Jonathan immediately noticed the sudden change in Kaji's movements. However, he had already completed a full data analysis on Kaji. Even if Kaji still had some hidden trump card, Jonathan believed it wouldn't change the outcome of the match.
The real problem was that middle schooler called Niō. Jonathan thought Niō's ability to completely transform into another player was even more absurd than his own skillset. And since data collection was useless against that kind of playstyle, the only way to win was through raw strength.
With that thought, Jonathan stopped hesitating. He tossed the ball high, and with a sharp swing, sent it toward the corner on Kaji's left side at an almost impossible angle. But in the next instant, Kaji's figure vanished—and so did the ball that had just bounced on the court.
Before Jonathan and Edgard could even react, the sound of a ball hitting the ground came from behind them. Both froze and turned their heads sharply. A tennis ball was bouncing slowly outside the baseline.
"Godspeed!"
"15–40!"
"Huuh…" Kaji let out a long breath after scoring the point, but "Ryōma," beside him, noticed something—fine sweat now covered Kaji's face, as if that single move had taken a massive toll on him.
"Kaji used his trump card this early? With his stamina reserves, can he even last till the end?" Omagari muttered from the Japan Team's bench, his brow furrowing.
"Based on previous data, Kaji can only sustain this state for ten minutes. Even if he improved his endurance during overseas training, I'd say fifteen minutes at best," Mitsuya said in a low, serious tone.
"So, he plans to finish the match within fifteen minutes?" Oni's sharp gaze deepened.
"Hmph! He's just clinging to that last bit of pride!" Byoudouin snorted, his voice heavy with disapproval.
While the high schoolers discussed, Jonathan had already served again. Both he and Edgard kept their full focus on the court. The moment "Ryōma" returned the serve, Kaji turned into a flash of silver light, disappearing from sight.
Edgard's instincts screamed danger, but he couldn't locate Kaji's position in time. He intercepted the ball and began to swing his racket rapidly. A massive Tyrannosaurus rex formed from the energy, roaring as it charged toward the opposing court.
But just as the dinosaur crossed the net, it dissolved into thin air. A sudden gust of wind swept past Edgard and Jonathan—and the next moment, the ball reappeared beyond their baseline.
"Game! Japan! 1–1!"
As the umpire announced the score, Kaji's figure gradually materialized in the middle of the court. He was breathing hard, forcing himself to steady his breath, though the sweat pouring down his face had noticeably increased.
"Impossible… Don't tell me we've already fallen under the Light of Pride's influence?" Edgard muttered, his brow furrowed in disbelief.
"No, Edgard-senpai! That last return was way faster than any data I've recorded—it must be some kind of explosive speed technique! But that kind of burst can't possibly be maintained for long!" Jonathan analyzed coolly.
It wasn't just the French team that was surprised. Even "Ryōma" hadn't fully seen Kaji's movement. Though Niō wasn't the real Ryōma, his dynamic vision was anything but ordinary.
"Kaji-senpai is amazing! I couldn't see his movement at all just now!" Kirihara exclaimed in awe from the bench.
"That speed definitely isn't normal! No wonder Mitsuya-senpai said Kaji-senpai can only last about fifteen minutes," Kite said, eyes gleaming in understanding behind his glasses.
"Judging by his condition, that technique must drain stamina like crazy," Chitose said grimly, concern evident in his tone.
"Relax~ Kaji used to be among the top ten of the First String. Even if his Godspeed Mode doesn't last till the end, he can still gain a massive lead in a short time," Tanegashima said calmly, his eyes fixed on the court.
'He forced himself into a state similar to Ten'i Muhō using nothing but his own speed and talent? As expected, anyone who can reach the top ten of the First String isn't ordinary,' Akashi couldn't help but admire how deeply Kaji had developed his natural ability.
The third game began with Niō serving. The "Ryōma" he had transformed into stood at the baseline, but to everyone's surprise, "Ryōma" switched his racket back to his right hand.
He picked up a tennis ball, bounced it once to test the feel, then tossed it high into the air. His body arched back slightly, and as the ball fell to the perfect height, "Ryōma" leapt and swung down hard.
The ball spun rapidly through the air toward the opposite court. Right after serving, "Ryōma" sprinted forward to the net, forcing Kaji—who was about to activate his Godspeed Mode—to pause.
Jonathan only needed a glance to recall all the data he had on Echizen Ryōma. He quickly moved to the drop point, leaning his body back slightly. As expected, when the ball landed, it shot upward toward his face.
"Kick serve!"
But Jonathan had anticipated this. He smoothly returned the serve, but "Ryōma" had already crossed the center line. In the next instant, his figure vanished from both Jonathan and Edgard's sight.
The faint screech of shoes sliding across the court broke the silence. "Ryōma" appeared again, crouched low and gliding forward. As he reached the net, he jumped with full force. The ball cleared the net perfectly and was struck by "Ryōma's" racket, soaring high into the air.
"This kind of high lob… it's bound to go out," Edgard said aloud, but despite his words, he didn't dare let his guard down. His eyes followed the ball closely.
"Wait… that's…!" Jonathan suddenly froze mid-stride, realizing something. He stopped his run toward the front and turned sharply toward the baseline instead.
The ball dropped abruptly near the center line, striking the backcourt before bouncing high once more in a steep arc that sent it crashing toward the baseline.
"Drive B!"
Jonathan just barely missed it—the ball slipped past his reach and flew out of bounds. He clenched his fist in frustration; if he'd reacted a moment earlier, he could've stopped it.
"15–0!"
"Go, Koshimae!!!" Kintarō's booming voice echoed from the sidelines after the point.
"Ryōma" turned his head at the shout and, for some reason, gave Kintarō a mischievous grin. Kintarō froze in confusion—it didn't match the "Koshimae" he remembered at all.
"Idiot! That's Niō's illusion of Echizen Ryōma! And how many times do I have to tell you, that kid's name is Echizen, not Koshimae!" Akutsu snapped irritably.
But Kintarō ignored him, still cheering loudly. Akutsu could only snort in annoyance and drop the matter.
"Ryōma" returned to the baseline, tossing the ball up again. The moment his racket connected, the ball spun violently toward Jonathan. Jonathan blinked in surprise but quickly adjusted.
'Another kick serve? That won't work on me,' he thought, leaning his body back to prepare his return.
When the ball hit the ground, it spun fiercely in place just as he predicted. But what happened next shattered his expectations—the ball suddenly curved sharply left after bouncing and flew out along the sideline.
"Samurai Kick Serve!"
"Ace! 30–0!"
"Hey~ were you just thinking that my kick serve wouldn't work on you?" "Ryōma" asked with a cocky smile, pointing his racket at Jonathan.