In a single-set match format, typically a six-game set is used, where a total of six games are played, and the first to score six points wins the set.
Generally, junior high students, due to limited stamina, adopt this single-set, six-game format. It's only in high school, when physical development catches up, that matches shift to best-of-three or best-of-five sets with six games each.
In each game, the scoring works as follows: the first point is 15, the second is 30, the third is 40. After reaching 40, if the opponent's score is below 40, the player who wins the next point (their fourth) takes the game.
However, if both players reach 40-40, a deuce occurs, and one side must win two consecutive points to secure the game.
At this moment, Rin Matsuoka and Ryo Shishido are playing a single-set, six-game match.
Thus, with the first point landing, Rin Matsuoka scores 15!
...
"So fast… I didn't even notice!"
Gakuto Mukahi felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead.
He wasn't the one facing Rin Matsuoka, but that shot still stunned him.
"What a fast serve—amazing!"
Jiro Akutagawa stared at the court in astonishment, a spark of excitement in his eyes.
He hadn't even registered Rin Matsuoka's serve. No, that wasn't entirely true—he knew Rin was serving, especially since Rin had given a heads-up.
But that was it!
They couldn't even track the ball's trajectory!
"It's not just fast… it's weird!"
Yushi Oshitari took a deep breath. "I told you, he's strong! It's no surprise he can ace Shishido!"
Otherwise, how could he have lost 0-6 to Rin Matsuoka?
An ace in tennis refers to a serve so effective that the opponent doesn't even touch the ball, instantly earning the server the point.
...
On the court, Ryo Shishido was drenched in sweat, his face a mask of disbelief.
He glanced at the ball behind him, feeling utterly lost.
Despite being fully focused after Rin's warning, his preparation had been useless.
Completely useless!
"As expected, he's strong!"
Shishido took a deep breath, his excitement growing.
"Oh?"
Rin Matsuoka's lips curved into a slight smile.
It seemed Shishido's mental resilience was decent.
But…
"This is just the beginning."
Thwack!
Thwack!
Thwack!
Rin continued to bounce the ball, with Shishido watching intently.
This time, Shishido was certain he didn't miss a single one of Rin's movements.
Yet, the same scene unfolded!
Thud!
The ball sliced through the air, grazing Shishido's hair before landing in his backcourt, bouncing once and rolling silently.
"How… how is this possible!?"
Shishido's eyes widened.
He was sure he'd seen the ball's trajectory this time, but the result was the same!
"Terrifying control!"
A chill ran through Shishido as realization hit.
The reason was clear:
Rin Matsuoka's ball control was frighteningly precise.
There was no suspense left.
"Ace serve, 40-0!"
"Ace serve, game! Rin Matsuoka leads, 1-0!"
In just one minute, Rin had claimed the first game.
Shishido hadn't touched the ball once!
No matter how hard he tried to track it, the outcome remained unchanged.
It felt like awaiting execution. Finally, the moment came when they switched serve rights.
"Serve change! Shishido's turn to serve!"
Keigo Atobe's voice rang out.
"Phew!"
Shishido exhaled heavily, his body slick with sweat.
In that moment, he realized just how much pressure a single minute of play had put on him.
"Man… that was pathetic!"
Shishido glanced at Rin Matsuoka across the court. "The vice-captain… he's terrifying!"
But then he added, "I still have a chance!"
At that moment, addressing Rin as "vice-captain" showed that Shishido had already acknowledged him.
Noticing this, Keigo Atobe raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Convinced so quickly?"
But it wasn't surprising.
"Rin hasn't even gotten serious yet,"
Atobe thought, glancing subtly at Rin with a sigh in his heart.
...
On the court, Rin Matsuoka also noticed Shishido's change in attitude and address.
"Let's continue," Rin said.
With that, Shishido retreated to the baseline service area.
This time, unlike before, he was deadly serious, his demeanor respectful.
"I can't let the vice-captain look down on me… or I'd really be pathetic."
Frustrated, Shishido resolved to make this serve count.
Thwack!
Thwack!
Thwack!
The rhythmic sound of the ball being bounced echoed steadily.
Swish!
Shishido tossed the ball high, stepped forward, and served.
The ball became a blur, streaking toward Rin Matsuoka.
"Shishido's playing really consistently,"
Gakuto Mukahi couldn't help but comment. "Almost too consistently."
He doubted he could return that shot.
"True… Shishido hates holding back, but he's in top form right now,"
Jiro Akutagawa added, surprised.
Could Rin Matsuoka's presence have pushed Shishido to this level?
Maybe Shishido's serve wasn't half bad?
But in the next moment, everyone's eyes widened in shock.
Thud!
The ball hit the ground with a dull sound and bounced up quickly.
Rin Matsuoka watched calmly, unmoving.
Per tennis rules, after a serve, the receiver must wait for the ball to bounce before returning it. Hitting it before the bounce, even if successful, is invalid.
This rule applies only to serves; other returns have no such restriction.
Swish!
Suddenly, Rin's racket appeared in the path of the ball's bounce, as if it had materialized there.
With a calm expression, he swung lightly, executing a drop shot.
Zzzzt!
Thwack!
A sharp spinning sound filled the air, and faint wisps of smoke seemed to rise from the ball.
Thud!
The ball landed, leaving a trail of marks on the court.
And then… it kept spinning.
It didn't bounce!
Yes, it didn't bounce at all!
"What the heck!?"
Shishido's eyes widened in disbelief. Why didn't the ball bounce!?
"No bounce!? What kind of shot is that!?"
Jiro Akutagawa and Gakuto Mukahi 's pupils contracted in shock.
They were certain they hadn't misseen—the ball truly didn't bounce!
"Zero-Shiki Drop Shot!"
Yushi Oshitari took a deep breath, recognizing the shot first.
That move had been the one that crushed him in his match against Rin, driving him to despair.
Of course, that was only part of the reason.
The real reason…
Oshitari looked at Rin Matsuoka on the court.
---------
Support my work and advanced chapters at - https://www.patreon.com/c/neltharion255