After the warm-up, under Ishikawa's arrangement, each group began their training in an orderly manner. Unlike before, Ishikawa reduced the focus on racket swings and instead increased the emphasis on physical conditioning.
Push-ups, shuttle runs, pull-ups, and more—training that targeted the upper body, lower body, and core. This high-intensity regimen naturally left everyone exhausted.
However, since quitting meant leaving the club, everyone pushed through, refusing to fall behind.
The newcomers didn't want to miss this opportunity to improve their skills, and they also wanted to prove that they weren't inferior to their seniors.
As for the second and third-years, they didn't want to lose to the newcomers either. Everyone gritted their teeth and persevered until the end. Except for some members of the second team and the regulars, most of the team collapsed to the ground after the first half of the training session.
"Everyone, take a break."
During this time, Ishikawa called out, "Regulars and second-team members, begin the next phase of training."
"Huh?"
Hearing this, some second-team members looked uneasy. "We haven't even rested yet, and now we have to train again?"
"That's right."
Ishikawa didn't mince words. "Since you've earned a status and honor that others don't have, you must also shoulder a training load that others don't have to bear."
"Of course," he added, "you can choose to quit. But let me make this clear—anyone, including regulars, who fails to complete their training tasks will either lose their regular status or face punishment."
At these words, the group's expressions changed.
Despite being a first-year, Ishikawa's authority was no less intimidating than that of a seasoned third-year senior.
With the backing of Coach Sakaki Taro and Atobe, no one dared to challenge his authority at this moment.
"Um... excuse me," one of the second-team members hesitated before asking softly, "What exactly is the punishment?"
"Actually, it's not really a punishment."
At this point, Ishikawa pulled out a large bottle of murky, dark green liquid. "This is a drink I developed based on someone else's recipe. You can call it herbal tea. Anyone who fails to meet the training requirements must drink 50 milliliters of this."
"C-can this even be consumed?"
Seeing the so-called "punishment tea," Mukahi gulped, his voice trembling slightly.
His stamina was notoriously poor within Hyotei, and the warm-up training had already worn him out. However, out of pride as a regular, he hadn't shown it.
But now, with Ishikawa announcing that there would be no rest, he couldn't help but speak up.
"Of course it can."
Ishikawa smiled and, to everyone's astonishment, poured himself a cup of the punishment tea and drank it in one go.
*Gulp.*
The group collectively swallowed hard, their respect for Ishikawa growing even more.
"What a tough guy!"
Hiyoshi thought to himself, impressed. No wonder this guy had defeated him. He could drink something that looked so terrifying without hesitation.
"By the way," Ishikawa added as if remembering something, "this drink can help quickly recover stamina and reduce fatigue after intense exercise. It's very helpful for training."
"I see."
Ootori nodded, as if his doubts had been resolved. "In that case, this drink—er, herbal tea—should be fine."
"But... but..."
Mukahi, Akutagawa, and others still looked terrified.
"What's there to be afraid of?"
A bold voice rang out.
Then, a boy with short brown hair and a light blue baseball cap walked toward Ishikawa.
It was none other than Shishido, who, after losing to Ishikawa and Oshitari, had cut his long hair as a sign of determination.
Being straightforward by nature, Shishido didn't care about the color of the "herbal tea."
In his mind, if Ishikawa could drink it, so could he.
"Here," he said loudly as he approached Ishikawa, "give me a cup."
"Sure."
Ishikawa smiled, poured a full cup, and handed it to him.
"Hmph, it's just a drink. Look how scared you all are!"
Shishido scoffed at the others before downing the 50 milliliters of "herbal tea" in one go.
"Amazing!"
"That's our Shishido-senpai!"
"Right, this is what a third-year should be like!"
Seeing Shishido's actions, the others secretly cheered him on.
"Huh?"
However, after swallowing the "herbal tea," Shishido's eyes widened as the liquid hit his taste buds. A mix of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty flavors exploded in his mouth, overwhelming his senses.
His eyes visibly reddened as an indescribable sensation washed over him.
"ARGHHH!!!"
Then, with a scream, Shishido spat out the herbal tea. Ishikawa, anticipating this, dodged just in time to avoid being splashed.
"Water... I need water..."
Shishido looked at Ishikawa, his voice weak and hoarse. "Give... give me some water..."
"Sorry, senpai," Ishikawa replied with a smile. "This training area doesn't provide water. Only those who complete their tasks can replenish their fluids."
"D-damn it..."
Shishido's face paled. He pushed Ishikawa aside and bolted toward the exit of the court.
"I... I can't..."
*Thud!*
But after just two steps, he collapsed to the ground, as if all his strength had been drained.
Silence.
The entire court fell into an eerie quiet as everyone stared at the fallen Shishido.
"Um... is Shishido-senpai okay?" Ootori finally broke the silence, unable to hold back his concern.
"He's fine. He won't die."
Ishikawa's response was calm. "His taste buds were overstimulated, and his mind couldn't handle it, causing him to faint. He'll be fine in a bit."
"I... see..."
Ootori's mouth twitched. At this moment, he realized how naive he had been earlier. Deep down, he began to feel a sense of fear toward Ishikawa.
This guy was ruthless!
Not just to others, but to himself as well!
"Alright, let's start training."
Ishikawa looked up at the others. Immediately, everyone except Atobe, including Oshitari, straightened up.
Even the second-team members who had been complaining earlier now seemed energized. Mukahi, in particular, felt as if he had an endless supply of strength.
Everyone displayed a level of enthusiasm they had never shown before.
"This kid's got quite the method!"
Watching the team's morale skyrocket under Ishikawa's leadership and supervision, Coach Sakaki Taro smiled with satisfaction.
At this rate, Hyotei's overall strength would undoubtedly improve faster than before.
This gave him a glimmer of hope. In the upcoming Kantō Tournament, Hyotei might just have a chance against Rikkai!
Time flew by.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament was just one day away.
Under Ishikawa's supervision, Hyotei's training had settled into a steady rhythm. After overcoming the initial difficulties and adapting to the training load, even Suzuki and Uesugi no longer resisted the regimen.
On the contrary.
The high-intensity training had given them stronger, healthier bodies. Feeling the tangible improvements in themselves, they now refused to stop training, even if Ishikawa told them to.
Evening.
After finishing the day's training, Ishikawa waited until everyone had left before heading to a secluded corner of the court. There, he began practicing his ancient martial arts routines.
Fists, feet, body, and mind—as he moved through the slow, deliberate forms, an indescribable sense of comfort spread through his entire being.
*Buzz!*
Suddenly, as if a light had switched on in his mind, Ishikawa felt a barrier he had been struggling with finally break.
**[Ding!]**
At the same time, the system's voice rang out.
**[Player's secondary profession, Ancient Martial Arts, has broken through. Current level: Lv3.]**
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**End of Chapter**