Seigaku's Side
The Metropolitan Tournament concluded with Seigaku advancing to the Kanto Tournament with a flawless record.
With over a month until the Kanto Tournament began, Yoru had planned for the team to head to the United States after the Metropolitan Tournament. However, he first gave them a week off—partly to rest, partly to handle logistics.
A week wasn't long, but it wasn't short either.
Aside from settling Ralph's challenge, Yoru also needed to meet up with Ryoga and Yoru Echizen.
Since mid-June to early September was the break period for American schools, the timing worked out perfectly.
With Q.P. handling arrangements and Nanjiroh pulling strings, everything was set.
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### The Team's Reaction
After club activities ended, Yoru announced the one-week break.
Instead of cheers, the team fell into an uneasy silence.
"What… are we supposed to do now?"
"It's a break, but it feels weird."
"I feel… empty."
"Like I've lost my purpose."
The upperclassmen, especially, seemed lost.
"They've grown accustomed to high-intensity training after classes," Q.P. observed. "Suddenly stopping would naturally feel unsettling."
"I get it." Yoru shrugged.
It was like working overtime nonstop, only for the company to suddenly give you time off—almost making you wonder if you were being discarded.
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### The Journey Begins
After dismissing the others, Yoru kept the regulars behind.
"We're taking a direct flight tonight. Go home, pack, and regroup at the school gates."
"FINALLY!"
"I packed the day the Metropolitan Tournament ended! I've been waiting!"
"My first time abroad—this is awesome!"
"Where in the States are we going, Captain?"
The team buzzed with excitement.
"Los Angeles. Accommodations are arranged, but bring your tennis gear. Training doesn't stop."
"YES, SIR!"
Even Tezuka looked eager, completely unaware that Yoru's idea of "training" would be… different.
Watching their enthusiasm, Yamato sighed. "Youthful ignorance."
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### Hyotei's Side
After their crushing defeat in the Metropolitan Tournament, Hyotei had increased training by an extra hour—with no objections.
Even the perpetually sleepy Akutagawa Jiroh pushed himself harder.
Though they lost 2-3, the truth was, Seigaku could've swept them 3-0 under normal circumstances.
Atobe, in particular, trained like a man possessed—drilling his stamina, fundamentals, and even specialized vision exercises.
When his muscles screamed in protest, he'd plunge into an ice bath to prevent long-term damage.
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### An Uninvited Guest
Amidst the rigorous training, an unexpected visitor arrived at Hyotei's gates.
A boy with wild, mushroom-like brown hair and a silver racket stood at the entrance.
"This is Hyotei's tennis club. State your business."
Matsudaira Chikao, one of the non-regulars, blocked his path.
The boy said nothing—just held out a club application form.
Matsudaira scoffed. "Joining now? Did another club kick you out? We don't take trash."
The boy didn't react—only smiled.
A chilling aura seeped into the air, making Matsudaira instinctively step back.
"You must be… Akutagawa Jin."
Coach Mizuki Hajime approached, taking the form. "Coach Handa told me about you. Welcome."
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### The Monster Arrives
This was Akutagawa Jin—the same player Yoru had crushed weeks prior.
After his loss, Coach Handa had approached him with an offer: "I'll make you strong enough to defeat Yoru."
But instead of placing him in Yamigaku, Handa sent him to Hyotei.
Yamigaku wasn't ready for Nationals yet—even with Jin, they lacked the firepower.
So Handa recommended him to Hyotei, knowing they needed a monster to compete.
"I want a regular spot." Jin's voice was ice.
Mizuki didn't flinch. "Fine. But in Hyotei, strength rules. Defeat him, and it's yours."
He pointed at Matsudaira.
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### The Execution
Ten minutes later, a court was cleared.
Hyotei's players, including the regulars, gathered to watch.
"Who's that? Why's he playing Matsudaira?" Mukahi Gakuto asked.
"No idea, but Coach Mizuki's refereeing. Must be important," Oshitari mused.
"That guy looks… dangerous." Shishido Ryo muttered.
Atobe, towel draped over his head, arrived. "So Akutagawa Jin's finally here."
"Akutagawa Jin?"
"Coach mentioned him—a 'freak talent' joining to reinforce Hyotei."
"Freak talent?" The team exchanged glances.
On the court, Jin smirked. "Any rules?"
"None."
Mizuki's answer sealed Matsudaira's fate.
What followed wasn't a match—it was a slaughter.
By the end, Matsudaira would never look at tennis the same way again.
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