At Yoshida National Airport, Japan - 10:06 A.M
As Matsumoto's plane touched down on the runway, he felt a rush of excitement. He had been waiting for this moment for weeks, and finally, he was in Japan, ready to start his tennis training at the prestigious Yoshida Memorial Tennis Training Center. As he disembarked from the plane, he took a deep breath, feeling the cool Japanese air fill his lungs. He was thrilled, and his heart was beating fast with anticipation. But, most importantly, he had landed safely.
As he entered the airport's detector, the guard checked his ID, and his eyes widened in surprise. "So, sir... you're the tennis champion from Kyoto?" the guard asked, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Yes, I'm the one," Matsumoto replied with a warm smile.
"Well, this is a great coincidence! Ummm... Sir, can I get a picture with you?" the guard asked, barely containing his enthusiasm.
"Oh, sure, why not?" Matsumoto agreed, posing for a photo with the guard.
After taking the picture, the guard let Matsumoto through the exit, and he breathed in the fresh air, exhaling slowly. He hailed a taxi and headed to the Yoshida Memorial Tennis Training Center.
Upon arrival, Matsumoto was greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of the center. Children, teenagers, and adults were practicing, their laughter and shouts filling the air. He watched them for a moment, feeling a sense of belonging. He entered the Training Center confidently, and the people practicing there turned their heads, shocked to see the tennis champion. They greeted him warmly, and even the children were thrilled to meet him. Matsumoto was happy to have so many fans, and he joined in, practicing with the players there. He trained hard, his determination evident in every stroke.
After a long, sweaty session, Matsumoto was tired, so he searched for a nearby hotel in Yoshida. He found a 5-star hotel, the Yoshida 5 Star Hotel, and was impressed by its grandeur. He entered the hotel, confirmed his ID, and received his door key to room 704. He walked up the stairs, opened the door, and was amazed by the room's luxurious amenities. The bed was soft and comfortable, and the air conditioning was a welcome relief. He watched the sunset from the terrace, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
He unpacked his clothes and jersey, placing them in the hotel's drawer. His tennis bag was beside him, a constant companion that held memories of his tournaments. He turned on the TV, watched YouTube, and searched for Tennis Games 2026. He lay on the bed, holding his racket, reliving the excitement of the matches.
Someone tapped his doorbell, and he answered, finding the hotel staff delivering his food: steak and egg with a leaf on top of the steak as a design, rice, and a glass of water. It was delicious, and his stomach was full. He drank his water, feeling refreshed.
The hotel staff returned to take his plate, spoon, fork, and glass. Matsumoto continued watching tennis on YouTube, learning new techniques and strategies. After that, he turned off the TV, fixed his bed, and locked his door. He put his head on the pillow, feeling content.
The next morning, his phone alarm went off at 6:00 A.M. He took a shower, brushed his teeth, and the hotel staff delivered his breakfast. He grabbed his tennis bag and left the hotel, giving his key to the hotel keykeeper.
Matsumoto walked to the Training Center, eager to train again. He played with the people there, happy and smiling, but his attention was drawn to a boastful boy claiming to be the tennis champion of Okinawa.
"No one can beat me! I'm the most powerful at tennis. The ones training here are weak," he said, his group laughing behind him.
Matsumoto felt a surge of anger and asked the people there, "Who's that arrogant guy?"
"Ummm, that's Yokaido Shinama. He keeps coming back, challenging people and putting us down," a teenager replied.
"Then I'll prove him wrong," Matsumoto said, holding his racket with fierce anger.
Matsumoto approached them, his anger evident. He held his racket with a serious face, tossed the shuttlecock up, and slammed it with all his power. The shuttlecock blazed through the air, making a hole in the wall of the court.
"Prove yourself and play with me," Matsumoto said with a serious voice.
The laughing group fell silent, and the boastful guy was scared but prepared his racket. The game started, and Matsumoto let his opponent serve first. The humble guy tossed the shuttlecock up and hit it, but Matsumoto was on high alert. He slammed the shuttlecock, and it flew high. Matsumoto scored 1-0.
They played, and Matsumoto's opponent couldn't score. Matsumoto was overpowered. The scores turned 1-0, 6-0, 11-1, and finally 14-2.
"Who's weak now?" Matsumoto asked the boastful guy. "Choose who you've been taunting."
The boastful guys left, never to return. The people training there cheered Matsumoto, and they were all happy.
But Matsumoto didn't know he was being watched. A coach, Mr. Taiga Oronawa, had been observing his every move and powerful skills. Mr. Taiga was a 76-year-old retired tennis top 1 champion, thought to have never returned. He clapped his hands.
"Bravo! Good move and great skill," Mr. Taiga said, clapping.
The people there were shocked to meet the top 1 champion, stunned to see him again. Matsumoto asked who he was and was told. He was shocked to meet a top player. Mr. Taiga gave him a card with a note and left.
Matsumoto watched as Mr. Taiga left the court. On the bus, he scrolled through his phone, playing music on his earphones, remembering the day's events. He remembered the note Mr. Taiga gave him and read it:
"Hi, I'm Mr. Taiga Oronawa. I've been watching your skills and determination. You always participate in tennis tournaments and stand up for yourself. I want to train you as my student, and I'll be your coach. Meet me tomorrow at Yoshida park and let's come to my house at 10:00 A.M."
Matsumoto's eyes widened in excitement as he read the note. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime. He couldn't wait to meet Mr. Taiga and start his training.
As he arrived at the hotel, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. What would tomorrow bring? He lay on his bed, his mind racing with possibilities, and drifted off to sleep, his racket by his side.
And with that, Matsumoto's training began, under the guidance of the top 1 champion, Mr. Taiga Oronawa. The journey ahead would be challenging, but Matsumoto was ready, his racket at the ready, his heart full of determination.
(To be continued)