Chapter 22: Vice-Captain of the Second Team, Hyotei’s Ambitious Pyer

  Wakashi Hiyoshi.Age: 13.Second-year student at Hyotei Academy Middle School.He’s also the captain of the tennis club’s second team.

  Within the club, he holds a certain level of prestige and is considered one of the strong contenders for a regur position on the main team.

  In truth, Hiyoshi is very talented.

  During st year’s National Junior Selection Tournament held after summer, he ranked first in the Tokyo region. On the national stage, he even went toe-to-toe with Rikkai Dai’s rookie, Akaya Kirihara.

  But after returning, Hiyoshi kept a low profile.

  From the end of st summer through the beginning of the new school term this spring, despite being the most promising second-year candidate for a regur spot, he still hasn’t managed to secure it.

  Instead, it was his peer Otori Chotarou who stood out with his incredible 'Scud Serve'.

  Along with the equally skilled Kabaji, the spotlight in Hyotei has gradually shifted. While many still respect Hiyoshi, most now focus on Chotarou.

  Rumors even suggest that next year’s Hyotei tennis captain might be Chotarou.

  But what most people don’t know is: The reason Hiyoshi hasn’t become a regur isn't that he was outperformed by Chotarou—but because he personally requested Atobe to pce him in the same group as stronger opponents.

  Moreover, he asked that at least one third-year regur be in his group as a competitor.

  The reason was simple: Hiyoshi didn’t want to sneak in or rely on luck to earn his spot. In fact, he didn’t even consider some of the third-years to be stronger than him.

  And Atobe didn’t disappoint.

  In every match, he was grouped with either Jirou or Oshitari. After seven selection matches, his record was always consistent: five wins, two losses. Never once did it change.

  Because of that, he never officially became a regur.

  However—

  This was all part of Hiyoshi’s pn.

  At one point, he even fantasized about dethroning Atobe before summer. Hiyoshi was never a simple-minded pyer. You could even say—he’s Hyotei’s ambitious mastermind.

  From his perspective, the time between st summer’s nationals and the beginning of the new season wasn’t the moment to stand out. Instead, it was time to train in silence and sharpen his skills.

  Because a true, capable schemer knows how to endure. At the critical moment, he strikes with precision and ends things in one blow!

  And now—that moment has arrived.

  Of course, Hiyoshi isn’t reckless. His target isn’t the top-tier Oshitari, but the slightly weaker Shishido.

  He’s been observing Shishido for a while.

  He noticed Shishido’s training intensity has declined compared to st year—probably because, as a third-year, he thinks no one can threaten his position.

  And it’s true—Hyotei currently has no pyers of the same type who could repce him.

  "What a shame," Thinking that, a sly smile crept across Hiyoshi’s face. "Your era is about to end, senpai."

  It’s like a story from ancient times—

  A powerful general becomes zy, drowning in pleasures, while a loyal subordinate sharpens his bde daily, waiting for the moment to overthrow him.

  That subordinate… is Hiyoshi.

  As for Ishikawa—

  Other than occasionally watching his match the other day, Hiyoshi hasn’t paid much attention to him.

  It’s not that he’s dismissing Ishikawa’s talent.

  On the contrary, Hiyoshi believes this first-year could one day become vice-captain or even his successor—once he becomes Hyotei’s captain.

  But for now… Ishikawa’s still far from that level.

  "Selection matches are about to begin. All pyers, please proceed to your assigned courts. A Group…"

  Soon, the tournament announcement echoed through the speakers.

  The main team members looked calm, while the second team pyers—except Hiyoshi—visibly tensed up.

  Understandably so.

  They’re the ones closest to breaking into the main team. If they got lucky and drew a weaker opponent, there was a real chance they could break through.

  At the same time—

  One figure remained completely composed.

  Out on the edge of the field, away from the courts, Ishikawa was still practicing his swings, diligently completing his training routine.

  To him, today’s match was entirely within expectations. He had already checked the announcement board, and his first opponent wasn’t someone difficult to handle.

  So, after a short break, Ishikawa began his 30-p run, continuing his daily training routine.

  That’s right—

  After reaching Level 15, his daily training tasks had increased: Swing practice had been raised to 1,500 reps, and his running had jumped to 30 ps.

  Naturally, the EXP had increased too—completing a task now gave 50 EXP. No way was Ishikawa going to skip basic training.

  So—at Hyotei’s tennis court, an unusual sight unfolded.

  While everyone crowded around the courts watching the matches, on the outer track, one figure was still running.

  At first, people thought he was just showing off or trying to get attention. But then—he ran 20 ps straight, and showed no signs of slowing down.

  "This guy…"

  Not only the onlookers and regur members—even the selected pyers were stunned.

  "He may look arrogant, but if he can keep that pace after 20 ps, his stamina is no joke."

  Over in the main team’s section, Oshitari chuckled and shook his head.

  “But still, no one else would be doing such intense training right before a match.”

  "Has he given up?" Mukahi questioned, frowning.

  "Not sure." Oshitari said, shaking his head.

  To be honest, he’d initially thought Ishikawa might be a prodigy. But now, Ishikawa's actions kept shattering his expectations.

  And yet, the kid’s physical abilities had clearly improved.

  "What’s the point of overthinking it?"

  At that moment, Shishido grinned, "I’ll be pying him the day after tomorrow. I'll find out for myself."

  "…Maybe you won’t have to wait that long."

  A voice rang out—deep, composed, and filled with authority.

  The atmosphere suddenly shifted.

  "Coach."

  The pyers turned and saw Sakaki, their stoic coach, approaching with a rare smile on his face.

  "Hm." he nodded slightly.

  He gnced toward Ishikawa, still running on the track, and said with amusement: “Whether he’s a genius or just seeking attention, tomorrow’s match against Hiyoshi will make everything clear.”

  Hiyoshi?!

  Everyone froze.

  Shishido and Oshitari exchanged looks, both surprised.

  Of course—they had completely forgotten about Hiyoshi, the second team captain who had once made a huge spsh in the National Juniors Selection.

  But then—

  They exchanged gnces again, this time with strange expressions.

  Wait a minute…

  Since when did their strict, indifferent coach start taking interest in the club’s internal selection matches?

  And all because of a newcomer?

  (End of Chapter 22)