King of Tennis (POT)

Hiyoshi Wakashi. 

13 years old. 

A second-year student at Hyotei Academy's middle school. 

He is also the captain of the tennis club's second team. 

Hiyoshi holds a certain level of prestige within the tennis club and is one of the strongest contenders for a regular spot on the team. 

In truth, Hiyoshi is quite talented. 

During the national junior selection tournament after last summer, he was the top player in the Tokyo region. In the fierce nationwide competition, he even fought to a draw with Rikkai Dai's rising star, Akaya Kirihara. 

However, after returning, Hiyoshi kept a low profile. 

From last summer to the start of the new school year this spring, despite being the second-year student most likely to secure a regular spot, he never managed to claim one. 

Instead, his classmate, Choutarou Ootori, stood out with his astonishing Cannon Serve. 

Coupled with the formidable Kabaji, most people at Hyotei still held Hiyoshi in high regard, but the focus had shifted to Ootori. 

Many were saying that Ootori was likely to become the next captain of Hyotei. 

What most people didn't know, however, was that Hiyoshi hadn't failed to become a regular because Ootori had surpassed him. Rather, he had voluntarily asked Atobe to place him in the same group as Ootori. 

Moreover, he had requested that Atobe assign at least one third-year regular to compete against him in the same group. 

The reason was simple. 

Hiyoshi didn't want to rely on luck or loopholes to secure his spot. Even though, in his view, some of the third-year regulars weren't his match. 

Atobe didn't disappoint him. 

In every match, Hiyoshi was pitted against either Akutagawa or Oshitari. After seven consecutive matches, Hiyoshi's record remained consistent at five wins and two losses. 

This was also why he had never become a regular. 

However, this was all part of Hiyoshi's plan. 

Once harboring the ambition to overthrow Atobe from the captain's position before this summer, Hiyoshi was far from a simple-minded individual. 

In fact, he could be called Hyotei's ambitious strategist! 

In Hiyoshi's view, the period from the end of last summer's national tournament to the start of this year's new season wasn't the time to show off. Instead, it was the time to train hard and strengthen his skills. 

A competent strategist must possess the quality of patience, biding their time and making the right move at the critical moment to deliver a decisive blow to their opponent! 

And now, he believed the time was ripe. 

Of course, Hiyoshi wasn't reckless. His target wasn't the team's core player, Oshitari, but the slightly less formidable Shishido. 

Moreover, Hiyoshi had been observing Shishido for some time. 

He noticed that Shishido's training had become somewhat lax compared to last year. This was likely due to the complacency of being a third-year, believing no one could threaten his position. 

Additionally, Hyotei didn't have a player who could replace someone of Shishido's caliber. 

"What a pity," Hiyoshi thought, a sly smile creeping onto his face. "Senior, your era is about to end!" 

It was like an ancient tale. 

A general, having gained power, grows complacent, indulging in wine and pleasure while neglecting his duties. Meanwhile, his subordinates sharpen their blades in secret, waiting for the day to overthrow him and turn the world upside down! 

Hiyoshi was that patient blade-sharpener. 

As for Ishikawa… 

Hiyoshi had only briefly watched his match a few days ago and hadn't paid much attention since. 

It wasn't that he didn't recognize Ishikawa's talent. In Hiyoshi's eyes, this first-year junior could be considered for a vice-captain or even a future captain position—once Hiyoshi himself became the captain of Hyotei. 

But for now… Ishikawa was still far from ready. 

"The selection matches are about to begin. Please proceed to the designated courts when your name is called. Group A…" 

Soon, the announcement for the matches began. 

The regulars remained calm, while the second-team members, except for Hiyoshi, grew visibly tense. 

After all, they were the closest to securing a regular spot. With a bit of luck, if they were matched against the weakest opponents, they might just pull off an upset. 

Amidst the crowd, one figure remained unusually calm. 

It was Ishikawa, who was practicing his swings outside the crowd, determined to complete his daily training quota. 

For him, today's matches were entirely within his expectations. After checking the match schedule on the bulletin board, he saw that his opponent wasn't particularly strong. 

Therefore, after finishing his swing practice, he took a short break and then began his daily 30-lap running task. 

Yes, after reaching Level 15, Ishikawa's daily training routine had changed. His swing count increased to 1,500, and his running laps went up to 30. 

Correspondingly, the rewards for completing daily tasks had also improved, with each task now granting 50 experience points. Naturally, Ishikawa wasn't about to neglect his basic training. 

Thus, an unusual scene unfolded at the Hyotei tennis club. While everyone else was gathered around the courts watching the matches, a lone figure was running laps around the outer track. 

At first, some thought he was just showing off, trying to draw attention. But to their surprise, the runner completed 20 laps without slowing down or stopping. 

"This guy…" 

Not just the spectators and general club members, but even those participating in the selection matches were stunned. 

"If he's being arrogant, running 20 laps at this pace without stopping shows he's got some serious stamina," Oshitari remarked with a wry smile. 

"But I doubt anyone else would be doing such intense exercise right before a match," he added. 

Mukahi frowned. "Is he giving up?" 

"Not sure," Oshitari shrugged. 

To be honest, he had initially thought he'd discovered a promising talent. But now, Ishikawa's actions kept challenging his assumptions. 

Yet, there was no denying that Ishikawa's abilities had noticeably improved. 

"Why overthink it?" Shishido chimed in with a grin. "When I face him the day after tomorrow, we'll find out." 

"Perhaps… we won't have to wait that long." 

A deep, authoritative voice interrupted their conversation. 

Hearing this voice, everyone immediately straightened up, their expressions turning serious. 

"Coach." 

They turned to see Tōru Sakaki, their coach, walking over. His presence commanded respect. 

"Hmm." 

Sakaki gave a slight nod. He glanced at Ishikawa, who was still running, and a rare smile appeared on his face. "Whether he's a genius or just a show-off, we'll find out tomorrow when he faces Hiyoshi." 

Hiyoshi? 

At this, everyone's expressions changed. 

Shishido and Oshitari exchanged glances, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes. 

That's right! 

They had almost forgotten about the captain of the second team, Hiyoshi, who had delivered an impressive performance at last year's national junior selection tournament! 

"Wait a minute!" 

But then, as if realizing something, they all shared a strange look. 

Since when had their strict and demanding coach taken such an interest in the club's selection matches? 

And all because of a rookie? 

---

**(End of Chapter)**