Before we go on with the story, did you all guess the trivia question from the last chapter?
The answer: Kotaro Yanagi, the boy in the beginning of ch. 1, is based on the actor who became the very first to play Ryoma Echizen in the Prince of Tennis musicals. I thought I'd add something from the musical for fun in honor of all the hard work Tenimyu has done. ^-^
So previously in our story, Yamato and Ryoma have announced that a new team will be built, now they need to find their teammates. Who will they find first? The chapter title below should probably be obvious.
I do not own any characters from Prince of Tennis. All works belongs to Konomi Takeshi.
Here we go!
Chapter 2 – Home Run Boy and the Golden Pair
Now if Yamato and Ryoma are going to find the chosen tennis players to their tennis team, they need to start searching for tennis players who are unordinary such as Ryoma.
Eventually, Yamato had the hunch that if you want to look for the best, look in your neighboring competitions. And just like that, after analyzing carefully through other schools' records, they have found their first target from Team Yamabuki.
Team Yamabuki is a neighboring team located in Tokyo, Yamato and Ryoma's hometown. So Yamato drove himself and Ryoma out to Yamabuki Jr. High and found the school's tennis courts.
Now the two sat in the car at a distance from the courts, watching the tennis team doing their practice. Both of them have their eyes on one certain member of the tennis club. Their target is a boy with brown hair and sideburns and a gentle expression on his face.
"Takashi Kawamura", said Yamato to Ryoma based on the information he found, "He's in 9th grade and at the moment, currently playing for Yamabuki. He's actually the son of a sushi chef and is training to take on the family business once he graduates."
Takashi is tall and well fit, yet he is mostly seen as a shy type of guy as he entered the courts and politely greeted his fellow club members.
"So what's special about this guy?" said Ryoma with in his mind, "He looks normal to me." There was no clue leading to the fact that this shy tennis player could be the one they're searching for.
Now the team's captain, Minami Kentaro, called out, "Hey Taka! You forgot this again!" And he tossed Kawamura his yellow tennis racket that he accidentally left behind on the benches. "Oh. Thank you Kentaro", said Kawamura politely and with little embarrassment before he caught his racket.
"My case stands correct", Ryoma stated, not impressed, "A guy who would be silly to forget his own tennis racket at the start of a match would never be one to play in an ultimate team."
"Oh? Look again", Yamato encouraged, "I don't think his club members wouldn't call him Home Run Boy for nothing". He had a sly gleam in his eye from the moment he saw Kawamura gripping his racket.
"Home Run Boy?" Ryoma repeated with a puzzled face, "Why do they call him that?"
It was then, to Ryoma's surprise, Kawamura's face had suddenly changed from plain and gentle to a fearsome mean face of a beast followed by a bold roar. This time he spoke in a firm and powerful voice, "ALRIGHT! LOOK OUT! I'M BURNING UP!" It's as if he became a whole different person.
He then began practice as a club member on the other side of the court Takashi was standing on tossed and served a ball to him.
When the ball came close to his reach, Takashi swung and whacked the ball with huge strength while yelling out, "BURNING!"
His serve was unbelievably strong that the ball flew over high enough out of the courts and seemed to have disappeared into the sky, just like if it's a home run shot, hence the nickname. Some of the other club members were stunned at the boy's strength, but others, like the senior players, gave moans.
"And there goes another ball", said one followed by a sigh, proof that this wasn't the first time something like this happened.
"That's Home Run Boy for you", said another 3rd year.
From the moment Ryoma saw what Kawamura just did on the court, he sat there awestruck and quiet. "...What just happened?" he finally found the words to say.
"As long as he's got a racket in his hands, that young man evolves into a different person", said Yamato, "His specialty is being a baseliner with extra power in his serves as you just saw."
"Are you sure he's a tennis player and not a baseball player?" Ryoma wanted to make sure.
Satisfied with his force of power, Kawamura yelled proudly, "GREAT-O!"
Suddenly a sharp voice spoke, "Hey Kawamura!"
Kawamura got a startle when the voice came from behind him, causing him to drop his racket. When he did, he instantly returned to his normal and gentle self, now quiet.
The one who called his name is a 3rd year Regular for Yamabuki named Jin Akutsu. "Stop daydreaming and get serious", he said strictly, "This is tennis, not baseball. Got it?"
"R-Right", said Takashi obediently, "Sorry." He then resumed back to practice.
"Well we've seen what we needed to see here", Yamato announced as he started the car engine, "Let's go back."
However Ryoma was confused. "Huh? We're leaving him like that?"
"Patience", Yamato encouraged, "We probably need to give him some time. He seems to be quite dedicated to this team for a reason."
And with that, Yamato drove them away, heading home until they can think of a way to bring Kawamura to the team.
After practice was over for Yamabuki, Takashi went to the outdoor sinks to clean himself up. As he splashed cold water on his face, he took the towel that's hanging around his neck to dry his face. Removing the towel also revealed a surprising secret. Turns out that on the back of Takashi's neck was the mark of a tennis ball, a sign to prove that he's the one Ryoma and Yamato are looking for.
"Kawamura."
Takashi turned around and saw Akutsu standing behind him with his hands in his pockets and eyeing him with his nonpleasant eyes. "Oh Akutsu...Uh look about today's practice, I'll try and improve more", he said eagerly, "At least when I'm able to stop losing more balls." He tried to give a small chuckle.
But somehow, Akutsu noticed Takashi's thoughts from the inside. "What is it now?" he asked suspiciously, as he continued giving him the eye.
Not having a chance to hide anything from Akutsu, Takashi replied, "Well it's just that...the guys from the baseball club came and asked me to join their club for the next season. And I uh..." He paused with hesitance, wondering if he should continue.
"And? What did you tell them?" Akutsu inquired.
"I...I told them that I would think about it. But, maybe it is best if I join the baseball club right? I mean, I'm Home Run Boy after all."
It was clear that Takashi didn't want to show his true thoughts about himself and try to hide it with a small laugh. However this doesn't seem to convince Akutsu as he sighed.
Then Akutsu turned his back to Kawamura and said, "Come on."
Kawamura watched his friend heading towards the direction to the tennis courts again. "Huh? We're we going?" he asked.
"You need practice to control your power shots am I right?" Akutsu inquired, "Or do you not need my help?"
He stopped walking and looked back at Kawamura, waiting for an answer. To Kawamura's pleasure, he gratefully smiled and replied, "Oh no! That'll be great!"
Behind his back, Akutsu had a hidden smirk as he led Kawamura back to the courts.
With the courts all to themselves, Akutsu and Kawamura can practice without any people bothering them. "Aim lower!" Akutsu called out, giving advice once in a while. Takashi heard this and on the next shot, used the tip and surprisingly managed to keep the ball in the court this time. During these private practices when it's just the two of them, Akutsu and Kawamura appeared to be more friendly with each other.
As the two were rallying with each other for a long while, Kawamura thought back at the memories of the pleasant times when he and Akutsu were younger.
"Of course...I don't need to leave the tennis club. Jin and I have always stuck together thick and thin and have made it through. During katate class, when the older kids would pick on me for being shy, Jin was there to back me up. And if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have made it on the tennis club. As long as I can try and please him, I know I'll get through somehow."
The next location where our next chosen player will be revealed is at a local gym facility open to any neighboring residents to train, which is still around Tokyo fortunately. Shuichiro Oishi, a 9th grade boy and a student who is studying to be a doctor, was sitting in one of the gymnastics room. He sat on a bench writing in his school notebook for a homework assignment.
As he continued writing, a group of school girls from his school came walking by, about to head out. "Hey Shuichiro, do you want to eat out with us this time?" one of the girls asked. To be polite Oishi gave them a smile. "Sorry ladies, but I'm helping out with something tonight", he said with regret, "My boss might get mad if we don't prepare." "Oh, too bad", said one girl with a sad pout. But then another said, "Well, okay. See you later!" Oishi waved to the girls and saw them leave, but once they left, he sighed. He admits the fact that he's usually busy to spend leisure in his time. But nevertheless, he ends up not minding it a bit.
Now he turned his attention to the books he had brought with him. They were books about medical and health of course. He was about to resume reading through one of them when he noticed a tennis ball lying by his stuff. Feeling like he wanted to do something, Oishi picked up the tennis ball and tossed it up and down a few times. Then just for fun, he faced the wall that's closest to him and threw the ball at the wall and let it bounce against it and bounce back to him. When he caught it, he threw it again and managed to hit the same spot on the wall. He continued bouncing the ball a few more times, hitting the same area over and over with ease.
But then Oishi's concentration was interrupted when he felt a funny feeling coming from his right arm. After catching the ball, he pulled up his right shirt sleeve and looked at his bare right shoulder, where a tennis shaped birthmark is visible. The fuzzy sensation he just felt came from the birthmark itself, which got Shuichiro puzzled. "Weird...Why does it feel funny just now", he said to himself in curiosity.
"Excuse me, do you have a moment?"
Oishi looked up and was approached by two unexpected visitors entering the gym, Yamato and Ryoma.
"Oh uh...can I help you?" asked Oishi politely.
Before any of the two spoke, Ryoma and Yamato noticed the some ball imprints visible on the wall, where Oishi had bounced the ball against earlier. Ryoma was impressed at the fact that Oishi has successfully bounced the ball at the exact same spot in a row. At the same time, as Yamato faced Oishi, he couldn't help but notice the distinctive birthmark visible on Oishi's shoulder. So then the coach asked, "You are Shuichiro Oishi?"
Oishi nodded his head and replied, "Yes. I'm him."
As Ryoma explored the place, he noticed that a black tennis racket with an orange handle is leaning against Oishi's belongings. "Just out of curiosity, do you play tennis?" Ryoma asked the 9th grader.
"Well uh..Yeah I actually do", he said modestly, "I love playing it. Why do you ask?"
This was all the proof Yamato needed.
"Because...you might have a chance for a golden opportunity in your future my friend", the coach announced proudly.
As Yamato talked, the three failed to notice that they weren't the only ones in the gym at the moment.
Oishi heard what Yamato just said and repeated, "A golden opportunity?"
At that moment, a new voice spoke from out of nowhere.
"Hey Oishi, who are those guys down there?"
Ryoma and Yamato heard and followed the voice that led to above their heads. They looked up and were surprised to find someone sitting on the trapeze like a kid on a swing set, high up from the ground.
On the trapeze is a boy at the age of 14 with red hair and a band-aid on his right cheek for no reason. This is Eiji Kikumaru, a friend of Oishi's. He had been watching from the trapeze for a while when Ryoma and Yamato entered and wondered what they were talking to Oishi about.
"Oh sorry Eiji, did we disturb your practice?" Oishi called out from the ground. His friend on the trapeze shook his head. Then he playfully called out, "Look out below!"
Then to Yamato and Echizen's surprise, the boy lowered himself down so he'd hung from the bar. Then he swung back and forth on the trapeze a few times and let go of the bar. As he soared across the air, he flipped three times before he caught onto a set of rings like a professional acrobat. Since he was a little closer to the ground, Kikumaru again released and fell towards earth. As he fell, he gracefully did two back-flips in mid air and landed safely on the ground in front of Ryoma and Yamato without getting hurt. Kikumaru straightened himself and raised his hands in the air as a finish. "Hoi hoi!" he said boldly.
Impressed with the boy's acrobatics, Yamato's eyes widened from behind the sunglasses. "My, what excellent reflexes you have", he commented, "And who might you be?"
Kikumaru went to Oishi's side and patted his friend's shoulder. "I'm his partner", he answered proudly, "Anything you say to him, then I want to know as well."
"Partners huh?" said Ryoma.
Then Kikumaru showed a face of realization. "Now I remember where I've seen you from", he recalled looking at Ryoma, "You remember Oishi? The ones we saw on TV? They are the guys creating the ultimate tennis team."
"And you've heard right. Which is why we're here", said Yamato, who turned to Oishi, "How would you like to be a part of our team? You seem to possess the skills that are similar to Ryoma's here."
"Me?" Oishi pointed at himself in surprise.
"Eh? Oishi, an ultimate man?" said Kikumaru, surprised as Oishi is, "You mean Oishi is like some kind of superman?"
"Mm, something like that", Yamato did best to answer, "So what do you say Shuichiro?"
As he waited to a reply, Oishi looked at his friend, giving an unsure look in his eyes while Eiji shrugged his shoulders in response.
Finally Oishi answered,"Well actually, I'm kind of...undecided yet." He seemed to sound hesitant for some reason to Ryoma's suspicion.
Yamato then took out his wallet and took out a card. "Well if you happen to find your answer, this is my number", he said as he held out the card to Oishi. Shuichiro took the card and gave a small bow as Yamato and Ryoma departed without another word.
After they left, Oishi and Kikumaru stared at the contact card Yamato left for him. "So? What do you think Oishi?" asked Eiji.
"Gee Eiji, to be honest, I'm not sure", Oishi said truthfully, "What will they say if we tell them about...that?"
Eiji is concerned for his friend's tricky decision. But for now, he decided not to have worries bugging him and went back to his cheerful mood. "Ah let's not think about that now. You worry too much Oishi", he insisted, "Well, back to practice!"
Kikumaru then turned and returned to his training by running towards a spring platform and jumped off from it to leap into the air. He caught onto a horizontal bar and started swinging in a circle like a monkey and then hung from it upside down by his legs. His t-shirt soon slipped down and uncovered his front to reveal a surprising secret. What Yamato and Ryoma didn't realize before is that smack on the middle of his sweat covered chest is the same tennis ball shaped birthmark that Oishi has, symbolizing his role as another of Samurai Nanjiro's heirs.
With Shuichiro Oishi on hold until he makes his decision, Ryoma focused now on getting Kawamura on their team first. He came to the decision to call Kawamura out for a private meeting on Yamabuki's tennis courts after practices.
As told, Takashi came out onto the courts when he was done with practice for the day after receiving an anonymous text message that's signed, 'A Friend'. Curious, Takashi did as the message requested and is now waiting for the caller to appear.
Finally after a while of waiting, someone came onto the courts, wearing a white cap and carrying a tennis racket. Like Oishi and Kikumaru, Kawamura had also watched the news and recognized Ryoma's face as the one who is building up Team Seigaku. He obviously figured what Ryoma would want to talk to him about, but to make sure, he asked, "Are you the one who called me? And if so, what do you need to talk to me about?"
Ryoma bounced a ball up and down on his racket's net and stated, "I'm here to announce that you're a born Ultimate Tennis man. You're receiving an invite to join Team Seigaku."
At this awestrucking news, Takashi first had some doubts. "Me? An ultimate tennis man?" he said, pointing to himself. Then he showed some modesty. "I don't think so. I'm just a guy who everyone calls Home Run Boy", he confessed, "How can I be an ultimate tennis man is I can't control my shots?"
Surely, Takashi thought, a guy who couldn't control his own power on the court would never be a part of a superhuman tennis team.
"You do have a birthmark somewhere on you right?" Ryoma inquired, "I'm assuming that it's the shape of a tennis ball."
Takashi raised a hand and felt the back of his neck, wondering how Ryoma could've known that. "What's that got to do with that?" he asked. To show his answer, Ryoma raised his left arm and revealed Takashi his own birthmark, which of course surprised him to see the similar marks.
"This proves that we're connected by fate", the prince said, "But just so we're fair here, we're going to have a match. Singles. If I win, you have to join my team."
However Takashi wasn't really comfortable about this sudden change in his life, plus he was unsure whether playing a match against Ryoma was a good idea. "Um, I don't want to be rude, but I don't want to make a without getting my captain and my friend's permission first", Kawamura insisted but politely as he can, "And I have never really planned on leaving Yamabuki in the first place."
Getting annoyed by his excuses, Ryoma sighed as he turned his back to Kawamura. "Are you seriously that obligated to Jin Akutsu sempai?" he asked, "No offense, but I think he's creepy to hang around with."
"Jin isn't all like that", Kawamura stated to defend his position, "Besides, I owe a lot to Akutsu. He was the one who helped me get in this team in the first place."
"Seriously?"
Kawamura nodded firmly, "Akutsu helped me a lot in the past. He stuck up for me when we were little. Playing tennis with him and helping our school reach the Nationals is the one way I could thank him."
"Don't you get what opportunity you're getting here, Kawamura-sempai?" Ryoma encouraged, not giving up.
And so to convince Takashi, Ryoma decided to give the 9th grader a demonstration of their abnormal abilities. To do that, Ryoma stood on the other side of the court he and Kawamura are standing on and held a ball in his hand. Then facing Kawamura, he tossed up the ball and waited for it to come down at the right spot. Following that, Ryoma swung his racket and slammed the ball, shooting it to the other side like a bullet. The ball shot past Takashi with great speed and jammed itself right in the one of the gaps on the wiry fence behind him. Amazed at the boy's skills, Takashi stared at the stuck ball with stunned eyes. "What a serve.." he said quietly to himself. But he remembered his decision about not leaving Yamabuki.
"Look I'm sorry, but I'm not interested at the moment", he stated again, "You should go back home."
He then began to walk away before Echizen could say more. But he was stopped short when he felt a burning sensation from his neck. Before he could start wondering why it's hurting, Ryoma spoke, "So your birthmark is hurting too? Still having doubts about your future?"
Kawamura didn't say a word as he continued to feel the birthmark surging with strange power.
Finally Ryoma gave up and sighed, "Well, can't say that I didn't tried..." Not going further with persuading Kawamura again, Ryoma exited the courts and left him standing there with his thoughts.
Turns out, there were more surprises ahead. Just when Ryoma thought they had just failed in getting one person to join their team, another problem came. The papers announced just that next day that Team Nagoya Seitaku, a winning team under Rikkai, is prepared to dazzle tennis fans with their new secret weapon. According to the team's coach, they have been keeping this secret weapon concealed for some time. Now, they plan to show the secret that'll defeat Rikkaidai in the Prefecture in just 14 days. After that, if makes it past the Quarter Finals, they'll move on to the Semi-Finals, where Rikkaidai will be playing.
In response to this mysterious yet surprising news, Yamato had something to show Ryoma, something that he has just discovered after a day of investigating. So he held an important meeting in their hotel room.
"So, what's all this about?" asked Ryoma, unenthusiastic as usual as he slunked in his chair.
Yamato stood by the TV and placed a tape into the VCR before he took his seat beside Ryoma. "Took me a while, but I managed to figure out more about our new discoveries", said the coach. He then turned on the TV and with a remote, and played the recorded tape. On the screen is a view of a tennis courts. From the trees in the background, the courts must be located in a rural area away from civilization in the mountains.
"This is the secret training courts belonging to Team Nagoya Seitaku up in the mountain", Yamato explained as Ryoma watched, "Their policy is never allow visitors into the courts." The tennis courts were filled with members of Team Nagoya Seitaku, in the middle of practice. Nearly all of the members are foreigner exchange students while there's hardly much Japanese students present.
"And you're showing me another team's workout because?" Ryoma inquired.
"I want you to take a look at those two..."
Yamato pointed to a certain location on the screen for Ryoma to focus his eyes on. Ryoma is staring at the benches, where he could make out two figures sitting under the shade but he couldn't see their faces. But then the waiting was over when the two then made their way out into daylight. Once their faces were seen, Ryoma got a surprise that got him sitting up in his chair so suddenly at attention.
"What the-? Is that...?"
The ones Ryoma saw walking out was none other than Oishi...and Kikumaru, wearing the official black jerseys of Nagoya Seitaku.
The redhead was bending and crouching several times to stretch out his legs. His partner was bouncing a tennis ball against a wall to warm up. Echizen had never expected to see Kikumaru a part of the team as well. "Both of them are a doubles team..." he said, "They're Nagoya Seitaku's secret weapon huh? I guess that's why Oishi seemed hesitant to join us."
On the tape, the two partners ran out to the court to join the team's practice and took position on one side of the net.
"Shuichiro Oishi and Eiji Kikumaru, those two have been working as a doubles team since the 7th grade. Thus, they've developed a strong connection on the court and are called the Golden Pair", Yamato continued, "It was also a surprise to me that we seemed to have found our 3rd player."
To Ryoma's amazement, after Oishi on the tape just announced the ball's direction, Kikumaru suddenly jumped high into the air. Ryoma had never seen anyone jump so high before as Kikumaru then twisted and returned the ball with a back handed shot.
Next he watched Kikumaru dash after the ball that was served and successfully hit it back to the other side. Using the acrobatic skills they witnessed at the gym, Kikumaru did a one handed cartwheel and got back to his feet in time to hit and return every ball that comes in his way. The next shot came with a back flip, and then another high jump. For the next few returns, Kikumaru performed one amazing acrobatic technique after another.
"Just like a cat", Ryoma commented at Eiji's flexibility, "Manages to track down the ball in a second. With these kinds of reflexes, could he be...?"
Yamato answered with a nod.
"Yes...It's obviously clear that Kikumaru is also one of our nine. He is a serve and volley player with the sharpest vision than anyone I've ever seen, maybe even better than yours. Oishi's style is counter punch. His shots don't use much power as Kikumaru's does, but he has great accuracy. He may be the quiet, but he's the game master of the two, the only one to read Kikumaru's moves and make a strategy out of it. "
On the tape, it seemed that Oishi is able to communicate well with his partner without needing to speak much. Also like Yamato said, Oishi's returns and shots were accurate as he hit the ball on the baseline of his opponent's side using volleys.
Few seconds later, Ryoma asked, "What's with that weird stance?"
The Golden Pair was now taking a peculiar stance. Oishi stood on the rear and Kikumaru stood on the upper area close to the net, crouching low. What's unusual about this position is that the two are standing on the center line on the court, leaving their left and right sides open.
"They've got to be kidding. They're wide open", Ryoma first criticized.
"That's one of the pair's best technique's, the Australian Formation", Yamato explained as they watched the Golden Pair, "It is a difficult technique to master, but they are one of the few double teams to achieve it. It can be very useful in confusing the opponents."
As Yamato said this, the Golden Pair on the tape was now on the move. After a while of rallying, their opponents however were caught in a jam, unsure of where to hit the ball next. With Oishi and Kikumaru in their unusual stance, they could return the ball in any direction.
The Golden Pair's opponents tried to hit the ball on the opposite of where Kikumaru stands, but they were fooled since Oishi was right behind, ready to take the ball in whatever direction. It's as if Kikumaru and Oishi are fully in tuned with each other.
Ryoma now understood how the two had gained the name Golden Pair. Their form of playing is unreadable to win against.
Once the tape ended, Yamato spoke, "As far as we know, nobody, not even Rikkaidai, have managed to break through the Golden Pair's techniques."
Did that stop the prince of tennis? Absolutely not. For now, Ryoma stood up from his seat with a grin appearing on the edge of his mouth.
"Hmph, Golden Pair or not", the prince declared, "I'm just going to have to find a way to beat them. We only have a month until the Semi-Finals after all."
"In that case", Yamato then recommended, "we shall begin with special training."
Two weeks later, Nagoya Seitaku went as they planned and revealed their secret weapon to all of Japan in the Regional Quarter Finals. All over the papers, radio and television, tennis fans witnessed the debut of the Golden Pair.
"This is the moment we've all been waiting for folks, the unveiling of Team Nagoya Seitaku's secret weapon that they claim that'll take them to the Semi-Finals!"
"Incredible! Kikumaru manages to catch the ball in midair! What amazing acrobatics! Now the ball's returning to side, and it's hit back towards
"Oishi has prepared for a surprise attack in the rear! He's hit the ball directly on the base! It's a point!"
Announcers and commentators streamed in nonstop quotes and reports throughout the game.
During Team Yamabuki's practice, a small TV was set on the bench near the court where the team was training on. Kiyosumi Sengoku, Kentaro Minami and Jin Akutsu have paused to stop and view the game when they heard the commentator speaking about the Golden Pair.
Kawamura then left the courts to be alone for a bit, under the eyes of Akutsu, who noticed his teammate's hesitant behavior. "Kawamura, what exactly are you thinking now?" he thought.
At the same time, another team was watching the game of the Golden Pair's debut, their destined rivals, Rikkaidai.
In the tennis club's meeting room, Sanada and Yukimura watched carefully at the Golden Pair playing as professionals against their opponents on the TV. Such style, technique and teamwork was never seen before in the history of doubles.
"What a remarkable pair! We've witnessed the unbelievable tactics of Eiji Kikumaru and Shuichiro Oishi! They truly are the Golden Pair!" the announcer spoke, "Thanks to them, Team Nagoya Seitaku will now enter the Semi-Finals! Don't miss this breathtaking match as they go on to challenge one of the top 3 junior high teams for the chance to enter the Nationals!"
As the Golden Pair on the TV high fived each other for their victory, Yukimura had a strong hunch in his mind. "These two...Could they be another of Samurai Nanjiro's descendants?" the captain supposed.
Beside him, Sanada replied, "Maybe...But we'll find out when we face them in the Semi-Finals."
"...Now that would be fascinating", Yukimura replied with a small smile.
1 Month Later
Team Nagoya Seitaku's revealing of the Golden Pair granted them the victory to move on to the Regional Semi-Finals as they planned to. If they beat the opposing team in the 1st round, then Nagoya would confront against Rikkaidai.
The stadium in Kanto was full of spectators, mostly fans of Rikkaidai yet among them fans of the Golden Pair.
On the speakers in the stadium, the commentator spoke, "Team Nagoya Seitaku's secret weapon, the Golden Pair of Kikumaru and Oishi have stunned the audiences during the Regional Quarter-Finals. Now with Nagoya Seitaku making it into the Semi-Finals, will the Golden prove victory again for their team? We shall see in today's match."
The opening ceremony then proceeded as the top four teams entered the stadium in their respective team colors and stood in lines.
In the 1st round, Nagoya Seitaku was paired up against Rokkaku. If Nagoya manages to beat this team, they'll move on to face Rikkaidai in the second round. Fortunately for Nagoya, they had their secret weapon.
Nobody could explain how it's possible, but the Golden Pair's victory in Doubles 1 won their team the chance and made it through the 1st round.
Somewhat a few hours later, round 2 of the tournament was ready to begin.
"It is now the start of the 2nd round", the commentator announced over the speakers and mic, "Team Nagoya Seitaku has successfully won the qualification round to face the National champion Team Rikkaidai in the suspenseful match of the day! Now, it's time for the match you've all been waiting for, the Doubles 1 match!"
Of course who else would Nagoya Seitaku send to play in this match than the Golden Pair themselves? The spectators' eyes were on the passageway entrance on Nagoya's side and saw Kikumaru and Oishi walking out into sight.
"There they are!"
"It's the Golden Pair!"
As the fans continued to cheer them, Kikumaru took the chance to wave and smile at them as he and Oishi walked towards the court. "I guess we're famou now Oishi", he said happily.
"Doubles 1 match! Nagoya Seitaku's Kikumaru and Oishi versus Rikkaidai's Kiriyama and Yuki!"
The Golden Pair shook hands with Rikkai's doubles team and took their spots on the court. Finally the game was set to begin.
Oishi was the one who's serving first. So he bounced a ball in his hand several times and tossed it up. Once he swung and hit the ball towards the other side. Their opponents saw the ball coming and one of them met it and returned it easily. Of course Kikumaru found the ball and leaped to the side with his acrobatic play, returning the ball.
"Oh yeah?" Yuki muttered under his breath, "See if you can catch this!" With a hard swing, he sent the ball in the air, a high volley.
But that didn't stop the Golden Pair. "Sorry to upset you Rikkai fans", Eiji called out to the audience, "But this is where the Golden Pair comes in!"
As he leaped in the air, he shouted his signature move, "Hoi hoi! Kikumaru Beam!" And he twisted his body and did a backhand smash, sending the ball directly onto an open spot on Rikkai's side.
"15-love!"
After landing on the ground, Kikumaru faced his opponents and gave a playful smile. "Too bad, so sad! See you next week!"
The match then continued as the Golden Pair earned themselves more points thanks to Kikumaru's acrobatics and Oishi's defense. Pretty soon the score was at 30-40 at the 3rd game.
Now during this game, Kikumaru had just returned another shot with a cartwheel. Kiriyama then used his chance to prepare a slice. "We got this one! Bet you can't catch this Kikumaru!" he proclaimed. He then whacked the ball and sent it shooting towards Kikumaru himself, right at the face. The crowd was at suspense, fearing that the ball would hit Kikumaru's face at such speed.
But at the last moment, Kikumaru gave a sly grin and ducked leaving the ball open for Oishi behind him as it flew over his head. This surprised their opponents, for they were unprepared and had forgotten that Oishi was right there. "Got you!" Kikumaru teased. Now taking the ball for himself, Oishi dragged his racket along the ground, scraping the tip and swung it up to create his favorite move.
"Moon Volley!"
Oishi's best signature move, the Moon Volley, had the ball soar high up over the Rikkai doubles' heads and landed right on the baseline in the rear before Rikkaidai could catch it.
"Game to Nagoya Seitaku! 1 game to love!" the referee called out. The Golden Pair went to each other and did a high five.
"This is now break point! The game will resume in 10 minutes!" an announcement was made. Now Yuki and Kiriyama took this chance and headed out back to their locker room in order to freshen up for the next half.
Before Kikumaru and Oishi departed, Kikumaru took this chance to again wave to the audience and receive their praises. "Thank you!" he called out to his new fans.
In the audience, Yamato had come to watch the game. He witnessed the Golden Pair's amazing tactics up close with pleasure. "Rikkaidai's got a bit of a taste at the ultimate team's abilities", he said to himself. Then someone stepped down the steps and came up to the row where Yamato is sitting. Before the person could speak, Yamato
"So you decided to come after all", he said pleasantly, "I saved you a spot." He then moved his sweater that was lying on the empty seat next to him and motioned the newcomer to take the seat.
Sitting down is Takashi Kawamura, who had come either on Yamato's request, or maybe on his own free will. Either way, he was curious to know more about his fellow ultimate men. "Watch carefully Takashi", Yamato insisted, "You're going to witness an incredible battle between superhuman tennis players." Takashi looked at the man with curiosity.
"Between Rikkaidai and Nagoya Seitaku?" he pointed out, "But...Rikkai doesn't have any super players on their team from all I know."
"Ah...I didn't say one of them is from Rikkai."
Yamato had another sly grin on his face when he said this, causing Takashi to wonder what he meant.
From inside the locker/washroom of Team Rikkaidai, the voice of the announcer is heard through the speakers.
"Doubles 1 match will now resume. All players return to the court immediately."
Turns out, a certain someone has succeeded in getting himself into the tournament unnoticed. Wearing a yellow Rikkai jersey he 'borrowed', Ryoma put on a different colored cap on that is navy blue, and picked up his racket, now perfectly blending into Team Rikkaidai.
"Time to show them what I've got", he said to himself.
Back out in the stadium, everyone was awaiting for the Golden Pair and Rikkaidai's team to return from their break. So far Kikumaru and Oishi were back on the court, waiting for their opponents. Finally the suspense was over as a figure emerged from Rikkaidai's passageway with his cap covering his eyes.
"It's about time Kiriyama", Kirihara spoke, "Now go beat those pair." All he got was a nod from their player.
As 'Kiriyama' walked towards the court, Sanada came passing by, heading back to the benches. But it was right when he bumped into the incoming player that Sanada paused in his spot and looked at the back of the boy walking away. It was as he felt something was different about 'Kiriyama'. But then he thought it was just his mind and let it go.
However, his suspicions were correct when nobody saw Rikkai's second player enter after 'Kiriyama'. "Wait, where's Yuki?" Nio mentioned.
"You think something happened to him?"
"Someone go check the washroom."
After sending one of their own to check on Yuki, the Regulars then noticed an immediate difference with the player standing on the court representing Rikkai.
"Why is Kiriyama holding the racket with his left hand?" Hiroshi Yagyu mentioned aloud, "He isn't left handed."
Suddenly the team member that has been sent to the washroom returned to them with a troubled look. "Kiriyama and Yuki are knocked out in the shower room!" he told his teammates.
The jig was up. Immediately Rikkaidai knew that they have an imposter on their team.
Some wanted to interfere and take their unexpected intruder out of the game, but they were halted when Yukimura held out an arm to block their way while standing calmly in his spot.
"Captain?"
"Hold on", Yukimura insisted, "Aren't you all curious as well to see if he can defeat the Golden Pair?"
It seems that Co-Captain Sanada was also interested as well and did nothing to respect his captain's wishes. Still he asked, "You really think that Echizen can do it Yukimura?"
"I guess he should have talent if he is brave enough to appear in the Semi-Finals personally."
The fake Kiriyama, or should I now say Ryoma, now knew that his identity has been discovered. But he didn't mind.
From the moment they realized that Ryoma had snuck into their game, they were instantly prepared. They didn't seem to be too surprised when they recognized the child prodigy standing on the other side in place of their previous opponents. "Well looky who's here", said a pleased Kikumaru with his racket slung over his shoulder, "Just as we expected."
His partner nodded. But then he gave a flinch for a moment from a strange pain coming from his shoulder.
"Eiji..." he started.
"It hurts too huh?" Kikumaru said without looking at Oishi. He had a hand placed over his chest. They were referring to the pain they're receiving from their birthmarks that started right when Ryoma stepped on the court.
When Takashi saw Ryoma from where he's sitting, he sat up with a start. "Wh-What is he doing?" he asked Yamato, "To appear in the middle of the Semi-Finals like that?"
"Oh Ryoma's got more surprises than you could ever imagine", Yamato assured, "You'll see..."
...
On the court, Kikumaru first called out, "Hey little guy are you okay with this? Two against one seems a bit too much don't you think?"
"You've got nothing to worry about", Ryoma assured, tipping his cap, "Remember, we got only one game to decide."
To his partner, Kikumaru sighed, "Well, I tried to warn him." Nevertheless, he and Oishi took their positions in the Australian Formation and were ready.
"You're going to witness Kikumaru-sama's magnificent acrobatics!" Kikumaru bragged, "Be sure to watch carefully!"
Ryoma tossed up a ball and served using his famous Twist Serve. With the extra momentum, the ball curved and was heading towards the rear but using his sharp eyes, Kikumaru tracked down the ball and ran in front of the ball to return it with a forehand. "Nice try Kiddo, but you'll have to do better to get past me!"
The ball headed back to Ryoma, who now sent it back with a regular hit, aiming for the side where Kikumaru isn't standing on. But Eiji wasn't worried one bit. He know that his partner is already on the move.
"That's right Oishi. Show him your signature move", said Kikumaru with a grin.
Ryoma watched Oishi as he dragged the tip of his racket across the ground and performed his Moon Volley that sent the ball flying over his head and landing at the basline.
"15-love!"
Witnessing the Golden Pair's unbeatable strategy close up, Ryoma looked at the Golden Pair, who are bumping their fists together. "We're just getting started", said Kikumaru with a small chuckle.
As the game continued for the next few minutes, it soon came to a 40-40 score. Whoever gets the next point would win the game. By now, Ryoma has sweat running down his brow from running too much, hence he is outnumbered in this game. On the other side, Kikumaru and Oishi predicted their win to be close. "Let's face it, the guy doesn't stand a chance in a doubles to 1 match against us", said a confident Kikumaru, twirling his racket on his wrist.
On the other side, Ryoma started to think of a plan in order to win the game. He then thought back and remembered what he learned from his special training...
After Yamato showed Ryoma everything about the Golden Pair's strengths one month ago, it was time for special training. So the coach took Ryoma to a certain place where the training will take place.
Turns out, that place was a shooting gallery (think arcade-like). The two in front of one arena that has targets moving in all sorts of directions.
Yamato stood in front of the target area and started to explain the course of the training. "Alright then, if you want to beat the Golden Pair at their own game, you need to find a way to break through their strategy. You see this here?" He pointed behind himself so Ryoma could see the moving targets.
"This whole area here shows the Golden Pair's territory, meaning that they can spot and return almost any shot you hit on their side. Your goal: hit a ball that'll pass their territory and get a point."
"You talk too much as usual Coach", said Ryoma, tired of waiting any longer, "Just serve and I'll deal with the rest."
Ready to start, Yamato then tossed and served the boy a ball. As the ball was heading towards him, Ryoma prepared himself and decided to use his strongest forehand hit he's got and whacked the ball to the opposite direction. The ball flew into the target arena but unfortunately Ryoma's timing was off, for the ball hit one of the targets as it moved in front of the open spot on the ground where it was supposed to hit.
This was going to be more difficult than Ryoma had thought.
"It looks like you're going have to hit at a spot where the Golden Pair would most likely miss", Yamato suggested, "It's not going to be easy." This didn't stop Ryoma though, who's always up or a challenge. "Well then better keep going", he insisted, waiting his coach to serve him another ball.
...
Hours later, Ryoma had no luck in achieving a new move that could defeat the Golden Pair. It came to the point where he finally grew exhausted that he had to drop his racket. His left hand was sore all over from holding the racket too much that the skin nearly was worn off and turning red.
"Why can't I get one ball to go in?" he asked himself in discontent. He sank to his knees and nearly punched the floor.
Yamato approached the boy, shaking his head. "My my...Quitting so soon?" he inquired, using his coach motivational attitude, "I thought you're one of Nanjiro Echizen's heirs. Not just his heir, his own son. Now I suggest you try it again."
Remembering their goal to become the number 1 tennis team, Ryoma gained the confidence to get back on his feet and grab his racket. "I'm...I'm ready", he panted.
Before Ryoma resumed to his training, something fascinating captured his eyes. Up in the night sky, he saw several stars shooting across the sky. Yamato too was stunned at this sight as the two took time to observe. "...It's not everyday you get to see shooting stars on a clear night as this", the coach remarked.
Ryoma took time and tried to spot each and every star falling. But soon after counting to four of them, Ryoma's vision started to blur as he began to see 6 stars instead of one. Annoyed by his straining eyes, Ryoma reached up and rubbed his eyes with his wrist. He muttered, "Darn...This vision of mine had to be so good I can nearly see-."
Suddenly he stopped in the middle of his sentence and opened his eyes that show realization. It was right at that moment, Ryoma knew that he just received an epiphany that just struck him.
Chuckling at his lack of intelligence from before, Ryoma looked at Yamato and stated, "If you say Kikumaru has the same excellent eyesight like me...then I think I may know a weakness. I'll just have to take their advantage as their weakness."
Pleased, Yamato responded by smiling proudly at Ryoma's perseverance and tossed a new ball in his hand.
"Shall we resume then?"
Done reminiscing, Ryoma came back to the present, this time with the perfect plan in mind. And at the right time too, for now Oishi had began another serve towards Ryoma. Ryoma responded by hitting a return that's aimed for the center. But as always, Kikumaru was there to block it. He did a backswing and swung a hard backhand.
"Kikumaru Beam!"
Kikumaru's slam shot towards an empty spot on the opposite side of the net, but Ryoma moved into position right where the ball was going to hit.
"...I don't think so", the prince spoke under his breath.
And to the Golden Pair's surprise, Ryoma used a backhand to perform what looks like a perfect imitation of the Kikumaru Beam. "What? He copied Eiji's signature move?" Oishi thought, puzzled. Ryoma's shot didn't made a smash, but instead made the ball shoot high above their heads. "Eiji!" Oishi shouted to give his partner a heads up.
"No problem!"
With his acrobatic agility, Kikumaru had a running start and leaped up in the air to catch up to the ball. "Ha! Too easy!" he bragged as the ball came near his reach.
But at that moment, Eiji got a surprise. One second he saw a single ball, but then for no reason, he could've sworn he saw the ball split into a bunch of identical balls heading his way.
"Huh? Wait! There must be at least 5, 6- no 8 balls!" he said with panic.
Lost and confused, Kikumaru immediately went with his instincts and chose to hit the first random ball he saw as they got closer.
"It's this one!"
He swung and expected to feel the ball vibrate against his racket and bounce off, but for some reason, he didn't feel anything. The ball he thought he was real was only an illusion as it disappeared into thin air, leaving Kikumaru lost and confused. "Huh? An illusion?"
When he landed on the ground safely, Oishi ran over and called out, "Eiji, did you hit it?" To make sure, Kikumaru looked all over the court. He even looked on Ryoma's side but he found no ball in sight. After rubbing his eyes and looking around again but found no ball, he was confused. "Huh? Where is it?" Kikumaru wondered aloud.
"You might want to check over there", Ryoma suggested as he pointed behind the Golden Pair.
Kikumaru and Oishi turned around and immediately spotted the real ball jammed into the fence at least 3 feet over their heads.
"Hey! He tricked me!" Kikumaru complained, having his title for having the sharpest eyes down the drain.
It took a while, but Oishi managed to figure out what just happened. "I see...He figured out that Eiji has the sharpest vision", he thought, "He used this as an advantage for a weak spot and somehow hit the ball hard so that it vibrates, and creates an illusion. That's why Eiji thought he saw more than one ball."
From the audience, Yamato nodded, also aware of Ryoma's clever strategy. "Well done Ryoma", he said to himself, "By allowing the ball to hit the bottom of the racket's net, it caused the ball to vibrate faster. Thus, able to mess with Kikumaru's sharp vision. Now I couldn't have done it better myself..."
Then Yamato got up and started to head down onto the courts himself, leaving Kawamura by himself, wondering where he's going.
On the court, Ryoma removed the Rikkaidai jersey he's wearing and revealed another new jersey that he wore underneath. It is blue and white and has the word 'Seigaku' stitched on the front. This is the official jersey of Team Seigaku. He also switched caps to his usual white one.
Kikumaru and Oishi went out to meet Ryoma on the center of the court to admit their defeat. Instead of being upset, they had relaxed smiles for they were impressed by Ryoma's quick thinking.
"You really got me there kiddo. But of course, a deal's a deal", Kikumaru stated with ease, "Guess we're joining your team as promised."
This was pleasing news to Ryoma as he nodded back. But at this, the Golden Pair's coach came out onto the court to stop them. "Just a minute there! What are you talking about? Who said you two can leave?" he said strictly to the duo.
To answer his question, Oishi took out from his pocket a folded letter that he and Eiji received earlier before the game. He held it out for their coach to take and read with his own eyes.
"'I, Ryoma Echizen, challenge you to a game. If I win in today's match, you two will join Team Seigaku. If you win, then I'll join Team Nagoya Seitaku.'"
The coach looked at the Golden Pair and said in frustration, "How could you decide this without my decision?"
Kikumaru shrugged his shoulders in response. "Sorry Coach. But they seem to be more interesting to play with. Too bad, so sad, see you next week", he said playfully. "We hope you would understand our decision Coach and forgive us", Oishi requested as he bowed to their now ex-coach to show manners.
Irked but outsmarted by his own players, the coach stomped off in disappointment back to his team.
Yamato then entered the courts with something in his hands as he came up to the boys. "Well, then you're going to need these from now on", he said to the Golden Pair.
And with that, the coach proudly presented two blue and white jerseys with Seigaku written on the back just like Ryoma's and placed them onto Oishi and Kikumaru's backs. "Welcome to the team", the coach proudly as he patted the pair's shoulders.
Excited to have a new jersey, Kikumaru immediately removed his Nagoya Seitaku jersey in haste and slipped on the Seigaku jersey to replace it while Oishi followed. As he viewed himself and Oishi in their new uniform, Eiji had an impressed expression. "Not bad. Not bad at all", he commented. Oishi
"That's just you Eiji. You're excited when it comes to the jerseys", he said.
"Oh but it's going to get more excited after this..." Yamato assured with a gleam in his eyes.
He then stepped out onto the center of the court so he could let the audience see him clearly in view. With the whole region of Japan watching from the stands and on TV, he now commenced with an important speech. "Attention to all tennis fans", he spoke in a bold voice, "Today, a new tennis team will be established, a team that will create a new record in the history of tennis."
The crowd were astonished by this out of the blue news and listened further.
Yamato continued, "As you all know, Japan once had a famed legend in tennis, Nanjiro Echizen, also who we know as Samurai Nanjiro. He became famous and a hero for participating in the US Open in America, representing Japan for five times. But it was just before his unexpected death that Samurai Nanjiro had a dream. His dream was to create a superhuman team of nine youths who will defeat the American tennis team in the US Open.
"I'm here today to announce that after 14 years, Nanjiro Echizen's dream is finally about to be fulfilled. These superhuman young men are these boys you see here, they are Samurai Nanjiro's chosen heirs by fate. This team that I created on behalf of Nanjiro Echizen is now called...Team Seigaku!"
At the end of his stunning speech, the crowd cheered as Ryoma and his two new teammates stood tall and proud to their new fans.
Captain Yukimura and Sanada watched as many of their team's fans now cheered for this new team. "All because of Samurai Nanjiro's unaccomplished dream...a new team is born", said Sanada. Yukimura gave an impressed grin. "Who knows? Perhaps this team will break a new record in tennis", he predicted.
Then to Rikkai, Yamato spoke, "Enjoy your glory days for now Rikkai. But in a matter of time, Team Seigaku will be the ones to take the title as Japanese National Tournament champions."
Kikumaru held out two fingers with a proud grin. "V for victory!" he proclaimed.
The crowd cheered and applauded this spectacular news as cameras from the media were gathering and taking photos of Team Seigaku.
Now someone outside of both teams has also been watching the game the whole time. He had noticed Kawamura watching in the stands as well and has a hunch on what Kawamura's decision is for his future judging from Takashi's longing look on his face as he stared at Ryoma and the others. Not wanting to be involved with Kawamura's decision, Akutsu had exited the stadium early so he can leave without anyone knowing. However as he walked down the empty hallway towards the stadium's exit, he heard a familiar voice.
"Akutsu."
Akutsu stopped and turned around to find someone walking out from another direction. It was Kawamura, suited up in his uniform, ready for tennis practice.
Immediately Akutsu has a hunch on what Takashi might be saying next. "What do you want here Takashi?" he said without looking at him.
"Um...can you practice with me from here on?" Kawamura requested, "I want to get better at tennis." He sounded hesitant when he said this. Akutsu however was surprised that Takashi isn't showing what his true thoughts are.
"...Why are you holding back Kawamura? Can't you see that your abilities have already caught my attention? You really belong with others with your level of strength."
"But Jin..."
"Man up Takashi!" Akutsu spoke like a general, "For once have confidence in your abilities. You make yourself look weak when you say you're no good when you are. It's obvious that you should go with Seigaku."
Before Kawamura could say any more, Akutsu began to walk towards the exit. As he walked, Akutsu spoke with his back to Takashi, "You better show me you're strong enough to take down Rikkaidai Takashi. Otherwise...you'll be a disgrace to one who once played for Yamabuki. Now get going and get to the Nationals if you want to please me."
Kawamura was touched and surprised that his old friend had just given his approval to allow him to follow his destiny.
He then called out to Akutsu from where he stood, "Jin! I promise that I'll beat Rikkai! And afterwards, I'll be able to beat you in a fair game someday! It'll be the only way I can repay you for all your kindness to me! I won't let you down!" With that, he ended by bowing his head as a sign of respect.
With his back still facing Kawamura, Akutsu had a hidden smirk on his face after hearing his old friend's declaration. "You had better..." he said to himself.
Once Akutsu was gone, Takashi heard a voice from behind him saying, "Must be difficult for you to say that to a guy like him". Kawamura turned around and found Ryoma and the newly recruited Golden Pair standing behind him, awaiting for his decision.
Kawamura felt a little embarrassed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Don't say that", he said with a groan, "It makes me uncomfortable now that I think about it."
Kikumaru went up and patted their new member's shoulder with a caring smile. "Don't mind! Don't mind!" he encouraged.
Takashi then felt something placed on his back and turned to see that Coach Yamato had placed another Seigaku jersey on him. "Good to have you Kawamura", the coach said.
"...I won't let you down sir", Kawamura declared as he bowed to his new coach. Excited that they have gained another teammate, Eiji threw his arms around Oishi and Kawamura's necks and ushered the group to gather around in a team huddle. "Well alright! Let's all get along together 'kay?" the acrobat said happily, "All for one and one for all!" His teammates replied with friendly smiles eager nods.
"Now, it's time we find the five remaining members of our team", said Yamato, "Only then can we be ready to fight Rikkai, and then the Americans."
Yamato then held out his hand in the center of the circle and motioned the others to join. Ryoma and the other boys placed their hands on each other's to form their new bond.
"Seigaku!" Yamato first cried out.
"Fight!" the boys finished as their hands broke free.
And thus, on that day, a new team has just formed under the wishes of Nanjiro Echizen. Now they will start on their journey to the Nationals, and soon, the US Open.
Author's Note: 4 boys down, 5 to go! How'd you guys like it so far? Sorry that it's waay too long and that my words are jumbled up. Next chapter will be shorter though. I've never done a sports fanfic before and I'm trying to learn all the tennis terms, rules and events. Review please!
Just in case you were wondering, the two Rikkai doubles players who was supposed to play, until Echizen snuck in, against Oishi and Kikumaru, their names are actually the names of the actors who played Bunta and Jackal in the Tenimyu musicals.
Want to Know A Fun Fact? : In Astro Kyudan, the one Kikumaru is playing as is in this story is Akechi Kyushichi (Astro 7). They're both acrobatic players so I thought Eiji fits the role perfectly cause they both are cheerful guys who are mood makers in their teams.
And here's someting interesting, in the live action drama of Astro Kyudan, the one who plays Kyushichi is none other than Nagayama Takashi, who you may know as the 1st Kikumaru Eiji from Tenimyu! How about that? He is awesome playing as Kyushichi as well as Eiji that I sort of thought they were the same character. XD
Next time, see who Team Seigaku will find next in ch. 3!