Ding!

The player has defeated the boss-level opponent, Oni Juujiro, and gained 21,000 experience points.

The player has obtained the advanced tennis skill dropped by Oni Juujiro: Black Hole.

"Black Hole again?" Ishikawa raised an eyebrow slightly.

He wasn't sure whether to consider himself lucky or not. The Black Hole technique was a god-tier skill for defensive players. Especially for someone like Ishikawa, who could keenly observe the changes on the court and even use the Eye of Truth to foresee the future, he could maximize the potential of Black Hole.

However, unlike Irie, who relied heavily on it, Black Hole felt somewhat redundant compared to Oni's overwhelming strength. What Ishikawa really wanted was Oni's special ability from the Asura Path—Oni God! After all, the saying "greed leads to indigestion" didn't apply to someone like him, who was essentially playing with cheats.

Ding!

Detected that the player already possesses the skill: Black Hole Lv7. Skill merging is available.

"Merge," Ishikawa decided without hesitation.

Ding!

The player's advanced skill, Black Hole, has leveled up. Current level: Lv9.

"Huh?" Ishikawa was momentarily distracted. "It's already... max level?!"

In that instant, a flood of knowledge about the max-level skill poured into his mind. Already proficient with Black Hole, and even capable of effortlessly layering multiple effects, Ishikawa's eyes gleamed with a sharp light.

"So this is the power of a max-level Black Hole?"

With the max-level skill now in his arsenal, Ishikawa was ready to face the most intense moments of the match. He no longer needed a breakthrough during the game to perfectly counter Oni's Super Gravity Dimension Tennis.

"Hmm?"

On the other side of the court, Oni, his clothes tattered and torn, was about to approach Ishikawa for a post-match exchange when he suddenly noticed the terrifying glint in his opponent's eyes.

For a moment, he felt an absurd thought creeping in—it was as if Ishikawa hadn't even shown his true strength during the match, and what he was seeing now was the real deal.

But he quickly dismissed that ridiculous notion.

Sure, Ishikawa was strong, but aside from the power of the Sword God, the other three figures were still quite vague. The main reason for his loss, Oni concluded, was his own carelessness. Losing the first serve had handed the initiative to Ishikawa.

With a sigh, he walked toward the net, where Ishikawa was also approaching.

Amid the awe-filled gazes of the spectators, the two shook hands on the devastated, hellish-looking court.

"You're strong," Oni said solemnly. "I hope you can maintain this pace of growth. There will be many more formidable opponents waiting for you on the road ahead."

For many second-string representatives, Japan's U17 was their limit. But for someone like Ishikawa, it was just the beginning—a slightly larger pond. The true stage for top-tier tennis lay beyond the distant seas.

And Oni believed that with Ishikawa's talent, he would undoubtedly become one of the most dazzling figures on the world stage, both in high school and professional tennis.

"I know," Ishikawa replied, accepting Oni's advice with gratitude.

Compared to someone like Yukimura, Oni was more selfless. He had sacrificed his own progress to nurture the next generation. Otherwise, with the strength he had two years ago—when he could defeat and suppress Yukimura—he wouldn't be at this level now.

Oni was the only person in the camp whom Ishikawa truly respected. His words came from the heart.

"Thank you for your guidance, senior," Ishikawa said with a nod. "I've learned a lot from this match. If possible, I look forward to playing against you again in the future."

"Another match?" Oni, who had been about to release Ishikawa's hand, instinctively tightened his grip.

Then, for the first time, a rare smile appeared on his stern, fierce face. "That day will come."

Losing the match hadn't shattered Oni's spirit. On the contrary, the intense duel and the final defeat had reignited his deep-seated desire to grow stronger. He had rediscovered the hunger for power that had driven him in the past.

Soon after, the players from Courts 3 and 5 gathered on the court. Despite the court being in ruins, resembling a post-earthquake scene, no one showed any signs of impatience. Instead, even the winners—Mouri, Hara, and others—wore serious expressions.

Those who had mocked Ishikawa before the match now looked at him with nothing but reverence.

"With this, the group shuffle match between Court 5 and Court 3 has concluded," announced the referee, who had regained some color in his face. "Court 3 has won with three victories and two losses. Due to the ranking difference between the courts, all players will retain their current positions."

"Finally... it's over."

Not far away, the three coaches standing on the platform sighed in relief.

Saito couldn't help but remark, "After this match, Japan's U17 will have another tennis legend."

"Indeed," Taketsugu agreed with a firm nod.

This match had cemented Ishikawa's status in the U17. Although he wasn't part of the first-string representatives, his victory over Oni had proven his worth. In a way, his standing now surpassed that of most high school players. Only Oni, who had just lost, and the captain of the first-string team, currently on an overseas expedition, could rival him.

"Hmm," Saito mused, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. "I wonder how Yukimura will react when he hears the news."

"And the rest of the first-stringers," Taketsugu added with a chuckle. "I'm looking forward to seeing their expressions when they meet Ishikawa."

The thought of those arrogant high schoolers being utterly shocked brought smiles to both Saito and Taketsugu's faces.

"Kurobe, what do you think... huh?" Saito turned around, only to see Kurobe walking away toward the coaches' room. "Where are you going?"

"To call the head coach," Kurobe replied without looking back, his tone calm. "He needs to know about the match's process and outcome."

"The head coach?" The other two were taken aback.

Taketsugu murmured, "Come to think of it, we didn't report this match to him beforehand. It should be... fine, right?"

"Uh..." Saito was also at a loss for words.

Imagining the fiery-tempered head coach's possible reaction upon hearing that Oni had been defeated, Saito couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and smile faintly.

Ding!

Meanwhile, Ishikawa, who had finished the match and was resting in a corner, heard the system's notification in his mind.

The player has completed the mission: Proof of Identity.

Based on the player's performance, you have gained 50,000 experience points, 5 skill points, 1 sub-profession point, and the title: Legend of Japan's U17.

Legend of Japan's U17: After shattering the gates of hell and surpassing the peak of U17, you have become a new legend.

Effect ①: U17 training experience gain +50%

Effect ②: U17 skill training experience gain +30%

Effect ③: U17 sub-profession training experience gain +20%

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com