The Prince of Tennis: From Data-Driven Tennis to the Pinnacle of His Career

Chapter 198 Returning to the Training Camp

That afternoon, at Kobe Sports Complex.

Kagura Ichijin, having hastily finished his media interview, ignored the noise inside the stadium, picked up his tennis bag, slung it over his shoulder, and strode towards the park exit.

Not long after, a familiar figure came into view. Kagura Ichijin paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before raising the corners of his mouth and walking straight over.

"Brother Koizumi? What are you doing here?"

Looking at Koizumi Shizuka, who was dressed in a suit and tie, Kagura Ichijin's tone revealed undisguised surprise.

The two haven't seen each other for a long time since he left the U17 training camp and returned to Yamabuki Junior High School.

Although we had contacted each other by phone a few times during that period, we were both busy with our own things and were unable to meet. I never expected that we would run into each other now.

"Coach Tuozhi had something to do and couldn't get away, so he sent me to pick you up."

Koizumi Shizuka smiled, loosened her slightly tight tie, waved for Kagura Ichijin to get in the car, and then expertly opened the car door and got into the driver's seat.

Ever since he learned that Kagura Ichijin was coming back to work, he had been planning to give the kid a surprise, which is why he deliberately kept it a secret and didn't tell him in advance.

It seems to be working well now, and it was worth the long drive he took from the U17 training camp to get here.

"Whose car is this? The chassis is so stable, and it looks pretty new."

Kagura Ichijin opened the passenger door and got in. His gaze swept over the brand-new leather interior, and he asked with a look of surprise.

If he remembers correctly, the U17 training camp doesn't seem to have this type of car, let alone give the assistant coach this kind of treatment.

"I just bought this myself, what do you think? Not bad, right?"

Koizumi Shizuka raised an eyebrow smugly, pulled on her seatbelt and fastened it with a "click," then skillfully shifted gears and slowly started the car.

The U17 training camp is far away, and they can't afford to linger too long, otherwise they won't be able to get back before dark, even if they drive at full speed.

"That's really good. This kind of configuration must cost several million, right?"

Kagura Ichijin casually placed his tennis bag on the back seat, then leaned back in the comfortable chair and said with a sigh.

Despite leading Yamabuki to another national championship today and boosting his personal reputation to its peak, he hasn't actually gained any substantial benefits beyond those honors.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been in such a hurry to go to the U17 training camp to "work" and earn extra money.

"Um.

""

Koizumi Shizuka nodded slightly, a smile she could hardly hide on her face.

Now that he has a stable job, he no longer needs to be as frugal as before, so his quality of life has improved significantly.

If it weren't for the outrageous housing prices in Tokyo, he would have really wanted to buy an apartment and move out of the U17 training camp.

"Wow, Koizumi-san, you've really struck it rich now."

Kagura Ichijin chuckled softly, then adjusted to a comfortable position and turned his gaze to the outside of the car window.

With the successful conclusion of the national tournament, he has firmly established himself as the "strongest junior high school student," making him undoubtedly the biggest winner of this national tournament.

It's a pity he couldn't attend the victory celebration banquet; that's perhaps his only regret after winning the championship.

"Hehe, hold on tight!"

Koizumi Shizuka laughed heartily twice, then slammed his foot on the gas pedal.

The white van emitted a deep roar and sped off into the distance.

After an unknown amount of time, the car slowly drove into the U17 training camp and stopped in front of the dormitory building.

Upon arriving back at room 1208, Kagura Ichijin casually placed his tennis bag aside and went straight to the bathroom for a shower.

"Huh? Isn't this my work ID? Why is it still hanging here?"

He walked to the cabinet while drying his half-dry hair, and when he pulled open the cabinet door, Kagura Ichijin was immediately stunned.

What came into view was that familiar work uniform and the work ID card with his picture on it.

He turned around in surprise and looked at Koizumi Seiichi, who was lying sprawled on the bed with his eyes closed, resting.

He never expected that even after he had been away from the U17 training camp for so long, the place would remain exactly as it was, as if he had never left.

"Nobody's going to buy it, what's the point of leaving it here?"

Koizumi Shizuka slowly opened her bloodshot eyes and muttered something nonchalantly.

Driving for several hours straight had left him feeling tired, and all he wanted to do was catch up on some sleep so as not to miss work the next day.

As for Kagura Ichijin, he doesn't need to worry about him at all. This kid has been in the U17 training camp for quite some time and is not unfamiliar with the place. He just needs to adapt and he can perfectly integrate into life here.

"I see. Koizumi-san, you should get some rest. I'll go find Coach Takuchi."

Kagura Ichijin casually took out the familiar work uniform from the closet, put it on, hung his work ID around his neck, and walked directly out of the room toward room 1203.

"idddud，，With three knocks, Takuya Ryuji, with a cold expression, opened the door directly.

Upon seeing Kagura Ichijin standing outside the door, a smile appeared on his face. He waved for Kagura Ichijin to come in, then turned and walked straight to the sofa inside the room to sit down.

"I heard you led Yamabuki to another national championship. That's really impressive."

Takuchi Ryuji crossed his arms and looked Kagura Ichijin up and down, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

Reaching the top once might be attributed to good luck, but winning the championship two years in a row requires real strength.

Although he didn't see the national tournament as particularly intense, its symbolic significance was extremely important.

After all, those junior high school students who sweat it out on the court directly determine the future of Japanese tennis.

Kagura Ichijin, who managed to stand out from the crowd, is undoubtedly the most dazzling presence.

Given Kagura Yiren's current skill level, it wouldn't be surprising if he became a professional player in the future.

"Just lucky."

""

Kagura Ichijin smiled slightly, without making a point of explaining.

Yamabuki's victory in this national tournament was indeed very lucky. If they were to rematch Rikkai, their chances of winning would still be pitifully low.

Fortunately, the national competition is over, so he doesn't need to worry about it anymore.

"Maybe. By the way, a batch of first-year high school students will be arriving tomorrow. Are you okay with that? Why don't you take a break for a while?"

Takuya Ryuji's expression became much more serious. He leaned forward slightly and said in a deep voice.

With the successful graduation of the original senior high school students this April, the overall strength of the U17 training camp has now experienced a precipitous decline.

Even among the high school students who remained, quite a few had already demonstrated remarkable abilities.

But even the coaches weren't sure if those athletes could shoulder the heavy responsibility.

Fortunately, the U17 World Cup will not be held this year, so those high school students should have plenty of time to grow.

"No need. I've only played a few matches in the past few days, so I'm not very tired and it definitely won't affect my work."

Kagura Ichijin shook his head slightly and said with a serious expression.

He is in poor spirits now because the aftereffects of "deprivation of the five senses" have not completely subsided; otherwise, the amount of exercise alone would not have caused him to become like this.

He estimated that as long as he got a good night's sleep, he should be able to recover completely, and there was absolutely no need to waste time working.

"Okay, don't stand, come and sit down."

Takuji nodded, waved for Kagura Ichijin to sit down, and then picked up the teapot on the table and filled the two teacups in front of him.

He picked up one of the teacups, blew on it gently to cool it, and took a leisurely sip.

"it is good."

After Kagura Ichijin sat down on the sofa, he unceremoniously picked up another teacup and slowly drank from it.

After chatting for about half an hour, Kagura Ichijin stood up, took his leave, and left room 1203.

Walking back down the quiet corridor to room 1208, he expertly opened the door with his work ID and strode inside.

"Brother Koizumi, have you rested enough? It's getting late, let's go eat."

Kagura Ichijin walked to the bedside, reached out and gently nudged Koizumi Seiichi who was lying down, and spoke decisively.

Even though he was a little tired at the moment, he knew in his heart that now was not the time to rest; he needed to quickly figure out the U17 situation.

Knowing the specifics of the training camp is crucial to avoid making mistakes at work.

"Hmm—okay."

Koizumi Shizuka rubbed her cheeks and yawned.

After getting out of bed, he went straight into the bathroom to wash his face, then forced himself to stay awake and followed Kagura Ichijin out of the room.

As the two entered the elevator, they quickly arrived at the first floor, where they saw several high school students chatting and laughing as they walked into the dormitory building.

"Brother Koizumi, are they the current members of the expeditionary force?"

Looking at the few unfamiliar high school students, Kagura Ichijin frowned slightly and asked in a low voice with a hint of doubt.

Although he had been away from the U17 training camp for a long time, he still had a very deep impression of those strong players, and he was sure that these high school students in front of him were not among them.

"No, they are players from court number one."

Koizumi Shizuka glanced at the high school students very casually before looking away and calmly explaining...

The number of participants in the U17 training camp is now much smaller than before, which has led to a significant reduction in competitive pressure.

The spaces that were once so popular that people would fight tooth and nail to get on were all empty after the high school seniors graduated.

The high school students who are still in the U17 training camp have generally improved three or four fields, which means that there are basically no high school students left on the fields after field number three.

"Field number one? No wonder."

Kagura Ichijin sighed, his expression becoming increasingly complicated.

Apart from Byodoin Phoenix and Oni Jujiro, the entire expeditionary force consisted of high school seniors.

The top-ranked venues are similar, with a high percentage of senior high school students.

Now that those players have left the U17 training camp, the remaining players on the front field have probably all become members of the expeditionary force.

"Let's go. There's no need to remember them. Anyway, the battle for position will start again when the new students arrive."

Koizumi Shizuka patted Kagura Ichijin on the back and said nonchalantly.

For these teaching assistants, it doesn't matter much which field a high school student who didn't make it into the expeditionary force is on.

They value those who can represent Japan in the competition; only those who join the expeditionary force are qualified to fight for honor for Japan, while others are basically just supporting actors.

"That's true."

Kagura Ichijin withdrew his gaze, and then walked towards the restaurant with Koizumi Shizuka.

He knew the rules of the U17 training camp better than anyone else; without the ability, he would be replaced by others sooner or later.

When the freshmen arrive at the U17 training camp tomorrow, the battle for position will definitely become extremely fierce. At that time, most of the students who have become juniors and seniors will probably be challenged and eliminated.