NOTE: I noticed my use of kun, san etc. isn't consistent. I went back to the previous chapters and from now on will be using -kun and -san. If this is in fact the incorrect way please let me know and I'll fix it. Sorry this chapter is so late.

Prince of Tennis

Chapter FOUR: A Transfer of Business

Ryoma woke up with Karupin sleeping curled up beside him he rubbed the cat's soft head. He looked at his clock noticing he was awake before his alarm could even go off. Today felt like any other normal day, it's something he knew he needed. It had been a while since the fire and none of his memories came back to him.

He shut off his alarm and prepared to school, Karupin followed him down stairs the soft rhythmic pads making him smile. Ryoga was still in bed and Okasan was already out for the day he knew his father would be by the bell ready to ring it soon.

A Japanese breakfast waited for him wrapped up on the table, placing the dish in the microwave he bent down to give Karupin some food and fresh water. Before long his dishes were in the sink and Karupin sat at the edge of the step by the door waiting for Ryoma to leave.

Momo was waiting for him by the gate again with his bike, hoping on the back they headed off to another day of school.

"You seem like your in a good mood today Echizen."

"Betsu ni."

Sighing in relief they were on time for morning practice. Getting changed into their uniforms they both ran out to be greeted by Tezuka.

"You're cutting it close Momo, Echizen."

"Gomen Buchou. Ryoma was late getting out of the house."

"Ne Momo sempi don't blame it on me because you can't peddle fast."

"Enough, we'll start with 20 laps around and the last one has to drink Inui Juice." Inui's glasses gleamed as he held up a cup of bubbling brown and green liquid.

Morning practice was exhausting and the hot shower after wards did wonders to relax tight muscles. Getting dressed quickly Ryoma grabbed his bag and headed to his first class stopping to give a nod to his sempais.

The bell rang and the teacher was a few minutes late when she entered the class with a new student. He had an unusual air about him; Ryoma knew he didn't like him.

"This is Natsume Yuki. Would you please say a few words Natsume San."

"Natsume Yuki, I enjoy playing Tennis and drawing. I also have an older brother attending this school, Natsume Shiro." he replied with a bow and his long orange bangs fell forward to hide his face.

"You may sit next to Echizen Ryoma San. Please stand Echizen San."

Yuki made his way over to where Ryoma stood and stopped in front of him. His blue eyes narrowed with hate and he turned and sat in his seat. This was turning out to not be a very good day, Ryoma rubbed his temples he could feel a headache coming. This kid didn't even know him and he already made him his enemy.

The bell rang for lunch and Ryoma was on his way out, a foot caught his eye and he jumped over it. Glaring at Natsume he continued his way to the roof. Sighing he ignored the footsteps behind him. The roof was deserted for the time being and he had hope it would stay that way. The door opened up behind him and so he turned around.

"What do you want?" Ryoma asked.

"Your head, what else. I heard all about you Ryoma-kun; hope you don't mind I'm going to be getting very familiar with you."

"What have you heard of me that could possible make you hate me so much you want my head?" Ryoma narrowed his eyes.

"Aniki has business with you and I'm dragged along because this is his last chance to make things right. Until you give Aniki what he needs I'm going to be behind you every step you make."

"I have no idea who your Aniki is or what he needs from me. I have nothing of value. Even if I did I wouldn't give it to you. What makes you think you can scar me into giving you anything you want?"

Ryoma wasn't expecting a punch to his face and his nose to start bleeding. Before anything further could happen a tall red haired boy came in, the same from before; Natsume Shiro.

"Yuki what are you doing to him? I told you to behave.' Shiro walked over and grabbed his face to look at his nose.'Doesn't look broken. Head to the washroom and try to stop the bleeding."

The door opened again and Fuji and Eiji walked over "Ochibi, what happened?" Eiji replied running over.

"Itai." he cried as Eiji touched his nose.

"Echizen lets get you cleaned up. I'm sure we must be interrupting something."

Shiro turned back to his little brother with a shine in his eye. As the door clicked shut he gave Yuki a half hug and ruffled his hair.

"Who was that?" Eiji asked.

"Natsume Shiro and his little brother Yuki. They transferred in today." Ryoma replied as Fuji tapped at his nose with a Kleenex.

"I don't trust them." Fuji replied after the bleeding had stopped.

"Why is that Fuji nya?" Eiji inquired hugging Ryoma once more from behind.

Fuji smiled with his eyes closed and gave a shrug. Lunch was almost over and they still hadn't eaten anything. Eiji grabbed Ryoma's hand and pulled him along to a tree outside by the school where the rest of the regulars sat eating their lunches.

Classes seemed to fly by, of course Ryoma could feel Yuki's eyes on him, a hole could have burnt into his skull with the hatred he felt coming off him. More then anything Ryoma wished for practice; he'd be glad to release this pent up energy.

The bell sounded and before anyone could say anything to him his bags were packed and he was making his way to the courts. Changing he headed out to wait for Tezuka to announce their schedule for the day.

"Alright gather up. We have two knew members joining today. Shiro and Yuki Natsume.' Both boys came up from behind and gave a deep bow. 'Yuki is in first year but highly skilled same as his brother. We will be keeping them on reserve. For now 50 laps around and last one has to drink Inui's new juice." Inui's glasses gleamed as he smiled.

Ryoma glared at Yuki and sped off in front of him, leaving the rest behind he turned around and smirked. "So slow!"

"Ochibi is so mean nya."

"I'll show you slow Echizen." Yuki yelled and sped off past him.

The final lap, it was obvious the Sempis were getting tired. The glass of Inui juice gleamed as they made every pass. Yuki and Ryoma running neck and neck with Shiro and Fuji following behind at a leisurely pace.

"Shiro-kun if you don't hurry you'll have to drink Inui juice it's terrible. No one but Fuji has ever been able to stand it." Momo called over his shoulder.

As the last bend was coming up closer Momo ran passed Kaido who picked up speed to pass Eiji and Oishi with Momo. In the end they all collapsed at Inui's feet together with Fuji and Shiro coming in last.

"I was thirsty." Fuji replied as he sipped the juice with a smile on his face.

Shiro smelled the concoction before downing it in one go. Looking up he cocked his head to the side, "Ah, I see now why they don't like the taste. But I've had worse; I quite enjoy this one even the use of..." before he could finish the sentence Fuji covered his mouth.

"Now, now Shiro-kun they don't need to know the secret." his eyes were half open and a shiver ran down his spine.

Shiro gulped and turned to look out past the court a brunette stood hidden half by shadow his green eyes shinned and a smile played his lips. He looked truly happy; Shiro knew the kid was just waiting for him to fail. If he failed it was the kids turn to get what he himself could not.

'I won't fail kid, just you wait.' Shiro though and turned to head to his court with Momo.

Betsu ni – Nothing, nothing special...etc

Gomen – Sorry

Buchou – Captain

Itai – Painful, sore

Aniki – Older Brother

Sempis – What a student calls another student who is older then them.