent's mental force affect you. On the world stage, this is common. You must adapt, Galos," Hercules said sternly.
"I got it. But… just call me Evan," Evan nodded firmly.
Tachibana's third serve came, another Roar of the Lion. But this time, Hercules shielded his mind with mental force, unaffected by the roar. He returned Tachibana's serve cleanly.
But then Chitose's body flared with rainbow-colored aura. A phantom trail stretched behind him as he flashed to the net. The power of Muga no Kyōchi shifted to his left hand, and he struck hard.
The ball came back with doubled force and spin. Hercules sensed its heavy weight but still returned it with power, aiming at a sharp angle.
Yet Chitose's speed, boosted by Muga, was overwhelming. With just a quick shift, he reached the landing spot, left hand glowing again as he swung without hesitation.
This time the ball flew straight toward Evan. Hercules was about to warn him, but it was already too late. Evan rushed forward, swung his racket, and instantly had it knocked out of his hands. The ball's speed didn't drop at all, crashing into the back fence before stopping.
"40–0!"
"I remember that middle schooler called Tezuka Kunimitsu used a move like this in the exhibition match yesterday. Seems to be a Japan-only technique," Hermes said from the lounge, frowning at the screen.
"By channeling special energy through the body, the power, spin, and speed of the return are doubled in an instant. An interesting technique. And it looks like it can also be applied to other parts of the body—like the legs, to boost movement speed," Zeus said with an intrigued look.
"That's kind of similar to Thalatta's Silver White Light of Mount Olympus," Vulcan said thoughtfully as he watched the screen.
While the Greek team discussed, Tachibana had already served again. This time he didn't use Roar of the Lion. From the last point, he knew Hercules could ignore that move, so there was no need to waste mental energy.
The ball shot fast toward the left sideline, but Hercules was just as quick. He reached the spot ahead of time and returned it easily, his shot carrying no small amount of force.
Chitose used Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami again to intercept. But the weight on his racket shocked him. His left arm muscles tightened as he barely forced the ball back, doubling its power and speed.
"Galos, don't return their shots for now," Hercules told Evan, then stepped forward with both hands gripping his racket.
The impact sank his arms, even warping the racket slightly backward. But Hercules exploded with raw power, sending the ball back at Chitose with clear intent to break through Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami head-on.
The ball thundered forward with immense energy. Chitose smirked, stepped aside, and let it pass. Behind him, Tachibana's left hand glowed with dazzling golden light. His right hand whipped the racket forward at the incoming ball.
The super sweet spot absorbed part of the impact, then the golden glow wrapped the ball. It blasted forward like a cannon shell. Hercules' eyes narrowed, his aura surging as he swung without hesitation.
The ball warped his racket back again, the shock ripping cracks into the ground beneath him. But gritting his teeth, Hercules forced Tachibana's Glowing Shot back across the court.
Yet most of the ball's force was gone. As if he had been waiting, Chitose flashed to the net, lifted his racket behind his head, and sliced down sharply.
The ball spun violently as it crossed the net, then dropped weakly toward the ground. Evan rushed forward, realizing it carried almost no power. But when it bounced, it spun in place for several rapid turns before slowly rolling back into the net.
"Zero Shiki Drop!"
"Game! Japan! 2–0!"
"That shot… I think I saw it on yesterday's recording! I got tricked," Evan said with a frustrated tongue-click as he looked at the ball at his feet.
"Looks like that middle schooler's playstyle is close to yesterday's. That's going to be a problem," Hercules muttered, stroking his chin as he began to think.
"Oh? Since when did Chitose master the Zero Shiki Drop?" Niō said playfully from Japan's lounge.
"It's not hard to master. You should know that. This was actually Tezuka's idea. He knew Chitose had already learned it, and as long as it scores points, he doesn't mind Chitose using it," Krauser explained.
"That's just like Tezuka," Fuji chuckled softly. He knew Tezuka's personality well. For a match tied to national honor, Tezuka would take it deadly seriously.
The third game was Evan's serve. But before he could begin, Hercules suddenly spoke:
"Once this game starts, after you serve, just stand aside and watch. Don't return anything. I can't guarantee your safety otherwise."
"Eh? But…" Evan started, then froze at Hercules' grim expression. A chill of fear rose instinctively. He swallowed hard and nodded obediently.
"Then… let's add a little extra color to this match. Silver White Light of Mount Olympus!" As Hercules' voice fell, silver radiance burst from his body. His sculpted face now looked even more divine.