[Ding! Detected a Destiny Child available for binding: QP (Bluebird)!]
Hearing the prompt, Yoru silently commanded: "Bind him."
Securing QP was the primary goal of his trip to Germany.
In the original World Cup arc, after QP's match against Oni Juujirou, he absorbed the combat experience of the Three Radiant Lights, evolving into Ultimate Quality.
According to Borg, at that moment, QP had "nearly touched the realm of the Tennis God"—the same domain where Nanjiroh and the current world champion resided. Given time, QP would almost certainly break into that echelon.
[Ding! Binding successful!]
[Amplification feedback initiated!]
- [Tennis Fundamentals Lv. 7] → (Higher-tier binding detected) → Upgraded to [Lv. 9]!
- [Base Five Stats Lv. 7] → (Higher-tier binding detected) → Upgraded to [Lv. 9]!
- Talent [Perfect Quality] → Doubled feedback → Acquired [Super·Perfect Quality]!
A surge of warmth enveloped Yoru's body, optimizing his condition instantly. His muscles felt denser, his reflexes sharper.
[Super·Perfect Quality]: Maximizes one's potential and dramatically enhances Five Stats & Fundamentals by absorbing the combat experience of the Three Radiant Lights. Each light absorbed grants a percentage-based boost in battle.
(Currently absorbed: [Glow of Lament])
(Note: Absorbing all three lights will evolve this talent into [Super·Ultimate Quality].)
"Hmph. I expected the system to stack Ryoma's and QP's base stats. Pity."
His power rating hadn't hit 10 stars yet, but it was close. A few more refined techniques would push him over.
That said, his actual combat prowess was already 10-star tier.
"But this talent... Why didn't it jump straight to [Ultimate Quality]?"
Yoru frowned. The system had only enhanced the talent's effects—boosting battle performance rather than outright evolving it.
Still, the sheer raw power flooding his veins was undeniable.
"If I'm already this strong now... Once QP reaches Ultimate Quality, will I be able to challenge the old man?"
In the original storyline, Borg had defeated the world's #1 pro player—prompting him to send Schneider and his brother to the World Cup instead.
But Yoru knew the truth: the "world #1" Borg beat wasn't the current "King of Tennis" (who'd likely retired earlier). Rumors even suggested the King might retire this year.
Yet, if QP—after reaching Ultimate Quality—could rival Borg, did that mean he, too, could topple a world #1?
(Honestly, pro players in this universe have zero prestige. A 17-year-old crushing the ranking leader? Laughable.)
"System, display my stats."
[Host]: Yoru
[Age]: 12
[Techniques]:
- Personal Five Stats (Lv. 9)
- Tennis Fundamentals (Lv. 9)
- Twist Serve (Lv. 8)
- Two-Sword Style (Lv. 8)
- Split-Step (Lv. 8)
- Zone (Lv. 8)
- Reverse Zone (Lv. 8)
- Muga no Kyouchi (Lv. 7)
- Pinnacle of Hard Work (Lv. 5)
- Sharp Angle Drive (Lv. 8)
[Power Rating]: 9 Stars
[Talents]: Ten Sense Manipulation, Perfect Copy, Super·Perfect Quality
"System, your power scaling confuses me."
"Even in the World Cup arc, QP shouldn't surpass Ralph yet. How does absorbing just one Radiant Light put him at 8 stars?"
Ralph had only reached 8 stars after Yoru's training. Meanwhile, Nanjiroh was benchmarked at 20 stars.
Yet here, QP—with just [Glow of Lament]—matched Ralph's rating. Even Schneider hovered near 8 stars, and Kirihara sat at 7. The gaps felt arbitrary.
[Ding. Ordinary individuals are constrained by physical development. No matter their skill, Five Stats remain the core determinant of power.]
[As bodies mature post-15, star differentials widen drastically. Current ratings cannot be compared to World Cup-era tiers.]
"Ah, 15 years old—the turning point."
Yoru nodded. He'd overlooked biological limits. Most players couldn't defy growth curves like he could.
---
"It's QP! QP's back!"
"The principal's prized student! Is he facing that guy?"
"I hate Hopkins, but he's still one of us. Hope QP teaches this outsider a lesson!"
"Who'll win?"
"Obviously QP! Even the Elite Club calls him the 'Masterpiece'!"
Whispers spread like wildfire. Spectators abandoned drills to gather around the court.
QP ignored the chatter, his brow slightly furrowed.
Yoru's aura felt... oppressive. The longer he stood idle, the heavier the atmosphere grew.
"Ready?"
Reiter climbed into the umpire's chair. "Yoru, standard Japanese one-set match, or best-of-three?"
"Oh?"
Yoru blinked. Germany already used pro-length matches in training?
Best-of-three demanded strategy, stamina management, and adaptability—far more complex than all-out sprint matches.
"One set's enough."
QP nodded, spinning his racket. "Spin?"
"Up."
The racket clattered—landing upside down. QP to serve.
No further words. Both took their positions.
Yoru crouched, racket poised defensively.
QP bounced the ball, calibrating his touch. His mind raced through pre-match simulations—a habit of seasoned players preparing for variables.
Whoosh—
The ball left his fingertips.
BANG!
A golden streak tore across the court!