Does Your Right Foot Not Work Anymore

After lunch, Horio and the others were resting by the court.

The trio of Horio, Katsuro, and Katsuo were quite likable in the original story. Now, with Horio rising in prominence, he wondered if the trio would have to separate after they graduated and he went on to play in the world championships. So, Horio was thinking about how to prevent the trio from breaking up.

"Katsuro, Katsuo, do you guys like tennis?"

"Yeah! Horio, why do you ask?"

Hearing Horio's sudden question, Katsuro and Katsuo were both puzzled.

"Have you ever thought about working in a tennis-related field after you graduate?"

"I might take over my dad's tennis training institution. Of course, it would be best if I could keep playing tennis."

After hearing Katsuro's answer, Katsuo also thought for a moment before replying cautiously.

"I can't guarantee what I'll do in the future. We're not as talented as you, Horio. We'll have to work much harder in our passion for tennis to achieve our desired goals. So, I can only promise that I'll do my best to move towards my goals."

"Then how about we practice together every weekend if we're free? We can improve together. Also, when Ryoma was playing earlier, you were filming with a camera, right? If I go pro in the future, will you help me collect data?"

"Really, Horio? If that day comes, I'll definitely help you."

Hearing Horio's sincere invitation, Katsuro was incredibly excited.

"Katsuo, you're so cautious. You can also help me handle some related matters then. You know I don't like trouble."

"Horio, I'll agree to anything you ask, but why are you suddenly talking about this?"

"I just don't want our trio to break up. We three are Seigaku's Invincible Iron Triangle, you know. Wouldn't it be a shame if we disbanded after graduation?"

"Yeah! We three are the Invincible Iron Triangle. Horio, we believe you'll definitely become a world-class tennis player in the future. We'll be your strongest support then!"

Seeing Katsuro and Katsuo, who were now energized, Horio couldn't help but feel motivated too.

"That's right! I will definitely become a world-class tennis player in the future. The name of the Invincible Iron Triangle will surely resound throughout the world!"

"Long live the Invincible Iron Triangle!"

Time quietly passed amidst the trio's cheers, and it was already afternoon, the time for the matches. The trio arrived at Court C.

Katsuro was adjusting the camera, aiming to capture Horio's match with the best possible quality.

Horio, entering the court, saw Momoshiro Takeshi, who had already finished warming up. He looked at Momoshiro Takeshi, whose eyes were fixed on him.

"It looks like you're very excited, Senpai. I hope we can have a serious match this time."

"You're quite rude. I'll show you what happens later."

Horio smiled, walked to the resting area, took off his jacket, pulled out his purple racket, and turned to walk onto the court.

"Senpai, forehand or backhand?"

"Backhand."

"Congratulations, Senpai. It's backhand. Good luck with the match."

"Tch... you damn kid. I want to see how good you really are."

Momoshiro returned to the baseline, gripping the ball tightly, his eyes narrowing.

He tossed the ball up. Before it could start falling, Momoshiro jumped and swung his racket, hitting the ball.

Bang...

"Ace."

Looking at the ball that bounced out, Horio smiled and said to Momoshiro.

"Senpai, if you don't give it your all, you'll get a shutout. Let me see your full-power serve."

Momoshiro, on the other side of the court, felt underestimated. He adopted the same serving posture, and the moment he swung his racket, immense power was unleashed, flying towards Horio's side of the court.

Horio, having achieved his goal, immediately activated Incomplete Deprivation, strengthening the stolen serve and turning it into his own technique.

Using the Eye of Shattering Delusions to see the ball's landing point, Horio skillfully hit it back. Seeing his Bullet Serve returned in one go, Momoshiro suppressed his shock and continued to rally with Horio.

After a few exchanges, Horio deliberately hit a lob to Momoshiro.

Seeing this, Momoshiro charged forward, pushing off with his left foot.

Displaying terrifying jumping power, Momoshiro aimed for the open space beside Horio and executed a Vertical Smash.

The ball, which had seemed to float gently, suddenly flew towards Horio. The spectators outside the court gasped, and even the regular players were surprised that Momoshiro had used the Vertical Smash so quickly.

"It seems Momoshiro is taking this match very seriously."

Fuji Syusuke, who always wore a smile, said with a chuckle.

"He must really want to keep his spot as a regular."

Looking at the rapidly descending ball, Horio was slightly disappointed.

"Is that all your Vertical Smash has? The power is too weak."

Horio hit the falling ball back with a backhand. Momoshiro, who hadn't landed yet, saw his signature smash being returned and was momentarily unable to accept it.

"Senpai, you can't let your kouhai down."

The passionate Momoshiro was fired up by Horio's words. He returned to the baseline and served with great force, but as expected, Horio hit it back.

After a few exchanges, Horio sent a lob to Momoshiro. Momoshiro seized the opportunity and unleashed a Vertical Smash with even greater force.

Horio felt the power transmitted through his racket; it was a little stronger than the previous shot.

However, it hadn't reached the effect he anticipated. He slightly increased his power and returned the ball to Momoshiro's side of the court.

"Horio scores, 30:15."

Both Momoshiro, after the ball landed, and Horio, after returning the shot, fell silent. Momoshiro didn't understand why his Vertical Smash, despite using so much force, was still returned.

Horio, on the other hand, couldn't understand why Momoshiro, whose right foot had already recovered, was still acting the same as before.

Wait... his right foot. Both of his recent Vertical Smashes were jump serves from his left foot. Could it be...

Horio looked up at Momoshiro.

"Senpai, let's continue."

Momoshiro, snapping back to attention, turned and walked to the baseline. This time, it was just a normal serve.

Since the Bullet Serve wasn't effective, he might as well save his energy.

At this moment, every time Horio returned the ball, he hit it to a spot far from Momoshiro. He needed to verify something.

After Momoshiro, constantly running back and forth, left and right, lost another point to Horio, Horio, having confirmed what he suspected, finally looked seriously at the sweating Momoshiro.

"What's wrong, senpai? Is your right foot no longer usable? I thought it should have recovered long ago. What are you afraid of?"

Hearing Horio's words that struck right to the heart, Momoshiro's expression turned strange.

Tezuka Kunimitsu, who had been watching the match from the sidelines, seemed to have noticed something as well.

"As expected, Momoshiro, your foot has recovered. Are you being overly cautious because you're afraid of re-injuring it?"