"T-This… is real tennis?!"

Outside the court, the short boy with the bruised eye gaped in shock.

A racket… had been shattered by a single shot?!

Just how much power did that take?!

As for Akutsu, his once-intimidating aura had completely collapsed under that blow. The ferocity in his eyes dimmed, leaving only resignation.

"H-He's incredible…"

The boy stared at Ishikawa with newfound awe—this was the first person he'd ever seen who could suppress Akutsu.

"Tch."

Losing the point, Akutsu clicked his tongue in frustration, picked up his broken racket, and stormed off without a word.

"Leaving already, Senpai?"

"Hmph."

Akutsu didn't even turn around, his pride refusing to let him acknowledge the loss. But unlike usual, he didn't lash out.

The surrounding tennis club members exchanged knowing smiles. Only Ishikawa could defuse Akutsu's temper like this—leaving him furious but unable to vent.

"Vice Captain!"

Hiyoshi rushed over, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Was that another ancient martial arts technique just now?"

As someone from a family that practiced traditional martial arts, Hiyoshi had always been fascinated by Ishikawa's fusion of combat styles into tennis. During Ishikawa's absence, he'd trained relentlessly in the [Four Gods Combat Style], adapting it to his own play.

Though far from mastering it, he'd made progress.

"Something like that," Ishikawa replied with a smile.

The technique he'd used was a higher-tier martial arts secret—one that amplified the destructive force of his swings. Combined with his spin, it could pierce rackets with ease, surpassing even U-17's No. 18, Hirakoba's [Bullet Shot].

But that was Ishikawa's current level—his ordinary returns now rivaled (or surpassed) the signature moves of elite players.

Classroom – Later

The school bell rang, signaling the start of classes.

Students dispersed, and Ishikawa returned to his dorm to change before heading to his classroom.

As one of the school's most famous figures, his presence drew attention. But thanks to prior arrangements with Coach Sakaki, none of the teachers minded his occasional absences.

Besides, Ishikawa's academic performance was flawless—the school treasured him as a gem.

Afternoon – Tennis Club Practice

With Ishikawa's return, even third-years who'd been semi-retired due to college prep came back, including Shinohara Saburou—the first opponent Ishikawa had defeated upon joining Hyotei.

Shinohara's tennis talent hadn't been enough to change his fate; he'd ultimately prioritized academics. But his toned physique showed he'd still kept up training.

When their eyes met, there was no lingering tension—just a nod and a smile, their past rivalry long settled.

Ishikawa also noticed many new faces.

After Hyotei's national championship win, a flood of newcomers had joined tryouts. But with Atobe's generation of third-years gradually stepping down, the club's golden era of 200 members was fading into legend.

Training Insights

During warm-up laps, Hiyoshi sidled up to Ishikawa—his once-stubborn refusal to call him "Vice Captain" now replaced by eager respect.

"So," Ishikawa smirked, "hitting a wall with martial arts tennis?"

"Heh…" Hiyoshi scratched his head awkwardly.

Behind them, Shishido shook his head in amusement. Who would've thought the same Hiyoshi who'd once aimed to "overthrow" Atobe would now seek guidance so earnestly?

But Shishido understood. If he had someone who'd mastered [Limit Break] to its peak, he'd ask for advice too.

"Hiyoshi-senpai," Ishikawa said, "martial arts can enhance tennis, but forcing techniques without fundamentals is counterproductive."

"Huh?" Hiyoshi blinked.

Shishido, however, froze mid-step as the words clicked.

"For example," Ishikawa continued, "an advanced martial arts move might seem powerful, but if your swing mechanics or footwork are lacking, the shot's effectiveness plummets."

"Martial arts tennis isn't just about the techniques—it's about tennis too. Theory alone won't carry you."

"…!"

Hiyoshi fell silent, processing the insight.

Shishido, meanwhile, muttered, "Fundamentals and vision… I get it now!"

A weight lifted off his shoulders.

But then a sobering thought hit him:

Just how strong is Ishikawa?!

Two sentences had cleared roadblocks Shishido had struggled with for months—something even Coach Sakaki hadn't managed.

Worse, Ishikawa's analysis wasn't limited to them. He'd pinpointed flaws in Atobe, Akutsu, and even Kabaji with eerie precision.

The gap between them wasn't just wide—it was monstrous.

Yet instead of frustration, Shishido felt… relief.

With him leading Hyotei, a three-peat national championship is guaranteed.

Dinner – Hyotei's Luxurious Cafeteria

"Captain," Ishikawa remarked, lounging on a plush sofa, "once you leave, the club's dining standards will drop drastically."

"Oh?" Atobe raised an eyebrow. "You already know?"

"It's hardly a secret," Ishikawa chuckled. "Most of the team does. Everyone agrees a British school suits your future."

"Coach Sakaki told you, didn't he?" Atobe sipped his alcohol-free champagne. "Under normal circumstances, I might've hesitated. But with you taking over, I have no concerns."

He meant it. Ishikawa as captain ensured Hyotei's legacy would thrive. Membership might shrink, but the newcomers would be true tennis enthusiasts.

With Ishikawa's guidance, even someone like Shinohara could reach national-level skill by third year.

"Also," Atobe added, "don't think I'll neglect tennis. Finance is my focus, but I'll keep training."

"Good." Ishikawa nodded. "Your talent's exceptional. Maintain this pace, and you could turn pro within two years."

"Pro, huh?" Atobe's eyes gleamed. "An interesting suggestion. Maybe I'll register for fun someday."

Tennis was, after all, a sport of the elite. A pro-athlete financier would make headlines—especially in the social media era.

"Now," Atobe's gaze sharpened, "where exactly have you been this past month?"

Records showed Ishikawa's parents (former high-ranking employees of the Atobe Group) had passed away in an accident. With no other family in Japan, his absence was… curious.

"You've probably guessed," Ishikawa smiled. "Also, Captain—if you're serious about tennis, delay your UK transfer until year-end."

He paused, then added cryptically:

"Unless you'd prefer to meet us in a different capacity. In that case, leaving sooner might be better."

"…!"

Atobe's grip on his glass tightened.

There was an implication here—something big was coming.

"Wait… could it be that?!"

A realization flashed in his eyes.

Meanwhile – Coach Sakaki's Office

A new email notification popped up on Sakaki's screen, interrupting his classical music.

The sender made his pulse spike:

"Japan U-17 Training Camp."

U-17.

The cradle of future pros.

Over 80% of the world's professional players had emerged from their national U-17 programs.

And now…

They were inviting middle schoolers?

"A rule change… or…"

Sakaki's gaze drifted toward the tennis courts, where a certain figure stood among the players.

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

Or… because of him.

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