(Let me explain why I'm not labeling characters as "Kanto-level," "National-level," or "World-level." The original power scaling system is already broken, so I'll use a more logical combat rating system instead. The highest benchmark is Nanjiroh's 20-star rating.)
(For example, simply categorizing everyone into Kanto, National, World, or Pro tiers would just muddy their actual strength. Since this timeline follows the high schoolers' middle school days from the original story, rigid tier labels wouldn't fit. With later arcs introducing stat growth and new techniques, how would I even differentiate them properly?)
(So, star-based combat ratings it is. I'll make sure power levels are presented in a way that makes sense.)
---
The two teams shook hands without much conversation before returning to their positions.
It had been nearly three years since Seigaku last faced Hyotei.
With no prior interactions, there was little to say.
"Yamato in doubles…?"
Coach Sakaki frowned slightly as he watched Seigaku's pair step onto the court, a flicker of unease in his chest.
Hyotei's tactical playbook accounted for opponents deviating from expected lineups.
What unsettled him was this:
The player originally slated to partner Kawasaki in Doubles 2 was absent.
Instead, Seigaku's unfamiliar captain, Yamato, stood alongside a complete wildcard—QP.
No data. No intel.
"I wonder if Yamato and the others can pull this off."
Yoru had his own reservations about the duo.
Doubles and singles were entirely different beasts.
Raw skill alone wasn't enough—tactical synergy and chemistry were just as crucial.
These two had only just started practicing together, relying on basic strategies and zero默契 (rapport).
Against an average pair, they might scrape by.
But against seasoned doubles specialists? Their lack of coordination would be ruthlessly exploited.
Unless their individual strength was outright overwhelming.
---
Game start.
Hyotei served first.
Perhaps spurred by Tsukimitsu's presence, Matsudaira's serves were blisteringly fast, their rebound angles sharper than usual.
Kawasaki flailed helplessly against the sudden barrage of high-speed, wide shots.
Swish—! Swish—!
Four serves. Four whiffs. Hyotei cruised to an effortless first game.
1-0!
"..."
QP looked thoroughly unimpressed.
To him, losing consecutive points to such a basic trick was incomprehensible.
Even after a week of exposure to Seigaku's… modest overall skill level (outside Yoru's trio), this degree of incompetence was staggering.
Yoru shared the sentiment.
Stat-wise, Kawasaki was on the cusp of 5 stars. The gap shouldn't have been this glaring.
But Kawasaki was the type who couldn't adapt on the fly. If he hadn't prepped for a specific technique, his reaction time plummeted.
A rigid, by-the-book player.
"Sorry, Yamato…"
Kawasaki grimaced after the four-point shutout.
Yamato turned with his trademark smile: "No worries. The match just started. We'll win."
And just like that—
Under Yoru's watchful eyes, Kawasaki's combat rating ticked up from +0.5 to +0.7.
"You've gotta be kidding me… Is this stacking?!"
Yoru stared at Yamato like he'd grown a second head.
He'd always dismissed Yamato's talent as underwhelming. Now? Maybe not so much.
---
Boom—!
With Kawasaki serving, the match reignited.
Now able to retaliate, Yamato anchored the defense while creating openings for Kawasaki's power shots.
The added pressure bought Yamato time to analyze.
Soon, they mounted a counterattack.
Boom—!
Yamato Yuudai & Kawasaki Sumire score! 1-1!
...
Boom—!
Matsudaira Chikao & Sasabe Junichi score! 2-3!
...
Boom—!
Yamato Yuudai & Kawasaki Sumire score! 4-4!
Doubles expanded Yamato's observation targets from one to two, while reducing misdirection opportunities.
The real headache was Hyotei's seamless teamwork—alternating formations, crisscrossing returns—until the set finally ended at 7-5.
"Game. Hyotei wins!"
The umpire's call echoed.
Kawasaki hung his head. "…Sorry, Yamato."
As the primary attacker, his failures to create openings and unforced errors had cost them.
"We did our best. Our默契 (chemistry) and tactics need work. Let's add daily doubles drills after regular practice."
"Right!"
After a brief rest, the teams exchanged handshakes and left the court.
"Sorry. We lost."
Yamato and Kawasaki bowed before Yoru.
"Ugh, cut the funeral vibes. If you suck, train harder. Save the formalities." He shooed them off.
The two exchanged wry glances—until:
"Don't lose next time."
Yoru's voice carried no softness, but the words were acknowledgment enough.
For a first-time duo against veterans, they'd held their own. With more磨合 (polishing), they could become a solid pair by Nationals.
Their styles complemented each other. Growth would come fast with effort.
---
"Second match. Win this, or it's extra drills for everyone."
Yoru's gaze shifted to the next pair:
Kaedechi Hajime – 5 stars.
Konishi Izumi – 4 stars.
On paper, their total was lower than Yamato/Kawasaki's.
But Kaedechi and Konishi were longtime partners, their默契 (synergy) and tactics honed.
Plus, Kaedechi had been refining the techniques Yoru suggested. Against another 5-star duo? They had a shot.
"Don't worry, Captain. We've got this!"
The two shared a confident nod and moved to warm up—
"Wait."
Yoru stopped them, then turned. "Yamato. Come buff them."
"Huh?"
"Just say something encouraging."
Yamato blinked, then obliged: "Do your best, Kaedechi-senpai, Konishi-senpai! Win for us too!"
"Yeah!"
Instantly, their stats flickered—+0.5.
For the first time, Yoru saw Yamato's true value. If tennis didn't work out, he could always study art in Germany.
But for now—
"Not enough. Say it again."
Yamato: "..."
---