Prince of Tennis: The Emperor's Eye

Akutsu's face twisted with disbelief. He had never experienced anything like this. Just imagining that ball hitting him made him gulp instinctively. That would've definitely killed him.

Even the butler was dumbfounded. He already knew his young master had incredible tennis skills and physical prowess far beyond his age. But this scene shattered everything he thought he knew.

It wasn't surprising. The Akashi family had never really paid attention to the tennis world. Even though they owned many tennis clubs, it was always seen as a mere investment. So this was the first time he'd witnessed the power of a Light Strike firsthand, and it left him questioning reality.

Akutsu finally snapped out of it. He looked at Akashi with a complicated expression. The fierceness from before had faded, and he asked hoarsely, "You… who the hell are you? What was that shot just now?"

"I suppose I was being a bit rude earlier. I'm Akashi Seijurō. As for that shot—it's a Super Sweet Spot Strike, also known as Light Strike. So, do you still think tennis is just a simple, boring game?" Akashi replied calmly.

"Tch… Light Strike, huh? I admit, maybe tennis isn't as dull as I thought. Akashi Seijurō! A bet's a bet. What do you want me to do?" Akutsu asked, still showing his usual tsundere attitude.

"It's simple. I'm the captain of Fudomine's tennis club. I want you to enroll in Fudomine Middle School and join the tennis team. I'll also cover all your tuition and training expenses. What do you say?" Akashi finally revealed his purpose.

"Don't order me! What's so great about tennis anyway? Why do people like you care so much? But… since I lost to you just now, I'll agree. But that doesn't mean I've accepted tennis. I just want to beat you in what you're best at, fair and square!" Akutsu muttered with his usual stubborn tone.

"Good. I'll be waiting for your challenge. I can also coach you on some tennis techniques. Right now, your physical abilities are great, but your skills are awful. With that form, you've got no right to challenge me. By the way, I haven't asked yet—what's your name?"

Akashi was pleased that Akutsu had agreed to enroll. In the original story, Akutsu's talent possibly even surpassed Tezuka's. The only one who could rival him was Tōyama Kintarō. Still, Akashi feigned ignorance and asked anyway.

"You just wait. I'll beat you one day! Remember this name—Akutsu Jin!" Akutsu shouted in frustration. He couldn't refute the jab at his technique, which only made him more irritated.

"Heh~ I look forward to it. Tanaka, prepare a full tennis gear set for Akutsu and deliver it to his house. Akutsu, give Tanaka your address. Also, get someone over here to fix the court and the light pole." Akashi gave instructions to the butler.

"Yes, young master! I'll handle it right away. Akutsu-san, if I may have your current address, please."

While the butler and Akutsu moved aside to talk, Akashi casually left the racket by the court, slipped back into his blazer, and said, "I'll wait in the car. Akutsu, don't forget what you promised."

"I got it. Don't order me!" Akutsu snapped back, annoyed.

Akashi shook his head and didn't bother replying. He walked to the car, got in, and closed his eyes to rest.

A short while later, the butler returned, and the car slowly started moving toward the Akashi estate.

Akutsu looked around at the ruined court, clicked his tongue, and scratched his head irritably. His feelings toward tennis had already started shifting dramatically. He muttered to himself, "Tennis, huh? Maybe it's not that boring after all… But if that old hag at home finds out I'm playing tennis, she's gonna nag me to death. What a pain!"

Meanwhile, back at the estate, a servant rushed over as soon as Akashi returned.

"Akashi-sama! Liliadent Krauser-sama is here. He said he needs to speak with you and is waiting in the reception room!"

"Oh? Got it. You're dismissed," Akashi replied with mild surprise.

In the Akashi family's reception room, a blond-haired boy sat on the sofa. His face clearly marked him as a Westerner. His name was Liliadent Krauser. 

Just hearing the name might not ring a bell for most, but he had a certain presence in the original story. He first appeared during the National Tournament arc, representing Nagoya Seitoku Junior High in Singles No. 3, facing off against Rikkai's second-year ace, Kirihara Akaya.

At the start of the match, Krauser held overwhelming dominance, leading by 5–0. Near match point, he unleashed his special move—Crucifixion—pinning Kirihara against the court fence. But in the end, it forced Kirihara into complete Devil Mode. At the last moment, Kirihara came from behind to win 7–5.

In the original story, he was a first-year exchange student from Germany, studying in Nagoya. But he was actually the same age as Akashi. Due to nationality and transfer complications, he had entered school two years late.

Three years ago, Akashi had randomly visited the group's pro tennis club in Germany out of curiosity. There, he happened to meet the then nine-year-old Krauser, the son of one of the club executives. At first, Akashi didn't recognize him. After all, Krauser wasn't particularly famous in the original story. But since they were the same age and both liked tennis, they chatted a bit.

During their talk, Krauser mentioned he was close to mastering a technique and had already picked a name for it—Crucifixion. That sparked something in Akashi's mind. He vaguely remembered that name from the original.

So he probed a little further, asking Krauser about his opinion of Japan. Krauser expressed interest. His idol was Echizen Nanjirō, and he even said he gave himself a Japanese name—Krauser. That confirmed everything for Akashi.

The two later played a friendly match at the club. The result was one-sided—Krauser lost badly. At first, he couldn't accept it. He had trained in Germany, the king of tennis. Yet he'd been crushed by a Japanese peer. But then he remembered his idol was Japanese too, and slowly came to terms with it.

When Akashi was about to return to Japan, he asked Krauser if he'd like to come with him to build a new tennis team. Krauser seemed tempted, but worried about his age and his family. In the end, with Akashi accompanying him, they got his father's permission.

Krauser's father, seeing how close his son was with the young master of the company, naturally agreed. Krauser then returned to Japan with Akashi, officially changed his name to Liliadent Krauser, and with Akashi's help, received housing and daily support. Last year, Akashi also helped him change his nationality to Japan so he could enroll in middle school this year without issues.

When Akashi entered the reception room, he saw Krauser on the sofa. He smiled, walked up, and greeted him.

"Liliadent, what brings you here all of a sudden? Don't tell me you want to challenge me again?"

Krauser looked up at Akashi. His cold face showed a slight bitter smile. He shook his head slowly.

"Forget it. I don't want to be crushed again. I came because I heard you bought a school. Are you planning to build your tennis club there?"

"So that's what this is about. Even if you didn't come today, I was going to inform you soon. Yes, I've acquired Fudomine Middle School. I already spoke with the principal today. Starting tomorrow, they'll begin rebuilding the tennis club. I'd like you to attend Fudomine and join the team," Akashi said with a smile.

"I knew it. Of course, I've got no objection. I only came to Japan because of you. In that case, I'll go home today and prepare my application. But… you haven't forgotten what you said before, right?" Krauser asked seriously after confirming the details.

"Of course not! We have to win—no matter the opponent, no matter what happens. I'll use victory to protect what can't be replaced. We'll create our own era. Conquering the whole nation is just the beginning. There will be no one ahead of us!" Akashi stood tall, his voice full of confidence and dominance.

Krauser nodded. He didn't say anything else and was about to leave when Akashi suddenly spoke again.

"By the way, Liliadent, I'm heading to Kyūshū in a few days. There are two people there who could be a big help to our tennis club. Want to come with me?"