Chapter 101: Three Consecutive Wins, The Mighty Hyotei (Part 2)  

*Thud!* 

"Game!" 

"Hyotei leads, 1-0. Switch sides!"

As Ootori's four powerful serves landed, the Tanaka brothers were completely overwhelmed.

"Hyotei's doubles are this strong?" 

Outside the court. 

Kiriyama Daichi, who stood nearly two meters tall with a mountain-like physique, couldn't hide the awe on his face. 

Keep in mind, this was only Hyotei's second doubles pair, not even their nationally-ranked duo. If it were those two, they'd likely be even more dominant! 

"Kouhei, Youhei." 

After losing the first game, Hanamura, their coach, grew tense. She spoke firmly, "Get your heads in the game. Their serve only rotates every four points. Seize the opportunity, build momentum, and widen the gap." 

"Understood." 

The brothers nodded solemnly. 

They knew full well that they had to give it their all in the upcoming match. If they lost another game, Hyotei would be in an almost unbeatable position. 

If that happened, they'd only find themselves in an even tougher spot. 

"Kouhei!" 

"Yeah." 

After switching sides, Tanaka Youhei, with his reddish-purple hair, glanced back at his younger brother, who stood at the service line and gave a firm nod. 

*Thwack!* 

Immediately, Tanaka Kouhei fired off a fast serve. 

"Not bad speed." 

Shishido raised an eyebrow and quickly swung his racket to return the shot. 

"Oh?" 

Seeing this, Tanaka Youhei smirked. "Not bad speed on your return either, Kouhei. Make sure you don't fall behind." 

"Not a chance." 

From the baseline, Tanaka Kouhei chuckled. "I don't even need to look to know where that ball's going to land." 

He didn't need to look to know the landing spot? 

The Hyotei team frowned. This Jouhou Shonan player was way too cocky. Wasn't he afraid of biting off more than he could chew? 

*Thwack!* 

But to everyone's surprise, he actually managed to catch up to Shishido's return. 

"Senpai." 

"Yeah." 

On Hyotei's side, Shishido and Ootori exchanged a glance, their expressions growing serious. 

It was clear now. 

Their opponents were no pushovers. 

They must have predicted Shishido's return the moment he hit the ball. 

And if what Ishikawa had told them earlier wasn't a lie, it was possible that the purple-haired guy at the front had read the shot and communicated it to his twin brother through some kind of telepathic ability. 

Thinking this, the two couldn't help but feel a pang of unease. 

*Thwack!* 

At that moment, the ball came flying back. 

Shishido quickly moved into position, chasing down the ball. Spotting an opening on the opponent's right side, he immediately drove the ball in that direction. 

"Here it comes again." 

Tanaka Youhei grinned. "This time it's heading for the right side. Same fast pace, so don't let your guard down." 

"Relax, relax." 

From the baseline, Tanaka Kouhei had somehow already positioned himself at the ball's landing spot. 

*Thwack!* 

He swiftly swung his racket, catching Shishido and Ootori off guard. 

"15-0!" 

"Whoa!" 

Seeing this, the Hyotei team collectively gasped. 

Their opponents were way too quick! 

Shishido, known for his aggressive play, not only failed to suppress them but was instead countered at his weak spot. 

What's more, these two were casually chatting as if the match was no big deal, which only added to the growing sense of intimidation. 

"Hmm?" 

Noticing this, Coach Tōru Sakaki, sitting in the coach's seat, also showed a hint of surprise. 

He knew Shishido's capabilities well. 

Ever since the first half of the Metropolitan Tournament ended and he partnered with Ootori as a fixed doubles pair, Shishido had matured significantly. 

The once brash and arrogant player had been replaced by a calm and responsible teammate. 

And yet, during Shishido's aggressive play, the opponents had managed to break through his defenses? 

Jouhou Shonan truly lived up to their reputation as a team that had fought their way through the competitive Kanagawa region. If nothing else, their terrifying insight alone was enough to make anyone wary! 

Suddenly, as if realizing something, Sakaki's brow furrowed slightly. 

"I see what these two are capable of." 

He then glanced over at Ishikawa, who was standing nearby. Sure enough, the boy was smiling, watching the match with keen interest. 

Seeing this, Sakaki confirmed his suspicions and couldn't help but shake his head slightly. "Shishido and Ootori... they've been tricked." 

However, like Oshitari, he didn't expose Ishikawa's little game. 

Instead, he watched with interest to see how Shishido and Ootori would adjust their strategy. He wondered what kind of tactical changes they'd come up with. 

*Thwack!* 

Another point. 

Shishido still hadn't figured out how the opponents were reading his shots, and they scored again. 

"How are they doing this?" 

Losing two points in a row, Shishido felt both wary and intensely curious. "There's no way these two can chat casually and still read my shots so easily." 

It wasn't that he thought such players didn't exist—after all, Ishikawa and Atobe were proof of that. But these two definitely weren't on that level! 

*Thwack!* 

*Thwack!* 

*Thwack!* 

Soon after, Shishido switched to a defensive stance. 

Meanwhile, the Tanaka brothers, having succeeded in their strategy, began their counterattack. Just as Hanamura had said, if they could build a three-game lead in four matches, even the most powerful serves would pose no threat! 

*Thwack!* 

"40-0!" 

"Nice shot!" 

Scoring again, the brothers excitedly high-fived. 

"Dammit!!!" 

Losing three points in a row, Shishido was on edge, his face tense. "How are these guys doing it? Could it really be like Ishikawa said—are they telepathic?" 

If that were the case, wouldn't that make them invincible in doubles? 

"Sh-Shishido senpai." 

At that moment, Ootori, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "Have you noticed that since we switched to defense, their scoring has slowed down?" 

"Defense?" 

Shishido narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying their offensive skills aren't strong enough? No, that can't be it. They dominated the first two points. Wait, unless..." 

As if struck by a realization, Shishido's gaze sharpened. 

"These two aren't reading my shots. They're just predicting the landing spots and pretending to chat casually?" 

Thinking it through, he decided to test his theory. 

*Thwack!* 

After the opponents served, Ootori returned the ball, and Shishido quickly moved to the net, trying to limit their return options. 

"Coming to the net, huh?" 

Seeing Shishido advance, the brothers saw their chance and grinned. 

*Thwack!* 

Shishido returned the shot. 

The brothers' ears twitched, instantly pinpointing the ball's landing spot. They quickly moved into position, aiming to attack Shishido's backhand. 

"So that's how it is." 

Seeing their reaction, Shishido's eyes gleamed with understanding. 

The two weren't reading his shots at all. They were simply using their sharp hearing to predict the ball's landing spot while pretending to chat casually. 

"Damn it!" 

Realizing this, Shishido's face flushed with frustration. "I can't believe I fell for their act!" 

"Heh heh!!" 

Seeing that Shishido had caught on, the Tanaka brothers dropped the act. 

They both charged forward, positioning themselves in the center of the court, ready to take Shishido down with a two-on-one attack. 

"Hmph!" 

But Shishido, now fueled by anger, wasn't about to back down. He let out a cold snort and launched his own offensive. 

The Tanaka brothers were no slouches either. 

Moving in sync, they adopted a parallel formation, momentarily suppressing Shishido. 

However, the current Shishido was far stronger than his original counterpart. 

With a burst of energy, he used his super jump technique to close in on the net, engaging the brothers in a rapid-fire exchange.

**Final Act.**

With sheer determination, he single-handedly threw the Tanaka brothers into chaos.

*Bam!* 

Seizing the opportunity.

Shishido tore through their defense with a perfectly timed interception shot, scoring the point.

"40-15!"

"This is insane!"

Watching Shishido take on two players at once and still score under pressure left the members of Seigaku stunned.

"His reflexes at the net are incredible."

Outside the fence, Yanagi from Rikkai narrowed his eyes and remarked, "He's completely different from the long-haired player he was last year."

"True."

Inui nodded slightly.

Not just compared to last year, but even compared to two weeks ago, Shishido's skills had clearly improved. It was evident that he had a natural talent for net play.

Now, positioned in doubles.

As the vanguard at the front of the court, Shishido's potential had been fully unleashed. In the future, it wouldn't be surprising if this Hyotei doubles pair became one of the top national teams.

Because.

According to the detailed information Inui had gathered, the training and management of Hyotei's tennis club weren't solely led by Atobe and Coach Kabaji. Instead, it was that black-haired boy who was the driving force.

Thanks to him, Hyotei's weaknesses were being rapidly addressed.

Without a doubt.

Seigaku and Hyotei were likely to face off in the semifinals. And that moment was just one week away.

Thinking about this.

Inui couldn't help but feel the pressure mounting.

*Bam!* 

*Bam!* 

*Bam!* 

In the following match.

With no reservations and playing freely, Shishido alone managed to suppress the twin brothers on the other side.

Finally.

After sixteen minutes of play.

With Shishido's smash landing decisively, the referee announced the score: "Game over! Hyotei's Shishido and Ootori win, 6-0!"

"Huff… huff…"

The exhausted Tanaka brothers stared at their opponent as if he were a monster.

And when they realized that this guy wearing a baseball cap was actually a player who had been cut from Hyotei's singles lineup, both they and the rest of the Seigaku team felt an overwhelming sense of pressure.

Next up was the Doubles 1 match.

This time, it was Oshitari and Mukahi stepping onto the court. Mukahi was the only one of the three regulars who had lost in the prefectural tournament to regain his spot on the team.

However.

There were rumors.

That Coach Kabaji and Atobe had paired Mukahi and Ootori together in doubles, without the threat of other strong players, because they valued their doubles potential.

Though there was no concrete evidence.

Now, with Oshitari and Mukahi being placed in doubles, it seemed to confirm this theory.

On Seigaku's side, they fielded Kiriyama Daichi and Oota Shou, an odd pairing of contrasting physiques.

Their coordination wasn't bad.

Both players managed to showcase their strengths.

During the match.

They even broke through Hyotei's defense a few times, scoring some points.

But unfortunately.

Their overall skill level was only at the Kanto regional level (doubles). Facing a slightly serious Oshitari and a Mukahi who was determined to prove he wasn't just a coach's favorite, Seigaku was quickly overwhelmed.

In the end.

In less than 12 minutes.

Hyotei secured a 6-0 victory in the Doubles 1 match.

"Huff… huff…"

Oota Shou and Kiriyama Daichi stumbled off the court, barely able to walk straight.

"Go rest."

Coach Hanamura waved them off, looking visibly frustrated.

She had known Hyotei was strong.

But she hadn't expected her team to fail to win even a single game.

Two straight 6-0 losses had shaken her confidence to the core!

"Wakato!"

"Wakato!"

"Wakato!"

Meanwhile.

Outside the court, the cheers of the JK fangirls erupted. Some held up signs, while others waved pom-poms, cheering for their idol, Wakato Hiroshi, as he prepared to take the court.

"Wakato!"

Seeing the confident, orange-haired boy step forward with a smile, Coach Hanamura felt a glimmer of hope.

No matter the final outcome.

At least.

This player of hers could remain calm and composed under pressure.

"Next up, the Singles 3 match."

"Seigaku's Wakato Hiroshi versus Hyotei's Akutsu Jin."

"Both players, please prepare!"

"Go, Wakato!"

"Wakato, you can do it!"

"Wakato, fight!"

The JK girls waved their pom-poms and signs, cheering loudly for their idol. Wakato Hiroshi, trying to look cool, walked onto the court with a confident smile.

*Step!* 

At that moment.

A figure emerged from Hyotei's side.

"This guy?"

Wakato squinted at his opponent. "Interesting. Pale skin, flashy hairstyle. But is that smudged eyeliner? Tsk tsk."

He thought to himself.

Smirking, he walked up to the net and extended his hand. "Hi, I'm Wakato Hiroshi!"

But.

The other guy didn't even acknowledge him.

"Alright, fine!"

Being ignored like this, Wakato felt a surge of anger. "How dare you dismiss me like that? In this match, I'll make you regret your arrogance!"

*Bam!* 

Ten minutes later.

A figure was sent flying like a broken kite, crashing into the fence.

"Ah!!"

"W-Wakato, he's…"

"S-Someone call for help!!!"

The JK girls outside the court screamed in horror.

"M-Match over."

The referee on the high chair swallowed hard before announcing, "Hyotei's Akutsu Jin wins, 6-0!"

As the referee's voice faded.

Looking at Wakato, now embedded in the fence.

The entire court fell into complete silence.

(End of Chapter)