Chapter 197: The Beginning of the Tennis Doubles Match
Having completed a kilometer run, Hachiman found it effortless, maintaining his composure unlike the others.
Saika, benefiting from his stamina advantage as a guy, swiftly recovered.
Despite her athletic talent, Yukino found herself breathing heavily, the gender difference affecting her physical endurance.
Yui, struggling, couldn't stand straight due to upper body strain. Her chest added an extra challenge to the workout.
Once everyone caught their breath, Yukino continued with instructions.
"Alright, warm-up is done. Now, let's move on to racket practice."
"Eh... more?"
Hearing this, Yui's face displayed despair.
However, Saika reassured her, "Racket practice is something I can do alone. Yui, take a break."
"Ugh... Okay, Saika, do your best alone."
While Yui intended to help, her fatigue hindered her.
At this point, Hachiman spoke up, "Simple racket practice isn't very effective. It's better to have a partner."
Yukino nodded, looking at him. "You're right. Are you volunteering?"
"No, not me. Zaimokuza, come here."
Hachiman signaled to Zaimokuza, who had been quietly observing from the tennis court sidelines.
"Me?"
Pointing at himself, Zaimokuza looked puzzled but walked over.
"Isn't this a request for our Service Club? It might be inconvenient for others," Yukino hesitated upon seeing Hachiman call Zaimokuza.
"It's fine. Consider it repaying the favor for reviewing his novels, right, Zaimokuza?" Hachiman shrugged.
"Absolutely, you guys will still need to review my novels in the future. This small favor is nothing." Zaimokuza waved his hand and burst into laughter.
"And Indeed, the prowess of my esteemed General Yoshiki has gained recognition from the great Bodhisattva Hachiman."
Hearing his confident words, Yukino and Yui exchanged concerned glances, fearing that Zaimokuza might not be the tennis expert they had in mind, potentially dampening Saika's enthusiasm.
Observing their expressions, Hachiman chuckled.
"Don't worry; this guy is the perfect practice partner."
"Alright, then we'll count on you, Zaimokuza," Yukino nodded.
"No problem. Leave it to me." Zaimokuza struck a pose and positioned himself on the tennis court.
Starting with Zaimokuza's serve, he shouted some rather chuuni-style technique names and hit the ball.
"Ha, witness my Sling Flash Wave Shot!"
Despite the grandiose name, it was just an ordinary straight serve with moderate speed, making it relatively manageable for Saika to handle.
Observing the scene, Yukino and Yui let out a sigh of relief.
Next came the match between the two. Despite Zaimokuza's flamboyant technique names, he managed to hit a few decent shots, keeping Saika on his toes.
Soon, the first day's practice concluded.
"Thank you all for practicing with me today. I'll be relying on you again tomorrow," Saika bowed slightly, expressing gratitude to Hachiman and the others.
"No problem. Since the Service Club has taken the request, we'll see it through. Let's continue tomorrow. For now, everyone, go and rest," Yukino announced.
As Yukino spoke, the group bid farewell to each other, heading off the campus.
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On the tennis court,
*Pah! Pah! Pah!*
The constant sound of tennis balls hitting echoed on the court. Today, Yukino borrowed a ball machine to help Saika practice his returns.
"Ah..."
However, Saika missed a shot, falling to the ground. Yui rushed over anxiously.
"Saika, are you okay? Did you get hurt?"
"I'm fine. Let's continue," Saika got back up, shaking his head to assure everyone.
"Do you want to keep going?"
Seeing this, Yukino spoke somewhat indifferently.
"Yes, thanks for coming to practice with me today. I want to continue working hard," Saika replied.
"Is that so? Then, Yui, you practice with Totsuka next." Yukino nodded calmly and left the practice area.
Watching her leave, Saika felt a bit disheartened.
"Is it because no matter how much I practice, I won't improve, so Yukinoshita gave up?"
However, Hachiman approached, smiling, "Don't worry, Saika. Yukinoshita takes things seriously. Since she accepted your request, she'll see it through."
"Yeah, Saika, Yukino-chan won't abandon someone who asked for her help," Yui reassured with a smile.
"Alright, let's practice together."
"Yeah!"
Hearing their words, Saika regained confidence and nodded firmly.
Just as the two began their practice match, Hachiman noticed a group approaching led by a girl with distinctive golden spiral curls – none other than Yumiko Miura. Hina, accompanied by her glasses, and a group of boys led by Hayama were also present.
"Oh my, if it isn't Yui. I didn't know you liked playing tennis," Yumiko's proud voice echoed as they entered the tennis court.
"Yumiko, why are you here?"
Seeing her good friend, Yui hurriedly jogged over.
"I suddenly got interested in playing tennis today and coincidentally ran into you, Yui. It's perfect; we can play together," Yumiko said with a smile.
"Uh, but..." Yui hesitated.
"Um, Miura-san, we're not playing. They're helping me practice tennis," Saika whispered.
"Huh... What did you say? I can't hear you clearly."
It must be said that Yumiko's attitude was sometimes quite annoying.
""This court is reserved for our club. If you want to play, you can apply for it yourself," Hachiman asserted with calm composure.
"Hah, Hachiman, are you implying that you intend to monopolize such a spacious court all by yourself?" Yumiko reacted, instant displeasure evident. However, the mediator, Hayama, stepped in.
"Let's not escalate things. It would be more enjoyable if we played together."
"Hayama, I recognize your kind-hearted nature, your role as the soccer team captain, and your undeniable popularity."
As Hayama diffused tension, Hachiman couldn't help but chuckle. "You're claiming our rented court quite effortlessly. Don't you feel any shame?"
Yumiko, favoring Hayama, couldn't restrain herself. She questioned, "Hachiman, what do you mean by this?"
Before Hachiman could respond, a cold voice cut through the air.
"He means you're not welcome here. Please leave."
Yukino, now in tennis attire, reentered the scene.
"Tsk, Yukinoshita..."
Yumiko, catching sight of Yukino, clicked her tongue, her expression souring.
"Why should we listen to you..."
Before she could explode, Hayama intervened.
"You're here to assist Totsuka in his improvement, right? How about a suggestion – we engage in a tennis match. The victor retains the court."
"It benefits Totsuka to practice against skilled opponents, doesn't it?"
"That's a solid idea. Let's turn it into a mixed doubles match," Yumiko added, suddenly intrigued.
"I refuse. This court is rightfully ours since we've rented it, and there's no reason for us to compete with you," Yukino rejected Hayama's proposal without hesitation.
"Ha, are you afraid then?" Yumiko arrogantly taunted.
"Seems like you're nothing special either, Yukinoshita..."
Upon hearing this, Yukino halted, turned around, and spoke with a cold tone.
"While your provocation is rather low-level, I accept."
"For a monkey who only knows how to provoke, unless she's taught a lesson, she'll never learn her limits."
"Ha, who are you calling a monkey?!"
Yumiko couldn't endure Yukino's words and seemed prepared to charge forward, but Hayama promptly restrained her.
"Well, well, let's not get angry. Let's settle it then – the winner stays."