"0-15!"
The silence on the court was broken by the umpire's announcement of the score.
"No way... Tachibana-senpai..."
On Fudomine's side, Ishida, Sakurai, and the others couldn't believe their eyes. "He didn't even react in time?"
"He's too fast!"
Kamio and Ibu were equally stunned.
"That guy's reaction speed is terrifying!"
Outside the court, Inui couldn't help but marvel.
Ishikawa's half-volley was executed at the perfect moment. The force and angle of his shot were flawless.
Half-volley against half-volley.
The collision of power and speed between the two players allowed Ishikawa to borrow some of the force from Tachibana's shot. This was why his half-volley was even faster than usual.
Of course, while it might seem simple, in reality, finding someone who could accurately judge and return Tachibana's half-volley in such a short time was nearly impossible.
Only someone with Ishikawa's incredible insight could pull it off.
"Shishido!"
Outside the court, Atobe narrowed his eyes and glanced at Shishido beside him.
"Yeah."
Shishido nodded heavily, his gaze fixed on Ishikawa with a mix of emotions. "That's definitely my Super Half-Volley."
Although Ishikawa was using a half-volley, the footwork and posture during the shot were unmistakably similar to Shishido's own Super Half-Volley.
No!
But then, Shishido quickly dismissed that thought.
"He's not just copying my style. His half-volley... is even better than mine!"
At this realization, Shishido clenched his fists tightly.
This was unbelievable!
Not only had Ishikawa defeated him outright, but now he was using a superior version of Shishido's signature move right in front of him.
And yet, Shishido couldn't even complain.
After all, Ishikawa's mastery of volleys and half-volleys had far surpassed his own.
However, after the initial wave of emotions, Shishido calmed down.
The fact that Ishikawa had scored against Tachibana proved that he wasn't acting recklessly. He had come prepared.
"But... a first-year at the national level?"
The absurd thought crossed Shishido's mind, but he quickly shook his head, dismissing it entirely.
It was just too demoralizing.
*Tap! Tap! Tap!*
On the court, Tachibana rhythmically bounced the tennis ball.
Losing a point had made him reevaluate the young player before him. Ishikawa's speed, power, and anticipation were all exceptional, far exceeding Tachibana's initial expectations.
"I never expected Hyotei to produce such a formidable rookie this year!"
Even now, Tachibana still saw Ishikawa through the lens of being a "rookie."
*Crack!*
With that, he served the ball again.
Just like before, the shot was incredibly fast. When it hit the ground, the sheer force caused the dust to scatter in all directions, showcasing its power.
*Crack!*
However, Ishikawa reacted quickly.
With a backhand stroke, he sent the ball diagonally across the court.
"Hmph."
Tachibana raised an eyebrow and closed in on the ball. Without hesitation, he executed a half-volley, striking the ball the moment it bounced off the ground.
"Amazing!"
Watching the ball fly through the air, Shishido, Inui, and the others couldn't help but admire Tachibana's skill.
His half-volley was executed beautifully!
Tachibana's explosive power and his impeccable timing were on full display.
Moreover, after Ishikawa's return, Tachibana accelerated again, moving closer to the net and delivering a powerful stroke. He continued to advance, step by step, pressing forward relentlessly.
"This pressure!!"
Outside the court, representatives from various schools, and even some casual spectators who didn't fully understand tennis, could feel the weight of Tachibana's presence.
At this moment, Tachibana felt like a beast steadily closing in on its prey. With each step forward, his aura and intimidation grew stronger.
In just a few exchanges, Tachibana had already advanced to the net.
"Gasp!"
Seeing this, the members of Hyotei's support team couldn't help but inhale sharply.
This momentum was overwhelming!
Since they had started watching Ishikawa's matches, they had never seen him pushed to such an extent.
Not by Hiyoshi, not by Shishido, and not even by Oshitari!
And now, this nationally-ranked player from Kyushu was doing exactly that.
"This kid's resilience is surprisingly strong!"
In truth, while others were in awe of Tachibana's relentless pressure, Tachibana himself was equally surprised by Ishikawa's tenacity and endurance.
His shots were heavy.
Although they weren't as powerful as Ishida's Wave Shot, the continuous barrage of aggressive play would have forced most players to retreat.
Yet, the young player before him remained steadfast at the baseline.
Just this one point.
Tachibana's evaluation of Ishikawa rose significantly in his mind!
*Swish!*
Immediately after.
Tachibana raised his racket.
To the surprise of the onlookers, instead of a powerful drive, Tachibana gently sliced the ball with his racket.
*Tap-tap-tap...*
"15-15!"
"A... a drop shot?"
The spectators were baffled, especially the Fudomine players. They had imagined Tachibana using his fierce drives to completely overwhelm the Hyotei first-year.
But instead...
He just played a drop shot?
This didn't align with Tachibana's identity as one of the Kyushu Duo, a national-level powerhouse!
"Did he see through it?"
Seeing Tachibana's drop shot, Ishikawa couldn't help but shake his head. "As expected of a national-level player. He's already predicted that a prolonged rally would create unnecessary variables."
Originally.
Ishikawa had deliberately lured Tachibana to the net, aiming to steer the match toward a long, drawn-out rally.
Yes, Ishikawa's stamina stat was only 2.5.
But for a single-set match, that was more than enough. More importantly, he wanted to exploit Tachibana's "idol burden" and provoke his emotions.
If Tachibana chose to attack aggressively but failed to break through, and if his fiery personality led him to stubbornly insist on breaking Ishikawa's defense, he would fall right into Ishikawa's trap.
In that case.
Ishikawa could continuously gather data on this national-level player while gradually wearing down his patience.
Unfortunately.
Tachibana's decision was decisive. He used the quickest way to score—a drop shot—to end the rally.
"In that case."
Moving to his receiving position, Ishikawa looked at Tachibana, whose aura was growing stronger and beginning to exert pressure on him. He narrowed his eyes and thought, "It seems I'll have to settle this with fast-paced attacks!"
"Hey, hey!!"
At that moment, Tachibana's voice rang out. "Don't get distracted while playing against me."
*Thud!*
As soon as he spoke.
A powerful serve shot out from his racket.
"This Tachibana..."
The expressions of the spectators outside the court turned peculiar.
In tennis, deception and winning were everything. This was the first time they'd seen a player remind their opponent to stay focused.
If it were anyone else.
They would've seized the opportunity to launch a sudden attack.
Of course.
They didn't know that while Ishikawa appeared distracted, his attention was entirely on Tachibana. Even if Tachibana had tried a surprise attack, Ishikawa would've reacted instantly.
However, this also highlighted Tachibana's character.
Bold, magnanimous, and chivalrous, like a hero from ancient times. His playing style reflected this as well.
Aggressive, fierce, but always fair and upright.
Facing Ishikawa's return, Tachibana immediately launched an attack. Swinging his racket with force, he aimed at the incoming ball and smashed it.
*Bang!*
A loud crack echoed.
The ball shot back like an arrow, and upon landing, it kicked up a cloud of dust from the court.
"This guy is really fierce!"
Oshitari's heart trembled as he watched.
The more he had resented Ishikawa for taking his singles 3 spot earlier, the more relieved he felt now.
If it were him.
He would've been no match for this powerhouse.
Forget about matching Tachibana's speed—just blocking one powerful shot after another would've left his arm numb and sore.
*Thud!*
In contrast.
Facing Tachibana's attacks, Ishikawa not only held his ground but also shifted from defense to offense, countering with equal force!
*Thud!*
At this moment.
Tachibana, feeling the weight of the ball on his arm, raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Is this kid trying to go toe-to-toe with me?"
Thinking this.
He couldn't help but grin, putting even more power into his shot. "You've got guts, and I like that!"
"Hah!"
With a shout.
Tachibana smashed the ball back.
"Bring it on!"
Ishikawa also steeled himself, raising his racket to meet the ball. The moment the ball bounced, he executed the key to early hitting, seizing the opportunity to swing his racket swiftly.
*Swish!*
In that instant.
The spectators were shocked to see a faint afterimage trailing Ishikawa's racket.
"That swing speed?!?!"
Inui's expression changed, and Inoue looked equally astonished.
Too fast!
Having adjusted to the rhythm of the match, they couldn't even see the point of contact clearly.
*Bang!*
A loud crack.
The ball was driven back by Ishikawa.
"No contact point?"
On the other side, Tachibana also narrowed his eyes.
Although he was a nationally-ranked player, his eyesight was only above average. For this shot, he only caught a faint glimpse of the ball's trajectory and missed the exact point of contact.
However, Tachibana was, after all, a nationally-ranked player.
Relying on his extensive experience, his ears instantly picked up the general direction of the ball's landing point as soon as it was struck.
Without hesitation, the Lion of Kyushu took a decisive step to his left, moving about half a meter.
*Crack!*
The next moment, the ball landed exactly where Tachibana had predicted.
Without wasting a second, he unleashed a powerful stroke, and Ishikawa countered with an equally fierce return.
*Bam! Bam! Bam!*
On the court, the two players moved rapidly from side to side.
Both of their shots were heavy and deep, effectively preventing the other from advancing to the net.
"Gulp."
Watching this, players like Izumi and Fukawa from Gyokurin Middle School instinctively swallowed hard.
This was terrifying!
No one had expected the match to escalate to such an intense level so quickly.
On one side was the rumored ace player from Kyushu.
On the other was the mysterious "Mr. X," who had dominated their local street tennis courts and was now revealed to be Hyotei's new rookie!
Personally, they were rooting for Ishikawa to win.
But Tachibana was simply too dominant. His aggressive style of play was nerve-wracking to watch. Moreover, Ishikawa was only a first-year. Considering the age difference, Tachibana clearly had the upper hand.
*Bam! Bam! Bam!*
However, as the match's pace quickened, most of the spectators, including Izumi and Fukawa, suddenly realized they could no longer keep up with the players' movements.
"Gasp!"
"Are they really middle schoolers like us?"
"This is insane! Is this what national-level matches are like?"
"Tachibana is one thing, but how is that Hyotei rookie so strong? Is he also at the national level?"
"No way... right?"
Around the court, the crowd was left in stunned silence.
Players from other teams, who considered themselves aces or key players, also found themselves gaping as they watched the match unfold.
"Ishikawa... and Tachibana!"
Atobe clenched his fists tightly. He hadn't expected Ishikawa to choose a fast-paced, aggressive strategy against the Lion of Kyushu.
At first, he had been genuinely worried for Ishikawa.
But now, seeing how well Ishikawa was holding his own against Tachibana's onslaught, Atobe's anxiety began to ease.
As he calmed down, Atobe, with his superior observational skills, started to notice something in the exchange between the two players.
Tachibana's shots were powerful, fast, and relentless. Yet, Ishikawa was able to accurately judge each one and return them without backing down.
This showed that not only was Ishikawa's insight exceptional, but his speed and strength had also improved significantly over time.
"Of course, this kid never fights a battle he isn't prepared for."
Having interacted with Ishikawa for two months, Atobe had come to understand his personality. This first-year was incredibly calm, meticulous, and never acted without a plan.
Clearly, this showdown had been within Ishikawa's expectations.
Knowing Tachibana's reputation, Ishikawa must have understood the weight of facing one of the "Two Heroes of Kyushu." Yet, he had still chosen to step onto the court, which meant that what he was showing now wasn't even his full strength.
With this in mind, Atobe's narrowed eyes slowly opened. He was eager to see how this kid would bring the match to its conclusion.
*Bam! Bam! Bam!*
The relentless exchange continued.
As the intensity of their play reached a peak, the power and speed of their shots began to taper off slightly.
Even so, the impact on the spectators remained overwhelming.
"Is this kid really this tough?"
Unable to break through, Tachibana's brow furrowed slightly.
Although he hadn't engaged in such a fierce match in a long time, and his skills might have rusted a bit, that was no excuse for a first-year rookie to hold him off for so long.
Moreover, his instincts told him that if the stalemate continued, the situation might not remain in his favor.
With this thought, a glint of determination flashed in his eyes.
"I never thought I'd have to use this move against a first-year."
But once his mind was made up, Tachibana didn't hesitate.
Facing the incoming ball, he leaned forward, his leg muscles tensing. As the ball approached, he exploded into motion.
*Step! Step!*
Tachibana sprinted forward.
At the same time, he raised his racket, aimed at the tennis ball, and slammed it with full force.
**Bang!**
A loud explosion-like sound echoed.
The tennis ball shot forward like a bullet.
**Whoosh!**
**Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!!!**
In the next moment, under the astonished gazes of the crowd, the flying tennis ball split into about ten afterimages.
"It's here!"
Seeing this, Tachibana Kachiko, standing outside the wire fence, instinctively clenched her fists. "It's Big Brother's **[Exploding Shot]**!"
**Exploding Shot (Raging Ball/Raging Lion)!**
One of Tachibana's signature moves.
By using a violent swing, he makes the tennis ball vibrate at high speed, creating multiple afterimages that make it impossible to discern the real ball!
At this moment, the "Lion of Kyushu," faced with a prolonged stalemate, finally unleashed his ultimate technique!
"Exploding Shot, huh?"
As the multiple afterimages of the tennis ball flew toward him, unlike the panic everyone expected, Ishikawa's face revealed a faint smile.
"Since you've brought out your big move, Senior, I'll get serious too!"
The thought flashed through his mind.
Under the puzzled gazes of the onlookers, Ishikawa, who had been holding the racket with his right hand, suddenly switched his grip, placing the racket on his left side.
His right hand gripped the handle, while his left hand supported the edge of the racket.
At the same time, Ishikawa's aura underwent a dramatic change, giving off an air of profound mystery and extreme danger!
**Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!!!**
At that moment, the multiple afterimages of the ball flew close to Ishikawa.
A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. His left thumb pushed forward, while his right hand, gripping the racket, swung it in a reverse motion, as if drawing a bamboo sword.
**[Heart Shift: Draw Slash]!**
**Ssshhhk!**
As the racket moved, it seemed to slice through the air, emitting a sharp, piercing sound. The racket itself turned into a blur, leaving only afterimages.
**Clang!**
In the next instant, accompanied by a metallic clashing sound reminiscent of swords colliding, one of the tennis balls within the afterimages was struck and sent flying back.
**Thud!**
Before Tachibana could even react, the ball shot between his legs.
**Whoosh!**
**Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!!!**
Meanwhile, the remaining afterimages of the tennis ball passed by Ishikawa and dissipated into nothingness.
**Silence.**
The entire court fell completely quiet.
Even the referee on the high chair was stunned by what had just happened, unable to call out the score for a long time.
**(End of Chapter)**