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

After an unknown amount of time, the door to the private room was pushed open again.

By the time Banta Mikiya accompanied the board members into the private room, the Yamabuki group had almost finished eating.

Led by Ishimaru Kanto, the team members, except for Kagura Ichijin, stood up, greeted Banta Mikiya and the board members, and then left under some pretext.

They had eaten and drunk their fill and now only wanted to go home, collapse into bed, and get some rest. They had absolutely no interest in entertaining their superiors.

"Kagura-kun, how is it? Are you satisfied with the taste? If you're tired, go back and get some rest. You don't need to keep us old men company."

The director looked at Kagura Ichijin, who was skillfully tidying up the table to make room, and said with a smile.

He greatly admired this young man, who was not only capable but also knew when to advance and retreat, and could bring honor to the school through his actions. Such talent was truly rare.

"The food at this restaurant is delicious, and everyone is very satisfied. As for me, I'm not tired at all. It's a rare opportunity to dine with all the leaders, so I'm reluctant to leave."

With a polite smile on his face, Kagura Ichijin picked up the tongs and laid the fresh Kobe beef slices one by one on the sizzling grill.

He moved with practiced ease, and even picked out some light and easily digestible dishes to place on the plate in front of Banta Mikiya.

"Ha ha."

The director was in a great mood. He patted Kagura Ichijin on the shoulder, then picked up his chopsticks and, without any hesitation, started eating the grilled meat.

"Kagura, the national tournament is just around the corner. Do you have any specific plans yet?"

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Banta Kanya glanced at the seemingly casual but actually attentive director in front of him, then put down his chopsticks and asked Kagura Ichijin.

This question was actually asked by the board of directors.

Although Yamabuki Junior High School is well-known in the Kanto region, it remains relatively unknown nationwide.

This national competition is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If Yamabuki can achieve good results, the school's influence will naturally expand significantly.

"Let's aim for a top-eight finish and strive for a top-four finish; at the very least, we need to win one match in the national competition."

Kagura Ichijin's expression instantly turned serious as he flipped the grilled meat.

Schools that can participate in the national competition are all formidable, and Yamabuki still lags behind those established powerhouses in terms of foundation and overall strength.

Furthermore, the fact that opponents are determined by drawing lots makes things even more unpredictable, and all they can do is remain unchanged in the face of all changes.

"Is it impossible to make it to the finals?"

The director suddenly put down his wine glass and spoke.

Although his tone was questioning, there was a hint of expectation in his eyes.

For Yamabuki, whether it's the top 16, the top 8, or the top 4, the difference in publicity isn't that significant.

The best way to truly spread Yamabuki's reputation is to reach the finals.

Only by standing on the stage of the finals will media reporters from all over the country flock to the school, and that's the kind of exposure the school really wants.

"It's very difficult. The best result for the Kanto region in recent years has been reaching the quarterfinals."

Kagura Ichijin gave a wry smile.

The Kanto region had fewer slots because of its poor performance in the national tournament.

However, the Kanto region should get an extra spot next year, since Rikkai should have no problem making it into the top four this year, given their strength.

"..."

Upon hearing this, the board member fell silent.

He knew he was asking too much, but the tennis team's performance was getting better and better.

Who thinks Yamabuki will win the Tokyo Metropolitan Tournament? Who thinks Yamabuki will win the Kanto Tournament?

But Yamabuki managed to win the championship, defeating all the competing schools, which whetted the school's appetite.

"Just do your best. It's already a great achievement that we made it to the national tournament."

Banta Mikiya spoke up at the right moment to smooth things over, his tone calm.

In the end, it's all about skill on the field; wishful thinking is simply unrealistic.

Currently, only Tani Yoshiki Shin and Ishimaru Kanto, both third-year students, are at their peak.

The remaining first-year students, whether it's Kagura Ichijin, Sengoku Kiyosumi, Akutsu Jin, Minami Kentaro, Higashikata Masami, etc., still have a lot of room for growth.

Only when these people have fully matured will Yamabuki have a chance. For now, we can only take it one step at a time, do our best and leave the rest to fate.

"That's true. I was asking too much of myself. Just do your best, that's enough."

The director sighed, seemingly having come to a realization, and then smiled again, inviting everyone to savor the top-quality ingredients before them.

Soon, the atmosphere at the dinner table became lively again, with everyone toasting and chatting about lighthearted topics.

Meanwhile, Kagura Ichijin continued grilling the meat, controlling the heat perfectly.

Unless someone deliberately asks him, Kagura Ichijin basically doesn't speak on his own initiative. He just quietly does everything he's doing, acting as a perfect listener.

More than an hour later, as the celebration banquet ended and everyone left the private room with rosy cheeks, walking out of the Shinjuku main store and feeling the cool night breeze, Kagura Ichijin finally felt completely free from that suffocating feeling of socializing.

"Kagura, thank you for your hard work today."

Watching the school leaders get into their cars and leave, Ban Tianqian turned around, decisively stepped forward and patted Kagura Yijin on the shoulder, his eyes full of satisfaction.

Today, Kagura Ichijin really helped him relieve a lot of pressure.

Moreover, whether facing reporters' cameras or pressure-inducing questions from superiors, Kagura Ichijin's performance was calm and remarkable. This maturity and composure beyond his years is truly commendable.

"It's no trouble at all, it's what I should do. Sir, you've had a long day, go back and get some rest."

Kagura Ichijin opened the car door for Banta Mikiya, looking at the old man with concern.

Banta Kanya accompanied them throughout the competition and social events. For an older person like him, he didn't get a moment's rest, which was extremely tiring.

"Okay, Kagura, you should go back and rest too. See you tomorrow."

Banta Kanya got into the car, leaned back wearily, waved to Kagura Ichijin, and then signaled the driver to drive home.

See you tomorrow, my dear.

Kagura Ichijin stood by the roadside, watching the red taillights gradually disappear into the distance, his smile slowly fading.

He let out a long sigh, feeling as if all the bones in his body had fallen apart.

I looked up at the dark night sky above the bustling streets of Shinjuku, where only a few stars twinkled.

"The national competition..."

He muttered something to himself, then put his hands in his pockets, slung his tennis bag over his shoulder, and slowly walked toward the station.

The figure appeared somewhat lonely, yet exceptionally resolute, under the shadow of the streetlights.