Two buffs were instantly applied to QP, but their effect was minimal—only a (+0.5) boost.
The higher a player's star rating, the smaller the enhancement they receive.
However, after Yamato reached 7 stars, the numerical value of his buffs noticeably increased.
This meant the strength of the buffs was also tied to Yamato's own combat power.
QP glanced thoughtfully at Yamato. "Tricking the brain into unlocking more potential, huh...?"
As someone who paid extreme attention to detail, he could clearly sense the changes in his body. In just a few words, Yamato had somehow allowed him to increase his muscle utilization rate.
Most people wouldn't even understand what "muscle utilization rate" meant.
To put it simply—
Most state-based techniques in the Prince of Tennis world enhance muscle utilization, with only a few targeting mental fortitude.
The human body has 639 muscles, all composed of muscle fibers responsible for basic life functions. However, the full potential of these muscles is rarely tapped.
Medical research suggests that if all muscular potential were unlocked, the human body could theoretically generate 25 tons of force.
Normally, the average person only uses about 30% of their muscle capacity. Elite athletes might reach 40%, and those with exceptional talent could push it to 50%.
But the brain actively prevents excessive muscle activation.
The human body is both limitless and fragile.
Dramatically increasing muscle utilization risks severe consequences—muscles tearing from overextension, bones fracturing under strain, or even muscles detaching from bones entirely.
For example, Aichi Kōki's physical enhancement works by stimulating emotions to "trick" the brain into allowing higher muscle usage—albeit at the cost of greater stamina consumption.
This is also why, in the original series, Oni Juujirou never dared to use Perfect Harmony (Muga no Kyouchi) for an entire match.
It could literally kill someone.
QP didn't know how Yamato managed it, but he could feel the increase in muscle efficiency—without any side effects.
Pushing the thought aside, QP stepped onto the court to warm up.
The moment he moved, the entire audience's attention locked onto him.
Thanks to Tennis Monthly's relentless coverage, everyone knew that among Seigaku's "Big Three," the true pillars were Yoru Echizen and QP.
QP's matches were always absolute domination, sparking endless debates over who was stronger between him and Yoru.
Of course, there were also rumors that QP couldn't score a single point against Yoru—but seeing was believing.
---
### Miyako Base Camp
"Honestly, you two lost in the most embarrassing way possible," Inui sighed, rubbing his temples.
It was obvious Yamato and his partner had held back, yet Miyako's doubles pair still managed to fumble spectacularly.
A 6-1 loss would've been acceptable, but getting shut out? Pathetic.
"W-We're sorry, Vice Captain! We... we messed up!"
The two players exchanged glances, faces burning with shame.
Their performance in the sixth game was something not even a scripted comedy match could replicate.
Four points, each more absurd than the last.
If Kirihara's blunders were bad, these two had somehow outdone him.
Shiraishi covered his face. "Whether it was a mistake or not, it matched your skill level."
If Miyako had any better players, Shiraishi wouldn't have been forced to field these two.
And the worst part?
There were still two more of these "talents" on the bench.
His stomach churned at the thought.
Shiraishi turned to Inui. "You're up next. Rein in the theatrics—your opponent isn't weak."
"Hai, hai~" Inui shrugged, strolling onto the court to warm up.
---
### 10 Minutes Later
Both players took their positions.
QP's imposing aura radiated across the court, an invisible pressure weighing down the air.
Inui's eyes narrowed slightly.
"National Semifinals—Seigaku vs. Miyako! Singles 2 match begins! QP (Seigaku) to serve!"
The referee's whistle blew.
QP stood at the baseline, his long sleeves and pants contrasting sharply with the standard athletic wear of other players.
Yoru had once asked him why.
QP's explanation?
"It helps my body warm up faster. Removing them later gives a sudden boost in performance."
(Though in the original series, only the German team wore full sleeves—but nobody ever took them off mid-match?)
Whoosh—!
QP tossed the ball high.
His stance—sideways, knees bent, racket drawn back—was flawless textbook form.
"What a perfect serve motion," Fuji murmured in admiration.
This was the mark of perfect fundamentals.
In Seigaku, only Yoru and QP could execute serves with such precision—and still make basic serves explosively powerful.
BANG!
BANG!
Two sharp cracks echoed as the ball blurred past the net, rebounding at Inui's feet before he could react.
"Yare yare~ That's faaast!"
Inui's playful voice rang out just as the ball was about to fly out of bounds—
Yet somehow, he intercepted it.
But something was off.
Inui's movement speed wasn't particularly fast.
Yet the moment the ball bounced, it slowed down drastically, as if hitting an invisible barrier.
QP's brow furrowed.
He fired another shot.
Same result—the ball lost momentum after the bounce.
Yoru's lips curved. "A 'speed trap,' huh?"
He was almost certain now—this was the precursor to Tokugawa's "Black Hole."
"But Black Hole had severe backlash... Is this a weaker version with no side effects?"
If so, Inui's technique might actually be more practical than Black Hole.
Black Hole could freeze the ball mid-air and negate spin/force—but at the cost of destroying the user's body. (Tokugawa nearly died after using it a few times.)
THWACK!
QP suddenly switched tactics—a sharp drop shot, heavy with spin, skidding sideways after the bounce to minimize interception chances.
"Tch, just like Phoenix! Thought you'd keep playing straight-up~"
Inui's teasing voice came from right at the net—his racket already under the ball, lifting it back.
"How is he that fast?!" Kirihara gasped.
Yoru shook his head. "Not speed. He predicted QP's move and positioned himself early."
Inui's skill set included:
- Mental Prediction
- Weakness Insight
In other words, he'd read QP's habits beforehand, moving preemptively to create the illusion of speed.
Of course, QP shouldn't be so easily deciphered this early—meaning Inui had studied him extensively prior to the match.
CRACK!
The proof came instantly.
Inui intercepted QP's smash at the net, firing a cross-court pass straight to the baseline.
"Inui Kōta scores! 15-0!"
Kirihara's jaw dropped. "QP lost the first point?! Is this... data tennis?"
Yoru smirked. "No. It's psychological warfare."
---