Without Tezuka, it was difficult. After the disastrous match with Atobe, Tezuka was told he would be lucky to regain full use of his arm, much less play tennis. He traveled halfway around the world, to the best doctors, to undergo surgery and physical therapy. It would be over a month before he returned.
Oishi stepped up to become the captain the team had lost. He tried to push himself outside of his comfort zone. It was only what Tezuka would have done, had he been in the situation. Oishi wasn't sure if it was ever enough, or if he could ever be enough.
Eiji unassumingly filled Oishi's role as vice caption, helping his doubles partner as much as he could. The responsibility matured him, but he would never lose his child-like heart.
Kaidoh, too, sidled his way into leadership. A sharp glare and a hiss stopped many a potential fight in its tracks. The underclassmen saw Kaidoh as their leader, a sort of intercessor. They came to him when in need to help.
Fuji gained something he once lacked in tennis – he found passion.
Inui discovered data couldn't express just how much the entire team had depended on Tezuka. Percentages could only carry one so far.
Taka vowed to help bring the team to nationals in any way he could, not just for the benefit of the team, but especially for Tezuka.
Momo decided maybe Kaidoh wasn't such a snake after all as he watched his fellow 2nd year stop a fight on the courts and tend to the injured player. Then Kaidoh hissed, and his feelings returned.
Ryoma knew Tezuka needed him to become Seishun's pillar of support. He knew what it required. Even with the memory of his captain's words for support, and his confidence in his own ability, he found he couldn't do it. He didn't feel strong enough.
Without Tezuka, it was difficult. They managed; they adjusted without him and evolved as a team.
With Tezuka, they soared.