Chapter 11: Daily Tasks, Basic Training
Under the watchful eyes of others, Ishikawa continued his relentless swing practice. He knew very well that these seemingly insignificant movements were the foundation of a player's strength. Without a solid base, it would be impossible to compete with top-tier players!
"997!"
"998!"
"999!"
"1000!"
Finally, after over thirty minutes, Ishikawa completed 1,000 standard swing motions.
*Ding!*
*Player has completed the daily task: 1,000 Basic Swings. Reward: 15 EXP.*
"Hmm?"
Just as Ishikawa was about to start his 1,001st swing, he paused. "Daily tasks? Right, this is a tennis RPG game. There must be mechanics to help newcomers improve."
15 EXP.
Adding the 5 EXP he had left from his previous level-up, he now needed 30 more EXP to reach the next level.
Immediately, Ishikawa stopped and checked the task icons on his game interface.
**[Daily Task 1: 1,000 Basic Swings. Reward: 15 EXP. For every additional 100 swings, gain 5 EXP. (Completed)]**
**[Daily Task 2: Run 20 laps around the tennis club's track. Reward: 15 EXP. For every additional 5 laps, gain 5 EXP. (Not Completed)]**
**[Daily Task 3: Participate in a practice match. Reward: 15 EXP. (Available)]**
**[Daily Task 4: Clean the tennis club. Reward: 10 EXP. (Not Completed)]**
"Another 100 swings?"
Seeing the task description, Ishikawa narrowed his eyes. He assessed the soreness in his right arm and shook his head internally. His stamina and physical condition might allow him to push for another two minutes, but attempting 100 more swings would undoubtedly strain his arm severely.
Sacrificing future training for just 5 EXP wasn't worth it.
With that in mind, he stopped swinging and returned to his resting spot, closing his eyes for a short break.
"Phew!"
Seeing Ishikawa leave, the other newcomers let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Scared me! I thought he was going to keep going for another half hour!"
"Are you kidding? Another half hour? Do you think his arm is made of iron?"
"Exactly! He's just a bit more talented than us. If we work hard, we can definitely catch up to him!"
"Is that really the case?"
Hearing the newcomers' chatter, Chōtarō shook his head silently. He had been observing Ishikawa's swings and knew that what set him apart wasn't just patience or talent—it was his willpower.
A year ago, Chōtarō himself wouldn't have been able to maintain such composure after 1,000 consecutive swings.
"Ōshitari-senpai was right. This newcomer is anything but ordinary."
After one last glance at the still-resting Ishikawa, Chōtarō turned and left.
In the blink of an eye, another half hour passed.
The sun, which had been directly overhead, was now blocked by the distant high-rise buildings.
On the courts, only a few scattered matches were still ongoing, and they were nearing their end.
The first-year members had already started picking up balls and wrapping up for the day. Among them, one figure stood out, noticeably taller than the rest.
It was none other than Shōhara Saburō, who had taken over Ishikawa's ball-collecting duties.
"Damn it!"
Mixed in with the first-years, constantly bending over to pick up balls, Shōhara was reminded of the painful memories of being bullied by his seniors two years ago.
"But... I'm the senior now!"
The thought of being reduced to picking up balls alongside first-years filled Shōhara with humiliation.
"Shin Ishikawa, just you wait!"
His thoughts turned to the boy who had landed him in this situation, and he seethed with anger. "Once I get my practice match资格 back, I'll make you pay!"
Yes.
The sky had cleared.
The rain had stopped.
And Shōhara was feeling confident again.
Over the past two hours, he had been analyzing his match, reflecting on his mistakes while also identifying his opponent's weaknesses.
After all, Ishikawa was just a first-year. No matter how talented he was, his physical limitations were undeniable.
By the end of their match, Ishikawa's stamina must have been nearly depleted. If Shōhara hadn't lost his composure, the outcome would have been different.
"That's right."
"Next time, I'll drag the match out and wear him down."
"Next time, I'll definitely win—huh?"
However, just as Shōhara was fantasizing about crushing Ishikawa in their next match, he happened to glance up and see a familiar figure running along the track.
"Is that him?"
Recognizing Ishikawa, Shōhara was momentarily stunned, then a sinking feeling settled in his chest.
This was insane!
Most of the others, including several reserve team members, had already left. Yet, this guy was still training?
"Is he running laps?"
"How many has he done?"
"Damn it, he must know his weakness is stamina!"
At this realization, Shōhara clenched his fists.
His earlier plan had been based on the assumption that Ishikawa's stamina was lacking. But if Ishikawa improved his endurance, combined with that terrifying serve, Shōhara wouldn't stand a chance.
"Hmph!"
"Thinking he can overcome his stamina issues in just a week? That's naive!"
"Yeah, there's no way he can do it!"
Shōhara continued to reassure himself.
But as Ishikawa kept running lap after lap, Shōhara began to feel uneasy. "How many laps is that now? Is this guy trying to kill himself?"
Lap after lap.
Shōhara felt a creeping sense of dread.
Yes.
As time went on, Ishikawa's speed visibly decreased. But he showed no signs of stopping.
"He's crazy!"
"He must be out of his mind!"
Shōhara was both shocked and frightened. By now, he had completely forgotten his earlier bravado about crushing Ishikawa.
After all, how could a normal person compare to a monster?
In Shōhara's eyes, Ishikawa had become a monster, driven by sheer determination.
"50 meters."
"40 meters."
"30 meters."
"20 meters."
"Last 10 meters."
"Phew..."
Finally, as Ishikawa crossed the starting line, he nearly lost his balance.
Bent over, he gasped for air, the burning sensation in his throat making him feel utterly miserable.
But he had made it.
*Ding!*
*Player has completed the daily task: Run 20 laps. Reward: 15 EXP.*
With the EXP secured, Ishikawa's focus relaxed, and he slowly made his way toward the rest area.
Perhaps too exhausted to notice, he didn't see the two figures who had been watching him from the stands for quite some time.
"So, Atobe, what do you think?"
"Not bad."
The two were none other than Hyōtei's regular, Ōshitari Yūshi, and the club's captain, Atobe Keigo.
Atobe glanced at Ishikawa, who was now sitting in a corner of the rest area, and nodded slightly. "His stamina is average, but his willpower is impressive. He has potential."
Just "not bad"?
Hearing Atobe's response, Ōshitari was momentarily stunned.
20 laps, 8 kilometers, completed in 32 minutes and 24 seconds, averaging 4 minutes and 3 seconds per kilometer.
For a Hyōtei regular, this pace was nothing special. But considering Ishikawa was only a first-year (middle schooler), this speed was quite remarkable.
Then, noticing the faint smile on Atobe's lips, Ōshitari realized that "not bad" was an understatement. Their captain was clearly very impressed with this newcomer's talent and determination.
---
**Note:** In this story, a "1" in the five-dimensional stats represents the standard ability of a normal 15-year-old male.
For reference:
1. In *New Prince of Tennis*, Hyōtei's regulars like Shishido and Kabaji, who underwent intensive training at U-17 and the mountain camp, had a speed stat of only 1.
2. Tanishi Kei, who played a 40-minute tiebreaker against Ryoma in the national tournament and also trained at the mountain camp, had a stamina stat of only 1.
Thus, a stat below 1 doesn't mean the character is handicapped—it simply indicates a weaker ability or underdeveloped physicality due to age (as per this story's setting).
*(End of Chapter)*