Disclamer: I do not own Prince of Tennis. If I did no one would want to read it.


National Tournament

It was the final point in the nationals. Until the fateful words rang through the stadium.

"Match, Echizen."

That's when every thing changed for the Seigaku regulars. Only they did not know it yet, nor did they know that their youngest member was changing under their very nose. Every one rushed out onto the court pulling the young player into their celebrating group. He just shook them off and went over to the stoic captain who was still on the sidelines.

"Buchou"

"Well done, Echizen. You have become the pillar of support for Seigaku."


Kawamura Sushi (victory celebration)

Everyone was there eating their fill of sushi, all of them happy and excited. Momoshiro eating every thing in sight. Kaidoh was of course complaining about Momo's eating habits. Inui was talking to Fuji about his new data, and also how he caught Tezuka smiling on tape. Kikumaru was looking around at the quickly disappearing food and in an attempt to get some for himself grabbed Fuji's hot wasabe sushi. Kawamura was behind the counter making the sushi almost as fast as it was going. Oishi was trying in vain to calm everyone down, being the mother hen of the group. Tezuka was in fact for once letting it all happen as soon he would no longer be the buchou. Echizen on the other hand was interacting with the group much like he normally would. Only it was fake not at all as to what he was thinking inside his head.

Though no one appeared to notice Echizen's behavior three pairs of eyes were on him.

"Tezuka, have you noticed how our rookie is not acting like himself to night?" Fuji asked as he cam over to sit by the captain.

"Aa"

"Saa . . . it does seem to me that his is worried about something. Don't you think?"

"We shouldn't let our guard down. Especially with Echizen."

"There's a 6.4 chance that he is in shock from winning the game, a 34 chance that he is hiding something, and a 60.6 chance that he is worried that something will now happen."

"Inui, what is he worried about happening?" Tezuka asked the data gatherer.

"I. . . have no data as to what he is worried about." He replied for once closing his notebook and putting it down on the table.

"Saa . . . I think we need to find out what is going on, don't you, Tezuka?" Fuji asked his blue eyes glinting as he opened them as his ever present smile faded.

"Aa."

As the party was winding down Echizen got up and left with no one taking any notice of the young player. Except once again three pairs of eyes watched him go.

Fuji stood catching everyone attention "Well, I had better get going see you all tomorrow. Tezuka, Inui walk with me."

The two nodded and followed the tensai outside and turned to follow Echizen who they could see a few blocks down.

As they were leaving they heard Momo shout from the shop "Hey, Echizen's already gone!"


The street

Echizen had walked several blocks before stopping and just standing there in the middle of the street. After a few minutes several large men in black came out of the shadows and surrounded him.

The three following Echizen edged closer and kept to the shadows until they heard what was being said.

"The agreement has been fulfilled now that your team has won the Nationals, sir." One said

"And" Was all Echizen replied, but the men seemed to know what he wanted.

"Sir, he reneged on the steel, didn't think that you would win. He doesn't want anyone to interfere with his plans. Anyone like you or your team mates." Another replied

Echizen looked up and around at the men. "I was afraid that it would turn out this way. How long do you think we have before he comes?"

"We don't know sir. Seeing as right now he is still abroad on business he will have to wait until it is finished. He will also know that we reported to you so it will make him unpredictable. We suggest heightened security for both you and the school." The first replied

"No, leave everything as it is. I don't want him to know we're prepared If he does come in the next few days I should be able to hold him off until you get there." Echizen said shacking his head.

"But Echigozen-sama if you were to be hurt!"Argued the first, who appeared to be the leader, as the others murmured their agreement.

" DON'T argue with me Kazuyama!" Anger laced Echizen's voice, and glinted in his eyes when he replied.

"Besides if you raise guard then my cover will be blown and he wont be the only one after me and my team mates." This time he sounded regretful as he spoke those words.

"Sir. . . I will honor our decision, but do know that if something were to happen many people would be in danger." Kazuyama said.

"I am well aware of that fact. Send in the UCY group, but remember they are not to treat me as if they know me or even who I am. Now go before you are seen by more people." Echizen said as he dismissed them.

"Sir." The group said in unison as they started to retreat back into the shadows.

"Kazuyama, one last thing." Echizen called to the large man.

"Sir?"

"Tell Atobe that he might show up at Hyotei as well. Just because he does indeed know my position with them. And if you Keigo personally call him monkey king he will know who sent this warning."

"Yes sir." Kazuyama said as he disappeared into the night.

After a while Echizen turned around and looked toward were his three sempis were hiding.

"I know your there Inui-sempai, Fuji-sempai, Tezuka-buchou. I let you hear this conversation so that you could help me protect the school. Only I cannot have you acting differently towards me that will put you in danger when he does come. Also don't speak a word about this to anyone. Goodnight sempais." Echizen said before turning and going home. Leaving his sempais there standing on the street looking after him as he left.

--

I know it's not much but here it is my first fanfic what to dooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo?! TT

I'll try to get chapter two out asap