The lineups were submitted.
After the tournament committee confirmed the arrangements, the head referee blew his whistle, announcing:
"The National Finals—Rokkaku vs. Seigaku! Singles 3 match begins now! Players, take your positions!"
### The Decisive First Match
Singles 3 was critical—it set the tone for the entire match.
QP's voice was calm but firm: "Kirihara. Crush him. Aim for a 6-0 sweep."
Kirihara smirked, gripping his racket. "Got it."
As he stepped onto the court, his eyes flicked toward Rokkaku's bench—who would his opponent be?
---
### Rokkaku's Strategy
Fuwa Saizou placed the strategy board down, confidence oozing. "Kirihara for Singles 3? Seigaku isn't changing tactics. They're going all-in."
Byoudouin's eyes narrowed. "Fuwa. Win this."
He had personally trained Fuwa for this moment. But against Kirihara's speed, raw skill wasn't enough.
The real weapon? Fuwa's "Mirror Eye"
Fuwa adjusted his blackout goggles—beneath them, his pupils gleamed with calculation. "I'll take this victory."
If he won here, Rokkaku's path to the championship would widen.
---
### The Crowd's Doubts
"Fuwa Saizou in Singles 3? That guy's eyes…" – Mitsuya Akuto (Hyotei)
Hyotei had fallen to Rokkaku. Many powerhouse schools had.
Inui adjusted his glasses. "His 'Mirror Eye' reflects mental attacks. Even Moon's 'Mental Assassination' backfired."
"Tch." – Atobe (Ice Emperor)
"Kirihara's speed might be his only advantage." – Akutsu (Rikkai)
---
### The Match Begins
"Game start! Fuwa Saizou to serve!"
Fuwa bounced the ball, his hidden gaze analyzing Kirihara's stance.
THWACK!
A heavy, irregular spin serve rocketed across the court—designed to jam Kirihara's return.
But Kirihara blurred, sidestepping at the last second.
"Too slow."
His racket flashed.
BOOM!
A supersonic drive shot past Fuwa before he could react.
"15-0! Kirihara leads!"
The crowd erupted.
Kirihara's speed was monstrous—even faster than in the Kantō Finals.
Fuwa remained expressionless.
"He's gathering data." – QP (Seigaku's bench)
Every move Kirihara made was being recorded by the Mirror Eye.
---
### The Trap Sets
Fuwa served again—this time, the spin was sharper, the force heavier.
Kirihara scoffed. "You think this weak spin can stop me?"
He dashed forward, racket whipping out—
BAM!
Another lightning return.
"30-0!"
But Fuwa didn't flinch.
"He's too calm…" – Yamato (Seigaku)
Kirihara's instincts prickled. "What's your game, goggles?"
---
### The Children's Cheers
"Wow! Yoru's teammate is so fast! Faster than Oni!" – Excited kid
"Pfft. Oni's strong, but he's built like a tank!" – Another kid
Oni flexed, grinning. "Speed's not my thing. But power? Nobody beats me."
Even so, he was impressed. Kirihara's reflexes were world-class.
---
### The Turning Point
Fuwa's third serve came—another heavy spinner.
Kirihara lunged, but this time—
His racket twisted mid-swing.
"What?!"
The ball curved unnaturally, shooting past him.
"15-30!"
Kirihara's eyes widened. "That was… my own technique?"
Fuwa adjusted his goggles. "Mirror Eye: Reflection activated."
---
### The Counterattack Begins
"He's copying Kirihara's moves?!" – Seigaku's bench
QP's expression darkened. "No. He's not copying. He's reflecting."
Every technique Kirihara used was now being turned against him.
"40-30! Fuwa leads!"
Kirihara gritted his teeth. "Damn it…"
He had to end this fast—before Fuwa mirrored everything.
---
### Next Point: The Decider
Fuwa smirked beneath his goggles. "Your speed is impressive. But now… it's mine."
He tossed the ball—
And unleashed Kirihara's own supersonic drive.
"GAME! FUWA WINS THE FIRST GAME! 1-0!"
The stadium roared.
Kirihara's fists clenched. "This guy…!"
---
### Seigaku's Crisis
"Kirihara's in trouble." – Momo (Seigaku)
Yoru's gaze sharpened. "He needs to break the mirror… or shatter it."
---