King of Tennis (POT)

*Thud!*

The tennis ball landed on the court.

The referee's voice followed immediately: "0-15!"

"Whoa..."

Instantly, the entire court erupted in gasps of astonishment.

Outside the court, Taki exclaimed in surprise, "He actually countered Nioh's net attack like that?"

Beside him, Shishido, Mukahi, and the others wore equally shocked expressions.

"You can tell he's incredibly calm."

Oshitari couldn't help but praise Ishikawa. "In that situation, anyone who wasn't composed would've definitely aimed for Nioh's right side. But he went for a lob!"

Just that one move.

It was enough to show the gap between Ishikawa and ordinary players.

Calm, composed, and possessing a strong mental fortitude that could withstand the pressure of real matches!

"Good! Very good!"

On the other side.

Nioh, whose strategy had been read and who had just been humiliated by Ishikawa's lob, had a dark expression on his face. "Ishikawa, I underestimated you. You're stronger than I thought. In that case, I won't hold back anymore!"

With that.

Under the surprised gazes of the spectators, Nioh shifted his feet, lowered his right leg, and raised his racket, assuming a posture that resembled drawing a bow.

"This is..."

Seeing this, Mukahi blurted out, "Martial Arts Tennis (Ancient Martial Arts Style Tennis)?"

"That's the martial arts stance!"

"Nioh's actually pulling out this move?!"

"It's not surprising. If you were humiliated like that, you'd get serious too!"

"Oh?"

While everyone was discussing, Coach Sakaki, who was watching from a distance, also showed a look of surprise.

"He's even using this move now?"

The martial arts stance.

This was a basic posture that Nioh, who had practiced ancient martial arts since childhood, trained in every day.

About two months ago.

During the intra-school selection matches at the end of the first year, Nioh had lost to Atobe again.

Losing the match had left him deeply frustrated.

Coach Sakaki, however, had noticed something off about Nioh's movements during the match. He told Nioh to play freely, without overthinking.

As a result.

Nioh began incorporating his ancient martial arts movements into his tennis, and his overall strength improved dramatically!

It was because of this.

That Coach Sakaki realized Nioh's potential was even greater than Taki's, making him a more suitable candidate to succeed Atobe as Hyotei's captain!

But now.

Facing a first-year newcomer, in only the second game of the match, and during his own service game, Nioh had been forced to use this move.

This significantly lowered his standing in Coach Sakaki's eyes!

Of course.

Coach Sakaki wasn't unreasonable. He understood that it wasn't that Nioh was weak, but rather that the newcomer named Ishikawa... was just too strong.

"Interesting."

Seeing Nioh assume the martial arts stance and prepare to attack, Coach Sakaki's gaze shifted to Ishikawa. "Well, newcomer, your strength... shouldn't be limited to just this, right?"

He was pleased and excited.

Because even if Ishikawa lost, Hyotei would still gain a promising new player. But if Ishikawa defeated Nioh, then Hyotei would have truly struck gold!

*Thud!*

On the court.

Nioh launched his attack.

He served the ball, aiming straight for Ishikawa's backhand.

The ball landed and bounced from the outer corner of the backhand side, fast and at a sharp angle. Most players would have no choice but to let it go.

*Thud!*

But the next moment.

Ishikawa swiftly swung his racket, hitting the ball just before it went out of reach.

"Hmph!"

Seeing that his serve didn't result in an immediate point, Nioh snorted coldly. He quickly crouched down, using rapid footwork to close in on the ball.

In the blink of an eye.

Nioh was right on top of the ball.

Without hesitation, he raised his racket and delivered a powerful drive.

*Bang!*

A loud crack echoed.

The ball shot forward like an arrow.

Compared to before, the rhythm and power of his shots had increased significantly!

This was Nioh's **Martial Arts Tennis**!

As the name suggested, it was a style of tennis that incorporated ancient martial arts. His movements were swift, powerful, and highly versatile. Though his posture might seem unconventional, his offensive capabilities had greatly improved.

Now.

He was using this style to suppress Ishikawa, launching relentless attacks from both sides.

*Thud!*

Another shot.

Nioh finally broke through Ishikawa's defense and scored a point.

"15-15!"

"Hmph!"

After scoring.

Nioh's expression grew even colder. "You're definitely tough, making me spend over a minute to score a point. But now that I'm using my Martial Arts Tennis to overthrow you, your fate is sealed!"

*Thud!*

Immediately after.

Nioh served again.

The fierce serve landed, kicking up dust from the court and causing the spectators to instinctively shrink back.

The non-regular players could feel the intensity and ferocity radiating from Nioh's serve!

Then.

Nioh continued his assault.

He seamlessly integrated his ancient martial arts stances into his play, launching one attack after another, relentlessly pressuring his opponent.

Soon.

He scored again.

The score was now 30-15.

After another two minutes, Nioh scored once more, bringing the score to 40-15. He had reached game point in his service game.

"Nioh's playing style is so aggressive!"

Outside the court, Mukahi said with a hint of apprehension. If it were him facing Nioh's Martial Arts Tennis, he'd probably have to retreat temporarily.

"Heh!"

At that moment, one of the regular players who had been overshadowed by Ishikawa's earlier performance sneered, "See? That first-year is nothing without his serve."

This comment.

Immediately resonated with others, and voices of agreement rose:

"That's right, he's completely overwhelmed by Nioh."

"The outcome of this match is already decided!"

"Is that really the case?"

Hearing these comments, Oshitari shook his head inwardly. He glanced at Atobe beside him.

Noticing his gaze, Atobe smiled faintly. "You noticed it too, didn't you?"

"Yeah."

Oshitari nodded.

Indeed.

On the surface, Nioh seemed to be dominating the match. To some extent, it could even be said that he had Ishikawa on the ropes.

However.

What these people—and even Nioh himself—hadn't realized was that from 15-15 to 40-15, Nioh had only won three points, but it had taken him nearly five minutes.

"This isn't a coincidence."

At this thought, Oshitari's gaze shifted to Ishikawa, and a hint of awe flashed in his eyes. "This guy... he's actually adapting to Nioh's playstyle during the match. In his current state, Nioh won't find it easy to win that final point!"

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**(End of Chapter)**