Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I don't own Prince of Tennis therefore no money is being made at all from this. This is all for dramatic entertainment.

Notes: Sometimes I don't know what comes over me when I write these fics. I start with a different tone and then suddenly end with a different one altogether. Well, enjoy! And I'm still writing people!

The Real You

I know you. I don't think you're aware of that fact.

You think only the buchou knows but I know him better than you.

After that match we had in the rain, it was suddenly clear to me who and what you were. You didn't show your true self, didn't want to play me seriously because I didn't motivate you. I could see it in your eyes. You were only half serious.

That disappointed me. You didn't think I was worthy of seeing the real you. But because of that I found out who you really were, sempai.

Up until that match, Tezuka-buchou was my main goal in Seigaku. He was the one that drove me to farther heights, bigger ambitions. Up until I played against him, I was like you. There was no real passion for the game. There was only beating my father. And anyone else who stood in my way of that goal.

Tezuka-buchou opened my eyes. Not just for the love of the game. He opened my eyes to meaning of camaraderie and knowing one-self. It gave me strength that I never realized I had before. It gave me a real goal which seemed so shallow before.

And now I will make you play me seriously, sempai. Whether or not you like it. Even if I have to become a detestable being on the tennis court. Your selfish self can hate me, despise me, but if it will bring out the real you, I don't care.

But until that happens, I can't beat you on the tennis court. Not until the real prodigy shows up. There is no sense in me playing you seriously and giving our matches much weight until then. You can keep on thinking that you're deluding me but you're only deluding yourself.

The moment you do play against me seriously, I will show you no mercy. I will be a monster far worse than you have ever encountered. I will become someone that will surprise, annoy you, and drive you mad.

You will see the real Ryoma Echizen, Fuji Syusuke.

And I'm doing this all because I saw the real you.

Maybe next time you'll think twice about stealing my cheeseburger.

-Fin