Prince of Tennis: The Emperor's Eye

After two days of rest in Kumamoto, Akashi and Krauser boarded a private jet to Ryūkyū Island. Technically speaking, Ryūkyū didn't fully belong to Japan, but it was currently under its jurisdiction.

Because Ryūkyū sat by the coast, it was extremely hot during this season. The moment Akashi and Krauser got off the plane, they were hit by waves of heat. The air carried a faint scent of saltwater.

Once they arrived at the Akashi Group's resort hotel, the front desk manager quickly came out to greet them and led them to the presidential suite on the top floor.

As soon as they entered the room, Krauser dropped his luggage and frowned.

"This seaside heat is brutal."

"Actually, the temperature isn't much higher than other places. It just feels worse because of the humidity. But training in this environment can really boost stamina."

Akashi spoke while mentally considering whether to bring his team here for future hell training.

"Let's set that aside. Who's the target this time? What did you mean by the final piece of the puzzle?"

Krauser clearly wanted to change the subject.

"Of course, I mean our championship puzzle. If we recruit him, a national three-peat will be within reach. As for who he is, you'll find out soon. Funny thing is, his personality's kind of like yours~"

Akashi said calmly.

"His personality is like mine? Now I'm really curious."

Krauser started to look interested.

"Yeah. Just as cold. Or maybe 'ruthless' is more fitting. Doing whatever it takes to win—that's what defines him."

Akashi's tone was playful.

Krauser was about to speak when the doorbell rang. With Akashi's nod, a man in a formal suit walked in respectfully and handed over a document folder with both hands.

"Young master, the background check you requested is complete. It's all in the file."

"Good. Got it. You may leave."

Akashi took the folder and replied coolly.

After the man bowed and left, Akashi opened the folder and pulled out two A4 sheets. As he began reading, Krauser leaned in out of curiosity. On the page, it read:

Kite Eishirō, age 12, graduate of Ryūkyū South Elementary School.

At age 9, champion of the Ryūkyū Martial Arts Tournament.

Possesses excellent physical fitness and a strong foundation in martial arts.

Also has balance far exceeding others of his age.

Below that were personal interests and family background, which Krauser skimmed over. He turned to Akashi and asked:

"This is the final piece you were talking about? But I didn't see any tennis info in the file. Are you sure you got the right guy?"

"Heh. Trust me, Krauser. His talent isn't ordinary. He's not inferior to Tachibana and Chitose. What interests me most… is his ambition."

Akashi said with a hint of depth.

"There you go again. You've never even met him, but you act like you know everything about him. You really are full of secrets, Akashi."

Krauser wasn't surprised. He'd seen this side of Akashi before.

"Krauser, haven't I told you? My eyes can see the future. When you lay out a plan that others don't even notice until it's too late—that's real strategy."

Akashi spoke with confidence.

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I'll believe you. After all, you're always right, aren't you?"

Krauser said with a helpless shrug.

"Of course. Victory is everything. And if I'm the one who wins, then everything I do is right!"

Akashi's chuuni spirit was fully ablaze.

The next day, Akashi and Krauser, accompanied by hotel staff, arrived at a beach near Ryūkyū South Elementary School. According to the report, Kite Eishirō had been training here recently. Today was no exception.

Kite was jogging along the shoreline in a tank top.

Akashi and Krauser scanned the beach and quickly spotted him. But instead of approaching right away, Akashi stood under a parasol, silently observing.

Soon, Kite slowed to a stop. He did a few squats in place to catch his breath, then pulled a tennis racket from his bag. Walking into the sea until the water reached his knees, he began practicing swings.

"Heh. Smart training method. But still a bit rough. Alright, that's enough. Let's go, Krauser."

Akashi started walking toward Kite, and Krauser followed behind.

At that moment, Kite sensed someone approaching. He stopped his swing and turned toward the source of the footsteps. His glasses reflected the light, hiding his eyes.

"Not bad. Sharp awareness. Sorry for interrupting your training."

Akashi smiled at Kite, who hadn't yet grown into his signature hair gel look.

"Who are you people? Approaching strangers so casually is dangerous."

Kite watched Akashi calmly. As he spoke, he walked out of the sea, his body slightly poised, ready to strike at any moment.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Akashi Seijurō, and this is Liliadent Krauser. He's a Japanese-born German. Don't get the wrong idea—we just saw you practicing your swings, so I thought maybe you like tennis too?"

Akashi noticed Kite's subtle movements but didn't mind.

"State your purpose."

Kite's tone didn't soften. His eyes stayed locked on Akashi.

"Alright, alright. Like I said, I saw you practicing swings. I figured you play tennis too, so I wanted to ask if you'd like to have a match. Practicing alone doesn't really help you improve."

Akashi still wore a light smile.

"You want to play tennis with me? Why?"

Kite's guard dropped a little at the mention of a match.

"Because playing against others is the only real way to improve. Training alone doesn't prove anything."

Akashi answered plainly.

"That does make some sense. I don't mind playing a match, but as you can see, this is a beach. How do you plan to play tennis here?"

Now that he was sure they didn't have any shady intentions, Kite didn't refuse.

"That's easy. I have a private tennis court nearby. We can move there and play."

Ever since Akashi decided to pursue tennis, his family had built or acquired private courts all over the country so he could train anytime, anywhere.

"Is that so? Then I'll take you up on that offer."

Kite's eyes glinted at the mention of a private court.

After tidying his clothes, Kite grabbed his bag and followed Akashi and Krauser into the car. On the way, he introduced himself.

Before long, the group arrived at the Akashi family's private tennis court. It was Kite's first time at such a high-end facility, but his expression didn't change.

The two players walked to opposite ends of the court and began warming up. Krauser climbed up to the umpire's seat on his own. At Akashi's signal, the serve was handed to Kite Eishirō.

"Match, single game. Serve to Kite Eishirō!"

Krauser soon called the start of the match.

Kite Eishirō wasn't yet at his full original strength. After all, he had only trained in tennis for just over half a year. Still, with his excellent physical abilities and martial arts background, he was well ahead of most kids his age.

Akashi once again pulled out his cross racket. It wasn't just for show. Even though the system had rewarded him with Light Strike and Sweetspot, that didn't mean the techniques had become second nature. Knowing a skill was one thing. Building muscle memory was another.

When Kite saw Akashi's racket, he didn't say anything. His gaze just turned colder.

His natural personality wasn't like Chitose's—he wouldn't question you out loud. He'd strike like an assassin, hiding in the shadows and going straight for the kill.

As the sound of the first serve echoed, Kite sent the ball flying toward Akashi's court. His impressive explosive power gave the serve high quality and speed.

Akashi calmly moved into position. His racket struck the ball dead-center and returned it cleanly.

To test Kite's current level, Akashi intentionally held back. His return was slow enough that Kite could catch up with ease.

The two quickly engaged in a rally. After a few exchanges, Kite suddenly stepped forward and aimed a shot at Akashi's feet, leaving his own left side wide open.

Akashi didn't hesitate. He used a half volley and drove the ball toward Kite's left-side baseline.

From the umpire's chair, Krauser shook his head.

'Too aggressive. Leaving a gap that big? He's definitely gonna lose the point.'

But just as Krauser thought that, Kite suddenly appeared near the left-side baseline as if he had teleported, and smoothly intercepted the shot.