[Congratulations, Master! You have led Seigaku to victory over Maizono Academy and received a reward: Random Rune1!]
[Will you claim it?]
"Another lucky drop, huh?"
A grin spread across Yoru's face.
"Claim it!"
[Congratulations, Master! You have obtained the 'Endurance Rune'!]
Endurance Rune Effect:
- Increases the stamina of all team members by +1 (does not count toward the Five Dimensions rating).
- Reduces the side effects of techniques by:
- 10% for regular teammates.
- 20% for regulars.
- 30% for the Master (Yoru).
"This is too convenient… System, are you doing this on purpose?"
Yoru was skeptical.
Sure, it was called a "random rune," but what were the odds? Right after suffering backlash from the Supreme Realm, he just happens to draw a rune that mitigates its side effects?
[System: I'm just an employee. The higher-ups hand out the runes—I don't have that kind of authority.]
Yoru decided not to press further.
He equipped the rune immediately.
The +1 stamina boost took effect instantly, restoring some of his depleted energy.
More importantly, the reduction in technique backlash made the pain in his arm vanish.
Combined with the recovery effects of his Training Rune, he estimated he'd be fully healed by tomorrow—back to being a dashing young man!
---
"It's finally over… Captain, that match was incredible!"
Oishi couldn't help but voice his admiration.
And he wasn't the only one.
Aside from QP, none of them had expected that beyond the Inverted Realm, there existed an even more overpowered technique—the Supreme Realm.
Putting themselves in Tanegashima's shoes… the situation would've been far worse for them.
Even Tanegashima, the wielder of the Nirvana of Truth (已滅無), couldn't break free from the Supreme Realm's control.
What hope did they have?
That technique was a forced dilemma:
1. Return the ball against the spin? → It gets pulled back to Yoru, leading to an endless stamina drain—slow, agonizing defeat.
2. Return the ball with the spin? → The ball gets launched out of bounds—instant loss.
Tanegashima had even tried not using Nirvana of Truth, but the result was the same—the ball flew out of play.
Drop shots, lobs, drives—nothing worked. In the end, he was still forced to choose between two losing options.
But what really left Oishi in awe was how far Seigaku had come.
They were now in the national finals—one step away from the championship.
He had never imagined Yoru could lead them this far.
If they did win the national title… it would be Seigaku's first in history, etching their names into legend.
Just the thought of it sent shivers down his spine.
"You're thinking the same thing, right, Oishi?"
"How could I not?"
Kawasaki and Kaidoh's eyes were red with emotion.
Yoru, QP, and Kirihara might not feel it as deeply, but for the upperclassmen who had carried Seigaku's hopes for years…
This was a dream they never dared believe could come true.
Next week, the national finals would begin.
That glory—once so distant it felt like a fantasy—was now within reach.
---
"Game over! Final score: 5-0! Congratulations to Seigaku for advancing to the national finals!"
The referee's whistle marked the end of the match.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Seigaku's team rushed onto the court, hugging and celebrating their victory.
Ryuzaki Sumire watched from the sidelines, her gaze lingering on Yoru's youthful yet determined face.
She knew Seigaku's success wasn't just due to the players' efforts—it was his leadership that had brought them here.
---
### Maizono Academy's Side
After the loss, Inui and the others were visibly downcast.
But they understood—against an opponent this strong, there was little they could've done.
The gap in doubles was insurmountable. Against Seigaku's lineup, they never stood a chance.
Still, the last two matches had been thrilling.
They may have lost, but they fought with honor.
The crowd's applause was proof—they acknowledged the incredible battle both teams had delivered.
Tanegashima stepped off the court with a wry smile.
"Sorry, everyone… I got wrecked out there."
"Don't say that. If it were me, I'd have lost even faster."
Inui shook his head.
Recalling Yoru's performance, he knew he wouldn't have lasted as long as Tanegashima did.
At least Tanegashima had his superhuman reflexes to keep up.
Inui? He couldn't even match Yoru's base speed.
---
As time passed, the once-rowdy stadium gradually emptied, leaving only scattered spectators behind.
Tanegashima led his team toward the exit, each step heavier than the last.
At the gate, he paused.
Turned back.
Stared at the now-silent court.
His expression was a mix of nostalgia and reluctance.
Once they left, they'd never step onto that stage again—not as players, at least.
"Take a good look…"
Kaji Fengdu's voice was quiet, almost solemn.
Tanegashima nodded.
For half a minute, he stood there, memorizing every detail.
Then, with a deep breath, he turned away.
Maizono Academy walked off, their silhouettes fading into the distance.
---
Amid the celebrations, Yoru remained seated, soaking in the moment.
QP spoke up beside him.
"Your arm hurts, doesn't it?"
Others might not have noticed, but QP—ever the perfectionist—had seen the subtle shift in Yoru's playstyle in the sixth game.
He'd started using two-handed returns more often.
While two-handed strikes increased power and speed, Yoru didn't need the extra force—his shots were already overwhelming.
And single-handed swings allowed better control.
The only explanation?
Discomfort.
Yoru smirked.
"It's fine. A little rest, and I'll be back to normal. I just pushed too hard testing that technique."
QP relaxed slightly.
In this world, there weren't many people he truly cared about.
Before coming to Japan, Retru had been the only one.
Now, that list had grown.
Yoru. The Echizen family. Seigaku's team.
And—
Oni Juujirou. The kids at the Warm Sun Orphanage.
Having grown up in the cutthroat world of elite tennis, QP had known only suffocating pressure—his sole focus was becoming stronger.
But after meeting Yoru…
He finally understood what it meant to have comrades.
That warmth was like sunlight piercing through the darkness.
---
### Meanwhile, at the Echizen Residence…
Two unexpected guests had arrived.