My Prince of Tennis has a high proficiency level.

Snapped!

Suddenly.

Seizing the opportunity, Kabaji swung his racket forward with both hands and hit a very standard short shot.

"Ok?"

Seeing the tennis ball land, Yuta, who was very close by, did not react at all, causing Atobe to frown.

"game".

A moment later, after confirming that the tennis ball had landed and scored, he finally spoke: "Hyotei Kabaji, 1-3."

"These two lads are quite principled."

Atobe looked at the two with more appreciation in his eyes.

Although it was a series of matches, it was truly commendable that these two players could remain so true to themselves. However, the situation on the field wouldn't change just because they stuck to their principles.

When Yuta was on the offensive, Kabaji played in the same style. The two were evenly matched, but Kabaji, with his superior stamina, ultimately prevailed.

Thereafter.

Kabaji scored consecutively, suppressing the two players in their areas of expertise.

...

boom!

Suddenly.

A fierce slam landed, sending dust flying in all directions.

"game!"

Atobe, standing calmly on the sidelines, said, "Hyotei Kabaji, 4-3, switch positions."

In the blink of an eye, Kabaji had already taken the lead.

"Is this guy a monster?"

"Those two Yamabuki guys are like playing ball while looking in a mirror, it's so frustrating."

"Yeah, that guy is strong, he doesn't look like he'll be worn down by them physically."

The crowd outside the stadium shook their heads.

"Looking in the mirror?"

What was said in jest was taken seriously by the listener.

As if he had just thought of something, Yuta walked over to Muromachi and whispered a few words in his ear.

"Okay, let's do it this way."

Muromachi immediately perked up.

The two then launched another offensive. However, Kabaji, with his childlike heart, switched his style when facing the two.

"Good timing!"

Just as he switched to Muromachi's playing style, Yuta took the initiative. He knew all too well the flaws in his opponent's playing style, who was also his deskmate and a nemesis on the team.

Bang!

really.

Yuta sent the ball out, hitting it directly into the corner of Kabaji's net.

"Success!"

Yuta clenched his fist excitedly.

Encouraged, Muromachi took the initiative when Kabaji imitated Yuta's style. Just as his opponent knew his blind spots, Muromachi also knew Yuta's weaknesses perfectly.

Bang!

The ball was hit, tearing through Kabaji's defense under his slightly dazed gaze.

"game!"

"Yamabuki Muromachi, Fuji, 4-4!"

It was as if the bugle call for a counterattack had been sounded.

The two then took the initiative, constantly switching their strategies when Kabaji used his "Childhood Heart" imitation, successfully turning the tables on their opponent.

...

Bang!

boom!

Bang!

boom!

The three players from both sides engaged in a fierce battle.

Finally, Yuta seized the opportunity, crouching down as he swung his racket at the tennis ball with both hands.

Bang!

In an instant.

A sharp glint of light tore through the Kabaji defenses, leaving the latter no time to even react.

"The match is over."

Muromachi grinned and said, "Yamabuki Muromachi Juji, Fuji Yuuta wins, score 6-4!"

He wouldn't be this smug if he won a two-on-one match normally. But his opponent was, after all, a regular member of Hyotei's team, and Atobe was leading the team. Even if the latter didn't play, it was enough for him to brag about.

"That ball just now...?"

Atobe narrowed his eyes.

He kept recalling the sharp, two-handed killing move that Yuta had unleashed at the end.

It was a half-hit.

But it's faster and sharper than a regular half-volley!

"and many more."

Suddenly, as if he had thought of something, his gaze fell on Yuta.

"Fuji Yuuta... Fuji Syusuke..."

"Could it be...?"

Looking at the face that bore a resemblance to someone else, Atobe's eyes flashed with surprise.

Chapter 104 On the Eve of the Grand Tournament

"Hyotei actually lost?"

Outside the court, the street tennis players all looked bewildered.

That's Hyotei!

Dominating Tokyo and renowned throughout the country, this team is arguably second only to Rikkai University in terms of prestige. And this time, it's Atobe Keigo, the aloof and powerful Emperor of Hyotei.

Although Atobe didn't make a move, the team he personally led was definitely not to be underestimated. In fact, Kabaji's performance was also outstanding, and the oppressive aura he exuded made many people feel suffocated.

But Hyotei still lost.

This shows that Yamabuki is stronger; at least these two guys, who aren't ranked very high in Yamabuki, already have the ability to compete with Hyotei's regulars.

"You guys... are very good."

Atobe glanced at the two of them indifferently and nodded, saying, "The agreement stands. You can make one request of me."

"Really?"

Muromachi's eyes lit up.

Yuta, standing beside him, shook his head and said, "No need, Atobe-senpai. Now that the match is over, we should leave."

After saying that, he glanced at his companion beside him. Muromachi sighed helplessly and could only nod and follow him away.

"This kid... is quite interesting."

After the two left, Atobe's gaze towards Yuta gleamed with a subtle light. He was strong, knew when to advance and retreat, and showed none of the youthful arrogance typical of his age.

"really."

"Only someone like that could be Fuji's younger brother."

Atobe was deeply impressed by Fuji.

In that match, he put Fuji under immense pressure. If Fuji hadn't been a slow starter who only unleashed his power at the end, Atobe might not have been able to secure a victory.

But Fuji is only the second best at Seigaku.

This gave Atobe, who was always arrogant, a sense of urgency. Therefore, although he maintained a haughty, emperor-like demeanor on weekdays, he was actually training extra in private.

This is one of the reasons why Atobe can still remain calm and collected.

Of course, besides that, what really lessened Atobe's sense of urgency was Rikkai's Daiyukimura's health. He had extensive connections in Japan, so finding out the medical history of an ordinary junior high school student wouldn't have been too difficult for him.

Although it was somewhat unethical, Yukimura's health problems did indeed reduce Atobe's stress considerably.

Otherwise, even Atobe would be powerless against the combination of the "Son of God" and the "Emperor".

"Let's go, Kabaji."

Atobe turned to look at the expressionless boy standing beside him, who nodded in understanding. The two then turned and left the court.

From beginning to end, Atobe never blamed the other party even once.

"Have they all left?"

"I never expected that Yamabuki would win in the end!"

"Yes, if you look at it that way, this year's competition will be very interesting."

"Are you kidding me? This year's Yamabuki is good, but it will still be very difficult for her to challenge Hyotei, right?"

"Idiot, didn't you see the look in Atobe's eyes just now? He's already treating Muromachi and Fuji as rivals."

"Uh... what's the problem?"

"Idiot, those two guys aren't even regulars on Yamabuki!"

"what?"

A gasp went up from the crowd.

Unfortunately, Atobe didn't see any of this. Although he remembered Yamabuki, his deep-seated pride prevented him from lowering himself to actively study the team's true strength.

He probably won't see the real Yamabuki until the two sides actually meet.

...

The regional qualifiers have ended.

Aside from the region where Seigaku is located, where the dark horse Fudomine swept Kakigi to take the top spot, the situation in other areas is largely the same as in previous years. At most, the first and second place teams might swap positions, but the teams that actually make it to the top are still the familiar ones.

but.

After experiencing defeat, some teams have begun to prepare more actively.

Among them is the immovable peak.

Bang!

boom!

Bang!

boom!

Inside the poorly equipped court, a handsome young man with a buzz cut and black hair is engaged in a fierce battle with two players on the opposite side.

That's right, it was a duel between one against two.