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Education |
Elementary School: Hikarigaoka Middle School: Seishun Gakuen Year 3, Class 6 #7 |
School Tennis |
Year 1: Seishun Gakuen Club Member Year 2: Seishun Gakuen Team Regular Year 3: Seishun Gakuen Team Regular (National Team Champion); U-17 Selection Camp |
First Appearance |
Volume 1, Chapter 4 |
Mini-Bio |
Kikumaru is a versatile doubles player. Although his partnership with Ooishi Shuuichirou gave birth to the famed Golden Pair, his success at doubles did not diminish during the period when Ooishi was sidelined with wrist injury. At the Nationals, Kikumaru shocked the spectators by making an appearance at Singles 2. While he proved to be equally lethal playing by himself, he realized that doubles was a better fit for him. What makes Kikumaru such a dangerous opponent? First of all, his Acrobatic Play allows him to return balls in almost any position. Second, his Seal Step is so fast that he gives the impression that there are multiples of himself. Finally, not only has his stamina become a non-issue, it is now one of his biggest weapons. During the National finals, Kikumaru and Ooishi achieved their goal of becoming the #1 doubles team at the Nationals by defeating Rikkai's top duo of Marui Bunta and Jackal Kuwahara. A few months ago, Ooishi's earnest approach and Kikumaru's playful nature collided and the two had a huge blowout, but that's all in the past now. |
Technique |
Acrobatic Play - An acrobatic-based style of tennis. |
Kikumaru Beam - A jumping backhand volley. |
Australian Formation (Doubles) - Both Ooishi, who is serving, and Kikumaru, who is near the net, position themselves at the midline. This makes it harder for the returner to decide which side to return the ball to. |
Kikumaru Seal Step - This is basically a speed step. |
Ooishi Territory (Doubles) - Ooishi positions himself in the midline near the net while at the back, two Kikumarus are on each side of the court. |
Kikumaru Bazooka - This appears to be a straight volley. |
Synchro (Doubles) - Kikumaru and Ooishi become in synch with each other and play as one. This can only be achieved when the two players completely trust each other. |
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