(Author's Note: Wait, where did you all get the idea that Tezuka's Phantom Spin is a 6x rotation boost? The anime clearly states it's 60% stronger. I've seen so many people claim it's 6x…)
The spin intensity of the Supreme Zone is more than double that of the Reverse Zone.
And since the Reverse Zone's spin is already 60% stronger than the standard Tezuka Zone, you can imagine just how absurd the rotation of the Supreme Zone is.
The moment it appeared, Tanegashima was completely overwhelmed.
Deconstructing spin of this magnitude was already near-impossible—but compound spin? He could only neutralize one layer at best.
Worse, he couldn't even tell which spin he was neutralizing. It was like rolling dice.
If he happened to cancel the reverse spin, the ball would return to Yoru, giving him a slim chance.
But if he canceled the forward spin? The ball would rocket out of bounds—point lost.
At his current level, Tanegashima stood no chance of dismantling the Supreme Zone.
Maybe in the future…
In the original series, Tanegashima claimed he could counter Volk's "Baptism of the Vortex"—an otherworldly-level technique. By then, even the Supreme Zone might not escape "Muga no Kyouchi" (Realm of Annihilation).
But for now?
He's at the mercy of absolute control.
THWACK—!
Yoru scores! 2-0!
...
THWACK—!
Yoru scores! 3-0!
...
THWACK—!
Yoru scores! 5-0!
...
Thirty minutes into the match…
The tornado symbolizing the Supreme Zone dissipated.
Yoru looked calmly at Tanegashima, who was now kneeling on one knee—exhausted.
"You couldn't do it, huh?"
"..."
Tanegashima forced a bitter smile.
From the second game onward, he had tried everything—even holding the ball longer on his racket. But no matter what, he could only neutralize one layer of spin.
And as time passed, the Supreme Zone's rotation grew even stronger. Some shots now slipped through completely—untouched by "Muga no Kyouchi."
But it wasn't just Tanegashima struggling.
Yoru himself was feeling the side effects.
He had underestimated them.
Even with a Level 10 physique, his shoulder ached with every swing. If not for his jacket, everyone would see his arm flushed with blood.
"Overplayed my hand…"
Yoru kept his expression icy, but internally, he was groaning.
Could've just won with Glowing Experience Mode… but no, I had to flex with the Supreme Zone.
"Tezuka in the World Cup must've had Level 15+ stats to spam this without consequences…"
"Wait—no, even he had limits. He only used it for a few games."
After Volk's brutal training, Tezuka's body could handle the strain.
By the system's standards, Level 15-16 is professional-athlete tier.
Given that Tezuka was nearly in high school, his physique was likely in that range.
"Guess I shouldn't use the Supreme Zone for extended periods until I hit Level 13…"
His gaze returned to Tanegashima.
"Tanegashima, if you can't touch the ball, 'Muga no Kyouchi' is useless, right?"
A slow nod.
No point hiding it—this was common knowledge.
Their voices were low, but the players in the benches heard everything.
Inui frowned.
"True, but with Tanegashima's Enhanced Senses, there shouldn't be a shot he can't reach—"
FLOKITOTO
WHOOSH—!
Before he could finish, reality slapped him in the face.
Yoru's body erupted in an eerie glow, and the court's temperature plummeted.
Tanegashima's eyes widened.
"You can also—?!"
The aura around Yoru was denser, more oppressive.
Power Level: +1.5
Now at 12.5 stars, the match was no longer balanced.
GULP.
Tanegashima served.
The ball barely bounced before—BLUR.
Gone.
All that remained was Yoru walking back to the baseline.
BOOM—!
A deafening crash. The ground shook.
Tanegashima turned to see a charred mark on the court—and an identical one on the back wall.
The ball's speed had been invisible.
"15-0, Yoru!"
GASPS.
The crowd was stunned.
Even on TV, the playback lagged—missing Yoru's movement entirely.
Back at the baseline, Yoru locked onto Tanegashima.
"Serve."
In this state, his mind was laser-focused—only tennis existed. Saying even two words was a struggle.
"Damn it!"
Tanegashima served again, but this time, the speed exceeded his senses.
"It's over."
QP shook his head.
Yoru's "Glowing Experience Mode" was a monstrous evolution of his own. With Tanegashima's senses overwhelmed, defeat was inevitable.
...
But it wasn't just the "Super-Perfect Quality" boost.
Runes were at play.
Yoru enjoyed:
- 10% return quality (Counter Rune)
- 15% swing speed (Swift Strike Rune)
- 8% movement speed (Gale Rune)
Normally, he suppressed these effects to hide his full power.
But in this state? No holding back.
His performance skyrocketed—practically 13-star level!
"30-0, Yoru!"
...
"40-0, Yoru!"
...
"Game, set, match—Yoru! 6-0!"
Match over.
Total domination.
...
"To lose this badly…"
Tanegashima stared at the brutal scoreline. Even his naturally tanned skin looked pale—whether from exhaustion or shock, no one could tell.
"Snap out of it."
Yoru stood at the net, waiting.
Finally, Tanegashima approached, forcing a smile.
"You're strong. Far stronger than the magazines say. I lost fair and square."
Yoru nodded silently before walking off.
Not out of rudeness—his arm was throbbing.
"Do all Seigaku captains get cursed with arm pain? What kind of twisted tradition is this?!"
Luckily, the system confirmed it was temporary. Rest would fix it.
Meanwhile…
Tokyo Airport.
Two figures stepped out.
One—a woman—wore a hat, sunglasses, and mask, hiding her face completely.
"Seigaku… huh?"