Seeing the matchup displayed on the big screen, Akashi let out a smile that said 'just as expected.' When it came to drawing lots, the only one who could rival Oishi's luck was probably Atobe. That was exactly why Akashi chose Atobe as the junior high rep for the ceremony. With Atobe's luck and the possible convergence of the timeline, Akashi believed there was a strong chance they would face Germany in the exhibition, and sure enough, it turned out exactly as he predicted.
Standing on stage, Atobe also saw the matchup. He froze for a moment, then broke into a self-satisfied grin. For ore-sama, this draw was perfect. Facing the strongest team in the world right from the start was just what he wanted!
But this year, besides Japan, the strongest team in the world should actually be Spain. With Germany's current roster, even if they wouldn't be crushed by Spain, they certainly wouldn't have an easy time. If Volk went up against Ryōga, the outcome would be unpredictable—he might even be swallowed whole.
And then there was Medanore. Before his injury, he was hailed as an absolute genius, the only pro player believed capable of defeating Volk. Akashi figured that even if Germany faced Spain in the semifinals in the original timeline, the result would've been no different—maybe even worse.
Among the Big Four, France was the weakest, though their gap with Switzerland wasn't huge. Both were still a step below the US (with Ryōma included). Germany was far stronger than those three, but Spain was in a league of its own.
Inside the hall, reactions varied—some pitied Japan, some were indifferent, some even sneered. Most obvious were the two black players from the Republic of Tube.
But their grins quickly faded when their draw revealed their opponent: the US, currently ranked fifth. Reinhardt watched the screen calmly, not caring in the slightest.
One thing that caught Akashi's eye was that one of the exhibition matches would be an internal showdown: Chinese versus Taiwan. Whether this was a bit of rigging by the organizers, he didn't know. Some sponsors did enjoy that kind of twisted fun.
Akashi had taken note of Chinese's roster, but he didn't recognize any of them. From what he saw with the Emperor Eye, their captain's strength was world-class at best, without a true pro-level anchor. They wouldn't get far in the U-17 World Cup.
When all the teams finished their draws, it turned into a time for mingling. Akashi had no interest in that. He simply nodded to Reinhardt and Ryōma, then left with Atobe.
Back at the hotel, when Mifune heard their opponent was Germany, he froze for a second, then grinned much like Atobe. In the past, he might have worried. But now? He had no fear of Germany at all.
Still, to be safe, Mifune planned to send out strong players for the exhibition, even asking Akashi's opinion. Akashi already had a list in mind. After a short discussion, they finalized it together.
Meanwhile, when Atobe announced to the team that their opponent would be Germany, the high school players reacted with calm indifference, as if the opponent were just any other team. The junior high players, however, were far more colorful—some excited, some nervous, most just wondering if they'd get the chance to play.
There was even a small stir when Atobe mentioned running into Ryōma at the ceremony. Oishi and Kikumaru both looked a little down. They had expected it, but hearing that Ryōma had truly joined the US still hit them hard.
Fuji stayed calm. He felt it was Ryōma's choice. Even if they were opponents now, Ryōma would still be part of Seigaku next year. Their bonds wouldn't be broken by this.
Inui, meanwhile, was too busy with Yanagi compiling data on players from every country to care about such things. Besides, he already knew Ryōma had joined the US. For data tennis, intel was the greatest weapon.
———
The next day, at the main stadium of the U-17 World Cup, the stands were already packed with fans. Thanks to Germany's massive popularity, Japan got the privilege of playing on the main court—a treatment even the host team Australia didn't receive.
With the host's booming voice, both Japan and Germany entered the court. The introduction for Japan was brief, just their world ranking and a mention of their 'luck' in drawing Germany. Then the announcer launched into an endless list of Germany's players and achievements.
Atobe's arrogant face twisted in displeasure. A sharp, icy aura spread from him, chilling the air. Beside him, Irie just smiled and patted him on the back in comfort.
Akashi, of course, was equally displeased. Simply by standing there in silence, the force of his presence made nearby staff uneasy. His expression didn't change, but his eyes locked firmly onto the German team opposite them.
The first to enter was Q.P., greeted by thunderous cheers from the crowd, though he frowned, clearly displeased. Next came Bismarck, stirring up just as much excitement. Finally, when the bald giant stepped out, the spectators went wild, screaming his name.
"Volk!" "Volk!" "Volk!"
Originally, Volk had intended to leave everything to Q.P., uninterested in exhibition matches. But after receiving a call from his younger brother Bertie the night before, he changed his mind, even bringing Bismarck along to appear in the exhibition.
"So this is the popularity of the world's No. 1 pro player?" Tanegashima said with some awe, taking in the atmosphere.
"Volk has more than just popularity. His unfathomable strength is the real foundation of his place in pro tennis," Byoudouin said solemnly, his eyes fixed on Volk.
"No matter how strong he is, in the end he'll still face defeat," Akashi said calmly, as if it were a matter of course.
"Well said! That's the spirit! Back when I was in the special forces, I never flinched under gunfire!" Mifune shouted, fully agreeing with Akashi, trying to rouse everyone's spirits.
"More accurately, it was mercenary work, wasn't it, head coach?" Mitsuya corrected him with a smile.
Their exchange eased some of the tension, though Atobe was already impatient. His eyes locked on Akashi, burning with resolve.
"Heh~ let's send Irie-senpai and Atobe for the first match. I don't think you'll object, head coach Mifune?" Akashi said with a faint smile, catching Atobe's gaze.
"I told you last night, the lineup's your call for this exhibition," Mifune waved his hand dismissively, leaving it to Akashi.
"In that case, shut the crowd up with your play. With your strength, that shouldn't be a problem, right?" Akashi's eyes swept coldly across the spectators as he spoke indifferently to Atobe and Irie.
"Hah? Who do you think ore-sama is, Akashi? So-called kingly Germany—before the Emperor, they'll all bow!" Atobe scoffed.
"Yare yare, saying that puts a lot of pressure on me, Atobe-kun," Irie replied lightly, still smiling with composure.
On the German side, Q.P. studied the files in his hand, hesitated briefly, then sent out Bismarck and Siegfried. The two had long trained together as a doubles pair.
"Tch. Against Japan, they actually need me and Bismarck? Isn't the base full of trash who could handle this?" Siegfried grumbled.
"According to Bertie's intel, this year's Japan team must not be underestimated. As members of the Big Four's leader, we cannot afford even the slightest slip in this exhibition," Q.P. answered calmly.
"Fine. But if those Japanese brats end up crying, don't expect me to care," Siegfried sneered as he headed for the court.
"Still too young…" Bismarck muttered, shaking his head as he followed.
"And now, the first match begins! Germany—Michael Bismarck and Elmar Siegfried! Japan—Irie Kanata and Atobe Keigo! Players, please enter!"
The four walked to the net. Siegfried's eyes dripped arrogance as he glared at Irie and Atobe, disdain almost spilling over. Bismarck looked more easygoing, though equally casual.
Seeing them, the cold glint in Atobe's eyes sharpened. He didn't even extend his hand for the handshake, just stared icily. When it came to arrogance, only Akashi rivaled ore-sama.
"Hey, Japanese! What's with that look? Playing against Germany should be an honor for you!" Siegfried snapped, temper flaring. He nearly lunged forward, but Bismarck quickly held him back.
"Honor? You're right. Bowing to ore-sama on the ground soon enough—yes, that is an honor!" Atobe retorted with a cold laugh, mocking him in turn.
Sensing the tension, the umpire hurriedly called for the coin toss. Unlike the original match, Japan won the right to serve, and the first ball would be Atobe's.