102. The Three Great Gates in the Depths of the Selfless Realm! The Ultimate Trial of Relentless Refinement!

“Tezuka is struggling fiercely. He could have conserved his energy by relying on his domain and waited for an opening to score, yet he was overwhelmed by the opponent’s powerful heavy shots...” Shibayama Kumakiri began to worry again.

“We underestimated the strength of their singles number three,” Shishido Ryo said with a grave expression.

“The only chance to win is to avoid direct confrontation with their heavy shots,” Inui Sadaharu remarked.

“Tch, if this battle drags on, won’t they just break our service game?” Akutsu complained irritably.

“The physical disparity is too great; over time, it will work against Tezuka,” Yanagi Renji observed while watching the court.

“You’re all underestimating Tezuka. Look at the serious expression on his face now. Do you really think he’s been cornered with no way out?” Matsubara Mei interrupted, noticing everyone’s words doubting Tezuka.

“Here it comes, the Zero-style slice!” Fuji suddenly announced.

“Still deciding the match with the Zero-style slice? As expected of Tezuka,” Matsubara Mei smiled, seeing Tezuka resting the racket on his shoulder, fully committed to the fight—this was the true Kunimitsu Tezuka!

Facing the Zero-style slice, Kondo Ishihara returned the ball before it bounced, but Tezuka wasn’t going to wait idly; as he executed the slice, he had already moved forward, scoring with a clever volley shot that passed under Kondo Ishihara’s legs!

“15-15!”

“30-15!”

“40-15!”

Tezuka continuously lured Kondo Ishihara with the Zero-style slice, then charged the net for a decisive smash twice. Despite Kondo Ishihara’s absurdly wide range, he was harried by Tezuka’s frequent drop shots, and this time, being a step slow, he conceded a point to the slice!

*Thud... shshsh...*

The ball scraped lightly against the ground, then rapidly rolled toward the net.

“1-0! Evergreen Tezuka leads! Change sides!”

“No... a drop shot that doesn’t bounce...” Kondo Ishihara had never seen such a shot that defied the laws of physics. What kind of prodigy was this first-year Tezuka Kunimitsu? Not only could he create a mysterious domain that brought every ball into his attack range, but he could also hit drop shots that defied Newton’s laws. Evergreen Academy... was truly terrifying!

“Got it, no wonder it’s called the Zero-style slice—because it doesn’t bounce...” Saeki immediately understood the meaning behind the name.

“I’ve fully grasped your skills, but with just these, you won’t beat me,” Tezuka said calmly, holding his racket in his right hand as Kondo Ishihara approached.

“That guy Tezuka... actually dared to taunt his opponent,” Shibayama Kumakiri found it curious.

“He’s still very much like Ryoma Echizen now—no, even more provocative than Echizen,” Matsubara Mei wasn’t surprised by Tezuka’s mockery. After all, he was still a passionate first-year boy!

“I think Tezuka must have been holding back all these days. The energy stored inside him, like a wild torrent, will be fully unleashed in this match,” Fuji said with a slight smile, eyes narrowed.

“Vice-captain Fuji... your words sound a bit strange,” Matsubara Mei felt something odd about Fuji’s choice of words.

“Strange how?” Fuji smiled at the boy.

“Ah, nothing...” Mei denied it verbally but thought to herself, “Everything about it is strange...”

“Tch...” Kondo Ishihara was displeased at being underestimated by Tezuka, but in their recent duel, he had truly felt the power of this first-year player. A single misstep could have spelled disaster.

“You’re a first-year; don’t get too cocky. I’ll never let you take another point from me,” Kondo Ishihara snarled, biting hard on a lollipop he pulled from his chest pocket.

The second set began, with Kondo Ishihara serving. Having broken through Tezuka’s domain with heavy shots, he put his full strength into every serve from the first ball, hoping to crush Tezuka instantly!

“15-0!”

“30-0!”

“40-0!”

“Don’t you guys think that tall guy seemed exhausted after the first set when facing Tezuka’s drop shot feints and volleys, but now, in the second set, he somehow looks reenergized...?” Shishido Ryo felt something was off.

“I think it’s the lollipop he ate. During the changeover, he swallowed it whole. The sugar must have helped him recover,” Inui Sadaharu mused, stroking his chin.

“Isn’t eating during the match against the rules?” Shibayama Kumakiri asked.

“Kondo Ishihara ate it during the changeover, so it’s allowed. Also, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the match, chewing something in your mouth isn’t a violation. Back when I was at Rikkai University, one of our starting players, Bunta Marui, often chewed bubble gum while playing,” Yanagi Renji said evenly.

“What a sneaky tactic—eating candy to regain stamina. Those guys from Rokkaku...” Hearing the conversation, Shiba Saori clenched her fists.

“Eating during international tournaments has precedent, too. For instance, at Wimbledon, players often eat bananas courtside to prevent excessive fatigue,” Inoue Mamoru explained to Saori.

“But why bananas? Is it a preference or just convenient to eat and carry?” Saori was puzzled.

“That’s because athletes need to replenish large amounts of minerals like potassium and magnesium, as well as fructose after heavy exertion. Sugar provides energy, keeping muscles and the mind alert. The body’s primary energy sources are fat, protein, and sugar. Protein and fat conversion to energy is complex and slow, so sugar—especially glucose and fructose—is quickly and easily converted into usable energy. A few bites of fruit sugars are rapidly absorbed,” Inoue continued.

“Studies have shown fructose converts into usable energy within seven minutes. Bananas and grapes have the highest sugar content and utilization rates, but bananas are easier to peel and carry, making them the top choice for athletes,” he concluded.

“I see...” Saori nodded in understanding.

“Look, it seems Tezuka is gathering some power in his left hand!” Shishido Ryo noticed an energy shimmering with a white light streaked with rainbow hues pulsing on Tezuka’s left arm.

“That is...” Fuji and the others stared wide-eyed, while only Matsubara Mei solemnly spoke, “That is one of the Three Great Gates deep within the Selflessness Realm—the Limit of Tempered Perfection. Watch closely; this is a rare sight.”

“Tempered...” Shishido Ryo muttered in awe.

“Perfection...” Inui looked toward Matsubara Mei.

“Limit?” Akutsu also glanced at the boy.

“Selflessness Realm...” Fuji murmured, gazing at Matsubara Mei.