"The first match of the U-17 World Cup knockout stage—France versus Japan—has concluded! The Japan team wins with three victories and one loss!"
"So, this is it then? Seems today still isn't the day to start a revolution~" Camus sighed softly, shaking his head. Though he had foreseen the outcome, hearing the final announcement still carried a sting of disappointment.
"This is unbelievable! Japan actually won!" The crowd erupted in shock. Ever since both of France's doubles teams lost, many had suspected where things were heading, but now that the result was official, disbelief still rippled through the stands.
"Well then, since the outcome's been decided, let's stand tall and properly congratulate the victors!" Camus rose from the French bench, his voice firm as he addressed his teammates.
As both teams stepped forward to the net for the customary handshake, Camus and Duke walked aside to speak privately. With the match over, they could finally talk without the weight of competition on their shoulders.
"Didn't expect to lose to you again, Leopold," Duke said first, his tone light but genuine.
"I didn't think we'd face each other this soon either, but maybe fate wanted it this way," Camus replied with a faint smile.
"Tell me the truth—you already predicted this outcome, didn't you?" Duke's eyes grew sharp as he met Camus's gaze.
"When I learned that this tournament would include middle school players, I already knew France might not make it to the end. What I didn't expect was to fall in the very first knockout round." Camus's voice carried both melancholy and calm acceptance. "From here on, how each country handles its junior players will decide the whole tournament's direction."
He paused, then added with a wry smile, "But to suppress the rising tide of our young revolutionaries... I suppose it means your team will lead the new era of world tennis. Especially Akashi Seijurō—perhaps he truly will ignite a global revolution in this sport."
Camus extended his right hand, and Duke grasped it firmly.
While the two captains spoke, the Japan team was already celebrating their victory. Defeating the world's No. 3 team in the very first knockout match filled everyone with excitement and pride.
Still, not everyone joined the cheers. Akashi stood silently near the edge of the court, an overwhelming aura still radiating from him that made even his teammates hesitant to approach.
Byoudouin and Oni stood like two unyielding guardians at the back of the group. Though faint smiles tugged at their lips, their expressions were heavy. They both understood this victory was only the beginning—greater challenges awaited.
Nearby, Mitsuya, Yanagi, and Inui were verifying the official match duration with the umpire. When Inui heard the time—28 minutes and 57 seconds—a glint of excitement flashed across his face.
Before long, the Japan team had calmed down and began gathering their equipment. After exchanging polite nods with the French players, they exited the court. Tomorrow, they would face Switzerland, so every second of rest mattered.
Carrying the weight of triumph and a touch of fatigue, the team returned to their hotel. There, Mifune and the three coaches had already convened in the conference room, their expressions solemn. The upcoming match against the formidable Swiss team demanded careful preparation—every lineup choice could decide victory or defeat.
The air in the room was tense. Mifune began the discussion, breaking down Switzerland's strategies and player strengths and weaknesses. Each coach offered opinions in turn, but even with all their insight combined, the decision wasn't easy. This was a choice that could determine the team's fate.
Half an hour later, Akashi, Byoudouin, Oni, and Akutsu were urgently summoned to join the meeting. The moment they stepped in, they sensed the heavy atmosphere. Soon after, Mitsuya, Yanagi, Inui, and Duke entered as well, their faces showing curiosity and unease.
The discussion dragged on deep into the evening, full of arguments and analysis. Only after dinner did the coaches and players finally emerge from the room—each with a different expression: some grim, some relieved, some quietly expectant.
By then, all the Japan team members had gathered in the lobby, waiting anxiously for the lineup announcement. Mifune stood before them, his gaze sweeping over the group. After a brief cough, he spoke in a deep, commanding tone:
"Now announcing tomorrow's lineup! First, our captain—Oni Juujirou!"
When that decision was announced, no one voiced any objections. After all, Oni's strength was among the top in the entire team. Aside from Akashi, only Byoudouin could truly rival him. It made perfect sense for him to take the lead as captain against Switzerland.
"Next, the lineup: Kimijima Ikuto, Toono Atsukyou, Danji Date, Akutsu Jin, Kirihara Akaya, and Ishida Gin! Substitute—Tōyama Kintarō! Everyone got that?!" Mifune announced firmly, just as he had before, listing each player clearly.
As soon as the names were read, murmurs spread throughout the hall. One name in particular drew attention—Danji Date. He hadn't been on the original starting roster for the Japan team and had only traveled to Australia as a substitute. Yet now, unexpectedly, he was listed as a main player.
Even Danji himself froze for a moment. He hadn't imagined he'd get a chance to play tomorrow. But he quickly steadied himself. This was a rare opportunity—one he had to seize with everything he had. Neither Byoudouin nor Akashi objected to the lineup either; it was a carefully considered decision made by the coaching staff.
In truth, Danji's inclusion had been Akashi's own suggestion. To counter Switzerland's power-based duo, they needed a player of brute strength. Oni, as captain, had to anchor the team, and Duke was still drained from his previous match. Under those circumstances, Danji was the most suitable choice.
At the same time, Mifune had submitted a substitution request to the tournament committee, citing Duke's injury. Danji would temporarily take his place in the starting lineup. Duke had no complaints—he agreed it was the best possible move for the team.
Although both Oni and Akutsu were listed as captains, Akutsu's title was merely nominal. It had been a technical loophole by Mifune to increase the number of middle school players on the team. In reality, the true captain for the match would be Oni.
After the meeting, those not selected for the lineup returned to their rooms with mild disappointment, while the chosen players were visibly excited—especially Kirihara, who could barely contain his eagerness for the next day. The night carried a mix of chatter, quiet tension, and the occasional clash of emotion.
In Kirihara's room, his excitement kept him from sleeping. Eventually, Sanada's fist solved the problem—his idea of "training discipline." Sanada had intended to knock him out cold just to ensure he'd rest for tomorrow's match.
Fortunately, Yukimura stepped in before Sanada could take further action. With a calm expression, he used his mental power to cast a subtle suggestion on Kirihara. Within minutes, the boy was fast asleep, snoring softly.
Elsewhere, in another room, Kimijima and Toono were locked in a heated discussion. Toono looked unwilling, his face twisted with frustration, but Kimijima's expression remained stern and immovable—there was clearly no room for debate.
Meanwhile, Akutsu was nowhere to be found in his assigned room. Unbeknownst to the others, he was outside on the hotel's private court, locked in an intense rally with Akashi. The ball flashed like lightning between them—anyone with lesser vision wouldn't even be able to follow it.
Oni stood at the sidelines, watching quietly. His eyes reflected admiration and a hint of expectation. Beside him stood Byoudouin and another teammate, both silent, yet their exchanged glances carried a mutual understanding. The four main forces of Japan stood together under the fading light of dusk, each lost in their own thoughts.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow on every face. The Japan team assembled once again, determination burning in their eyes as they followed Mifune toward the stadium for today's quarterfinals.
Unlike yesterday's first knockout round, today's venue was noticeably larger, the stands filled with far more spectators. The cheers hit like a tidal wave the moment the players stepped inside.
This time, the crowd wasn't just made up of Swiss and Japanese supporters—many Australian fans had come as well. Akashi even spotted familiar figures in the stands—the French team.
Camus clearly intended to see how far the team that had defeated them could go. The rest of the French players showed no bitterness from yesterday's loss. In fact, they cheered enthusiastically for Japan.
Especially Auguir, who once again lifted his bizarre scroll high above his head. This time, Sanada couldn't take it anymore—he stormed into the audience and began loudly correcting Auguir's spelling errors. Yukimura could only sigh helplessly from his seat.
And just as the atmosphere reached its peak, Alexander Amadeus and the Swiss team entered the court. The entire stadium roared in excitement, the deafening cheers shaking the air itself—a true test for everyone's endurance.