Hyotei's Future Regulars

The new school year arrived, and on the campus paths of Hyotei Academy, countless young men and women bustled about. Most of them were new students admitted to Hyotei this year.

The tennis club was no different. Last year, under Ochi Moonlight's leadership, Hyotei had reached the semifinals of the national tournament, making its name renowned throughout the country.

Therefore, the number of applications to join the tennis club this year far exceeded previous years.

A long line had formed at the tennis club's recruitment booth, undoubtedly filled with those wanting to join Hyotei's tennis club.

Kannagi Shinichi, wearing the Hyotei tennis club's athletic uniform, arrived not far from the recruitment area. He wanted to see if Akutsu had arrived yet.

Several members of the tennis club responsible for recruitment stood up upon seeing Kannagi Shinichi's arrival and bowed deeply, shouting, "Club President!"

Kannagi Shinichi gave a slight nod, then looked at the long line of people, searching for future Hyotei regulars.

After a quick scan, he found the "Hyotei Elementary Trio" within the crowd: Shishido Ryo, Mukahi Gakuto, and Akutagawa Jirou.

Seeing Kannagi Shinichi's gaze upon them, the three immediately bowed respectfully, "Club President."

Although Kannagi Shinichi was also a first-year freshman like them, he had been appointed as Hyotei's club president before the school year began and had earned the recognition of all the senior members of the tennis club.

Unlike Atobe Keigo in the original timeline, who seized control of the tennis club after defeating all the seniors upon enrollment, Kannagi Shinichi's position as club president was legitimate, having been personally appointed by the former club president and the tennis club's advisor.

At this moment, people around them turned their attention to Kannagi Shinichi, following the three's voices. Moments later, the entire campus was filled with calls of "Club President."

Kannagi Shinichi nodded at everyone with a cool expression, then looked towards the school gate not far away.

Fortunately, after waiting only a short while, Akutsu arrived before Kannagi Shinichi, carrying his tennis bag.

Looking at Akutsu, Kannagi Shinichi teased slightly, "That tennis bag you're carrying, you didn't steal it, did you?"

"Hmph! I didn't steal it," Akutsu snorted. This tennis bag was a gift from his grandmother for enrolling in Hyotei, and he cherished it dearly.

Hearing Akutsu's words, Kannagi Shinichi smiled faintly, then pointed to the tennis club recruitment booth, "Go fill out the membership application first. The advisor is waiting for you in the conference room."

Akutsu nodded expressionlessly at Kannagi Shinichi, then walked to the front of the recruitment line.

Kannagi Shinichi also spoke to a member responsible for recruitment, "Let him fill out the membership application first. Advisor Sakaki is waiting for him in the conference room."

Upon hearing this, the member quickly took out a membership application and handed it to Akutsu.

Akutsu filled it out swiftly and then followed Kannagi Shinichi to the tennis club's conference room.

As Kannagi Shinichi walked away, the people still lingering in their spots immediately began to discuss.

"Ryo, why did that white-haired mushroom-head leave with the department head?" Mukahi Gakuto asked Shishido Ryo.

"How should I know?" Shishido Ryo shook his head, then added with certainty, "But that guy is definitely not simple, otherwise the club president wouldn't personally lead him into the tennis club."

Just as Kannagi Shinichi led Akutsu away and the crowd buzzed with discussion, a luxurious limousine pulled up within the Hyotei Academy grounds, immediately drawing the attention of everyone around.

The car door slowly opened, and two youths emerged.

One was stoic and silent, while the other clearly reveled in the attention, a smile on his lips. "This place will be my kingdom from now on, right, Kabaji?"

"Yes."

Among these two, the stoic youth was named Kabaji Takahiro. He was only in the sixth grade of elementary school and had come to Hyotei Academy's junior high division today merely to accompany his childhood friend.

His childhood friend was the youth standing before him, Atobe Keigo.

Although his features were still somewhat youthful, they couldn't conceal Atobe Keigo's handsomeness. The single tear mole at the corner of his eye added even more charm to his face.

At this moment, Shishido Ryo, looking at Atobe Keigo's arrogant demeanor, grumbled quietly, "So full of himself. Who does he think he is, calling this his kingdom!"

Mukahi Gakuto also showed his displeasure, but Akutagawa Jirou beside him, grinning, didn't chime in, "I think he's quite interesting..."

On the other side, Kannagi Shinichi led Akutsu to Sakaki Taro and said, "Advisor, this is the Akutsu Jin I told you about."

Sakaki Taro sized up Akutsu, noting his untamed eyes and well-developed muscles. He secretly praised, "This kid looks like someone who won't give up easily."

At this point, Kannagi Shinichi addressed Akutsu, "This is our tennis club's advisor, and the highest decision-maker for our Hyotei tennis club, Advisor Sakaki."

Akutsu knew that his enrollment at Hyotei was thanks to the person in front of him, so he suppressed his arrogance and addressed him respectfully, "Advisor Sakaki."

Sakaki Taro nodded, satisfied with their attitudes. He then looked at Akutsu and said, "I heard from Kannagi that you haven't played much tennis before, so I will create a training plan tailored to your tennis foundation."

"Tha... Thank you..." Akutsu rarely said the word "thank you" to others, but after meeting Kannagi Shinichi, it seemed a new door had opened for him.

"Oh, right. I know your current residence is quite far from school, so the school provides dormitories. You can stay there." Sakaki Taro's tone was no longer as cold; after all, geniuses were given a little more leeway.

"I..." Akutsu hesitated, unwilling to leave his mother alone at home.

"You can go home anytime. I'll have someone reserve the dormitory for you," Sakaki Taro added, seemingly noticing Akutsu's dilemma.

"Thank you!" This time, Akutsu's thanks came out smoothly.

Just then, the campus broadcast announced:

"All teachers and students of Hyotei Academy Junior High are requested to proceed to the campus auditorium for the Hyotei Academy Freshman Opening Ceremony..."

Hearing the broadcast, Sakaki Taro did not stand up from his seat but addressed the two before him, "Go ahead."

Kannagi Shinichi and Akutsu bowed slightly, "Yes, Advisor."

Outside the conference room, Kannagi Shinichi's lips curved slightly, his mind filled with the legendary scene Atobe Keigo was about to create.

Sensing the shift in Kannagi Shinichi's mood, Akutsu asked coldly from the side, "You seem to be in a good mood?"

Glancing back at Akutsu, a faint smile appeared on Kannagi Shinichi's cool face. "Once we enter the school auditorium later, you'll discover just how interesting this year's batch of students truly is!"

Akutsu was completely bewildered by this. He then looked back at the advisor Sakaki Taro, who was still in the conference room, and asked Kannagi Shinichi, "Why doesn't Advisor Sakaki have to go, if it's not for all teachers and students?"

"Who do you think he is? He's Hyotei's advisor, Sakaki Taro!"