(Previous reminder: The system's five-dimensional rating does not represent the actual five stats in "The Prince of Tennis." They are separate. The system's rating is just a level.)
Kirihara scores, 30-0!
Another rapid counter.
The ball shot out at a sharp angle, moving so fast that Tezuka, at his current level of footwork, couldn't possibly catch up.
Though their base five-dimensional ratings were only one level apart, their strengths lay in different areas.
The five stats—Power, Speed, Mental, Stamina, and Technique—were weighted differently.
According to the system's grading method, if even a single stat reached Level 6, the base five-dimensional rating would display as Level 6.
Kirihara specialized in Speed, while Tezuka excelled in Technique.
Physically speaking, Kirihara's overall five-dimensional stats were undoubtedly higher than Tezuka's. However, the system only displayed the highest-level stat as the base rating.
A Level 7 Kirihara—specialized in Speed—was a completely different beast.
Of course, Yoru didn't have this problem.
The system's reward granted him balanced stats across all five dimensions, putting him far above others in sheer versatility.
BAM—!
Kirihara seized another opportunity, executing a high-speed volley at the net.
The ball shot past Tezuka's eyes, landing cleanly out of bounds.
"Kirihara scores, 40-0!"
Yoru calmly announced the score.
"Kirihara's speed is insane. His net approach is way beyond normal players. Once he sets up a net volley, the chance of scoring in singles is huge."
"A rare net volley strategy for singles play."
Yamato praised, his gaze filled with admiration as he watched Tezuka.
The fact that Kirihara had resorted to this tactic meant he was taking the match seriously—proof that Tezuka's skill was no joke.
Even Yamato himself struggled against this kind of net volley strategy. An average player wouldn't be able to pull it off with Kirihara's level of precision.
The key was speed.
If you were fast enough to reach the net, adjust your stance, and deliver a high-quality volley, scoring became almost effortless.
Easier said than done, though.
Reaching the ball's landing point before it bounced was incredibly difficult.
And if your opponent read your intent and countered with a drop shot, reducing the rebound, you'd be the one at risk of losing the point.
On the court...
Tezuka returned to the service line.
Instead of serving immediately, he fell into deep thought.
Kirihara didn't rush him, crouching in a defensive stance as he waited, his interest in the young player growing.
Most players would panic when faced with a net volley strategy—even Yamato was no exception.
But Tezuka remained composed, analyzing the situation—a rare quality.
After a long pause, Tezuka finally served again.
This time, instead of a flat serve, he delivered a spin serve.
Inside corner placement!
"Hm?"
Kirihara frowned slightly.
It wasn't that the serve was tricky—in fact, it was easier to return. He had plenty of time to prepare.
But in his mind, Tezuka wouldn't make such a pointless move.
No time to overthink.
As the ball bounced up, Kirihara cautiously returned it.
Spin serves had one advantage: they weakened return speed.
Kirihara's shot was still fast, but noticeably slower than before, giving Tezuka enough time to react.
Anticipating the trajectory, Tezuka rushed forward before the ball landed, angling his racket at 45 degrees for a backhand slice.
His strategy was undeniably clever.
Some might think a drop shot was a risky move, but that wasn't the case.
A well-placed drop shot near the net had a low rebound, making it harder for a net rusher to counter.
However, this tactic had one major flaw:
If the opponent could reach the landing point before the second bounce, the drop shot would turn into an easy opportunity.
"A drop shot, huh?"
"Looks like it'll land right by the net. Too bad—that won't work on me."
Kirihara smirked, his body vanishing into a blur as he accelerated even faster than before.
Tezuka's eyes widened slightly.
"He can go even faster? Kirihara-senpai's skill is impressive."
"But that ball... you won't be able to return it."
Won't be able to return it?
The spectators exchanged confused glances, but Yoru suddenly smiled.
"Be careful, Kirihara. That ball isn't as simple as you think."
"No worries~"
Kirihara brushed it off.
So what if it wasn't simple? As long as he returned it before the second bounce, any trick would be useless!
But what happened next made Kirihara freeze mid-swing, his racket hovering in the air.
The onlookers' jaws dropped.
The ball, after landing, spun briefly before rolling straight toward the net, clinging to it without bouncing even once.
Tezuka's signature move—
Zero-Shiki Drop Shot!
"Tezuka Kunimitsu scores, 15-40!"
The announcement snapped everyone out of their daze, and the court erupted in murmurs.
"Did—did you see that just now?!"
"Relax, I'm not blind~"
"Oh, acting cool, huh? Then why are your hands shaking? Stop pretending!"
"It didn't bounce at all! I've never seen a shot like that!"
"That's insane! There's no way to return it, right?"
"The only way would be hitting it before it lands. What an incredible technique!"
Kirihara took a deep breath, studying Tezuka with newfound respect.
Now he understood why Yoru said this kid could be Seigaku's future captain.
From mentality to fundamentals, and now this level of skill—Tezuka was far beyond his age.
"Another monster, huh?"
Kirihara chuckled, glancing at Yoru.
"By the time you enter middle school, you might just be strong enough to challenge the captain."
BAM—!
Another spin serve echoed across the court.
The spin serve weakened Kirihara's return speed, giving Tezuka another chance to execute the Zero-Shiki Drop Shot.
But Kirihara wasn't foolish enough to fall for the same trick twice.
BAM—!
The same sequence played out.
Kirihara's return was slower.
Tezuka predicted the landing point, setting up for another Zero-Shiki Drop Shot.
As the ball approached, he angled his racket at 45 degrees, slicing downward.
The ball spun fiercely, arcing toward the net in a graceful curve.
"Kid, the same trick won't work on me twice!"
What—?!
Before Tezuka could react, Kirihara—who had been at the baseline—suddenly appeared at the net.
His speed... increased again!
With a sharp swing, he intercepted the ball mid-air, turning Tezuka's surefire point into a deadly net volley.
Tezuka could only watch as the ball flew out of reach.
"Kirihara scores, Game 1-0!"
Losing the first game didn't rattle Tezuka. He calmly walked to the bench for a short break.
"Take your time. I'll wait."
Kirihara didn't sit down. Instead, he strode to the opposite side of the court, ready for the next game.