Despite achieving synchronization, Niō Masaharu and Yagyū Hiroshi found themselves unable to break through the stubborn defense of Higashikata Masami and Minami Kentaro. The Potato Heroes' resilience exceeded even Rikkaidai's expectations.
The score climbed relentlessly: 6-6. What should have been a straightforward opening match had devolved into the dreaded tiebreaker scenario that both coaches had hoped to avoid.
"Hah... hah... hah..."
Both Rikkaidai players slumped in their chairs during the brief changeover, towels draped over their heads as they struggled to regulate their breathing. The synchronized play had demanded tremendous energy expenditure without yielding the anticipated dominance.
"Are you two alright?" Genichirō Sanada's concern was evident as he studied his exhausted teammates. Even with synchronization deployed, Yamabuki had managed to force the decisive seventh game—a testament to their opponents' exceptional tenacity.
"We're fine," Niō gasped, waving off his captain's worry despite his obvious fatigue.
"The Yamabuki pair represents classic fundamentalist tennis," Yanagi Renji observed, consulting his detailed match notes. "Their foundation is absolutely solid—they're textbook examples of players who've mastered every basic technique to perfection. Such opponents are notoriously difficult to defeat quickly."
The data specialist's assessment carried particular weight given his encyclopedic knowledge of playing styles throughout Japan. His friendship with Inui had fostered similar analytical approaches, though Yanagi's methodology had evolved to even greater sophistication.
"Once drawn into extended rallies, their superior conditioning and flawless fundamentals become increasingly dangerous," Yanagi continued. "If we want to secure victory, the burden falls on you, Niō. Your special ability is our best path to quick resolution."
"Understood." Niō nodded slowly, recognizing the tactical imperative despite the physical cost it would demand.
As the decisive seventh game commenced, neither Rikkaidai player glowed with synchronization's ethereal light. Instead, something far more dramatic occurred—Niō's physical form began shifting subtly until Genichirō Sanada's intimidating presence manifested on the court.
"What?!" The crowd's collective gasp echoed throughout Saitama Super Arena as spectators rubbed their eyes in disbelief. This wasn't their familiar vice-captain taking the court, but Niō Masaharu wrapped in an perfect illusion of his teammate's appearance and capabilities.
This was the Niō Phantom—a supernatural mimicry technique that bordered on the impossible.
Yanagi's strategic advice had carried a hidden message: during the tiebreaker, Niō could no longer maintain synchronization with his partner while deploying his ultimate ability. The Phantom's tremendous physical demands made dual techniques unsustainable, forcing a choice between cooperative play and individual dominance.
Moreover, imitating stronger players like Sanada multiplied the energy consumption exponentially. Using the Phantom earlier might have provided tactical advantages, but the subsequent exhaustion would have left Niō vulnerable to the Potato Heroes' grinding endurance game.
The seventh game represented the optimal deployment window—maximum impact at the crucial moment.
"Yagyū," the false Sanada commanded with his familiar authoritative tone.
"Understood." Yagyū immediately adjusted his positioning, transitioning from equal partner to supporting role as Niō prepared to dominate the court single-handedly.
Higashikata's serve targeted a particularly challenging angle, but the response shattered all expectations.
"Move like Thunder!"
The transformed Niō appeared at the ball's landing point with inhuman speed, his return blazing past Yamabuki's defense like a lightning bolt. The signature technique's devastating efficiency left both opponents stunned by its sheer velocity.
"Impossible!" Higashikata and Minami stared in shock. Nothing in their extensive preparation had suggested such explosive capability from their opponents.
Niō's strategic choice of transformation made perfect tactical sense. While mimicking Yukimura might have offered greater overall power, Sanada's aggressively offensive style provided the quick-strike potential necessary to overwhelm defensive specialists before they could adapt.
The pattern repeated on Higashikata's second serve, with Niō's thunderous movement again breaking through Minami's first line of defense. However, the doubles format meant Higashikata could provide backup coverage from the baseline.
The returning shot carried tremendous spin and power that tested Higashikata's limits, but his determination to protect his team's championship hopes fueled a successful return—albeit from a compromised court position.
Recognizing the opportunity, Niō launched himself skyward with predatory intensity.
"Invasion like Fire!"
The overhead smash blazed downward like a flaming meteor, its devastating power obliterating Minami's racket upon impact and sending the equipment spinning through the air.
Rikkaidai had seized a crucial two-point advantage!
"Hah... hah... hah..."
The aggressive display left Niō half-kneeling on court, his breathing labored despite the match's brief duration. Sanada's techniques delivered incredible results, but their energy cost was proportionally extreme. Still, if quick victory was achievable, any physical sacrifice seemed worthwhile.
The Potato Heroes' resilience, however, exceeded even Yanagi's comprehensive data analysis. Despite facing techniques beyond their normal experience, both players continued mounting determined resistance throughout the tiebreaker.
In the end, Rikkaidai's overwhelming offensive finally prevailed, but the cost proved severe.
"Finally!" Niō's exhausted smile lasted only moments before he collapsed unconsciously to the court surface.
"Niō!" Multiple teammates rushed forward in alarm as their unconscious comrade was carefully lifted and transported to the medical station.
The victory had come at a devastating price. Though Rikkaidai had secured the opening match, Niō would be unable to compete at high intensity for several days. Fortunately, the gap between regional and national tournaments provided sufficient recovery time—but for now, one of their key players was completely out of commission.
The Potato Heroes weren't in much better condition. Both players supported each other as they slowly made their way off court, with Eiji and Oishi hurrying over to provide assistance.
"Sorry, everyone," Higashikata said dejectedly. "We both failed you."
"You performed exceptionally," Tezuka assured them with genuine respect, placing comforting hands on both shoulders. "That was an incredible battle against world-class opposition."
"That's right! Now it's our turn!" Eiji declared with fierce determination. "Oishi and I will definitely bring victory back to Yamabuki!"
The pressure on the Golden Pair was now enormous. Another doubles loss would put Rikkaidai ahead 2-0, leaving Yamabuki's singles players to face an nearly impossible comeback scenario.
The mathematical reality was stark: Sengoku would likely face one of Rikkaidai's monster trio—Sanada, Yukimura, or Mori—making his victory prospects slim regardless of his improved abilities. This represented Rikkaidai's strongest generation, with veteran Mori providing a level of experience that next year's roster couldn't match.
Yamabuki's championship hopes now rested squarely on Eiji and Oishi's ability to even the score against Rikkaidai's formidable second doubles team.
"Yamabuki is really feeling the pressure now," Jun observed, his tactical awareness sharpened by years of life-or-death battles.
"All the weight falls on Eiji and Oishi from this point forward," Gustave confirmed with a nod.
"Come on, Eiji! Take them down!" Conan shouted from the stands, his small voice somehow carrying clearly across the arena.
"Don't worry, Little Guy!" Eiji responded with a confident wave. "Oishi and I will definitely win this!"
Across the court, Marui Bunta casually chewed bubble gum while blowing occasional bubbles, his relaxed demeanor suggesting complete confidence in the upcoming match. His partner, Jackal Kuwahara, maintained a more serious expression as he mentally prepared for battle.
Their partnership represented a unique strategic approach—clear role division between offensive and defensive specialists rather than the balanced cooperation most doubles teams employed. Marui handled aggressive shot-making while Jackal provided rock-solid defensive coverage, their complementary skills creating problems for conventional doubles strategies.
"Alright, it's showtime!" Marui announced, spitting out his gum and collecting his racket. "Let's see what this 'Golden Pair' can really do."
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