12 Tennis Domination (Part 2)
4th Round
The last match of the day, and if I win this, then I would be playing in the Quarterfinals tomorrow.
My opponent in this round is from Minami Daisan Junior High, a middle school that is not known for athletes. But that doesn't mean I would underestimate him.
We did the coin toss, and my opponent would be the first one to serve.
We then proceeded to do the rally warm-ups.
"Start!"
With the umpire's call, the action began. My focus was laser-sharp, my eyes on my opponent as we exchanged the first shots.
...
"Game, set, match, Hinata!"
The umpire's voice rang out, sealing my victory in this round of the tournament. The final scores were 6-2 and 6-1, with the match firmly in my favor.
This time, the match played out without any extraordinary strategies or dramatic turns. My opponent's unforced errors turned out to be their own downfall, and I found myself capitalizing on those moments. My approach was straightforward – I focused on consistency, placing the ball strategically, and waiting for the mistakes to come.
It was a reminder that in tennis, as in life, sometimes a patient and methodical approach can yield the best results.
I extended my hand toward my opponent, a gesture of sportsmanship and respect. With a firm grip, we exchanged a handshake, a silent acknowledgment of the match we had just played.
=========================
The next day...
Quarterfinals
A new day dawned, and the Quarterfinals were on the horizon – a stage where the intensity of competition reached new heights.
As I looked towards the stands, I was met with a heartening sight: a larger group of supporters had gathered, their cheers and banners waving in the air.
"It seems you have more supporters, Sora-san," my coach and club advisor observed, with a hint of satisfaction in their tone.
I nodded, a genuine smile playing on my lips. "Yeah, which makes me more fired up than before!"
My coach chuckled softly, a mix of amusement and seriousness in their tone. "Sora-san, you have to be careful from now on. I watched other matches to observe, and I saw that you might encounter this one guy."
My curiosity was piqued. "Who is this person you're talking about?"
"His name is Seishiro Nagi. He's an exchange student from Hakuho Middle School that went to Toyokuro Junior High, and from what I've observed, he's truly talented," my coach explained.
He then added, "From the first round until the 4th round, he managed to deliver six bagels and one breadstick, and all of them in straight sets."
Surprise mixed with excitement surged through me as I absorbed this information. The prospect of facing a truly formidable opponent was invigorating. Ever since entering this middle school tournament, I had been steadily winning, and the idea of a genuine challenge was like a breath of fresh air.
"If Seishiro Nagi wins his Quarterfinal and Semifinal matches, then you might just face him in the finals," my coach added.
Gratitude and determination welled up within me. "Thanks, Coach. I'm now even more excited to face him!"
==================
3rd POV
Outside the gymnasium, a tall middle schooler with a lean but muscular build and short white hair is sitting on one of the benches. His gray-colored eyes with large irises are fixated on his phone, playing a game.
"Oy Nagi, your Quarterfinal tennis match is starting soon," A middle schooler with a lean and strong build, chin-length purple hair said.
The middle schooler with short white hair is Seishiro Nagi, an exchange student from Hakuho Middle School that went to Toyokuro Junior High.
"Do I really have to do this, Reo?" Nagi asked with a lazy tone, not leaving his gaze on his phone. "The only reason I'm doing because the soccer club of Toyokuro Junior High is full."
The purple-haired middle schooler is Nagi's close friend, Mikage Reo. Just like Nagi, he was also an exchange student from Hakuho Middle School.
"I know you don't have to do this, but there are people from Hakuho Middle School cheering for you even though you're an exchange student," Reo said. "Besides, once the exchange program is over, we'll be back to Hakuho Middle School."
Nagi then sighed. "Fine, but you'll have to carry me back there," he mumbled, his attention still captured by the phone.
Reo's response was swift and animated. He flashed a smile and gave a thumbs-up. "Sure thing!"
========================
Time Skip
Sora's POV
"Game, set, match, Hinata!" The umpire's declaration marked the end of the semi-finals match.
The scores stood at 6-3 and 6-1, in my favor, securing my spot in the finals. If you're wondering about the Quarterfinals, I clinched that one with scores of 6-3 and 6-0.
What's interesting is that both my opponents in the Quarterfinals and Semi-finals seemed to share a common weakness – a tendency to make unforced errors. It turned out to be an advantage for me, as I could patiently wait for them to slip up instead of having to constantly change my game plan.
Tennis is often about adapting, and in these matches, adapting meant seizing the opportunities that my opponents' weaknesses provided.
After shaking hands with my opponent, I went outside the gymnasium with my coach.
As we were walking, my coach said. "Sora-san, you're going to face Seishiro Nagi tomorrow for the finals."
I couldn't but feel excited, it seems I'm going to face a hard opponent.
I gave my coach a smile, "Thanks for telling me, Coach, is there anything else you would tell me?"
"From what I have observed, Seishiro plays like you, they adjust their strategies depending on how their opponents play." My coach said.
Instead of watching my matches, my coach usually watches other matches to observe how other players play, and he will relay this information to me.
It was intriguing to learn that Nagi approached matches in a similar way – a reminder that the finals were not just about skill, but also about adaptability and strategy.
"I see, thank you, Coach," I replied.
My coach's encouraging smile was a reassuring sight. "You're welcome, Sora-san! Rest well for tomorrow's finals."
With a nod and a renewed sense of purpose, I acknowledged his advice. Tomorrow's match promised to be a test of both skill and mental acuity, a fitting climax to the journey that had brought me this far.
============================
FINALS
The moment had arrived – the finals. Excitement coursed through my veins as I prepared to face Seishiro Nagi, a competitor renowned for their exceptional skill, as my coach had informed me.
As I looked around, the sight of the packed gymnasium filled me with awe. The audience was a sea of faces, a mix of fellow students, teachers, and supporters from our respective schools. Their presence added to the electric atmosphere, the energy tangible in the air.
However, I noticed that Seishiro had yet to arrive. A sense of curiosity mingled with my excitement – was he running late?
Just as his absence crossed my mind, the door swung open, and my gaze was drawn to a scene that I hadn't expected. A middle schooler with short white hair emerged, comfortably piggybacked by another middle schooler with chin-length purple hair.
The sight before me was unexpected and intriguing, leaving me with a mixture of surprise and amusement. It was a moment that momentarily interrupted my thoughts, but I couldn't help wondering about the dynamic between those two.
As the duo made their way into the gymnasium, I noticed that the white-haired guy is the one wearing sports attire, while the purple-haired one is wearing a school uniform.
This made me conclude that the white-haired one was Seishiro Nagi. However, I noticed that they look bored, or lazy. But that doesn't mean I should underestimate him.
From what I have learned from watching Anime, never underestimate the lazy types as they will always be the ones who have a hidden strength.
"Time for the coin toss!" The umpire said from the middle of the net.
=========================
Nagi's POV
I stayed up really late last night since I was playing my usual FPS game, which is why I'm tired and have Reo carry me to the gymnasium.
As Reo set me down on the ground, I turned my attention to my opponent. His distinct orange-undercut hairstyle and lean, muscular build caught my eye. His height was also notable, I think he stands around 5'7" or 5'8".
"Hey Nagi, good luck out there!" Reo's words were filled with encouragement, accompanied by a warm smile.
Experiencing the weariness that came from my late-night gaming session, I couldn't suppress a yawn, my arms stretching involuntarily.
"Thanks," I mumbled, my energy levels clearly compromised.
Seizing the moment to share some information, Reo leaned in with a concerned expression.
"Nagi, I know tennis isn't your thing, but I heard that your opponent is the reigning champion of the Nationals Middle School Tennis Tournament."
His words managed to pique my interest, despite my fatigue. "I see," I responded, acknowledging the newfound tidbit of information.
"Time for the coin toss!" The umpire said from the middle of the net.
===========================
Sora's POV
Stepping into the middle of the court for the coin toss, I awaited the outcome with a mix of nerves and anticipation. The result favored me – I would have the advantage of serving first.
During the coin toss, my curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't help but observe Seishiro more closely. His gray eyes held a unique quality, difficult to define. It was as if he bore an air of weariness, perhaps even a lack of motivation. The intensity that usually accompanied a match seemed to be absent – was he tired or simply uninterested? The uncertainty lingered.
Yet, even amidst this perception, there was no denying his attractiveness. In fact, his appearance surpassed even Kageyama's, someone I had always considered quite good-looking.
My unintentional observation was interrupted when Seishiro's tired voice reached my ears.
"...Excuse me, is there something on my face?"
My heart raced, and I snapped out of my thoughts, caught off guard by his question.
Heat flooded my cheeks, and I stammered, "O-Oh! It's nothing! I was just...uh...thinking."
A wave of embarrassment washed over me as I struggled to find the right words.
"I mean, I was just noticing that you're...erm...good-looking," I admitted, my hand moving to scratch the back of my head nervously.
The moment was both awkward and endearing, a glimpse into the unexpected ways that the pressure of a match could blur lines and reveal unexpected sentiments.
I see, thank you," Seishiro's expression retained its characteristic nonchalance, his fatigue apparent. "You're also quite handsome."
The compliment took me by surprise, and a mixture of astonishment and flattery colored my reaction.
"I-uhh, thank you!" I managed to respond, my smile breaking through any residual awkwardness.
The exchange was unexpected, a momentary departure from the tension of the match ahead. The unexpected compliment had an amusing effect, momentarily diverting our focus from the forthcoming contest.
"Game start!"
...
As the match commenced, I positioned myself at the baseline, ready to deliver my first serve. My determination fueled my movements as I prepared for a flat, powerful serve that would target the center service line. The court stretched out before me, and the weight of the match hung in the air.
With a fluid motion, I launched the ball into the air and struck it with precision. The ball soared across the net, its trajectory true to my intent. It landed on the center service line with a satisfying thud, a testament to my practice and skill.
However, Seishiro's response was swift and unexpected. He returned my serve with remarkable speed, his return directed towards the right singles sideline.
The ball shot off his racket, zipping past me before I could fully react. Caught off-guard by the sheer velocity and placement of his return, I found myself unable to reach the ball in time. It sailed past, unreturned, leaving me momentarily stunned by Seishiro's agility and strategy.
"15-love," The umpire said.
======================
Shoyo's POV
My eyes widened in astonishment as I watched the exchange unfold on the court. Aniki's opponent had just returned his serve with an incredible display of skill and speed.
Aniki's serve, which clocked in at an impressive 121 m/ph, was by no means slow. I had witnessed him perfecting that serve countless times before this match. And yet, here was his opponent, seemingly undeterred by the velocity, returning the ball as though it was routine.
The shock of the moment was palpable. I knew Aniki's dedication to improving his game, but to see his opponent match his power so effortlessly left me in awe. It was a testament to the high level of competition at this stage of the tournament, where every player had honed their skills to an exceptional degree.
"Hey, why does that player look so familiar?" Koji suddenly pointed at the white-haired teenager.
I raised one of my brows, "Familiar?"
Koji did a thinking pose and he suddenly flicked his fingers, "I remember! He's the Right Wing for Hakuho Middle School Soccer Club! They also won the nationals last year!"
Hakuho Middle School?! A fancy middle school from Tokyo?! What is he doing here?
"What is he doing here?" I asked.
"I think they're doing a student exchange program," Koji replied. "But man, to think he's also this good in Tennis."
"Yeah," I replied.
I then returned my gaze back on the match, hoping Aniki would win this.
===============
Time Skip
Sora's POV
After a series of intense rallies against Seishiro, the score was now 6(3)-6(5), and Seishiro is leading.
In this competition, when the regular set ends in a tie at 6 games each, a tiebreak is played to determine the winner of the set. In a tiebreak, each player takes turns serving for one point at a time. The first player to reach 6 points with a lead of at least 2 points wins the tiebreak and the set.
I stepped up to the service line, my determination unwavering. This time, it was my turn to serve, and I aimed to seize control of the tiebreak. With a deep breath, I readied myself for the serve that could potentially shift the momentum in my favor.
As the ball left my racket, it soared towards Seishiro. But instead of aiming for the corners, I decided to throw in a body serve, targeting the center of the court. It was a calculated move, aimed at catching Seishiro off-guard and limiting his range of motion.
Seishiro managed to react, returning the ball despite the surprise tactic. However, his return was a bit high, offering me a golden opportunity. The ball hung in the air, and my instincts kicked in – it was a chance to smash it with all my might.
I went into action, my racket connecting cleanly with the ball. The resounding thwack echoed through the gymnasium as the ball hurtled downwards, aimed for a powerful winner.
But fate had a different plan. In my eagerness, I misjudged the timing slightly, and the ball clipped the net before falling on my side of the court. The crowd held their breath as the ball bounced back, a cruel reminder of the fine line between triumph and mishap.
"Game and set, Seishiro!" The umpire's voice resonated through the air, marking the end of the tiebreak and the set. Despite my valiant efforts, the unforced error had tipped the scale in Seishiro's favor.
The score was 6(3)-7, in Seishiro's favor.
===================
Reo's POV
I was surprised that Nagi managed to win the first set and it was intense!
I heard from other people that his opponent is currently the number one middle school tennis player in all of Japan.
However, as I observed Nagi's behavior after winning the first set, I noticed that he looks a bit tired while his opponent was still warming up. I guess he didn't sleep properly last night, and I bet he played his usual FPS game.
Nagi is a prodigy in whatever sport he plays, but if he plays against someone that has been playing Tennis for their entire life, his chances of winning are small.
===================================
Sora's POV
As Seishiro prepared to serve, I couldn't help but notice a subtle change in his movement. His usual fluidity seemed slightly compromised, as if there was a hint of fatigue or discomfort.
The game continued, and Seishiro's turn to serve arrived. The anticipation was palpable, and I watched as he executed a heavy topspin serve, the ball spinning with a controlled intensity.
Reacting swiftly, I positioned myself to receive the serve. My focus was unyielding as I timed the stroke perfectly, meeting the ball with a flat, powerful stroke that sent it hurtling toward the left singles sideline.
The ball zipped through the air with incredible speed and precision, a testament to the hours of practice I had dedicated to honing my shots.
Seishiro's reaction time was limited, the speed of my return catching him off-guard. He was unable to mount a response, the ball sailing past him before he could react.
A triumphant smirk tugged at my lips as the point concluded. The momentum had shifted, and at that moment, I seized the opportunity to turn the tide.
===================
Nagi's POV
I failed to hit the ball as it was too far and fast. Not only that, I could now feel the fatigue coming up to me.
I then turned to the machine that measures the speed of a tennis ball, and I found out that the return speed was 119 m/ph.
I then sighed. Why did even try in the first set? It's not like I'm going to be a professional tennis player when I grow up.
I only temporarily joined Toyokuro Junior High Tennis Club since the Soccer Club for Toyokuro Junior High was full.
The coach and club advisor noticed my potential and decided to train me for a short amount of time.
When I first entered this tournament, I managed to crush my opponents. After that, they started to call me a "genius".
Honestly, I don't know what they are talking about, Tennis is pretty easy to play. All I have to do is to aim the sidelines and that's it, I don't see how's that special.
Besides, even if I take the second seriously, my opponent is going to outplay me due to his experience. There's no way that I'm going to win against someone that has way more experience than me.
There's also the fact that my opponent hits like a truck. A serve that could go up to 120 m/ph is certainly not normal for a middle schooler.
I then looked at the stands and saw Reo cheering me on.
Reo encouraged me to take this seriously since there are people who wasted their time just to support me in this tournament.
Even if I won't certain that I will win this match, I would still try, Reo is going to guilt trip me if he catches me "slacking" in this match.
=======================
Time Skip
Sora's POV
"Game, set, Hinata!" The umpire said.
During the set, I strategically incorporated a series of drop shots into my gameplay, capitalizing on Seishiro's reactions and keeping him on his toes. The element of surprise proved effective, catching him off guard and allowing me to maintain control over the rallies.
I also decided to unleash the full force of my shots (ball bash), hitting the ball with an intensity that left Seishiro struggling to respond in kind. The relentless barrage of powerful strokes seemed to unnerve him, and I seized the opportunity to dictate the pace of the match.
...
"Start!" The umpire's voice marked the beginning of the third and final set, a pivotal moment in the match.
I stepped up to the service line, a sense of determination coursing through me. With a focused gaze, I unleashed a flat, powerful serve aimed precisely at the singles sideline. The ball cut through the air with velocity, adhering to the trajectory I had envisioned.
Seishiro's return came in response, but his shot was high, granting me an opportunity. My reflexes kicked in, and I quickly positioned myself to intercept the descending ball. Instead of opting for a forceful smash, I chose a different approach.
As the ball neared, I deftly adjusted my technique, executing a drop shot that barely cleared the net. The ball landed on Seishiro's side of the court with a gentle touch, its trajectory unexpectedly changed. Caught off guard by the shift in pace, Seishiro hurriedly moved forward, attempting to reach the ball in time.
Despite his efforts, the ball dropped just out of his reach, bouncing delicately before coming to a stop. The crowd held their breath as the realization dawned – Seishiro had been outmaneuvered, and the point was mine.
==========================
Shoyo's POV
I just witnessed Aniki do an amazing drop shot on the third set, and it was incredible!
In the first set, I noticed Aniki stayed in the baseline, hitting powerful top spins toward his opponent. However, it didn't work that long since he lost the first set.
However, in the second set, he started to use more variety in his plays like slices and drop shots. There's also the fact that he started to ball bash, making his opponent off guard.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement for Aniki.
==============================
Time Skip
Nagis' POV
"Game, set, and match Hinata!" The umpire said.
I lost the match and I did well. The score was 6(3)-7, 6-4, and 6-2, making Sora Hinata, the winner of this match.
I seriously have no answer on how to deal with Hinata's strategies. One moment, he's bashing the ball, and the other moment, he's using drop shots to catch me off guard.
I then went to the net and shook hands with Hinata, who had a smile on his face.
"Nice game, Seishiro-san!" He said.
I couldn't help but let out a smile, "Thanks, you did well too, and congratulations."
Deep down, there was a hint of frustration. Is this what losing feels like?
============================
Time Skip
After the trophy presentation, Reo and I walked outside the gymnasium. Well, to be more accurate, Reo was carrying me on his back – a common occurrence by now.
I rested my head on his shoulder and let out a sigh of relief, "Finally, that's over."
"Yeah, and after this, we'll be heading back to Tokyo as the exchange program comes to an end," Reo replied.
A tired tone crept into my voice as I mused, "Yeah, it means we'll be getting back to the routine of soccer practice... ugh."
Reo's chuckle was reassuring. "Come on, Nagi, remember that I believe you're the best out there? We have to prove that to the world."
I sighed, leaning into his support. "Yeah, I know, and I appreciate your confidence."
Reo's grin was infectious as he carried me towards the bus.
...
As we settled into our seats on the bus, Reo's voice broke the quiet. "Nagi, I couldn't help but notice your frustration when you lost that tennis match."
My sigh was one of acknowledgment. "Yeah, even though tennis isn't exactly my sport, I still felt a little frustrated over the loss."
Reo's hand found its way to my hair, ruffling it playfully. "That's exactly why you can't afford to slack off in soccer practice. The feeling of losing will come back to you."
His words struck a chord, and I nodded, "Yeah, thanks, Reo."
I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone with a soft grin. "How about a game to pass the time on the bus ride?"
Reo followed suit, his own phone in hand and a smile on his face. "Sure thing! Let's make this ride a bit more entertaining."
