“Changfeng, not bad!
You actually beat a third-year.
But you’re definitely going to lose your next match against Kaidoh.
He’s a Seigaku regular, you know.
I’ve seen his match recordings — he’s seriously strong!” Horio said proudly, as if he were Kaidoh himself.
“Oh,” Ye Changfeng replied indifferently and walked toward the court.
Seigaku Court No.
2
Even Tezuka Kunimitsu had shown up.
He had just finished watching Ryoma’s match and was now here to watch Ye Changfeng vs Kaidoh.
The guy in front of him wore an orange headband and really did look like a snake — both in appearance and the way he stood.
‘As expected of the guy famous for Snake Ball.’
“System, give me Kaidoh’s info!”
“Yes, Master!”
Ding!
[Name: Kaoru Kaidoh]
[Grade: 2nd Year, Seigaku Middle School]
[Combat Power: 8,500 (Tennis Spirit)]
[Nicknames: Viper, Snake (Momoshiro exclusive)]
[Age: 14]
[Height: 173 cm]
[Skills: Snake Ball]
[System Evaluation: A difficult person to approach.
Possesses snake-like hunting instincts and is gentler with animals than with people.]
‘8,500 combat power.
Not bad.
The current Kaidoh isn’t at his peak yet.
This should be manageable.’
The match started.
It was Kaidoh’s serve.
He fired off a fast serve.
Ye Changfeng returned it easily.
Kaidoh immediately took a strange stance.
Snake Ball!
He went straight for his signature move!
Thud!
The ball landed in Ye Changfeng’s court.
The speed wasn’t that high, but Ye Changfeng failed to return it because the bounce was completely unpredictable.
‘So this is the Snake Ball.’ Weight shifting from right foot to left foot, then swinging with massive force to create irregular spin.
‘Not bad, it has some real power.’
“How was that ball, first-year?” Kaidoh asked.
“Oh?
So that’s your Snake Ball?
You still have a ways to go,” Ye Changfeng replied in Ryoma’s signature cocky tone.
‘Feels pretty good.
No wonder it’s such a classic line.’ (T/N: Ryoma’s Mada Mada dane)
“You arrogant Chinese kid!” Kaidoh looked pissed.
Here it came again — another Snake Ball!
Ye Changfeng’s expression turned serious.
His body began glowing faintly with white light as he prepared a big move.
He bent slightly, lowered his racket, and hit what looked like a gentle slice.
The ball floated slowly toward Kaidoh’s side, seemingly harmless.
But the moment it touched the ground, instead of bouncing up, it spun backward and hugged the surface.
Zero-Shiki Drop Shot!
Advanced-level Zero-Shiki Drop Shot made its debut.
“What kind of ball is that?!” The spectators erupted in shock.
“No way!
How does this Chinese kid know Buchou’s signature Zero-Shiki Drop Shot?!” Momoshiro was stunned.
“Momoshiro-senpai, you said that’s the captain’s special move?” Horio asked.
“Yeah… So far I’ve only ever seen Tezuka use that technique,” Momoshiro said, deep in thought.
On the other side of the court, most of Seigaku’s regulars had finished their matches and gathered to watch.
They were very curious about the two first-years.
“Tezuka, do you know this Chinese boy?
Why does he know your special move?” Oishi asked in confusion.
Tezuka’s eyes flashed but he remained silent.
“A genius from China?
How interesting~” Fuji said with his usual smile.
“His technique, power control, and spin are all far inferior to Buchou’s.
Hmm, I need more data,” Inui muttered while furiously writing in his notebook.
“Hahaha!
This Chinese kid is pretty entertaining.
Echizen and Ye Changfeng — this year’s first-years are really something!” Kikumaru laughed.
15-15!
“That was Buchou’s Zero-Shiki Drop Shot… But I’m Kaoru Kaidoh!
I’m a Seigaku regular!
I won’t lose!” Kaidoh hissed.
“Is that so, senpai?
Then how about this one?” Ye Changfeng tossed the ball high.
One Ball… Soul!
Critical hit!
The Master-level Scud Serve was noticeably faster than normal.
The ball streaked forward like lightning.
“Take this — Snake Ball!” Kaidoh managed to return it.
30-15!
But Kaidoh still lost the point — his racket strings had been torn open by the sheer force of the serve.
Kaidoh stared at his broken racket in shock, eyes burning with determination.
“I will win!”
The score continued:
30-30!
40-30!
It was a hard-fought battle.
Unlike Fat Aki, Kaidoh was a real regular.
Ye Changfeng had to push himself.
His combat power was just over 10,000, so the gap wasn’t huge.
He was only able to steadily suppress Kaidoh thanks to his superior skills.
40-15!
Match point for Ye Changfeng!
One Ball… Soul!
Another Scud Serve.
Both players were getting tired, so the power was noticeably lower than at the start.
Although the speed wasn’t that high, the angle was extremely sharp.
Kaidoh sprinted desperately, his headband flying off as he dove to return it.
Out!
The return went out of bounds.
Game, Set and Match!
Final Score: 6-3!
Ye Changfeng wins!
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
Kaidoh furiously slammed his racket against his right knee until it started bleeding.
“This guy really never changes,” Fuji commented.
Ye Changfeng winced just watching it.
“Hey Snake Bro, calm down.
It’s perfectly normal that you can’t beat a genius like me.
After all, you’re not my real target.” His gaze drifted toward Tezuka in the distance.
“I won’t accept this loss.
Next time… the winner will be me!” Kaidoh tied his headband back on, refused to shake hands, and left without looking back.
‘Done.’ Ye Changfeng checked the bracket.
‘Next opponent is… third-year data master Sadaharu Inui.’
“Data guy, huh?” Ye Changfeng muttered as he watched Inui writing furiously in his notebook.
“In a way, I’m also a data player — just system data.
I wonder which one is stronger…”