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🕑 Added 2025-07-16 16:43:29 +0000 UTCChapter 536: Quadruple Ability Resonance – The Unreadable Player
Asura's Path!
By now, representatives from around the world were no strangers to this power. They knew it was one of the ultimate techniques, capable of tipping the scales of any match.
"This is bad!"
On Spain’s side, Fernandez’s expression darkened.
The power of Asura could single-handedly rewrite the course of a match. And with Japan already taking the first set, Spain was under immense pressure.
Frio and Banbieri’s faces were equally grave.
"Their singles ability is too strong."
During the break, Frio spoke in a low voice. "At this rate, we’ll have to go all out if we want to win."
"Yeah."
Banbieri nodded firmly.
Though their doubles skills were world-class, professional matches had seen plenty of cases where overwhelming individual prowess overturned the game.
And right now, their opponent was proving exactly that.
Even if the odds weren’t high, this was Spain’s most critical match. There was no room for hesitation—they had to be prepared to risk everything.
"Tokugawa-senpai is amazing!"
"Asura’s Path—one of the ultimate techniques! With this, they don’t stand a chance!"
"If we win this, the championship is ours!"
"The World Cup trophy… just thinking about it is thrilling!"
Japan’s players were electrified. From the looks of it, Tokugawa had completely suppressed his opponents. In other words, the championship was practically in their grasp.
"Hmm."
However, analysts like Mitsuya and Inui weren’t as optimistic. As Reinhard had said, Spain’s duo possessed doubles talent on par with Volk and Medanore’s singles prowess.
Underestimating them would be a fatal mistake.
"Still…"
Mitsuya glanced at the curly-haired, smiling player beside Tokugawa, feeling a surge of confidence.
"With him here, we should be fine."
The Second Set – A Sudden Reversal
BANG!
The second set began with Tokugawa’s signature Phantom Rainbow Serve, a blazing shot that streaked across the court.
"I’ve seen enough of this move!"
Frio’s eyes gleamed coldly as he activated his [Frio’s Insight], dissecting the trajectory of the shot. With a sharp twist of his racket, he struck the ball at its weakest point—
BOOM!
The serve was returned.
"He returned it?!"
"No way… a Light Ball was countered?!"
Gasps erupted from the crowd.
But top players remained unfazed. While the Light Ball was formidable, Frio was no ordinary opponent. He had faced Mars, the "Sniper," and survived shots capable of taking down a human.
Besides, there were multiple ways to counter a Light Ball—technique, insight, or exploiting the court’s rules.
Frio’s return was a clear signal: Spain’s doubles duo was finally stepping into the fray.
Quadruple Ability Resonance
"Hmph."
As the ball flew back, Spain’s pair instantly synchronized—their movements blurring into a seamless dance of coordination.
"Oh?"
Kikumaru raised an eyebrow. "Are they trying to obscure their weak points by moving unpredictably?"
"A decent strategy," Kaidoh scoffed. "But against overwhelming force, it’s pointless."
As if responding to his words, Tokugawa’s body erupted with a dark aura. Behind him, the towering figure of a golden Asura materialized.
"Asura’s Path!"
CRACK!
The next shot was a cannonball, hurtling toward Spain’s side with unstoppable force.
"Got it!"
But instead of dodging, Frio and Banbieri did something unexpected—they ran toward the same spot.
"Are they… colliding?!"
The crowd gaped.
It looked like a rookie mistake—a complete breakdown in teamwork.
But then—
"Now!"
Frio suddenly stopped, planting his foot and kicking upward. Banbieri leaped, using his partner’s foot as a springboard to soar into the air like an eagle.
WHOOSH!
A dazzling azure light erupted from the two, engulfing the court.
"Ability Resonance?!"
BOOM!
Banbieri’s smash crushed Tokugawa’s return, landing perfectly on the baseline.
"0-15!"
The Parkour Master landed gracefully, exchanging a firm high-five with Frio.
The Fourfold Power
"So they’ve finally revealed it," Germany’s Volk murmured. "The legendary Quadruple Ability Resonance."
"Q-Quadruple?!"
Siegfried’s jaw dropped.
"Indeed," Q.P. explained calmly. "The four abilities—Sky, Cloud, Star, and Moon—each represents a pinnacle of specialized power."
"T-That’s insane!" Bismarck paled.
"They’re monsters," Bertie, the 14-year-old pro doubles player, added. "If they weren’t committed to Spain’s future, they’d already be dominating the pro circuit."
Even among pros, only Volk had reached such heights.
"Japan’s strong," Hopkins admitted, watching from the U.S. team’s bench. "But this is the end for them."
"Quadruple Resonance…" Reinhard sighed. "There’s no coming back from this."
Total Domination
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Spain seized control.
Against the unpredictable, overwhelming force of the Fourfold Resonance, even Tokugawa was shackled.
"Second set, Spain’s Roman & Banbieri win—6-0!"
A clean sweep.
This was the might of the world’s strongest doubles pair—a force even pros feared.
"Too strong!"
"They completely suppressed Japan’s Asura!"
"This is doubles—Ability Resonance and Synchro are the core. Individual skill can’t change the game!"
Spain’s supporters erupted in cheers.
Japan’s players, meanwhile, wore grim expressions.
"Quadruple Resonance…" Mitsuya clenched his fists. "This is the World Cup finals—you never know what your opponents are hiding."
But they still had one card left to play.
"At least he hasn’t made his move yet."
His gaze shifted to Inui, the most enigmatic player among Japan’s high schoolers.
Once he stepped in—the tides would turn.
The Third Set – The Actor Takes the Stage
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Tokugawa bounced the ball at the baseline, his mind racing.
He knew now—pure strength wouldn’t be enough. Not against Synchro and Quadruple Resonance.
THWACK!
His serve was cautious this time, lacking its usual brilliance.
"Hah."
Banbieri smirked as he returned it effortlessly.
Without the Light Ball, Japan seemed to be conceding. And in a battle of momentum, hesitation led to defeat.
But Frio wasn’t fooled.
"They’re up to something."
His [Frio’s Insight] locked onto Inui—the bespectacled player who had barely lifted a finger so far.
Then, for a split second—
"There!"
He caught it. A flicker of anticipation in Inui’s eyes.
"He’s about to strike!"
Frio immediately lunged to cover Banbieri’s blind spot.
But—
"What?!"
Inui didn’t move.
"A feint?!"
Frio’s eyes widened.
Before he could react—
WHOOSH!
A golden streak shot past him, landing squarely in Spain’s court.
"15-0!"
Inui smiled.
"I’ve been waiting for this."
The Unreadable Player
"He… tricked Frio?!"
Spain’s bench was stunned.
Even Medanore’s eyebrows rose. "That guy… he outplayed Frio’s Insight?"
"Inui (senpai)…"
Japan’s team was equally shocked.
"Finally showing his fangs, huh?"
Atobe smirked.
Inui was a master of deception. While his usual antics were exaggerated, his real acting was flawless—tailored to exploit his opponent’s psychology.
Against arrogant players, he played the fool.
Against analytical minds like Frio—he became unreadable.
And now, the stage was his.
The Performance Begins
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Inui unleashed a kaleidoscope of techniques—Tezuka’s Zone, Byoudouin’s Phantom, even Ryoma’s Twist Serve.
His ever-shifting playstyle, combined with his unpredictable acting, left Spain’s duo completely disoriented.
In just minutes, Japan took two straight games—2-0.
"They broke their serve?!"
Spain’s players were in disbelief.
This was the Quadruple Resonance pair!
"It’s natural," Medanore said coolly. "An unfamiliar opponent, perfectly countering Frio’s style—it’s no surprise they’re rattled."
On the court, Frio and Banbieri steadied themselves.
"We just need to regain our rhythm."
They had only used one of their four abilities so far—Sky Domination.
"The match is just—"
"Yes," Inui cut in, smiling. "It’s just beginning."
WHOOSH!
A dark aura erupted from his body—a shadowy figure materializing behind him.
Frio and Banbieri’s pupils shrank.
"Asura…?!"
Chapter 537: The Fatal Killing Move—The Ultimate Doubles Technique: Infinite Resonance!
"Asura Path: Nightmare!"
Outside the court, Medanore’s expression darkened.
This move had once been used by Inui against Alan Hopkins, the vice-captain of the U.S. team—dubbed the "Tennis Doctor." Back then, Hopkins had been completely disoriented.
But judging by Inui’s current performance… it seemed he had been holding back during that match.
"Did Japan’s team really have such a hidden card up their sleeve?"
Meanwhile, on the court, Furio and Banberly’s faces twisted in frustration. Despite their Quadruple Ability Resonance, an overpowered doubles technique, their opponents were a terrifying duo wielding dual Asura Paths.
By standard doubles metrics, there was simply no way to measure the true strength of these two.
Now, they no longer held an absolute advantage. There was no room for holding back.
Swish!
As the match resumed, the Spanish pair immediately unleashed the second technique of their Quadruple Ability Resonance.
Thwack!
The ball, struck by Banberly, shot toward Inui at blistering speed. Reacting swiftly, Inui stepped in, raising his racket to slice a sharp angle toward Banberly’s backhand.
Fwoosh!
Yet, just as his racket was about to make contact, the spinning ball vanished like an illusion.
"0-15!"
"It’s here!"
"The second move of Quadruple Ability Resonance—[Mist Mirage]!"
"As expected, Spain’s top doubles pair is finally showing their full power!"
"A phantom as elusive as mist…"
Inui closed his eyes, sensing the faint residual vibrations in the air where the ball had disappeared. When he opened them again, he smiled and nodded at his opponents.
"Truly worthy of being the top doubles pair."
"Ability Resonance… truly holds infinite possibilities."
Behind him, Tokugawa nodded in agreement. Their opponents’ strength exceeded expectations—but it was precisely against such formidable foes that he felt his blood boil.
Even though he was, by nature, a man of ice.
Bam! Thud! Bam! Thud!
The fierce exchange continued.
Despite Tokugawa and Inui’s individual prowess, this was a doubles match. Against opponents relentlessly wielding [Void] and [Mist], they gradually fell behind.
Bam!
"Game!"
"Spain, 2-2!"
In the blink of an eye, Spain had caught up.
With Quadruple Ability Resonance, they were undeniably the kings of doubles.
But just as Spain’s bench erupted in cheers, and Banberly prepared to unleash another [Mist Mirage], something unexpected happened.
Zzzzt—!
A dark trace suddenly materialized on the court. The ball, which should have vanished, froze mid-air as if ensnared by magic.
"What is this?!"
Spain’s players stared in disbelief.
"The ball… stopped?!"
Furio and Banberly were equally stunned.
"Black Hole."
From the sidelines, Ryoma spoke coolly: "A special technique that carves out space through rapid swings. Within that dark domain, everything comes to a halt."
Black… Hole?!
Spain’s team was floored.
Such a technique existed? And Japan’s players had mastered it? Worse—it was a direct counter to [Mist Mirage].
"This is bad!"
Furio and Banberly exchanged a glance and immediately shifted their target to Inui.
"Yes, just like that."
Seated on the bench, Nanjiroh nodded approvingly. "Doubles isn’t about brute force—it’s about identifying weaknesses and striking relentlessly."
Hummm!
But then—
A dark trace flickered into existence in front of Inui.
"That’s… Black Hole?!"
"Impossible!"
"Wait… could Tokugawa’s instincts have let him preemptively shield his partner?"
A collective gasp swept through the crowd.
"This defense is invincible!" Hopkins muttered in awe.
"Indeed," Reinhardt agreed. "With Tokugawa here, breaking Japan’s defense is impossible."
"Huh? Wait—!"
Suddenly, Chico Ballentine pointed. "Spain’s offense is speeding up?!"
"I see!" Hopkins’ eyes sharpened. "They’re trying to brute-force through Tokugawa’s defense on Inui!"
And he was right.
Black Hole was near-impenetrable—but since Tokugawa was shielding his partner, even his foresight couldn’t guarantee 100% coverage.
If Spain could exploit even a 0.01% gap, they could score.
Bam! Thud! Bam! Thud!
With renewed determination, Spain launched a frenzied assault, their movements seamless, leaving no room for Japan to breathe.
Swish!
Finally, even Tokugawa’s Black Hole faltered—his movements stiffening for a split second.
"NOW!"
Seizing the moment, Banberly stepped onto Furio’s foot, leaping high to smash a vicious [Mist Mirage] straight at Inui’s backhand.
Whoosh!
The ball shot like a bullet—
—only for Inui to focus intensely, tracking its trajectory.
"Useless."
Banberly smirked as he descended. "Mist Mirage’s spin is as unpredictable as fog. Without pro-level perception, you can’t read its true path."
He acknowledged Inui’s sharp instincts—but against Quadruple Ability Resonance, ordinary senses were meaningless.
Swish!
Yet Inui swung without hesitation.
Hummm!
As the ball began to vanish, a Black Hole materialized, freezing it in place.
"Sorry," Inui grinned. "But I’m not bad with Black Hole either."
Bam!
The ball streaked past Banberly before he even landed.
"Game!"
"Japan, 3-2!"
"WHAT?!"
The crowd erupted.
Spain’s players blurted out: "How?! That guy just—"
"Actually," Tokugawa said calmly, "Black Hole was a technique taught to me by Inui-san and Oni-san."
Inui’s true strength had always been unfathomable. Only when Ishikawa arrived had his limits been tested—but after their mountain training, his power became a mystery once more.
"Trouble."
Medanore’s face tightened.
Double Black Hole meant Japan had no weaknesses. Spain now had to fight an uphill battle.
"Not necessarily."
Ryoga, silent until now, finally spoke. "Black Hole has a cost—it strains the body heavily."
Even so, his earlier nonchalance was gone. If Spain lost here, Japan would win the tie—and his chance for revenge would vanish.
"Furio. Silva."
His gaze sharpened as he watched the two on court.
"Don’t you dare fall here."
The Ultimate Resonance Awakens!
As the match raged on, something extraordinary happened.
Inui’s demeanor shifted. His usual playful grin faded, replaced by a cold, imposing aura—his very presence morphing into an exact replica of Tokugawa.
"Two Tokugawas?!" Banberly gasped.
Hummm!
A milky-white energy swirled between them, binding the two together like a tether.
"S-Synchro?!"
"NO WAY!!"
"Japan’s pair can use the miracle doubles technique too?!"
"As expected."
On Japan’s bench, a silver-blue-haired beauty smirked. "Inui-san’s acting rivals even my [Phantom]. Puri~."
Indeed—
Inui had tricked his own mind, fully embodying "Tokugawa Kazuya" through sheer acting and mental fortitude. With their bond as the catalyst, they had achieved Synchro through unorthodox means.
This was their trump card.
The Final Struggle
Despite Spain’s relentless Quadruple Ability Resonance, Japan’s dual Synchro + Double Black Hole defense seemed unbeatable.
Yet—
Spain refused to surrender.
Even as their bodies screamed in protest, even as their minds and muscles disconnected, they fought on.
And then—
A new energy began radiating from them.
The audience fell silent as an overwhelming pressure filled the air.
"This is…"
Nanjiroh’s eyes widened.
"The legendary technique—the rarest of all doubles miracles…"
*"Infinite Resonance."*
Chapter 538: The Final Showdown – Ishikawa vs. Ryoga
"Infinite Resonance, huh..."
From the coach's seat, Captain Nanjirou let out a deep sigh.
When the miracle of Synchro—representing the pinnacle of doubles—clashed with the unpredictable Ability Resonance, it birthed this legendary, ultimate doubles technique.
"They created a miracle."
Nanjirou’s voice was thick with emotion. This match had long since slipped beyond his expectations. He had assumed Spain would fall here, yet Frio and Banderas had broken through their limits in desperation, achieving a resonance that transcended the court itself—connecting not just with each other, but with their entire team.
BAM!
Finally, after Banderas’ smash landed—
"Game and third set! Spain’s Román and Banderas win, 7-6!"
"This concludes the Doubles 1 match."
"Spain’s Frio Román and Silva de Banderas defeat their opponents with a score of 5-7, 6-0, 7-6—total match score 2-1."
"Hah… hah…"
Banderas nearly collapsed after delivering the final blow, barely steadying himself as he gasped for breath.
"We… we won!"
He clenched his fist, exhilaration surging through him. They had done it—defeated their opponents and secured Spain’s last chance.
"Mm."
Frio’s reaction, however, was strangely subdued.
Banderas, familiar with his partner’s demeanor, immediately looked up. "What’s wrong?"
"Nothing." Frio shook his head. "It’s just… hard to believe."
Overcoming such overwhelming odds did feel surreal. But that wasn’t the real reason for his distraction.
Lifting his gaze, Spain’s vice-captain stared intently at their opponents. "That sensation earlier… it was unmistakably the precursor to Ability Resonance. But why…?"
During the tiebreak, when Spain was on the verge of victory, Frio—with his keen perception—had sensed an overwhelming, terrifying pressure radiating from the other side.
For just an instant.
Yet that aura had rivaled even the most elite professional doubles pairs.
And then, just as suddenly as it appeared, it vanished.
"A violent, abyssal presence…"
Frio’s eyes darkened with unease. "Could it have been a reaction between two different Paths of Asura?"
If true, that was horrifying.
Fortunately, Banderas’ smash had ended the match before that resonance could fully manifest. Otherwise, the outcome might have been very different.
"Senpai…"
On the opposite side, Tokugawa shot a questioning glance at the curly-haired player beside him.
Frio hadn’t been wrong—Tokugawa had distinctly felt his Path of Asura synchronizing with Irie’s aura in a way that suggested Ability Resonance.
But in the end, the Asura resonance never fully activated, and the match concluded at the critical moment.
"What a shame."
Irie sighed softly, then smiled. "Don’t dwell on it. We may have lost, but the team won’t."
"Right."
Tokugawa nodded.
The moment Byoudouin defeated Medanore in Singles 2, this match’s fate had already been sealed. Because waiting in Singles 1 was that person.
The thought eased his frustration.
As for Irie, he was relieved Tokugawa didn’t press further. Explaining would’ve been difficult.
Because he had been the one to suppress the Asura resonance.
Not out of malice, nor any underhanded deal—but because he sensed danger.
The Asura resonance might have granted immense power, but Irie’s instincts screamed that their two Asura states were fundamentally incompatible. Forcing it could have drained them both completely.
So he cut it off.
There was no need to gamble Tokugawa’s future on a meaningless match. They had done their part.
"Besides…"
Irie’s gaze shifted to the calm, black-haired boy waiting courtside.
"The honor of world champion… belongs in his hands."
"To think it would come to this…"
Spectators from around the world watched in awe.
This finals had shattered all expectations, delivering a team battle on par with professional tournaments—no, even beyond that.
After all, even Borg, who had defeated the world’s former No. 1 pro, couldn’t lead Germany to the finals.
"Finally… he steps onto the stage."
Almost instinctively, every eye turned toward Japan’s side.
"Next up: the Singles 1 match."
The umpire’s voice rang out.
"Representing Japan—Ishikawa Shin (1st year middle school)."
"Representing Spain—Echizen Ryoga (3rd year middle school)."
"Players, prepare yourselves."
Step.
Step.
Under the weight of countless stares, two figures emerged from opposite sides of the court.
With every step, the atmosphere grew heavier, their quiet footfalls pressing like a suffocating weight on the audience’s chests.
Then—
Whoosh.
Ryoga moved first.
Reaching the net, he smiled and extended his hand.
"Long time no see, Ishikawa."
"Likewise."
Ishikawa returned the smile as they shook.
No bone-crushing grip, no tension—just an eerie, unreadable calm.
"That bastard…!"
In the stands, members of Team USA glared daggers. Even Hopkins and Valentine, who had once been close to Ryoga, burned with quiet fury.
A traitor.
Not only had he abandoned them, he had betrayed Reinhardt’s trust. Unforgivable.
"And yet…"
Reinhardt exhaled, his frustration tinged with resignation.
"Right now… he might be the only one who can stop Japan."
Something about Ryoga had changed. Even from this distance, he radiated danger.
"So…"
Reinhardt’s eyes narrowed.
"Just how far have you gone, Ryoga?"
Chapter 539: The Pinnacle Showdown, Deadly Tennis
"Best of three sets."
"First set, Spain's Echizen serving. Game on!"
The warm-up was over, and the referee's voice boomed from the high chair.
All eyes in the crowd immediately turned to one side of the court, locking onto the tall, dark-green-haired少年, Echizen Ryoga.
"Heh."
Ryoga let out a faint smirk.
Then, he tossed the tennis ball up and, in a flash, smashed it with lightning speed.
Wham!
The crisp sound of the impact echoed.
But most of the spectators looked utterly confused. They hadn’t even caught the motion of his racket or where he hit the ball.
It was like a blur—one moment their eyes flickered, and the next, the sound of the shot rang in their ears.
"What a fast serve!"
The representatives from various countries in the stands felt a jolt of shock.
The serve clearly had a telltale motion, but to them, it was like a sneak attack—no time to react at all.
"Quick movements, decisive execution. This guy, Echizen Ryoga, is no pushover," said Bismarck from the German team, his gaze heavy with respect.
This serve, even for him, would require full focus to return.
Of course, as the vice-captain of the German team, though not yet a true professional, he could handle a shot like that without much trouble.
"Wait… what’s that?!"
But in the next moment, Bismarck’s eyes widened as he saw something unbelievable. The ball, after hitting the ground and bouncing, suddenly veered off course without warning.
"Super Spin Serve?"
Bismarck instantly recalled the doubles match where Echizen had unleashed that signature move—a wickedly unpredictable serve with an extreme arc.
"A spin that intense, with no signs at all?" Bismarck muttered, stunned.
"Not entirely."
Qp, standing nearby, shook his head. His sharp observational skills had caught something: the subtle tilt of Ryoga’s racket at the moment of impact. He’d sensed then that this serve’s variation was far from simple.
Whoosh!
But just when everyone thought the serve’s trick was done, another twist unfolded. The ball, originally heading toward Ishikawa’s backhand side, suddenly dipped and changed direction, darting to the opposite side.
"A second change of direction?"
Qp’s confident expression faltered. He hadn’t expected the serve to have another layer of deception.
"So, the tilt of his racket was deliberately shown to throw us off?!"
The realization hit him, and he looked at Ryoga with deep wariness.
"Heh."
At that moment, Ishikawa moved.
With a light chuckle, he swung his racket with calm precision. Under the stunned and incredulous gazes of the onlookers, he swiftly and steadily intercepted the ball.
Thud!
A soft sound rang out.
The ball shot back in an instant.
"This…"
Bismarck, Hopkins, and the other top players in the stands froze. From start to finish, no matter how Ryoga’s serve twisted and turned, Ishikawa hadn’t flinched once.
His calm, unruffled demeanor reminded them instinctively of the world’s top professional players.
"As expected of him," the elite players in the stands thought to themselves.
Though Ishikawa hadn’t officially registered as a pro or competed in a true professional match, he already carried the aura of the very best.
But Ryoga, his opponent, remained just as composed.
Knowing Ishikawa’s strength, he was well aware that a serve of this level wouldn’t score a point against him.
"No need for games between us."
Ryoga’s eyes gleamed as he chased down the ball. With a sudden swing of his racket—BOOM!—the ball rocketed back like a cannonball.
Zing!
The ball streaked through the air, its powerful airflow slicing through the dust on the court like a blade.
"That kind of power?!"
The crowd’s faces changed instantly.
"Pro-level!"
The representatives from other countries narrowed their eyes.
Spain’s singles No. 1 had unleashed pro-level strength right from the start, and against Ishikawa of all people? Wasn’t he being a bit too bold?
"Nice shot."
Watching the ball zoom toward him in the blink of an eye, Ishikawa gave a slight smile. He casually positioned his racket in the ball’s path, wrist snapping with force, and sent the ferocious shot flying back.
"This guy’s insane!"
The Spanish team members, like Julio and Banberi, felt a shiver run through them.
To counter such a powerful shot so effortlessly… Ishikawa’s control over power, technique, and his uncanny read of the situation was downright unreal.
"Hm?"
But as their shock lingered, Medanore, standing nearby, caught something and his eyes sharpened.
Buzz!
The next moment, the ball Ishikawa returned kicked up a wave of dust. In an instant, the dust surged higher and higher, like cresting waves building momentum.
Before anyone could blink, Ryoga’s figure was completely swallowed by the dust cloud.
BOOM!
Inside the swirling haze, a massive tennis ball suddenly exploded toward Ryoga from above.
"The Dimension of Tennis?"
Ryoga’s eyes glinted coldly, his heart sinking slightly.
He knew Ishikawa was strong, but to casually unleash a pro-level Tennis no Ijigen—a terrifying move in the professional realm—was downright monstrous.
"As expected."
"Since our last match, his skills have grown even more."
No one who steps onto the world stage is ordinary, and Ishikawa was the most terrifying tennis genius Ryoga had ever encountered.
There was no way he’d just stand still and let Ryoga catch up.
"But…"
As his thoughts raced, Ryoga stared at the massive, glowing blue-green tennis ball, a spark of excitement flashing in his eyes. "This kind of opponent is what makes it worth challenging."
Swish!
Without hesitation, he raised his racket and smashed it forward.
BOOM!
Back in reality, a deafening explosion rang out.
The tennis ball, like a speeding cannonball, tore through the dust curtain and hurtled into Ishikawa’s side of the court.
"He hit it back!"
The Japanese team members felt their hearts skip a beat.
This guy was no fluke—he’d gone toe-to-toe with Ishikawa in the shuffle match for a reason. That calm, unshaken presence alone demanded respect.
Wham!
Bang!
Wham!
Bang!
The two launched into a rapid-fire rally.
The ball zipped back and forth, each shot carrying immense power, tearing through and kicking up more dust clouds. In moments, the ball’s trajectory vanished from the spectators’ view, leaving only the constant surge of dust, like two dragons clashing in a storm.
"This guy’s something else!" said Kaji and Kunimitsu from the Japanese team, their expressions grave.
"Tch."
Toono, however, scoffed. "He’s just a loser who fell to that guy. This match is pointless."
"But you’ve gotta admit," Duke chimed in, opening his eyes with a sigh, "he’s the first one to challenge that guy again after such a brutal defeat."
Though Duke had never faced Ishikawa himself, he knew just how terrifying his strength was—a player who’d taken down monsters like Oni, Byodoin, and Polk.
"So what?" Toono sneered, still unimpressed. "Losing is losing. No amount of fancy talk changes that."
"You’re wrong there," Byodoin said in a low voice. "This match is beyond what outsiders can interfere with. Even top pros would think twice before taking on this guy from Spain."
"Wait a second…"
Shuji, Ochi, and the others suddenly recalled something Ishikawa had said during the shuffle match, their pupils shrinking in realization.
Devour.
This Echizen Ryoga could absorb other players’ tennis abilities.
In other words, every single shot on this court… was deadly to anyone else!
Buzz!
At that moment, a dark, ominous aura began to spread.
"That’s…"
Sensing the shift in Ryoga’s presence, the crowd—even the Spanish team members—felt their eyelids twitch instinctively.
"Ten’i Muhou?!"
Inui blurted out, unable to hold it in.
"The Fallen Brilliance!" Mitsuya said gravely.
Compared to the shuffle match, this sinister aura was noticeably stronger. It almost felt like it could pull you in, like sinking into an illusion.
And Tokugawa, sensing a faint familiarity in this matchup, narrowed his eyes. "So… this is his revenge?"
Chapter 540: Fallen Hatred and Despair, Toward the Ultimate Realm of Darkness
As the same technique was unleashed, many who had witnessed the stunning showdown during the Shuffle Match immediately recognized it.
Clearly.
This guy named Echizen Ryoga was using this match to complete his revenge from back then.
“Too bad, while the Fallen Tenni Muhou is strong, it’s nowhere near enough to challenge Ishikawa,” Kanae remarked, shaking his head slightly.
Back then, Ishikawa had decisively overpowered his opponent. Now, having faced off against top players from around the world—especially after defeating the king of the German team—Ishikawa’s skills had reached the pinnacle of professional levels.
Wham!
As expected.
The tennis ball, wrapped in Ryoga’s eerie, fallen aura, was instantly read by Ishikawa, who countered it with a casual swing.
“How is that possible?”
Seeing Ishikawa effortlessly handle the shot, many of the Spanish team’s players paled in shock.
“This guy…”
The Spanish team’s vice-captain, Julio, wore a grave expression.
He had seen plenty of top-tier players, including professional elites. While he couldn’t always match them, he could at least gauge the gap between himself and them.
But this guy?
In just a handful of rallies since the match began, Ishikawa gave off an unfathomable presence.
Looking at Ryoga, cloaked in a terrifying aura, Julio’s heart sank. It wasn’t that he doubted Ryoga’s ability, but unleashing a trump card right at the start of the match was far from ideal.
In a match of this caliber, the more cards a player held in reserve, the greater their chances of victory. From that perspective, Ishikawa—who remained calm and unreadable—was undeniably dangerous.
Wham! Bam! Wham! Bam!
On the court.
The two players exchanged shots at lightning speed.
Ryoga’s shots were unpredictable, shrouded in an elusive, sinister aura—arguably even more dangerous than Amadeus’s [Dark Shot: Whale].
Yet.
Ishikawa remained unshaken.
As the rally reached a fever pitch, he suddenly quickened his swing.
Swish!
In an instant.
A silver gleam flashed.
The tennis ball rocketed across the court at astonishing speed, landing precisely on the baseline beside Ryoga, bouncing out under the stunned gazes of onlookers.
“0-15!” the referee on the high chair announced firmly.
A seasoned official with experience in professional matches, even he felt sweat bead on his forehead.
Too fast!
The intensity of this duel had reached an outrageous level right from the start. Even for a professional like him, the exchange was dizzying. Knowing the match had only just begun, he already felt overwhelmed.
“He’s making his move!”
“That’s the True Intent of Kendo!”
“Such insane speed—his forehand is terrifying!”
Representatives from various countries gasped in shock.
The Spanish team’s players stared at Ishikawa as if he were a ghost.
Fast. Precise. Ruthless.
That forehand felt like it came from another dimension entirely. Even in hindsight, they couldn’t imagine a way to counter it.
This guy was terrifying!
Could anyone actually defeat him?
“As expected of you,” Ryoga said, his eyes still lingering on the image of Ishikawa’s kendo-infused strike. Despite his carefree, rebellious nature, even he felt a pang of regret.
If Ishikawa’s abilities weren’t so unique, capable of neutralizing Ryoga’s [Devouring Tennis], he would’ve claimed Ishikawa’s powerful techniques for himself long ago.
But that was just a fleeting regret.
Having endured the crushing defeat in the Shuffle Match and drawn strength from pain and despair, Ryoga’s mindset had evolved.
To him, the stronger Ishikawa was, the better. Defeating him would only make the victory sweeter.
Besides.
He had anticipated Ishikawa’s strength, and now, everything was unfolding according to his plan.
Wham! Bam! Wham! Bam!
The match continued.
But Ishikawa was clearly in control.
Despite it being the Spanish team’s service game, Ryoga was thoroughly suppressed. His fallen, sinister glow had no effect on Ishikawa’s composure.
“He’s too strong,” Qp from the German team said gravely from the stands. “No matter how the situation shifts, his mental focus doesn’t waver. That quality is beyond imagination.”
“Mm,” Polk nodded heavily in agreement.
Ishikawa’s mental fortitude was unlike anything he’d ever seen. Even many top professional players couldn’t reach such a terrifying level. Even Polk himself felt immense pressure.
In his view, Ishikawa was likely capable of unleashing a move that could “interfere with reality through mental strength” at any moment.
“However,” Polk’s gaze shifted to the boy draped in the Spanish team’s jacket, “there’s something… strange about that guy.”
He had a vague sense that something was brewing.
Wham!
“Game!”
“Japan’s Ishikawa, 1-0, change sides!”
In no time, Ishikawa secured the first game.
On the Spanish team’s side, Ryoga’s pitch-black Muga no Kyōchi aura faded, sweat beading on his forehead. He looked subdued but remained composed.
Wham!
In Ishikawa’s service game, he struck a lightning-fast serve.
“15-0!” the referee announced after a brief pause.
Hiss.
Seeing the white mark left by the ball, perfectly on the service line in front of Ryoga, the Spanish team collectively sucked in a breath.
Here it comes.
Ishikawa, a world-class master in serving, was finally launching his attack.
Wham! Wham! Wham!
Then.
Under the stunned gazes of the Spanish team, Ishikawa fired three more serves in quick succession, leaving Ryoga with no chance to react.
“Game!”
“Japan’s Ishikawa, 2-0!”
Too strong!
Ishikawa’s absolute dominance on the court left the audience in awe.
The Spanish team’s star, Echizen Ryoga, a player with top-tier professional skill, had no answer against him.
Both were professional-level, yet the gap between them was staggering.
Almost everyone believed the match was already over. What followed would be a one-sided slaughter.
And the match unfolded in that direction.
In just six minutes, Ishikawa steamrolled through four games, leaving the Spanish team pale and dejected.
Buzz!
But.
Just before the fifth game began, a dark red aura erupted from Ryoga.
“What’s that?”
Feeling the ferocious, menacing presence—distinct from his earlier fallen aura—many spectators’ expressions shifted.
“Is this… Tenni Muhou?!”
Tezuka, Tōyama, and others narrowed their eyes.
They could clearly sense an aura from Ryoga, strikingly similar to Muga no Kyōchi. But it was different from the fallen glow he’d shown earlier.
“Could it be…” Mitsuya looked up, shocked. “Another kind of dark Tenni Muhou?”
“Hm.” Kanae paused, then realized, “Just as the three lights of Tenni Muhou—[Love], [Fortitude], and [Loneliness]—represent its essence, could there be more than one form of its dark counterpart?”
“This guy’s been hiding a lot!” Kaji and Tōno exchanged a glance at Ryoga.
They clearly remembered that he hadn’t used this ability during the Shuffle Match.
“Is it possible,” Shūji suddenly spoke up, “that he only mastered this ability after that match?”
“You mean…” The others froze, many quickly catching on.
“Exactly,” Ryoga said, gripping the tennis ball, his eyes glinting with ferocity. “This shot carries the deep-seated hatred I’ve harbored for you since that match!”
Wham!
With that, he slammed the ball.
A dark red glow of hatred erupted, enveloping the court in a smoky haze. Ishikawa, caught in the center, was bombarded by a barrage of shots from all directions.
At that moment.
He closed his eyes, clearly sensing countless voices filled with anger, resentment, and pain. Their roars and screeches were piercing, as if trying to erode his mental world, cloud his mind, and disrupt his nerves.
Yet.
Ishikawa merely opened his eyes, a flicker of black-and-white light passing through them. His racket had already made contact with the bouncing ball.
Bam!
The next moment.
A pale yellow glow burst beside Ryoga without warning.
“0-15!”
Gulp.
The crowd instinctively swallowed hard.
“That’s… it?”
Kirihara, Momoshiro, and others muttered.
This serve, which they instinctively felt was incredibly dangerous and terrifying, was broken so easily?
“So… was that just him bluffing?” Yūji said instinctively.
“No,” Yagyū and Mizuki replied, their faces serious.
“It’s not that this state isn’t strong—it’s that he’s just too strong!”
Their gazes toward Ishikawa were filled with deep respect.
The glow of hatred.
An ability no less potent than the fallen glow was shattered by Ishikawa in an instant. This was a brand-new, never-before-seen technique. Even someone like Polk from the German team would likely need time to adapt.
But Ishikawa cracked it in the blink of an eye. It showed just how terrifying his perception was.
“The Light of Truth… representing wisdom?”
At the court’s edge, Nanjirō, arms crossed, had a spark of intrigue in his eyes.
He had studied Ishikawa’s profile and knew he possessed a variety of distinct yet immensely powerful abilities.
But now, it seemed the data was outdated.
Whether it was kendo or shogi, the heights Ishikawa had reached were astonishing, even to Nanjirō. The tennis techniques derived from them were downright staggering.
Wham! Bam! Wham! Bam!
As time passed, Ishikawa continued to dominate the match with overwhelming force.
Wham!
“Game!”
“Japan’s Ishikawa, 5-0!”
Wham!
“15-0!”
Wham!
“30-0!”
Wham!
“40-0!”
After breaking serve, Ishikawa unleashed three terrifying ace serves. Their speed left even Ryoga stunned.
“That’s the feeling.”
Yet, deep in Ryoga’s eyes, a thrill emerged, fueled by the trembling in his body.
Pressure!
Immense, suffocating pressure!
This was exactly the kind of overwhelming pressure he craved!
Wham!
Suddenly.
Ishikawa launched his final serve.
The terrifying, despair-inducing pressure exploded within Ryoga’s heart.
Boom!
The next moment.
A powerful gray-white aura erupted from Ryoga.
“Is this… the third Tenni Muhou (Light of Restraint)?!”
Mitsuya, Lambiel, and others exclaimed simultaneously.
“A third kind, beyond fallen and hatred?”
In the stands, Qp, the German team’s strategist, suddenly considered a possibility.
“Could it be…”
“Thank you, Ishikawa-kun!”
At that moment, Ryoga, standing at the baseline, slowly raised his head. A confident smile spread across his handsome face. “With your help, I’ve finally mastered this third ability.”
“What… does that mean?”
The crowd exchanged confused glances, unsure of what he meant.
Buzz!
Then.
The gray-white aura around Ryoga began to condense, merging with his body. At the same time, the black glow of fallen and the dark red of hatred appeared.
Boom!
Finally.
As the three auras fully integrated into Ryoga’s body, a heart-stopping presence erupted.
“Wait!!”
Mitsuya’s eyes widened as he realized something. “Is this like Qp from the German team, fusing the three lights of Love, Fortitude, and Loneliness?”
“The Trinity, the Ultimate Tennis!”
Mōri, Kijima, and others were visibly shocked.
“The first set is over.”
“Japan’s Ishikawa Shin wins, 6-0!”
The referee’s voice rang out, but the crowd’s reactions varied. Though Ishikawa had easily claimed the first set, the situation had suddenly grown far more complex.
All eyes locked onto the teal-haired boy.
The overwhelming aura he exuded stirred their mental states, igniting negative emotions within them. Even pros like Amadeus, Camus, and Reinhardt felt a tremor in their hearts.
Because this was, without a doubt, the ultimate realm—the pinnacle ability in professional tennis!
