"I don't get a word you're saying, but I'll pay back eye for eye, tooth for tooth!" Kintarō shouted, and the blue glow around his body grew brighter. A wave of uplifting energy swept across the entire court.
"So it's really Radiance of Love? But that won't change your situation!" Mitsuya showed no surprise at all when he saw Kintarō awaken Radiance of Love.
The third game was Kintarō's serve. With Radiance of Love active, both his strength and speed improved, and they even seemed to be growing little by little. Unfortunately for him, Mitsuya had already collected all of this data long ago.
As Mitsuya once again sent the ball back with ease, Kintarō's face turned serious. A brilliant golden light burst from his left hand, and with his right hand gripping the racket, he swung fiercely. The ball turned into a glowing orb and blasted toward the opposite court.
"Damn it, take my Flashing Ball!!!"
"The power of a Glowing Shot is indeed strong, but it has one fatal flaw. As long as the opponent also masters the Super Sweet Spot, it becomes completely useless!" Mitsuya had already moved into position before the glowing ball arrived and struck it back without hesitation.
The golden ball slammed straight into Kintarō's blind spot, bounced out of the court, and left a deep dent in the wall.
"0-15!"
"Toyama's rhythm is already falling apart, just like in his practice matches against Akashi," Tezuka said seriously as he watched the court.
"In some ways, Data Tennis is very similar to Akashi-kun's style. Now it's all up to Kintarō to figure out a way through," Fuji nodded in agreement.
Akutsu kept his brows tightly furrowed. Though he said nothing, a flicker of concern showed in his eyes. He knew clearly that no words could reach Kintarō now. That feeling from his own match against Mitsuya was something Akutsu could never forget.
The match on court pressed on. Even with the boost of Radiance of Love pushing his physical ability faintly past Mitsuya's, Kintarō was completely trapped in Mitsuya's rhythm. Every move of his was already accounted for.
"The probability of a straight shot is 97%! Based on your personality, your shots will keep coming to where I stand. You must learn to observe your opponent's actions, Kintarō!" Mitsuya intercepted the powerful drive and calmly spoke.
"I don't believe it! Super Ultra Invincible Cannon Flame Tornado Flashing Ball!!!" Kintarō yelled defiantly when Mitsuya sent his return back again.
Leaping high, his left hand glowed gold as he caught the ball with his racket, letting it stick through inertia while he spun rapidly on the spot. A huge vortex of fire roared upward, shining with flashes of golden light, dazzling to behold. Then a massive blazing fireball shot down toward Mitsuya like a meteor.
"I already warned you, don't hit to where I'm standing. The probability of this ball going out is 100%!" Mitsuya didn't even try to counter. He simply shifted slightly aside, letting the fireball streak past and crash into the wall behind him.
A deafening explosion rang out. The wall caved in deeply, with small tongues of flame burning across its surface, forcing the high school spectators above to retreat a step back.
"OUT! 0-30!"
"Looks like Toyama didn't take my earlier words to heart," Tezuka frowned, his voice tinged with disappointment.
"If he could listen that easily, he wouldn't be our Kintarō. All we can do is believe in him, Tezuka," Tachibana clapped Tezuka lightly on the shoulder.
"This red-haired kid's tennis reminds me of Oni. Both like direct, frontal assaults. But he looks like a handful~" Ōmaki adjusted his headband and spoke slowly.
"His strength is indeed impressive, and aside from Akashi-kun, it's rare to see a first-year with this level of ability. Unfortunately, his opponent is Mitsuya. For players who only charge straight ahead, Mitsuya is their natural predator," Kimijima observed coolly.
On court, the rally went on. Kintarō unleashed every wild, unpredictable move he could muster. To most players it would've been overwhelming, but Mitsuya handled it all with ease.
"0-40!"
"Game! Japan Team! 3-0!"
The umpire called for a break. Kintarō's face was still burning with fighting spirit, but inside he couldn't help feeling a trace of disappointment. When he walked to the bench, everyone finally noticed the sweat on his forehead.
Kintarō's stamina had always been a mystery. Whether in practice or matches, no one had ever seen him show signs of fatigue. Yet after just three games of this match, sweat was already dripping from his face.
"Oi, Kintarō! Look clearly at who your opponent is. Right now you're treating Mitsuya as if you're playing against me! Even if your opponent really was me, you should charge forward with everything you have. Don't forget the promise you made with Granny Sugi!" Akashi saw through Kintarō's hesitation instantly and spoke firmly.
"Granny Sugi…" Kintarō whispered softly.
The break ended quickly, and the two returned to the court. The fourth game was Mitsuya's serve. Seeing Kintarō still lost in thought, Mitsuya's lips curved slightly. He tossed the ball and unleashed a super-speed serve.
Kintarō instinctively chased after it, and the two entered another rapid rally. In Kintarō's mind, fragments of his tennis training with Granny Sugi kept flashing.
"15-0!"
"30-0!"
"40-0!"
Even though Kintarō fought desperately for points, Mitsuya's control over data was overwhelming. No matter how Kintarō attacked, Mitsuya predicted in advance, intercepting or countering with ease. The invisible pressure weighed heavily on Kintarō.
"Your love for tennis awakened Ten'i Muhō, and now you've even unlocked Radiance of Love. But passion alone cannot win a match. You always say you'll become Japan's number one tennis player, yet right now I don't see that determination in you!" Mitsuya spoke after scoring.
"Don't underestimate my resolve, glasses-nii! I promised Granny I'd make it happen!!!" Kintarō shot back without hesitation.
"Is that so? Then prove it to me in this match, Toyama Kintarō!" Mitsuya served another blazing fast ball.
"Just you wait! I'll definitely become Japan's number one tennis player!!!" In that instant, Kintarō's spirit surged back. His smile returned, and the long-suppressed weight in his chest vanished. Even the towering image of Akashi's invincibility began to fade from his mind.
"I'll win this match! Take this! Super Ultra Great Delicious Mountain Storm!!!"
Kintarō's booming cry echoed across the court. Dust flew wildly, almost covering the entire arena, but neither Mitsuya nor Kintarō's exchanges faltered.
"Here it comes! Super Thousand-Ton Invincible Mt. Tai Smash!!!"
"Smash power increase 11%! Predicted angle deviation 3%, data correction 5%!"
The clash between Kintarō's outrageous move names and Mitsuya's precise data rang out one after another. Their rallies grew more intense, yet both wore wide, joyful smiles.
"Game! Japan Team! 4-0!"
Mitsuya secured the fourth game. But this time, Kintarō felt no disappointment at all. His fighting spirit only grew stronger. His stubborn nature kept driving his growth and evolution.
"Looks like it's about time. The moment has come. Let's see if you really match my prediction, Kintarō~" Mitsuya muttered quietly as he walked back to the baseline.
The fifth game was Kintarō's serve. He stood at the line with excitement, itching to continue. Suddenly, a voice rang from the sidelines.
"Don't you dare lose! Crush him with everything you've got, Kintarō!!!" Akutsu shouted.
"Yeah! Leave it to me, Jin!!!" Kintarō didn't turn his head, but his voice brimmed with confidence.
The moment his words fell, a dazzling blue radiance erupted from his body, so bright that everyone shielded their eyes. When the glow faded, they saw Kintarō still wrapped in Ten'i Muhō, but now the blue light spread like laser beams in every direction. His figure looked firm and unshakable. On the bench, even Tezuka showed a rare smile of relief.
"You really didn't let me down, Kintarō~ The probability of you awakening Radiance of Strong Heart in this match is 100%!" Mitsuya said with a smile as he faced him.