"Boy, anyone can talk big."
"No matter what you say, it won't change the fact that you're physically weak and lack strength."
"Since you want to fight, then fight!"
"I'll show you that being a third-year isn't just about having eaten two more years of rice than you!"
If looks could kill, Ryohei Rin would already be lying dead on the court.
In Japan, seniority holds great importance.
Shishido Ryou had no intention of letting Ryohei's sharp words slide. Speaking so rudely to an upperclassman? That demanded punishment.
And worse—this all happened in front of so many Hyotei players. Ryohei's bold words had landed right on Shishido's pride, like a direct blow.
Anyone watching could see it clearly: Ryohei was treating Shishido as an easy target, a pushover. And that, Shishido could not forgive.
"Oh…"
"Come on then."
Ryohei shrugged and answered without hesitation.
That casual attitude only stoked Shishido's fury further. Without another word, he picked up his racket and walked toward the nearest court.
In Hyotei, strength comes first.
If there's a dispute, the way to settle it is always the same—through tennis.
"Ah, this is bad… really bad! Ryohei has completely angered Shishido-senpai this time! There's no way this ends peacefully!"
Seeing the conflict boil over, Mukahi Gakuto looked worried, unsure how to step in.
Oshitari Yuushi, however, simply shook his head. He patted Gakuto's shoulder and said calmly:
"It's useless. Ryohei is clearly aiming for Shishido. With things like this, unless a winner is decided, it won't stop."
"Instead of trying to prevent it, you'd better think about how to console Ryohei when he loses. With his talent, it would be a shame for him to stumble here."
In Oshitari's eyes, Ryohei's ability to vanish from sight—his strange, system-born skill—had probably allowed him to cruise past most opponents until now.
If Shishido were too harsh, Ryohei might fall straight from the clouds down to the ground, shattering his confidence.
At that time, he might not recover.
"I just hope Shishido-senpai can restrain himself a little," Oshitari murmured.
"…Restraint? No way."
At that moment, Ootori Choutarou approached, his expression complicated.
"Really? That's reassuring then," Oshitari said, relieved. After all, Choutarou was Shishido's training partner and closest friend—if anyone understood him, it was him.
But Choutarou only gave a blank look.
"Oshitari-senpai, you misunderstood me. I mean… Shishido-senpai has already gone completely serious. Worrying won't change anything now."
"..."
Oshitari nearly tripped over himself when he heard that. Maybe he had been too naïve.
On the Hyotei practice courts, tension filled the air.
Ryohei Rin stood opposite Shishido Ryou. Neither spoke, but their eyes burned with unspoken determination.
"Bang!"
Shishido served first, launching the ball without hesitation. His focus was sharper than ever. At that moment, only one thought filled his mind—defeat Ryohei.
"Whoosh…"
"What power…"
Just from the sound of the racket striking, Ryohei felt the oppressive weight of the shot.
Compared to Taki Haginosuke, whom he had faced before, Shishido's power was on a completely different level.
"Bang!"
The ball skidded across the court, fast and heavy.
Instinctively, Ryohei swung his racket to intercept after the bounce.
"Bang!"
"So heavy!"
The instant the ball connected, a sharp sting ran through his wrist.
This wasn't normal. Was this really just the ball's weight after losing momentum from the bounce?!
Exhaling slowly, Ryohei braced himself, tightening his core and forcing his body to return the ball.
But the shot lacked quality. It floated back weaker than he had hoped.
In tennis, the one with stronger power often seizes the rhythm, gradually tilting the match in their favor. Small details, accumulated step by step, determine the flow of advantage.
"Hah! Is that all you've got? That return was pathetic!"
Suddenly, Shishido appeared at the net, his presence sharp like a blade. His body blurred from Ryohei's vision—then reappeared.
"Bang!"
A dazzling, bullet-like volley shot past Ryohei's ear.
"Super Half Volley…"
"15–0."
Shishido straightened, rubbing his neck with a calm, superior expression.
Now that he had decided to teach Ryohei a lesson, he wouldn't be holding back. Right from the start, he displayed his true strength—Hyotei's signature volley style.
"As expected…" Oshitari muttered from the sidelines, sighing. "Ryohei has talent, but it's still too soon for him to challenge a regular of the main lineup."
"Volley play…" Ryohei echoed, shaking his head with a faint smile.
For the first time, something stirred deep inside him—an undeniable flame. His fighting will.
"I'm a defensive counterattacker… but…"
"This opponent's volleys are faster, heavier, more threatening, and sharper than my quick returns."
But Ryohei's eyes narrowed, his expression sharpening.
"That just makes it worth challenging."
"Bang!"
Shishido served again, powerful and precise.
Ryohei bent his knees, centered his balance, and let his arms relax naturally. As the ball rose, he whipped his body into the swing, racket cutting through the air.
A crisp sound echoed—
A clean, high-level flat shot, born from his [Accelerated Return] ability.