On the court.
Tono and Kite lay collapsed on the ground.
One was unconscious, while the other had completely lost control of his body. The bizarre scene left the entire stadium in stunned silence.
"Um…"
The referee on the high chair glanced at the unconscious Tono, then at Kite, whose eyes were wide with disbelief. After a brief hesitation, he spoke up. "Kite, can you—"
"No need to ask."
At that moment, Byodoin—standing on the steps with his arms crossed—cut in. "After enduring all thirteen of Tono's Execution Techniques, no one would be able to move a single finger."
"I see…"
The referee paused, then turned to the three figures on the distant platform. Among them, the curly-haired coach in a light-colored suit gave him a slight nod.
"Understood."
With approval granted, the referee announced, "Since both players are unable to continue, this match ends in a draw."
A draw?!
The spectators—both middle schoolers and high schoolers—were left speechless.
"K-Kirihara…"
The members of Biga Middle School struggled to accept the outcome. But with Byodoin's declaration and Kite's current state—conscious but no better off than his opponent—there was little they could say.
In fact, in some ways, Kite's humiliation was worse precisely because he was still aware.
Before anyone could protest, medical staff arrived with stretchers, swiftly carrying both players away. The high schoolers, however, barely reacted—as if this were nothing out of the ordinary.
"So… this is the Ranking Matches?"
Players like Oshitari and Fuji exchanged uneasy glances.
"Attention."
Kurobe's voice rang out from the second-floor platform. "Due to Tono Atsukyo and Kite Eishiro both being incapacitated, the first Ranking Match is void. Others may take their place and continue competing."
He paused before adding, "However, given the unusual circumstances, both players retain the right to challenge the winners of any subsequent matches."
"What?!"
The announcement brought the previously eager players to a standstill.
Even bold personalities like Hiyoshi, Kirihara, and Momoshiro hesitated.
No way.
They'd all witnessed just how brutal the match had been. Even Kirihara—who relished violent tennis in his Devil Mode—had no desire to face either of those two.
Other high schoolers, like Akitsu and Hakamada, stayed rooted in place, showing no intention of stepping forward.
And so, the once-bustling court fell into an awkward silence.
"Ahem."
Kurobe cleared his throat. "In that case, the first match is concluded. Referee, proceed with the second match."
"Understood." The referee nodded before addressing the crowd. "All participants for the second match, please step forward now."
Thud.
A lanky high schooler with fiery orange curls strode onto the court, racket in hand.
"That's—!"
Many of the middle schoolers recognized him instantly. Wasn't he the former ace of Rikkai Dai?
"Mouri-senpai?!"
Marui and Jackal stared in shock.
Thud.
Another high schooler emerged—tall, with messy orange hair and sharp, piercing eyes.
"Harada-senpai?!"
This time, it was Shitenhouji's turn to be surprised.
"Who is he?"
Choutarou glanced at Tanishi, who explained, "That's Harada Tetsuya—Shitenhouji's former ace. He'd already left the club by the time I transferred."
"Rikkai Dai vs. Shitenhouji, huh?"
Choutarou's gaze lingered on the [No.9] and [No.10] badges pinned to their collars. Something told him this match wouldn't be straightforward.
"Hm?"
Just as everyone assumed this would be a high schooler-only match, both Mouri and Harada took positions on opposite ends of the court.
"Wait…" Inui adjusted his glasses. "Are they playing doubles?"
Doubles?!
The crowd buzzed with confusion.
Kurobe's voice cut through the chatter. "Doubles matches are permitted. The winning pair will secure two spots."
"Really?"
Excitement rippled through the middle schoolers. Weaker players eyed the stronger ones, hoping to hitch a ride to victory.
Thud.
But before anyone could make a move, a silver-haired figure in a yellow-and-black jacket stepped forward.
"Yanagi?!"
Marui and Jackal exchanged glances. Hadn't he already earned the No.16 badge? Even if it was meaningless now, after yesterday's grueling match, shouldn't he be resting?
Others turned to another Rikkai player—Yagyuu Hiroshi, Yanagi's usual doubles partner. Surely, Rikkai's strongest hidden duo would take the court now.
But Yagyuu showed no intention of moving.
"I'll go."
A calm voice spoke up.
All eyes turned to a handsome, silver-haired boy in a teal-green jacket—his expression steady as he walked forward.
"Shiraishi?!"
The crowd stirred. Even the high schoolers tensed. This was one of the few middle schoolers who had broken into Court No.5. After witnessing Kite's ferocity, no one dared underestimate a Court No.5 player.
"Oh? This lineup…"
Atobe and Tezuka exchanged glances.
This was a battle between seniors and juniors—Rikkai and Shitenhouji's past and present aces, facing off at last.
"Long time no see, Shiraishi."
At the net, Harada grinned.
"Yeah." Shiraishi nodded. "Last time was November, during the final team selections. A whole year has passed."
"Sure has." Harada's smile widened. "Back then, I regretted not getting to play you properly. Never thought we'd meet here."
His gaze dropped to Shiraishi's wrist. "Heard you finally took that thing off?"
"Hm."
Shiraishi's brow arched slightly. He remembered Harada being in his bracket back then—only to withdraw last minute, citing illness.
But now…
Something told him there was more to it.
"It's been a while, Yanagi."
On the other side, Mouri greeted his junior. Yanagi gave a curt nod but said nothing.
Mouri didn't mind. Yanagi had always been reserved, and they'd never been close at Rikkai.
But now, Mouri could sense it—Yanagi had changed.
No longer just pretending to be mature, he carried himself like a true ace.
Mouri had originally hoped to face Sanada, but now…
This might be even more interesting.
"The second Ranking Match will now begin."
The referee's voice boomed across the stadium.
"Representing the U-17 Team:
- No.9 Mouri Juushirou (1st Year High School)
- No.10 Harada Tetsuya (1st Year High School)
Versus the Challenger Team:
- Yanagi Renji (3rd Year Middle School)
- Shiraishi Kuranosuke (3rd Year Middle School).
Players, prepare yourselves."