King of Tennis (POT)

"Game!"

"Ishikawa, 1-0, switch sides!"

The first game ended.

The referee announced the score.

The spectators, as if realizing it belatedly, once again wore expressions of shock on their faces.

Before the match began, no one could have predicted that Ishikawa would take the first game with four consecutive ace serves.

"That serve… it's really something!"

Outside the court, Mukahi and Shishido exchanged wary glances.

Hiyoshi's skills were not weak, and his reflexes were sharp. But Ishikawa's serve was simply too fast. Even if it were them on the court, they couldn't confidently say they'd be able to return it 100% of the time.

Compared to the astonishment of the crowd, Atobe and Oshitari remained relatively calm.

Especially Atobe.

When Ishikawa and Hiyoshi were talking earlier, he had already predicted the outcome of this game. As expected, Hiyoshi had underestimated his opponent and paid the price, falling into the trap set by this first-year newcomer.

"To develop such a serve… no wonder Atobe values him."

Not far away, on the fourth floor of the school building, in the music department office, a man in a maroon suit, Tōru Sakaki, quietly assessed the match.

His gaze then shifted to Hiyoshi.

Hiyoshi hadn't even touched the ball, suffering a humiliating loss in the first game. As he switched sides, he kept his head down the entire time.

Even from a distance, Sakaki could almost imagine the look of frustration on Hiyoshi's face.

"Calm and composed when facing seniors, but overly arrogant and careless when dealing with juniors."

Sakaki narrowed his eyes. "Perhaps this match will wake you up, Hiyoshi."

In truth, the Ice帝 coach's perspective differed from Atobe's. While Atobe currently favored the steady and obedient Ōshitarō, Sakaki had his eyes on Hiyoshi.

He knew that in a true one-on-one match, Hiyoshi had a higher chance of winning.

Moreover, what mattered more was Hiyoshi's ambition and fierce competitive spirit—qualities essential for a strong team leader.

"So…"

"Don't disappoint me."

In Sakaki's eyes, this match was Hiyoshi's midterm exam. Even if he won, if his performance wasn't impressive enough, Sakaki, who adhered to the principle of "strength above all, no tolerance for failure," would not let him off easily.

---

"Second game."

"Hiyoshi to serve."

After switching sides, the referee glanced toward Hiyoshi.

Hiyoshi pulled a tennis ball from his pocket and began bouncing it lightly.

*Tap… Tap… Tap…*

His movements were slow as he adjusted his emotions and formulated his strategy for the next game.

"His serve is strong. Until his stamina drops, I shouldn't try to score on his serve. So, I must secure my own service games."

"From what I know, his speed and stamina aren't his strong suits. Generally, I should target his stamina."

"But forget a long rally—I'll go for a fast-paced attack instead."

Once his strategy was set, Hiyoshi tossed the ball into the air.

*Thwack!*

With a crisp sound, the ball shot forward, landing near the service line on Ishikawa's right side.

"A quick serve!"

"And it's aimed wide!"

The spectators immediately perked up.

This serve was of high quality. An average player might not even react in time.

*Swish!*

But just as the ball bounced up, a figure appeared at the landing spot.

"His speed is impressive too."

Mukahi remarked in surprise. "I thought he wasn't good at short-distance movements?"

"People can improve."

Oshitari shook his head. "Besides, he actually started moving the moment Hiyoshi served."

"The moment he served?"

Shishido frowned instinctively. "Isn't that a bit exaggerated? A first-year's reflexes… can't be that fast, right?"

He didn't say it out loud, but even Shishido himself wasn't sure if he could predict the ball's trajectory the instant it was served.

"Maybe."

Oshitari didn't elaborate further.

On the court, Ishikawa swiftly returned the ball with a quick swing of his racket.

*Tap tap!!*

Hiyoshi reacted just as quickly.

Having planned for a fast-paced attack, he crouched low and chased after the ball. Catching up to it, he angled his racket and aimed a sharp crosscourt shot toward Ishikawa's backhand.

*Thwack!*

The ball spun back, landing at an extremely tricky angle.

Even Shishido and Mukahi felt a twinge of unease watching this shot.

Mukahi raised an eyebrow. "Hiyoshi's skills have improved quite a bit without us noticing."

Shishido narrowed his eyes but remained silent, though his wariness of Hiyoshi grew stronger.

*Tap tap!!*

But just as they thought the point was secured, Ishikawa appeared at the ball's landing spot once again.

"When did he get there?!"

The spectators were stunned.

They remembered that Ishikawa had just finished his return shot. Even with quick reflexes, he shouldn't have been able to reach that position so soon.

Meanwhile, Ōshitarō exclaimed, "So it's true!"

"Ōshitarō."

Shishido quickly pressed him. "What did you notice?"

"Yeah."

Ōshitarō nodded repeatedly. "Just like Oshitari-senpai said, Ishikawa started moving the moment Hiyoshi made his shot."

Instant reaction?

Shishido and Mukahi exchanged glances, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes.

"That's right."

Atobe chimed in. "This kind of reaction speed is theoretically half a step to a full step faster than an average person's, making up for his lack of speed."

"Is… is he really that good?"

Hearing even Atobe acknowledge this, the other team members, especially the third-years, looked visibly impressed.

However, as regulars, Shishido and Mukahi knew it wasn't that simple. They understood that this kind of instant reaction wasn't easy to pull off.

Anyone can start moving early, but if the judgment is wrong, the loss isn't just a step or half a step—it's the entire point.

*Thwack!*

*Thwack!*

*Thwack!*

As time went on, Ishikawa continued to move the moment Hiyoshi hit the ball, maintaining this pattern for nearly ten exchanges.

Watching this, Mukahi couldn't help but mutter, "This kid's judgment is ridiculously good."

"Hmm."

Shishido's expression turned serious.

This wasn't just about judgment—it also required the courage and determination to take that first step.

Clearly, this first-year named Ishikawa was far more formidable than they had imagined. Even these two third-year regulars felt a sense of threat from him.

*Thwack!*

*Thwack!*

*Thwack!*

On the court, what was supposed to be a fast-paced attack turned into a grueling rally, frustrating Hiyoshi more and more.

"This kid is really tough!"

"Is he for real? He's predicting every shot correctly?"

"No, I can't keep this up. I need to change something… got it!"

Suddenly, Hiyoshi switched his approach. Instead of a powerful drive, he executed a delicate drop shot.

*Tap.*

The ball floated gently over the net.

"A drop shot?"

"No, Hiyoshi's rushing to the net!"

"Wow, he's fast!"

Seeing Hiyoshi sprint toward the net after changing tactics, the spectators were once again amazed.

"Heh heh!!"

As he ran, Hiyoshi locked eyes with Ishikawa. "By suddenly changing the pace, most players can't adapt and will make mistakes in their next move."

As he spoke, a glint of determination flashed in his eyes.

While running, he deliberately left a gap on his right side, creating a seemingly perfect opening.

But in reality, this gap was a trap.

With Hiyoshi's explosive speed, he could easily cover that space at any moment.

However, for most players, especially in the heat of the moment, there's no time to think through such details.

"Come on!"

"Don't hesitate—hit it right there!"

Hiyoshi's gaze remained fixed on Ishikawa.

He could already picture Ishikawa falling into his trap, sending the ball straight into the opening he had left.

*Tap!*

But in the next moment, as the crisp sound of the racket hitting the ball echoed, Hiyoshi's sprint came to an abrupt halt.

*Whoosh!*

At the same time, he instinctively looked up, watching the ball sail over his head. The smile on his face froze.

"A… a lob?"

(End of Chapter)