Kunimitsu Tezuka

Template:PrinceTennis Kunimitsu Tezuka (手塚 国光, Tezuka Kunimitsu) is a fictional character in the anime and manga series The Prince of Tennis created by Takeshi Konomi.

In the fourth The Prince of Tennis popularity poll, Tezuka came in fourth place.

Character

Tezuka is the captain of the tennis club and a third year student at Seishun Academy, or Seigaku (full name Seishun Gakuen). He is an incredibly talented player and went to Nationals the year before the series took place. Tezuka is serious about everything he does, and he is very strict - one of his trademark phrases is "Don't let your guard down" ("Yudan sezu ni ikō" - this phrase is often parodied in the chibi series). As a captain, he is fair and sticks to his word. If the rules are broken, he punishes everyone, including the regulars.

As a first-year student, Tezuka was seen as overconfident and arrogant by the upperclassmen at Seigaku due to his talents and seriousness, especially when they discovered that he was left-handed even though he played with his right. A jealous teammate then injured Tezuka's left arm, leading to chronic problems. It healed to some extent, but the doctor still warns Tezuka against long matches and using his drop shot (Tezuka's arm injury is also parodied in the chibi series, where he will grasp his arm in pain when reacting to injuries on his finger or elsewhere). Tezuka, however, considers his health secondary to the team's success, and he re-injures his arm in a grueling tie-break match against Keigo Atobe of Hyotei Gakuen. In the manga, he is sent to a health clinic in Kyūshū, but in the anime, he is sent to a health clinic in Germany, where he hopes to recuperate in order to play at the Nationals.

Tezuka shows a strong interest in Ryoma Echizen, possibly because Ryoma reminds him of himself as a first-year. He plays against Ryoma using his full strength, despite the risk of re-injuring his arm, in order to convince him that he needs to become more than a clone of his father. He hopes that Ryoma will succeed him as Seigaku's pillar of support.

In the manga, before the National Finals against Rikkai Daigaku Fuzoku, it appears that Tezuka told Shuichiro Oishi, Seigaku's vice-captain, that his match against Genichirou Sanada may be his last game as captain, and that the tournament may be the last one he plays in Japan. Tezuka continues on to say that he plans to go to Germany, in order to become a professional tennis player.

Although Tezuka never smiles, he appears to be immensely popular among the female fans of his school. However, the fact that Tezuka never smiles and always look so serious has also been made into a running joke. At one point in the musical where Tezuka has to impersonate someone in a competition, he actually smiles, which Atobe quickly points out.

In the anime, Tezuka is one of two people (the other being Shusuke Fuji) who are immune to Inui's famous vegetable juices. However, he is shown to dislike it on two occasions: once when he accidentally drinks it during practice (though he outwardly shows no reaction), and another when he is asked by Fuji if he wants to drink it, which he sternly declines (at that time, a drop of sweat was shown on the side of his face).

Tezuka is an only child and lives with his grandfather Kunikazu (72), father Kuniharu (48), and mother Ayana (45). While his parents are more laid-back, his grandfather, who was a former police officer and is currently teaching judo at a police academy, is remarkably alert for his old age and Tezuka seems to have picked up lots of his character traits from him. A running gag of the story is that Tezuka looks older than his actual age of 14-15, despite the fact that many characters also look older. There are many instances when he was mistaken for a grown-up. For example, on the plane to Kyūshū and in Kawamura's father's restaurant, people mistook him as his teammates' teacher. Variations of this joke can also be seen in the Prince of Tennis Radio shows, musicals, songs (where Tezuka will often point out suddenly in a song that he is only 14), and it is even mentioned constantly by the voice actor. Ironically, in the TeniPuri Family chibi episodes, Tezuka is portrayed as the grandfather and is often paired up with Shusuke Fuji, who portrays the grandmother.

Techniques

Zero-Shiki Drop Shot

Whereas a normal drop shot catches the opponent off-guard and could potentially break their rhythm, the Zero-Shiki (literally zero-degree) Drop Shot almost completely demoralizes the opponent; Tezuka has accomplished the Zero-Shiki to such a level that he only needs to drop his racket head 3.2 mm in order to pull it off, thus the opponent is deceived into thinking that it will be a normal return. Once hit, the ball then floats over to the other side and drops a foot away from the base of the net. As soon as the ball hits the ground, it rolls backwards, preventing the other player from returning the drop shot.

Tezuka can use this move from virtually anywhere on the court. However, it is most often utilized from the baseline so that when an opponent is expecting a powerful return and strays to the back of the court, Tezuka can optimize the success of the drop shot.

The Zero-Shiki Drop Shot is one of the reasons Tezuka is acknowledged as a National level tennis player. The Zero-Shiki is truly a trump card, and as such, Tezuka only has to use the Zero-Shiki when he is facing an opponent that truly challenges him. The few players that have actually caused Tezuka to reveal his trump card either have been nationally ranked or are players that have an extremely high level of talent.

Ryoma Echizen can also use this shot, but to pull it off, Ryoma must lower the racket 30 mm. Because of this, Ryoma can only do this shot successfully once or twice each match without his opponent noticing.

In the anime, Tezuka shows that he can use the Zero-Shiki with his right hand as well.

One notable difference between the anime and the manga versions is that in the anime, Tezuka can do the Zero-Shiki only with the backhand, while in the manga he can do it with the forehand.

Zero-Shiki Serve

This shot seems identical to Tezuka's trademark Zero-Shiki Drop Shot. However, it is hit as a serve, not even giving the opponent a chance to touch the ball, although Genichirou Sanada managed to return it by using a combination of 3 of his 6 moves of FuuRinKaInZanRai. Tezuka first uses this when he plays against Shitenhōji's Senri Chitose during their semifinal match at the Nationals.

Tezuka Zone

While using the Tezuka Zone, Tezuka pivots around one foot without lifting it from the ground. He can do this because the technique does not require him to move from his original position (usually at the center of the baseline). With every shot, Tezuka puts a specific rotation on the ball, forcing nearly all returns to be "sucked" into his hit zone (hence the vortex image that surrounds him when he's using it). To counter Tezuka's extreme spin, his opponent must aim his shot away from Tezuka, whilst putting a powerful new rotation on the ball.

This technique was first seen when Nanjiro Echizen performed it with both his eyes closed, but naturally, he does not call it the Tezuka Zone.

In almost all the chibi episodes, there is always either a variation of his move Tezuka Zone or the actual move; but the effects are exaggerated (he will actually say "Tezuka Zoooooooone" to activate it) and he always ends up being hit squarely on the head. For example, in episode 165, Tezuka uses Tezuka Zone after being hit with a can, due to a move by Oishi. He gets mad and makes them run 10 laps around the village. Also, in episode 115, the western part, Tezuka uses his Gunman Zone, a variation of the Tezuka Zone where Tezuka does the matrix in order to avoid the bullets Ryoma is shooting at him.

The Tezuka Zone, though physically impossible, is loosely based on the Magnus Effect.

Tezuka Phantom

During the National Finals, in his match against Sanada, Tezuka was able to use the Tezuka Zone in the opposite way (i.e by hitting the ball such that the ball, when returned, will go out). However, in order to do this, Tezuka must create a spin six times that of the normal hit done in Tezuka Zone, as pointed out by Keigo Atobe. Consecutive uses of this technique may result in Tezuka re-injuring his arm or being permanently sidelined.

Muga no Kyōchi (State of Self Actualization)

The Muga no Kyōchi is a technique containing three doors that can only be achieved when a tennis player reached and surpasses his limits. The user naturally intakes all techniques that he has seen and is able to copy them perfectly. Tezuka has not been seen using Muga by itself, but since he has opened Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami, this implies that he has indeed learned Muga no Kyōchi.

Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami (Pinnacle of Hard Work)

Tezuka activating Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami

The Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami is one of the Three Doors of the Muga no Kyōchi. What makes it possible is the Tezuka Zone. Tezuka enters Muga no Kyōchi while focusing all his strength into his left arm. Combining Hyaku Ren with the Tezuka Zone allows Tezuka to prevent the immense loss of stamina caused by the Muga release, and it gives him the ability to return balls with twice the strength, or spin, that they were hit with.

Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami (Pinnacle of Great Wisdom)

The Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami is the second of the Three Doors of the Muga no Kyōchi. As opposed to Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami, which focuses the power of Muga no Kyōchi in the arm to increase power, Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami focuses the power of Muga no Kyōchi in the mind. It allows the person using it to be able to tell how many shots the current rally will take and who will win the point, giving them a form of foresight.

After Shitenhōji's Senri Chitose loses the match against Tezuka, Chitose believes that Tezuka is the one who is closest to activating Teni Muhō No Kiwami (Pinnacle of Perfection), the last door of Muga no Kyōchi.

Notable matches

Shusuke Fuji

Two years ago, when Fuji and Tezuka were first years, Fuji requested a match against Tezuka. Though the match ended with Tezuka's complete defeat, Fuji was displeased with the outcome since Tezuka was not playing in his best form due to having his arm previously injured by an upperclassman. They promised to play each other once again after Tezuka's arm completely heals.

Keigo Atobe

During the first round of the Kantō Regional Tournament, Tezuka plays Atobe in the Singles 1 slot. Atobe uses his Insight to discover Tezuka's weakness. When he states that Tezuka's left arm is injured, Oishi corrects him by saying that Tezuka's elbow is completely healed. Now knowing the true form of his weakness, he formulates a plan to ruin Tezuka's shoulder, which soon happens when Tezuka collapses in pain and falls to his knees, clutching the offending body part in obvious agony. However, he refuses to give up and continues the rally, much to Atobe's surprise. After realizing that Tezuka's loyalty to his team is what compels him to continue through the pain, Atobe plays to his potential and aims to beat Tezuka no matter what.

After a tedious tie-breaker going into the 30s, Tezuka hits a cord ball, which Atobe dives to return. Lying upon the ground, helpless at the net, Atobe then realizes that most of the court is free for Tezuka to attack. In a twist of fate, however, Tezuka is so broken down by now that his next Zero-Shiki Drop Shot hits the net, ending the game with Atobe victorious.

The captains share a long handshake after the match, standing still with arms raised above the net as the crowd roars in cheers.

The game marks Tezuka's first loss in an official singles match.

Shusuke Fuji (anime only)

During Seishun Gakuen's inter-school match-ups, Kunimitsu Tezuka and Shusuke Fuji are pitted against each other. Fuji dominates at first and easily wins the first game, however, the next game is won by Tezuka in no time because Fuji had difficulty returning Tezuka's serves. Fuji tries to counter by using his Triple Counters, but everyone is surprised when Tezuka seals Fuji's Triple Counters in one play by using the Tezuka Zone and the Zero-Shiki Drop Shot. The match continues and Tezuka dominates at 4 games to 1. Fuji becomes serious and his shots begin to change as he displays improved Triple Counters. As Fuji begins to dominate the match, Tezuka responds by using smashes that hit the net, which seals Fuji's improved Higuma Otoshi. During the match point, Tezuka smashes, but Fuji had predicted his hit already and uses his Higuma Otoshi. When the ball passes Tezuka, Fuji believes that he has won, but Tezuka, while in mid-air, quickly switches his racket to his right hand, and uses the Tezuka Zone, which allows him to hit his Zero-Shiki Drop Shot. Tezuka wins with a score of 7 games to 6.

Eishirou Kite

During the first round of the Nationals Tournament, Tezuka faces off against Higa Middle School's captain, Eishirou Kite, in the Singles 1 slot (according to the First Round National rules, though they have already won the round, all matches are to be played). After an incredible rally, Kite wins the first point by using the Shukuchihō method, a technique which allows him to instantly move in any direction. Using this method, Kite wins the first four games (two in the anime). After giving Kite some advice on how to not use a racket to hurt people, he activates a technique that everyone believes to be Muga no Kyōchi. Even though Kite reveals stronger versions of his teammates' techniques, they are all easily returned by Tezuka, with twice the power. Kite gets desperate and tries to throw sand at Tezuka with his racket, but Tezuka avoids it and instantly returns the ball with his Zero-Shiki Drop Shot.

The true nature of Tezuka's technique is revealed differently in the manga and in the anime. In the manga, Rikkai Dai's Yukimura, Sanada, and Yanagi show up during the match, and they reveal that the technique is not Muga no Kyōchi but rather Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami, which Tezuka sealed shortly after injuring his arm in his first year. In the anime, Fuji realizes that the technique is not Muga no Kyōchi, and then Oishi reveals the technique's true nature. Either way, the match results in Tezuka winning six straight games. In the manga, Tezuka won 6 games to 4, while in the anime, he won with 6 games to 2.

Munehiro Kabaji

Tezuka plays in the Singles 2 slot during the National quarter-finals match against Hyotei regular, Munehiro Kabaji. This match also starts off with an incredible rally, but to prevent Kabaji from copying his technique, Tezuka avoids using his Zero-Shiki Drop Shot even though he gets plenty of opportunities to do so. Instead, Tezuka uses his Tezuka Zone, but everyone is shocked to see that Kabaji can even copy the Tezuka Zone. Atobe mockingly states that Tezuka is basically battling himself.

During the match, Tezuka flashbacks to the time when he was healing his arm at the health clinic. It is revealed that the one who helped him overcome his fear of feeling the pain in his shoulder was Chitose's younger sister, Miyuki. After befriending each other during training in Kyūshū, Tezuka discovered that Miyuki was prone to stage fright during her matches, similar to his own fears; the two manage to help each other through their issues.

As the rally between two Tezuka Zones continue, Tezuka decides to use his Zero-Shiki and wins the point. When Tezuka gets serious and activates Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami, he wins five straight games. Once again, Kabaji surprises everyone by suddenly activating Hyaku Ren and wins three straight games. After it starts to rain, Oishi urges Tezuka to stop, worried that Tezuka will re-injure his arm, but Tezuka keeps on playing. As the rain becomes heavier, Kabaji starts to hit the ball out of bounds (however, it is unsure if Kabaji starts to hit out of bounds because of the rain or because of the lack of experience using Hyaku Ren). The match ends with Tezuka winning with 7 games to 6.

Senri Chitose

During the semi-finals of the National Tournament, Seigaku goes up against Shitenhōji. In the Doubles 1 slot, Tezuka and Inui is pitted against Chitose and Zaizen. Before the start of the match, Inui and Zaizen are asked to step aside, by their respective captains, in order for Tezuka and Chitose to play with their full power, basically turning it into a singles match.

Using his Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami, Chitose predicts that he only needs 42 shots to score this point. Chitose serves with his Kamikakushi (Disappearing Serve), but Tezuka easily returns it using his Hyaku Ren Jitoku no Kiwami and soon responds with his Tezuka Zone. As Chitose finally hits the 41st return and Tezuka hits the 42nd return, Tezuka's return unexpectedly goes out of bounds, true to Chitose's prediction.

After Chitose wins the first game, everyone starts to believe that Tezuka's Hyaku Ren has been sealed off. The match continues with Chitose predicting that he will only need five more shots to score a point, but Tezuka's return [fifth return] rolls over the net and Tezuka takes the point, breaking Chitose's absolute prediction. However, Chitose continues to predict how many shots to score a point, but each time he tells him a number, Tezuka tells him the number above that. During Tezuka's serve, Tezuka states that one ball is sufficient enough to score, revealing that he too has opened Saiki Kanpatsu no Kiwami. As Chitose cannot believe that two doors can actually be opened at once, Tezuka stays true to his word and unveils his Zero-Shiki Serve, winning the point with one hit of the ball. The match ends with Tezuka winning six straight games (6-1), giving Seigaku a ticket to the finals.

Genichirou Sanada

Sanada and Tezuka play against each other in Singles 3 of the National finals -- Rikkai Dai vs Seigaku. The match starts off with Sanada's Fuu Rin Ka Zan slowly breaking down the Tezuka Zone. In attempt to stop his attacks, Tezuka activates Hyaku Ren, but Sanada counters with a special move, Rai (Lightning). With Rai, he is able to instantly "teleport" to the ball, and get a point against Tezuka. In a ditch effort to predict his movements, Tezuka activates Saiki Kanpatsu, but is surprised to find out that Sanada is hiding his presence with In (Shadow), thus Tezuka is unable to predict his movements. Not even his Tezuka Zone is able to return Rai, so Sanada wins four straight games against Tezuka, and goes on to win the next three points (40-0) also.

Tezuka then has a flashback of when Ryoma asked if the Tezuka Zone can be used to make every opponent's shot go out, but Tezuka explains why that would be impossible. In present time, however, Tezuka succeeds in using his Tezuka Zone in the opposite way (later dubbed the Tezuka Phantom), making Sanada's returns go out of bounds. Despite the pain in his elbow returning, Tezuka continues to show his determination, and even starts to use his Zero-Shiki Serve, finally turning the score to 4 games all.

After Sanada loses 4 straight games, Rikkaidai's captain, Yukimura, comes over to tell Sanada to abandon his "Head-on Challenge." After a couple of points, Sanada finally takes his captain's advice, and decides to show his technique Rin (Forest). This technique was able to land in the court despite Tezuka's Phantom being used. In desperation, Tezuka continues to fire Zero-shiki serves after Yukimura yells out to Sanada, to warn him. Sanada then combines the defensive ability of Rin to soften the spin of Tezuka's Phantom so he can use Ka (Fire) and Rai. On Sanada's final combination of Rin, Ka, and Rai to return the Zero-Shiki Serve, Tezuka's racket is blown away and the ball is popped back into the air, upon impact with Tezuka's racquet, heading to Sanada's side of the court. It is shown that Tezuka somehow added some spin to the ball, and it lands on the net. In the end, Sanada defeats Tezuka by a score of 7-5 when the ball drops from the net to Tezuka's side.

Actors

Yū Shirota as Tezuka in a promotional image for The Prince of Tennis Movie

• In the anime series, Tezuka's seiyū (or voice actor) is Okiayu Ryōtarō.

• For the live action adaptation film of The Prince of Tennis, actor Yū Shirota portrays Tezuka.

• In The Prince of Tennis Musicals, Tezuka is portrayed by actors Takigawa Eiji (2003-2004), Kengo Ōkuchi (2004), Yū Shirota (2005-2006), Keisuke Minami (2006-2007), and Daisuke Watanabe (2007-present)

Sources

• Various Prince of Tennis manga chapters, anime episodes, musicals, and The Prince of Tennis movie.