Chapter 74: Astonishing Insight, Atobe's Conjecture

If one were to name the most astonished person on the court, it would have to be Atobe Keigo.

Takahashi first used a tiny movement to successfully neutralize his signature move, "Tannhauser Serve."

It really was just a minute movement.

Takahashi did not even shift his body position.

The range of his arm movement was so small.

It was simply outrageous!

Subsequently, Takahashi actually used Oshitari's signature move, "Brown Bear Drop," to return his smash.

And he actually succeeded!

One must know, Oshitari is hailed as the genius of Hyotei.

Although this move is not only used by Oshitari, Fuji Shusuke of Seigaku can also use it.

But Fuji Shusuke is also hailed as the genius of Seigaku.

From this, one can see the extraordinary nature of this move.

Yet, Takahashi only watched it a few times at close range and was able to use it successfully.

It is too incredible!

Atobe's gaze suddenly froze; he seemed to have understood the reason behind it.

Takahashi's insight is likely even superior to his own.

Only this could explain everything.

Facing the various tennis balls with tricky angles hit by Atobe in the first game.

Takahashi's astonishing insight had likely long since seen through the trajectory of the tennis balls.

While the tennis ball was still in the air, he had already predicted its landing point.

Therefore, he was able to remain unhurried, changing his position slightly to successfully receive the ball, and doing so with his most comfortable forehand.

Likewise, when Atobe used the Tannhauser Serve, Takahashi had also seen through the trajectory of the tennis ball.

He saw through that the goal of the tennis ball was to knock the racket out of his hand.

That is why he changed the position of his hand.

And he only changed it by a little bit.

Doesn't this go to show.

He had known all along that as long as he made a tiny change, he could successfully break it.

And the facts were exactly as such.

After changing the position of his hand, the tennis ball went straight toward the center of the racket.

It was as if there were an invisible string connecting the tennis ball and the racket.

A perfect fit!

The same extraordinary power of observation likely allowed Takahashi to see the essence of the "Brown Bear Drop" at a glance.

Coupled with Takahashi's already very strong foundational strength.

Replicating it perfectly was very easy, with no difficulty to speak of.

Takahashi possesses superior insight.

This reason can explain all the unusual things that have happened on the court from the beginning until now.

But Atobe is unwilling to admit it.

Because he has always taken pride in his own excellent insight.

An insight capable of seeing through everything.

How could his pride and self-esteem allow him to admit that, in the very advantage he prides himself on, others could be stronger than him, or even surpass him?

This is impossible!

Absolutely impossible!

However, everything happening on the court points to the fact that Atobe is unwilling to admit.

On the other side of the court.

If Takahashi knew that Atobe's psychological state was so complex and so contradictory, he would certainly advise Atobe.

In terms of insight alone, Atobe is actually still a cut above.

But in terms of comprehensive strength, especially foundational strength, Takahashi is more than just a little bit ahead of Atobe.

The reason Takahashi was able to see through all of Atobe's tricky ball paths.

Is entirely because his foundation is too good.

Because the Idle Character has been grinding tennis techniques day and night.

Practice a shot ten thousand times, and its meaning will reveal itself.

This saying holds truth.

The current Takahashi, facing most tennis balls, only needs one look to immediately judge the speed, power, angle, and trajectory of the ball.

Especially since the opponent Takahashi is facing is far inferior to himself.

This is simply effortless, requiring no brainpower or insight at all.

It is like a university student majoring in mathematics doing a primary school student's math homework.

The primary school student might still need to read the question carefully, make a draft, and set up equations to calculate it.

While the university student understands it at a glance.

This is the gap between the two.

And it is also the gap between Takahashi and Atobe!

Takahashi, whose strength is vastly disproportionate to Atobe's, feels very exhausted at this moment.

In order to experiment with that move of his, he does not dare to hit the ball too fast or too heavily.

Because.

He is afraid that Atobe will not be able to return it.

Even when Atobe uses the "Waltz" move, it is the result of Takahashi's careful coordination.

Otherwise, given Takahashi's strength, how could he possibly let Atobe have a chance to smash?

Just like the previous Iron Pillar Smash, it scored directly, giving Atobe absolutely no chance to smash.

Only one ball has been played in this game, yet it already makes Takahashi feel very weary.

Constantly controlling the force and speed of the tennis ball, trying his best to make the ball fly onto Atobe's racket, all while not letting the opponent discover it.

Letting the opponent mistakenly believe that he has fallen into his trap, thereby using the Waltz.

Playing tennis like this, he is very tired, okay!

However, he seems to be about to succeed!

Takahashi stares at Atobe's hand with his eyes, secretly happy in his heart.

……

"Bang!"

Another plain and unremarkable Serve.

Facing such an ordinary Serve, Atobe does not cooperate like he did with the previous ball.

One can see Atobe holding the racket with both hands, his footsteps moving rapidly, swinging fiercely toward the incoming tennis ball.

The tennis ball bursts out like a bullet, heading toward Takahashi with extreme speed and weight.

Atobe stares fixedly at Takahashi with both eyes, but is surprised to discover.

Even when facing this ball.

Facing this ball that exerts all of Atobe's strength.

The expression on Takahashi's face remains faint, carrying a hint of a smile.

It is as if this ball poses no threat to him at all.

And he has already firmly grasped the rhythm of the match in his own hands.

The smile on Takahashi's face makes Atobe feel very eyesore.

He has decided.

No matter what, he must break this smile on his face.

This smile that remains unchanged even if Mount Tai collapses before him.

Belongs to him.

……

Takahashi holds his tennis racket, swinging it hard while saying to Atobe:

"Friendly reminder, you had better return my balls less."

Atobe is very puzzled by this and says: "Huh?"

"Want me to give up right now?"

"Impossible."

"The word 'surrender' does not exist in my dictionary."

These domineering words are spoken from Atobe's mouth.

Hearing this, the arc of Takahashi's mouth deepens even further.

……

Mukahi on the side also feels very strange.

Is this Takahashi sick in the head!

In a match, he actually advises Atobe not to return his balls.

Even if looking at the current situation, Atobe has the possibility of losing.

However, one must never give up until the very last moment.

One must give their all to compete.

This is the spirit of the sport of tennis.

Moreover, one can tell with their toes that it is impossible for Atobe to voluntarily surrender.

Atobe is the Captain of the Hyotei Tennis Club, and has a great desire and obsession for victory.

How could he voluntarily surrender?

Mukahi admits that Takahashi's strength is indeed very strong.

However, he always feels that Takahashi's style of doing things is unfathomable.

Possessing such powerful strength, yet choosing to degenerate and hang around the Street Tennis Court.

And arrogantly setting up a sign for himself by the pit.

In terms of strength, Mukahi admires him.

In terms of character, Mukahi despises him.