(Author's Note: Since Germany and Switzerland got the most votes, would you all be okay if I wrote Germany for the France World Cup arc, then shifted to Switzerland for the Australia World Cup later?)
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"Incredible…"
"Is that guy really a freshman? He's way too strong."
"I get why Tezuka's good—the captain personally trains him. But that other guy being this strong? That's just insane."
"They're already at this level right after entering school?!"
On Court 3, Tezuka Kunimitsu and Fuji Syusuke were locked in a practice rally.
Beside them, Inui Sadaharu and Kikumaru Eiji sparred on the other half of the court.
No scores were kept—this was just routine hitting to sharpen their reflexes.
Originally, this hadn't been part of the training regimen. But after Hanna Eisschwein's suggestion, it was added as an extra session to help players maintain their touch.
Seishun Gakuen had five courts in total.
Even Court 1—usually reserved for Yoru—was opened up for these post-practice rallies. Each pair got ten minutes.
Most players couldn't last beyond four minutes.
Three minutes in, they'd usually mishit and have to restart.
But Tezuka and Fuji?
Their rally was nearing the ten-minute mark without a single error. Their fundamentals were that solid.
Oishi and Kawamura watched from the sidelines, eyes wide.
Even Inui and Kikumaru couldn't sustain a rally past five minutes. The gap was staggering.
The longer these rallies went, the clearer it became—these two were on another level.
---
Coach's Office
Yoru and QP observed through the window.
QP gave a rare nod of approval. "After a week of training, these kids have improved significantly."
It had been seven days since the semester began.
Under the dual pressure of rigorous drills and the Training Runes' effects, the talented ones were starting to shine.
All six had grown—but some more than others.
Tezuka, now in middle school, was hitting his growth spurt. His stats were impressive:
[Name]: Tezuka Kunimitsu
[Age]: 12
[Techniques]:
- Base Stats (Lv. 7)
- Fundamentals (Lv. 7)
- Twist Spin Shot (Lv. 7)
- Zero-Shiki Drop (Lv. 7)
- Zero-Shiki Serve (Lv. 6)
- Muga no Kyouchi (Lv. 6)
- Hyakuren no Kiwami (Lv. 5)
- Tezuka Zone (Lv. 5)
- Corner Serve (Lv. 7)
- Reverse Zone (Lv. 2)
- Saiki Kanpatsu (Lv. 5)
[Talent]: Absolute Ball Sense
[Power Level]: ★★★★★★★ (7-star, mid-high tier)
In just one week, the runes had amplified Tezuka's monstrous potential. Paired with his physical development, he'd broken into 7-star territory—with real combat prowess even beyond that.
Notably, he'd awakened Saiki Kanpatsu shortly after enrolling. Normally, he should've unlocked it in elementary school. Whether it was butterfly effect or not, the delay only made him stronger.
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Then there was Fuji Syusuke.
Yoru's expectations were finally met. Fuji's base stats, long stagnant at Lv. 4, had surged to Lv. 6 under the week's brutal training.
[Name]: Fuji Syusuke
[Age]: 12
[Techniques]:
- Base Stats (Lv. 6)
- Fundamentals (Lv. 6)
- Tsubame Gaeshi (Lv. 6)
- Higuma Otoshi (Lv. 6)
- Disappearing Serve (Lv. 6)
[Talent]: Prodigy
[Power Level]: ★★★★★★ (6-star, peak)
Fuji's growth was the most explosive.
His base stats jumped two tiers, and his techniques all hit Lv. 6 thanks to his talent.
At 6-star peak, he was one step from 7-star.
The reason? Fuji had coasted too much in elementary school.
His latent potential, once forced out by Seishun's training and the runes, erupted.
---
Inui now stood at 5-star.
Kikumaru, with his agility, reached 4-star.
But Oishi (3-star) and Kawamura (2-star) were… problematic.
Both were raw beginners. Oishi had some talent, but Kawamura?
None.
At least, not until he grabbed a racket. Then, his "Burning Mode" kicked in, evening the odds.
No rush.
The regulars' selection was still two weeks away. Plenty of time.
Yoru trusted these protagonists. With the runes, they'd only grow faster.
---
An Hour Later
Practice ended.
Oishi and Kawamura slumped by the fence, dejected.
Their rallies rarely lasted two minutes. In ten minutes, they'd dropped five balls—wasting half their time.
Watching seniors consistently hit three minutes or more only deepened their frustration.
Without a word, they silently agreed: They'd stay and train extra.
At least until the selection matches.
"Oi, Oishi, Kawamura. Not heading back?"
A gentle voice snapped them out of their thoughts.
Tezuka, Fuji, Inui, and Kikumaru stood before them.
Yoru's deliberate grouping had bonded the six closer than the rest.
Oishi flushed. "J-Just resting! Right, Kawamura?"
"Uh—yeah! Totally!" Kawamura lied poorly, cheeks red.
Tezuka studied them, then nodded. "Don't overdo it."
"See ya~!" Kikumaru chirped.
Inui shut his notebook. "Sitting right after exercise strains the body. Stand while resting."
"R-Right…"
As the four left, Oishi and Kawamura exchanged glances—then grabbed their rackets.
If they lacked talent, they'd make up for it with effort.
"OORAAHH! LET'S BURN, OISHI!"
Kawamura's Burning Mode activated instantly. Every return was a full-power smash, leaving Oishi scrambling.
Their short rallies weren't entirely Oishi's fault. Kawamura's uncontrolled power made consistent play impossible.
But Oishi? He'd never blame Kawamura. He'd only blame himself.
"Told you they'd still be here. Teehee~"
Kikumaru's voice echoed.
The duo froze.
Tezuka's group had returned.
"Kawamura's emotional instability disrupts the rhythm," Inui noted.
Fuji smiled. "Kawamura, how about I rally with you?"
"Oishi! I'll partner with you!" Kikumaru bounced forward.
"You two aren't compatible as practice partners," Tezuka said calmly. "I'll inform the captain tomorrow."
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Watching from above, Yoru smirked.
This little group's bonds were growing stronger.
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