Semifinals

Horio and several other first-year students sat at the end of the table, three on each side of the six first-year students.

Katsuro and Katsuo were originally sitting next to Horio, but thanks to the arrangement of several Senpai, Tomoka took their place.

Horio had originally thought he would sit with Katsuro Katsuo, since the three of them had always sat together before.

But when Horio saw that Tomoka was sitting next to him, Horio appetite instantly halved.

Oishi and the others only occasionally glanced in Horio's direction, without making any jokes as they had during the day.

As an ordinary Tomoka naturally doesn't feel the gazes of others, but Horio is no ordinary person.

Uncomfortable being stared at, Horio and quickly ate his meal.

"I've finished eating. I'm going to take a walk on the beach. You all enjoy your meal."

With a blank expression, Horio put down his chopsticks, got up, and left.

Arriving at Horio by the sea, I sat quietly on the beach, feeling the sound of the ocean.

Horio calmed himself, closed his eyes, and listened to the sounds coming from the deeper parts of the sea.

"Destructive power is also inclusive."

After a long while, Horio opened his eyes.

He stood up, glanced at the sea stripped bare by darkness, and then turned and left.

Two days later

"It's finally over. These past few days have been really tiring."

"According to the data, our training over the past few days has improved our physical fitness by about 20%."

"I feel much more energetic now, and I can't wait to play against Rokkaku Middle School."

On the way back, everyone had many feelings about the end of the special training.

"This special training has been very effective, but everyone should get some rest after we get back today, as the semifinals are tomorrow."

Oishi addressed the crowd.

"Also, everyone absolutely must be on time tomorrow, understand?"

After speaking, he specifically looked at Horio, Horio, seeing that everyone was staring at him, pretended not to see their warning glances.

What matches are happening today? There seem to be a lot of people.

"I think today's match is between Seigaku and Rokkaku Middle School."

"Really? Both are strong teams. I wonder who will win today."

At the Kanto Tournament venue, many spectators and tennis enthusiasts were discussing the matches.

"The match has begun. Next, we will announce the lineup. First, Second Doubles: Kawamura and Horio; doubles number one: Kikumaru and Fuji; Third Singles: Echizen; Second Singles: Kaitou; First Singles: Miki."

Win this game decisively, no dragging it out, understand?

"Yes!"

The roster for the match against Rokkaku Middle School is completely different from before.

Not only were the Golden Pair broken up, but Horio also moved from First Singles to Second Doubles.

It was obvious that Coach Ryuzaki wanted to finish the game quickly and not give the opponent a chance to retaliate.

"Next up is the match between the Seigaku Academy and Rokkaku Middle School. Players, please prepare."

"We're teaming up with Kawamura- Senpai again. I'll handle things at the net, so you can focus on attacking."

Horio, who had previously partnered with Kawamura, didn't feel unfamiliar when collaborating with him again.

"Alright Horio, just you wait and see. I'll make them all admit defeat."

"Tengan, the shorter one over there should be one of those two first-year students from Seigaku this year. They say he's incredibly strong."

"It's okay, it's okay, I'm not afraid."

"Hey, get serious, will you? This is about winning the game."

The Rokkaku Middle School Second Doubles, Kuroba Harukaze and Amato Hikaru, were clearly impressed by Horio.

"That must be Horio Satoshi, the guy who beat Atobe Keigo to a pulp. His strength far surpasses that of a middle school student."

Rokkaku Middle School was also watching from the sidelines during the match against Hyotei, and they were familiar with Horio's strength.

"That's right, although I hate to say it, but... it's incredibly difficult for Kuroba and Tengan to win this match."

"Kawamura- Senpai, how confident are you about the Charging Wave Ball now?"

"Don't worry, Horio. Even without the Charging Wave Ball, with my current strength, I can handle them with Wave Ball."

"Really? Then I'll look forward to it."

"The match begins, with Seigaku Kawamura serving."

The match officially began, and Kawamura, gripping his racket, was burning with fighting spirit.

Looking at Kuroba and Tengan on the opposite side, he tossed the ball up and launched Burning Serve.

A dull thud was heard as the tennis ball flew towards the six-sided half of the court.

"Ah... that ball is so heavy."

Kuroba swung his racket back from the baseline, his arm trembling slightly.

After training, Kawamura's serves became even more powerful.

"You guys are having so much trouble returning the ball, you're not all that great."

Horio noticed the movement of Kuroba's arm, and the power of his return shot increased slightly.

Horio moved to the net, and after reaching the landing point, he swung his right forehand, hitting the corner of the two players.

The ball, which could have scored a direct point, was caught instead.

"A miscalculation; we overlooked that malfunctioning racket."

With his long Tengan and a racket personally made by his Old Man tennis consultant, Tengan was able to receive the ball.

Even after receiving the call, Tengan was still in a bad mood.

"Damn, even with the extended racket, the power is still so great. Just how terrifying is that first-year player?"

Feeling that he couldn't return the ball with one hand, Tengan grabbed his left hand as well, and barely managed to return it.

"Kawamura -Senpai, it's your turn to perform."

Horio slightly, and the tennis ball flew past Horio towards Kawamura.

Meanwhile, Kawamura was ready, gripping his racket with both hands, his Wave Ball already prepared.

"Wave Ball! Kawamura -Senpai's two-handed Wave Ball!"

With a loud roar, the force on the tennis ball increased once more.

After arriving at the hexagonal half of the court, he knocked Kuroba's racket away.

Bang...

"Seigaku score, 15:0"

"Well done, Kawamura- Senpai! Keep showing them how good you are!"

Kawamura has made great progress, Horio said, expressing his agreement.

So, until Kawamura's stamina and arms can handle it, Horio plans to support Kawamura.

"That ball was really powerful; he's even stronger than when he played against Hyotei."

Kuroba picked up the dropped racket and stretched his somewhat numb right hand.

"I'll catch that Wave Ball. You just keep an eye on that guy named Horio."

"Alright, you need to be careful. Kawamura's Wave Ball isn't as simple as it seems."

Considering that Tengan's racket was more suitable for receiving, Kuroba didn't hold back.

The Burning Serve was hit again, and this time Tengan was already using both hands to return it.

Horio didn't hit the ball into the opponent's corner, but instead returned it to Kuroba's forehand.

Grip the racket firmly with both hands and swing it towards the ball.

Horio smiled slightly, but remained standing still without chasing the ball.

But then Kawamura's roar came from behind again, and he fired Wave Ball.

The opposing Tengan, with a serious expression, aimed at the Wave Ball.

He used all his strength to resist the force of the tennis ball, and then swung it at the net.