After Hyotei's regulars selection ended, Tennis Weekly published a piece of news that sent shock waves through Japan's entire junior high tennis world.
<Shocking! Three National-Level Players Gather at Hyotei—Could They Already Be the Strongest in the Nation?>
Hyotei, Class 1-A.
As Kannagi Shinichi read the news in Tennis Weekly, he felt an intense sense of déjà vu for some reason. It was as if, in his previous life, some browser had loved writing headlines just like this.
"This Tennis Weekly has a decent eye for talent."
Atobe Keigo took the magazine from Kannagi's hand. Looking at the detailed profiles of Hyotei's three National-level players, he found the photo of himself leaping high for a smash. He rubbed his chin and said with a slight smile.
Kannagi Shinichi spoke up beside him. "If Hyotei doesn't win the National Tournament this year, we'll become the biggest laughingstock in the tennis world."
Looking at the praise heaped on Hyotei in Tennis Weekly, Kannagi knew that although the school was basking in the limelight now, if they failed to win the National Tournament in the end, everyone would laugh at them.
"Heh..." Atobe scoffed at Kannagi's words. "Hey, Kannagi, do you really think Hyotei can't win the National Tournament this year?"
Atobe's words sounded like a question, but the confidence in his voice made it clear just how certain he was that Hyotei would win the National Tournament.
Kannagi glanced at Atobe, his own voice just as firm. "No. Hyotei will definitely stand at the top of the nation this year."
When Kannagi finished speaking, their gazes met. Then the corners of their mouths lifted, and they smiled at each other, as if that smile said everything that needed to be said.
Kanagawa.
A new round of regulars selection had just