After the regional qualifiers, a month of intense training flew by—and now, the Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament had arrived.
Oishi and Kaidoh had both reached 5-star combat power.
Kikumaru broke into 6-star, while Inui peaked at 6-star advanced, though his progress had slowed.
But the most dramatic improvements came from Fuji and Tezuka.
Fuji, after being pushed to his limits by Yoru, awakened his "Heart's Eye"—signaling the early unlocking of his latent talent. His power now sat at upper 7-star tier.
As for Tezuka?
He officially crossed into 8-star.
His base stats hadn't changed much, but the upgraded Reverse Zone added significant combat bonuses.
Yoru couldn't help but grin.
With Fuji's talent blooming early and Tezuka growing stronger without injuries, this year's Seigaku might just bulldoze the Nationals.
Hell, he and QP might not even need to play.
With the "Diamond Generation" (like Byoudouin) now graduated, these kids alone had what it took to contend for the national title—and that's not even counting Sigil enhancements.
Yoru mentally ran through the competition.
Aside from Hyotei, Rikkai, and Shitenhouji, no other schools posed a real threat.
Even the famed Kyushu's "Lion Pair" were more hype than substance.
---
"All regulars, report to Court 1!"
The announcement cut through practice.
Dropping their drills, the team gathered promptly.
Yoru, after careful consideration, had something to say:
"Tomorrow marks the start of the Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament. There are a few things you need to know."
Excitement flickered in their eyes—especially Tezuka's.
The regional qualifiers had been a joke. But now? They'd finally face real rivals like Hyotei and Yamabuki.
Yet Yoru's next words stunned them.
"QP and I won't be playing. You'll handle the entire tournament yourselves."
A pause.
"Also… temper your expectations. It might be smoother than you think."
"Huh?"
Even the Metropolitan Tournament would be weak?
Before they could process it, Yoru dropped another bombshell:
"After the tournament, I'm taking you all on a trip to the U.S.!"
"REALLY?!"
Kikumaru practically launched himself into the air, eyes sparkling.
The others erupted in cheers—an overseas trip?!
"On one condition," Yoru smirked. "You win the championship."
"Don't worry, Captain! No one's taking this title from us!"
"YEAHHH! ROAD TRIP!"
As the team celebrated, Yoru exchanged a knowing glance with QP.
This wasn't just a vacation.
Ralph had already challenged him.
They'd be facing America's top talents—a brutal wake-up call for these overconfident kids.
Let's see how excited they are after that.
Yamato opened his mouth, then shut it.
…Better not ruin the mood.
---
The next day.
Tournament grounds.
Yoru led Seigaku's squad in.
Over two days, they steamrolled three weak teams—the "competition" was barely above regional qualifier level.
The much-anticipated Metropolitan Tournament nearly put Oishi to sleep.
Thankfully, Yoru had warned them.
Then came the semifinals—against Yamabuki, led by Coach Banji.
"Coach Ban, long time no see."
Yoru greeted him at the entrance.
Banji and Yamabuki's third-years blinked in surprise.
Last year, Yoru hadn't been this… polite.
Banji chuckled. "Not cursing me to an early grave this time?"
"Tch, why so dramatic?"
Yoru slung an arm around the old man's shoulders as they walked. "It'll happen eventually~"
"Cough—!"
Banji nearly choked. "You're just like your father."
"I don't read adult magazines, though."
Yoru scanned Yamabuki's roster—young Kippei Tanegashima, a few canon fodder seniors… but no Akutsu Jin.
"I saw you skulking around that night. Where's Akutsu?"
Banji's smile didn't waver. "That boy isn't ready for Yamabuki yet. I've saved a… gift for you at the Kantō Tournament."
"Oh?"
No Akutsu?
Yoru's eyes narrowed. "How boring."
He walked off without another word.
Banji frowned. He didn't even ask about the "gift"?
---
Match start.
Yamabuki, historically a doubles powerhouse, lived up to its reputation.
Aside from veterans Mokichi Kaidou and Kaito Banda, first-years Kentaro Minami and Masahiro Higashikata showed promise.
But this year's Seigaku?
Flawless.
Doubles 2:
Yamato and Kaidoh's synergy overwhelmed Banda's pair.
Yamato didn't even need "Wrong-Step Tennis."
Just setting up Kaidoh for front-court smashes was enough—his raw power alone scored points.
With Yamato's cheerleader buffs, it was a one-sided slaughter.
6-0.
(Note: Since the match against Atobe, Yoru had Kaidoh practicing sweet-spot techniques—progress was slow, but his power kept growing.)
Banji hadn't expected his doubles specialists to fall so easily.
He pinned his hopes on Doubles 1—only for them to lose even faster.
Inui's data + Oishi's tactics + Kikumaru's new "Dancing Play" = another 6-0.
"Seigaku's recruited quite the talents this year," Banji mused, smiling through the pain.
No chance this year… but before Yoru graduates, I still have one card left to play.
---
Singles 3: Inui vs. Kippei.
Pre-match, Inui had grilled Yoru for intel on Yamabuki.
Combined with his own data, he entered the court with a +0.6 stat boost.
Add Yamato's hype-man routine? 7-star combat power.
Meanwhile, poor Kippei languished at 5-star.
Snap.
Inui shut his notebook, smirking.
"This match… the advantage is mine."
---