Prince of Tennis: Shocking! Hyotei's Demon King is a Yukimura fangirl!

Chapter 170 Oh, Seigaku, quite the boastful fellow.

Hyotei's team walked through the main passage towards Zone C court.

"Is the coach of Shonan High School really that good? How dare he poach Ryo so directly in front of us?" Jiro followed behind Oshitari, peeking out and asking in a low voice.

"Hanamura Aoi, the coach of Shiron Shonan."

Shinobu adjusted his glasses and explained to them in a low voice, "This year, Shonan Tennis was able to emerge as a dark horse and advance entirely thanks to her. The talent-based training system she developed is quite famous in the junior high school tennis circle; she treats her players like finished works of art, meticulously crafting them."

"They probably found out about Ling and are very interested."

"So...those people at the door were all Wakatohiro's fans, right?" After hearing his explanation, Xiang Ri jumped back and glanced around, then pouted, "They made quite a show of it."

Shinobu pushed up his glasses, glanced at the same spot, and chuckled, "Josei Shonan is on fire this year. Wakato Hiroshi is handsome and has a great playing style, so it's normal that he has a lot of female fans."

"Can any handsome guy be as handsome as our minister?" Xiang Ri retorted indignantly.

Upon hearing this, Atobe brushed a stray hair from his forehead, raised his chin slightly, and said matter-of-factly, "Ah, well, of course I'm the most handsome."

Mochizuki Ryo, arm in arm with Luna, followed. Looking at Atobe's smug expression, she couldn't help but chuckle, recalling the "Atobe the Little Peacock" GIF she'd made for him. "Alright, stop joking. Go hand in your application form!"

Atobe saw him following, his brows furrowed, and he stopped, his usual arrogant tone on his lips, "Wang Yue Ling, you're quite popular, aren't you? Coaches from other schools are even trying to poach you from us."

"Hmph! Why won't you agree?"

Wang Yueling shook her head helplessly, shrugged, and a bright smile appeared on her lips. "Oh, Minister, although my personal charm is just too dazzling, making many people covet me, I will never be fickle and abandon you! I love you all so much!"

His straightforward appeal made everyone at Hyotei blush with embarrassment, and they hurriedly looked away.

Looking at their funny expressions, Wang Yueling was secretly laughing her head off, but she kept a straight face.

"The most important reason... is that I am perfect myself. I don't need anyone else to make me."

As the Hyotei group walked in, they attracted a lot of attention from passersby.

The first round of the main tournament of the Kanto Tournament attracted quite a few spectators. Some had cameras, some had notebooks, and several students wearing other school uniforms stood outside the fence, craning their necks to watch.

After all, Hyotei was the runner-up in the Kanto region last year, and all the members are good-looking. In addition, there's Mochizuki Ryo, a mixed-race newcomer, and the little black cat wearing a straw hat in his cat carrier.

It's hard not to attract attention.

There were whispers and murmurs all around.

Wang Yueling could vaguely hear a few words drifting over.

"Hyotei is here."

"That aura, even the way he walks is like he's on a runway."

"Hyotei's captain is indeed as flamboyant as the information suggests; no wonder he's one of the top players in the nation."

"The blond guy next to him is their new coach, I heard he's French... and what he's holding is... a cat? Can you bring a cat to a match?"

"A Frenchman? Then why is he a coach at Hyotei?"

"Why are you so nosy? They're willing, that's all."

"Exactly! He's a legendary figure on the forums of various schools in Tokyo! It's said that Hyotei's strength has increased dramatically in the month he's been coaching them. Especially his cat, the rumors about him are quite legendary..."

"Hey! I heard that Oshitari and Mukahi are incredibly strong in doubles, they almost never lose, they're Hyotei's number one doubles team."

"I think so. That guy with the reddish-brown curly hair, I heard he can play ball even while he's sleeping, he's amazing."

"Hyotei was the runner-up in the Kanto Tournament last year, they're definitely a favorite to win this year!"

"Have you forgotten that they were all eliminated by Fudomine 3-0 in the quarterfinals of the tournament?"

"That was ages ago. Didn't you notice they've changed completely? I heard this blond coach can take on two hundred people at once? I wonder if it's true?"

"You're asking me? Who should I ask? Anyway, the rumors are really outrageous."

"Who cares! We'll find out later how Hyotei, which he brought out, beats Seigaku."

……

Various opinions arose, some curious, some amazed, and some unconvinced.

Wang Yueling acted as if she hadn't heard anything and slowly walked towards the team registration area in Zone C.

In her new environment, Luna excitedly spun around in her bag, curiously looking around, the golden bell around her neck jingling incessantly.

Cilang walked beside Wangyue Ling, occasionally reaching out to protect the kitten from passersby. Xiang Ri chattered excitedly with them about which team had the biggest cheering squad and which school had undergone a major roster overhaul this year.

The other members of Hyotei listened to Mukahi's report while occasionally glancing down to tease Luna, their demeanor relaxed.

Atobe walked at the very front, his back ramrod straight, exuding a kingly aura, and wherever he went, the crowd automatically parted.

Just as I reached the stairwell near the referee's table and the registration area, a louder voice came from ahead.

"Atao, you're finally here!"

Then a familiar, arrogant voice chimed in: "Let's beat them to a pulp, Senior Tao."

Wang Yueling slowed her pace.

Looking in the direction of the sound, the stairwell was filled with boys wearing dark blue team uniforms.

At the bottom of the stairs, Ryoma Echizen slung his racket bag over his shoulder, his hat pulled low. Takeshi Momoshiro stood beside him, clutching a Seigaku regular season jacket, waving towards the top of the stairs.

The rest of the Seigaku team were standing on the stairs.

Tezuka Kunimitsu, Fuji Syusuke, Kikumaru Eiji, Inui Sadaharu, Kaido Kaoru, and Kawamura Takashi were all there, and Coach Ryuzaki Kin was also standing next to them.

The two groups of people were separated by a dozen or so steps, one going up and the other down.

The morning breeze swept through the woods, causing their team uniforms to billow slightly.

No sooner had Ryoma Echizen finished speaking than a sneer came from the side.

Standing slightly behind and to the side of Wangyue Ling, Xiang Ri crossed her arms, chin raised, and looked up. Her voice was clear and slightly mocking: "Yushi, did you hear that? Someone said they're going to beat us to a pulp."

The students from Seigaku were stunned and all looked to the side and down.

They saw the entire Hyotei team standing at the bottom of the stairs, looking up at them, each with a subtle expression.

With his hands in his pockets, Shinobu's gaze swept over the Seigaku members. He paused when he didn't see Oishi Shuichiro, then smiled knowingly. "Oh my, Seigaku. Quite the boaster... I wonder if their skills match their arrogance."

He paused, then turned to Xiang Ri beside him and smiled, "Yue Ren, since they've already made their statement, don't hold back when you go on stage!"

Xiang Ri curled his lip, cracked his wrists, and said, "Tch, them? I'm afraid they'll be done in two points. No fun. I can only hope they can last a few more points and not get swept too quickly."

His tone was melodious and loud, with an undisguised disdain.

The people from Seigaku didn't look too happy.

"Hiss~ Don't be so arrogant!" Kaidou Kaoru frowned, hissed, and his eyes were fierce. "The match hasn't even started yet, the winner isn't certain yet!"

"Exactly!" Takeshi Momoshiro gripped his team uniform tightly and took a step forward. "We, Seigaku, will not lose! You will be our defeated opponents sooner or later."

The two sides were locked in a fierce confrontation, and the air seemed to freeze.

Ryoma Echizen didn't say anything, pulled down his hat brim, glanced over the Hyotei members, and fixed his gaze directly on Ryo Mochizuki.

Ryo Mochizuki was looking down and tapping Luna's nose with his index finger through the mesh window when he felt her gaze and looked up. Meeting Ryoma Echizen's gaze, he nodded expressionlessly.

He lowered his head again and continued to tease the cat.

Ryoma Echizen tightened his grip on the racket bag.

Above the stairs.

Ryuzaki Jin's gaze swept across Hyotei's team, finally settling on the unfamiliar blond boy.

Tezuka stood beside her, his expression as serious as if covered in ice. His gaze fell on Atobe, paused, then shifted to Mochizuki Ryo, his eyes heavy with scrutiny and wariness.

Fuji still smiled with his eyes narrowed, but his smile faded slightly when he saw Mochizuki Ryo. Inui Sadaharu was holding a notebook, scribbling something down, his glasses reflecting the light, making it impossible to see his eyes.

Not far away.

Mamoru Inoue and Saori Shiba, from the professional tennis monthly magazine, stood there, along with four first-year students from Seigaku: Satoshi Horio, Katsuro Kato, Katsuo Mizuno, and Sakuno Ryuzaki.

Saori Shiba cupped her face in her hands, swooning over the scene, and quickly snapped a picture with her camera, her gaze darting back and forth between the Hyotei and Seigaku teams.

"Wow...they're both so handsome...Atobe from Hyotei, Tezuka from Seigaku, and that blond Coach Mochizuki...oh my god, it was worth coming today!"

Horio stood beside her, arms crossed, pursing his lips, his tone full of resentment: "What's the use of being handsome! The Kanto Tournament isn't a contest to choose pretty boys."

"That makes sense. But..."

Katsuro Kato, standing beside him, shrank back and muttered, "Hyotei and the others are so arrogant...and they seem really strong!"

Katsuo Mizuno nodded in agreement, "I think so too. They completely ignored us... and their aura is quite different from our seniors'."

After listening to what they said, Horio snorted and raised his fist, swinging it forcefully.

"Hey! Don't boost others' morale and diminish your own."

"They're just last year's runners-up, what's so great about them? We'll show them how powerful Seigaku is when the match starts."

Katsuro Kato tugged at his arm and whispered, "Horio, keep your voice down... it's not good if someone hears you..."

Inoue didn't respond to their words, his brows furrowed slightly, his gaze fixed on Mochizuki Ryo.

He observed the other person's posture, demeanor, and habit of turning his head to speak with Atobe, taking in every detail.

My mind was filled with the scolding I received at Qingjingze a while ago.

He has covered many tennis matches since he started his career and has seen many players and coaches.

There was something about this blond boy that I couldn't quite put my finger on... Whether it was last time or now, even though he just had a relaxed and lazy demeanor, he always made people dare not underestimate him.

The intense air pressure beneath that relaxed atmosphere is terrifying.

"Seigaku's match today... looks like it won't be easy."

Hearing his sigh, Shiba Saori tilted her head and looked at him with a puzzled expression: "Why? Inoue-senpai. Hyotei is strong, but Seigaku isn't weak this year either!"

"It's not that simple."

Inoue glanced at Mochizuki Ryo again. "I've gathered information on Hyotei's new coach; his background is extraordinary. His tennis tactics are tricky, and his training methods are unique. Moreover, it's rumored that his own tennis skills are unfathomable; even Hyotei's captain, Atobe Keigo, has lost to him."

"Hyotei was already a formidable opponent, and now with this added variable, it's going to be difficult for Seigaku to win."

Ryuzaki Sakuno stood behind them, listening to their conversation. Her fingers gripped the hem of her clothes, her gaze nervously fixed on Echizen Ryoma.

His lips moved slightly, and the sound was very soft.

"Ryoma..."

Ryoma Echizen didn't turn around; his gaze remained fixed on Ryo Mochizuki.

The two teams remained locked in a stalemate, separated by distance.

No one speaks.

This tense atmosphere, much like the silence before a storm, spread and permeated the air.

The surrounding voices were noticeably lower, and some unsuspecting spectators glanced over, but no one dared to approach.

A few seconds later, Wang Yueling suddenly yawned, the sound breaking the tense atmosphere.

He adjusted the strap of the cat carrier and tilted his head towards Atobe: "Alright, stop standing there. We're not here to film an idol drama. We don't need those cheesy, clichéd lovey-dovey scenes."

"Go submit your registration form first, and we'll see how things go on the field."

Atobe glanced at Tezuka, said nothing, and took the lead in stepping up the stairs.

The Hyotei members followed behind him, a long line of greyish-white figures passing by the Seigaku members.

The pace was neither too fast nor too slow.

They didn't even exchange a glance, letting their actions speak for themselves. In their eyes, the people standing beside them weren't formidable enemies, but just a group of insignificant passersby.

As Mochizuki Ryo walked at the back, brushing past Echizen Ryoma, the latter whispered, "I will win."

He tilted his head slightly, not stopping his steps: "Oh, then let's talk about it then."

Ryoma Echizen stood still, raised his hand to press down the brim of his hat, turned around to look at Ryo Mochizuki's back, and pursed his lips.

The referee's box is on the right side of the stadium entrance.

The long table was covered with a dark blue tablecloth, and the staff sat at the back, looking down at the register.

Atobe took a new match list out of his pocket and placed it on the table. The staff member took it, checked it, counted the number of Hyotei's participants, and wrote a few notes in a notebook.

Stamp and register.

Standing next to Atobe, Mochizuki Ryo turned to the side, smiled, raised an eyebrow, and lowered her voice, teasing him in a tone only the two of them could hear: "Keigo, how about it? Isn't this revised list interesting now?"

Atobe crossed his arms, tapped the beauty mark at the corner of his eye with his other hand, and said in a nonchalant tone, "Hmm, it's not bad."

"It's just 'almost there'?"

"We'll talk about 'very' after the game is over."

Wang Yueling chuckled softly.

He glanced sideways in the direction of Seigaku, then looked away: "Oishi Shuichiro didn't come. You said they switched to Momoshiro for doubles at the last minute. Will they take a gamble later?"

Atobe followed his gaze and glanced at him: "Hmm~ It's very likely."

"That's why I said they would change their strategy." Wang Yueling lowered her head and gently patted the fidgeting cat carrier. "Now you believe me, right?"

Atobe glanced at him speechlessly and didn't reply.

The staff member handed the registration form back to Atobe, who took it, folded it, and put it in his pocket. The two then turned and walked towards the arena.

-

Not far away, the Seigaku members were also gathered together, and the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

"Oishi can't make it at the last minute, so Kikumaru and Momoshiro will have to team up for doubles 2." Ryuzaki Jin's voice was deep. "You two have never practiced together before, so when you go on the court, pay attention to your teamwork, keep a steady rhythm, and don't rush."

"Yes!" Kikumaru Eiji and Momoshiro Takeshi replied in unison.

Ryuzaki Jin was satisfied with their momentum, but his expression remained serious: "Play according to the original tactics. Hyotei's doubles pair 2 is their strongest doubles combination. If we change our lineup at the last minute, they will most likely underestimate us, which is our opportunity."

Sadaharu Inui adjusted his glasses, flipping through the thick data book in his hand, his brows furrowed: "According to the data, there's a 90% chance that Hyotei's starting lineup will be Oshitari and Mukahi in doubles pairing two. If we win this game, we'll have an advantage in the rest of the matches."

Fuji Syusuke shook his head, his gaze fixed on the direction the Hyotei team had left, his tone uncertain: "Not necessarily. That Mochizuki Ryo doesn't seem like someone who plays by the rules."

No matter what, this person is unfathomable.

Tezuka Kunimitsu followed Fuji's gaze, his brows furrowed and his eyes grave.

He felt the same way.

This Wangyue Ling is indeed a variable.

The upcoming matches need to be reconsidered.