"One set match, Fudoumine Shinji, to serve!"
The exhibition match between Shinji and Yuuta had begun. Yuuta gripped his racket and stood in receiving position. Shinji procured a tennis ball from his pocket, and stood momentarily to gauge his enemy.
"So this is Fuji's little brother. I guess tennis sense runs in the family. Let's see how he likes my kick serve", muttered Shinji as he positioned himself to deliver his kick serve.
The other participants of the tournament as well as a host of reporters stood at the sidelines, snapping photos and readying their video cameras. Ryoma and Kaidoh stood side by side, watching the match as it began. Inui appeared from behind them, readying his journal.
"This should be an interesting match. Shinji Ibu's Kick Serve and Spot versus the Super Rising of Yuuta Fuji. Hopefully Yuuta will remember not to use his Twist Spin Shot, as it'd break his shoulder," remarked Inui, adjusting his thick rimmed black glasses.
Seconds later, Shinji threw the ball into the air, and delivered his signature kick serve. The ball flew towards Yuuta, landed on the ground, and began to spin a few times before flying up towards Yuuta's face.
"This is nothing compared to Echizen's twist serve, I'll return this with a Rising..."
Yuuta swung his racket low and hit the ball just as it was rising from bouncing. Shinji's eyes grew as wide as saucers as he saw the ball speed past him. Diving for the ball and reaching out with his racket, the ball flew past him, several inches away from Shinji's reach. Falling to his knees, Shinji tried to collect himself.
"0 – 15" reported the referee.
"Awesome, did you see that? Yuuta's Super Rising!" said a person in the crowd.
"Sasuga Shyusuke Fuji's little brother" chimed in another spectator.
"Who's Shyusuke's little brother?!!!!!" yelled out Yuuta. His voice reverberated throughout the auditorium. Yuuta's expression was extremely angry. Clutching his racket tightly and balling his fist, Yuuta's looked around the crowd.
"Who said that? Who's Shyusuke Fuji's little brother? I am Yuuta. Yuuta Fuji!"
Yuuta detested anyone that compared him to his elder brother, the tennis prodigy. Yuuta improved his tennis through daily training, all in order to one day be better than his older brother. Yuuta had even perfected the Super Rising shot, a technique far above the middle school level.
Shinji collected himself and stood upright. His expression was still blank and emotionless, but inside he was shaken. No one had ever returned his kick serve so easily, not since his match with Echizen.
"C'mon Shinji, don't let that guys rising scare you. Show them what you've got," said Kamio. Kamio was watching the match intently, cheering Shinji on.
Shinji, seemingly unfazed, threw the ball into the air once again, delivering his kick serve. Yuuta smirked as he countered again with his Super Rising. The ball flew across the net back into Shinji's court. Shinji scrambled forward to catch up to the ball so that he'd be able to hit it squarely after it bounced. Returning the ball, Shinji aimed for the left corner, opposite of Yuuta. Even if Yuuta managed to catch up, Shinji planned to attack the corners in order to make Yuuta lose stamina. Not one to be upstaged, Yuuta raced to the opposite end of the court, swinging his racket low and delivering his Rising technique. The ball flew past Shinji's right side. The ball hit the court, the sound of the impact ringing throughout the gym.
"0-30" said the referee.
"Yuuta's reaction time has increased since your match with him Echizen. Also the speed and effectiveness of his Rising and Super Rising techniques have both improved considerably," remarked Inui to Echizen and Kaidoh.
"Yuuta-kun's Super Rising is a great technique. Even though Shinji's accuracy and control are outstanding, if he can't reach the ball it won't matter," remarked Inoue.
"Hmmm, Yaru jya," remarked Echizen, lowering his white cap.
"Plus there is one more effect that not even Yuuta may not be aware of," said Inui.
"What do you mean, Inui senpai?" asked Tomo, holding bright pink, sparkly pom-poms.
"Shinji's spot technique requires that he hit the ball using slice and underhand spins in succession, creating a numb state in his opponents arm. However, when Yuuta uses the Super Rising, even if he manages to catch up to the ball it'll be hard for him to maintain enough control to consistently change the spin of the ball in the way required for the Spot."
"Naruhodo, Yuuta-kun sure has improved. St. Rudolph will be far stronger next year," replied Inoue.
Shinji served the ball again, this time a regular serve. Yuuta returned the ball easily, using a slice spin to give the ball a little extra speed. Shinji ran forward, swinging the racket at his side to hit the ball with a flat shot. Aiming to hit the ball past Yuuta, Shinji launched the ball and sent it whizzing over the net. Yuuta was able to change his stance in time however, to back up in order to hit the ball using his Super Rising technique. The ball whizzed back over net within seconds, landing in the back of the court past Shinji.
"0-40" said the referee.
Shinji stared at Yuuta for a moment then simply smirked. Yuuta, watching his opponent, was puzzled.
"What are you grinning about?" asked Yuuta as he was getting into position.
"That's an interesting counter you have there. Nothing is unstoppable though..." muttered Shinji in his usual creepy manner.
Shinji threw the ball into the air, leaped up swinging his racket from behind his head, and hit the ball.
"Kick serve again? What is this guy thinking? Doesn't he know I'll just use my Rising again?" thought Yuuta.
Just as before Yuuta swung his racket low, and with a fluid upward motion, returned the ball with his Super Rising.
"Nani?"
However, unlike before, the ball's speed was far slower. Shinji, grinning slightly, caught up to the ball and swung his racket, easily returning it. Yuuta's expression was clearly puzzled as he swung his racket to return the ball. Yuuta hit the ball cross court, making Shinji run to the corners in order to return the ball. Shinji easily caught up, lowering his racket and scraping the ball along its face. Shinji delivered a drop shot, landing the ball just inside the net. Yuuta dove towards the ball, managing to hit it with the end of his racket. The ball flew back over the net, scoring Yuuta the point.
"Game, Yuuta Fuji. 0-1. Change Court,' said the referee.
Yuuta collected himself and stood upright. His expression was clearly frustrated and angry. Shinji simply grinned to himself, and moved back into serving position.
"What happened, Inoue senpai?" said Shiba, lowering her camera.
"I'm not quite sure Shiba," replied Inoue.
The two young tennis warriors switched courts. Yuuta's kept his gaze leveled at Shinji, his expression a mixture of anger and surprise. Yuuta gripped his racket tightly while getting into position.
"Fine then. Come at me, show me what you've got, Fudomine's tennis prodigy."
"Yuuta Fuji, to serve."
Yuuta procured a tennis ball and flung it high into the air hitting the ball with all his arm strength. The tennis ball raced forward, singing through the air at Shinji. Grinning to himself, Shinji held his out his arm perpendicular to his body, hitting the ball right at the sweet spot of his racket. The ball was returned back to Yuuta's court, where Yuuta was lying in wait to pull of his Super Rising technique.
"Deta! Super Rising!" yelled out Sakuno and Tomo, waving their pom-poms.
Much to the surprise of everyone watching, the ball did not reach the other side of the net, but instead slammed into it.
"0-15".
Yuuta's eyes widened, staring at the ball that was now slowly rolling backwards towards him.
"My...My Super Rising ...What ... happened?"
"Nice going Shinji!" cheered Kamio.
Inui adjusted his glasses slightly, maintaining a calm focus on the game.
Yuuta picked up the ball and prepared to serve once again. He stared at his now grinning and mumbling opponent.
"This guy is so creepy, mumbling to himself. I can't let my guard down, there is something he's doing to cancel out my Super Rising..." thought Yuuta.
Yuuta served again, hitting the ball with all his might. The ball flew straight at Shinji.
"Yuuta is inviting his opponent," remarked Inoue.
Shinji hit the ball in the same form as before, keeping his racket arm perpendicular to his body and hitting the ball with one fluid stroke. Yuuta, eager to try again, performed his Super Rising technique. The ball flew over the net as it should, unlike before. However Shinji just stood in his side of the court with the racket to his side.
"Out. 0-30".
"Eh? This ... this can't be" said Yuuta, snarling.
"Naruhodo", remarked Inui.
"What do you mean, Inui-kun?" asked Inoue.
"Super Rising is a very advanced technique to counter even the fastest balls your opponent can hit towards you. However the Super Rising has one flaw, it must be carried out with meticulous care to the positioning and spin of the ball. If the racket is off by a little, the ball could gain too much momentum and be out, or not have enough and hit the net. Shinji is hitting the ball in such a way as to make the speed and spin of the ball hard to predict. Watch how Shinji attacks the ball."
Shiba, Inoue, Tomo, and the others watched intently to see what Inui was referring to.
Yuuta served the ball, this time aiming for the corner. Shinji caught up to the ball in a flash, sending it flying over the net straight at Yuuta.
"I see!" exclaimed Inoue.
"Shinji is hitting the ball, allowing it to scrape the face a little before returning. At the last second, he varies the amount of force he puts into the ball, making the spin and weight unpredictable."
"He hit it straight at Yuuta. He's inviting Yuuta's Super Rising?" said Kaidoh.
"Ike, Shinji!" exclaimed Kamio.
Yuuta angrily raced towards the ball, and hit it using his Super Rising technique.
"What is this guy doing?" thought Yuuta.
"If Yuuta can't accurately gauge the spin and weight of the ball he can't adjust the racket accordingly. If he's off even by a little..."
The ball forcefully crashed straight into the net, bending it forward slightly. Yuuta, breathing heavily with sweat droplets clinging to his face, sneered.
"Kuso..." muttered Yuuta.
"0-40" said the referee.
"Shinji's technique is based on the same principle as Shinjyou-kun's Mirage, however it is not quite as effective outside of stopping the Super Rising, because Shinji did not take the time to make Yuuta memorize his serving and stroke forms," remarked Inui.
"If Yuuta-kun can't utilize his Super Rising..." said Shiba.
Yuuta served once more, releasing a grunt of frustration, sweat droplets flying from his face. Shinji moved with cat like reflexes to return the ball, using the same attack style from before. Shinji sent the ball whizzing back towards Yuuta.
"Damn, I can't use my Super Rising..."
Yuuta hit the ball normally, aiming for the cross court in order to score the point quickly. However, Shinji had already moved into the perfect position and struck the ball, sending it back to Yuuta. A long rally had begun, with both players repeatedly returning the ball. After a few moments, however, as Yuuta reached out to return the ball, his arm went numb. The ball flew past Yuuta.
"Game, Shinji Ibu. 1 game all."
Yuuta moved his arm around, confused as to why it went numb only a few seconds before.
"Deta, Shinji's Spot technique!" said Kamio.
"Without his Rising Yuuta is now susceptible to Shinji's spot technique. Shinji has had a lot of time to perfect it," remarked Inui.
Echizen flinched slightly, remembering the injury he sustained to his left eye due to the Spot technique.
"To break through the Super Rising and then use the Spot technique. Shinji- kun sure is something", remarked Shiba.
Yuuta sneered and growled, clutching his racket and balling his fist.
"Damn that Shinji, he broke right through my Rising. I guess there's no choice but to use...'that'."
"Shinji Ibu to serve."
Yuuta moved into return position, ready and waiting for Shinji's serve. A look of determination covered Yuuta's face as Shinji served the ball. Yuuta quickly returned the ball and sent it careening over the net. Quick to react, Shinji hit the ball, sending it deep towards the baseline.
"I'll show them all how strong I've become," thought Yuuta while raising his tennis racket and changing his form slightly.
"Wait, is that?" said Shiba.
"No it can't be" said Inoue.
"That's the form for the Twist Spin Shot! Wasn't Yuuta already warned that if he used that shot he would eventually break his shoulder?" exclaimed Inui.
Yuuta swung forward, but instead of stepping forward, leaning in, and then twisting his upper body as the Twist Spin Shot would require, he swung his racket low and hit the ball, jerking his upper body forward.
"That...that isn't the Twist Spin Shot," remarked Kaidoh.
Shinji's eyes widened as the ball came into his court at an awesome speed.
"But I sealed off the Rising..." muttered Shinji.
Moving in to attack the ball, Shinji swung low. Much to his surprise, the ball began to revolve rapidly, and shoot straight up into the air. Whizzing past his face, Shinji's expression turned to shock and amazement. The ball landed far outside of the court.
"0-15"
Yuuta was crouching on the ground, his right hand on his left forearm.
"It can't be, he combined the Super Rising and the Twist Spin shot?" said Inoue with a tone of pure surprise and excitement.
"Twist...Spin...Rising....?" remarked Inui, profoundly surprised.
The exhibition match between Shinji and Yuuta had begun. Yuuta gripped his racket and stood in receiving position. Shinji procured a tennis ball from his pocket, and stood momentarily to gauge his enemy.
"So this is Fuji's little brother. I guess tennis sense runs in the family. Let's see how he likes my kick serve", muttered Shinji as he positioned himself to deliver his kick serve.
The other participants of the tournament as well as a host of reporters stood at the sidelines, snapping photos and readying their video cameras. Ryoma and Kaidoh stood side by side, watching the match as it began. Inui appeared from behind them, readying his journal.
"This should be an interesting match. Shinji Ibu's Kick Serve and Spot versus the Super Rising of Yuuta Fuji. Hopefully Yuuta will remember not to use his Twist Spin Shot, as it'd break his shoulder," remarked Inui, adjusting his thick rimmed black glasses.
Seconds later, Shinji threw the ball into the air, and delivered his signature kick serve. The ball flew towards Yuuta, landed on the ground, and began to spin a few times before flying up towards Yuuta's face.
"This is nothing compared to Echizen's twist serve, I'll return this with a Rising..."
Yuuta swung his racket low and hit the ball just as it was rising from bouncing. Shinji's eyes grew as wide as saucers as he saw the ball speed past him. Diving for the ball and reaching out with his racket, the ball flew past him, several inches away from Shinji's reach. Falling to his knees, Shinji tried to collect himself.
"0 – 15" reported the referee.
"Awesome, did you see that? Yuuta's Super Rising!" said a person in the crowd.
"Sasuga Shyusuke Fuji's little brother" chimed in another spectator.
"Who's Shyusuke's little brother?!!!!!" yelled out Yuuta. His voice reverberated throughout the auditorium. Yuuta's expression was extremely angry. Clutching his racket tightly and balling his fist, Yuuta's looked around the crowd.
"Who said that? Who's Shyusuke Fuji's little brother? I am Yuuta. Yuuta Fuji!"
Yuuta detested anyone that compared him to his elder brother, the tennis prodigy. Yuuta improved his tennis through daily training, all in order to one day be better than his older brother. Yuuta had even perfected the Super Rising shot, a technique far above the middle school level.
Shinji collected himself and stood upright. His expression was still blank and emotionless, but inside he was shaken. No one had ever returned his kick serve so easily, not since his match with Echizen.
"C'mon Shinji, don't let that guys rising scare you. Show them what you've got," said Kamio. Kamio was watching the match intently, cheering Shinji on.
Shinji, seemingly unfazed, threw the ball into the air once again, delivering his kick serve. Yuuta smirked as he countered again with his Super Rising. The ball flew across the net back into Shinji's court. Shinji scrambled forward to catch up to the ball so that he'd be able to hit it squarely after it bounced. Returning the ball, Shinji aimed for the left corner, opposite of Yuuta. Even if Yuuta managed to catch up, Shinji planned to attack the corners in order to make Yuuta lose stamina. Not one to be upstaged, Yuuta raced to the opposite end of the court, swinging his racket low and delivering his Rising technique. The ball flew past Shinji's right side. The ball hit the court, the sound of the impact ringing throughout the gym.
"0-30" said the referee.
"Yuuta's reaction time has increased since your match with him Echizen. Also the speed and effectiveness of his Rising and Super Rising techniques have both improved considerably," remarked Inui to Echizen and Kaidoh.
"Yuuta-kun's Super Rising is a great technique. Even though Shinji's accuracy and control are outstanding, if he can't reach the ball it won't matter," remarked Inoue.
"Hmmm, Yaru jya," remarked Echizen, lowering his white cap.
"Plus there is one more effect that not even Yuuta may not be aware of," said Inui.
"What do you mean, Inui senpai?" asked Tomo, holding bright pink, sparkly pom-poms.
"Shinji's spot technique requires that he hit the ball using slice and underhand spins in succession, creating a numb state in his opponents arm. However, when Yuuta uses the Super Rising, even if he manages to catch up to the ball it'll be hard for him to maintain enough control to consistently change the spin of the ball in the way required for the Spot."
"Naruhodo, Yuuta-kun sure has improved. St. Rudolph will be far stronger next year," replied Inoue.
Shinji served the ball again, this time a regular serve. Yuuta returned the ball easily, using a slice spin to give the ball a little extra speed. Shinji ran forward, swinging the racket at his side to hit the ball with a flat shot. Aiming to hit the ball past Yuuta, Shinji launched the ball and sent it whizzing over the net. Yuuta was able to change his stance in time however, to back up in order to hit the ball using his Super Rising technique. The ball whizzed back over net within seconds, landing in the back of the court past Shinji.
"0-40" said the referee.
Shinji stared at Yuuta for a moment then simply smirked. Yuuta, watching his opponent, was puzzled.
"What are you grinning about?" asked Yuuta as he was getting into position.
"That's an interesting counter you have there. Nothing is unstoppable though..." muttered Shinji in his usual creepy manner.
Shinji threw the ball into the air, leaped up swinging his racket from behind his head, and hit the ball.
"Kick serve again? What is this guy thinking? Doesn't he know I'll just use my Rising again?" thought Yuuta.
Just as before Yuuta swung his racket low, and with a fluid upward motion, returned the ball with his Super Rising.
"Nani?"
However, unlike before, the ball's speed was far slower. Shinji, grinning slightly, caught up to the ball and swung his racket, easily returning it. Yuuta's expression was clearly puzzled as he swung his racket to return the ball. Yuuta hit the ball cross court, making Shinji run to the corners in order to return the ball. Shinji easily caught up, lowering his racket and scraping the ball along its face. Shinji delivered a drop shot, landing the ball just inside the net. Yuuta dove towards the ball, managing to hit it with the end of his racket. The ball flew back over the net, scoring Yuuta the point.
"Game, Yuuta Fuji. 0-1. Change Court,' said the referee.
Yuuta collected himself and stood upright. His expression was clearly frustrated and angry. Shinji simply grinned to himself, and moved back into serving position.
"What happened, Inoue senpai?" said Shiba, lowering her camera.
"I'm not quite sure Shiba," replied Inoue.
The two young tennis warriors switched courts. Yuuta's kept his gaze leveled at Shinji, his expression a mixture of anger and surprise. Yuuta gripped his racket tightly while getting into position.
"Fine then. Come at me, show me what you've got, Fudomine's tennis prodigy."
"Yuuta Fuji, to serve."
Yuuta procured a tennis ball and flung it high into the air hitting the ball with all his arm strength. The tennis ball raced forward, singing through the air at Shinji. Grinning to himself, Shinji held his out his arm perpendicular to his body, hitting the ball right at the sweet spot of his racket. The ball was returned back to Yuuta's court, where Yuuta was lying in wait to pull of his Super Rising technique.
"Deta! Super Rising!" yelled out Sakuno and Tomo, waving their pom-poms.
Much to the surprise of everyone watching, the ball did not reach the other side of the net, but instead slammed into it.
"0-15".
Yuuta's eyes widened, staring at the ball that was now slowly rolling backwards towards him.
"My...My Super Rising ...What ... happened?"
"Nice going Shinji!" cheered Kamio.
Inui adjusted his glasses slightly, maintaining a calm focus on the game.
Yuuta picked up the ball and prepared to serve once again. He stared at his now grinning and mumbling opponent.
"This guy is so creepy, mumbling to himself. I can't let my guard down, there is something he's doing to cancel out my Super Rising..." thought Yuuta.
Yuuta served again, hitting the ball with all his might. The ball flew straight at Shinji.
"Yuuta is inviting his opponent," remarked Inoue.
Shinji hit the ball in the same form as before, keeping his racket arm perpendicular to his body and hitting the ball with one fluid stroke. Yuuta, eager to try again, performed his Super Rising technique. The ball flew over the net as it should, unlike before. However Shinji just stood in his side of the court with the racket to his side.
"Out. 0-30".
"Eh? This ... this can't be" said Yuuta, snarling.
"Naruhodo", remarked Inui.
"What do you mean, Inui-kun?" asked Inoue.
"Super Rising is a very advanced technique to counter even the fastest balls your opponent can hit towards you. However the Super Rising has one flaw, it must be carried out with meticulous care to the positioning and spin of the ball. If the racket is off by a little, the ball could gain too much momentum and be out, or not have enough and hit the net. Shinji is hitting the ball in such a way as to make the speed and spin of the ball hard to predict. Watch how Shinji attacks the ball."
Shiba, Inoue, Tomo, and the others watched intently to see what Inui was referring to.
Yuuta served the ball, this time aiming for the corner. Shinji caught up to the ball in a flash, sending it flying over the net straight at Yuuta.
"I see!" exclaimed Inoue.
"Shinji is hitting the ball, allowing it to scrape the face a little before returning. At the last second, he varies the amount of force he puts into the ball, making the spin and weight unpredictable."
"He hit it straight at Yuuta. He's inviting Yuuta's Super Rising?" said Kaidoh.
"Ike, Shinji!" exclaimed Kamio.
Yuuta angrily raced towards the ball, and hit it using his Super Rising technique.
"What is this guy doing?" thought Yuuta.
"If Yuuta can't accurately gauge the spin and weight of the ball he can't adjust the racket accordingly. If he's off even by a little..."
The ball forcefully crashed straight into the net, bending it forward slightly. Yuuta, breathing heavily with sweat droplets clinging to his face, sneered.
"Kuso..." muttered Yuuta.
"0-40" said the referee.
"Shinji's technique is based on the same principle as Shinjyou-kun's Mirage, however it is not quite as effective outside of stopping the Super Rising, because Shinji did not take the time to make Yuuta memorize his serving and stroke forms," remarked Inui.
"If Yuuta-kun can't utilize his Super Rising..." said Shiba.
Yuuta served once more, releasing a grunt of frustration, sweat droplets flying from his face. Shinji moved with cat like reflexes to return the ball, using the same attack style from before. Shinji sent the ball whizzing back towards Yuuta.
"Damn, I can't use my Super Rising..."
Yuuta hit the ball normally, aiming for the cross court in order to score the point quickly. However, Shinji had already moved into the perfect position and struck the ball, sending it back to Yuuta. A long rally had begun, with both players repeatedly returning the ball. After a few moments, however, as Yuuta reached out to return the ball, his arm went numb. The ball flew past Yuuta.
"Game, Shinji Ibu. 1 game all."
Yuuta moved his arm around, confused as to why it went numb only a few seconds before.
"Deta, Shinji's Spot technique!" said Kamio.
"Without his Rising Yuuta is now susceptible to Shinji's spot technique. Shinji has had a lot of time to perfect it," remarked Inui.
Echizen flinched slightly, remembering the injury he sustained to his left eye due to the Spot technique.
"To break through the Super Rising and then use the Spot technique. Shinji- kun sure is something", remarked Shiba.
Yuuta sneered and growled, clutching his racket and balling his fist.
"Damn that Shinji, he broke right through my Rising. I guess there's no choice but to use...'that'."
"Shinji Ibu to serve."
Yuuta moved into return position, ready and waiting for Shinji's serve. A look of determination covered Yuuta's face as Shinji served the ball. Yuuta quickly returned the ball and sent it careening over the net. Quick to react, Shinji hit the ball, sending it deep towards the baseline.
"I'll show them all how strong I've become," thought Yuuta while raising his tennis racket and changing his form slightly.
"Wait, is that?" said Shiba.
"No it can't be" said Inoue.
"That's the form for the Twist Spin Shot! Wasn't Yuuta already warned that if he used that shot he would eventually break his shoulder?" exclaimed Inui.
Yuuta swung forward, but instead of stepping forward, leaning in, and then twisting his upper body as the Twist Spin Shot would require, he swung his racket low and hit the ball, jerking his upper body forward.
"That...that isn't the Twist Spin Shot," remarked Kaidoh.
Shinji's eyes widened as the ball came into his court at an awesome speed.
"But I sealed off the Rising..." muttered Shinji.
Moving in to attack the ball, Shinji swung low. Much to his surprise, the ball began to revolve rapidly, and shoot straight up into the air. Whizzing past his face, Shinji's expression turned to shock and amazement. The ball landed far outside of the court.
"0-15"
Yuuta was crouching on the ground, his right hand on his left forearm.
"It can't be, he combined the Super Rising and the Twist Spin shot?" said Inoue with a tone of pure surprise and excitement.
"Twist...Spin...Rising....?" remarked Inui, profoundly surprised.