276-280

Chapter 276: The Strongest Opponent in History (Part 2)

Sitting cross-legged on the ground, Ishikawa focused on stabilizing his mental energy to a steady threshold. This was a skill he had mastered through countless hours of practice. In the realm of the mind, time was irrelevant. He couldn’t tell how long it had been, but gradually, he felt the pressure on him begin to dissipate.

Finally, he returned to the state he had been in when he first entered this mental realm. Outside his body, a dark, smoke-like substance began to fade away, much like ink washing off in water.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, as if sensing something, Ishikawa’s eyes snapped open. The crimson gate representing the Asura Shinto had completely vanished, and the fork in the road symbolizing Alaya Consciousness was nowhere to be seen. Before him lay a dead end, with the only light coming from behind, where he had entered.

"You’re awake?"

A voice echoed from the darkness. Ishikawa looked up and saw a figure in a black coat emerging from the shadows. There was something faintly familiar about the person.

"Who are you?"

As the figure stepped into the light, Ishikawa’s expression changed. Standing before him was someone who looked exactly like him—same height, same features.

"Surprised?" the figure said with a smile. "I think someone as clever as you can probably guess who I am, right? The embodiment of your dark thoughts, your inner demons, or what you might call a second personality. That’s how you’d understand it, isn’t it?"

The figure’s lips curled into a smirk. By now, Ishikawa had calmed down. He realized that this being was likely the manifestation of the pressure he had shed, much like an insect shedding its exoskeleton. This "other self" in the black coat was his darker side—a being that could indeed be called his "inner demon."

"Your path has ended," the black-coated Ishikawa said, shaking his head. "You didn’t choose the Asura Shinto or the Alaya Consciousness of Byoudouin. You overestimated yourself. To others, you’re a prodigy, a tennis player even more talented than Echizen Nanjiro. But I know the truth—you’re far from it. Your strength is built on external forces. Strip those away, and what are you left with?"

As he spoke, his eyes gleamed with a piercing coldness, as if he could see straight through Ishikawa’s soul.

But Ishikawa remained unfazed. Calmly, he replied, "If you’re my inner demon, then all I need to do is crush you, right?"

The black-coated Ishikawa chuckled. "I knew words wouldn’t affect you. That’s why I’ve come prepared to completely destroy your spirit."

Crack.

The ground beneath them began to shake violently. The earthen floor transformed into a hard court, and a net materialized between them. White lines marked the boundaries, and in an instant, a standard tennis court had formed.

"It all comes down to a match, huh?" Ishikawa thought, his heart steady. He knew that whether this was his dark thoughts, his inner demon, or a second personality, they would have to settle this through competition.

"Let’s begin," the black-coated Ishikawa said coolly. "There’s no need for us to argue over who serves first."

With that, he turned and walked to the baseline. Ishikawa did the same.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

At the baseline, Ishikawa lightly bounced the tennis ball. He glanced at his opponent, tossed the ball into the air, and served.

Crack!

The ball landed precisely on the service line.

"A high-speed serve at 50% power?" the black-coated Ishikawa sneered. "Do you really think I’m as weak as the opponents you’ve faced before?"

Swish!

His racket moved so fast it seemed to distort the air.

Crack!

The ball shot back with incredible speed, carrying the force of Ishikawa’s signature move—Draw Slash: Mind Shift.

Crack!

Ishikawa intercepted the ball, his expression calm. "As I thought," he murmured. His inner demon had mastered all his techniques. A conventional match wouldn’t be enough to decide the winner.

Hum.

A blinding white light erupted from Ishikawa’s body. Drawing on the power of his swordsmanship, he swung his racket with increased speed, sending the ball flying like a razor-sharp blade.

Hum.

In response, the black-coated Ishikawa’s body glowed with a fiery red aura. The flames of martial intent surrounded him as he stepped forward, his stance resembling that of an archer drawing a bow. With a powerful swing, he unleashed a devastating shot.

Boom!

The ball tore through the air, carrying the force of Four Gods Martial Arts: White Tiger. The sheer destructive power was enough to pierce through walls, and the shockwave alone would intimidate most players.

But Ishikawa remained composed. His eyes, now shifting between black and white, analyzed the ball’s trajectory, landing point, and the destructive energy it carried.

Crack!

In an instant, he raised his racket and blocked the shot. The ball spun violently, trying to break through, but Ishikawa held firm.

After all, these were his own techniques. They couldn’t harm him.

But the same was true for his inner demon. No matter what move Ishikawa used, his opponent would find a way to counter it.

"So..." Ishikawa’s gaze sharpened, and his aura surged.

Feeling the pressure, the black-coated Ishikawa responded in kind, his own aura rising to match.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

In the mental realm, the two figures clashed with terrifying intensity. Perfect Harmony against Perfect Harmony. Swordsmanship against martial arts. Light Strike against Awakening.

As their powers continued to collide, the mental space began to crumble. Dust filled the air, and debris flew everywhere.

Boom!

With a final, earth-shattering impact, the ground beneath them caved in, forming a massive crater.

Cough!

Both Ishikaws spat blood.

"What’s this?" Ishikawa’s eyes widened.

The black-coated Ishikawa smirked. "That’s right. In this mental space, both of us are part of the same consciousness. If this place is destroyed, the damage will reflect on both of us."

Ishikawa’s expression darkened. If this continued, even if one of them won, the destruction of the mental space could have irreversible consequences for his real self.

"Scared?" the black-coated Ishikawa taunted. "Of course you are. You represent reason, while I have no such limitations. I’m the embodiment of your negative emotions!"

Hum.

A dark, oppressive aura erupted from the black-coated Ishikawa, one that Ishikawa had never encountered before.

Whoosh!

The air around him seemed to warp as his power surged.

"Surprised?" the black-coated Ishikawa said with a sly grin. "You’re still too weak. You have no idea what kind of terrifying power lies within this body."

Crack!

Ishikawa responded with another high-speed serve.

Thud! Thud!

But the black-coated Ishikawa moved instantly, positioning himself perfectly to intercept the ball.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

In the next moment, five identical figures appeared around him, each adopting a different stance to strike the ball.

"What?!" Ishikawa’s eyes widened in shock.

This wasn’t a simple multi-ball technique. It was the true Muga no Kyouchi—Fivefold Counter!

Chapter 277: Breaking Through Limits

Thud!

The tennis ball hit the ground.

Ishikawa stood frozen in a defensive stance, watching helplessly as the ball whizzed past him at high speed.

"15-15!"

The black-clad Ishikawa spoke, a faint smirk curling at the corner of his lips.

Mushin!

Ishikawa's heart sank.

This was the combat state that Akutsu had once entered in the original story.

In battle, people often strategize. Some fear their opponents, while others are overconfident. These psychological reactions arise unconsciously, affecting the fragile parts deep within their hearts.

The senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and consciousness—all are influenced.

However.

The eighth consciousness, Mushin, is the only one unaffected by inner fragility!

And the pinnacle of Mushin is the profound technique mastered by Byoudouin—Alaya-vijnana (a transliteration issue).

Just now.

The black-clad Ishikawa had instantly executed six different attacking stances, including his original form. The sheer terror of it had reached a professional level.

Yet, Ishikawa was certain he hadn’t mastered Mushin.

"So... where did he learn it?!"

Staring at his doppelgänger, Ishikawa fell deep into thought.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing Ishikawa's expression, the black-clad Ishikawa sneered, "Are you scared, rational mind?"

It was a cheap taunt.

But Ishikawa knew that against another version of himself who had mastered Mushin, he had no choice but to face him head-on.

Thud!

Without hesitation, Ishikawa sent the ball back.

Swish!

Swish! Swish! Swish!

On the other side.

The black-clad Ishikawa instantly split into five afterimages. Along with his central form, six stances simultaneously charged at Ishikawa.

All six movements were real.

Until the ball was struck, every possibility of a shot existed.

Therefore.

Ishikawa heightened his focus, trying to lock onto all six figures at once.

"1!"

"2!"

"3..."

Ishikawa strained his vision to the limit, instantly observing five of the stances.

But the sixth figure remained elusive.

Thud!

The next moment.

The ball landed at his feet.

Yet, with every ounce of strength, Ishikawa swung his racket.

"The sixth one!"

Whoosh!

The racket sliced through the air.

The immense pressure slowed the ball's speed momentarily, and Ishikawa's racket connected, sending the ball flying back.

"He returned it?!"

The black-clad Ishikawa was stunned. "He actually countered the Mushin of six stances without accessing those powers?"

Instantly.

He grew wary.

Thud! Thud!

The black-clad figure sprinted toward the ball. His speed was astonishing—Ishikawa estimated it to be at least a 5.0 level.

Enhanced by Mushin, it was truly terrifying!

Buzz!

However.

As he approached the ball, a sharp, menacing light erupted from the black-clad Ishikawa.

Thud!

With a swing of his racket.

The ball shot out like a beam of light.

Crack!

When Ishikawa tried to intercept, his racket visibly split in two.

Boom!

The ball continued its trajectory.

After hitting the ground, it carved a two-finger-wide crack before ricocheting away.

"15-30!"

The black-clad Ishikawa announced.

His sharp aura intensified, and Ishikawa thought he saw a sword-wielding deity of destruction looming behind him.

"The Path of Asura?"

Ishikawa's pupils contracted.

Why?

How did he, besides Mushin, also master the Path of Asura derived from swordsmanship?!

"Surprised?"

The black-clad Ishikawa's smile widened.

"As I said before, you know far too little about the power of this body."

Buzz!

In an instant.

His aura shifted.

The sharpness faded, replaced by a swirling black-and-white light. He became enigmatic, almost impossible to read.

Swish!

Suddenly.

The black-clad Ishikawa opened his eyes, and when his gaze swept over Ishikawa, his body trembled.

"This feeling..."

For a moment, it felt as if all his secrets had been laid bare.

"Is this the Path of Asura derived from Go?!"

Staring at his other self, Ishikawa finally lost his composure. Techniques and profound skills he hadn’t even mastered were being effortlessly wielded by his opponent.

And the moves he did know, the other had complete command over.

Did he even stand a chance in this match?

For a moment.

Ishikawa felt lost.

"That's right."

Seeing his state, the black-clad Ishikawa smirked. "You're too weak to control this body. After this match, I will be the true Ishikawa Shin!"

Buzz!

As he spoke.

A fierce red light erupted from his body, like flames so intense they seemed to melt everything in their path.

"The Path of Asura—the power to destroy everything: Extreme Path!"

The black-clad Ishikawa declared.

His aura had reached a terrifying level. In front of him, Ishikawa seemed as insignificant as an ant.

But.

He didn’t give up.

Instead, he tossed the ball and launched another attack.

However, against the overwhelming power of the black-clad Ishikawa, the match quickly turned into a one-sided domination.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

As time passed.

Ishikawa kept losing points, quickly falling to 0-5, with his opponent holding match point.

"Finally... it's over."

The black-clad Ishikawa held the ball, looking at him with pity. "As expected, the rational mind should never have existed. Without your weakness, the new Ishikawa Shin will only grow stronger!"

Whoosh!

With that.

He tossed the ball, unleashing the terrifying aura of the Path of Asura's Extreme Path. His racket swung down with devastating force.

Bang!

A deafening crack echoed.

The ball tore through the court.

Boom!

Before it even landed, the sheer pressure of the shot sent dust exploding in all directions.

Ishikawa, standing at the center, was the target.

By now.

He was utterly exhausted.

The intense rally had pushed him to his limits. Facing a version of himself with four Paths of Asura and Mushin felt like a battle against an insurmountable force.

"Am I going to lose...?"

Ishikawa's mind wavered. "Was it all just the system's help that got me this far?"

Without the system, was he just like everyone else, powerless to change the outcome?

Swish!

In that moment.

Like a flashback, scenes from his journey in this world played before his eyes.

He saw himself rejoicing after obtaining the system.

He saw himself defeating Oshitari, becoming the center of attention.

After that.

He rose to become the strongest newcomer in Hyotei, defeating numerous opponents and earning the title of a national-level player.

In the regional tournament.

He defeated Kyushu's lion, Tachibana Kippei, saving Hyotei at a critical moment. He tamed the beast Akutsu, crushed the genius Fuji, and solidified his position as Hyotei's second-in-command.

In the Kanto tournament.

He overpowered countless strong opponents.

He battled Keigo, clashed with Atobe, defeated Sanada, and became Hyotei's strongest player.

Finally, in the national tournament.

He fought harder than ever, sweeping through the competition and even crushing the original protagonist, cementing his status as the nation's top player.

All of this, for someone who had once been a tennis novice, felt like a dream.

So.

Was it all just the system's doing?

Swish!

But then.

Another scene appeared.

At 6 a.m., he was on Hyotei's courts, training.

During lunch breaks, he was still on the courts, sweating.

At night, when everyone else was asleep, he was still there, pushing his limits.

While others chatted, he trained.

While others trained, he trained.

While others slept, he still trained.

Yes.

His growth was partly due to the system.

But.

Reaching this level was also the result of Ishikawa's relentless dedication, making training a part of his life, a habit.

Thinking this.

The doubt in Ishikawa's eyes faded, replaced by his usual determination. The images of him training under the scorching sun and pouring rain appeared behind him, merging into his being.

Step!

The next moment.

Ishikawa took a firm step forward.

He raised his racket, not using any special techniques or unleashing any powers.

He simply swung, as calmly and confidently as he had during all those training sessions.

Thud!

The ball, infused with the terrifying power of the Path of Asura's Extreme Path, was sent flying back the moment it touched his racket.

"He returned it?!"

The black-clad Ishikawa looked shocked. "I underestimated you. But in your current state, how many more attacks can you handle?"

Swish!

With that.

The black-clad Ishikawa swung his racket, the aura of the Path of Asura's swordsmanship glowing around him.

"Let's see if you can return this—the power to cut through everything!"

Thud!

Racket met ball.

But then, the black-clad Ishikawa's confident expression turned to one of shock.

"This power... how?!"

Crack!

The next moment.

His racket was pierced.

The seemingly ordinary ball, undiminished in power, shot straight toward the black-clad Ishikawa's chest.

Boom!

With a deafening explosion.

The figure was sent flying like a broken kite, crashing into the wall before shattering into glowing particles that flowed back into Ishikawa.

In an instant.

Ishikawa, who had felt his body reaching its limit, now felt an overwhelming surge of power!

Chapter 278: Mental Transformation, Power Upgrade (Part 1)

Boom!

As the black-coated Ishikawa, representing his negative consciousness, merged into him, Ishikawa’s mental energy surged instantaneously!

Ding!

[Player has acquired a special ability: Muga no Kyouchi (Fivefold Counter)]

Ding!

[Player’s special abilities have advanced to the Asura Shinto level, as follows:

- Swordsmanship Intent → Sword God

- Chess Logic → Omniscience and Omnipotence

- Martial Arts Momentum → Extreme Path]

Ding!

[Player has comprehended Asura Shinto: Impervious]

A series of notifications rang out in quick succession.

At the same time, after processing this information, Ishikawa understood why the black-coated version of himself had been able to use powerful Asura Shinto techniques, including Muga no Kyouchi. Both his rational and negative consciousness were merely surface-level. While they could control the body, they couldn’t fully access the deeper powers hidden within.

Within Ishikawa’s body, beyond the ultimate consciousness that humans inherently possess—the Alaya Consciousness that Byoudouin had unlocked—there were also four Asura Shinto traits he had gained through mastering secondary professions.

During his intense battle with Oni, where their spirits and wills clashed, the negative consciousness had managed to tap into the deeper layers of his mind, accessing fragments of these powerful abilities.

However, these powers didn’t truly belong to the negative consciousness. It had merely stolen a portion of the deeper consciousness’s strength. For the rational part of Ishikawa, with its firm beliefs and more refined consciousness, this borrowed power was like a house of cards—easily shattered.

Boom!!!

As Ishikawa accepted the purified power of his negative consciousness, everything before him fragmented and plunged into darkness.

Swish!

Ishikawa opened his eyes.

He was still sitting cross-legged on the ground, back in the mental cave. However, the path to the left, representing Alaya Consciousness, had been sealed off. In front of him, the crimson gate symbolizing Asura Shinto now glowed with a golden light.

On the gate, five distinct symbols had appeared: a sword, an eye, a fist, a seated figure in meditation, and an abyss.

"This gate..."

Ishikawa stood up, staring intently at the gate. He had a strong feeling that something within it was calling out to him.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his gaze unwavering as he approached the golden gate. He grasped the iron ring on the door and pulled. As the golden light flowed, the gate slowly opened.

"Is this my Asura Shinto?"

Taking a deep breath, Ishikawa stepped through the gate and was enveloped by the golden light.

---

Outside, in the temple courtyard.

Aoi and Tane from Rokkaku were playing a match on the old tennis court in the distance.

"Strange," muttered Kurobane, a tall figure standing by the court. "What exactly is that Iceberg kid, Ishikawa, doing? Even if he’s meditating to focus his mental energy, sitting for five hours straight seems excessive."

"Yeah," Saeki nodded beside him. "Even that blonde senior only meditated for two hours at most before leaving."

"Still," he added, "with the old man watching over him, nothing bad should happen."

Kurobane nodded in agreement. To them, the old man was a figure of immense wisdom and insight. Despite his age, his ability to perceive and predict things was uncanny.

However, contrary to their thoughts, the old man sitting beside Ishikawa was now filled with doubt and concern.

"This mental fluctuation... What on earth is happening in his consciousness?"

At that moment, Ishikawa’s mental energy was fluctuating wildly, unstable and unpredictable. Yet, he hadn’t snapped out of his meditative state.

Instinctively, the old man felt a sense of unease.

"Ancient texts mention," the old man thought to himself, "that when a warrior’s mental energy reaches a certain level, they enter a unique state. Their mental state becomes highly unstable."

From what he knew, every warrior who had reached this critical point had undergone drastic changes in personality.

Thus, the old man was deeply worried. He feared that Ishikawa’s rational mind might be overwhelmed by his negative consciousness, leading him down the same tragic path as those before him.

Yet, even he was powerless to intervene. All he could do was silently hope that Ishikawa would emerge unscathed. Even if he didn’t achieve Asura Shinto, he prayed that the boy would at least retain his rationality.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, the old man’s cloudy eyes flickered with a sharp light.

Swish!

At that moment, Ishikawa opened his eyes.

The two locked gazes. In the old man’s eyes, Ishikawa saw a depth as profound as a black hole. In Ishikawa’s eyes, the old man sensed an overwhelming surge of mental energy, which was quickly reined in.

"Young man... have you entered Asura Shinto?"

"Yes," Ishikawa nodded, then bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your guidance."

Whether in tennis or mental training, Ishikawa had received immense help from the old man. Without his guidance, it might have taken Ishikawa years to find the right path to Asura Shinto.

"This old man had little to do with it," the elder chuckled, shaking his head. "You figured it out on your own. Your talent is extraordinary. I hope you don’t waste it and stay true to your初心 (initial heart)."

"I understand," Ishikawa replied solemnly.

In the realm of consciousness, he had already reexamined his path. Now, stepping back onto the tennis court, he felt more determined than ever.

"Good," the old man nodded in satisfaction.

He truly admired Ishikawa. Beyond his prodigious talent, the boy’s ability to remain grounded and true to himself despite gaining immense power was even more remarkable.

After some more conversation, the old man shared further insights into Asura Shinto. Essentially, by unlocking the deeper layers of consciousness, a player could maximize the potential of their physical abilities. It was akin to finding the "super sweet spot" of the body.

The old man also taught Ishikawa some simple techniques to quickly recover mental energy and invited him to stay for dinner.

That night, as Ishikawa settled into the temple’s guest room, he finally had time to review the day’s gains.

With a thought, a 3D projection of his stats appeared before him.

---

[Name: Ishikawa Makoto]

[Age: 12]

[Identity: Iceberg Middle School 1st Year, Tennis Club Regular, Training Advisor, Vice-Captain, Street Tennis Legend, Iceberg’s Demon King, U-17 Court 3 Supervisor, U-17 Legend]

[Main Profession: Tennis Lv68 (4250/68000)]

[Secondary Professions: Swordsmanship Lv9, Chess Lv9, Ancient Martial Arts Lv9, Yoga Lv7]

[Attributes: Speed 5.5, Power 5.5, Stamina 5.5, Technique 7, Mental Energy 9, Total: 32.5]

[Basic Techniques: All Lv8]

[Advanced Techniques: Lv9 Max (Black Hole), Lv8 (Light Strike, Star Scar, Twist Serve, Gale, Awakening, Zero-Shiki Drop, Bear Return, Mind Shift, Dawn, Super Volley), Lv7 (Dance of Destruction, Chaos Ball Barrage, Four Gods Martial Arts)]

[Special Abilities: Sensory Deprivation, Pinnacle of Perseverance: Radiance of Fortitude, Muga no Kyouchi (Beginner)]

[Asura Shinto: Sword God, Omniscience and Omnipotence, Extreme Path, Impervious]

[Secondary Profession Points: 2]

[Skill Points: 15]

[Item: Inui Juice Recipe]

[Evaluation: A professional-level player with unlimited potential, having carved out his own path.]

Chapter 279: Return to U-17, The Final of the Rookie Tournament (Part 2)

Without hesitation.

Ishikawa immediately allocated the two secondary profession points he gained from leveling up to his newly upgraded secondary profession, Yoga, which had improved due to his heightened consciousness.

Ding!

[Player’s secondary profession, Yoga, has leveled up. Current level: Lv9]

[Yoga: Secondary profession.

- Level 3: +1 Stamina

- Level 6: +1 Stamina

- Level 9: +1 Stamina

Additional Ability 1: Increases mental focus speed

Additional Ability 2: Reduces stamina consumption

Current Level: Lv9]

With Yoga maxed out, Ishikawa gained an additional point in Stamina, bringing his total five stats to an astonishing 33.5!

In the U-17 training camp.

Aside from Byoudouin and Oni, whose abilities couldn’t be measured, even the second and third-ranked representatives of the top players were now trailing behind him.

Moreover.

He had also unlocked Mushin, the ultimate power of human consciousness, and four different Paths of Asura!

It could be said that compared to when he faced Oni, his abilities had improved across the board. He had truly become a professional-level player!

Now, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

With this level of strength, he could firmly establish himself among the high schoolers.

Afterward.

Ishikawa, having calmed his mind, sat cross-legged on his bed. Using the meditation technique taught to him by the old man, he delved into deep cultivation.

Half an hour later.

Feeling the pressure ease significantly, Ishikawa finally went to sleep.

Meanwhile.

At the U-17 training camp.

In a room on the second floor of the central court building.

"How did it go?"

Kurobe turned to look at Aoi, who had just hung up the phone. Aoi nodded and said, "We won all three matches. Based on the points, even if we lose to South Korea in the next match, we’re guaranteed a spot in the Melbourne World Cup."

"Great!"

Hearing this.

Takuzo couldn’t help but clench his fist in excitement.

"The World Cup!"

Kurobe, however, fell into brief contemplation.

He thought back to their experience at the French World Cup two years ago. This year, their lineup was even stronger than before.

With the introduction of new rules and the inclusion of middle schoolers, their chances of advancing further this year were even greater.

Moreover.

This year’s recruitment had gone exceptionally well.

Aside from Ishikawa, who was an exception, both Mori and Hara, who had reached the finals of the autumn tournament, were players of top-tier caliber.

"By the way."

Thinking of this, Kurobe suddenly spoke in a serious tone, "Those guys are returning tomorrow afternoon, and the finals are at noon. Try to stagger the timing so the match isn’t disrupted."

"I think we should increase our precautions."

Aoi, however, shook his head. "With both Oni and Ishikawa absent, and only Tokugawa here, it’ll be hard to stop those guys."

Kurobe immediately understood. "You’re worried they might launch a surprise attack?"

"Would they really do that?"

Takuzo asked, puzzled. "Even if Byoudouin is arrogant, he wouldn’t resort to something like a sneak attack, right?"

"Hard to say."

Aoi’s expression turned grave. "That guy’s way of thinking isn’t something ordinary people can predict. And even if Byoudouin wouldn’t do it, others might have similar ideas."

In the U-17 camp.

The lower the court number, the stronger the player, and the less respect they had for the coaching staff.

Therefore.

The top representatives were the most unruly bunch. Especially their leader, who had a domineering personality.

With the autumn tournament reaching its critical stage, it was better to be overly cautious.

"Alright."

Kurobe nodded. "Let’s do that. Also, notify the high schoolers from the top three courts. Have them prepare for any potential confrontations."

Every time the top players returned, intense matches would inevitably follow.

Surprise attacks.

Shuffle matches.

After each match, aside from the top few players, most others would end up with injuries.

The next day.

After completing his morning training, Ishikawa bid farewell to the Rokkaku Middle School team and the old man.

"Hey, Saeki, Kurobane."

Watching Ishikawa’s retreating figure, Rokkaku’s captain, Aoi, spoke up. "Don’t you think Ishikawa seems like a completely different person now?"

"Different?"

Amachi and Itsuki looked over, confused.

"A change? I do feel it."

Saeki nodded. "Compared to during the national tournament, he no longer has that mysterious aura. Now, he seems more like..."

"An ordinary person."

"Hmm..."

At these words, the members of Rokkaku fell silent.

Yes, even though they could sense an ordinary aura from Ishikawa, it was precisely this normalcy that made them feel uneasy.

"Maybe the old man knows something?" Aoi started to say.

Before he could finish, the old man's voice sounded behind them: "He has found his own path. You all must work hard too, so you don’t fall too far behind him."

"Understood."

Aoi nodded with a smile, and the others followed suit. The old man’s words ignited a fire of determination within them.

However, as the old man turned away, he sighed softly in his heart. "Being born in the same era as him is both your fortune and your misfortune..."

It was fortunate because this was destined to be a golden age for tennis. But it was also unfortunate because, in this greatest of eras, everyone would have to live in the shadow of this young prodigy.

After all, the talent Ishikawa had displayed surpassed even that of Echizen Nanjiro in his youth!

---

Time flew by, and soon it was noon.

At the U-17 training camp, in the central court area, despite the scorching sun, the high schoolers had gathered around the court.

"Next, we will begin the finals of the Autumn Rookie Tournament."

"Court 3’s Marui Bunta versus Court 3’s Hara Tetsuya."

"Both players, please prepare."

As the referee’s announcement concluded, the spectators turned their attention to the two young men standing on opposite sides of the court, both brimming with fighting spirit.

"Honestly, the players from the second and third batches were no match for these two."

"Of course. No matter what, these two have climbed all the way to Court 3 alongside him."

"Ah, speaking of him, it’s such a shame. If he had participated, there’d be no doubt about who would win the Rookie Tournament!"

"Tch, are you kidding? With his current status, do you really think he’d care about the Rookie Tournament championship?"

"Uh... good point."

The high schoolers whispered among themselves, their voices naturally reaching Marui and Hara’s ears.

At the net, the two players faced each other.

Hearing the chatter, Marui grinned. "See? I told you. This match is basically just us fighting for second place."

"Second place isn’t so bad," Hara replied with a smile. "After all, the pressure of being first is too much. Besides, compared to him, I’m more curious about how strong you really are!"

As he spoke, his gaze locked onto Marui.

"Same here," Marui said, his grin widening. "I’ve been looking forward to facing the top rookie from the Kansai region for a long time now!"

Crackle!

Their eyes met mid-air, and an intense, competitive energy immediately filled the central court.

Chapter 280: The Return of the First String—Who is Ishikawa?

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

The crisp sound of tennis balls being struck echoed across the U-17 center court.

At this moment, two of the strongest high school newcomers from the Kanto and Kansai regions—Mouri and Hara Tetsuya—were locked in an intense battle.

Thud!

Mouri swung his racket, skillfully brushing the ball to send it in a sharp diagonal trajectory, landing precisely near Hara’s backhand corner.

“What incredible technique!”

Outside the court, the high schoolers watching couldn’t help but feel a jolt of excitement. Mouri’s control over the ball was beyond what many had imagined. Even Suzuki, a former No. 3 court player who had lost to Mouri before, was visibly shocked.

Tap! Tap!

However, despite the beauty of Mouri’s diagonal shot, Hara’s speed was nothing to scoff at. He quickly chased down the ball and, with a half-volley, sent it back with precision.

Thud!

The ball shot back with a sharp sound.

“Amazing!”

Mukou Ichiha, another spectator, also felt the intense pressure. Compared to their last match, Hara’s skills had improved dramatically. Now, he didn’t even have the courage to face him again.

Thud!

Mouri countered swiftly, reacting faster than anyone could process.

Hara, however, wasn’t about to back down.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

The two of them sped up their rally, their skills escalating with each shot. The intensity of their match soon surpassed what most high schoolers could keep up with.

---

In the Coaches’ Room

Watching the match on the screen, Coach Saitou nodded in approval. “Their skills have already surpassed the No. 1 court. Their progress over this period has been remarkable.”

“It’s still early,” Coach Takuzou chuckled, shaking his head. “For some reason, these two have been training like crazy. Their physical stats have improved significantly since they first entered U-17.”

As the coach in charge of physical conditioning, Takuzou was well aware of the changes in Mouri and Hara. This match was just the beginning.

“Indeed,” Coach Kurobe added. “To catch up to Ishikawa, they’ve been training relentlessly. Their five-dimensional data is being updated daily.”

Even Kurobe, known for his strict standards, couldn’t help but praise their progress.

---

Back on the Court

Smack!

In the midst of their rapid exchange, Hara suddenly changed tactics, executing a beautiful drop shot.

Caught off guard, Mouri rushed forward to intercept.

Swish!

But Hara had anticipated this. He leaped into the air, raising his racket high, and smashed the ball down with a powerful overhead shot.

Bang!

The ball exploded like a cannonball, landing with such force that it kicked up a cloud of dust. Mouri, undeterred, raised his racket to counter.

Thump!

However, the moment his racket made contact with the ball, the strings visibly strained, and the ball tore through them.

Thud!

The ball hit the ground with undiminished force, bouncing high into the air, leaving the spectators in awe.

Tap!

Hara landed gracefully, the dust around him scattering as if he were a fierce tiger descending from the mountains.

“So this is your ‘Tiger Meal’?” Mouri asked, his expression serious.

During training, Hara had often joked about his powerful smash, sometimes sounding like he was bragging. But now, Mouri could feel the sheer terror of that shot.

Hara seemed like a completely different person—no longer the carefree, boastful guy he usually was. Mouri could almost see an orange aura swirling around him.

“Is this your tennis?” Mouri muttered, preparing himself for the next round.

Hara, now fully unleashed, began dominating the match with aggressive, fast-paced plays.

Thud!

“Game! Hara, 1-0!”

Thud!

“Game! Hara, 2-0!”

Thud!

“Game! Hara, 3-0!”

Thud!

“Game! Hara, 4-0!”

In the blink of an eye, Hara had taken four games. His ferocious style and overwhelming presence left the audience in awe.

---

Among the Spectators

“As expected,” Yamato couldn’t help but sigh. “To earn that guy’s recognition and follow him, Hara’s strength is on a whole different level.”

“Yeah,” Nakakauchi nodded in agreement.

The previous match between Ishikawa and Oni had completely redefined their understanding of what newcomers were capable of. Now, seeing these two followers of Ishikawa display such elite-level skills, it no longer seemed surprising.

However, it was clear that even among Ishikawa’s followers, there was a hierarchy. Hara’s strength was noticeably superior to Mouri’s.

---

A Sudden Twist

“Hey, Mouri!” Hara suddenly called out, pointing his racket at his opponent. “How long are you going to keep pretending?”

“Huh?”

The crowd turned their attention to Mouri, who scratched his head awkwardly.

“Sorry,” Mouri said with a sheepish grin. “I got so into the match that I forgot about this.”

“Forgot? Forgot what?”

Before anyone could process his words, Mouri began removing the weights from his wrists and ankles, dropping them to the ground with a heavy thud.

“No way!”

The spectators were stunned. Suzuki, Mukou, and others stared in disbelief. “Was he seriously wearing those during the match?!”

“This year’s newcomers are on another level!”

The second and third-year players were equally shocked. Even the other top four newcomers, who had thought they weren’t far behind Mouri and Hara, were now realizing the vast gap between them.

---

The Match Intensifies

With the weights removed, Mouri’s speed and power skyrocketed. He moved like the wind, his shots now packing enough force to make even Hara’s hands tremble.

Thud!

Mouri began closing the gap, breaking through Hara’s defenses and scoring point after point.

Thud!

“15-0!”

Mouri’s momentum was unstoppable. He quickly turned the tide, tying the score at 4-4, then taking the lead at 5-4.

Feeling the pressure, Hara dug deep, managing to win a crucial game to tie it at 5-5. But the effort drained him, and Mouri capitalized, winning the next two games to seal the match.

Thud!

“Game, set, match! Mouri Suzumura wins, 7-5!”

---

After the Match

Both players were gasping for breath. Despite his victory, Mouri was exhausted. Hara, on the other hand, looked even worse.

Walking to the net, Hara extended his hand. “I lost this time, but next time, I’ll win.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Mouri replied with a faint smile.

Though they were rivals, there was no animosity between them. Mouri knew Hara wasn’t the type to hold grudges, but this was clearly a challenge for future matches.

However, Mouri’s thoughts were elsewhere. He knew that winning the fall tournament was largely due to Ishikawa’s absence. If he let this victory inflate his ego, he’d be making a huge mistake.

Mouri was determined not to slack off. He knew that within U-17, there were even stronger players, and his ultimate goal was still far out of reach.

---

A New Threat

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a tennis ball came flying at them with incredible speed.

“Danger!”

Mouri and Hara reacted instantly, stacking their rackets to block the shot.

Thud!

The ball hit their rackets with such force that it felt like a bullet. Fortunately, the combined strength of their two rackets managed to stop it.

Plop.

The ball fell to the ground, its spin and power finally spent.

Looking up, they saw a young man with purple hair and a sinister smile walking toward them, carrying a tennis bag.

“Not bad,” the stranger said, clapping slowly. “This year’s newcomers have some skill.”

Mouri and Hara immediately noticed his jacket. While it bore the same Japanese team logo as theirs, the colors were different—black and red, exuding a far more serious and imposing aura.

“Is this guy... from the First String?”

They had heard of the elite group of players who represented Japan in international competitions. These were the top players, far above even the No. 1 court.

“So... the First String has returned?”

The atmosphere grew tense as more figures in black-and-red jackets appeared, led by a blonde-haired young man.

The high schoolers around the court froze, their faces pale with fear.

“The First String... they’re back!”

The court, which had just witnessed an intense match, was now enveloped in an oppressive silence.

---

The Final Question

“Hey, kids,” the purple-haired man sneered, looking at Mouri and Hara. “Do you know someone named Ishikawa Makoto?”

“Ishikawa?”

The two exchanged surprised glances. They hadn’t expected this stranger to be targeting Ishikawa, the same player who had once battled Oni to the point of destroying the court.

Was this guy from the First String really that strong? Or was he just overconfident?

As the tension mounted, one thing was clear: the return of the First String had brought with it a storm of uncertainty.

(End of Chapter)