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

That afternoon, the afterglow of the setting sun slanted across the entrance of Yamabuki Junior High School, casting long shadows.

With a hiss of air brakes, the bus carrying the Yamabuki crew came to a smooth stop by the roadside.

However, when the Yamabuki group dragged their tired bodies off the car, they were stopped in their tracks by the sight before them.

At the school gate, a red banner with gold lettering read "Warmly celebrate the tennis club's victory in the Kanto Tournament," and colorful balloons fluttered on both sides.

Even more outrageous, the school's board of directors personally led a group of people to greet them at the entrance.

"Again?"

Upon seeing this, Sengoku Kiyosumi's previously smug face instantly fell, revealing a helpless, bitter smile.

When they were at Kanagawa Prefectural Miike Park, they were surrounded by staff and reporters, and it took them more than two hours to barely escape.

He was originally looking forward to taking a shower as soon as he got back, lying down comfortably for a while, and then going to the celebration banquet.

But now, judging from this situation, the school doesn't seem to be planning to let them off easily, and has even prepared such a grand "welcome ceremony".

"Say less and control your expression."

Kagura Ikjin subtly nudged Sengoku Kiyosumi's side with his elbow and warned her in a low voice.

The Yamabuki Tennis Club's high costs for court maintenance, expensive training equipment, and funding for out-of-town competitions all rely on school grants.

At this critical juncture, they cannot afford to offend anyone but the group of people in front of them who hold "financial power."

"Sir, please handle the communication. We will do our best to cooperate with any arrangements made by the school."

After calming everyone down, Kagura Ichijin quickly walked to Banta Mikiya's side, bowed slightly, and whispered in a voice that only the two of them could hear.

They did indeed win unprecedented honor for Yamabuki Middle School this time, but now is not the time to be arrogant.

At all times, their primary identity is that of a student at the school, and they are required to abide by the school's rules and regulations.

"Okay, leave it to me."

Banta Kanya gave Kagura Ichijin a deep look, then quickly adjusted his expression, smiling broadly as he walked towards the group of leaders in front of him.

Although he knew he was being used as a "shield" by Kagura Ichijin, he, as the coach, was indeed the only one who could navigate this complex adult social situation.

"Ugh! I'm so tired... Kagura, do you think the victory celebration banquet will still be held?"

Watching Banta Mikiya, who had already begun chatting and laughing with the school's board of directors, Ishimaru Kanto leaned against the bus and sighed helplessly.

He had absolutely no interest in any acceptance speeches, interviews, or school ceremonies. All he wanted to do at that moment was find a quiet place to have a good meal and then go home and sleep soundly.

"Of course I'll do it. I'll book a private room as soon as the procedures here are finished."

Kagura Ichijin's tone was very firm. Everyone had given their all these past few days, so naturally they deserved a good reward.

Soon after Banta Mikiya finished communicating with the school's board of directors, the Yamabuki group had to force themselves to shake hands and exchange pleasantries with the leaders in front of them, maintaining stiff smiles for photos amidst the clicking of cameras.

Finally, after patiently listening to the school board's speech, which lasted for more than an hour, the exhausting welcoming ceremony came to an end.

Just as Kagura Ichijin breathed a sigh of relief and was about to make time to book a private room, he saw Banta Mikiya walking over with a strange expression.

"Kagura, gather everyone who participated in the competition and head straight to the Shinjuku main store. The board members, leaders, and I will be there later. The school has already booked the private rooms, so you can just go directly there."

Banta Mikiya shrugged and said with a helpless, bitter smile.

Yamabuki Junior High School had been quiet for too long, and now that it had finally received such a great honor, the school naturally wanted to celebrate it in a grand way.

Furthermore, Yamabuki's upset victory over the reigning champion Rikkai University has generated immense buzz, with media coverage propelling Yamabuki to instant fame throughout the Kanto region.

"Master, do we... really have to go?"

Kagura Ichijin's brows furrowed instantly, a hint of resistance flashing between his eyes.

While it might seem like a good thing that the school is hosting a dinner, having to eat at the same table with the board members and leaders is pure torture.

When the tennis club members have a get-together, they'll definitely do whatever makes them happy.

But if you're accompanying the board members, you not only have to be bound by etiquette, but you also have to be careful about what you say at all times.

"You absolutely have to go. This celebration banquet is officially arranged by the school specifically for you. How can you not attend?"

Banta Kanya shook his head. The school had already made a decision, and there was no room for negotiation.

"Okay, I understand."

Kagura Ichijin sighed helplessly, then turned and walked towards the Yamabuki group who were still waiting, and told them the truth.

Amidst cries of anguish, the group had no choice but to board the bus again and head towards the bustling city of Shinjuku.

More than half an hour later, the bus stopped in front of a high-end restaurant in a bustling area of ​​Shinjuku.

The Yamabuki group followed the waiter, walking on the thick carpet through the corridor decorated with crystal chandeliers, towards room 306.

Pushing open the heavy wooden door of the private room, and seeing the magnificent decorations, exquisite tableware, and bustling night view outside the window, everyone in Yamabuki subconsciously held their breath.

In the past, their celebration banquets were all held at Kawamura Sushi Restaurant. Although the food there was authentic, the environment and facilities were nowhere near as good as those of this top-notch restaurant.

They really got a great deal this time.

"Kagura...we didn't come to the wrong place, did we?"

Sengoku Kiyosumi awkwardly tugged at his team uniform, his eyes sweeping over the businessmen in suits and the glamorous ladies in evening gowns around him, his face full of confusion and unease.

Is this really just a place to eat?

"That's right, since we're here, we might as well make the best of it. This is the place the school booked for us."

Kagura Ichijin remained calm and composed.

Each generation has different ideas. If they were to choose a place themselves, they would definitely prefer a restaurant with a high cost-performance ratio and a relaxed atmosphere. However, when the school invites guests, in addition to the taste, they also need to consider the class and service.

As the group of Yamabuki entered the spacious 306 private room, the feeling of being watched by outsiders finally disappeared.

"Wow, it's huge!"

Looking at the private room, which was about half the size of a tennis court, Gu Jimuxin couldn't help but sigh.

This one private room alone is almost as big as the Kawamura Sushi restaurant, and can easily accommodate thirty or forty people.

Moreover, the privacy here is excellent; unless a waiter pushes the door open, you will not be disturbed by outsiders at all.

"Everyone, please find a seat. Make yourselves at home; the boss isn't here anyway."

Kagura Ichijin placed his tennis bag in the corner and immediately called out to everyone.

Everyone was exhausted this time, not because of the physical exertion of the competition, but because of the barrage of social media posts afterward.

This is perhaps the price of fame. Whether it's the event organizers, media reporters, or school leaders, they can only follow orders and have no say in the matter.

"Kagura, they have Kobe beef and crab dishes here! Can we order those?"

Ishimaru Kanjin casually flipped open the thick leather menu on the table, and his eyes widened in shock when he saw the pictures and prices.

Is this what a high-end restaurant looks like? It's definitely different from ordinary restaurants.

"Order whatever you want, just don't waste food, the school will pay anyway."

Kagura Ichijin casually replied, then pulled out a chair and sat down, his gaze somewhat unfocused as he stared at the exquisite bone china plate in front of him.

Now that the Kanto Tournament is over, and school will soon be on summer vacation, he will have a lot of free time.

Apart from the national competition he has to participate in in August, he can use the rest of his time to take a part-time job.

As for the type of part-time job, anything related to tennis is fine. This way, you can not only earn some money, but also enrich your holiday life.

"Kagura, what are you thinking about? Why aren't you eating?"

After an unknown amount of time, a voice rang in his ears, interrupting Kagura Ichijin's thoughts.

He snapped out of his daze and turned to look at Akutsu Jin sitting next to him.

"Nothing much, just thinking about summer vacation. Haven't Master Ban and the board members arrived yet?"

Kagura Ichijin looked around and asked in confusion.

"No, they're probably still stuck in traffic."

Akutsu Jin shrugged nonchalantly, picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of peeled crab meat, dipped it in the special vinegar sauce, and put it directly into his mouth.

"Mmm! Kagura, this is delicious! You should try it!"

Akutsu Jin's eyes lit up instantly. He pointed with his chopsticks at the tempting crab meat on the plate and said excitedly.

High-end restaurants are truly different; the crab meat here is fresh, sweet, and juicy, melting in your mouth—the texture is simply amazing.

"Um."

Seeing Akutsu Jin's rare display of a lover's expression, Kagura Ichijin smiled, picked up his chopsticks, and put a piece of crab meat into his mouth.

Soon, the Yamabuki group put their worries aside and became completely engrossed in the food.

The atmosphere in the private room gradually warmed up, and the boys' laughter dispelled their previous fatigue.