Chapter 63: Prelude to the Finals, the Brand‑New Doubles #2

Shouzu.

Shouzu just squeezed out of the crowd's encirclement, and Bu Er's voice came from behind.

Your hand.

He walked over slowly, his gaze tinged with a hint of worry as he asked, "Are you okay?"

After a brief silence, Shouzu lowered his eyes, missing Bu Er's gaze.

"Don't worry, there's no problem."

Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, forming a dappled patch of light on Bu Er.

He opened his ice‑blue eyes and stared deeply at Shouzu, as if his gaze could see right through a person.

The two remained silent.

After a long while, Bu Er finally broke the silence and spoke.

"Don't push yourself too hard."

"Hmm," Shouzu replied softly.

At that moment, Gan Zhen Zhi walked over, glanced at the two out of curiosity, and said, "Shouzu, Coach Ryuzaki asked me to find you; we need to discuss the upcoming match lineup later."

Hearing that, Shouzu nodded at Bu Er and followed Gan Zhen Zhi away.

While Seigaku was arranging its formation, Budongfeng was not idle either.

After all, since Tachibana Kippei hadn't transferred yet, the team's lineup was still incomplete; to hold victory firmly in hand, more thought was required.

Then Jiecheng Wu lifted his head, looked at the people before him, and began to speak slowly.

"Regarding the number two doubles pair."

A gust of wind brushed the treetops, and the rustling leaves muffled the voice.

Although it was unclear what was said, Neicun Jingjie, standing in the shade, trembled slightly, his face showing an incredulous expression.

Guan Dong Di Qu, Shen Na Chuan Xian.

Boom!

"Game, Ritsui High School Affiliated Middle School Mori Hisaburou, 6‑0."

"Match over, total score 3‑0, Ritsui High School Affiliated Middle School wins!"

Compared with Tokyo, the prefectural tournament had far fewer participating schools, and because of Ritsui High, the champion's claim was unquestioned.

"Truly worthy of the champion Ritsui High!"

No blind spots at all!

When the referee's voice rang out, the audience felt it was only natural and offered unreserved praise.

Unlike everyone else's excitement, Kiriwara sat alone on his seat, his seaweed‑like hair drooping lifelessly, feeling deeply depressed.

His gaze swept over the three figures ahead:

"Damn, I didn't get a chance to play again this time; when will I finally surpass them!"

Compared with the first day of school, Kiriwara's mindset had undergone a 180‑degree shift.

When he first joined the Tennis Club, he easily defeated many seniors, believing he had become the nation's top tennis player, his heart swelling with pride.

But his joy was short‑lived; those three guys gave him a harsh lesson, making him fully recognize the world's harsh reality.

Vice‑Captain Sanada's tennis aura radiated powerfully, like wind, forest, fire, and mountain, his offense and defense unified, his strength terrifyingly formidable, with no flaw in sight.

Nevertheless, Kiriwara was even more eager to face him in a match.

Because of the other two players' tennis.

Liu Lian Er's Data Tennis style was sheer torture; every step of the match was calculated, and Kiriwara felt like a puppet in his hands, manipulable at will.

And the smiling, seemingly harmless captain, Xingcun Jingshi, terrified him even more.

Whenever he recalled the scene where his five senses were completely lost, Kiriwara couldn't help but feel a flutter of anxiety.

"Ha~"

After the match, during the net handshake, Mori Hisaburou yawned inappropriately; his lazy demeanor clashed completely with Ritsui High's style.

"Hmph! Too lax."

Seeing Mori Hisaburou's flippant attitude, Sanada felt an unnamed fire rise within.

Having received traditional kendo training since childhood, he believed that only by mastering self‑control, firming one's will, cutting off the desire for ease and indulgence, and devoting body and soul to tennis could one achieve greatness.

But Mori Hisaburou's personality was the complete opposite; within Ritsui High's tennis team, they were the most mismatched pair.

"A talent‑wasting guy will regret it someday."

Sanada let out a cold snort, turned his gaze away, yet his thoughts drifted far with the breeze, floating toward Tokyo.

That place held the opponent he must defeat.

Tokyo, Tennis Park.

The Du Da Sai staff gave the final venue one more thorough inspection, and the final began!

"Below, the Tokyo tournament final is about to start."

"Budongfeng Middle School versus Youth Academy."

"Both teams' players, step forward!"

When Budongfeng and Seigaku's teams entered, the long‑awaiting audience instantly perked up.

It was expected that Shan Chui Zhongxue and Bing Di Xue Yuan would battle for the final championship.

But unexpectedly, Budongfeng defeated the veteran powerhouse Shan Chui Zhongxue, and Seigaku snatched the semifinal spot from top seed Ice Emperor.

This year's final will be a showdown between two dark horses, bringing a strong sense of freshness.

"Click!"

"Click!"

Seeing Budongfeng's team take the field, Jingshang Shou hurriedly photographed each team member's face.

While he was scrolling through the camera's pictures, Zhi Sha Zhi beside him gently tugged his sleeve.

"Senior Jingshang."

"Editor Jiecheng is also here."

Following the direction of Zhi Sha Zhi's finger, a well‑dressed, scholarly and dignified middle‑aged man stood near the court.

Jingshang Shou zoomed in through the camera and, indeed, it was Jiecheng Tongren.

The final match begins.

Tap tap.

Sen Chende stepped out of the lineup, but this time his partner was no longer Neicun Jingjie, but Yiwu Shen Si, who was originally a singles player.

This lineup was a formation Jiecheng Wu chose to ensure victory.

"Secure the win!" Jiecheng Wu gestured grandly.

"Yes!"

The two, both of silent disposition, nodded firmly and walked toward the court.

As they departed, Neicun Jingjie's feelings grew complicated.

On the other side, Coach Ryuzaki also had a new pair standing before him.

"Don't be too pressured; when needed, listen more to Gan's commands."

Although Coach Ryuzaki was somewhat skeptical of this pair, Tezuka and Sadaharu Inui both insisted, so she didn't object, though she still gave an uneasy reminder.

"Got it, Coach Ryuzaki."

He Cun Long appeared nervous and uneasy, his hands unsure where to rest, and finally he scratched his head sheepishly.

Seeing his demeanor, Coach Ryuzaki let out a long sigh.

Is this really going to work?

"Alon, you forgot this." Bu Er suddenly came from the side, smiling as he handed the yellow racket to He Cun Long.

"Thanks, Bu Er." He Cun Long gave a weak smile, his tone still feeble.

But the instant he took the racket—

"Come on, baby!"

He Cun Long instantly ignited, his expression flamboyant, eyes sharp, his eyebrows flaring like flames, full of momentum.

"Come on! Come on! Watch me defeat you all!"

It was as if his personality had completely changed.

"Now that's how it should be!" Kikumaru leaned over, patting He Cun Long's shoulder with a smile.

"Next, the doubles No. 2 match of this round will begin."

"Representing Budongfeng Middle School, Yiwu Shen Si and Sen Chende, face off against Youth Academy's Gan Zhen Zhi and He Cun Long!"

(End of chapter.)