Clarifying Direction, Striving for Evolution

"Senpai Kaitou, I believe all of us know what your strengths are.

That's right, it's your incredible stamina. In my opinion, you're the same type of person as Senpai Inui.

"You're both willing to push yourselves to become stronger. However, you need to know that no matter how good your stamina is, if the skill levels aren't equal, good stamina won't affect the outcome of the match.

"So, my suggestion for you is to add more variations to your Snake Shot, including changes in power, speed, and direction.

"Also, your personality makes you easily provoked. People like that often reach special states.

That's the Beast's Aura that Akutsu entered last time, or another state called 'demonization.'

"The Beast's Aura can make your playstyle more aggressive, while demonization amplifies your abilities.

"These special states can only be triggered under extreme circumstances, and it's difficult to control them well. However, you can discuss it with Senpai Inui.

"It's your turn, Ryoma. For a versatile player like you, the most important thing is to have your own playstyle.

Although you've been changing since our match last time, I think you could be more innovative.

"The samurai spirit can be passed down, but innovation is essential for progress in that process. Otherwise, you'll never surpass your father.

With that, all the regular members for the Kanto Tournament had been discussed. Horio turned his gaze to Momoshiro, who had been expressionless since the beginning.

"Finally, Senpai Momoshiro. Although you didn't make the team this time, your skill and potential are undoubtedly up to the team's standards, so you are also within my plans.

"Since your leg injury last time, you've overused your left leg, but it has also brought some benefits.

Hearing the shift in Horio's words, Momoshiro also looked at him.

"That's your two-handed grip. There's a special playing style in the world.

It's called the Center of Gravity Vertical Jump Style, which is played with a two-handed grip.

"I noticed it in your match against Sengoku last time, and now that your right leg is freed up, I think you can start practicing it.

"The Center of Gravity Vertical Jump Style uses the right foot as the central axis.

It's a technique for returning shots with both hands. Indeed, it's very suitable for Momoshiro.

If he had used this style in the previous match, the outcome might have been different.

Hearing Horio mention the Center of Gravity Vertical Jump Style, Inui Sadaharu also recalled this tennis technique.

"Of course, besides this, Senpai Momoshiro, you actually have another advantage that can be explored.

"It's your keen observational skills, not just towards opponents.

It can also be about the surrounding environment during a match. These can all serve as your foundation for victory.

"That's all I have to say. If any of you still have questions.

You can find me privately. I'm very willing to help you all improve together.

After Horio finished speaking, he thought that some people might still not understand, so he didn't rush to speak again.

Seeing everyone deep in thought about what he had just said, Horio knew his words had an effect.

"Since everyone understands, we won't train today.

Everyone go back and think about your own issues. We'll start training again tomorrow."

So, everyone left the court with their thoughts. Watching them go, Horio's eyes gleamed with a special light.

"Now is your first step towards the national championship. When Tezuka returns and sees a completely transformed Seigaku, what will his expression be?"

"Is Momoshiro here? Arai."

"Ah! Senpai Oishi, Momoshiro was just here... Should I go find him?"

"It's alright, I'll come back again."

A few days had passed since Horio gave everyone his advice. The tennis club had been training every day, but Momoshiro had not appeared.

So, Senpai Oishi, worried about Momoshiro, finally couldn't help but go to the second-year classroom to find him, but he still couldn't see Momoshiro.

Helpless, Oishi decided to come back another time. As he turned to leave, he was surrounded by a group of second-year girls.

These girls were clamoring for autographs, claiming to be fans. Oishi, his face flushed red, just wanted to leave quickly.

Meanwhile, on the rooftop of the teaching building, Horio stood looking at a figure venting alone by the small lake in the distance, a smile on his face.

"This is the passionate monster I know, the monster who always maintains his enthusiasm."

"I'm so hungry. I'll just go grab something to eat first. I won't go to the training hall."

Under the setting sun, Horio walked leisurely with his tennis bag. Because he was hungry, he decided not to go to the training hall.

As he was about to turn to find a place to eat, he suddenly heard the sound of tennis being played not far away.

Horio thought he'd go take a look. Maybe there would be a surprise at the baseball field.

"Hm? What a coincidence, Ryoma. I didn't expect to run into you at the baseball field. Are you here to play baseball too...?"

"Is that Momoshiro Senpai? No wonder he wasn't at training. He was practicing outside, and even brought a girl to spar with."

As soon as he reached the baseball field, Horio spotted Ryoma, dressed in Seigaku's regular tennis uniform, standing not far from the court watching.

Horio moved closer and realized Ryoma was watching Momoshiro, who was laughing and chatting with a girl inside the court.

"Isn't that Tachibana Kippei's sister? Momoshiro Senpai seems quite charming."

Horio, who had been about to pull Ryoma closer, suddenly sensed something and stopped moving.

On the other side of the field, several people wearing white and gray-blue uniforms appeared in the stands.

"Hmph, I didn't expect any surprises, but Hyotei showing up here."

Ryoma, standing beside him, also saw the Hyotei group. Seeing Ryoma's interest piqued, Horio said, "What, do you want to play a match with them? Although we're not allowed to play unofficial matches against other schools, if they're willing, I'll keep it a secret."

Hearing Horio's words, Ryoma's feet started moving, and Horio smiled.

Even though he could guess the outcome, it wouldn't hurt to watch.

"Hey, you guys are from Hyotei, right? I didn't expect to meet you here. How about it, want to play a match with me?"

"Who is this brat? So arrogant."

"Seriously, who does he think he is? We're Hyotei."

"Atobe, someone's challenging us. It's your turn to handle this."

"Hmph, don't worry, Oshitari. The opponent looks like just a first-year. No need to bother with him, right, Kabaji?"

"Yes."

Ryoma's sudden challenge offended the Hyotei members. The naturally arrogant Hyotei king, Atobe, certainly wouldn't pay such a challenge any mind.

"No wonder you haven't been attending training these past few days. So you were out dating. Momoshiro Senpai, what will happen if Coach Ryuzaki and Oishi Senpai find out?"