*Chapter 84: Singles 3, Akutagawa vs. Ryoma (Part 1)*

With two consecutive wins under their belt, Hyotei's morale was soaring.

On the other hand, Seigaku was shrouded in a heavy atmosphere of disappointment and frustration after the loss of their Golden Pair.

"Hyotei!"

"Hyotei!"

"Hyotei!"

The Hyotei supporters were shouting at the top of their lungs, their voices echoing across the court.

"Hey, Jiro."

At that moment, Atobe glanced over at the orange-haired boy napping on the bench and said in a firm tone, "Time to wake up!"

"Huh?"

Akutagawa Jiro, who had been peacefully sleeping, yawned and stood up. Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he looked around in confusion.

"Wait, both doubles matches are over already?"

As he spoke, he made his way toward the court, his demeanor completely out of sync with the intense atmosphere around him.

"Is that Hyotei's Singles 3 player?"

St. Rudolph's Yuuta Fuji couldn't hide his surprise. "Given Hyotei's coach and Atobe's personalities, how do they tolerate someone like him?"

"Akutagawa Jiro," Mizuki, standing beside Yuuta, said while twirling a strand of his hair. "He's a third-year regular at Hyotei Academy. His skills are impressive. He once faced Marui from Rikkai in a match and received high praise for his performance."

"Rikkai?"

At the mention of that school, both Yuuta and Akaya's expressions changed instantly.

Rikkai's reputation was unmatched. As the reigning national champions with overwhelming dominance, they were on a completely different level compared to schools in the Tokyo region.

"As for Seigaku..." Yuuta's gaze shifted, and when he saw the boy stepping out from Seigaku's side, his expression shifted slightly. "Ryoma Echizen!"

Last week, Yuuta had lost to him in their match. That defeat had shaken the confidence of the so-called "Left-Handed Killer."

Now, Ryoma was representing Seigaku in Singles 3, which meant that Yuuta's older brother, Fuji, would be playing in Singles 2.

Yuuta's eyes turned toward Fuji. "If Ryoma wins this match, the next one will be between my brother and that newcomer from Hyotei."

The thought made his heart tighten.

"Don't worry," Mizuki said, noticing Yuuta's tension. "Fuji's strength is far beyond what you imagine. Besides, it's still uncertain whether Seigaku's first-year can win this match."

As a data-driven player, Mizuki was wary of opponents like Akutagawa, who had little to no match records. Such players represented the unknown.

Moreover, the fact that both Coach Sakaki and Atobe acknowledged Akutagawa's abilities meant that his skill level was at least on par with the top players in the Kanto region.

"Next up, the Singles 3 match will begin."

"Hyotei Academy's Akutagawa Jiro versus Seishun Gakuen's Ryoma Echizen. Both players, please prepare!"

"Finally... it's Ryoma's turn," Inoue said excitedly from outside the court.

As a die-hard fan, he couldn't help but feel thrilled. With his idol standing beside him and a prodigy representing the Samurai's legacy on the court, Inoue was eager to hear his idol's thoughts.

"That kid," Nanjiroh said, glancing at Ryoma with a hint of disappointment. "I was hoping to see him face that newcomer from Hyotei in Singles 3."

"Against Ishikawa?"

Inoue and Saori exchanged shocked looks. Did Nanjiroh really believe Ryoma could stand toe-to-toe with Hyotei's nationally-ranked player?

"Hah," Nanjiroh chuckled softly, seeing their reactions.

At his level, the distinction between national-level and Kanto-level players meant little. Being nationally ranked simply meant they had gone a bit further in their journey.

Besides, even if Ryoma lost, it wouldn't be a bad thing. In fact, it might serve as a catalyst to unlock his hidden potential. If anything, it would accelerate the plans Nanjiroh had in mind for him.

"Seigaku's first-year?"

On the court, Akutagawa looked at the boy in the cap walking toward him and said in surprise, "Isn't he a bit small? Even for a first-year, Ishikawa is much taller than him."

"Uh..."

Hearing this, Ryoma's face darkened, though his cap hid his expression from the crowd.

In Seigaku's camp, Momoshiro scratched his head and said, "This Hyotei senior... he seems a bit... off, doesn't he?"

"Akutagawa Jiro," Inui explained. "Before Ishikawa arrived, he was Hyotei's second-best singles player after Atobe. However, he's known for his love of sleeping and rarely participates in training. As a result, there's very little useful data on him."

"But," Inui added seriously, "if he has the approval of Hyotei's coach and Atobe, his strength is definitely not to be underestimated."

"Don't worry," Horio, one of the trio outside the fence, said confidently. "Ryoma will definitely take care of this guy!"

"Maybe," Inui replied noncommittally.

Meanwhile, Tezuka, Fuji, and the others remained silent, their eyes fixed intently on the two players on the court.

At the net, Akutagawa and Ryoma shook hands.

"Senior," Ryoma said, looking up at Akutagawa with a sidelong glance. "I heard you used to be Hyotei's second singles player?"

"Huh? Oh, that... I don't really pay attention to those things," Akutagawa replied with a sheepish grin, scratching his head. His laid-back demeanor was a stark contrast to Hyotei's usual serious and disciplined style.

"Let's get started," Akutagawa said cheerfully, ignoring Ryoma's unimpressed expression. "After this match, I need to get back to my nap."

"Uh... sure," Ryoma said, pulling his cap down to hide his irritation.

Despite Akutagawa's unconventional appearance, Ryoma knew better than to underestimate Hyotei's players. He remained cautious and focused.

After a quick coin toss, Ryoma won the serve.

Both players retreated to their positions, and the referee, after confirming their readiness, announced, "Game start! Best of one set. Seishun Gakuen's Ryoma to serve. First game!"

Tap... tap... tap...  

Ryoma bounced the ball a few times, then tossed it high into the air. With a quick leap, he swung his racket from behind his head, striking the ball with precision.

"That's..."

When the trio noticed Ryoma was using his right hand, they exclaimed in excitement, "Ryoma's (Ryoma-kun's) signature move... the Twist Serve!"

Boom!  

The ball shot through the air, tracing a sharp, curved trajectory before diving down and landing near the service line on Akutagawa's right side.

"Oh?"

Sensing the speed and angle of the serve, Akutagawa's drowsy eyes suddenly sharpened with focus.

Ssshh...  

The ball hit the ground, spinning rapidly.

Whoosh!  

Just as Akutagawa prepared to swing his racket, the ball abruptly veered to his left, shooting straight toward his face.

"What?!"

Akutagawa's expression changed. Instinctively, he turned his head to the side to avoid the ball.

Clang!  

The ball flew past him and hit the fence.

"15-0!"

The crowd erupted in murmurs of astonishment.

"Seigaku's first-year is amazing!"

"I heard he and Hyotei's Ishikawa are the two strongest rookies in Tokyo... I didn't believe it at first, but he's really something!"

"A Twist Serve? I can't believe a middle schooler can pull that off!"

The spectators were buzzing with excitement, clearly impressed by Ryoma's skill.

"Tch."

Fujita Yuta from St. Rudolph scoffed, clearly annoyed. "He's showing off again."

Mizuki, however, smiled and said, "Sure, he might come off as a bit arrogant, but you can't deny his skills are impressive. That said, the player from Hyotei will probably figure out his move soon enough."

"Huh?!"

Meanwhile, on the court, Akutagawa's eyes widened in shock. That serve had completely wiped away any lingering drowsiness he had.

"Did you guys see that?!" Akutagawa exclaimed, running off the court toward Atobe, Ishikawa, and the others, his excitement palpable. "That serve was insane! That first-year from Seigaku is really something! He's so strong!"

As he jumped around, gesturing wildly, the spectators looked on in confusion. Everyone from Hyotei, already familiar with his personality, just shook their heads, but the rest of the crowd was baffled. Was this guy really one of Hyotei's regulars?

"Ahem," the referee on the high chair said, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Akutagawa from Hyotei, please return to the court."

"Got it!" Akutagawa replied cheerfully, bouncing back onto the court.

"This guy..." Ryoma glanced at his opponent, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Akutagawa's behavior didn't seem like an act. And even if it was, what could he possibly gain from pretending to be a fool? Did he think Ryoma would underestimate him because of it? That would be a serious miscalculation.

Thwack!

Ryoma served another twist serve.

"Here it comes!" Akutagawa's face lit up with excitement.

The ball landed, spinning fiercely. As it bounced to the left, Akutagawa quickly shifted his stance and returned it with a swift stroke.

"He returned it?!" The Seigaku trio was stunned.

But Inui and the others remained calm. If Hyotei's No. 3 singles player couldn't handle a twist serve, that would've been more surprising.

Tap tap!

However, what caught everyone off guard was Akutagawa suddenly charging toward the net.

"He's coming up?!" Ryoma's eyes narrowed. He immediately adjusted his swing, aiming for a spot near Akutagawa's feet.

Crack!

The ball shot toward Akutagawa's side of the court.

"Such control?!" Ootori and Hiyoshi from Hyotei exchanged surprised glances. They had assumed the Seigaku first-year was only known for his twist serve, but his precision was on another level.

"Not bad," Atobe acknowledged with a nod, though he quickly added, "But that kind of shot won't work on Jirou."

Swish!

Akutagawa swung his racket in an awkward motion, somehow managing to return the ball.

Thud!

But in doing so, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Plop...

The ball he returned barely cleared the net, landing softly on the other side.

"15-15!"

"What?!" The Seigaku team was in disbelief.

Momoshiro couldn't help but mutter, "This guy's luck is insane!"

Even the referee looked a bit flustered. "Akutagawa from Hyotei, please return to the court."

"Got it!" Akutagawa replied cheerfully, bouncing back onto the court.

"This guy..." Ryoma glanced at his opponent, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Akutagawa's behavior didn't seem like an act. And even if it was, what could he possibly gain from pretending to be a fool? Did he think Ryoma would underestimate him because of it? That would be a serious miscalculation.

Thwack!

Ryoma served another twist serve.

"Here it comes!" Akutagawa's face lit up with excitement.

The ball landed, spinning fiercely. As it bounced to the left, Akutagawa quickly shifted his stance and returned it with a swift stroke.

"He returned it?!" The Seigaku trio was stunned.

But Inui and the others remained calm. If Hyotei's No. 3 singles player couldn't handle a twist serve, that would've been more surprising.

Tap tap!

However, what caught everyone off guard was Akutagawa suddenly charging toward the net.

"He's coming up?!" Ryoma's eyes narrowed. He immediately adjusted his swing, aiming for a spot near Akutagawa's feet.

Crack!

The ball shot toward Akutagawa's side of the court.

"Such control?!" Ootori and Hiyoshi from Hyotei exchanged surprised glances. They had assumed the Seigaku first-year was only known for his twist serve, but his precision was on another level.

"Not bad," Atobe acknowledged with a nod, though he quickly added, "But that kind of shot won't work on Jirou."

Swish!

Akutagawa swung his racket in an awkward motion, somehow managing to return the ball.

Thud!

But in doing so, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Plop...

The ball he returned barely cleared the net, landing softly on the other side.

"15-15!"

"What?!" The Seigaku team was in disbelief.

Momoshiro couldn't help but mutter, "This guy's luck is insane!"

Even the referee looked a bit flustered. "Akutagawa from Hyotei, please return to the court."

"Got it!" Akutagawa replied cheerfully, bouncing back onto the court.

"This guy..." Ryoma glanced at his opponent, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Akutagawa's behavior didn't seem like an act. And even if it was, what could he possibly gain from pretending to be a fool? Did he think Ryoma would underestimate him because of it? That would be a serious miscalculation.

Thwack!

Ryoma served another twist serve.

"Here it comes!" Akutagawa's face lit up with excitement.

The ball landed, spinning fiercely. As it bounced to the left, Akutagawa quickly shifted his stance and returned it with a swift stroke.

"He returned it?!" The Seigaku trio was stunned.

But Inui and the others remained calm. If Hyotei's No. 3 singles player couldn't handle a twist serve, that would've been more surprising.

Tap tap!

However, what caught everyone off guard was Akutagawa suddenly charging toward the net.

"He's coming up?!" Ryoma's eyes narrowed. He immediately adjusted his swing, aiming for a spot near Akutagawa's feet.

Crack!

The ball shot toward Akutagawa's side of the court.

"Such control?!" Ootori and Hiyoshi from Hyotei exchanged surprised glances. They had assumed the Seigaku first-year was only known for his twist serve, but his precision was on another level.

"Not bad," Atobe acknowledged with a nod, though he quickly added, "But that kind of shot won't work on Jirou."

Swish!

Akutagawa swung his racket in an awkward motion, somehow managing to return the ball.

Thud!

But in doing so, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Plop...

The ball he returned barely cleared the net, landing softly on the other side.

"15-15!"

"What?!" The Seigaku team was in disbelief.

Momoshiro couldn't help but mutter, "This guy's luck is insane!"

Even the referee looked a bit flustered. "Akutagawa from Hyotei, please return to the court."

"Got it!" Akutagawa replied cheerfully, bouncing back onto the court.

"This guy..." Ryoma glanced at his opponent, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Akutagawa's behavior didn't seem like an act. And even if it was, what could he possibly gain from pretending to be a fool? Did he think Ryoma would underestimate him because of it? That would be a serious miscalculation.

Thwack!

Ryoma served another twist serve.

"Here it comes!" Akutagawa's face lit up with excitement.

The ball landed, spinning fiercely. As it bounced to the left, Akutagawa quickly shifted his stance and returned it with a swift stroke.

"He returned it?!" The Seigaku trio was stunned.

But Inui and the others remained calm. If Hyotei's No. 3 singles player couldn't handle a twist serve, that would've been more surprising.

Tap tap!

However, what caught everyone off guard was Akutagawa suddenly charging toward the net.

"He's coming up?!" Ryoma's eyes narrowed. He immediately adjusted his swing, aiming for a spot near Akutagawa's feet.

Crack!

The ball shot toward Akutagawa's side of the court.

"Such control?!" Ootori and Hiyoshi from Hyotei exchanged surprised glances. They had assumed the Seigaku first-year was only known for his twist serve, but his precision was on another level.

"Not bad," Atobe acknowledged with a nod, though he quickly added, "But that kind of shot won't work on Jirou."

Swish!

Akutagawa swung his racket in an awkward motion, somehow managing to return the ball.

Thud!

But in doing so, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Plop...

The ball he returned barely cleared the net, landing softly on the other side.

"15-15!"

"What?!" The Seigaku team was in disbelief.

Momoshiro couldn't help but mutter, "This guy's luck is insane!"

Even the referee looked a bit flustered. "Akutagawa from Hyotei, please return to the court."

"Got it!" Akutagawa replied cheerfully, bouncing back onto the court.

"This guy..." Ryoma glanced at his opponent, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Akutagawa's behavior didn't seem like an act. And even if it was, what could he possibly gain from pretending to be a fool? Did he think Ryoma would underestimate him because of it? That would be a serious miscalculation.

Thwack!

Ryoma served another twist serve.

"Here it comes!" Akutagawa's face lit up with excitement.

The ball landed, spinning fiercely. As it bounced to the left, Akutagawa quickly shifted his stance and returned it with a swift stroke.

"He returned it?!" The Seigaku trio was stunned.

But Inui and the others remained calm. If Hyotei's No. 3 singles player couldn't handle a twist serve, that would've been more surprising.

Tap tap!

However, what caught everyone off guard was Akutagawa suddenly charging toward the net.

"He's coming up?!" Ryoma's eyes narrowed. He immediately adjusted his swing, aiming for a spot near Akutagawa's feet.

Crack!

The ball shot toward Akutagawa's side of the court.

"Such control?!" Ootori and Hiyoshi from Hyotei exchanged surprised glances. They had assumed the Seigaku first-year was only known for his twist serve, but his precision was on another level.

"Not bad," Atobe acknowledged with a nod, though he quickly added, "But that kind of shot won't work on Jirou."

Swish!

Akutagawa swung his racket in an awkward motion, somehow managing to return the ball.

Thud!

But in doing so, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Plop...

The ball he returned barely cleared the net, landing softly on the other side.

"15-15!"

"What?!" The Seigaku team was in disbelief.

Momoshiro couldn't help but mutter, "This guy's luck is insane!"

Even the referee looked a bit flustered. "Akutagawa from Hyotei, please return to the court."

"Got it!" Akutagawa replied cheerfully, bouncing back onto the court.

"This guy..." Ryoma glanced at his opponent, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Akutagawa's behavior didn't seem like an act. And even if it was, what could he possibly gain from pretending to be a fool? Did he think Ryoma would underestimate him because of it? That would be a serious miscalculation.

Thwack!

Ryoma served another twist serve.

"Here it comes!" Akutagawa's face lit up with excitement.

The ball landed, spinning fiercely. As it bounced to the left, Akutagawa quickly shifted his stance and returned it with a swift stroke.

"He returned it?!" The Seigaku trio was stunned.

But Inui and the others remained calm. If Hyotei's No. 3 singles player couldn't handle a twist serve, that would've been more surprising.

Tap tap!

However, what caught everyone off guard was Akutagawa suddenly charging toward the net.

"He's coming up?!" Ryoma's eyes narrowed. He immediately adjusted his swing, aiming for a spot near Akutagawa's feet.

Crack!

The ball shot toward Akutagawa's side of the court.

"Such control?!" Ootori and Hiyoshi from Hyotei exchanged surprised glances. They had assumed the Seigaku first-year was only known for his twist serve, but his precision was on another level.

"Not bad," Atobe acknowledged with a nod, though he quickly added, "But that kind of shot won't work on Jirou."

Swish!

Akutagawa swung his racket in an awkward motion, somehow managing to return the ball.

Thud!

But in doing so, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Plop...

The ball he returned barely cleared the net, landing softly on the other side.

"15-15!"

"What?!" The Seigaku team was in disbelief.

Momoshiro couldn't help but mutter, "This guy's luck is insane!"

Even the referee looked a bit flustered. "Akutagawa from Hyotei, please return to the court."

"Got it!" Akutagawa replied cheerfully, bouncing back onto the court.

"This guy..." Ryoma glanced at his opponent, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Akutagawa's behavior didn't seem like an act. And even if it was, what could he possibly gain from pretending to be a fool? Did he think Ryoma would underestimate him because of it? That would be a serious miscalculation.

Thwack!

Ryoma served another twist serve.

"Here it comes!" Akutagawa's face lit up with excitement.

The ball landed, spinning fiercely. As it bounced to the left, Akutagawa quickly shifted his stance and returned it with a swift stroke.

"He returned it?!" The Seigaku trio was stunned.

But Inui and the others remained calm. If Hyotei's No. 3 singles player couldn't handle a twist serve, that would've been more surprising.

Tap tap!

However, what caught everyone off guard was Akutagawa suddenly charging toward the net.

"He's coming up?!" Ryoma's eyes narrowed. He immediately adjusted his swing, aiming for a spot near Akutagawa's feet.

Crack!

The ball shot toward Akutagawa's side of the court.

"Such control?!" Ootori and Hiyoshi from Hyotei exchanged surprised glances. They had assumed the Seigaku first-year was only known for his twist serve, but his precision was on another level.

"Not bad," Atobe acknowledged with a nod, though he quickly added, "But that kind of shot won't work on Jirou."

Swish!

Akutagawa swung his racket in an awkward motion, somehow managing to return the ball.

Thud!

But in doing so, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Plop...

The ball he returned barely cleared the net, landing softly on the other side.

"15-15!"

"What?!" The Seigaku team was in disbelief.

Momoshiro couldn't help but mutter, "This guy's luck is insane!"

Even the referee looked a bit flustered. "Akutagawa from Hyotei, please return to the court."

"Got it!" Akutagawa replied cheerfully, bouncing back onto the court.

"This guy..." Ryoma glanced at his opponent, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Akutagawa's behavior didn't seem like an act. And even if it was, what could he possibly gain from pretending to be a fool? Did he think Ryoma would underestimate him because of it? That would be a serious miscalculation.

Thwack!

Ryoma served another twist serve.

"Here it comes!" Akutagawa's face lit up with excitement.

The ball landed, spinning fiercely. As it bounced to the left, Akutagawa quickly shifted his stance and returned it with a swift stroke.

"He returned it?!" The Seigaku trio was stunned.

But Inui and the others remained calm. If Hyotei's No. 3 singles player couldn't handle a twist serve, that would've been more surprising.

Tap tap!

However, what caught everyone off guard was Akutagawa suddenly charging toward the net.

"He's coming up?!" Ryoma's eyes narrowed. He immediately adjusted his swing, aiming for a spot near Akutagawa's feet.

Crack!

The ball shot toward Akutagawa's side of the court.

"Such control?!" Ootori and Hiyoshi from Hyotei exchanged surprised glances. They had assumed the Seigaku first-year was only known for his twist serve, but his precision was on another level.

"Not bad," Atobe acknowledged with a nod, though he quickly added, "But that kind of shot won't work on Jirou."

Swish!

Akutagawa swung his racket in an awkward motion, somehow managing to return the ball.

Thud!

But in doing so, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Plop...

The ball he returned barely cleared the net, landing softly on the other side.

"15-15!"

"What?!" The Seigaku team was in disbelief.

Momoshiro couldn't help but mutter, "This guy's luck is insane!"

Even the referee looked a bit flustered. "Akutagawa from Hyotei, please return to the court."

"Got it!" Akutagawa replied cheerfully, bouncing back onto the court.

"This guy..." Ryoma glanced at his opponent, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes. Akutagawa's behavior didn't seem like an act. And even if it was, what could he possibly gain from pretending to be a fool? Did he think Ryoma would underestimate him because of it? That would be a serious miscalculation.

Thwack!

Just like before, Akutagawa returned the serve and quickly rushed to the net. Ryoma, thinking his opponent was getting a bit too cocky, aimed another shot at Akutagawa’s feet.

"Hmph!" Kikumaru smirked confidently. "Let’s see if your luck holds this time."

Crack!

Akutagawa’s racket met the ball again, and just like before, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Plop...

The ball rolled softly to the other side of the court.

"This..." Inoue stared in disbelief. "Is Akutagawa’s luck just that good?"

"Luck?" Nanjiroh, standing nearby, chuckled and shook his head. "This isn’t luck. It’s his natural talent."

"W-what do you mean?" Aiba asked, clearly confused.

But despite her confusion, she didn’t doubt Nanjiroh’s insight into tennis.

"Have you heard of John McEnroe?" Nanjiroh asked, turning to Inoue.

Inoue nodded quickly. "The former American pro, known as the 'King of Tennis.' Are you saying Akutagawa has the same kind of talent as him?"

"Exactly," Nanjiroh replied with a satisfied smile. "John McEnroe had an unparalleled sense of the game. His wrist flexibility allowed him to return shots from any angle, and he could adjust the angle of his racket face mid-swing with incredible precision."

"In other words," Nanjiroh continued, his gaze shifting back to Akutagawa with admiration, "as long as this kid is near the net, his volleys are practically unstoppable."

"That’s incredible!" Inoue and Aiba exchanged looks, both clearly impressed.

Thwack!

"15-40!"

Thwack!

"Game! Akutagawa of Hyotei leads 1-0. Change sides!"

In the blink of an eye, Akutagawa had scored multiple points with his seemingly magical volleys.

"Akutagawa’s 'Magic Volley' is practically unstoppable," Mukahi remarked with a sigh. "This is probably the first time that Seigaku first-year has faced something like this."

"Yeah," Takashi agreed, nodding. "At this rate, the finals might be decided in the third singles match."

As they spoke, their expressions were mixed with admiration and a hint of envy. Despite being third-years like them, Akutagawa, who spent most of his time sleeping, was far more skilled. It was a stark reminder of how much natural talent mattered in tennis.

"Will the finals really end in the third singles match?" Ishikawa glanced toward the Seigaku team, his eyes settling on the calm first-year. "By now, he’s probably figured out how to counter the Magic Volley, hasn’t he?"

---

(End of chapter.)