The next morning, bright and early.
Shinogawa yawned, arriving at school with Tezuka. Even though his grades were similar to Tezuka's, he was only placed in Class B. Class A wasn't just about grades; more importantly, it was about family background. After all, Hyotei was a prestigious school, and it was easier to manage those aristocratic children if they were in the same class. Any conflicts that arose internally could be resolved among themselves. That was quite a humane approach.
"What's your plan for the tennis club?" Shinogawa propped himself on his desk, turning his head to look at Tezuka, who was earnestly flipping through a book. After defeating Atobe yesterday, Tezuka had pretty much secured his position as the Captain (club captain) of the Hyotei Tennis Club. Speaking of which, his Captain position was still just an internal decision; it needed the coach's final approval.
Hyotei's coach was, of course, the incredibly approachable Sakaki Tarō-sensei. This coach was quite legendary. Rumor had it that he was only nominally employed at Hyotei; he personally preferred being a teacher. Otherwise, with his family's wealth, he could easily spend his life indulging in the high life. He had only been at Hyotei for three years, yet he had become the tennis club's coach, acting decisively. During his tenure, he had also guided Ochi Tsukimitsu to the right choices, essentially controlling the entire Hyotei Tennis Club from behind the scenes.
"The skill levels are uneven..." Tezuka put down his book, his expression serious. "The gap in skill between the second and third-years and the newly recruited first-years is too significant. We'll probably have to replace a batch of regulars."
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"If they need to be replaced, then replace them," Shinogawa waved his hand, saying carelessly, "Anyway, those senpai (upperclassmen) should step down and make way for more talented individuals, don't you think?"
It had to be said, those second and third-year regulars at Hyotei really were useless. In yesterday's friendly match against Yamabuki, besides winning all three singles matches, they didn't win a single doubles game. And the doubles teams were all composed of those second and third-year regulars. Even if Yamabuki's doubles teams historically possessed national-level skill, Hyotei achieved a great result of national top four last year, but the remaining core players were simply unwatchable.
"Alright." Receiving Shinogawa's affirmative reply, Tezuka nodded, picked up his pen, and began writing down his understanding and plans for the tennis club. Shinogawa glanced at the contents on the paper and no longer interfered with Tezuka's choices.
Ultimately, Hyotei's biggest weakness right now lay in its two doubles pairs. Shishido and Mukahi weren't bad players; forming a doubles team, they could play and were stronger than average doubles teams, but they were still far from national level. Oshitari Yūshi, the "Kansai Wolf," relying on his genius, could indeed pair up with others, but Oshitari's personality was too laid-back; he couldn't control his partner like Yanagi Renji could.
Hyotei's best doubles combination would be Shishido and Chōtarō. But Chōtarō was still in sixth grade at Hyotei Elementary; forget about doubles, he wasn't even old enough to participate in matches yet. The prerequisite for conquering the nation was definitely having a strong doubles pair they could rely on. Otherwise, they would suffer greatly when facing Rikkaidai later on.
"Shinogawa..." Just as Shinogawa was about to rest his head on the desk, a familiar voice reached his ears. He looked up to see Shishido and Mukahi, both looking a bit awkward and uneasy.
"What's wrong with you two...?" Shinogawa and Mukahi were in the same class. Shishido's grades were slightly worse, so he was in Class C, right next door, where the always sleepy Jirō also stayed.
"I..." Mukahi fiddled with his hair, unsure what to say for a moment. He looked to Shishido for help, "How about you say it?"
Hearing this, Shishido fell silent for a moment, then said, "We wanted to ask if first-years can become Hyotei's regulars."
Yesterday, it was mostly understood that Tezuka would be the "King" of the Hyotei Tennis Club, which basically meant the Captain position. As for whether first-years qualified to be regulars, they weren't very clear on that. Everyone had seen Tezuka's and Shinogawa's skills, and even with Atobe and Oshitari having lost, Shishido knew he wasn't their match. Oshitari, perhaps only Jirō could play against him, but he and Mukahi would probably end in a crushing defeat.
"Well about that..." Shinogawa glanced at Tezuka, subtly pointing his thumb in Tezuka's direction, "You should ask him about this; I'm not the Captain."
After he spoke, Shishido also looked at Tezuka. With that icy face, he really didn't know how to speak to him. Compared to the seemingly ice-faced Tezuka, he preferred to talk to the smiling, seemingly more optimistic Shinogawa...
"Don't worry," Tezuka interrupted Shishido, then added, "Regarding the first-years, I will suggest it to the coach."
"Instead of worrying about whether you qualify to be a Hyotei regular, you should spend more time improving your own skills."
Yesterday, Tezuka had seen Shishido's and Mukahi's skills. Honestly, those two had made some progress recently, and they definitely worked hard, but their growth wasn't significant. This was inseparable from their talent. People with outstanding talent simply grew faster than ordinary people. This was a certainty.
"Then... then we'll trouble you two." Shishido quickly bowed, then ran out the door. Mukahi stood still in a daze, then subconsciously followed Shishido's lead and bowed.
For a moment, all eyes in the classroom fell on Tezuka. Feeling the gazes of those around him, even Tezuka, with his thick skin, felt a little embarrassed and lowered his head, his glasses subtly reflecting light.
"Heh heh... those two guys." Shinogawa, on the other hand, was quite relaxed. After all, no one was looking at him. With his hands behind his back, he waited for the class bell to ring.
In the afternoon.
After cultural classes ended, the remaining time was naturally for club activities. Compared to the heavy curriculum of elementary school, junior high school allotted ample time for club activities.
As soon as class was dismissed, Tezuka took some organized documents and headed towards the music room. He had found out earlier that the tennis club's coach also served as Hyotei Academy's music teacher. He often stayed in the piano room, so one could just go directly to him if needed. In contrast, Shinogawa was much freer. Carrying his tennis bag, he headed towards the tennis courts.
Stepping out, Shinogawa bumped into Atobe. The Atobe who was so full of vigor yesterday had slightly reined in his aura today, but his eyes were as arrogant as ever.
"Are you the one from yesterday?" Atobe glanced at Shinogawa. He didn't have a deep impression of Shinogawa, only remembering him as the boy accompanying Tezuka. He had also played a match yesterday, against that Kansai-accented guy.
"My name is Shinogawa Mutsuki. Atobe-kun, please take care of me," Shinogawa said with a slight smile, extending his hand for an introduction.
"Atobe Keigo," Atobe looked at Shinogawa and also extended his hand, saying.
"Oh, by the way, Atobe-kun." Shinogawa seemed to recall something and suddenly said, "Tezuka has something he needs to discuss with the coach. You'll be in charge of leading the tennis club's training later."
"You're the Hyotei Tennis Club's Vice-Captain now!"
Atobe froze, his mind still trying to catch up, as he watched Shinogawa, tennis bag slung over one shoulder, head towards the tennis courts.
"Wait..."
"I'm counting on you, Atobe-kun!" Shinogawa waved his hand, leaving without looking back.
Atobe was left alone, in a state of disarray in the wind. Was the Vice-Captain position decided so casually?