The Racket Was Broken

The Seigaku members clearly understood Horio's fighting style; the moment the purple aura appeared, they immediately realized what he meant.

"That's!? Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired...?"

"That's right, that's the Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired that Horio Satoshi possesses."

"It's truly unique; the purple is so vibrant."

"Hey, I'm still right here, can you watch your mouth?"

"Is he trying to counter Kintaro's move with 'Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired- Mastery'...? But Kintaro's move isn't so easy to counter..."

The people of Shitenhoji had various thoughts when they saw Horio activate the Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired.

While the crowd on the sidelines were discussing, the tennis ball had already been brought to Horio.

The violent blast of air caused Horio's clothes, pants, and hair to fly backward, but Horio stood there unmoved.

"It's over. Let's try again next year."

Horio immediately swung his racket, purple energy swirling around it, blocking Kintaro's full-force shot.

Then, Horio poured the purple aura from his arm into the tennis ball, enveloping it, and swung his arm forward while still shrouded in purple aura.

"It's Shatter! But... normally, doesn't the Shatter disappear after Horio's aura is infused into the tennis ball?"

"No, that was 'Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired. 'Horio used 'Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired' to retaliate twice as effectively, while also unleashing an even more powerful 'Shattering' Shatter."

Upon hearing Kikumaru's question, Inui flipped open his notebook and began searching.

On the court, the tennis ball, which Horio returned with double the power of his Hundred Refinements Self-Acquired, flew straight towards Kintaro.

While Kintaro was still falling after hitting the Super Invincible Absolutely Delicious Big Wheel Mountain Storm, he saw Horio return his strongest ball, and Kintaro immediately turned his body.

After pushing himself to his limits, Kintaro finally caught up.

"That felt so good!"

With an excited smile on his face, Kintaro swung his racket.

Bang!

The tennis ball struck the racket, Kintaro felt the immense power of the ball.

Just as he was about to increase his strength, a purple aura was released from the tennis ball, wrapping around Kintaro's arm along the racket.

"Ah!"

Kintaro cried out in pain, as if the muscles in his arm had been torn apart.

Even so, he didn't let go of the racket, but instead gripped it with his left hand as well.

It would have been better if I hadn't grasped it; once I did, the purple aura enveloped my left hand.

"Ouch, that hurts!"

Kintaro cried out in pain again, his face already covered in beads of sweat.

"What's wrong with Xiao Jin!? What's that purple aura?!"

"Xiao Jin, you're clearly in so much pain, why don't you let go of the racket? Let go of the racket, Xiao Jin!"

"That's Horio's Shatter, a move that puts strain on the opponent's arm muscles, causing them to give up catching the ball. I used this move against Kite Eishiro of Higa Junior High."

"I think the reason Xiao Jin didn't let go of his racket was because he was unwilling to give up. He finally got to play against the opponent he had been looking forward to day and night, how could he give up so easily?"

The others at Shitenhoji were unaware of Horio's Shatter, but Shiraishi and Chitose, who had watched Horio's match, were well aware of it.

"No! I have to hit that ball back, I absolutely have to hit it back!"

On the court, Kintaro's arm was already torn by the purple aura, but he still persevered with his willpower.

"While this spirit and will are commendable, it is still in vain."

Horio saw Kintaro's actions but wasn't worried that he could get back at Shatter.

Click... thud...

After enduring the pain for a few seconds, Kintaro finally released his grip on the racket.

But this wasn't surprising; the moment Kintaro let go, his wooden racket also broke.

The racket, now broken in two, and the tennis ball flew backward together, while Kintaro, looking pained, remained rooted to the spot.

"Little Jin!"

Are you alright, Kintaro?

"Quickly, get the first-aid kit out!"

"Xiao Jin... your racket..."

The Shitenhoji group was stunned for a long time before they reacted. Konjiki Koharu took out Kazuki Yuji first-aid kit and used it to relieve Kintaro pain and reduce his swelling.

The others stood beside Kintaro, comforting him, while Shiraishi picked up the broken racket.

"The racket that Grandma Sugi gave me... it broke..."

After the pain-relieving spray was applied to his arm, Kintaro's expression changed as he looked at the broken racket.

Firstly, because his teacher gave him the racket, and secondly, because his teacher made it specially for him.

"Grandma Sugi said that I would use this racket for a very long time, but it was broken after only a short time."

"Xiao Jin, don't be too sad. We'll figure out how to make another racket if it's broken."

"Yes, Kintaro, what you should be worried about now is your arm."

"If you knew your arm was in pain, why didn't you let go sooner? Your arm needs rest for a while now."

Seeing Kintaro lost in thought, the Shitenhoji group couldn't help but worry.

Is your arm alright?

At that moment, Horio also walked over, followed by the Seigaku members.

"Hmph, you really are amazing, Horio. I won't lose to you again next time."

Upon hearing Horio's words, Kintaro became somewhat serious.

"You're a very capable person, and I look forward to competing against you again next time."

After saying that, Horio turned and left.

"Don't linger here, let's go to the hospital right away. Horio's move was quite unique, it would be better to get him checked out."

Horio turned to leave, Oishi called out to remind him.

"Then we'll take our leave. We look forward to seeing you again."

Shiraishi didn't stand on ceremony; Kintaro's arm definitely needed to be checked.

After saying goodbye to the Seigaku members once again, the Shitenhoji group left.

"Alright, everyone, thank you for your hard work today. According to the schedule, the finals are at least a week away. We'll let you know the exact time during training. You can all go your separate ways today. See you at school tomorrow."

After the Shitenhoji group left, only the Seigaku group remained in the gymnasium.

After explaining a few things to everyone, Tezuka left alone.

"It seems that Horio and Toyama's shot just now really provoked Tezuka."

"He must be feeling the pressure too. The incredible strength displayed by these two super rookies would move anyone. And according to my data, Tooyama Kintaro's talent is even higher than Echizen's."

Watching Tezuka's departing figure, Fuji and Miki seemed to have figured something out.

After that, the Seigaku members dispersed. Although the finals were just around the corner, the continuous matches over the past few days had put them under too much pressure, so it wouldn't hurt to relax a bit in the afternoon.

Horio didn't linger long; after packing his things, he left with his tennis bag on his back.