"Hah..."
In a corner of the training grounds, Ishikawa let out a long exhale.
Success!
He had finally bridged the connection between kendo and tennis, carving out a unique path that belonged solely to him.
"The true essence of kendo, huh?"
With a thought, Ishikawa opened his character stats panel.
---
**[Name: Ishikawa Shin]**
**[Age: 12]**
**[Identity: First-year student at Hyotei Academy, Regular Member of the Tennis Club (Experience Gain +5%), Street Tennis Legend (Experience Gain +50%, limited to this court)]**
**[Main Profession: Tennis Lv. 30 (340/8000)]**
**[Sub-Professions: Kendo Lv. 9, Shogi Lv. 9, Ancient Martial Arts Lv. 2)]**
**[Attributes: Speed 2, Power 2.5, Stamina 2, Technique 4.2, Mental Strength 4.2, Total: 14.9]**
**[Basic Skills: Serve Lv. 6 (3845/10000), Drive Lv. 6 (3705/10000), Topspin Lv. 6 (2946/10000), Side Spin Lv. 6 (2877/10000), Smash Lv. 5 (1005/1200)]**
**[Advanced Skills: Star Scar Lv. 5 (76/2400), Twist Serve Lv. 4 (860/1000), Gale Lv. 4 (845/1000), Awakening Lv. 4 (820/1000), Bear Drop Lv. 3 (85/200)]**
**[Special Ability: True Essence of Kendo Lv. 1]**
**[Remaining Sub-Profession Points: 3]**
**[Remaining Skill Points: 63]**
**[Items: None]**
**[Evaluation: A newly national-level player with extraordinary tennis potential.]**
---
Compared to half a month ago, Ishikawa's strength had undergone a qualitative leap.
If he went all out now, he could absolutely compete with the top players in Japan's middle school tennis scene. In terms of skills and attributes, he was no less impressive than any of them.
Moreover, he had unlocked a special ability unique to himself.
---
**[True Essence of Kendo Lv. 1: A special ability born from the fusion of kendo's profound principles and tennis. When activated, it surrounds the user with sharp sword-like energy, enhancing the speed, spin, and destructive power of their shots.]**
---
Judging from the description, this ability was on par with the secrets of the "Zone" and the "Beastly Aura."
With this ability, Ishikawa could clearly feel that his strength had increased by at least 20% compared to before he had unlocked it.
And this was only the effect of the True Essence of Kendo at Level 1.
Additionally, this was just the special ability he had gained from integrating kendo into his tennis. He still had a maxed-out shogi sub-profession and an ancient martial arts sub-profession that was on the verge of breaking through.
At this thought, a glint of determination flashed in Ishikawa's eyes. "If the path of kendo works, then other sub-professions must also be able to bring additional special abilities!"
Moreover, he was well aware that what he had unlocked so far was only a fraction of the potential of his maxed-out kendo skills. As the two abilities continued to merge, he could achieve incredible heights even if he solely focused on the path of kendo tennis.
Afterward, Ishikawa repeatedly practiced and activated the **[True Essence of Kendo]**, striving to increase the ability's proficiency as quickly as possible.
During this time, he also began to grasp some of its characteristics.
Like the "Zone," the True Essence of Kendo consumed a tremendous amount of stamina when first activated, especially when the user wasn't yet proficient.
However, since Ishikawa had mastered kendo to its highest level, he quickly became familiar with the **[True Essence of Kendo]** state, reducing the stamina consumption.
After another two minutes of practicing in the "Kendo Mode," Ishikawa ended his training and left the grounds.
Before bed, he ran through three sets of ancient martial arts routines, then finally went to sleep.
---
**The Next Day**
At the Hyotei Tennis Club, Ishikawa, who had integrated morning training into his daily routine, had already completed his practice before most students even arrived at school.
This scene was observed by Tōru Sakaki from his office on the fourth floor.
"This kid is a true training maniac!"
Sakaki was growing more and more satisfied with Ishikawa. In his mind, there was no one else besides Ishikawa who could succeed Atobe as the future leader of Hyotei.
Because of this, during the afternoon training session, Sakaki made a rare appearance and gathered everyone together.
"As you all know, May marks the start of this year's new season," Sakaki said solemnly.
The Japanese middle school tennis league was divided into regional preliminaries, prefectural tournaments, regional tournaments, and finally, the national championships.
The first weekend of May was when the regional preliminaries began.
For this reason, most schools needed to finalize their regular lineup before the preliminaries to prepare for the matches.
However, as the reigning champion of Tokyo, Hyotei's approach was different from other schools.
So, when Sakaki finished speaking, the members of the club, especially the second and third-year students, immediately perked up.
"As with last year, the second team will represent us in the preliminaries," Sakaki said, his expression unchanging. "There will be eight representatives. Three spots have already been decided: Ishikawa Shin, Shishido Ryō, and Hiyoshi Wakashi. As for the team captain..."
At this, everyone's eyes turned to Ishikawa, Shishido, and Hiyoshi.
Sakaki continued calmly, "Ishikawa Shin will serve as the captain for this year's regional preliminaries."
Huh?
Most of the members were visibly surprised.
Yes, Ishikawa was a regular, but as a first-year, he had no experience in official matches.
Under these circumstances, shouldn't Shishido, a third-year who had been a regular before, be the more logical choice?
But to everyone's surprise, Shishido showed no reaction to Sakaki's decision, as if he didn't care at all.
On the other hand, Hiyoshi's expression stiffened, and he subconsciously clenched his fists.
"I see."
Meanwhile, perceptive regulars like Ōshitari and Mukahi quickly understood Sakaki's intentions.
It was clear that Sakaki was grooming Ishikawa to be Hyotei's future captain.
Looking at Atobe, who remained unfazed, it was obvious that the two had already reached an understanding.
Of course, no one could find fault with Ishikawa. The only issue—his lack of experience—wasn't a problem since this was just the regional preliminaries.
With Hyotei's dominance, there was no risk of losing, even if they sent the second team. Last year, they had used the second team for the early rounds of the prefectural tournament as well.
"As for the remaining five members..." Sakaki's voice drew everyone's attention again. "They will be selected from the six remaining second-team members."
At this, the remaining candidates immediately grew tense.
Meanwhile, the other second and third-year members who didn't make the cut couldn't hide their disappointment.
That afternoon, the final five members were selected.
Together with the initial three, they formed Hyotei's team for the regional preliminaries. And Ishikawa, the first-year, became the captain of this group of second and third-year players.
But none of the seven dared to look down on their new captain.
After all, this was the same guy who had fought his way into the regular lineup, even defeating someone as strong as Ōshitari!
---
**End of Chapter**