206-210

Chapter 206: Ishikawa's Theory of "Surface" and "Depth" – The Power of Deep-Level Shots (Part 3)

"Whoosh..."

At this moment, the ball struck by Akutsu was spinning fiercely on Sanada's racket.

Previously, with his skill, Sanada would have easily returned the ball using his technique, Rin (Forest). But now, his movements were noticeably slower.

Thud!

The ball finally flew back.

Seeing Sanada return the shot, the Rikkai team breathed a sigh of relief.

Kirihara even patted his chest. "I thought something was wrong... huh?"

Suddenly, his eyes widened in disbelief.

Sanada's return wasn't the precise, delicate drop shot they were used to. Instead, it flew over the net like a regular return, curving at an angle before landing perfectly on the baseline.

"Nice shot!"

"As expected of the vice-captain! That was perfect!"

"He definitely aimed for the baseline!"

The Rikkai members cheered enthusiastically.

However, the regulars didn't share their excitement. Yanagi, in particular, had opened his eyes and was now intently watching Sanada.

"Why didn't the vice-captain use Rin?" Kirihara frowned.

To him, Sanada's decision felt like retreating on the battlefield. Against an opponent like Akutsu, the strongest techniques were necessary to dominate.

"I don't think he chose not to use it," Yanagi said, shaking his head. "If I'm not mistaken, Sanada's Rin... has been countered."

"Countered?" Jackal frowned. "That can't be, right?"

While he also found it strange that Sanada hadn't used Rin, he couldn't believe such a powerful technique could be broken so easily.

"Yanagi is right," Yukimura said softly from the bench. "Akutsu's return... isn't as simple as it seems."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to the tall, aggressive-looking player on Hyotei's side.

Bang!

With a sharp crack, Akutsu's racket met the ball. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the ball flying.

Whoosh!

The shot was incredibly fast. If one looked closely, they could see the intense spin etched into the ball's trajectory.

"A spin shot?" Shiraishi, Tachibana, and Chitose squinted from the stands.

They hadn't expected Akutsu to change his playing style so abruptly. It seemed he had finally acknowledged the reality of the match.

"But..." Zaizen frowned. "Didn't Chitose-senpai say that pure power or technique would be countered by Rin?"

"This isn't just a spin shot," Yushi's voice came from beside them. His sharp eyes were locked on the ball. "The power behind Akutsu's shot... is no joke."

With his exceptional dynamic vision, he could clearly see the subtle changes in the ball's movement.

Thud!

Sanada swung his racket, activating Rin to neutralize the spin and reduce the power of Akutsu's shot. Normally, with his experience, Sanada would have added just enough force to execute a textbook drop shot.

But this time...

A hidden force erupted from within the ball. The combination of power, spin, and this sudden internal force forced Sanada to adjust his stance.

As a result, the ball soared high into the air.

Whoosh!

Seizing the opportunity, Akutsu leaped up and smashed the ball down with a powerful overhead shot.

"Vice-captain's Rin... was really countered?" Kirihara's eyes widened in shock. He had never imagined that Akutsu could break through Sanada's defense without using any special abilities.

"Not yet," Yanagi said calmly. "Sanada still has a backup plan."

Thud!

Sure enough, a low rumble echoed from Sanada's position as he activated Mountain—his ultimate defensive technique.

This was his last line of defense, a move so solid that only Ishikawa and Yukimura had ever broken through it. It was considered impenetrable.

Crack!

But in the next moment, to everyone's astonishment, Sanada's racket was knocked out of his hand and fell to the ground.

"0-15!"

Thud!

Akutsu landed firmly, his presence dominating the court.

"How is this possible?" Yanagi muttered, his eyes narrowing. "That ironclad defense... was broken?"

"This smash isn't ordinary," Yanagi said, his voice low. "Just like his previous shot, Akutsu's playing style has changed."

On Hyotei's side, the team was both thrilled and shocked by Akutsu's success.

"Sanada's Mountain... was broken just like that?" Shishido said, unable to believe what he had just seen.

Many turned to Atobe for an explanation. Before Ishikawa's arrival, Mountain had been an insurmountable wall for their captain. But after Ishikawa broke through it, it seemed Sanada's once-impenetrable defense had begun to falter.

"Mountain is indeed a powerful defense," Ishikawa said, nodding. "But its strength lies in Sanada's unshakable confidence. Once that confidence is shattered, it's hard to regain."

He paused, then added with a smile, "And Akutsu-senpai's smash isn't as simple as it looks."

"Exactly!" Shishido exclaimed. "His earlier returns were already unusual. He must have realized something—his shots have a different level of power now."

Hiyoshi and Mukahi looked at Ishikawa curiously. "So... what is it?"

Ishikawa smiled and explained, "I haven't experienced this kind of shot myself, so I can't be certain. But if I had to guess, Akutsu-senpai has reached a deeper level of integrating power and spin."

"A deeper level?" Atobe and Oshitari turned to him, intrigued.

"This is my understanding," Ishikawa continued. "The power and spin of a tennis shot exist on two levels. The first is the surface level—what you see and feel. With enough training and match experience, anyone can reach this level. But mastering it is difficult for most."

The team nodded, understanding his point. The "surface" level referred to basic power or spin. While most players could develop decent power or spin, truly excelling required either natural talent, like Shitenhoji's Ishida with his raw strength, or Hyotei's Akutagawa with his innate wrist flexibility.

Ishikawa went on, "The second level is what I call the 'depth' level. In my understanding, this is a higher level of ability that requires a deeper comprehension of a particular skill."

"Take my Enbu-style tennis, for example. When I use it, the shot carries an unusual level of power. But if Hiyoshi-senpai were to use it, the effect would be much weaker."

Hiyoshi looked slightly embarrassed, but Ishikawa shook his head. "The truth is, the power and technique I use are only a small part of the equation. The difference is that my power and technique... reach the deeper layers of the tennis ball."

"The deeper layers?" The Hyotei team, and even the Rikkai players, were deep in thought.

"So this is the understanding of Hyotei's strongest player," Yukimura murmured, his gaze fixed on Ishikawa.

"Surface" and "Depth."

Appearance and essence.

Yukimura hadn't expected Ishikawa's understanding of tennis to have reached such a profound level.

"If that's the case," Yanagi said, his eyes narrowing as he watched Akutsu, "then Akutsu's physical天赋 has allowed him to fuse power and spin, reaching the level of deep-level shots."

This explained why Sanada's Rin couldn't neutralize Akutsu's shots. In essence, Rin was still a surface-level technique. When faced with a deep-level shot, it was powerless against the hidden destructive force.

Bang!

Sanada served again.

"Surface and depth, huh?" Sanada's eyes gleamed with determination as he stared at Akutsu. "Let's see if your so-called deep-level power is just a bluff!"

With that, Sanada rushed to the net.

After Akutsu returned the shot, Sanada sent the ball to the side of the court. When Akutsu lobbed it back, Sanada leaped into the air, his racket blazing like fire as he smashed the ball down.

Boom!

The fiery smash crashed down with immense force.

"It's here!" Kirihara's eyes flashed with awe. "This is the vice-captain's Fire at its strongest!"

Compared to his regular Fire shots, this smash was on a completely different level.

"Tch."

But Akutsu merely smirked. He raised his racket and, with a swift motion, struck the ball mid-air.

Boom!

The ball shot back with incredible speed, slamming into the ground on Sanada's side.

Crack!

The grass court showed visible damage as the ball bounced off and embedded itself into the wall.

"Whoa..."

The crowd gasped in awe.

This... was the power of a deep-level shot!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 207: One-Handed Thunderball, Sanada's Trump Card (Part 1)

Boom!

"Game! Hyotei's Akutsu leads 1-2. Change sides!"

Outside the court, the Hyotei team erupted in excitement. "Akutsu has completely broken through Sanada's 'Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain' techniques!" exclaimed Shishido and Mukahi.

"Indeed," Atobe nodded slightly. "Given his talent, it's only natural he could achieve this."

Akutsu's talent was terrifying. The greater the pressure, the more his latent potential was unleashed. In the original storyline, during the U-17 World Cup group stage, Akutsu even awakened an otherworldly ability when facing Switzerland's leader, the professional player Amadeus. Of course, that overexertion left him severely injured, nearly costing him his life.

In comparison, facing Sanada was much easier for Akutsu. After all, he had been training with Atobe for a long time, and his skills were more refined than in the original story.

As the players switched sides, Akutsu, now with the serve, smirked arrogantly at Sanada. "Is this all the so-called 'Emperor of Tennis' has to offer?"

Boom!

He served the ball.

After Sanada returned it, Akutsu pressed forward, hitting a shot to Sanada's backhand. As Sanada turned to defend, Akutsu stepped in and delivered another powerful stroke. When Sanada was forced to lob, Akutsu leaped into the air and smashed a devastating overhead shot.

Boom!

The sound of the impact echoed through the court.

Sanada's "Mountain" defense was breached once again.

"15-0!"

"What a ferocious playstyle!" The Fudomine team watched in awe. Akutsu's relentless aggression was like a wild beast pouncing on its prey, using its strength and claws to overpower its victim before delivering the final, lethal blow.

"Indeed," Tachibana nodded. As an expert in aggressive tennis, he could see that Akutsu's natural physical gifts made him perfect for this style of play.

Akutsu's attacks were unpredictable, unorthodox, and unbound by conventional techniques. For anyone else, such a style would be riddled with flaws. But Akutsu's unparalleled physical abilities allowed him to execute it flawlessly.

Boom!

"30-0!"

Boom!

"40-0!"

In no time, Sanada had lost three points, seemingly backed into a corner.

Boom!

Akutsu served again.

Hum...

Suddenly, a thunderous aura erupted from Sanada's body.

Crackle!

In a flash of lightning, Sanada appeared in front of Akutsu's return, his racket raised high for a smash.

As the ball bounced up, Sanada swung down with full force: "Move like... *Thunder*!!!"

Crackle!

In an instant, a bolt of lightning streaked across the court, leaving a trail of electricity in its wake.

"It's Sanada's *Thunder*!!!" The Hyotei team's expressions changed.

The representatives from other schools were equally stunned. This single move solidified Sanada's status as the "Emperor of Tennis." Players like Shiraishi, Chitose, and Tachibana, all top-tier players themselves, knew they had no answer to this technique.

Swish!

But in the next moment, a tall figure intercepted the ball.

Akutsu's eyes gleamed with defiance as he swung his racket without hesitation.

Boom!

The impact caused Akutsu's racket to tremble slightly.

"Heh," the Rikkai Dai team sneered. This was "Thunder," not "Fire." If Akutsu underestimated this move, his racket would be sent flying.

Hum...

But then, a grayish-white aura enveloped Akutsu's body. Despite the overwhelming force, his racket slowly pushed forward.

Whoosh!

To everyone's astonishment, Akutsu single-handedly blasted Sanada's "Thunder" back.

Thud!

The ball landed, kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Game! Hyotei's Akutsu leads 2-2!"

"Wow!!!"

"Great job, Akutsu!"

"Hyotei! Hyotei! Hyotei!"

The Hyotei supporters erupted in cheers.

"Even 'Thunder' has been broken through?" The Rikkai Dai team grew anxious.

"Vice-captain..." Chitose and the others clenched their fists. They couldn't believe that Sanada's ultimate technique had been so easily countered.

"That aura... it's terrifying," Yanagi muttered, his eyes narrowing. Even from a distance, Akutsu's ferocious presence felt like a predator ready to strike.

"Is this really 'Thunder'?" Some spectators shook their heads. "The legendary technique, said to be stronger than 'Fire' and 'Wind' combined, was countered so easily. It seems the rumors were exaggerated."

During the Kanto finals, Atobe had effortlessly countered Sanada's "Thunder." Now, Akutsu had done the same with one hand. The "Emperor of Tennis" was losing his crown, as if anyone could challenge him.

"Is that really the case?" Shiraishi, Chitose, and Tachibana disagreed. Casual observers didn't understand the intricacies. Sanada's "Thunder" was so fast that even they couldn't guarantee they could catch up to it. As for its power, even Tachibana, known for his strength, wasn't sure he could return it.

The problem wasn't that Sanada was weak—it was that Akutsu was too strong.

"By the way," Chitose suddenly said, "what exactly is the 'deeper level of power' that Atobe mentioned?"

"I'm not sure," Shiraishi shook his head. Atobe's explanation went beyond the fundamentals of tennis he had always followed. If there truly were different levels of power, did that mean all his previous efforts were in vain?

"Perhaps it's the further refinement of technique or strength," Tachibana speculated. "When you push something to its absolute limit, you might unlock a deeper level of power."

"So, quantity leads to quality?" Chitose mused. "Like Gin's 108-style Wave Strike. Beyond that, perhaps you can touch that realm."

"One hundred and eight styles?!" The Fudomine team stared in disbelief.

"That's right," Tetsu Ishida nodded. "The Wave Strike I've mastered is just the basics compared to my brother's."

"Wow..." The others were even more shocked.

Tetsu's Wave Strike was already formidable—during the regional preliminaries, it had broken Kaido's wrist. And yet, he claimed his skills were just the tip of the iceberg. How powerful was Gin Ishida, then?

Even more astonishing was that, in Chitose's eyes, Gin's 108-style Wave Strike still fell short of the "deeper level" of power Atobe had described.

This made everyone realize just how impressive Akutsu's breakthrough was.

Boom!

The fifth game began with Sanada serving.

Despite losing the lead, Sanada showed no signs of panic. However, his eyes were colder than before.

After serving, Sanada quickly moved to the center of the court, adjusting his strategy to keep Akutsu pinned at the baseline.

"Is the 'Emperor of Tennis' really this passive?" Mizuki from St. Rudolph observed. "Switching from offense to defense means he's at a disadvantage. It's like the roles of Rikkai Dai and Hyotei have reversed."

"True," Akazawa, the St. Rudolph captain, nodded. In high-level matches, every point mattered, but the player's state of mind was even more crucial. A player in top form could perform at 120% of their usual ability, potentially defeating even stronger opponents.

But now, Sanada, constantly pushed into a corner, was clearly not in his best form. His defensive play lacked any offensive initiative, relying solely on waiting for Akutsu to tire. However, Akutsu's stamina was exceptional, and it was unlikely Sanada could outlast him.

Moreover, even if Sanada won this way, it would tarnish his image as the "Emperor of Tennis." It was an ugly way to win.

Boom!

Crack!

Boom!

Crack!

The two continued their intense rally.

Akutsu seemed in no hurry to finish Sanada off, instead engaging in long rallies. It was as if a predator was toying with its prey, waiting for it to exhaust itself before delivering the final blow.

At the same time, Akutsu used this opportunity to refine his newly discovered "deeper level" of power. He knew his current level was still far below Atobe's. If he became complacent with this breakthrough, he would never catch up.

Still, with his aggressive playstyle, Akutsu clearly had the upper hand.

Boom!

"0-15!"

Boom!

"0-30!"

Boom!

"0-40!"

Boom!

"Game! Hyotei's Akutsu leads 3-2!"

The score had flipped, and the court was once again filled with Hyotei's cheers.

Sanada lowered his head, his expression unreadable.

The sixth game began with Akutsu serving.

Having familiarized himself with the "deeper level" of power, Akutsu accelerated his attacks, aiming to end the match quickly.

Boom!

"Game! Hyotei's Akutsu leads 4-2!"

Three minutes later, Akutsu secured the sixth game, extending his lead.

Sanada, having lost consecutive points, kept his head down, his expression hidden.

"Sanada (Vice-captain)..." Jackal and Chitose fell silent. In their minds, Sanada was second only to Atobe and Yukimura. Yet, he was being pushed to the brink by Akutsu.

The "Emperor" was being dragged off his throne by a wild beast.

Realizing that the singles match might be lost, the Rikkai Dai team felt a heavy weight in their hearts.

Boom!

Crack!

Boom!

Crack!

The match continued.

Akutsu remained dominant, completely overwhelming Sanada. His ferocity made the other teams' representatives nervous.

With the score at 40-0, Akutsu was one point away from winning the eighth game. Finally, Sanada could no longer hold back.

Crackle!

In a flash of lightning, Sanada appeared in front of the ball's landing spot.

Then, surrounded by a dark aura, he swung his racket with full force.

Whoosh!

A surge of black energy erupted.

The ball shot toward Akutsu's backhand corner at an incredible speed.

Tap! Tap!

But even this speed was no match for Akutsu in "Beast Mode." He quickly intercepted the ball and prepared to strike.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, the ball, which had been heading to the right, abruptly changed direction, shooting upward at a right angle.

"What?!" Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

Even Akutsu was caught off guard, watching helplessly as the ball flew past him.

Boom!

"40-15!"

"Is... is this for real?" Shishido and Mukahi stared in disbelief.

Oshitari was equally stunned. "The ball... changed direction so abruptly?"

This wasn't a simple curveball. It was as if an invisible force within the ball had altered its trajectory.

"Could it be..." Atobe's eyes narrowed. "Has Sanada also unlocked the 'deeper level' of power?"

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 208: Breaking Through Desperation, Akutsu's Tyrant Stance (Part 2)*

Whoosh!

On the court, the moment Akutsu prepared to strike, the tennis ball in front of him suddenly changed direction, darting straight downward.

Thud!

"40-30!"

"Again?!"

Seeing the ball change direction for the second time, the members of Hyotei couldn't help but feel their eyelids twitch uncontrollably.

"I see," murmured Yanagi from the Rikkai side, watching Sanada, who was now enveloped in an indescribable black aura. "Yesterday's match... Yukimura's goal was to push Genichirou's potential to its limits."

With that thought, Yanagi instinctively glanced at the boy sitting on the bench—their captain. After watching the match between Hyotei and Rikkai during the Kanto Tournament yesterday, Yukimura had predicted this possibility. His solution was simple: elevate Sanada's strength to ensure a victory, whether against Atobe or Akutsu.

"And if I'm not mistaken," Yanagi thought, turning his gaze back to Sanada, who was now radiating an intense black aura, "Yukimura abruptly ended the match yesterday to keep Genichirou's fighting spirit at its peak."

Yesterday, the climactic match between Rikkai's top players had been left unfinished. After Sanada broke through Yukimura's "Zero Shiki: Muga no Kyōchi" (Zero-Type: Void of the Five Senses), Yukimura suddenly called off the match. This further fueled Sanada's frustration, which was now being unleashed in full force against Akutsu.

Thud!

"Deuce, 40-40!"

Thud!

"Advantage, receiver!"

Thud!

"Game!"

"Rikkai's Sanada leads 3-4!"

"Rikkai, ever victorious!"

"Rikkai will win!"

"Finish him off, Vice Captain!"

Sanada's counterattack ignited the passion of Rikkai's team.

"What on earth is that?"

On the other hand, the Hyotei team's expressions were grim.

"It's not just a simple change in direction," Shishido muttered, his voice tense. "Sanada's doing something to the ball, making it shift twice. It's not a normal trick shot—there's something deeper going on."

"It's like... a puppeteer in a movie," Oshitari chimed in, his tone filled with awe. "Sanada's shots are being controlled as if by invisible strings. It's unbelievable."

Whoosh!

Hearing this, Kabaji suddenly turned to Oshitari. "What did you just say?"

"Uh, I—" Oshitari hesitated, caught off guard.

"Are you talking about puppetry?" Mukahi interjected, shaking his head. "That's just in movies. There's no way it's real."

"Not necessarily," Ishida suddenly spoke up, a smirk playing on his lips. "In a way, Sanada's technique is like that of a puppeteer—controlling the ball as if it were a puppet."

"I see," Oshitari said, his spirits lifting. He turned his attention back to the court, where Sanada and Akutsu were locked in a fierce battle.

Thud!

Sanada swung his racket, sending the ball flying like an arrow.

Whoosh!

But then, in a flash, Sanada raised his racket and slashed upward. A surge of black energy erupted, and the ball, which Akutsu had been preparing to return, suddenly shot upward, completely out of his reach.

"0-15!"

"I see it now," Oshitari said, his eyes narrowing. "Sanada's making a second swing immediately after his initial shot. That black energy is altering the ball's trajectory."

"No way..." The others were stunned.

"Wait," Hiyoshi suddenly interjected. "If that's the case, can't we just watch for the second swing and predict where the ball will go?"

"Exactly!" Mukahi's eyes lit up with realization.

"It's not that simple," Oshitari replied, shaking his head. "Even if someone could react that quickly, Sanada wouldn't just let us predict his moves so easily."

Thud!

At that moment, Sanada swung again. Akutsu's eyes locked onto the racket, watching as Sanada pulled it to the left after the initial swing.

"So... it'll curve to the left?" Akutsu thought, his eyes narrowing. He chased after the ball, ready to adjust his return if it shifted left.

Whoosh!

But to his surprise, the ball didn't change direction. Instead, it flew straight at him, growing larger in his vision until it whizzed past his cheek.

Thud!

The ball hit the ground, and a thin red line appeared on Akutsu's face.

"Game!"

"Rikkai's Sanada ties it at 4-4!"

The match was now even, and the tension in the air was palpable.

"Sanada's in complete control," Oshitari said, his voice low. "He can change his tactics at any moment, and Akutsu has to guess whether each move is real or a feint. This match is slipping into Sanada's rhythm."

On the court, Akutsu touched the stinging cut on his cheek, his eyes cold. He had been played. If he hadn't reacted quickly, that ball would have hit him square in the face.

The hot-tempered Akutsu wasn't about to let this slide. His aura flared as he took a defensive stance.

"Beast mode, huh?" Sanada muttered, his expression icy. "But a beast is still just a beast. Even with deep power, it can't fully utilize it."

In contrast, players like Ishida and Atobe were far more formidable opponents.

With that thought, Sanada focused his energy, ready to end the match in one decisive blow.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

The two clashed fiercely, but Akutsu was losing more points than he won. Soon, he was down 4-5.

"Rikkai, ever victorious!"

"Let's go, Rikkai!"

"Finish him in one shot!"

Rikkai's cheers echoed across the court.

Meanwhile, the Hyotei team watched Akutsu with concern. His gray aura was fluctuating wildly, unstable and unpredictable.

Thud!

Akutsu slammed the ball with brutal force.

Crack!

But Sanada, with his "Rai" (Lightning) technique, was already at the ball's landing point in an instant.

Whoosh!

His black aura surged again as he swung, sending the ball shooting forward. Just as Akutsu caught up to it, the ball shifted unexpectedly.

"0-15!"

"Is he completely overwhelmed?" someone from the crowd murmured.

The representatives from other schools watched Sanada with newfound respect. Those who had mocked him earlier now looked on in fear.

"This is the Emperor's comeback," Shirasu, the captain of Rikkai, said with a sigh. "Losing to Ishida knocked Sanada off his pedestal, but this match will remind everyone why he's called the Emperor."

"True," Chitose and Tachibana nodded in agreement. Like Sanada, they had lost to Ishida and understood the depth of his strength.

But now, Sanada was proving that he wasn't someone to be trifled with—not even by a once-in-a-decade tennis prodigy.

Thud!

"0-30!"

Thud!

"0-40!"

Soon, the match reached its climax.

"Akutsu Jin," Sanada said calmly, standing at the baseline. "This match ends here."

Thud!

Akutsu served, and Sanada dashed forward, meeting the ball with a powerful swing.

Thud!

The ball shot forward, and Akutsu chased after it, his expression dark. As the ball flew toward his face, he raised his racket to strike.

Whoosh!

But then, the ball suddenly changed direction.

"It's over..." The Hyotei team's hearts sank. Akutsu had failed to break through Sanada's defenses. He hadn't even touched the ball, completely outplayed by the Emperor.

As the ball flew past him, Akutsu wanted to swing, but his body felt frozen, unable to move.

"Is this how you want it to end?" a mocking voice echoed in his mind.

"Losing to that guy is one thing, but are you really going to let Sanada beat you too?"

Let him win? Never.

Akutsu's body trembled, and the gray beastly aura around him suddenly vanished. But just as everyone thought he had given up, a violent black aura erupted from him.

Boom!

The black energy swirled like a tornado, engulfing the ball mid-flight.

Whoosh!

A black streak shot across the court, slamming into the ground on Sanada's side.

"What?!" The Rikkai team's expressions changed drastically.

Crack!

But in the next moment, Sanada's "Rai" technique activated, and he appeared at the ball's landing point.

"Rai!" Kirihara and the others shouted excitedly.

Whoosh!

Sanada swung his racket with both hands, sending the ball streaking like lightning across the court.

Thud!

But at the baseline, a black figure moved with incredible speed, catching up to the ball.

"How is he that fast?!" Kaidoh and Kamio's eyes widened in shock.

Whoosh!

But then, Sanada's lightning ball suddenly changed direction.

"What?!" Shishido exclaimed. "Even 'Rai' can change direction?!"

Whoosh!

But the black figure adjusted instantly, swinging his racket and sending the ball back through Sanada's legs.

Thud!

"15-40!"

At the baseline, Sanada looked up in disbelief at the figure shrouded in black energy. The pressure was overwhelming.

Whoosh!

The black aura dissipated slightly, revealing Akutsu. His eyes were bloodshot, veins visible across his sclera. A streak of his gray hair had turned black, and his entire body radiated a terrifying, dark energy.

"Gulp." One of the Rikkai players swallowed hard, unable to meet Akutsu's gaze. Despite the lack of killing intent, he felt an icy chill run down his spine.

"Akutsu Jin?" Yukimura murmured, his eyes narrowing. For the first time, he felt a hint of danger from the other player.

"This form... it's like a cold-blooded tyrant," Yanagi said quietly.

Akutsu had transformed. Though he showed no outward emotion, everyone around him instinctively shrank back, intimidated by his presence.

His crimson eyes and the black aura surrounding him gave him the appearance of a ruthless, tyrannical ruler.

"Has he reached the second stage of his breakthrough?" Ishida wondered, watching Akutsu with a hint of surprise.

If the previous Akutsu was a wild beast, this version was a fully evolved, more refined predator.

"Bring it on," Sanada said, taking his position. "Let's see what you've got."

Thud!

Akutsu served, the ball wrapped in black energy tearing through the air. It reached Sanada in an instant, forcing him to dodge to avoid being hit.

Thud!

The ball smashed into the wall, cracking it like a spiderweb.

"This power..." Kirihara and the others paled, fear creeping into their hearts as they looked at the tyrant-like Akutsu.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 209: First Victory, Ice's Momentum (Part 3)*

Boom!

About three minutes later.

As Akutsu's cannonball-like smash landed, the referee's voice rang out: "Game over! Akutsu Jin of Hyotei Academy wins, 7-5!"

Huff... Huff...

At the baseline.

Sanada was gasping for air.

Staring at the intimidating figure across the net, a wave of frustration washed over him. "Damn it... If only I could have pushed my Black Dragon Double Slash further..."

Recalling the match, Sanada had been relentlessly pushed back by Akutsu's fierce attacks. Even his Black Dragon Double Slash, infused with the speed of lightning, had been effortlessly dismantled.

What truly unnerved Sanada was the dark aura emanating from Akutsu. It was terrifying, mentally suppressing his fighting spirit and affecting his performance.

In some ways, Sanada felt he had only been able to unleash about 80% of his full potential. With Akutsu's relentless pressure, it wasn’t long before Sanada was completely overwhelmed.

"The Tyrant of Tennis, huh?"

Taking a deep breath, Sanada clenched his fists.

In less than a month, he had tasted defeat once again. For someone who had once stood undefeated and reigned supreme over the nation, this was a heavy blow.

He silently vowed to himself.

After the Nationals, he would intensify his training. Even though his middle school tennis career was nearing its end, he was determined to erase the humiliation Hyotei had inflicted upon him.

"So... was that the aura of a tyrant?"

In the stands.

The spectators watched as Akutsu, now calm and composed, returned to his team. Yet, their hearts were still racing.

In the final two games, Sanada had been completely dominated, unable to mount any resistance. It was reminiscent of how Atobe had crushed Shiraishi after removing his golden weights.

"Demon King, Emperor, Tyrant..."

Shiraishi from Rikkai couldn't help but sigh. "With a lineup like this, even Rikkai can't compare, can they?"

"Yeah."

Chitose nodded in agreement.

Rikkai's Big Three paled in comparison to Hyotei's trio.

Yanagi had lost to Atobe.

Sanada had fallen to both Ishikawa and Akutsu.

The only one left to hold Rikkai together was their captain, Yukimura. If he were to lose to Ishikawa in the upcoming Singles 1 match, the title of the strongest team in the nation would truly be up for grabs.

"However..."

Chitose paused, then shook his head. "If things continue like this, this semifinal might not even reach Singles 1."

Sanada's defeat was a heavy blow to Rikkai.

One of their guaranteed wins had slipped away. If they lost another match, they would be in serious trouble.

Watching the tense expressions of Rikkai's team, Tachibana muttered, "The next match... is absolutely crucial for them."

"Yukimura... I lost."

At the edge of the court, Sanada hung his head, his face filled with regret.

As the vice-captain, he had taken on Singles 3 to secure a win for the team. Yet, he had been defeated, and in the end, he couldn't even put up a fight. For someone as disciplined as Sanada, the shame was overwhelming.

"I understand."

Yukimura nodded. "Go rest. Don't worry about the remaining matches."

While Yukimura was indeed disappointed by Sanada's loss, he knew his teammate had given it his all. This wasn't Sanada's failure.

It was simply that Hyotei... was too strong.

Even before the match, Yukimura had prepared for the worst-case scenario. But as the match unfolded, he realized he had still underestimated their opponent's strength.

"Hyotei..."

Taking a deep breath, a sharp glint flashed in Yukimura's blue eyes. "Defeating such a formidable opponent and achieving a three-peat would be the most perfect way to end this."

Hyotei's strength had ignited Yukimura's fighting spirit.

For him, sweeping through weaker teams and claiming the national title twice in a row couldn't compare to the thrill of facing a powerhouse like Hyotei in the semifinals.

"Next up, the Doubles 2 match will begin."

The announcer's voice echoed through the stadium. "Hyotei Academy's Shishido Ryo and Ootori Choutarou versus Rikkai Dai's Yanagi Renji and Yagyuu Hiroshi. Please prepare!"

"Yanagi and Yagyuu?"

In the stands.

Representatives from various schools exchanged surprised glances.

No one had expected Yanagi, Rikkai's strategist and the third pillar of their Big Three, to appear in doubles. And not just any doubles—he was paired with Yagyuu, one half of Rikkai's regular doubles team.

"Does this mean... Rikkai is sacrificing a singles match?"

Mizuki from St. Rudolph exclaimed. "If they lose this match, and then Atobe defeats Kirihara in Singles 2, Rikkai will be eliminated with three consecutive losses?!"

His words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd.

Rikkai, the defending champions and two-time national title holders, facing the possibility of being swept in the semifinals?

"This is getting interesting."

Zaizen from Higa chuckled. "So, in the end, it's not that the other teams are weak—it's just that Hyotei is on a completely different level."

"Uh..."

Shiraishi and the others exchanged uneasy glances.

If things really played out this way, Hyotei's lineup this year would be nothing short of terrifying.

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"It probably won't come to that."

Chitose shook his head. "Hyotei's lineup is indeed strong, but in this doubles match, Rikkai clearly has the upper hand. After all... data tennis is most effective in doubles."

"True."

Beside him, the bald Kintarou Toyama nodded vigorously.

"From a data perspective, Yanagi is indeed a formidable player."

Kintarou mimed holding a pair of binoculars, gazing at Yanagi on the court. "That scholarly demeanor is quite captivating, isn't it?"

Thwack!

But then, his partner, Ibu Shinji, smacked him on the head. "Damn it, Kintarou! Are you planning to cheat on me?!"

The two immediately started bickering.

"Anyway..."

Chitose ignored their antics and continued, "Rumor has it that Yanagi's data tennis was learned from a legendary senior at Midoriyama Middle School. If anyone in the nation can counter him, it's probably that guy from Hyotei."

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Ishikawa on Hyotei's side.

"No way."

Tachibana chuckled. "That guy would never play doubles. Besides, Hyotei's pair might just surprise us."

Step!

At that moment, Shishido and Ootori stepped onto the court. The pressure on them had eased somewhat after Hyotei's first victory.

Approaching the net, they exchanged a few words with Yanagi and Yagyuu before retreating to the baseline.

"The match will now begin. Best of one set."

After a moment, the referee confirmed both teams' readiness and turned to Hyotei's side. "Hyotei's Ootori to serve. Game start!"

Whoosh!

With that, Ootori tossed the ball high into the air.

Then, rising onto his toes and extending his body, he brought his racket down with a powerful swing.

"One... Ball... to... Soul!!!"

Boom!

With a thunderous crack, the ball shot forward like a cannonball, landing squarely in the service box in front of Yanagi.

Ace. No contest.

"15-0!"

"It's here!"

"Ootori's new cannon serve!"

The crowd erupted as they witnessed Ootori's devastating serve.

"Hmm."

Shiraishi's expression shifted. "It seems Hyotei is determined to ride this momentum and take the match in one go."

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 210: The Powerful Yanagi Renji, Ice Emperor's Tough Guy (Part 1)*

Thud!

"Game!"

"Ice Emperor leads 1-0, switch sides!"

With four consecutive ace serves, Ice Emperor easily secured the first game.

"As expected," Senju nodded. "Ice Emperor is planning to capitalize on their victory in the first singles match and keep the momentum going!"

Ice Emperor's doubles teams are also strong. If their singles players are at a national top-tier level, then their two doubles pairs are undoubtedly first-class. Especially the pair of Shishido and Ootori. Although they’ve been partnered for the shortest time, their默契 and coordination are no worse than others. Combined with their rigorous training, their skills have improved rapidly, and they’re not far from being a top-tier national-level doubles team.

"Second game," the referee announced after a moment, turning to Yanagi from Rikkai. "Rikkai's Yanagi to serve, one game ends!"

Tap! Tap! Tap!

Everyone's attention was drawn to Yanagi's movements.

The strategist of Rikkai glanced at Shishido's position, gave a slight nod, and then tossed the ball into the air, swiftly serving.

Thump!

The ball landed precisely on the service line.

"Such control! As expected of Yanagi!" Representatives from other teams nodded in approval. In terms of technique, even though Yanagi is considered the weakest of Rikkai's Big Three, he’s still a force to be reckoned with.

However, Shishido's reaction was even faster. He had been working on improving his explosive power, reaching a level where he could react within 0.1 seconds over short distances.

"Huh?"

But when Shishido raised his racket, his movements noticeably slowed. Then, to everyone's surprise, he pulled his racket back slightly before returning the ball.

That slight adjustment neutralized his advantage in explosive power.

"Yanagi has made his move," Oshitari said gravely. "He’s studied Shishido's style thoroughly. That shot was aimed precisely at his weakest point."

"Data tennis!!!" Mukahi and Hiyoshi's expressions shifted.

Yanagi, alongside Yukimura and Sanada, is known as one of Rikkai's Big Three. While the latter two's strengths are unquestionable, Yanagi's ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them purely through his mastery of data speaks volumes about his terrifying understanding and application of it.

Thump!

Yanagi struck again.

This time, the ball was aimed at Ootori, landing with a sharp topspin. Ootori had no choice but to retreat to find the right position to return the ball.

However, that retreat created a gap between him and Shishido, which Yanagi敏锐ly exploited.

Thump!

A high-speed slice shot flew past, slipping through the gap between the two and landing precisely on the baseline.

"15-0!"

"Impressive," Oshitari nodded. "By exploiting the opponent's weaknesses and forcing them to retreat, he’s managing to dominate even while playing one against two. This is Rikkai's strategist in action!"

The match continued.

Yanagi repeated his tactics, using his refined skills and deep understanding of his opponents' styles and data to continuously score points, leaving Shishido and Ootori struggling to keep up.

Swish!

Finally, unable to withstand Yanagi's relentless pressure, Shishido and Ootori suddenly changed their formation. They positioned themselves one in front of the other, forming a straight line that made it impossible to see the other player from the front.

"It's here!"

"The Mirage Formation!"

The Ice Emperor team's spirits lifted.

Whoosh!

But at that moment, a laser-like beam shot across the court. Shishido and Ootori quickly moved, but the ball was too fast. Shishido had no choice but to speed up, inadvertently disrupting their carefully crafted formation.

Thump!

Shishido returned Niou's Laser Beam.

At the net, Yanagi, who had been waiting, gently pushed his racket forward.

Tap.

The ball landed silently and rolled forward, as if a cicada had shed its shell.

"Game!"

"Rikkai, 1-1!"

The score was tied, and both teams were back on equal footing.

"So strong... to think he broke through the Mirage Formation so easily!" Hiyoshi clenched his fists.

This formation had previously overwhelmed Rikkai's top doubles pair, Marui and Jackal. Yet, against Yanagi, it was dismantled in an instant?!

"A brilliant strategy," Oshitari said gravely. "By using the speed difference of Niou's Laser Beam, he easily broke through Shishido and Ootori's formation... No wonder he’s called the strategist of the court!"

What seemed like a daunting challenge to others was effortlessly solved by Yanagi.

Moreover, this made everyone realize why Yanagi had brought Niou along.

"This isn’t looking good," Mukahi said, watching Shishido on the court. "Ootori's new cannon serve only comes around every four games. If Shishido can’t hold his serve, the match is in danger..."

Thump!

Shishido served.

After the serve, he decisively rushed to the net, while Ootori instinctively moved back. The two crossed paths, switching their formation.

"Trying to switch formations?" Yamabuki's Senju said in surprise. "Are they planning to create a 'Shishido Zone,' like Seigaku's Oishi and Kikumaru?"

Whoosh!

Niou, receiving the serve, responded with a laser-like shot—the Laser Beam!

Clearly, he had seen through their plan. This shot was meant to disrupt their formation change.

Hum!

But Shishido's body suddenly emitted a faint blue aura.

*[Limit Break]!*

This was Shishido's new ability, unlocked through intense muscle training to enhance his explosive power. In this state, his爆发力 increased significantly, allowing him to catch up to Niou's Laser Beam in an instant.

Bang!

With a super jump, Shishido returned the ball.

"15-0!"

"Such incredible爆发力!" The representatives from other schools were shocked. In their minds, Ice Emperor's top players were Atobe, Akutsu, and maybe Oshitari.

But this guy with the baseball cap, Shishido, had such astonishing strength too?

"Limit Break, huh?" Yanagi nodded slightly.

He had heard that during Ice Emperor's match against Hyotei, Shishido had used a powerful technique. But without access to the match footage, this was his first time seeing it.

"Indeed, in short bursts, his speed surpasses even Jackal's. Even Shitenhouji's Oshitari probably can’t match this level," Yanagi noted mentally.

As he continued to face Shishido and Ootori, he and Niou increased their offensive pace while carefully observing their opponents.

"True," Yanagi said after several points. "We can’t let Shishido get to the net, so..."

Tap!

He lobbed the ball high, sending it cleanly over Shishido's head.

"Huh."

But Shishido wasn’t nervous at all. In fact, he smiled.

Swish!

From behind, Ootori, who had anticipated the lob, raised his racket and assumed his serving stance: "One... Shot... Soul!!!"

Bang!

The ball shot like a cannonball, slamming into Rikkai's side and scoring directly.

"Game!"

"Ice Emperor leads 2-1!"

"It’s here!" The Ice Emperor team erupted in excitement. "Ootori's Cannon Smash!!!"

"I see," Yanagi nodded. "The gap in Shishido's net defense has been filled by Ootori's powerful serve. So..."

He turned to look at Atobe, who was standing outside the court. "This is the flawless doubles pair you’ve built for Ice Emperor, Atobe."

At that moment, Yanagi's attention was entirely focused on Atobe. It was as if his real opponent wasn’t Shishido and Ootori on the court, but Atobe, who was watching from the sidelines.

"I admit, you’re incredibly strong, far beyond what I can handle," Yanagi thought, his eyes sharpening. "But unfortunately, you’re not playing in this match. The dynamics on the court can’t be fully captured by data from the sidelines."

Yanagi was confident.

He wasn’t worried about Shishido's Limit Break. Instead, he approached it like a scholar, meticulously analyzing and studying it.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Fourth game.

Rikkai's Niou served.

At the net, Yanagi continuously observed Shishido's movements. He responded actively, but Shishido's tennis skills were formidable. After several exchanges, Yanagi finally lost the point.

Thump!

"Game!"

"Ice Emperor leads 3-1!"

"Whoa!!!"

Breaking their opponent's serve boosted Ice Emperor's morale. Even the regular players were excited, as the next serve would be Ootori's.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

As expected, Ootori delivered four consecutive Cannon Serves, scoring directly.

"Game!"

"Ice Emperor leads 4-1!"

"Wow," Shitenhouji's Zaizen said in shock. "Is Ice Emperor about to win two in a row?"

That would be insane! Rikkai had won the national championship two years in a row, and this year’s lineup was their strongest in three years. If they lost twice in a row, Ice Emperor's strength would be truly terrifying!

"No," Shiraishi shook his head. "Ice Emperor is strong, but Rikkai's players won’t just sit back and take it."

As expected, Rikkai launched a counterattack in the sixth game. Niou went all out, unleashing the true Laser Beam. Even Shishido could barely see it, struggling to return the shot.

Meanwhile, Yanagi had fully gathered data on both players.

While Shishido was flustered, Yanagi精准ly targeted their weak spots.

Laser Beam, high-speed slices,蝉脱...

Rikkai continuously scored, while Ice Emperor's pair was firmly suppressed.

Bang!

"Game!"

"Rikkai trails 2-4!"

Thump!

"Game!"

"Rikkai trails 3-4!"

Thump!

"Game!"

"Rikkai ties 4-4!"

In the blink of an eye, Rikkai won three games in a row.

Their powerful攻势 left Shishido and Ootori scrambling. Finally, in the ninth game, Ootori, with the serve, delivered four more Cannon Serves.

Bang!

"Game!"

"Ice Emperor leads 5-4!"

Winning this game, Ice Emperor breathed a sigh of relief, but they also clenched their fists.

"One more game!" Mukahi and Hiyoshi thought. "If we win this one, we’ll defeat them."

However, Atobe and Oshitari had a bad feeling.

Thump!

Sure enough, in the tenth game, Yanagi's serve.

He started with a sharp topspin, pinning Shishido to the baseline. No matter how Shishido reacted, he was trapped, unable to move from the baseline.

"Yanagi has completely figured out Shishido's data," Oshitari said gravely. "At this rate, Ootori won’t be able to hold on alone."

On the court, Yanagi restricted Shishido's movements.

Whenever Niou saw an opportunity, he unleashed the Laser Beam. The ball was so fast that even Ootori couldn’t react in time.

Thump!

"15-0!"

Thump!

"30-0!"

Thump!

"40-0!"

The points kept slipping away.

Shishido grew impatient.

Finally, unable to hold back, he used Limit Break to break through Yanagi's topspin and rushed to the net, disregarding the baseline.

"When victory is slipping away, the probability of you rushing to the net is... 100%," Yanagi thought, watching Shishido. His Limit Break was indeed fast, even over long distances, rivaling Shitenhouji's Speed Star.

Swish!

But as Shishido approached the net, Yanagi suddenly crossed his arms in front of him. Instead of lobbing as expected, he opened his hands.

"镰鼬 (Kamaitachi)!"

With Yanagi's low voice, a sharp gust of wind, like a blade, shot out. Shishido had no time to dodge and was sent flying, tumbling across the court.

"Game!"

"Rikkai ties 5-5!"

"Shishido-senpai!" Ootori rushed over, worried.

Upon closer inspection, he noticed Shishido's knee was bleeding from hitting a碎石 on the court, remnants of a previous match between Akutsu and Sanada.

"Senpai, you..." Ootori's voice trembled.

"It’s fine," Shishido gritted his teeth and stood up. To everyone's shock, he tore off a piece of his shirt and wrapped it around the wound to stop the bleeding.

"Let’s continue," he said, looking at Yanagi and Niou. "This little injury is nothing. Let’s see what else you’ve got!"

As he spoke, Shishido's sharp gaze locked onto Yanagi.

Hum!

A stronger blue aura erupted from Shishido's body.

Despite his injury, his fighting spirit burned even brighter. The intensity of his presence put immense pressure on Yanagi and Niou.

*(End of Chapter)*