Result Was Already Decided

"He didn't return it again. That Kuroba used more power than the last ball."

"And that ball's flight distance was shorter than the previous one."

Therefore, the more force the opponent uses to return the ball, the faster it drops.

"Why is that? Shouldn't it be easier to return the ball if you hit it harder?"

"No, the kid's shot had a strong topspin."

Kikumaru dynamic vision is beyond that of ordinary people, has already noticed some clues in the two balls just now.

"That strength was so great that it was practically imperceptible; even upon close inspection, one might only see a ball that wasn't spinning."

"So, if the opponent also returns with topspin, the tennis ball will only drop faster."

If you use Slice Shot to counteract the ball's spin, the ball will either sink along the racket face or, as Agan said, the tennis ball will sink like a feather.

"That's right. So, the only way to break Horio's Weak Water is to forcefully change the spin with Slice Shot when your skill level is comparable to his. Otherwise, it's unsolvable."

"That first-year Seigaku, every time he hits a shot, it's so unbelievable."

"That 'Weak Water' move now seems like an impossible shot to return."

The students from Rokkaku Middle School also agreed that Weak Water's ball skills were unbeatable, but Kuroba and Tengan on the court were still unwilling to give up.

"Tengan, you absolutely must hit that ball back."

Kuroba reminded Tengan again, and then served again.

"Ridiculous, then let your hopes be dashed."

Seeing that the two opponents still looked unwilling to give up, Weak Water attacked again.

"Tengan has arrived!"

"Okay, watch me."

Tengan and Kuroba caught the tennis ball by overlapping their rackets, one on the left and one on the right.

Then, the two roared throughout the stadium as they hit the ball.

The audience was drawn in by the two men's shouts, only to be terrified by what happened next.

This shot was even more outrageous than the previous two; it didn't even travel a meter before plummeting downwards.

"Seigaku's score: 40-0"

Kuroba and Tengan were completely dumbfounded; they never expected things to turn out this way.

Looks like they lost the Second Doubles.

"Aki, let's warm up."

Saeki had already decided that there was no chance of a comeback in the game, so he called his partner to prepare for warm-up.

"Reversing the rotation of the Weak Water is beyond your current capabilities."

Seeing Kuroba and Tengan constantly trying to fight back, Horio admired their spirit but wasn't worried.

"Tengan, even for the last point, we must play beautifully."

Driven by his love for tennis, he will play every ball well, even if the outcome is already predetermined.

"I would do it without you telling me, just serve."

Under the guidance of their Old Man, the students at Rokkaku Middle School are all people who maintain a pure love for tennis.

In Horio's view, this is the most valuable aspect.

Thump...

"Seigaku scores, score 6-0, Seigaku wins."

"You guys are really strong, and you accept your defeat wholeheartedly."

"Regardless of your skill level, you are all people who purely love tennis, and for that alone, you deserve my serious attention."

After the match, although the two Rokkaku members lost, they still generously shook hands with Horio and his partner.

Horio has respect for people who love tennis.

"Good job, you got a point."

"Now it's our turn, Kikumaru, are you ready?"

"Anytime is fine."

"Eiji, I'm sorry, my wrist hasn't fully recovered yet."

"It's okay, it's okay, Fuji. Oishi and I will win this match, so we can team up again once your wrist has recovered."

"Is that so? Then I'll leave it to you, Fuji. Thank you for your help."

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

"Let's go, Kikumaru, it's time to go on stage."

Fuji, racket in hand, stepped onto the court.

"It's your turn to go on stage."

On the Coach's bench, the Old Man, who hadn't said much, reminded Saeki and the other two.

As the two walked onto the court, the Old Man stroked the rackets that Kuroba and Tengan had just used.

"This is the first time I've ever seen a crack in a racket I made."

"What! Old Man, the racket you made actually has a crack?"

Seigaku is really interesting, isn't it, Old Man?

"If you find this interesting, then come and sit here."

Rokkaku's Captain Aoi Kentaro, had never heard of his Old Man's racket cracking from being hit. Already interested in Seigaku, he became even more excited.

"Horio, are you really not going to watch the match between Fuji- Senpai and Kikumaru -Senpai?"

"I'm not watching anymore, I'm thirsty, I'm going to buy a drink."

Ignoring Katsuro 'Katsuo warning, Horio turned and left the stadium.

"Honestly, he doesn't even watch his Senpai's matches. What a self-centered guy."

A figure standing not far away also heard the three's conversation, his gaze following Horio's departing figure.

"You're the one, drink!"

At the vending machine, Horio inserted 100 yen coins and was about to press the button.

A hand suddenly appeared and pressed another button.

"Wow... that's fast."

Turning his head to look to the side, Horio looked at the hunched figure next to him and couldn't help but sigh.

"Old man... you're too old to drink this kind of stuff?"

"Young man, you're quite strong."

Instead of answering Horio's question, he praised Horio.

This hunched figure belongs Old Man the tennis consultant at Rokkaku Middle School.

"Thank you for the compliment, but if that's your reason for taking my drink, I can't accept it."

Besides, if you want a drink, just say so. It's not like it's anything expensive.

After saying that, Horio took out another coin from his pocket, inserted it, and bought a bottle of strawberry-flavored drink.

"Wait a minute, shouldn't you be on the Coach's bench watching your players play right now?"

How did you suddenly appear here? Have you already admitted defeat?

After taking a sip of his drink, Horio suddenly realized something was wrong.

"Young man, how much of your strength did you use in that match?"

"This is a secret, even my own Coach doesn't know, why would I tell you?"

Horio somewhat taken aback by his Old Man's sudden question.

"A secret? That's great. It's been many years since anyone has managed to crack the rackets I made."

So I wanted to see what kind of person could achieve this level of skill.

"How do you know it wasn't Kawamura -Senpai who did it? That was a doubles match."

"You don't need to say that. I know my own racket. Those cracks aren't something you can create just by using a lot of strength."

The crack started from the inside of the racket, proving that it was caused by a special technique.