readytorunbook #186 - The game begins
#186 - The game begins
Even before the match began, the audience sensed its terrifying nature.
Even those who didn't frequently watch matches could feel their hair standing on end.
"These two aren't bad," Irie Kanata said softly, watching the two on the court.
"They're much better than some of the trash," Byodoin Hoo casually remarked.
"Yes, a bit better," Onijujiro nodded.
"Tanegashima, it's a good opportunity to see what your former teammates are like," Irie Kanata said playfully.
"Or rather, to see how much Sanada has grown," Tanegashima Shuji said calmly.
The first-string players weren't affected by their momentum, so they could objectively assess their strength.
It could also be said that their strength wasn't yet enough to cause any negative reactions from the first-string players.
This also indicated that there was still a significant gap between Sanada Genichiro and Tezuka Kunimitsu in the eyes of the first-string players.
But even so.
Sanada Genichiro and Tezuka Kunimitsu were definitely national-level players.
So, when two national-level players were about to start a match, the atmosphere became exceptionally strange.
Subsequently, Sanada Genichiro and Tezuka Kunimitsu returned to their respective baselines.
The referee then announced:
"Now commencing the National Tournament finals, first round, Singles 2!
"Match start, one game finish, Rikkai Dai's Sanada Genichiro to serve!"
On the court.
Sanada Genichiro's eyes flashed with a burst of light, and his momentum spread throughout his body.
Taking a deep breath, Sanada Genichiro tossed the tennis ball high into the air, and at the instant it reached its highest point and began to fall, he struck the ball with a racquet so fast it was almost invisible.
Swift as the wind!
Bang! The tennis ball flew out like a cannonball, disappearing because it was too fast.
Bang! A dull sound rang out, and the ground even vibrated slightly.
A gleam flashed in Tezuka Kunimitsu's eyes, and the racquet in his hand rotated, instantly transforming into a stream of light.
The instant the racquet struck the tennis ball, a burst of sound instantly exploded, and a terrifying airflow spread!
"These two are relying solely on ordinary tennis techniques to fight like this, it's terrifying!" Kaido Kaoru said in disbelief.
According to Kaido Kaoru's data, the difference in strength between the two wasn't very large, and if they were 90 points, the rest of Seigaku would be around 70 points.
But now it seemed that this assessment score was somewhat arrogant.
This was completely not a match of the same level.
No matter who from Seigaku went up now, they would be utterly defeated.
"Captain's aura is so strong," Kikumaru Eiji exclaimed.
"This is already a different level of match from us," Fuji Syusuke said seriously.
"No matter what, Captain won't lose!" Kawamura Takashi said, watching the match with a firm gaze.
"Hopefully..." Kaido Kaoru said softly, he didn't voice his analysis because what was needed now was for the Seigaku members to cheer for Tezuka Kunimitsu.
Inside the court.
Sanada Genichiro and Tezuka Kunimitsu were still returning the ball using tennis techniques.
Just then.
Sanada Genichiro's eyes flashed, seizing the opportunity to swing his racquet hard at the approaching tennis ball.
Swift as the wind!
Bang! The tennis ball flew towards Tezuka Kunimitsu with a powerful spin, emitting rolling smoke behind it.
Tezuka Kunimitsu stood in place and swung his racquet.
Instantly, the tennis ball seemed to be attracted, bouncing onto Tezuka Kunimitsu's racquet.
Tezuka Zone.
The instant the racquet made contact, the tennis ball was rapidly struck out.
Bang! The tennis ball was like a meteor streaking across the court.
When the tennis ball bounced to its highest point, Sanada Genichiro, engulfed in flames, smashed the tennis ball down.
Aggressive as fire!
In an instant, the tennis ball turned into a red-hot fireball, rushing towards the opponent's court with unmatched power.
Tezuka Kunimitsu raised his arm and collided head-on with the tennis ball.
The moment the tennis ball came into contact with the racquet, it seemed to have been subjected to tremendous gravity, compressing the strings.
Then, Tezuka Kunimitsu's arms bulged with veins as he swung back.
Bang! A burst of sound directly exploded, spreading throughout the entire court, followed by a powerful surge of air.
"Go back!" Sanada Genichiro said in a deep voice, his racquet already striking the tennis ball back.
The air crackled, as swift as an arrow released from its bow, vanishing from everyone's sight in the blink of an eye.
"Too fast!" Momoshiro Takeshi blurted out.
"Useless, this won't break Tezuka Zone," Kaido Kaoru pushed up his glasses.
At this moment, Tezuka Kunimitsu also felt the power of this ball.
But without the slightest hesitation, the tennis ball appeared in the corner of the court and instantly returned to Tezuka Zone.
"Useless."
Tezuka Kunimitsu's eyes flashed, his arm quickly twitching, striking back hard!
Bang! "He can even hit that back?"
"These two are too amazing!"
"Too shocking! Is this really middle school tennis?"
After Sanada Genichiro's tennis ball was returned by Tezuka Kunimitsu again, the audience finally stirred. This no longer seemed like middle school students playing tennis, but rather like a clash between two professional players.
The first-string players were also stunned as they watched Sanada Genichiro and Tezuka Kunimitsu.
"These two can fight like this while still holding back?" Onijujiro said softly.
"These two are a bit interesting!" Byodoin Hoo said calmly: "Then let's proceed according to the coaches' plan."
"Yes, understood!" Onijujiro nodded.
Inside the court.
Sanada Genichiro watched the tennis ball returned by Tezuka Kunimitsu, calmed his breath, and the sharp aura on his body changed.
"Still as the forest!" Sanada Genichiro's mouth emitted a low sound, and his entire aura became tranquil, the racquet swinging in his hand instantly turning into an afterimage.
A crisp sound rang out, the tennis ball filled with power, spinning, and sped over the net.
Tezuka Zone once again absorbed the tennis ball into the zone, and with just a slight movement, the tennis ball was directly returned by Tezuka Kunimitsu.
Bang! The tennis ball increased in power this time, like a burning fireball with smoke trailing behind it as it flew over the net.
"End it!" At this moment, Sanada Genichiro said in a deep voice.
Immediately following, the veins on Sanada Genichiro's arm bulged, aiming at the incoming tennis ball and swinging with all his might!
Swift as the wind!
Bang! This ball was more powerful in speed and spin than any previous ball.
It directly sped towards the side of Tezuka Kunimitsu's baseline.
Subsequently, the tennis ball's powerful force collided with Tezuka Zone, then broke through and slammed hard into the ground, bouncing onto the wire mesh!
The instant the tennis ball hit the wire mesh, the rotational force had not yet disappeared, and then it directly shot out of the wire mesh!
Irremovable scorched marks remained on the ground and the wire mesh.
"0 - 15!" The referee's voice rang out at this moment.