After the brief interlude of his match with Inui, Ishikawa returned to Hyotei.
Back in his dorm, he took a shower and began studying the day's reward: **[Inui Juice Recipe]**, dropped by Inui.
**[Inui Juice Recipe: A special item documenting a series of sports-enhancing beverages developed by Inui Sadaharu. Includes vegetable juice, penalty tea, wild vegetable juice, special penalty tea, and blue vinegar.]**
**[Penalty Tea: Half a tomato, half a red cabbage, half a red pineapple, half an apple, half a banana, a small amount of garlic, seven spices, two large cups of soybean powder, a large portion of Tabasco sauce, and 50 ml of water.]**
**[Preparation Method: 1. Wash all vegetables and fruits. 2. Chop the vegetables and dice the fruits. 3. Blend thoroughly in a fruit blender.]**
**[Effects: Restores stamina after exercise, promotes beauty and skin health, relieves constipation.]**
"As expected of Inui Juice..."
After reading the ingredient list, Ishikawa couldn't help but shake his head slightly.
In the original story, this was a terrifying drink that struck fear into most of the main cast. With its mix of vegetables, fruits, and Tabasco sauce, anyone with a weak stomach would likely end up with an upset stomach.
However, as a training fanatic, Ishikawa couldn't resist trying it.
He immediately headed to the Hyotei tennis club's dining hall and found the staff member in charge of managing ingredients.
Seeing Ishikawa, the staff member was very polite. After all, Ishikawa's reputation in the Hyotei tennis club was sky-high, especially after leading the team to victory in the regional tournament. He was practically the de facto next captain of the tennis club.
When the staff member heard Ishikawa's request, they didn't hesitate to help gather all the necessary ingredients.
Fortunately, Atobe's deep pockets meant that the kitchen was well-stocked, and aside from a few rare items, everything Ishikawa needed was available.
Soon, the staff member had gathered all the ingredients.
"Um... Ishikawa-kun," the staff member rubbed their hands together and smiled, "If you're planning to cook something, we can help you with that."
"Thank you," Ishikawa said without hesitation. "Please help me process these ingredients. Chop the vegetables and fruits as finely as possible, add the seasonings, soybean powder, and water, then blend everything thoroughly in a fruit blender."
"Blend?!"
The staff member thought they had misheard and looked at Ishikawa in disbelief.
Ishikawa nodded. "Yes, just do as I said."
"Alright then..."
The staff member proceeded to chop the ingredients and followed Ishikawa's instructions step by step.
A short while later, a large cup of thick, murky liquid was poured into a glass.
"Gulp."
Seeing the dense, cloudy liquid in the glass, the staff member couldn't help but swallow hard.
They secretly guessed that Ishikawa was planning to prank some other tennis club member. They couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the unfortunate victim.
"Wait... what are you doing?"
But then, the staff member's eyes widened in shock.
Ishikawa poured a small amount of the liquid into a cup and, without hesitation, brought it to his lips and drank it.
"Whoa!!!"
The staff member couldn't help but gasp.
This was too hardcore!
He actually drank that stuff?!
This... this isn't something humans are supposed to drink, right?!
At that moment, the staff member was filled with admiration for Ishikawa.
"Phew..."
After drinking 50 ml of the penalty tea, Ishikawa felt his fatigue noticeably diminish. He took a deep breath and smiled faintly.
"The taste isn't bad, just a bit strange. But I'll probably get used to it after a few more tries."
"A few more tries?!"
The staff member thought they had misheard again and stared at Ishikawa as if he were a monster.
So, he was planning to make this his daily drink?!
"Thank you."
After expressing his gratitude, Ishikawa packed up the remaining Inui juice and left.
"No wonder he's such a prominent figure in the tennis club."
Watching Ishikawa's retreating figure, the staff member was filled with respect. Anyone who could conquer that 'beverage' must have an extraordinary willpower!
"Hey, Ishikawa-kun!"
Just as Ishikawa stepped out of the dining hall, he heard a voice calling him. Turning around, he saw Coach Tōru sitting in the dining area.
"Good evening, Coach."
Ishikawa walked over to him.
"Have a seat."
Coach Tōru smiled. "Do you have a moment? I'd like to talk with you."
"I should have some time."
Ishikawa sat down and noticed the clean plate and empty wine glass in front of the coach. It was clear that the coach had been waiting for him for a while.
"What would you like to discuss?"
"Nothing too serious," Coach Tōru wiped his hands and smiled. "I'd like to hear your thoughts on the future development of the tennis club."
"Oh?"
Ishikawa was slightly surprised.
Although everyone, including himself, knew that he was the likely successor to Atobe as the next captain of the tennis club, he was still somewhat taken aback by Coach Tōru's proactive approach.
The coach's question was clearly a test to see if Ishikawa had what it took to be a captain.
If this were Chōtarō, he would probably give a conservative answer, like maintaining training intensity and fostering team unity.
If it were Hiyoshi, the ambitious guy would undoubtedly declare his intention to defeat Rikkai in the Kantō and National tournaments, leading Hyotei to the top.
As for Ishikawa...
If this conversation had happened before his match today, he might have made up some generic response to brush it off.
However, after experiencing the powerful effects of Inui Juice, he thought for a moment and said, "The goal of the team's development is simple: victory."
"Hmm."
Coach Tōru nodded slightly. The answer was straightforward but somewhat vague. He looked at Ishikawa and said, "Go on."
"To achieve victory, we need strength. And since tennis is a team sport, we need overall strength."
Ishikawa spoke calmly. "Therefore, I believe it's necessary to increase the team's training intensity."
"Not a bad idea."
Coach Tōru nodded in approval, but then he asked, "But what if the players can't handle the increased workload? And if too many players quit because of the intense training, wouldn't that have a negative impact?"
"The human body isn't that fragile."
Ishikawa, sensing the coach's probing, smiled. "The current training intensity is far from their so-called limits. As for the impact..."
He looked at the coach, his smile widening. "Coach, do you think the number of 200 tennis club members is more important, or winning the Kantō and National tournaments is more important?"
"Oh?"
Hearing Ishikawa's words, Coach Tōru raised an eyebrow.
This kid... is quite bold!
To dare to ask such a question, even Atobe wouldn't say something like that now. Though the Atobe from two years ago might have.
In Ishikawa, Coach Tōru saw a glimpse of the confident and ambitious figure Atobe had been two years ago.
Thinking this, he smiled and said, "Ishikawa-kun, if I were to give you full authority over this task, do you think you could deliver results?"
"Full authority?"
Ishikawa raised an eyebrow. "Including Captain Atobe?"
"Of course!"
Coach Tōru nodded with a smile.
Currently, Hyotei had no trouble dominating Tokyo. The real challenge lay in facing Rikkai in the Kantō and National tournaments.
Rather than sticking to the same old strategies against Rikkai, why not let this 'shark' of a boy, as Atobe called him, stir things up and bring a fresh approach?
"Alright, I accept."
Ishikawa nodded without hesitation.
If even Atobe fell under his management, the task of improving the team's strength would become much simpler.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."
Ishikawa stood up, holding the prepared penalty tea, and was about to leave.
"Hmm?"
Noticing the drink in Ishikawa's hand, Coach Tōru asked curiously, "What's that you're holding?"
"This?"
Ishikawa smiled meaningfully. "It's a special fatigue-relieving herbal tea I made. It's quite effective. I'll have everyone try it during next week's training."
With that, he left.
"Herbal tea, huh?"
Coach Tōru watched Ishikawa's retreating figure and nodded in satisfaction. "With such a thoughtful and dedicated leader, the team members are probably going to be over the moon."
After this conversation, Coach Tōru's resolve to support Ishikawa's vision grew even stronger.
---
(End of Chapter)