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

A week later, at Ariake Tennis Forest Park.

The morning sun pierced through the thin morning mist and shone on the stone path at the park entrance, the air filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass.

Kagura Ichijin arrived early and was standing quietly on one side of the park entrance.

He was wearing the Yamabuki Junior High School team uniform, carrying a tennis bag, standing tall and straight, his eyes occasionally scanning the passing vehicles.

A short while later, a black private car slowly came to a stop, the door opened, and a sprightly old man got out.

Kagura Ichijin immediately stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Master."

"Kagura, why are you here so early?"

When Banta saw Kagura Ichijin, a kind smile appeared on his face, and he reached out and patted Kagura Ichijin on the shoulder.

Previously, whether it was the regional qualifiers or the first day of the Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament, he chose to stay in the back and let Kagura take full charge.

But today is different. This is a crucial moment to determine the champion of the Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament, and as his coach, he naturally has to be there in person.

"I got up early and came over first."

Kagura Ichijin smiled, then naturally turned to the side and followed Banta Mikiya into the park.

"How's it going? Are you confident today?"

As they walked, Banta Kanya suddenly stopped and turned to look at Kagura Ichijin, his originally kind face turning serious.

The top four teams in this year's Tokyo tournament have not changed much, remaining the four traditionally strong schools: Hyotei, Hojo, Hoshino, Oizumi, and Yamabuki.

Among them, Hoshino Daisen is considered slightly weaker, having been defeated by Yamabuki last year, so it poses a relatively small threat. However, Hyotei and Hojo are different.

Last year, despite having a full roster, Yamabuki was still defeated by Hyotei, led by Echi Tsukiko, in the semifinals, and unfortunately stopped there.

"I'm confident."

After thinking for a moment, Kagura Ichijin nodded seriously.

This year, the strength of Hyotei, Hojo, and Hoshino Oizumi has declined compared to last year. In comparison, Yamabuki has a great chance.

While Yamabuki is slightly weaker in doubles than last year, his singles strength has been greatly enhanced by the addition of Kiyosumi Sengoku and Jin Akutsu.

Overall, Yamabuki's lineup structure is more reasonable. As long as the lineup is arranged correctly, their chances of winning the championship are higher than those of other schools.

"Oh? You think highly of Sengoku and his team?"

Banta Mikiya raised an eyebrow in slight confusion.

Kagura Ichijin is far too confident, completely disregarding other schools.

Although those schools have weakened somewhat, they are still a force to be reckoned with, and their foundation remains strong.

On the other hand, Yamabuki has five first-year students in their starting lineup, and their lack of experience in major tournaments is a huge hidden danger. It's hard to say who will win if they actually fight.

"That's right. If they can't even get past this hurdle, then they might as well not go to the Kanto Tournament. They'll just be there to make up the numbers and won't get a spot in the national tournament anyway."

Kagura Ichijin adjusted the tennis bag on his shoulder, his gaze passing over the treetops to the distant, faintly visible playing field, his tone heavy.

Among the current Yamabuki team, only he, Tani Yoshiki Shin, and Ishimaru Kanto have truly reached the national level.

This lineup might be able to handle the Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament with ease, but once they reach the Kanto Tournament or even the National Tournament, facing those powerhouse schools teeming with monsters, even they might not be able to secure a victory.

If first-year students like Kiyosumi Sengoku and Jin Akutsu fail to step up and take responsibility, then Yamabuki will definitely be ruthlessly eliminated.

"..."

Banta Mikiya also fell silent.

He walked to a bench and sat down, looking at the determined-looking young man in front of him, and sighed inwardly.

He understood Kagura Ichijin's thoughts and his good intentions.

As a competitor, who wouldn't want to stand on the highest podium? But reality is cruel; the gap in ability is an insurmountable chasm.

Many contestants put in unimaginable effort, but due to limitations in talent or team, they could only leave the stage with regret.

"Master, what's your plan for the order of appearances today?"

Kagura Ichijin put his tennis bag aside and sat down next to Banta Mikiya.

With a long time to go before the match begins, he has a good opportunity to discuss tactics with Banta Mikiya.

"What do you think? Who are you planning to play? Are you going to have Akutsu replace Niito in singles, or are you planning to have Sengoku and Akutsu play doubles?"

Banta Mikiya looked at Kagura Ichijin with great interest, his eyes full of admiration.

In his eyes, Kagura Ijin is not only an excellent player, but also a tactical master with an outstanding overall perspective.

Such a talent would be wasted if he were just an ordinary team member.

"Let Akutsu play singles, it's safer. Also, the doubles pair of Sengoku and Akutsu is our secret weapon, we must not reveal it too early. If it attracts attention, we won't have much room to maneuver later."

Kagura Ichijin pondered for a moment before expressing his thoughts.

Now that Yamabuki has made it to the semifinals, they must be careful with every step and field their strongest and most suitable lineup.

"Okay, I'll arrange for Akutsu to be the singles number one, so as long as it doesn't go to the fifth match, he won't be exposed."

Banta Kanya nodded slightly; Kagura Ichijin's arrangement was indeed the safest and most reasonable solution at present.

……

Time slipped away unnoticed, and before they knew it, more and more Yamabuki members were gathering around Banta Mikiya.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Banta Mikiya stood up, straightened his collar, and led the Yamabuki group toward the entrance to the arena.

As the match time approached, the staff's clear voice came over the loudspeaker.

"The Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament semi-finals will begin in ten minutes. Winners of Zone A, Hoshi Oizumi and Yamabuki Junior High, please get ready."

"Kagura, look over there."

Sengoku Kiyosumi suddenly nudged Kagura Ichijin with his elbow, pointed to a corner of the audience, and looked serious.

"Both Hyotei and Hojo have arrived."

Following the direction Sengoku Kiyosumi pointed, one could see the Hyotei team members, dressed in gray and white uniforms, sitting upright in the stands, led by Atobe Keigo.

Meanwhile, the Hojo Middle School team members, dressed in dark uniforms, were also closely watching the field.

The purpose of these people arriving so early is self-evident: to gather as much intelligence as possible.

"That's normal. The semifinals aren't played at the same time. Our match is the first one, so naturally they'll come to watch. We can also go watch their match later."

Kagura Ichijin shrugged indifferently.

This kind of thing will happen frequently in the future, and the stronger the school, the more importance it attaches to intelligence work.

Becoming a dark horse and making a name for yourself is not easy; once you step onto the field, you will be watched by countless eyes.

"So, should we use our full strength later?"

Sengoku Kiyosumi hesitated, then asked with a worried expression.

If we reveal our strength too early, will it be difficult to win the later matches?

"Use it! If we can't even win this match, then hiding information will be pointless."

Kagura Ichijin's tone was very firm.

For players who haven't reached the national level, hiding their true abilities does more harm than good.

Instead of racking your brains trying to hide your weaknesses, it's better to go all out in actual combat, hone your skills, and improve your strength as soon as possible.

"All right."

Sengoku Kiyosumi sighed helplessly and began to examine the racket in his hand.