Princess of Tennis - Discontinued

by KoreanGal5

The girlfriend-or with some other connection-to Ryoma, past relation with Seigaku regulars, a girl full of mystery. Her twin, just as popular, equally as hidden, a boy with a story behind that smile. Hinata and Himitsu. A journey with secrets.

1. Intro to Royalty

I do not own Naruto or Prince of Tennis. The plot is a mix of the manga, anime, and drama just to let you know. Hope you enjoy!

Definitions:

Shogakusei – Elementary school student

T3m3 (Replace 3 with e)/T*** – B******

Baka – Idiot/Fool

Ryu – Dragon

Gambatte-Do your best/Good luck

Gaki-Brat

K*so (Replace * with u)-D*mn (it)

Mada mada dane-You've still got a long way to go/You've still got lots to work on/Not good enough

Mada mada desune-more polite form of 'Mada mada dane'; used for someone of higher respect

Buchou-Captain

Fukubuchou-Vice Captain

Chisu!-A slang greeting, close to 'What's up?'

Yadda-Don't want to

Moeruze-Means 'I'm on fire' and when used by Kawamura is translated (in English dub) to 'Burning'

Tensai-genius

Mamushi-Viper

…xXx…

~No One's Point of View~

Tennis courts stretched out as far as the eye could see. Numerous tennis players of varying ages were rallying and warming up, eager to demonstrate their skills and rank high in the competition.

"Did you hear?" one competitor whispered quietly, almost secretively.

"What?" his friend asked, curious as he raised an eyebrow.

"I hear that a 12-year-old is going to play against 16-year-olds in the competition," the first snickered, disbelieving.

"What? No way!" the man denied automatically. "It must be a mistake!"

"That's what I said to, but apparently it's not," he stated, doubt lining his tone. "And what's even crazier? There are two of them. Apparently one of them was going to enter doubles with his twin or something, but got rearranged last moment."

"It can't be. It's impossible," he denied, unaware that the match-up board confirmed the rumor.

#48 - Echizen Ryoma

Singles – 12 years old

At the top was another name, the 'twin' that also had been rumored.

#01 – Hyuga Himitsu

Singles – 12 years old

…xXx…

Three males, high school students swung tennis racquets, arrogantly talking amongst themselves.

"This is a Western grip!" one demonstrated. "You should hold it like you're shaking hands for the top spin!"

"As always, Sasabe-san is different as the ace of Kita High School!" one friend cheered. 'Sasabe' swung the racquet around, his swings getting closer and closer to hitting a young girl, her long brown hair in pigtails as brown eyes closed in fear. She clutched a rolled-up drawing in her hands nervously.

(What should I do?)

Fear settled into her mind.

"Keep it down," a young boy reprimanded in a deep voice, his throaty voice surprising the males. The young boy wore a white cap over his black, tinted hair. He had chosen to wear a blue polo shirt and some shorts, a pair of tennis shoes thrown on. His sharp, brown eyes stared at them unnervingly. Beside him were a black tennis racquet bag and a black duffel bag.

On the other side was a girl about his age. Her dark, inky hair fell in cascades to her waist, her bangs lining her heart-shaped face. Her wide, light eyes blinked wildly as she rubbed them, obviously asleep before. She was wearing a light blue dress that reached her knees and a white jacket, obviously the boy's, fell from her shoulders and onto her lap. She was wearing brown sandals that had white flowers on the sides and had a white beret on her head.

Sasabe, the tall individual with shoulder-length brown hair and dressed in his school uniform, dropped his racquet in surprise as the train rattled roughly. He laughed it off.

"Getting told off by a shogakusei; how embarrassing!" he quickly covered, picking up his racquet.

"Ah! Bingo!" the young boy said, pointing. "Holding the racquet on the upper handle as if picking something up is the correct Western grip. To grip as if shaking hands is actually the Eastern grip. It's simple for people to mix up all the time."

The train speakers began to blare the location, slowing to a stop.

"Sasabe-san," the other student teased jokingly. "That's pretty uncool."

"U-Urusai! Hurry up and get off!" he covered, hurriedly rushing off of the train. Slowly, the girl with braids left and the young boy got off, the half-awake girl dragged along.

"Muo! Obaa-chan was the one who invited me and she's late!" the girl with braids mumbled with irritation. She glanced around, her brown eyes scanning the area for her Obaa-chan, her eyes glancing to her drawing as if to reassure its presence.

(Oh, it's the boy and girl from just a second ago. Ah! They're walking over here!)

"Which way is it to the Kakinokizaka Garden?" the boy asked, his hand wrapped around the girl's. The black racquet case hung around his shoulders while the duffel bag was hung on the young girl's.

"Oh it's you!" she exclaimed in surprise. She blinked at their calm expressions.

"I'm heading there too!" she rambled in surprise. "Are you going to be in the tennis matches?"

"…Which way is it?" the boy repeated calmly.

"Oh ano….gomennasai! It's out the South Gate and straight ahead," she answered.

"Isn't it the North Gate?" the young girl contributed for the first time, yawning.

"Really? I'm not the best with directions," the girl with braids admitted.

"It's fine. I'm Hyuga Hinata and this is Echizen Ryoma. You are?" the girl offered her hand with a smile.

"I'm Ryuzaki Sakuno," she eagerly greeted, taking her hand.

"Would you like to walk with us?" Hinata offered brightly.

"Oh, but my Obaa-chan said she'll pick me up," Sakuno mulled over.

"It's fine. We'll see each other then," Hinata politely waved off as the young duo walked off towards the South Gate anyways, Hinata waving and Echizen without a backwards glance.

…xXx…

30 Minutes Later…

…xXx…

"Obaa-chan! You're late!" Sakuno scolded angrily, unclenching her tired fingers from her drawing. "Half an hour late!"

"My bad; my bad," 'Obaa-chan' excused. "Anyways, hurry into the car Sakuno!"

"Eh? Isn't it through the South Gate?" Sakuno asked as the two headed in the opposite direction.

"What are you talking about Sakuno-chan? It's always been through the North Gate!" 'Obaa-chan' laughed off, missing Sakuno's strangled look of surprise and regret. The two hurriedly climbed into the old van, soon driving along the roads quickly.

"Well, the Kakinokizaka Tennis Garden matches are only played by novices, but two of my students are going to participate," she eagerly explained, her eyes on the road.

"Ano…Obaa-chan? What happens if you're late?" Sakuno asked nervously.

"Hmm? It becomes a default loss," she answered, curiousity lining her tone. "Why?" The car stopped and Sakuno threw the door open, slamming it shut and running off.

"I'm going to look around Obaa-chan!" she threw over her shoulder.

"That girl…" 'Obaa-chan' trailed off, shaking her head. "Now, I wonder where the Ouji-sama and O-Hime-sama went…"

…xXx…

"Ah!" Sakuno recognized, spotting a familiar pair of tennis shoes sticking out of the shady tree. She ran up to the figure, losing a bit of her courage when he opened an eye, his sharp gaze locking onto hers.

"Were…were you late?" she quickly asked before she lost her nerve.

"5 minutes late. Automatic loss," he answered, relaxing under the cover of the plant.

"Hinata-chan too?" she questioned, wincing.

"Ran ahead and barely made it," he answered.

"Was…it my fault?" Sakuno prodded carefully about his disqualification.

"Who's else could it be?" he threw back coolly. He rolled his eyes at her nervousness. "…I'm thirsty."

"Let me!" Sakuno offered, feeling guilty for his disqualification.

Two drinks rolled down the machine, clanking together.

"Gomennasai," Sakuno apologized. "I didn't have any money either…"

"Whatever," Echizen rolled off coolly, popping open his drink. The two sat on a bench, eating.

"Ano…arigato. Earlier in the bus, you saved me from being hit in the face by the tennis racquet," Sakuno thanked shyly.

"You were on the train?" Echizen asked, surprised. "Where were you sitting then?"

"Directly across from you," she answered, a bit taken back.

"Hmm…It wasn't anything. They were too loud so I just told them so," he waved off, taking another gulp. Sakuno pouted slightly.

An empty can flew in between the two, landing on the ground before them.

"Ah! If it isn't the t***-shogakusei from before!" a familiar, scratchy voice called out. The three from the train, now wearing standard tennis outfits, polo shirts and shorts with sneakers, sweatbands, and racquets, walked up to them coolly. "Heh! I suppose you lost your division already so you're going home? Or am I wrong?"

He sneered disdainfully, unsettled and angered by the boy's calm look. He lifted Echizen's cap by the rim with his racquet, smirking.

"I'm a seeded player and one of the most favored to win this so go home," Sasabe insulted, removing his racquet. Echizen's gaze did not waver. Furious, Sasabe swung his racquet, bearing his teeth. Sakuno screamed, covering her eyes. Slowly, she opened her eyes again.

"Tch. Can't even defend yourself," Sasabe insulted, the racquet only a few inches away from the boy's calm face. "Don't bother talking to me about tennis. Theories are different from real games. Keep that in mind!" He laughed insultingly.

"Anyway, I better go. I'll be participating soon," he sneered, walking off. He bumped into Sakuno, her drink spilling over his shirt, as she shrieked shortly.

"It's sticky! What am I going to do now you baka?" Sasabe angrily yelled at her. "Unlike that boy, I actually have matches!"

"Ah! Gomennasai!" she apologized fearfully, cowering slightly at his menacing presence. The sound of a can opening surprised the high school students and both Sakuno and Echizen as soda spilled over Sasabe's head.

"Oh! I see a poor sport who has to resort to bullying beautiful, young girls to raise his ego," a voice said, high-pitched enough to be female, yet low enough to be a young boy's. They turned to the figure.

Gender was impossible to be told from the clothes, a baggy white shirt that had a large peace symbol in light blue thrown on top of a pair of baggy, slightly ripped jeans. A light blue sleeveless jacket with the hood pulled up, the color the same as the peace sign, was worn halfway zipped on top of the person's shirt. A white sweatband and a watch was wrapped around his…or her right and left wrists respectively, a peace sign necklace, also blue, placed around the person's neck. To finish the outfit, a white baseball cap, similar to Echizen's, had been placed over inky hair, the length impossible to tell underneath the hat and hood, that fell over the person's light eyes and highlighted the heart-shaped face he/she held.

"Why I oughta-!" Sasabe started, swinging his racquet. The person gripped his wrist with a surprisingly strong hold, not befitting the small stature the person held.

"Now now. Calm down…" the person stated with a sly grin. "Fighting won't get you anywhere in life. Did you learn the grip yet? The one from the before."

"Nani?" Sasabe half-muttered, eyes narrowing.

"If you didn't, I can teach you a few things," the person smirked, playfully sticking a pink tongue in between his/her lips as (s)he picked up the empty, dented can on the ground and threw it away along with the one that had spilled all over Sasabe.

Walking over to Sakuno, the person grabbed her wrist with one hand and Echizen's hand with the other. With quick, but gentle steps, the person led them out, throwing something over his/her shoulder.

"I'm your next opponent so attempt a challenge for me, ne? Ba. Ka." Growls of frustration and curses of rage followed their path.

"Ah! Daijobou? Gomennasai!" Sakuno quickly apologized as the three stopped in front of a tennis court, the playing field filled with numerous taller and older people. The person laughed it off with chime-like giggles.

"Don't worry about it," the person stated, grabbing a black tennis racquet from inside of the bag and gripping it carefully. "Tennis is…precious."

"Why can't I face him?" Echizen asked with irritation, his face clearly displaying his cold fury.

"Well I did warn you to run," the person teased.

"Ah, I didn't catch your name…?" Sakuno trailed off, a bit confused at the close conversation between the two.

"…I suppose you can call me Himitsu," the person said slowly, a grin crawling across his/her face.

"Perhaps this is rude, but…what gender are you?" Sakuno questioned.

"Whatever makes you feel better," Himitsu laughed. "It doesn't really matter to me."

"…Should I call you a male then?" Sakuno carefully asked. Himitsu laughed again, ruffling Echizen's hair with familiarity.

"Sure," Himitsu agreed before looking at Echizen. "Don't get jealous."

"As if I would," Echizen gruffly mumbled though he did nothing to stop Himitsu's warm hand from sifting through his hair.

…xXx…

"Don't back out now," Sasabe sneered, weighing the tennis racquet on his shoulders. "You need to be straightened out and I'm the man to do it!"

"I'd be more worried about your pride," Himitsu laughed with a sly smile that made Sasabe pause, blushing.

"Wh-Whatever!" he sneered, completely taken back by the simple beauty that Himitsu portrayed, though gender still unknown and guessed to be male.

"The best of one set match! Sasabe service play!" the referee shouted, preparing the duo for the self-match. The two lined up at their respective sides of the court. Sasabe grinned, seeing Himitsu shift from one foot to the other, mistakening it as nervousness.

"Here!" he laughed, hitting an underhanded serve. "I'll give you a handicap!"

"Get serious!" Himitsu shouted, returning the ball with only a wide sweeping swing. The ball bounced beside the older male's right foot before rolling off the court.

"Love-15!" the referee shouted, completely taken back.

"Anyone can return an underhanded hit!" Sasabe excused, sneering with feigned confidence as he picked up the ball. "I was just being careless, but now I'll get serious. Don't be too scared!"

He threw the ball and his eyes watched it with glee as he hit it.

"Ha! That serve is almost 180 km per hour! That kid is going to get it!" one friend snickered. Sakuno looked pale as if it were her own match, but Echizen who was beside her, looked on in boredom.

"Should I hit slower?" Sasabe sneered, as the tennis ball bounced in the court. Himitsu returned it easily, taking only a single step. The ball hit his racquet perfectly and landed beside Sasabe's right foot, speeding passed him.

"Too slow," he muttered, touching the rim of his cap and pulling it lower. "Again…"

"He returned Sasabe's bullet serve?" one of his friends gawked.

"That's impossible!" the other shouted in disbelief. Echizen snorted while Sakuno gawked.

"Baka!" Sasabe tried to cover. "Even if-"

"Yo. That was your proper hit?" Himitsu menacingly asked. Sasabe froze for a moment before giving an inflated smirk.

"There won't be a second time gaki," he warned. "You won't be as lucky!" Sasabe served again, the ball quickly returned to the other side of the court. Sasabe ran, barely able to return it only to find the young male already at the net, returning the ball and earning a point.

"What the h311 is going on?" one of Sasabe's friends muttered, completely in disbelief.

"Don't worry baka!" Sasabe called out, pointing to himself. "I'm just going easy on the gaki. I'll get serious soon." The two switched sides, one rather indifferent while the other fuming internally.

"Game count 1-0. Himitsu lead," the referee called out, almost tentatively, also at disbelief at the match. Himitsu lined up, bouncing the ball a few times before serving. The ball flew over the net and passed the opponent before he could blink.

"A favorite to win, ne?" Himitsu teased, weighing the racquet on his shoulder neatly. Sasabe grit his teeth, returning serves with hits, diving for the low attacks in the corners, jumping as high as he could for the lobs, and attempting (and failing) to go up to the net. Anger coursed through him as the score was called out again.

"4-0!"

Himitsu bounced the ball a few times between his fingers calmly, barely winded by the game. Sasbe jumped for another lob, swinging his racquet and seeing it slow past the edge. Rage and fear became swollen in his throat and in anger, he let the racquet go, the item swinging towards the audience namely the girl and boy he still held rage for. Himitsu leapt towards the duo, dropping his racquet and heading to help the duo. In fear, his eyes widened. Sasabe landed heavily and looked up, surprised.

The racquet lay on the floor, clattering noisily while Himitsu held a hand out, the obvious mark of the racquet net imprinted upon his palm. The red marks struck fearsomely against his pale palm. Echizen angrily grasped Himitsu's wrist, almost burning a hole through the wound. His gaze turned to Sasabe who shivered, surprised by the frozen anger. Himitsu hugged Echizen.

"Oh kami! Good thing you're fine," he sighed. Echizen began yelling furiously in English, surprising the players.

"You're hurt! How can that be good?" he demanded, shoving the tennis player from him. Himitsu chuckled lightly, ruffling Echizen's hair with her uninjured plam while the boy looked irritated and…concerned.

"It's fine. After all, I can still kill him with my other hand. I've been playing with it all this time anyway. Relax. The match'll be over soon. You should worry more about what we're going to tell Neji-niisan," Himitsu answered back also in English with a playful wink and hugged Echizen one last time before stepping back into the court, swinging the racquet around on his right hand calmly. He blinked, adjusting his hat as he looked at the referee.

"Ref?" he questioned, once again speaking in their native tongue.

"Oh!" the referee said with realization, fumbling with his whistle. "Match continues!" He blew the whistle, the sound piercing the air as Himitsu readied a serve. He pointed his racquet at Sasabe.

"You just made this match personal," he warned, his voice frozen with palpable rage. Sasabe unconsciously shivered before shaking his head and preparing himself. He leapt for the ball as it came, blinking when he heard a thud beside his feet. He looked carefully at his opponent, shocked when he found that Himitsu had served and turning his head, the ball rested beside his foot calmly. Himitsu bounced another ball, readying his second serve. Once again, he found that he couldn't even react.

The referee called score after score, but he could only hear the blood that pounded in his ears, the fury that arose in his chest. It continued, ball after ball and before long he was panting in exhaustion, his legs shaking and barely able to support his own weight. He returned to his place almost robotically, sweat dripping down his forehead. Once again came the serve, the nearly endless rally, and the slip-up as he missed the speeding ball by only a few centimeters, skidding across the ground.

"6-0! Himitsu's win," the referee called out, blowing his whistle. This score Sasabe heard clearly and surprised, he opened his mouth to protest, but found he could not. He panted and the exhaustion finally catching up, he fell to his knees, leaning forward and watching his sweat drop to the ground.

"See? Over already," Himitsu stated, flashing a peace sign and bright smile at the waiting boy.

"You were playing with him," Echizen complained, rolling his eyes.

"Was not," Himitsu denied, sticking his tongue out. He looked at the fallen opponent before winking at Echizen. "Be right back."

"Oi!" Echizen began to call before sighing in defeat. A cold sensation registered on Sasabe's mind and he looked up, seeing Himitsu, smiling with a iced water bottle in hand.

"Nice match," he complimented.

"Urusai. How could I lose to a shogakusei?" Sasabe complained, pushing the boy's hand away as he stood by himself. Himitsu visibly saddened and Sasabe faltered.

"Wasn't it fun though?" Himitsu questioned, looking up at the older male through thick eyelashes. Sasabe sighed helplessly before taking the water bottle.

"Fine. It's your win," he stated, wiping his sweat with another offered towel while covering his blush.

"Another fan," Echizen grumbled to himself from the sidelines, adjusting the edge of his cap irritably while Sakuno watched in awe and disbelief.

…xXx…

"It was fun," Himitsu thanked with a smile, wiping his face with the towel. He held Sakuno's fingers up to his lips. "Arigato O-Hime-sama. I always do better when a beautiful girl is cheering me on."

Himitsu ended the sentence with a playful wink and smiled. Sakuno blushed just as a familiar figure entered the area.

"Oh so this is where the two of you have been," Sakuno's Obaa-chan chuckled, walking calmly. "I figured you two would have both been qualified and facing each other in the finals though."

"I told him to run," Himitsu teased, nudging Echizen playfully. "So, this is your granddaughter?"

"Yup. As intuitive as ever," she laughed. "This is my, Ryuzaki Sumire's, granddaughter, Ryuzaki Sakuno. Ain't she a cutie?"

"Obaa-chan!" Sakuno complained, blushing.

"As beautiful as you are," Himitsu agreed with a glowing smile.

"Smooth-talking as always," Ryuzaki cackled, smacking Himitsu's back good-naturedly. Echizen gestured to his wrist and upon checking the time, Himitsu immediately began to pack, rushing.

"Wah! Got to go. See you later!" Himitsu quickly dismissed, running out the courts with Echizen following as the two argued. Ryuzaki laughed while Sakuno only sighed helplessly.

…xXx…

She nervously shifted from foot to foot, glancing at the sign for the school once again. Seishun Gakuen, middle school level. Her eyes traced the words over and over again, only occasionally blocked by the passing student. Males were wearing a normal, black school uniform, long pants with a white collared shirt and a matching black, button-up jacket. The females were wearing a dark navy skirt, almost black in color, with a white collared shirt like the males, with a matching blue jacket, though slightly lighter in color, with a colored ribbon. No matter how many days had passed, the time at Seigaku, the nickname of the school, a total of a few weeks now, never failed to amaze her still. A hand met her back in a friendly manner.

"Ah Tomoka-chan!" Sakuno recognized with surprise, smiling lightly at seeing a nostalgic face.

"Guess what?~ I heard that some new transfer students will be joining the tennis club today! Heard they won a lot of competitions back in America where they're from. Must be monsters," her best friend, Osakada Tomoka gossiped, rolling her brown eyes. She scrunched up her nose jokingly, emphasizing the mole under her eye before laughing. She was wearing the Seigaku uniform as well, her hair pulled into twin ponytails with matching ribbons.

"Are you going to sign up for the school newspaper as always?" Sakuno inquired.

"Most likely," Tomoka admitted, smiling happily. The two entered the gates, talking animatedly, missing the familiar boy asleep underneath the blooming cherry blossom tree and the girl waking him up.

…xXx…

The sensei quieted the noisy class almost lazily, waving her hand in sleepy frustration.

"We have a new student," she announced before shouting for the student to enter. A bright looking girl walked in. She was tall for their age, towering over most of the males in the class. She had a blessed figure that was the envy of every girl in the room. She was wearing the school uniform and had her hair up in a ponytail with a matching red ribbon. Her large eyes blinked, looking around at the mixed reactions of amazement and jealousy. She smiled breathtakingly.

"Ohayo! I'm Hyuga Hinata! Yoroshiku," she greeted innocently. "My twin Hyuga Himitsu couldn't come today, but we'll be switching off attendance as we please." The sensei waved her to take a random seat while calmly ordering the class about schoolwork. Hinata's eyes scanned the room before her eyes caught on a specific person.

"Ah! Sakuno!" she called out in recognition, bounding up happily to meet her. "I didn't think we'd get to meet again like this!"

"Ah! It's Hinata-chan!" Sakuno exclaimed in surprise, standing up. "This is wonderful! Did you win the competition?"

"Of course!" Hinata winked, giving her an 'ok' sign with her fingers.

"Break it up! You two can talk after class," the sensei warned, continuing with her lesson. Hinata took a seat, sharing a wink with Sakuno.

…xXx…

"Sakuno! Who's this?" Tomoka asked, blinking with confusion, pulling out a camera. "How do you already know the transfer student?"

"Met by accident," Hinata answered, oblivious to the multiple stares towards her.

"Do you mind if I…?" Tomoka trailed off, holding up her camera. Hinata laughed, the sound silencing the room easily.

"Go ahead. I'll have to warn you that I'm photogenic though," Hinata joked, smiling widely, revealing a set of neat, white teeth. Tomoka eagerly began to take pictures.

"And your twin?" she asked while taking pictures.

"We're just going to come when we feel like it," Hinata answered, her smile not dropping. "We're…smart I suppose you could say. The other transfer student and I held a long-distance relationship—I believe is the term—for a long time so it's nice being together with him now."

"Eh? Scoop of the century!" Tomoka squealed, taking more pictures. "Transfer students have a long-distance relationship now rekindled! I can see the front page now!" Hinata laughed.

"Go ahead! Just let me double-check the article so that I don't get pestered," Hinata agreed.

"Hai!~" Tomoka happily confirmed, cheering as she finished the last of the pictures.

…xXx…

"This must be fate," Ryuzaki sighed, looking through old pictures.

"Fate?" Hinata laughed, opening the door and stepping inside. "Call it that if you like, but it's also called 'searching' you know."

"Ah! Signing up for the team?" Ryuzaki guessed happily.

"Not quite," Hinata stated with a sly expression, taking a seat on the clear corner of her wooden desk. "I came so that 'Himitsu' could sign up."

"All the same," Ryuzaki grumbled teasingly, rolling her eyes.

"You know that it's…important," Hinata muttered, struggling for the correct word. The elder woman softened at the girl's expression.

"Of course I know. How about you go change right now and I'll get ready to introduce you?" she suggested.

"Sure," Hinata agreed, jumping off of the desk. She looked out the window once more.

"Ah! I see fish," she stated before turning away as Ryuzaki walked up to the window, curious. Hinata opened the door and as quickly as she had come, she left.

…xXx…

"I'm Horio, Satoshi Horio," the boy introduced himself to Echizen, noticing the racquet bag the boy carried. His hair had been cut short and was slightly spiked. He was decent in looks, but definitely not a superstar. "You going to the tennis courts too? I better warn you that Seigaku isn't a place where anyone can get on the team. I've got 2 years of experience already so I'm probably going to be a regular soon. Better become good friends with me now and-" He turned around, finding the male missing.

"Eh? Where'd he go?" he shouted in surprise.

…xXx…

"Today, the senpai are all playing elsewhere so registration has been postponed until tomorrow," one first-year stated, tying his shoe. He was wearing his gym clothes, a white shirt with a pair of black-blue shorts. His hair had been cut into a bowl shape and beside him was another first-year, his hair shaved military style. He was also wearing his gym clothes, but with long sweats instead. The two were average in looks, only a bit better than Horio. "The other first-years left, but we decided to play a game first."

"Aw. This stinks," Horio cursed, frowning.

"Yo! First-years!" two older males called. One had his black hair cut into a short buzz cut and the other into a spiked style. "You joining the club?"

"Hai. Yoroshiku," the three first-years, the two unknown and Horio, bowed.

"I'm Kato Kachiro," the one with the bowl-cut introduced, smiling. "Class 1-5. Yoroshiku!"

"I'm Mizuno Katsuo!" the other greeted. "Class 1-5 as well. Yoroshiku!"

"I'm Horio Satoshi, class 1-2! I have two years of tennis experience," Horio proudly stated.

"I'm Hayashi Daisuke and that's Ikeda Masaya. We're both second-years," the first male introduced. Another male walked up, his hair up to his chin.

"And I'm Arai Masashi, second-year as well. Want to play a game with us?" the final boy offered, smirking.

"What kind of game?" Horio asked, smiling brightly.

"Simple," Hayashi answered, using gestures to point things out. "You serve from that end of the court and if you knock over this can in 10 tries, you earn 10,000 yen (about $121). To play is 200 yen (about $2.50). Wanna play?" He placed the empty tennis ball can at one end of a court.

"10,000 yen?" the three first-years shouted in surprise, each grabbing a ball eagerly.

"Don't have to say it twice!" Horio cheered, readying his racquet. From outside of the gated courts, Echizen looked in, the feeling of trouble brushing against his mind.

…xXx…

"Guess all three of you are done," Ikeda snickered, smirking at the numerous balls littering the ground and the can that still sat upright. None of the attempts had even brushed against the can.

"It's too bad," Hayashi comforted. "Even we second-years have a difficult time with just 10 tries."

"Well, I guess we owe you 200 yen," Horio stated. Horio, Kachiro, and Katsuo dug into their pockets, fishing out 200 yen.

"You seem to be mistaken," Ikeda chuckled, turning the can around. On the back was a clear note.

Knock-Down-The-Can Game

Prize: 10,000 Yen (About $121)

Per Try: 500 Yen (About $6)

(For Challenge: 200 Yen [About $2.50])

"Eh? 500 yen per?" Katsuo cried.

"This isn't even a serious game," Horio tried to reason. "What kind of deal is this?"

"That's too bad. If you had hit the can, you would have gotten the 10,000 yen," Arai chuckled. "Now hand over 5,200 yen (about $62.50) each."

"Oi! You, standing there. Don't watch. Why don't you give it a try yourself?" Ikeda urged Echizen, smirking.

"Ah! It's you!" Horio recognized.

"You're just chickening out," Hayashi prodded.

"Don't!" Katsuo warned. "They're just aiming to take your money!"

Echizen adjusted his white cap, thinking for a few seconds before reaching over his shoulder and pulling a racquet out of his racquet bag.

"It's not that I can't do it," he began, bouncing the tennis ball a few times with a sigh. "It's just that hitting the can normally won't work…because it has rocks in it."

The second-years gave cries of guilty indignant fury as Echizen threw the ball up before swinging, the ball hitting the can just below the lid with precision. The can fell over, its cap opening and a pile of rocks spilling out. The second-years began to curse to each other as ball after ball, Echizen aimed and scored hits on the now-dented can. The second-years slowed their curses, watching in amazement while the other first-years could only stare.

"If I hit it 100 times will you give me 1,000,000 yen (about $12,081.70)?" Echizen threatened, pausing in his practice. He hit another ball, surprised when another ball appeared out of nowhere, the two tennis balls falling to the ground softly before rolling off in separate directions.

"Don't bully second-years too much. It's only been the first day," a voice called out.

"What are you doing here Mitsu-nii?" Echizen questioned, rolling his eyes in irritation though his tone surprisingly bright.

"Checking out the school of course," Himitsu answered, only his smile visible behind his cap. He was wearing a baggy white shirt worn on top of a pair of baggy, slightly ripped, army-green jeans. An army green sleeveless jacket matching his pants, with the hood pulled up was worn halfway zipped on top of his shirt. A white sweatband and a watch was wrapped around his right and left wrists respectively, a necklace that had the word 'Luck', also designed with army green in ruggish letters, placed around the his neck. To complete the outfit, he had worn the same cap as before, his hair and half of his face still hidden.

"Ah! Second-years!" Himitsu called out, not even looking at the three who were slowly beginning to sneak away. "Arai Musashi, class 2-8. Hayashi Daisuke, class 2-8. Ikeda Masaya, class 2-8. I'm Hyuga Himitsu, class 1-1. As much as it'll pain you…"

He turned to face them, smirking.

"I'm afraid that I'll be ordering 10 laps each."

"Oi! Don't get cocky," Arai shouted, angrily hitting a ball at him. Himitsu didn't even flinch as the ball sailed by his cheek by a few inches.

"Aim better and then we'll talk. Ne, Sumire-sensei?" he smirked. Ryuzaki-sensei came up from behind them, looking—for lack of words—furious.

"You're going too easy on them!" she scolded Himitsu. "20 laps. Now!" The three second-years quickly began running, half in fear and the other half with complaints. Outside, another second-year stood, watching.

"Oi! You two!" he called. He was dressed in black sweats and a bright yellow shirt. His black hair was naturally spiky and short while his eyes twinkled mischievously. "I'm Momoshiro Takeshi, second-year, class 2-8. One of you play a round with me."

"…Sumire-sensei?" Himitsu questioned, sighing when he found the coach long gone to watch over the trio of troublemakers.

"I'll play," Echizen agreed, shedding his bag as he went to go change. Himitsu raised an eyebrow and sighed but said nothing otherwise.

…xXx…

"I met a really cool guy earlier. Hurry Sakuno!" Tomoka urged.

"I'm coming," Sakuno laughed, following. The two came upon the tennis courts, eager to watch.

"See? See? It's that guy over there in the cap," Tomoka squealed, pointing at a single male who was tying his sneakers on the bench. Another male walked up to him, his face shielded as the two talked.

"Even better! There's more eye-candy," Tomoka half-drooled, gesturing at the other male.

"Ah! It's Himitsu-kun and Ryoma-kun?" Sakuno recalled, surprised.

"Eh? You know them? They're really cool! Introduce me!" Tomoka urged, shaking the poor girl. Echizen stood, taking his racquet as Himitsu whispered something to him. Horio was requesting to be referee just as Himitsu looked up, waving at Sakuno.

"Sakuno! I heard from Nata that you'd be here," Himitsu greeted, walking over and talking to her through the fenced wall.

"Nata…Hinata-chan?" Sakuno pieced together.

"Bingo," Himitsu laughed, looking at Tomoka. "And I assume that this is the girl from the newspaper…Tomoka was it?"

"From Hinata as well?" Tomoka questioned, camera in the ready.

"Yup. Oh, and pictures are a must," Himitsu chuckled, smirking. The two girls turned pink. "I must warn you that I'm photogenic."

"Hinata said that as well," Tomoka giggled, eagerly taking photos.

"The one at the courts with the cap is the other transfer student," Himitsu pointed out. "Better ask for the pictures though. He's not very…camera-loving I suppose you could say."

"I'll ask after the match then," Tomoka cheered, happily settling for multiple pictures of the twin.

…xXx…

"I overheard that you know how to do the twist serve," Momoshiro informed, smirking.

"The twist serve?" Horio screeched, surprised.

"Twist serve…?" Kachiro questioned with confusion.

"The twist serve! The twist serve!" Horio repeated. "Generally speaking, it's the reverse of a slice spin that turns left. The twist serve adds a topspin on it."

"So in other words, the ball flies towards your face," Momoshiro completed, smiling. "There aren't many who can do it at such a young age, ne?"

"…I know a few," Echizen stated simply, weighing the racquet on his shoulder almost lazily.

"Ok. I'll let you serve first. I'll be using this side," Momoshiro decided, walking to one side.

"Eh? Why aren't you going to Momoshiro-senpai?" Horio questioned.

"Obviously because I want to see that twist serve first!" Momoshiro answered, grinning ear-to-ear. "Oh, and call me Momo-chan!"

"I can't do that," Horio denied though he looked happy. He climbed up the referee chair.

"Best of one service play. Echizen serve!" Horio announced proudly from the referee's chair. "The referee will be Horio who has had 2 years of tennis experience!"

"Ganbatte, Ryu-kun," Himitsu cheered from the sidelines. Echizen adjusted his cap in response before bouncing the ball a few times in his left hand, throwing it up. Without a pause, he hit the tennis ball, sending it flying across and over the net. Momoshiro didn't move a muscle, letting the swift serve fly past him.

"I refuse a slice serve," Momoshiro announced, pointing his racquet at him.

"15-Love," Horio called out.

"Don't be so stingy," Momoshiro urged, though he smiled.

"Yadda," Echizen stated in reply.

"Cocky gaki," Momoshiro grumbled.

"He's going to bug you until you do Ryu-kun!" Himitsu yelled, smiling with nostalgia. "It's your pick!"

Once again, Echizen bounced the ball against the ground before jumping to hit it.

"Oh, he's fulfilling his wish," Himitsu muttered.

"Eh?" Sakuno and Tomoka asked at once. Echizen's racquet met the ball before landing at the ground by Momoshiro's feet and rebounding upwards, towards his face. Momoshiro stepped backwards to dodge and raised his racquet, but proved too weak from the shock and the racquet was knocked out of his hand. Momoshiro stood motionless for a second before chuckling.

"Whoa! How scary! I'm so shocked!" Momoshiro teased, picking up his racquet.

"3-30-Love," Horio announced, shocking out of his reverie.

"Daijobou?" Echizen asked without much care.

"Gaki," Momoshiro muttered in a curse, smirking once again as Echizen readied yet another serve.

(The ball is faster than I thought…To counter that, the best time to hit it would be when it just rises…to the front!)

Momoshiro stepped back a few steps, racquet directly hitting the difficult serve. Smirking victoriously, he swung the racquet forward, the entire court paused as the ball hit the net and fell, rolling a few inches inside his court.

"Heh. So I guess timing isn't the only requirement," Momoshiro chuckled, smacking his own cheeks to focus.

"Ah! I just remembered! Isn't Momoshiro-senpai that regular player?" Kachiro realized. "Does Echizen really have that much strength in the ball?"

"Ryu-kun, gambatte!" Himitsu cheered, smiling.

"40-Love," Horio called out.

Another serve. Another net.

"Game 1-0! Echizen leads!" Horio announced.

"No way! Against a regular!" Katsuo shouted, shocked. Once again, he served, but Momoshiro's eyes glinted in a confident manner before he returned the ball. The ball bounced against the top of the net, flying up into the air before falling on Echizen's side of the court.

"Oh! Lucky!" Momoshiro cheered, making a 'V'ictory sign.

"He's getting the hang of the serves," Tomoka noted, finished with her photo shooting with Himitsu. Himitsu chuckled as Echizen readied another twist serve.

(Too bad. I've got the timing and power now. I can't lose!)

Momoshiro returned the ball and shouts of awe rang out.

"He's fighting back!" Kachiro noted.

"But Echizen is at the net!" Horio pointed out as the two opponents began to rally fiercely. It seemed as though neither side would let up before Echizen lightly hit it, the ball hitting just a few inches in front of the net.

"Eh? A drop volley?" Horio shouted, once again shocked.

"Y…You! You know how to do that too?" Momoshiro questioned in awe.

"15-Love," Horio called out the score, remembering his job.

"I can't tell who's going to win. Momoshiro-senpai is good, but Echizen isn't a typical guy either," Katsuo thought aloud. The three second-years and Sumire were returning, the three males out of the breath while the female looked reenergized.

"What do you mean?" Hayashi demanded, panting. "Momoshiro will definitely win!"

(K*so. I'm taking too long. I have to finish the game.)

Momoshiro shifted his feet, surprised when Echizen sighed suddenly.

"Mada mada dane," he said calmly, shifting the racquet from his right hand to his left.

"I suppose none of you knew," Himitsu drawled. "Ryu-kun is actually left-handed." Momoshiro's eyes widened while the girls shouted in surprise.

"Time!" Momoshiro called, calling attention to himself. "We'll end the game here for today. I'll let you off like this."

"Eh? But Momoshiro!" Ikabe protested. Echizen nodded and packed up without words. Himitsu leapt up to him and the two walked together.

"Ohayo! I'm Tomoka! I'm in class 1-1 with Hinata-chan and Sakuno-chan!" Tomoka greeted.

"Who's Sakuno?" Echizen asked cluelessly before walking away.

"Ah! Gomen! Ryu-kun is really bad with people…faces and names in general," Himitsu apologized before chasing after him.

"Are you really letting him go?" Hayashi argued. "If you do, those first-years will look down on the second-years!"

"If only your ankle wasn't injured!" Ikabe complained.

"Iie…he already knew from the beginning," Momoshiro answered their complaints.

(To play with his less dominant hand…he must have been watching out for his senpai…)

…xXx…

"Echizen Ryoma?" one repeated.

"Didn't you hear?" another questioned.

"Not at all," the first answered.

"From what Momoshiro told me, he's not a normal first-year and since it's coming from him, it must be true, ne?" the second explained. "I also heard that there was another person who didn't give his name. I suppose we'll have to find him."

"If that's true, shouldn't we be happy for that then?" the first smiled. His hair was cut into a bowl with a few unruly strands of hair that hung in front of his face.

"Hmm…true," another of the group thought aloud as they walked towards their school.

…xXx…

"Ah! Sakuno look!" Tomoka called, pointing out the window. "It's Ryoma-sama! Isn't he amazing Sakuno?"

"…Mhm," Sakuno answered, a bit hesitantly. "But…isn't he dating Hinata-chan?"

"Just admiring Sakuno," Tomoka explained lightly as she smirked. "But you li~ke him for real!"

Sakuno opened her mouth to protest, turning red, but failed as another voice entered their conversation.

"Ah it's Tomoka and Sakuno. Ohayo," Hinata greeted, smiling. She dropped her bag off on her desk before peering out the window.

"Oh, the tennis courts? Who're you looking at?" Hinata teased, nudging Tomoka with her elbow.

"Your eye-candy of a boyfriend," Tomoka answered honestly.

"Tomoka!" Sakuno squeaked, turning red as Hinata laughed it off.

"Ryu-kun is mine," Hinata whined playfully. The three laughed together.

"Then set me up with your twin," Tomoka suggested, her eyes glinting.

"Mitsu…is also in a relationship Tomoka," Hinata informed, raising a knowing eyebrow.

"All the good guys are taken," Tomoka pouted as Sakuno and Hinata comforted her with knowing looks and giggles.

…xXx…

"I heard that Momoshiro-senpai's ankle was hurt so he was only at half-power," Horio stated as the first-years stretched. "Well, it only makes sense. Even though you are good Echizen, no matter what, you can't match up to a regular that easily. I mean, look at the other players! The regulars aren't even here and their level is so high. Every month, there's also a ranking match that is used to determine the regulars. That's part of Seigaku's reasons for being so strong."

"You sure know a lot," another first-year complimented Horio who began to rant.

Echizen didn't react to Horio's prideful explanations, but seemed to turn his head to the newest addition of the team.

"Ne, Ryu-kun, should we rally a bit?" Himitsu suggested. His outfit was the same as before, but his color scheme had changed into one of red and black. His accessories had been themed 'Devil' and was clearly written on his red necklace and shirt. His black, baggy pants even had a red serpent crawling up one leg and a matching one on his black sweatband. His cap, unlike the rest of his clothes, hadn't changed from the white color.

"Why not?" Echizen responded, picking up his racquet. The two stood, simply hitting the ball between the two without bounces.

"Seigaku is in the best 4 of the district, did you know?" Horio continued to inform, reveling in the attention.

"Why are all the first-years so close together and not practicing?" one second-year questioned, panting from the early warm-up.

"Who cares?" another answered. "Practice hasn't started yet anyways."

"I would love to play against the buchou!" Horio admitted, chuckling. "Who knows, maybe with my two years of experience I'll actually be able to manage a point!"

"Don't even joke," Arai called out, disgusted. "First-years in the ranking matches? You'll all only collect balls and train the basics until the end of the summer camp training. In other words, only second and third-years can be picked as regulars. If any of you misbehave while the regulars are com-"

"Oh, here they come," Himitsu stated, nodding her head in the direction of the entrance. Everyone froze mid-sentence, shocked when indeed, a group of the regulars walked into the court, marked by their special team jackets.

"Yoroshiku!" everyone greeted in unison, bowing, all except for a single duo.

"Oh! Chisu!" Himitsu shouted alone after the deafening greeting, smiling at the members with a relaxed face before he hit the tennis ball so it landed inside the box of tennis balls, stopping coolly at the top. He walked over to Echizen and slung an arm around his shoulder before turning to face the regulars fully. "This is Ryoma, Echizen Ryoma. I go by Himitsu. We'll be future regulars of the Seigaku Tennis Team. Yoroshiku!"

"That's super confident nya~" one regular laughed, a bandage on his cheek and messy, red hair that he brushed behind his ear while wiping a fake tear from his mischievous eyes. He was taller than Himitsu and Echizen, but looked normal height against the rest of the regulars. He was one of the more lean members though muscles still coated his body.

"Super confidence? More like over-egoistic pride," another regular snorted. His messy, spiky hair fell just above his glaring eyes. He had a bandanna tied around his head, a green one with a white pattern on the front. He was built with muscle and had a frightening face that, though scared most of the others, Himitsu welcomed with a smile.

"We'll see in the matches," Himitsu joked, laughing to himself. "I have to go see Sumire-sensei so I'll be back later. Ja ne!"

With that, the boy packed his racquet walked out of the courts, whistling a tune with the racquet bag swinging on his shoulder.

"Your friend is asking for a death wish," the second member hissed at Echizen.

"Calm down nya!" the first snickered. "The kid's got spunk. We probably need some. A lot of the members here are so drab nya."

" 'Drab' you say? What a pest," the second stated, rolling his eyes. "We have enough on our hands with you."

The two began to glare, but quickly separated themselves when another intervened.

"We'll all introduce ourselves when the Buchou gets here and before practice. Until then, let's warm-up a bit," another regular cut in, a few strands of his neat bowl cut hanging in his face. He blinked, used to the obstruction as he picked up a racquet. He looked to be more of a power player, but the leadership he held demonstrated his obvious role as Fukubuchou.

"I want everyone to start rallying a bit to practice," the Fukubuchou announced, taking one side of one court while a single regular stood on the other side. The other members were speechless, completely forgetting about their own practice, as the regular hit the ball back into the basket no matter where the ball was hit by the Fukubuchou who was shouting advice to them. The regulars rotated, switching off for more practice. The other members whispered together, awestruck…except for one.

He stood, watching the ball land in the basket and the chaotic way it fell in, spilling more tennis balls over its sides. He stood, glancing at the path he had seen Mitsu take and the swing of the tennis racquet as the Fukubuchou hit it. He stood, observing the other regulars and the amazed members. He looked over them once more before holding back a snort. He was also aware that the Fukubuchou accidentally hit a ball too far, aiming for right where he was standing. Echizen tapped the rim of his cap before readying his body as he had infinite times before and struck the ball into the basket. He rubbed the back of his neck, bored, a bit sulky as tennis balls overflowed the sides.

"Not as hard as it looks, is it? I don't have the same control as Mitsu-nii, but neither do you guys," Echizen stated, watching their reactions: the interested looks of the regulars, the fearful ones by the other first-years, the fury from the second and third-years.

"You gaki! What the h*** do you think you're doing? This isn't a place for first-years to be showing off!" Arai shouted, grabbing the unwavering Echizen by the collar. A tennis ball smacked against his hand, startling him as he cried out in pain and loosened his grip. Echizen took a step back, brushing off his collar while Himitsu stood at the entrance, obviously not happy.

"I'm gone for a minute and already you're in trouble," Himitsu stated, his cold voice sweeping across the courts as he gave a smile promising pain. The other members, regulars included, froze at the palpable rage. Himitsu walked to Echizen, taking him by the hand.

"Let's rally a bit more Ryu-kun," Himitsu demanded, picking up a ball. He threw up the ball and the two began rallying, but still fearful and somewhat stunned, everyone just watched as the two began to pick up pace, throwing in another ball as they hit the ball to each other while not letting a single one bounce.

"Why isn't anyone training?" a strong voice cut in, causing Echizen to drop a single ball. Himitsu smirked, catching the other tennis ball and picking up the other in one hand and dumping the two into a basket. A man appeared in the entrance, dressed in the regular uniform. His hair was parted to the side and a pair of glasses perched on his nose, flashing along with his steady, stern eyes.

"Bu-Buchou!" the other tennis team members quickly greeted.

"Chisu," Himitsu greeted, smirking while giving a two-finger salute. The Buchou raised an eyebrow.

"Ran ahead to train with your…friend?" he questioned.

"If you want to call it that," Himitsu answered, the undeniable relationship between the two raising a million curious thoughts. The Buchou looked around the courts.

"Line up!" he ordered. Everyone scrambled into line quickly. The regulars stood at the front and the following lines were by school year, youngest to oldest. Himitsu and Echizen had walked to the end of the first year line, oblivious to the glares that burrowed into their heads.

"I am Tezuka Kunimitsu, third-year and Buchou," the Buchou announced. "Regulars, introductions!"

"I am Oishi Shuichiro, third-year as well and Fukubuchou," the Fukubuchou greeted.

"Kikumaru Eiji at your service! Third-year and part of the 'Golden Pair' with Oishi, nya!~" the red-haired one with the bandaged cheek stated, winking. "Yoroshiku!"

"Fuji Shusuke, third-year," one regular, smiling calmly with his eyes closed. His hair fell to his neck calmly and he was more of a lean player, less importance in his muscles, but also one of the shortest. He had a feminine aura about him, but it was obvious that he was male.

"Kawamura Takashi, third-year," another tentatively smiled, his hair cut short. He did not stand out all that much within the regulars, but his amiable smile automatically made the other members relax.

"I am Inui Sadaharu, third-year," yet another greeted. His black hair spiked in all directions and his eyes were hidden behind gleaming spectacles. He did not smile like most members and had a notebook in his hand.

"Kaido Kaoru, second-year," a different regular, the one from before, gruffly introduced. He let out a hiss that sounded much like a serpent. "Fssshhhhh..."

"And I'm Momoshiro Takeshi!" another greeted, beaming. "I'm a second-year, but call me Momo-chan! Yoroshiku!"

"Second-years and third-years begin rallying! First-years prepare to pick up balls and practice!" Tezuka announced, clapping his hands as the crowd dispersed. Himitsu and Echizen looked at each other before getting ready for practice.

…xXx…

"Arai-senpai is really fierce about seniority," Horio sighed as the three boys got ready to go practice again after the break, leaving their racquets in the locker room. Horio stepped on something, shrieking as he took a few steps back.

"Oh, it's only this dusty, old racquet," he realized, sighing in relief as he picked it up. "Thank goodness it wasn't Arai-senpai's."

He placed it on top of one of the numerous shelves.

"Speaking of which, I think that Himitsu and you need to watch out Ryom—Get up Ryoma-kun! You're on Arai-senpai's jersey!" Horio screamed, frightened. Slowly, Echizen looked at the jersey beside him and sure enough, he was sitting on part of it. Echizen finished lacing his shoes and got up just as Himitsu ran in.

"I'll be out there soon," Himitsu urged, already changed. He placed his things inside his locker and began lacing his shoes.

"Let's go," Echizen stated, giving a nod in response to Himitsu's hurried and distracted greeting.

"We better hurry!" Horio urged. "Don't want to be late!"

He opened the door before running into a broad chest.

"Watch where you're going you monkey!" a familiar voice demanded. Horio looked up, frightened when he saw three familiar faces.

"Ah! Gomen Arai-senpai!" Horio automatically apologized as he walked away, Echizen leading with hands in his pockets.

"Tch! Disrespectful punks," Arai spat as he walked in with Hayashi and Ikeda. The three threw disdainful glances at Himitsu who was lacing his shoes before Hayashi and Ikeda began to change.

"Oi! You're on my jersey!" Arai shouted at the young boy. Himitsu glanced to his side before finding that he had, in a rush, sat on Arai's jersey. Himitsu stood up, holding the jersey in one hand and patting it with the other before folding it neatly.

"Gomen," Himitsu apologized with a smile, holding the neat jersey up for the senpai. Arai made an irritated, blushing face, grabbing the jacket from the first-year who left, smiling once more.

"Those gaki need to learn some manners," Arai growled, sitting on the bench.

"That kid is better than that other one, Echizen," Ikabe pointed out. "He actually knows how to apologize."

"His attitude during the game is just as bad if not worse though," Hayashi pointed out.

"I swear that the two, no matter how good they are at tennis, need attitude adjustments," added another second-year.

"What's with all the racquets?" Hayashi grumbled when he knocked over a bag. He read the name off and gaped.

"Echizen has three racquets?" Ikabe choked.

"Hyuga over here has three too," Hayashi stated, pulling out another tennis bag. Arai smirked.

"I have an idea."

…xXx…

A pen tapped on the desk in thought, the owner lost in his own world.

"So how is it going Tezuka?" a voice broke through his reverie. "You going to put the two in?"

"Our club normally doesn't allow first-years into the ranking matches though Ryuzaki-sensei," another voice pointed out. "And though I have to admit that the skills you told about weren't hot air, the two…and their situation are still dubious. Don't you agree Buchou?"

"True…" Tezuka stated, still staring at the paper.

"Well, in the end it is Tezuka's choice," Sumire pointed out. Oishi and Sumire looked at each other knowingly with smiles.

…xXx…

Horio and most of the other first-years breathed hard, sweat covering their brow.

"Practice is a killer," Horio complained, sitting on the ground. Himitsu and Echizen looked at each other, hardly winded.

"There's still more," Echizen cruelly reminded them.

"How much?" Horio questioned, wincing.

"Practice swinging 500 times," Himitsu answered, giving the other first-years a sympathetic look.

"We haven't even made the team yet!" Horio complained.

…xXx…

"50!" the voices of the first-years echoed in unison as they swung the racquet.

"51!"

"52!"

"What's wrong Echizen, Himitsu?" Horio questioned, frowning at the duo as he paused in his activities. "Did you both forget your racquets?"

"Iie," Himitsu answered, the two looking around with furrowed eyebrows.

"You both have guts, not bringing your racquets to practice," a familiar voice rang out. Arai walked up to the duo. "Skipping because Buchou and Fukubuchou aren't here?"

Himitsu and Echizen stared at Arai's eyes with an unnervingly calm and confident aura.

"Look," Aria started, his anger covering his fear. "If you're both so confident that you don't need practice unless you're playing real matches, I'd play a match with you. But, since the two of you don't have a racquet…"

"Arai! Found this is the locker room. They can share it!" Ikabe stated, tossing the old, dusty racquet to Arai. He smirked, thrusting it at Echizen.

"Ah! But the strings are loose and the frame makes this weird sound. How can anyone play with that?" Horio complained.

"You going to play, 'Mr. I'm-the-best,' or not?" Arai prodded, glaring at Echizen.

"Arai's picking on the first-years again," Eiji pointed out.

"Should we stop him?" Inui questioned.

"Buchou and Fukubuchou aren't just going to let them go when they see this," Eiji thought aloud.

"Hmm…yeah," Fuji agreed.

"That dusty racquet is perfect for a first-year like you," Arai sneered. "If you get it, stop acting so cocky. But who knows? Maybe if you play, the missing racquets will appear."

Echizen's eyes widened before narrowing.

"I'll play," Himitsu volunteered, grabbing the racquet from Echizen. He weighed it on his shoulder.

"Bu-"

"All you're doing is picking on Ryu-kun even though I've done the same as him. Isn't it unfair? Therefore, I'll take his place and play a match with you," Himitsu explained, licking his lips confidently and drawing attention to them as he smirked. "Favoritism isn't pretty…Unless I'm wrong. Ne Sen-pai?"

Arai grunted, biting his lip with a somewhat hidden blush.

"Let's watch a bit longer," Fuji decided, looking with interest at the match.

"Thought you'd say that nya," Eiji stated dryly.

"I won't be going easy on you," Arai agreed, taking his place on the other side of the court. He placed the head of his tennis racquet against the ground. "Smooth or rough?"

" 'Smooth or rough?' " Katsuo repeated with confusion.

"That's how you decide who serves first," Horio explained. "There's also up and down where the logo on the bottom of the racquet handle is used too."

"It doesn't matter. You serve first Senpai," Himitsu offered, taking his place on at the baseline. He flicked the racquet a few times.

"I'm ready when you are!" he called out. Arai bit his lip again before picking up his racquet.

"Here I come!" Arai shouted, throwing the ball up into the air and serving. With practiced movements, Himitsu appeared in front of it, hitting the ball quickly. The ball flew over the net and hit the fence behind him.

"Ah gomen Sakuno, Tomoka!" Himitsu called, apologizing towards the passing startled duo. By now, most of the members had paused their own practices, too interested in the match.

"I knew it! It's impossible with a racquet like that!" Horio complained.

"Where's all the big talk?" Arai sneered.

"Even if he hits the ball squarely there's no control or spin," Inui stated matter-of-factly.

(Heh! This is coming along well. Keep on struggling! Squirm! Embarrass yourself so that you and that other first-year will never show off again!) Arai smirked.

Himitsu turned her attention to her racquet, flicking it a few more times before giving a practice swing. He smirked before knocking his knuckles on it once more.

"He's got it," Echizen muttered.

"I get it now. Again Senpai," Himitsu called out.

"Don't get so cocky!" Arai warned as he served again. Once again, Himitsu appeared before the ball, twisting his whole upper body and placing a spin on the ball. The ball swiftly appeared by Arai's foot before leaping up and smashing into the gate behind him.

"Ah gomen!" Himitsu apologized again. Sakuno gave a tentative smile while Tomoka eagerly began to cheer.

"So he added a spin by turning his whole body," Inui observed.

"Impressive," Fuji agreed.

"Did you see that? He was able to hit it back so well with that bad racquet! It still made that weird sound, but that return was so fast!" Whispers, praising and disbelieving spread across the courts.

"It was too slow," Echizen complained. Himitsu looked at him knowingly, sighing.

"I should put a bit more power into it," Himitsu agreed, looking carefully over the racquet. "Though I also have to admit that this old timer has seen better days."

"D…Don't get cocky because you made it once!" Arai demanded, serving once again. Once again, Himitsu appeared before it, spinning his body and sending the ball just out of his reach.

(How can he return the ball with such a poor racquet?) Arai demanded, running for the ball.

"He told himself that 'A great painter would never blame his brush,' " Fuji mumbled.

"That kid…he'll make the team if he's in the matches," Inui predicted.

"I can agree with that, nya~" Eiji smirked.

(K*so! I''ll end up being the laughingstock if this continues!) Arai ran around, rallying the ball just as another ball fell out of his pocket.

"Ah! I should move the ball out of your way," Himitsu offered with a sly smile, hitting the fallen hindrance with the tennis ball, sending one flying and the other frozen on the court. Arai fell on his behind, the ball in front of him.

"He's in complete control of the racquet!" Horio cheered. "Just like when he hit the ball into the basket!"

"Kaido, where are you going?" Fuji questioned.

"Of all the…he's embarrassing the second-years like that. I'm going to the bathroom," Kaido mumbled, walking off, hissing to himself.

"I should stop warming up now," Himitsu announced, retying his shoes and unzipping the sleeveless jacket all the way down.

"Ah! The strings are broken!" Horio pointed out. Himitsu took a look at it, kissing the frame. Tomoka began to take pictures eagerly, squealing soundlessly.

"It's fine. This racquet won't let me down," he stated, smiling. Tomoka took more shots of his fierce face as Echizen threw a glare at the oblivious girl and Sakuno sighed.

"Let's finish to the end Senpai," Himitsu urged, weighing the racquet on his petite shoulders.

"Isn't that enough?" Ikabe questioned nervously.

"It was just a practice match," Hayashi tried to placate. Himitsu smirked, pulling a tennis ball from his pockets.

"Yadda," he stated, throwing the ball into the air. The ball landed on the line, barely in, before spinning into the basket off to the side of the court as he smirked. Not a single ball fell out though a few shifted.

"But I'll give my Senpai-tachi a break if they help Ryu-kun and I 'find' our racquets," Himitsu offered. The three Senpai began to scramble for the hidden racquets while Himitsu high-fived Echizen.

"Did you see that spin?" Eiji asked in wonder, giving an impressed whistle. "Never seen anyone hit a ball to the basket from that bounce...or that control."

"Hmm…interesting," Fuji muttered to himself, his eyes slightly opened.

…xXx…

"What do you think Buchou?" Oishi questioned as the two peered down at the courts from a classroom, looking past the branches of the trees.

"…We don't tolerate rule-breakers. Get everyone to start running," Tezuka ordered.

"Regulars too?" Oishi asked.

"Everyone," Tezuka firmly answered as he left the room. Oishi sighed helplessly before leaving with a quick farewell and smile.

"What's this?" Sumire noticed, staring at the four blocks Tezuka had created with a smile.

Block C: Hyuga Himitsu (1st year)

Block D: Echizen Ryoma (1st year)

…xXx…

"So, how do you think that Ryoma-kun and Himitsu-kun will do?" Kachiro asked.

"Who knows," Katsuo replied, shrugging.

"Too be honest, the two probably don't have a chance," Horio admitted.

"Eh? But Ryoma-kun held up well with Momo-senpai," Kachiro argued.

"Momo-senpai was injured and wasn't in his best condition," Horio reminded. "If a regular was in top condition, the two wouldn't stand a chance."

"But all the first-years are rooting for them!" Katsuo argued, displeased with the disappointing, though somewhat realistic, answer.

"Including us," Kachiro added, the duo feeling resentment against Horio's statement. He turned his head upon hearing familiar voices mutter to each other. "Ah! Himitsu-kun! Ryoma-kun!"

The two were walking down the path calmly, Himitsu's eyes sparkling as he nudged a slightly pink Echizen about something. Echizen was dressed in his usual blue-sleeved, white polo shirt and black shirt with white sneakers. Himitsu, on the other hand, had chosen to wear a dark blue and white outfit, the same style as before, but themed 'Ace' this time.

"We'll be cheering for you!" Katsuo encouraged.

"You'll both make it for sure!" Kachiro agreed. Himitsu and Echizen paused at the three, Himitsu brightly smiling while Echizen looked rather indifferent though relieved to be rid of the conversation.

"Arigato," Himitsu thanked, beaming.

"Ne Himitsu-kun, you must like that style of clothing," Katsuo commented, eliciting a laugh.

"Well, it is nice, but mostly it's because Nata likes these clothes too," Himitsu explained. "She says that I actually look like I have meat on my bones."

"That's a weird observation," Kachiro chuckled, looking over the said person critically. "But…you are rather thin for a boy, even if you are tall."

"It's all part of my girlish charm," Himitsu joked, blinking when a slow exhale broke through, somehow very close to the sound of a snake hiss.

"Oi first-years," a familiar voice broke through. "Quit goofing off!"

"Ah it's Kaoru-senpai," Himitsu noted, pointing at the male who sat on the ground behind a tree, an orange bandanna, much like the green one from before, wrapped around his forehead.

"Go away," the second-year grumbled, glaring at them. Horio, Katsuo, and Kachiro immediately stumbled over a reply before running off.

"Oi, aren't you two first-years as well?" Kaido questioned, looking at the remaining Echizen and Himitsu. (Why is the gaki calling me by my first name?)

"We are. Ne Kaoru-senpai, good luck at the ranking matches! We'll be going now," Himitsu informed, missing—or ignoring—the look of disdain that followed the cheerful boy.

…xXx…

"That was scary!" Kachiro commented as the three stopped running in front of the courts.

"That was Kaido-senpai, right?" Katsuo confirmed as the trio panted.

"Yup. He'll be playing Ryoma-kun in Block D of the ranking matches," Horio added, trying to slow his breathing.

"Block D?" Katsuo repeated. "Oh, I see his name. Ah! Himitsu-kun's name is in Block C too!"

"Let me see!" Kachiro cheered, his eyes scouring the large board. "It is! By the way, what is the ranking tournament?"

"You both don't know? How could you not if you're members!" Horio sighed, scolding them. "The ranking tournaments are every month and the top two of every block become the regular members. There are four blocks to pick the top players and it's rare…I think it's the first time actually, that a first-year, let alone two, are playing."

"Uwa! Himitsu-kun and Ryoma-kun sure are amazing," Kachiro complimented.

"And if they win, they get the right to wear the regulars' jersey!" Horio cheered, pointing at the back of Oishi's uniform, black bold printing standing out against the blue and white jersey.

"You sure do know a lot," Katsuo smiled, Horio automatically laughing snootily.

"I did have two years of tennis!" Horior reminded for the umpteenth time.

"Oi you three! Aren't you supposed to put up the net?" Oishi questioned, calling out to the three.

"H-Hai!" the three responded.

"We'll get on it right away!" Katsuo reassured as the three ran off.

…xXx…

Hinata stood in the dusty room, surveying it and the covered boxes inside. She walked to the window, peering outside and her lips curled upward at the clear view of the tennis courts.

"Ah! It is you Hinata-chan!" a familiar voice called out, breaking her out of her reverie. Sakuno appeared in the doorway, smiling shyly.

"Ohayo," Hinata greeted, returning the expression.

"Are you going to rent out this storage room?" Sakuno wondered.

"I'm thinking about it," Hinata admitted, exploring Sakuno's disappointed expression. "Would you like the room instead?"

"Ah it's fine. I was just thinking that it had…the best light," Sakuno stated nervously. "If you don't take it, I was thinking that I should. Oh but if you want it it's no problem!" Hinata giggled at her frantic expression.

"It's up to you," Hinata stated, smiling. "I'll give you a week to think about it. If it's not rented by then, I'll be taking it."

"…You must…really love tennis. After all, Himitsu-kun and Ryoma-kun play," Sakuno stated. Hinata chuckled.

"Yup…I…like…tennis," Hinata slowly whispered, peering down the window at the tennis courts, abuzz with life.

"You should take it now," Sakuno suggested. "I'll pick the room next door."

"Being neighbors?" Hinata thought aloud. "That does sound nice…Ah, how about we share the cost instead?"

"What will you do in here?" Sakuno inquired a bit nervously, walking beside the male.

"Hmm…I'll probably decorate the room, paint a bit, sleep…listen, hide, cry…Who knows really?" Hinata listed, trailing off.

"I'll…be painting, but I'm not so confident as to put them up around the walls…" Sakuno admitted.

"Then…how about this? You paint and I'll hold the confidence for you to put them up all around," Hinata compromised. Sakuno looked hesitant before slowly nodding. Hinata gave a soft smile.

"Come on. Let's go sign up," she urged as the two walked out. "Afterwards, we can go and check out the matches. Ryu-kun and Mitsu are playing!"

"Hontoni?" Sakuno shouted in surprise.

"Mhm!" Hinata answered.

…xXx…

"Game set! Echizen wins, 6-0," the ref called out.

"Game set! Himitsu wins, 6-0."

"The two first-years are amazing, winning two games in a row without breaking a sweat," a second-year muttered.

"True, but I wish that the fans would chill," another mumbled with disgust. Tomoka and other female fans of the two mysterious males, ranging from third-years to first-years, had come to the matches and screeched all day, cheering nonstop. As if reading their minds, Himitsu paused on his path to Echizen and walked over to the fence, the links of metal the only barrier between Himitsu and a rabid pack of fans. He smiled, causing them to scream louder.

"You're all so beautiful," he complimented, sending them all screaming. "But with all your lovely voices at once, I can't concentrate on anything else."

He pouted, making even the surrounding males freeze.

"Can you all promise to cheer for us silently wherever Ryu-kun and I go?" he requested, looking at them with a breathtaking smile.

"Hai Himitsu-sama!" they agreed at once. They began to shout over who he had been smiling at when he turned around before he looked back at them, putting a finger to his mouth.

"We promised," he reminded with a wink, leaving the girls to silently scream and fawn.

"He's got some control over those fans," someone whistled.

"At least he does," another whispered. "I went to a school and saw a guy being chased around while they screamed about bearing his kids."

"Gross," the first grumbled.

…xXx…

"Congrats Ryoma-kun!" Kachiro cheered. "Your first match with a regular is after lunch. It's Kaido-senpai!"

"And Himitsu-kun, you're versing Kawamura-senpai after lunch too!" Katsuo added, the two happily congratulating the other two.

"It won't be easy," Horio broke through their reverie. "But if you really want help, you can both beg the great Horio to teach you with his years of tennis experience."

"Block D's Echizen Ryoma, 6-0," Echizen stated to Oishi who manned the scoreboard, ignoring the overconfident boy.

"Block C's Hyuga Himitsu, 6-0," Himitsu added, wrapping an arm around Echizen's shoulders. "Can we both grab lunch before our next match?"

Oishi looked at the time before nodding, writing the scores down on the board.

…xXx…

"Was it interesting to watch our matches?" Himitsu inquired, startling him.

"It was…impressive," Tezuka admitted. "Even so, it all depends on the matches to decide the regulars."

"I know," Himitsu stated, giving a helpless smile. "I'm just a bit…hesitant to make the team."

"Why so?" Tezuka prodded, his calm voice questioning, yet reassuring him.

"Hmm…Maybe it's because the eight of you get along so well," Himitsu decided slowly.

"I believe that we'll feel better knowing that Seigaku will be in good hands after we graduate," Tezuka advised. He glanced at the shorter male, seeing little of his face behind the cap and hood.

"And…"

"You're hoping I won't regret it one day," Himitsu completed his short word. Tezuka didn't say anything, knowing that the young male would somehow take the words out of his mouth. Himitsu sighed.

"Well, I'll try and win for sure," Himitsu stated with a smile. "I'll be eating now. Ja ne."

…xXx…

Just outside the tennis clubroom, under a large tree, the four gathered, pulling out their lunches and eating. Without a word, Himitsu passed a separate lunch box to Echizen who ate it with a contented expression.

"Good job Ryoma-kun! I just knew that you'd make it this far!" Horio cheered, food spilling from his mouth as he talked. Disgusted, Echizen held his lunch box out, away from the babbling first-year while Himitsu had finished at lightning speed, the lunch box already empty as he wiped his mouth and drank some water. He chuckled, handing a napkin to Horio.

"But if Himitsu-kun and Ryoma-kun have a chance like that, maybe I do too!" Horio bragged, ignoring the offer. Himitsu rolled his eyes and wiped Horio's mouth, surprising him and making him blush.

"In your dreams," Katsuo quickly shot down, rolling his eyes as Horio sputtered in defense.

"Ah Kachiro! What happened to your eye?" Himitsu asked with worry as the boy appeared, his own lunch in his hand.

"This?" Kachiro questioned, pointing at his black eye. "I was watching the matches and got too close. I got hit with a tennis ball, but that's beside the point. I got a clip of Kaido-senpai's match!"

"We were wondering where you had gone while we watched Ryoma-kun's match and Himitsu-kun's match. Hurry! Show us," Katsuo voiced, eagerly urging Kachiro to play it.

"It's overwhelming!" Kachiro commented.

"Yup, I probably won't have a chance," Echizen agreed.

"That's not like you at all Ryo—Who said I was talking about pros?" Kachiro sputtered as Echizen flipped through a tennis magazine, Himitsu at his side, commenting on something.

"Were you saying something?" Echizen questioned, closing the literary gossip.

"I took this video for you," Kachiro pouted. "I even got some of Kawamura-senpai!"

"I'm going to the bathroom," Echizen excused, leaving with his racquet.

"You're so sweet Kachiro," Himitsu complimented, giving him a breathtaking smile. "But I think I'll pass. I enjoy being surprised."

With that, Himitsu left as well.

…xXx…

"It's my shift. Go eat lunch," Inui stated at the scorekeeping table. Oishi looked at the clock before nodding with an amiable smile.

"How are the matches going?" Oishi questioned the male.

"As I expected…mostly. The first-years are doing better than I expected however. Haven't lost a single game yet…" Inui trailed off, writing down his own score '6-0' and pointing at the other two's scores.

"Echizen's in Block D with you so I feel a bit sorry for him," Oishi admitted.

"Before me, he's got another opponent to worry about," Inui reminded as a sharp, hissing exhale broke through his sentence. "Right, Kaido?"

"You trying to get under my skin Senpai?" Kaido inquired, glaring at the older male.

…xXx…

"I'm actually a bit nervous," Kawamura admitted, drinking some water. "The first-years haven't lost a game yet."

"We should have some confidence," Fuji encouraged, handing the male his tennis racquet.

"Moeruze!" Kawamura shouted, his character full of pride now.

"Don't worry. I'm sure that you can beat him nya~" Eiji stated with a bright smile, winking. "Just remember to treat us all to sushi after nya~"

"Perhaps it's a bit mean, but I do wish to battle it out with Himitsu on the courts soon," Fuji expressed, smiling as calmly as always.

"Whoa! Tensai here wants to play? That's a first! That first-year must be special, nya," Eiji whistled. "I have to admit though that twist he put on the ball with Arai was no joke."

"Ah! That's Momo-senpai's special move 'Dunk Smash!' " one person shouted, overwhelmed when the opponent could barely blink before the ball had passed him.

"I guess his ankle injury is better," Fuji noted.

"I thought he wouldn't have been able to make it," Eiji stated though he playfully smiled, grabbing the racquet from Kawamura who immediately calmed down.

"After a week of no exercise, my body feels stiff," Momoshiro complained. He waved it off as the game finished in his favor. "Oh well, what good rehabilation."

" 'Rehabilation' he calls it, " Eiji repeated, mischievously. "He's crazy nya~"

…xXx…

"A ball mark in only one place? Sugoi," Sakuno thought aloud, coming upon Echizen's practice. Himitsu spotted the two and hid in nearby bushes, smirking.

"Need anything?" Echizen asked, stopping in his practice.

"Ah!" Sakuno squeaked, realizing that she had spoken aloud. "I didn't' mean to bother you!"

"…You're not. So what did you need?" Echizen stated, bouncing the ball on the face of the raquet into the air.

"Well…I heard you were playing so…I just wanted to wish you good luck," Sakuno muttered. She turned red and Himitsu decided to appear with a well-hidden snicker and smirk.

"Your match is beginning," he warned the male—who pointedly looked away from the knowing look—before turning to Sakuno. "Want to come watch?"

Sakuno hesitated before nodding.

…xXx…

"Yo," Momoshiro greeted at the court entrance. Echizen nodded. "You're playing Kaido right?"

"…Think so," Echizen answered as the two entered, one setting up on the bench and the other leaving.

" 'Think so.' Acting dumb?" Momoshiro mocked. "Be careful with the Mamushi."

"Mamushi?" Echizen repeated, turning to look at him. "Why Viper?"

"That's Kaido's nickname. You'll see why later," Momoshiro explained.

" 'K," Echizen stated in reply.

"Yeesh. Does he really get it?" Momoshiro wondered aloud before leaning against the gate to watch the match. A hiss broke through everyon's train of thought.

"Ah! There's Kaido-senpai!" Katsuo pointed out as the second-year walked slowly towards the courts, breathing out slowly in that hiss-like breath of his. Some of the regulars—Inui, Tezuka, Fuji, and Eiji—stood, ready to watch the match as well.

"Wonder how he'll do," someone muttered.

"Best of one set match. Echizen service play," the referee announced, the match beginning as Kachiro filmed it at the request of Himitsu.

…xXx…

On the other court, few had gathered to watch the match. Though the match between regular Kawarmura and first-year Himitsu had raised some interest, almost everyone had looked forward to seeing the arrogant, first-year Echizen battle with the fearsome, second-year 'Mamushi' Kaido.

"It's oddly quiet," Himitsu commented as Kawamura and he set up their racquets on the bench.

"It is," Kawamura agreed.

"Guess it's just the ball, the court, our racquets, you, me, and the referee," Himitsu thought aloud, pulling out his racquet. "Let's get this over with."

"As you wish," Kawamura teased lightly, his nervousness slipping away when the young male graced him with a smile.

…xXx…

"6-4! Game won by Echizen!" the ref shouted, cries of disbelief and awe reigning throughout the crowd.

"Ryu-kun! Did you win too?" Himitsu's voice cut in. He waved, running over, looking refreshed.

"What do you think?" Echizen questioned, his tone gruff, but with an undertone of pride.

"I know. Never hurts to ask though," Himitsu laughed off, wrapping an arm around Echizen before wiping off a trail of sweat off the male's forehead with his thumb.

"Well, I guess you've met with the Mamushi's plot," Himitsu noted, smiling.

"You have no idea," Echizen muttered with exhaustion just barely visible in his tone. A loud smack! of the racquet against the knee startled everyone, silence coating the air as Kaido attacked his own knee, leaving a visible bruise and several cuts bleeding.

"Ah! You shouldn't do that!" Himitsu worriedly advised. "Your tennis racquet has worked hard for you and no matter what, you shouldn't give it the taste of your own blood!"

"Urusai," Kaido growled, ignoring Echizen's call for a handshake as he left the courts. He looked at Inui before leaving, leaving a comment. "I won't give up my regular position. Never."

"Hold on a second. Didn't that other first-year just say 'too' nya?" Eiji poined out, gaping.

"Wouldn't have believed it if I wasn't the opponent myself," Kawamura confirmed, dripping in sweat as he appeared. "Actually, it's hard to believe right now. 6-0. Never thought I'd see the day I'd fall without a fight."

"The two first-years beat regulars?" Whispers spread throughout the crowd with awestruck disbelief.

"They're pretty impressive!"

"They're not even regulars yet and they've done so well!"

"Any data?" Inui questioned the tired male.

"To be honest, he crushed me using a lot of speed. The ball was always just out of reach. His serves were twist serves just as you predicted," Kawamura informed.

"Hmm…" Inui thought to himself, the regulars already used to his habits.

"So, you're versing Sadaharu-senpai next, ne? I'm versing Shusuke-senpai," Himitsu stated, smiling. He looked at the regulars with a bright smile. "I can't wait to battle you on the courts. Come on Kachiro! Show me the tape of Ryu-kun's match!"

…xXx…

"I knew Ryoma-kun could win," Horio bluffed.

"You're always changing your opinion like that," Kachiro huffed as he and Katsuo rolled up the net. Horio, with the help of the other four, had cleaned up the tennis balls and stood idly, bragging while Echizen and Himitsu were dragging around a large broom.

"But even so, Kaido-senpai is a second-year and Inui-senpai is a third-year so-"

"Ryoma-kun will win!" Kachiro and Katsuo shouted at once.

"Alright alright!" Horio grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"It doesn't matter. Let's hurry up and clean," Echizen voiced as Himitsu left, noticed, but easily forgiven.

"Ryoma-kun, you've probably gone through rigorous training daily since you were little, right?" Kachiro guessed.

"I bet you've never lost," Katsuo stated in awe.

"What are you talking about?" Echizen questioned. "I lose everyday."

"Eh?" the three said at once.

"Don't bother," Hinata stated, appearing. "This boy is only playing because he wants to beat someone. Afterwards…well, I'm hoping he'll stick with it, but who knows?"

"Ah! You're the legendary, beautiful transfer student, twin of Himitsu-kun, who used to have a long-distance relationship with Ryoma-kun and now the two of you can rekindle your love!" Horio recognized in one long breath.

"That's what they call me," Hinata joked. Her hair had been pulled into a single braid that fell over her shoulder and she was dressed in the school uniform.

"Ne, Kachiro, may I bring the tape to my twin?" Hinata requested. Kachiro seemed awestruck for a moment before realizing the question, fumbling with the camera before handing it to her.

"Ah! H-Here!" he offered.

"Arigato," she thanked, smiling. She turned to Echizen. "You're done, ne?"

"Yup. Ja ne," he stated to the other three first-years without a backwards glance.

"Eh? Echizen!" Horio complained.

"Ja ne!" Hinata called back, waving as she followed Echizen.

"Lucky," Horio muttered under his breath as the three headed for the locker rooms.

…xXx…

Inside the locker room alone, Inui poured over a single book, jotting things down and scratching out calculations inside the pages. He smirked before closing it.

"Echizen Ryoma…He's strong, but I have fully analyzed him. 95% chance of victory," he muttered.

…xXx…

"Lost again," Echizen cursed, still dressed in his tennis outfit as he played a sports video game. A Himalayan cat rolled around in his lap, the feline looking content. A ball abruptly broke his train of thought as it tapped against his window. He got up, the cat jumping up calmly, as the boy looked out the window and out into the courtyard, his eyes zooming in on a man who was half-dressed in a black outfit, a loose robe and sweatpants. His hair had been cut short and bristles grew on his chin, begging to be shaved. He had a cigarette dangling from his mouth and a tennis racquet in hand.

"Ryoma! How about some exercise before dinner? I'll go easy on you by using only one of my legs. How about it?" the man offered.

"You don't need to go easy on me," Echizen threw behind his shoulder, picking up the racquet leaning against the wall of the messy room as he left. "Baka Oji."

…xXx…

"Kunimitsu-buchou and Shuichiro-fukubuchou are on fire," Himitsu commented, racquet on his shoulders as he walked with Echizen to their games. The two stretched together, ignoring the loud shouts from fans as the best in the team battled it out in Block A.

"Ryoma-kun's match'll start soon, right?" Katsuo noted as the two stretched. "He doesn't look a bit nervous."

"Neither does Himitsu-kun," Horio added with a sigh.

"I hope Ryoma-kun and Himitsu-kun win. They'll definitely become regulars then!" Kachiro cheered.

"Are Inui-senpai and Fuji-senpai strong?" Katsuo questioned a bit nervously.

"They're strong alright," a voice called behind them.

"Ah! It's Momo-chan-senpai!" they recognized.

"Just call me Momo-chan," he urged, smiling brightly.

"Momo….chan," they attempted.

"I don't think that it's possible," Horio admitted. Momoshiro laughed.

"It's fine then!" he waved off.

"Momo-chan-senpai, can you tell us about Inui-senpai and Fuji-senpai?" Kachiro questioned.

"Sure. Inui-senpai is strong even among the third-years. He hasn't ever been not on the regular team since…around 3 months ago?" Momoshiro recalled. "Fuji-senpai…He's a tensai. No doubt about it. They both give me a pretty hard time."

"Oi Momo," another voice cut in.

"Huh?" Momoshiro answered, turning around. "Oh Eiji-senpai!"

"Watching the O-chibi-chans play nya?" he questioned.

"Yup. Echizen's match is just about to start," Momoshiro stated.

"Well, you have a match with me right now nya~" Eiji urged.

"Huh? That's now!" Momoshiro complained.

"If you want to watch O-chibi-chan's match, go ahead. I'll win by default then nya~" Eiji joked.

"C'mon! Don't joke with me like that Eiji-senpai!" Momoshiro stated nervously. "Of course I'm playing!"

"Too bad, so sad! Ja ne!" Eiji teased, walking off.

"Eiji-senpai!" Momoshiro called out as he gave chase.

"We didn't really find out much about their opponents in the end," Kachiro sighed.

"Ah," Katsuo noted as a familiar, tall player walked into the courts.

"I apologize for making you wait," Inui stated. Echizen looked up before he and Himitsu pulled each other up at once.

"Win your match Ryu-kun. Good luck Sadaharu-senpai. Ja ne," Himitsu stated, walking off of the courts. Echizen nodded while Inui only raised a brow.

"Pity. Wanted his data too," he muttered under his breath.

"Let's start," Echizen requested curtly and the two took their places on the court.

…xXx…

"Ohayo Shusuke-senpai," Himitsu greeted, hand on his cap.

"Ohayo," he returned, the same smile plastered on his face. The two grabbed their racquets and faced each other on court.

"It's so nostalgic to stand on this court," Himitsu sighed, smiling softly.

"You haven't played in a while?" Fuji guessed as the two shook hands.

"Hmm…perhaps it's more reminiscent of the opponent," Himitsu thought aloud, not quite answering the question as his eyes wandered to the sky. He smiled again, training his eyes on his opponent. "Let's see how Seigaku's grown, ne?"

…xXx…

"Wah! It's Buchou's drop volley!" someone called out, squealing.

"Game won by Tezuka-buchou! 6-1!" the referee shouted as Tezuka and Oishi shook hands good-naturedly.

"Strong as always," Oishi complimented.

"Improved from before," Tezuka returned.

…xXx…

"Of course Inui is strong! He's won 3 out of his 3 games with Kaido during the monthly ranking tournaments," Ryuzaki-sensei stated, surprising the trio.

"All three?" the three first-years shrieked.

…xXx…

"You've gotten better," Himitsu stated, returning the ball. The two rallied the tennis ball back and forth, not caring much in particular about the game.

"I suppose I have," Fuji agreed without conviction. "I'll end the point now, Kouhai-kun."

Fuji drew his racquet back and with a great sweep of his arm, the ball landed in bounds before flying parallel to the ground.

"Mada mada desune," Himitsu smirked, bending down and with a swift hit, returning the ball. Fuji's eyes widened and the referee looked as if he were in a dream. The court had been empty, much like the game with Kawamura-senpai, but even so, a few fans of both players had stuck around and only silence could display their speechlessness.

"…15-Love," the referee finally blurted out. Himitsu sighed softly.

"Guess the tensai battle holds no interest for anyone," he joked.

"Guess so," Fuji agreed, the smile wiped from his face as his open eyes burrowed into his opponent's.

…xXx…

"The split step?" Kachiro shouted. "What's that?"

"It's so fundamental how can you not know? The split step is to lean your body forward just as the opponent returns the shot and land on your toes. By doing this, your reaction is about half a step faster," Horio explained.

"Why's that?" Katsuo questioned.

"That well…because…Ryuzaki-sensei?" Horio quickly passed.

"Because of the contraction and expansion of his muscles," Ryuzaki-sensei explained. "With this move, he can return shots he normally couldn't."

"And see what he's doing there? Using only one foot is better, but also harder, the one-footed split step," she stated with a reminiscent tone and a sigh. "I only know of two other middle school players who can use that move: one is second-year ace Kirihara Akaya of Rikkaidai, short for Rikkai Daigaku Fuzoku. The other is also playing a match today…I suppose the person is doing fine right now. Let's hope that the tensai battle ends up well."

…xXx…

"Have we met before?" Fuji questioned as the two relentlessly rallied, a frown marring his features.

"You don't remember?" Himitsu threw back, once again returning the ball just before he could react. Fuji attempted another return, but failed to reach the ball as it flew past him, sailing just passed the rim of his racquet. The referee looked pale, unable to believe what he was seeing.

"Game set, 4-1…Himitsu lead," he stated, slowly enunciating each word. Himitsu looked up, only slightly sweating.

"Should we get a new referee? He looks like he's about to pass out," Himitsu wondered aloud.

"Perhaps," Fuji answered before readying a serve.

"Well, I'm sure he can last a few more games," Himitsu decided, returning the serve with a gleeful smile.

…xXx…

"Hits that you can predict or that I can tell, but you can't reach…There's another kind," Echizen warned.

"Another kind?" Horio questioned, his eyes glued to the match.

"There are those that you cannot predict so you cannot hit. There are also those that you can predict and cannot hit. I'll show you both right now," Echizen arrogantly stated. Inui breathed hard, sweating from the sport. Without answer, he pushed up his glasses and readied to return Echizen's serve. Echizen smirked, transferring his racquet to his right hand…and hitting a twist serve.

…xXx…

"Game set won by Himitsu…6-1," the referee announced. The two shook hands, now amiable after the fierce match.

"It was entertaining. May I battle you again someday?" Fuji questioned.

"Of course!" Himitsu answered, smiling. The referee slowly climbed down the chair, his foot getting caught on the last few rungs. With surprising speed, Himitsu caught the third-year, landing on his back with a groan.

"Kouhai-kun!" Fuji called out, worried. He ran over, dropping his racquet as he pulled the third-year up.

"Itai!~" Himitsu groaned, getting up. He stretched a bit before looking at the shocked duo. "Am I missing something?"

"Your hair…" the third-year trailed off. Himisu swept a hand across his head, his hood and cap fallen off as long strands of hair fell to his waist. He sighed, picking up his cap with one hand. He looked at them, the breeze flying strands of his hair everywhere.

"Well? Going to make fun of me? Any reaction?" he questioned, his tone curious more than anything. As if to accent the statement, he twirled a strand in between his fingers, raising an eyebrow.

"Your hair is pretty," the third-year blurted out and suddenly, the fans of the male broke through the silence.

"Arigato," Himitsu smiled warmly. "I grew it out for my siblings. They said that they loved my hair too."

The third-year ran off, blushing with embarrassment while his fans squealed silently amongst each other.

"And you, Shusuke-senpai?" Himitsu questioned, surprised when the elder grabbed the younger's wrist too strongly.

"Shusuke-senpai," Himitsu repeated sternly.

"Ah, gomen. You look like someone I…used to know," Fuji stated apologetically, slowly letting go.

"I know," Himitsu stated, pulling on his cap. He pulled the hood up, smirking. "That's my twin."

…xXx…

"Games set won by Echizen, 6-4!" the referee called out.

"Uwa! He's good He really beat Inui!" a third-year shouted, surprised.

"He defeated two regulars!" another screamed.

"To defeat Inui-senpai…that's pretty great. In this match, his twist serve is even more polished than when he played me," Momoshiro's voice cut in as he stepped up to them.

"I accept my defeat," Inui conceded as the two shook hands. As he left, he muttered to himself about improvements in data. Echizen sighed.

"I was a bit angry and it was sort of fun…But I can't be bothered to play you anymore," he stated as the third-year ignored him.

"Ryu-kun! Help me!" Himitsu complained, his voice cutting into the game as the male ran up to Echizen whining.

"What happened now?" Echizen groaned.

"Shusuke-senpai is being scary!" Himitsu pouted, hiding behind the shorter boy.

"For what reason?" Ryuzaki-sensei asked, raising an eyebrow.

"How should I know? I just mentioned Nata," Himitsu answered, sticking his tongue out with a frown.

"Isn't that reason enough?" Echizen pointed out. "She's well-loved."

"It's your fault," Ryuzaki-sensei agreed.

"You're both no help!" Himitsu whined.

"Ah, he's coming now," Echizen stated, pointing in the direction of a scary-looking presence.

"I was never here," Himitsu announced as he leapt over the tennis courts' fence and darted into the trees.

"You can't trick anyone like that!" Echizen irritatedly shouted after the male, receiving only an echoing chuckle in answer.

"Ah. You transferred in with him too, right?" Fuji asked, pausing by Echizen with a deathly smile.

"Yup. But if you want anything, ask them," Echizen announced, walking past the senpai.

(Can't I ever get a break with Mitsu-nii and Nata-nee around?)

Fuji rolled his eyes at the leaving boy and looked at Inui.

"Add this to your data. One-footed split step, twist serve, high speed, impressive strength, and relation to Hyuga Hinata."

There was a collective pause in the court before one loud shout.

"Nani?"

…xXx…

The matches after, Himitsu and Echizen blew through the matches, 6-0 the entire way. However, shocking news shook Block D. Kaido defeated Inui for the first time, 7-5.

"Get out of the way," Kaido demanded, leaving the court. "Fssshhhhh..."

"Tough luck Inui," Oishi comforted as he stepped out. Inui sighed.

"His skills were above what I recorded," he stated with a tinge of regret and awe. He looked at the two first-years playing around together as the other three first-years were showing off to them. "Those two too. Both knowing the twist serve and one-footed split step? Amazing."

Kaido walked up to them, deliberately frightening the first-years with a hiss while Himitsu giggled and Echizen stood calmly.

"The school is getting stronger," Inui noted.

"Yeah…" Oishi agreed, smiling brightly.

…xXx…

The Regulars:

Hyuga Himitsu (1st year)

Echizen Ryoma (1st year)

Kaido Kaoru (2nd year)

Momoshiro Takeshi (2nd year)

Fuji Shusuke (3rd year)

Kikumaru Eiji (3rd year)

Oishi Shuichiro (3rd year - Fukubuchou)

Tezuka Kunimitsu (3rd year - Buchou)

…xXx…

Well, I hope you liked it. I wasn't quite sure about this fic, but I've been falling in love with Prince of Tennis recently. I know I have other stories, but I go where my passion leads. Reviews are loved and subscribers are hugged (virtually).