Gatekeeper of Heaven | TeniPuri | POT

08: SPECIAL CONDITION

When the announcement was made caused people to scatter and gather by the court that the two teams are assigned to. If they win this one, the two teams will advance to the finals. Considering that Hyotei and Seigaku faced in the prefectural tournament, there was always a reconsideration for either of the team who lost in their many matches.

"Oi! Kiddo!" Tatsumi called again as the regulars from the male division came in along with the rest of their members to watch the match. Daisuke glanced at Tatsumi who was calling his little sister who wore a poker face as usual.

"Aw man." Nanami sighed.

"I HAVEN'T EVEN SAID ANYTHING YET YOU BRAT!"

Lining up, the girls exchanged handshakes as people from the bleachers were expecting a good match. The rivalry of the Hyotei and Seigaku girls were known to be almost legendary even if you add Rikkaidai to the equation for the regional tournament.

"All right girls," Coach Akihito clapped his hands with a smile as his regulars gathered up in preparation for doubles 2. "We have won many battles on our way here, but we have yet to win the war. Tanuma, Miyatake – win this first battle for us."

"Yes sir!" The senior and the junior said rather energetically. Other schools that were vacant around that time since this was one of the first matches of the day.

"Welcome to the semifinals. Seishun Gakuen versus Hyotei Gakuen, doubles 2 will now begin." With Tanuma Misako as the senior and Yo Miyatake as the junior fighting for doubles 2, this was a pair that the coach never experimented on as they kept on fighting to go to the finals. No one knows what this pair has in store for them.

"Ne, Misako-senpai." Miyatake called out to her senior as her hands were behind her head for a while. "Is a racket that long even allowed?"

Pointing it out, the senior looked at the opponent's racket noticing its unusual length. "I guess it won't be an issue."

"I.... guess?" Miyatake raised her brow as Misako continued to answer. "It's in the rules that a racket can be around 29 inches long or probably about 73.66 centimeters. If I can remember well, 12.5 inches or 35 centimeters are actually allowed and from the looks of it – that racket is custom made."

Miyatake gave out a tired sigh. "Those Hyotei rich girls never cease to amaze me."

"Now, now," Misako said with a smile. "Go along to position. We have much more to work on than to be envious of a custom racket."

"I am not envious!" Miyatake answered in defense as she walked back to the baseline so that she could receive properly. Nanami watched her upperclassmen, the line-up was clean and very... unpredictable until the last match her team had. Oddly enough, the coach didn't really... give out the line up to them that's why they were all required to do some stretching because there was no assurance on who would play.

Of course, the seniors would have a chance since its their final year, but for her and the junior regulars – it was a wild card guess.

"One set match. Hyotei's Noboru to serve!" The umpire called as Noboru began to dribble the ball, looking at the opposite side she made eye contact to the seigaku senior who was giving a sly smile. "Try not to miss Uda-chan~"

"Misako please be quiet!" she shouted as she sent the ball flying to the other side of the court. To think that they were on a first name basis, the seniors from both sides knew they were close. They would go to summer camp together every year so it was expected.

"Don't be pressured!" Misako answered playfully as she returned the ball. "We're still friends even if you lose~"

"Just be quiet and play!"