(Note: The protagonist's talents and backstory involving his mother will be explored, but it won't dominate the main plot. Also, he won't return to China for international tournaments—too many original characters would just make things messy.)
"6-0! Game set! Seigaku wins, total score 2-1!"
"Well, that was... unexpectedly rude of me."
Realizing things had gone too far, Yoru ended the match with four consecutive Ultra-High Speed Vertical Serves.
As he stepped off the court, he hesitated to approach Kabaji for the customary handshake.
Kabaji, meanwhile, stood frozen on the court, too stunned to react.
6-0.
A brutal, humiliating scoreline.
He couldn't remember the last time he'd been shut out like this.
"...I lost."
Kabaji turned slowly, taking in his teammates' devastated expressions.
After a long pause, he finally walked off.
Though the overall score was only 2-1, the reality was clear—Hyotei had no chance.
Kirihara Akaya? Only Kabaji could handle him.
And that foreigner, QP? No one in Hyotei stood a chance.
Thankfully, making the Kanto Tournament was already guaranteed by reaching the quarterfinals.
Losing to Seigaku was disappointing, but not the end.
After last year's Nationals, Kabaji knew Hyotei wasn't championship material—but under his leadership, they'd at least go further.
---
Singles 2 began shortly after.
Yoru had originally planned to send QP in for some match practice.
But QP refused.
"Pointless. It'll dull my competitive edge."
The final score?
6-0.
Total: 3-1.
Seigaku advanced to the finals.
---
### Germany | Tennis Training Center
Knock knock.
The director's office door swung open.
Emos stepped inside, followed by a hulking, bald man wearing the reserve uniform of Germany's professional team.
Director Leitner paused mid-signature, his pen freezing as he recognized the visitor.
"I didn't expect to see you here."
The bald man tilted his head slightly. "You know me?"
"I doubt anyone in German tennis doesn't." Leitner set down his pen. "Jürgen Borg. Elite Club's so-called 'strongest in history.'"
Even Leitner's own prodigy, QP, was merely labeled a "masterpiece."
But Borg?
Borg redefined victory itself.
"Flattering, but unnecessary." Borg's voice was calm, belying his intimidating frame. "I'm here for footage of Yoru and QP's match."
Ever since QP took a three-month leave to Japan, the Elite Club's head coach had informed Borg—QP had lost.
And not just lost.
He'd been crushed.
Borg knew QP's capabilities better than anyone.
In the entire Elite Club, only he could suppress QP consistently.
Yet according to the footage, Yoru had dismantled QP effortlessly—using techniques like Zone and Reverse Zone, no less.
Their match at the training center had been playful, almost casual.
Which meant…
They'd already played a serious match before.
Borg had a hunch—Yoru might be the key to perfecting his own tennis.
"Ah. That."
Leitner stood, moving to his computer. "The footage is here, but… it might not be useful."
Borg frowned. "Why?"
"Just watch."
As the video played, Borg sat rigidly, eyes locked on the screen.
Ten minutes later, he understood Leitner's warning.
The first half was just fundamental tennis—QP, the epitome of balanced perfection, outclassed in every stat.
Something even Borg couldn't achieve.
The second half?
QP collapsed.
His returns fell apart, his movements sluggish.
Borg had faced mental specialists before, but none could destabilize QP so thoroughly.
"Leitner—"
Borg turned, but the director was buried in paperwork.
Sighing, Borg replayed the footage, frame by frame.
QP's breakdown felt… familiar.
"Still analyzing?"
Leitner finally approached.
"What happened live?" Borg cut straight to the point.
"Sensory Manipulation."
Four words.
Borg's mind flashed to the current WTA No. 1—a female pro who'd dominated the circuit with the same ability.
Twelve years. Nine Grand Slams. The most consecutive shutouts in history.
And now…
A second user had appeared.
Borg's pulse quickened.
Yoru had Zone, Reverse Zone, and now this?
Every fiber of his being burned for a match.
"You want to play him," Leitner observed.
"Yes." Borg's answer was instant. "But not yet."
"He needs to grow. And so do I."
---
### Japan | Seigaku Team
As Yoru shook hands with Hyotei's team, a chime echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations! You've led Seigaku to victory over Hyotei! Reward: Random Rune ×1!]
[Claim?]
"A drop?"
Yoru blinked.
The rune system had been stingy—outside of initial unlocks and tournament wins, victories rarely rewarded anything.
Yet today?
Jackpot.
"Claim."
[Reward acquired!]
[You've obtained: _____ ]