Without hesitation.

Ishikawa immediately allocated the two secondary profession points he gained from leveling up to his newly upgraded secondary profession, Yoga, which had improved due to his heightened consciousness.

Ding!

[Player's secondary profession, Yoga, has leveled up. Current level: Lv9]

[Yoga: Secondary profession.

- Level 3: +1 Stamina

- Level 6: +1 Stamina

- Level 9: +1 Stamina

Additional Ability 1: Increases mental focus speed

Additional Ability 2: Reduces stamina consumption

Current Level: Lv9]

With Yoga maxed out, Ishikawa gained an additional point in Stamina, bringing his total five stats to an astonishing 33.5!

In the U-17 training camp.

Aside from Byoudouin and Oni, whose abilities couldn't be measured, even the second and third-ranked representatives of the top players were now trailing behind him.

Moreover.

He had also unlocked Mushin, the ultimate power of human consciousness, and four different Paths of Asura!

It could be said that compared to when he faced Oni, his abilities had improved across the board. He had truly become a professional-level player!

Now, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

With this level of strength, he could firmly establish himself among the high schoolers.

Afterward.

Ishikawa, having calmed his mind, sat cross-legged on his bed. Using the meditation technique taught to him by the old man, he delved into deep cultivation.

Half an hour later.

Feeling the pressure ease significantly, Ishikawa finally went to sleep.

Meanwhile.

At the U-17 training camp.

In a room on the second floor of the central court building.

"How did it go?"

Kurobe turned to look at Aoi, who had just hung up the phone. Aoi nodded and said, "We won all three matches. Based on the points, even if we lose to South Korea in the next match, we're guaranteed a spot in the Melbourne World Cup."

"Great!"

Hearing this.

Takuzo couldn't help but clench his fist in excitement.

"The World Cup!"

Kurobe, however, fell into brief contemplation.

He thought back to their experience at the French World Cup two years ago. This year, their lineup was even stronger than before.

With the introduction of new rules and the inclusion of middle schoolers, their chances of advancing further this year were even greater.

Moreover.

This year's recruitment had gone exceptionally well.

Aside from Ishikawa, who was an exception, both Mori and Hara, who had reached the finals of the autumn tournament, were players of top-tier caliber.

"By the way."

Thinking of this, Kurobe suddenly spoke in a serious tone, "Those guys are returning tomorrow afternoon, and the finals are at noon. Try to stagger the timing so the match isn't disrupted."

"I think we should increase our precautions."

Aoi, however, shook his head. "With both Oni and Ishikawa absent, and only Tokugawa here, it'll be hard to stop those guys."

Kurobe immediately understood. "You're worried they might launch a surprise attack?"

"Would they really do that?"

Takuzo asked, puzzled. "Even if Byoudouin is arrogant, he wouldn't resort to something like a sneak attack, right?"

"Hard to say."

Aoi's expression turned grave. "That guy's way of thinking isn't something ordinary people can predict. And even if Byoudouin wouldn't do it, others might have similar ideas."

In the U-17 camp.

The lower the court number, the stronger the player, and the less respect they had for the coaching staff.

Therefore.

The top representatives were the most unruly bunch. Especially their leader, who had a domineering personality.

With the autumn tournament reaching its critical stage, it was better to be overly cautious.

"Alright."

Kurobe nodded. "Let's do that. Also, notify the high schoolers from the top three courts. Have them prepare for any potential confrontations."

Every time the top players returned, intense matches would inevitably follow.

Surprise attacks.

Shuffle matches.

After each match, aside from the top few players, most others would end up with injuries.

The next day.

After completing his morning training, Ishikawa bid farewell to the Rokkaku Middle School team and the old man.

"Hey, Saeki, Kurobane."

Watching Ishikawa's retreating figure, Rokkaku's captain, Aoi, spoke up. "Don't you think Ishikawa seems like a completely different person now?"

"Different?"

Amachi and Itsuki looked over, confused.

"A change? I do feel it."

Saeki nodded. "Compared to during the national tournament, he no longer has that mysterious aura. Now, he seems more like..."

"An ordinary person."

"Hmm..."

At these words, the members of Rokkaku fell silent.

Yes, even though they could sense an ordinary aura from Ishikawa, it was precisely this normalcy that made them feel uneasy.

"Maybe the old man knows something?" Aoi started to say.

Before he could finish, the old man's voice sounded behind them: "He has found his own path. You all must work hard too, so you don't fall too far behind him."

"Understood."

Aoi nodded with a smile, and the others followed suit. The old man's words ignited a fire of determination within them.

However, as the old man turned away, he sighed softly in his heart. "Being born in the same era as him is both your fortune and your misfortune..."

It was fortunate because this was destined to be a golden age for tennis. But it was also unfortunate because, in this greatest of eras, everyone would have to live in the shadow of this young prodigy.

After all, the talent Ishikawa had displayed surpassed even that of Echizen Nanjiro in his youth!

---

Time flew by, and soon it was noon.

At the U-17 training camp, in the central court area, despite the scorching sun, the high schoolers had gathered around the court.

"Next, we will begin the finals of the Autumn Rookie Tournament."

"Court 3's Marui Bunta versus Court 3's Hara Tetsuya."

"Both players, please prepare."

As the referee's announcement concluded, the spectators turned their attention to the two young men standing on opposite sides of the court, both brimming with fighting spirit.

"Honestly, the players from the second and third batches were no match for these two."

"Of course. No matter what, these two have climbed all the way to Court 3 alongside him."

"Ah, speaking of him, it's such a shame. If he had participated, there'd be no doubt about who would win the Rookie Tournament!"

"Tch, are you kidding? With his current status, do you really think he'd care about the Rookie Tournament championship?"

"Uh... good point."

The high schoolers whispered among themselves, their voices naturally reaching Marui and Hara's ears.

At the net, the two players faced each other.

Hearing the chatter, Marui grinned. "See? I told you. This match is basically just us fighting for second place."

"Second place isn't so bad," Hara replied with a smile. "After all, the pressure of being first is too much. Besides, compared to him, I'm more curious about how strong you really are!"

As he spoke, his gaze locked onto Marui.

"Same here," Marui said, his grin widening. "I've been looking forward to facing the top rookie from the Kansai region for a long time now!"

Crackle!

Their eyes met mid-air, and an intense, competitive energy immediately filled the central court.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com