At this moment, Ryoga Echizen was utterly stunned.
He never expected to see him here—the father he revered more than anyone. And not just any version of him, but the man in his prime.
No… That's not right.
A second later, Ryoga snapped back to reality.
This is an illusion.
His father couldn't possibly be here. Time couldn't have reversed. That left only one explanation: he had fallen into an illusion created by his opponent.
Instinctively, he bit his tongue, jolting himself awake.
Whoosh!
At the same time, the tennis ball bounced past him. Without hesitation, Ryoga narrowed his eyes and swung his racket.
"What?!"
The Japanese team was shocked.
"He broke out of it?!"
"Seriously?!"
"His mental strength is insane!"
This was the [Illusion] that Ryoma had unleashed—far more potent than the version Sharma had used. Yet, this mysterious player had shaken it off in an instant.
Swish!
But when Ryoga's racket connected with the ball, he felt no impact.
"Damn it!"
His heart pounded as his pupils contracted.
"Still an illusion?!"
"No… This ball was a decoy. I've been tricked—"
The realization hit him just as he caught a glimpse of movement to his left. There, materializing out of thin air, was the real tennis ball.
A phantom.
Like a reflection on water—an afterimage so flawless it had completely fooled him.
Tap… tap… tap…
The ball landed softly and rolled away.
"It's… over?!"
The spectators were speechless. No one had expected this one-point duel to end so abruptly. The intense battle they'd imagined—a high-stakes showdown atop a skyscraper—had concluded in the blink of an eye.
"My win."
Ryoma gave Ryoga a calm glance before turning and walking back to the Japanese team.
Silence hung in the air.
The players from both teams, along with the spotlight from the hovering helicopter, fixed their gazes on Ryoga. His emotions were a tangled mess—shock, disbelief, and an undeniable hint of humiliation.
He had lost.
Right in front of everyone. If not for his ironclad composure, he might've wanted to vanish on the spot.
"Let's go."
Ryoma didn't spare Ryoga another glance. Knowing the other's history, he understood that this drifter—who'd bounced between the U.S. and Spanish teams—wasn't someone who could be recruited.
Like Byoudouin, Ryoga was a wanderer, bound only to Ryoma Echizen and Nanjiro Echizen. But unlike Byoudouin, who carried a dream and unshakable resolve, Ryoga was a wildcard.
Given the chaos he'd caused in the U.S. U-17 in the original timeline, Ryoga's presence would only destabilize the team. No matter how strong he was, Ryoma had no interest in him.
"He's… just leaving?!"
Ryoga was stunned.
His plan had been simple: appear during Japan's final远征 (expedition) match, defeat one of their representatives, and earn the captain's attention. Alternatively, he could've stolen Ryoma's abilities mid-match.
But neither had worked.
Watching the Japanese team walk away, the self-proclaimed "assassin" who'd traveled thousands of miles found himself standing alone in crushing awkwardness.
---
Meanwhile, in the elevator…
"Captain," Mitsuya finally spoke up. "Did you consider recruiting him?"
That mysterious player was undeniably strong. Despite losing to Ryoma, he'd taken down Fuwa Tetsuhito in a single point—a feat few in the top 10 could match. As the team's strategist, Mitsuya saw potential in bringing him aboard, especially since he likely held Japanese citizenship.
"No need." Ryoma's voice was firm. "He's not that simple. Also, everyone—"
He paused, scanning the group with a serious expression.
"I advise you not to play against him. His tennis… is terrifying."
Terrifying?!
The team tensed.
They knew Ryoma's strength—he'd even defeated Byoudouin. That deceptive, illusionary serve he'd just used was proof of his skill. Yet, he still gave Ryoga such a grave warning. Even the usually flippant Kaji grew solemn.
"I have a feeling," Ryoma added, glancing back toward the rooftop, "we'll see him again soon."
A heavy silence settled over the group, an unspoken pressure weighing on them.
---
Back on the rooftop…
Ryoga stared at the distant neon lights, his mind replaying the match.
He had lost.
It was just one point, but he'd been completely outplayed by that serve. And if not for his mental fortitude, the psychological blow might've taken him a week to recover from.
"Shin Ryoma."
After crossing oceans to meet him, Ryoga had finally faced the enigmatic player who'd replaced Byoudouin as Japan's远征 (expedition) leader.
This encounter shattered his assumptions.
This wasn't just a substitute—Ryoma had taken Byoudouin's place. During their exchange, Ryoga had clearly seen the golden [No.1] badge gleaming on his collar.
"Just who is he?"
Ryoga pondered deeply, comparing himself to Ryoma. Despite his confidence in his own talent, he had to admit—Ryoma's potential matched his own.
"Among high schoolers, only Medanore's天赋 (genius) rivals his."
Records suggested Ryoma was a first-year, around Ryoga's age. And in all his travels, Ryoga had only met one other person on that level—Spain's "Genius Heretic," Medanore.
But someone like Ryoma, if left unchecked, would become unstoppable.
"Hah…"
The cold wind bit at his skin as Ryoga pulled out his phone and dialed.
"Hey, old man. I need a favor."
"I'm heading to Japan's U-17."
"Yeah."
"It's about my status."
"Thanks."
---
Meanwhile, at U-17's Cliff of Conviction…
The middle schoolers had finished their daytime training, but after dinner, they weren't allowed to rest. Instead, Oni forced them to the cliff's edge for post-meal drills.
"Oni."
A gruff voice called out.
Oni immediately turned and approached.
"Coach Nyudo." He nodded respectfully. "What do you need?"
"Time's up." Three Ships' voice was firm. "Take these brats back tomorrow morning."
Oni's brow lifted. "They're returning?"
"Mhm." Three Ships clapped his shoulder. "You and Inui should head back too. And this time—go all out in the ranking matches."
All out?!
Oni's eyes sharpened, but before he could ask more, Three Ships walked away.
"Gulp… gulp…"
The head coach took a long swig of sake, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"Never thought he'd come to me for help."
"Ryoga Echizen, huh?"
"Let's see if you can stir the pot enough."