Proxy Coach
Bang...
"Sengoku scores, 40:15"
"Now it's finally Sengoku's match point."
Sengoku scored another goal, and the match finally came to an end.
Sengoku remained unperspirant and easily served the ball.
With the game nearing its end, Momoshiro no longer needed to hide his strength.
After exchanging several blows with Sengoku, Momoshiro hit the ball directly at Sengoku's face.
Just as everyone was worried that Sengoku wouldn't be able to receive the direct hit, Sengoku took a step back.
He blocked the tennis ball with his racket, sending it flying into the sky.
"Great, it's Lob Shot."
"Finally, it's here! Vertical Smash!"
Momoshiro leaped into the sky, using all his strength to deliver Vertical Smash.
"Hmph, luck isn't about getting opportunities; it's about creating them."
Recalling his boxing training sessions, Sengoku looked at the ball flying towards him and decisively swung his racket.
Then the tennis ball flew towards Momoshiro, who hadn't even landed yet. It grazed Momoshiro's face, leaving a faint red mark.
Bang...
"Sengoku scores, score 6-3"
His all-out Vertical Smash was actually returned, leaving Momoshiro somewhat dazed as he landed.
"Alright, the match is over, go down now. Don't linger on the field, next group..."
And so, the Ryuzaki team, who had originally planned to practice freely, were forced into "free practice" by the sudden appearance of Horio and Tezuka.
"Shouldn't Tezuka have gone to Germany for arm treatment? What's he doing here?"
"And Horio, I heard he gave up his spot in this selection tournament, but he actually showed up too."
"Hmph, since Tezuka has shown up, it proves that his treatment should be over."
The appearance of Horio and Tezuka in the Training Base's main conference room caused a huge uproar in the training camp.
"Alright, everyone quiet down. Since Coach Ryuzaki is hospitalized, there are some matters that need to be handled by the Coach staff, so it has been decided that Coach Sakaki will take over."
As for the daily training of the Ryuzaki team, as everyone has seen, at Coach Ryuzaki's strong request, Tezuka and Horio have taken over.
Coach Hanamura stopped everyone and explained to them.
"Excuse me, I have something to say."
From his seat, Kajimoto Takahisa of Josei Shonan raised his hand.
"I know Tezuka and Horio are excellent, but I have never personally competed against either of them, so I cannot accept this decision."
Kajimoto already had some complaints because Horio forced him to play a practice match this morning.
So, taking advantage of the fact that the other two Coach were present at noon, Kajimoto finally voiced his opinion.
"Tezuka, Horio, how do you plan to resolve this?"
Coach Sakaki, upon hearing Kajimoto's protest, turned to look at Horio and Tezuka.
Horio ignored these comments, and Tezuka, as the Captain of Seigaku, stepped Tezuka.
"It's normal to have that kind of thought, but let's draw conclusions after today's training."
"Very good, then I'll leave the rest to you. Now that everything's settled, everyone can disperse and prepare for this afternoon's training. Dismissed."
As always, he was cold and aloof, and with his signature V-sign after speaking, Coach Sakaki announced the disbandment of the team.
"Coach's responsibility is to see through an athlete's weaknesses, recognize their strengths, help them leverage their advantages, overcome their weaknesses, and then provide better training suggestions."
"But I think Tezuka and Horio should be able to do it."
"But do you really think Tezuka and Horio from Seigaku can do it?"
Inside the stadium, Kajimoto was telling Tezuka and Horio what Coach should do.
Meido was standing to the side, thought that Tezuka and Horio were capable, but Kajimoto immediately retorted.
I only believe what I see with my own eyes.
Kajimoto stared intently at Tezuka, as if he harbored a deep prejudice against this legendary figure who had disappeared long ago.
"That's hilarious! Do you guys from Josei Shonan look down on everyone except your Coach Hanamura? Don't forget, your so-called perfect Tennis Machine couldn't even beat our first-year students."
Hearing Kajimoto's words, Horio was both angry and amused, while the silent Tezuka turned around and took out a racket from his tennis bag.
"What can I say to you? Just wait and you'll get tortured."
When Horio saw this, he looked at Kajimoto with a hint of pity.
"Tezuka, you're not really going to compete against him, are you? If you really have to, then let Horio go."
Worried Oishi Tezuka hadn't fully recovered, Oishi immediately shifted the responsibility to Horio.
"Don't worry, Senpai Oishi. The Captain is fine with just a light swing on the court right now."
Both Horio and Tezuka looked down on Kajimoto's abilities.
However, Tezuka demonstrated it through actions, while Horio did so through words.
"Do you think a match is just about casually swinging a racket?"
Kajimoto was annoyed at being looked down upon, his tone laced with anger, but Horio didn't care about that.
"That's none of your business. Just focus on hitting the ball hard."
"The match begins, Tezuka serves."
"You dare underestimate me, Tezuka? I'm going to shatter your confidence."
On the court, Kajimoto, fully armed, looked at Tezuka, who was wearing a tracksuit, and his anger was clearly visible.
Tezuka completely ignored Kajimoto's gaze and casually served a low ball.
Kajimoto felt disdainful when faced with a slow-moving and weak tennis ball.
Aim at the incoming ball and hit it hard into the corner.
When the tennis ball flew out, it was originally heading towards the corner.
It actually turned in mid-air and flew towards the motionless Tezuka.
"The Tezuka Zone alone could crush you, what's there to be proud of?"
Seeing that Tezuka used the Tezuka Zone right from the start, Horio looked at Kajimoto with disdain.
"Tezuka has stayed in that spot the whole time."
"No matter where Kajimoto hits the ball, it will eventually fly back to Tezuka."
"Is this the Tezuka Zone...?"
The people outside the venue were a little confused; only the Seigaku members Sengoku knew about the Tezuka Zone.
Bang...
After various attempts, Kajimoto ultimately lost the point because the tennis ball failed to clear the net.
"Damn it, we can't do anything about him, we've tried everything."
Devastated, Kajimoto felt it was all unrealistic; he had no power to fight back against Tezuka Zone, despite his best efforts.
"Kajimoto, you can go now. I'll take your turn next, okay, Tezuka?"
Ignoring Kajimoto's disappointment, Meido grabbed his racket and went onto the court.
Because of Tezuka and Kajimoto's play, the others watching from the sidelines were also itching to have a match with the legendary Seigaku Captain.
"No problem, go ahead and fight if you want."