Chapter 18: One Against Two! A Victory Without Suspense

The crowd marveled at Takahashi's exquisite Serve, admiring him to the point of prostration.

However, they still did not hold high expectations for the next game.

Because in the next game, it was Izumi and Buchuan serving, and they were two people.

The defensive range of doubles is larger than that of singles.

Takahashi is only one person; can he defend such a large area?

The crowd was very worried.

Although their own tennis skills were nothing to speak of, they were all very impressed by the tennis skills Takahashi displayed.

They realized that this was tennis of another dimension, not on the same level as them.

The match continued.

"Bang!"

Izumi hit the tennis ball toward Takahashi's left rear; Takahashi moved his feet, his speed bringing him to the landing point.

"Bang!"

The tennis ball flew toward Takahashi's right side.

After the tennis ball landed, Takahashi's tennis racket was already waiting there.

It was as if the tennis ball had deliberately collided with Takahashi's tennis racket.

"Bang!"

Izumi and Buchuan discovered that no matter where they hit the tennis ball, Takahashi could always appear in the right position at the right time to receive the ball.

They had intended to rely on their numerical advantage to hit the tennis ball in different directions, dragging Takahashi all over the Court like walking a dog to exhaust his stamina.

No matter how strong one's ability is, if one's stamina cannot keep up, it is all for nothing!

But they discovered that Takahashi's footwork remained unhurried, and his Return was very casual.

His stamina was still very abundant!

……

"Hailed as the strongest doubles pair, is this all the strength you have?"

"I'm done playing with you."

Takahashi's voice had just fallen.

Buchuan discovered that the incoming tennis ball was spinning rapidly on his tennis racket, and the force was terrifyingly great.

It was just like a lead weight.

"Snap!"

The tennis ball flew off at an angle.

He shook his wrist, attempting to get rid of the soreness and numbness in his wrist.

"So heavy!"

He could not help but exclaim.

"0-15!"

"Takahashi scores!"

"Bang!"

……

"Left!" Takahashi suddenly called out.

"What!" Izumi did not react in time.

The tennis ball bounced out from his left side.

"0-30!"

"I even told you the direction of the tennis ball, and you still didn't catch it."

"Tsk tsk tsk!"

"It doesn't matter, I will still give a warning for the next ball."

Takahashi said helplessly.

"Damn it!" Izumi said with a fierce expression.

"Don't believe him, it's a trap!" Buchuan warned.

Takahashi smiled slightly and said, "To deal with you, there is really no need for traps."

"Even if I tell you the direction, you still won't be able to catch it."

"When you can crush them with pure strength, why bother using your brain!"

The two were severely humiliated by Takahashi's words, and each of them assumed a desperate stance.

"Bang!"

Takahashi raised his arm and swung his racket.

"This ball finally has some force; that's more like it!"

"Otherwise it would be too boring!"

Takahashi's playfulness was piqued.

"Right!"

Izumi hurried to defend the right side.

"Left!"

Buchuan rushed toward the left.

"Not bad, not bad; for this next ball, I'm going to speed up—right!"

Takahashi only slightly twisted his wrist and swung his racket.

"Pop!"

The tennis ball bounced up from Izumi's right side.

Izumi held his tennis racket, not yet having reacted.

"0-40!"

"Match over, Takahashi wins!"

The referee announced loudly.

Takahashi casually brushed the stray hair from his forehead and said, "I told you all I was going to speed up, yet you still couldn't keep up!"

The expressions on the faces of Izumi and Buchuan were extremely dismal; they no longer looked like the smug, "I'm the best in the world" selves they were before the match started.

"Clap, clap, clap!"

Enthusiastic applause rang out.

Everyone was shouting that it was a thrill to watch.

This game had been a real back-and-forth.

It was a pure contest of strength.

Takahashi's strength had completely crushed his opponents.

And the opponents were two people at that.

"My eyes have truly been opened today; I never expected doubles could be played like this!"

"One against two! Pressuring the opponents throughout the entire match!"

"He even told his opponents the direction and gave them hints, yet they still suffered a crushing defeat!"

"What is strength? This is what you call strength!"

"What is a master? This is what you call a master!"

"I've learned something today!"

Everyone was unstinting with their words, vigorously praising Takahashi.

The person who had originally been standing beside Takahashi had a face that turned green and then red, quite a sight to behold.

He had thought Takahashi was just like him—someone who liked watching others play tennis, offering critiques, and acting cool—but he hadn't expected the man to actually have real skill!

The clown turned out to be himself!

It was getting late, and most people were packing up their things, preparing to go home.

"You are indeed very strong."

"However, there is always someone better!"

"Don't get arrogant just because of this little achievement."

In front of Takahashi.

A girl with orange hair, wearing a blue skirt, blocked his path and spoke.

Tachibana An!

Takahashi recognized this girl at a glance.

Her skin was fair, her figure slim, and she was quite good-looking.

It was just a pity that as soon as she opened her mouth, she was off-putting.

"I am not arrogant!"

"It is you who are anxious."

Takahashi spoke indifferently.

"You..."

Tachibana An was stunned, then continued, "There are people even stronger than you; you'll find out when the time comes!"

A faint arc curled at the corner of Takahashi's mouth.

"You're talking about your brother, right."

"Even if he were here, it wouldn't change the outcome."

"It would still be me who achieves the final victory!"

As Takahashi spoke, he walked past Tachibana An.

He left her with a dashing silhouette.

Tachibana An gazed at Takahashi's back, filled with confusion.

How did he know about her brother?

Her brother, Tachibana Kippei, had transferred from Shishigaku Middle School to Fudomine.

Very few people knew about this.

Moreover, Tachibana Kippei had dyed his original blonde hair black.

Even his former classmates might not necessarily recognize him.

So, could he have just been guessing blindly?

Takahashi was quite satisfied with this evening.

He had watched a lively match and field-tested the new tennis technique he had developed in his mind.

The power is still quite good, it's just a pity that the speed is a bit slow.

Izumi and Buchuan, these two are not only super trash at technique, but their character is also very concerning.

Compared to them, the members of the Rikkaidai Tennis Club are simply angels.

Not to mention tennis technique, their quality alone is extremely high.

While they are practicing seriously, Takahashi is just loafing around and lying flat on the sidelines every day!

If Takahashi and the members of the Tennis Club were to swap positions, he, Takahashi, would absolutely not be able to stand such treatment.

Just how much hatred must there be!

But even so,

one does not see them having any extreme words or actions toward him.

At most, their gazes are just a bit off.

This breadth of mind, this demeanor—truly worthy of Wangzhe Rikai Da.

Truly worthy of being the hegemon of the Kanto Region and the perennial winning team of the National Tournament.

Compared to these cannon fodder schools, there is simply a world of difference.

Since that is the case, then he won't mess with his own Tennis Club; coming to Tokyo to stroll around every day is also quite nice.

Let them feel the style and strength of the kings!

If Takahashi remembers correctly, tomorrow is the Tokyo Region preliminary tournament.

It seems there is something to do again tomorrow.

In this boring life, he has finally found some fun!

As for mentioning the matches of his own school, Rikkai, Takahashi is not worried at all.

The strength of the Regular Members is right there.

What is there to see in a shutout?

A score chasing back and forth is what's interesting!