Prologue (v3)

Sitting at his studying desk in his room, Yanagi looked vacantly through the window in front of him at the impenetrable darkness outside. With slight difficulty he rested his cellphone on his left ear with his left hand. The maneuvering with his non-dominant hand would take some time to get accustomed to, he told himself

"Renji." The voice coming from the other side of the line was tender, rather uncharacteristic of the vice captain of Rikkaidai's tennis team. It did not however lose its firmness. "Yukimura is hospitalized. It will not be as easy to lead the team to its third national victory. We promised him that we will wait for his return undefeated."

Yanagi could clearly discern the slight hesitation in his words. The news of Yukimura's hospitalisation had occurred at the most unfavorable timing, right after obtaining their second consecutive national championship title. It was a constant struggle to overcome the fall of their captain, even after several months crawled by. This was especially so for Sanada, the person that knew Yukimura the longest. Yanagi was painfully aware of that.

It made this even more excruciating. If Yukimura's timing was bad enough, Yanagi's timing was like a stab to the back after a stab to the gut.

"Genichirou," Yanagi was subconsciously dragging this conversation. He convinced himself that his friend at least could use some consolation, that, and he was not a liar. "You are not alone."

"I know. That's why," There was a momentary pause, one that would have wavered Yanagi's resolve had it lasted any longer. Sanada took a deep breath and said his resolve, loud and clear."Renji, we will remain victorious."

It was a declaration that left no room for options. An oath filled with so much tenacity that it brought even the most surreal dream real. Yanagi's heart throbbed with excitement, the same feeling as when they emerged victorious in their first national championship. It would happen again this year. Sanada would lead the team and make it happen, Yanagi was certain. He had always admired Sanada's unwavering resolution, one that made him fitting to be an Emperor.

However...

"I'll see you tomorrow after school. I want to go through this year's plan for the team. We'll start work from day one."

Yanagi smiled bitterly at Sanada's words as apprehension dawned on him. He remained silent. Closing his eyes, he breathed in to calm himself. His right hand suddenly smarted; the pain directly shot to his brain, a constant reminder of the reality.

There were so many ways Yanagi could approach this situation, ways that might alleviate the pain for his friend. But Yanagi just had to approach him in the manner he knew best. It made him nauseous, the uncanny similarity to the scene three years ago that he was imposing onto this situation.

"...See you later, Genichirou."

What a coward.

Yanagi cut the line immediately. He dared not continue the call even one second longer lest his resolve would come crashing down. Clenching his phone tightly until the outline of the phone was embedded in his palm, Yanagi lowered his forehead until it touched his desk, bowing down as if asking for forgiveness.

He could not stay in Rikkaidai. This was the best for the team. Yanagi kept repeating to himself those words, for regardless of the accuracy of those words, Yanagi strongly believed that to be the truth.

His eyes scrutinized his right wrist that rested across his lap. No bruise or any visible indication that might give him away. He had to keep it that way. For this plan to work, Yanagi needed as clean of a slate as possible.

Yanagi closed his eyes, forcing his nerves to relax. Let him enjoy this tranquility a bit longer, for he knew in less than eight hours, everything would start falling apart.