**Chapter 5: Ace Serve**

"Are you ready?" 

Outside the court, Suzuki Ryota, who had volunteered to act as the referee, looked at the two players below. After confirming their readiness, he nodded and announced: 

"The match will be decided in one set!" 

"Ishikawa to serve, first game!" 

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone's attention turned to Ishikawa. 

*Tap!* 

*Tap!* 

*Tap!* 

He picked up a tennis ball from the ground and began bouncing it lightly, his movements calm and deliberate. 

"He looks like he knows what he's doing." 

"Putting on an act, that's all. What can a rookie possibly do? He got lucky with one good shot and now thinks he can compete?" 

"Haha, exactly! Does he think he's Atobe? Trying to make a name for himself in his first year? Someone's been watching too much shonen anime." 

The spectators around the court were almost unanimous in their lack of faith in Ishikawa. This wasn't out of bias but rather a genuine belief. After all, most of them had at least a year of training under their belts—physical conditioning, basic tennis drills, and mastering the rules and techniques of the game. 

When Atobe first returned to Japan and dominated Hyotei, it was because he was already an exceptional player. But this rookie? At best, he might have some basic training. Comparing him to Atobe was laughable. 

In reality, Ishikawa, despite trying to appear calm, couldn't hide the fact that this was his first official match. His movements betrayed his inexperience. 

"First time on the court?" 

Noticing Ishikawa's nervous tics, Oshitari couldn't help but feel surprised. "This kid really has no fear. A rookie daring to challenge Shohara? Bold." 

Shohara Saburo. 

14 years old. 

A third-year member of Hyotei's middle school tennis club. 

While not a top-tier player, among Hyotei's 200 members, earning a spot in the practice matches was no small feat. In any other regional team, Shohara would easily be a core player, if not the ace. 

Moreover, Shohara modeled his playstyle after Hyotei's regular, Shishido Ryo, who was known for his aggressive, fast-paced game. Combined with Shohara's fiery temper, even many of his fellow third-years avoided playing against him. 

Given this, Oshitari could only conclude that this first-year rookie was simply reckless. 

In truth, while Hyotei's rules were strict, Coach Sakaki and Captain Atobe were both fair and observant. If a player truly had talent, they would undoubtedly nurture it. Atobe, in particular, though he rarely showed it, was deeply concerned about finding a successor. 

Unfortunately, this year's recruitment had yet to yield any standout talents. 

"Still, if this rookie could actually defeat Shohara…" 

Realizing how far-fetched that thought was, Oshitari shook his head. 

*Whoosh!* 

At that moment, Ishikawa made his move. 

He tossed the ball high into the air. 

"That height?" 

Oshitari raised an eyebrow, expecting Ishikawa to jump for a powerful smash. But instead, Ishikawa adjusted his stance, ensuring his center of gravity was stable, before raising his racket. 

However, the delay caused the ball to reach its peak and begin descending rapidly. Oshitari couldn't help but frown. 

"Too inexperienced." 

Listening to the chatter around him, Oshitari had initially thought Ishikawa might have practiced his serves. But now, it was clear that Ishikawa was a complete novice. 

The key to a good serve lies in precision—control over one's body and precise timing of the ball's trajectory. The perfect serve is executed when the ball reaches its highest point, allowing for maximum power and accuracy. 

But Ishikawa had clearly missed the optimal moment to strike. Such a basic mistake wouldn't be made by anyone who had practiced for even a week. 

At this point, Oshitari's expectations for the match had completely evaporated. 

*Swish!* 

However, Ishikawa remained unaware of Oshitari's disappointment. 

His focus was entirely on the ball in mid-air. 

This was his second serve, but unlike before, he needed to ensure the ball landed precisely within the service box, just inside the baseline. 

To achieve this, Ishikawa concentrated intensely, imagining his racket as a sword and the serve as a swift, precise strike. 

In that moment, Ishikawa's demeanor transformed. His movements became sharp and deliberate, and his racket seemed to leave behind faint afterimages as he swung. 

*Thwack!* 

The ball vanished from sight! 

*Crack!* 

A sharp sound echoed from the other side of the court! 

Before anyone could react, the ball had already slammed into the wire fence behind Shohara. 

"What?!" 

Gasps of astonishment rippled through the crowd. 

Shohara stood frozen, completely bewildered. As the one on the receiving end, he had no idea what had just happened. Staring at the ball rolling slowly at his feet, his pupils contracted in shock. 

"Incredible racket speed!" 

Oshitari, watching from the sidelines, couldn't hide his surprise. 

If the first half of the serve had been clumsy and unremarkable, the second half was like a master swordsman's strike—swift and precise! Even Oshitari hadn't been able to see exactly where the ball had been struck. 

"Uh, that…" 

Suzuki, sitting in the referee's chair, was at a loss. 

He hesitated, unsure whether to call the serve in or out. It had been too fast—even he, the referee, hadn't seen it clearly. Glancing nervously at Shohara and then at Ishikawa, Suzuki bit his lip, about to call a fault. 

"Enough." 

A deep voice interrupted him. Suzuki looked down and paled. "O-Oshitari? What are you doing here?" 

"Step down." 

Oshitari's cold gaze made Suzuki quickly vacate the referee's seat. 

Taking Suzuki's place, Oshitari looked at Ishikawa, who remained calm, and then at Shohara, who was visibly shaken. In a firm voice, he declared: 

"Serve is in. 15-0!" 

*Gasp!* 

The crowd erupted in disbelief. 

It wasn't that they doubted Oshitari's judgment—it was precisely because they trusted him completely that they were so shocked. 

"It was in?" 

"That fast? Did anyone even see where the ball landed?" 

"Wait, so that shot earlier wasn't a fluke?!" 

The second- and third-year members of Hyotei were stunned. Their earlier disdain for Ishikawa had completely vanished. With Oshitari taking over as referee, the last element of uncertainty was removed. 

Could this first-year named Ishikawa actually win the match? 

Meanwhile, Ishikawa himself was surprised. He hadn't expected Oshitari to step in, but what caught his attention more was the notification from his system: 

**[Player has completed a standard serve. Skill unlocked: Basic Serve LV0 (0/10)]** 

**[Player has executed an ace serve. Basic Serve skill experience +5]** 

"Interesting," Ishikawa murmured, a faint smile appearing on his face. "So this is the tutorial mission? This game system is quite user-friendly." 

(End of Chapter)