The tennis club returned to its grueling training routine.
Day by day, the selection matches drew closer.
By now, every member of the club could complete their daily training goals—goals that were twice as demanding as the original regimen set by Nanjiroh.
And Nanjiroh's original training had already been insane.
Completing this doubled workload meant doing two full rounds of training.
Currently, only a few could manage one full round, while Yamato and Kirihara could push to one and a half.
As for Yoru?
He just watched everyone train.
With Ryoma's talent as his engine, he didn't need to lift a finger to grow stronger.
The club's overall strength had undergone a massive transformation.
Former regulars like Kawasaki Junsai and Nishimura Komugi had risen to 4-star combat power, while most other members reached 3-star. A few standout first-years also hit the 3-star mark.
On paper, the regular lineup shouldn't change much—but real matches were a different story.
Many factors could influence combat power in the moment.
Techniques like Muga no Kyouchi (Selfless State) or sudden breakthroughs in skill could cause temporary—or even permanent—power spikes.
Of course, the biggest improvements came from Yamato and Kirihara.
---
[Name]: Yamato Yuudai
[Age]: 14
[Techniques]: Personal Five Stats (Lv. 6), Tennis Fundamentals (Lv. 6), Displacement Shot (Lv. 6), Quick Half-Volley (Lv. 5)
[Talent]: Morale Boost
[Combat Power]: ★★★★★★ (6-star)
A one-star increase.
With his Five Stats and Fundamentals reaching Lv. 6, many of his techniques naturally leveled up without extra training.
Then there was Kirihara's growth:
[Name]: Kirihara
[Age]: 15
[Techniques]: Personal Five Stats (Lv. 7), Tennis Fundamentals (Lv. 7), Super Speed Serve (Lv. 7), Extreme Drive (Lv. 7)
[Talent]: Light as a Feather
[Combat Power]: ★★★★★★★ (7-star)
Also a one-star boost.
Now, Seigaku finally looked like a team that could compete at Nationals.
Once the selection matches ended and the "First Strike Rune" was equipped, the team's overall strength would skyrocket.
---
Selection Matches Begin
That morning, the usual lively training atmosphere was replaced by tense silence as the club members lined up on Court 1.
Standing on a raised platform, Yoru scanned the crowd.
"Today marks the start of the regulars' selection matches. There are seven spots—but since I won't be participating, you're competing for six."
"The six former regulars have been split across three courts. Each court has two spots up for grabs—no year restrictions. Anyone can seize this opportunity!"
The first-years' eyes lit up with excitement.
After weeks of intense training, many felt they stood a real chance.
Yoru ignored their reactions and continued.
"Of course, as I've said before—anyone can challenge me. Win, and you'll not only take a regular spot… you'll also become the new captain of Seigaku's tennis club."
"..."
The crowd broke into cold sweats.
They might feel confident—but they weren't delusional.
Three players were universally acknowledged as untouchable: Yoru, Yamato, and Kirihara.
The real competition was for the remaining four spots.
After weeks of training together, everyone knew the gap between the top three and the rest wasn't insurmountable.
"Check the brackets!"
Coach Ryuzaki pinned the match list on the bulletin board.
"You've got ten minutes. See where you're placed—then we begin."
The club members crowded around the board.
"Ugh… I'm grouped with Yamato-senpai and Kawasaki-senpai? I'm doomed!"
"Lucky me—I've got Kaidou-senpai and Izumisui-senpai."
"Nishimura-senpai and Kirihara-senpai in my group? That means only one spot's left for the rest of us…"
Mixed reactions all around.
Those grouped with Yamato or Kirihara knew they were fighting for just one regular position.
---
Ten minutes later.
The selection matches officially began.
Court 1
Yamato stared intently at his opponent—a third-year senior who could only force a bitter smile.
"Go easy on me, Yamato."
Yamato grinned. "Let's have a good match, Takeue-senpai."
No mercy.
In fact, everyone went all out from the very first match.
Yoru's earlier rule—no matches, only training—had left the club members starved for competition.
This was their chance to unleash everything they'd gained.
No matter the skill gap, every player fought with everything they had, determined to prove themselves.
---
"The tennis club's really lively today."
"It's the regulars' selection matches!"
"Wow, that guy on the platform is so handsome—who is he? Never seen him before."
"That's Yoru, a first-year . Topped the 'School Heartthrob Rankings' as soon as he enrolled. Total genius—and the new captain!"
"A first-year captain?! No way!"
A growing crowd of spectators—mostly female—gathered around the courts, many there just to catch a glimpse of Yoru.
Honestly?
Without Yoru and Kirihara, Seigaku would've been in a visual drought.
The regular lineup was… unique.
Yamato had decent features, but his tiny round sunglasses made him look like a suspicious creep.
---
Two days later.
The selection matches concluded—with no changes to the regular lineup.
Seigaku Regulars:
- Captain: Yoru
- Members: Kirihara, Yamato Yuudai, Kawasaki Junsai, Nishimura Komugi, Izumisui, Kaidou Juu
After announcing the results, Yoru added:
"This is the last selection match until Nationals end."
The eliminated members slumped in disappointment.
"However—any regular can be challenged once per day, but only after training. Unless there's a valid reason, refusals aren't allowed."
Kaidou and the others winced, while the non-regulars perked up.
"Coach Ryuzaki suggested adding substitute regulars. I rejected it."
"Regulars don't need substitutes. If you're strong enough, take the spot. If not, step down."
"Injuries? Illness? No excuses. Even if you've just finished a match—if it's club hours, you can be challenged."
Whoa—!
The club members gasped.
This rule was brutal.
Pure survival of the fittest—a wolf-pack mentality in action.
Meanwhile, Coach Ryuzaki's expression was… complicated.
Feed the author—vote now or the story starves 😭"
Want 2 chapters a day? You know what to do!
Request your favorite story too!
Pat-reon: belamy20