The day of the final was bright and sunny. It was the perfect day for tennis. Fuji had woken up earlier than everyone and headed off to the courts. Their mother wasn't coming for the match but Yumiko had promised to show up in time for Fuji's match. Yuuta finished his breakfast and headed out as well. He found the entire Rikkaidai tennis team practicing on the street courts near the stadium.
"Yukimura, it's your boyfriend" Marui said pointing at Yuuta who was waving.
"Yuuta" Yukimura headed over and took Yuuta's hand. Yuuta blushed as their fingers intertwined easily.
"I just wanted to wish you luck before you had to go to the locker rooms" Yuuta said quietly.
"No good luck kiss?" Yukimura pouted.
"Fine" Yuuta smiled fondly before leaning in. Yukimura leaned in and then Yuuta reached his hand up to pull off the lilac wig revealing spiked ash blond hair and a rat's tail.
"Niou-san, you can't trick me when you try to be Yukimura-san" Yuuta smiled.
"Exactly" Yuuta turned and spotted the real Yukimura-san smiling down at him.
"Ah. Whatever" Niou took the wig from Yuuta's hands and walked away towards Yagyuu who seemed to be smirking.
Yukimura wrapped his arms around Yuuta's waist and held him tight. Yuuta flushed and then glanced around. None of the tennis regulars were paying any attention to them.
"Did you get my gift?" Yukimura asked.
"How much did you buy the ticket for?" Yuuta glanced up.
"It was for free. Each player can invite people as friends and family. Sanada's family didn't really show up so he gave me three extra tickets. I invited my grandmother and younger sister. The last ticket went to you. My grandmother and sister will come only for my match but you'll be sitting next to my parents" Yukimura explained.
"Your parents?!" Yuuta exclaimed.
"Don't worry, I've told them all about you. They want to meet you" Yukimura said.
"I'm not even dressed to meet your parents. I didn't even meet them when I came over to visit you" Yuuta said nervously.
"They aren't that scary. They were a bit confused when I told them about you but they're very accepting and kind. My mother was asking if you could come over for dinner after the match" Yukimura said.
"But-but-" "No buts. Renji's parents will be sitting right there and you've met them before"
Yuuta bit his lip. Yanagi's parents had not been happy about the carpet. Both of them being there wasn't really helping the situation. Yukimura chuckled and then pecked Yuuta's lips making the younger boy jump out of his thoughts.
"Don't be nervous. They'll both love you" Yukimura whispered.
"Seiichi's parents are quite easy going but very protective" Yanagi spoke up making Yuuta jump out of his skin.
"Renji-san!"
"Renji, he isn't used to your data tendencies. Please refrain from sneaking up on him" Yukimura chuckled.
"Seiichi-san!"
"We should get back to practice. The line up for Seigaku is already up" Yanagi said.
"I'll see you all later. Best of luck" Yuuta said.
"Thank you, Yuuta-kun" Renji said with a small smile.
The Rikkaidai team gathered around Yukimura. Yuuta smiled at all of them and wished them good luck. He kissed Yukimura on the cheek and then headed off towards the stadium. Yukimura watched him go and then turned back to his team. All of them had rather solemn expressions on their faces.
"This time, Seigaku should not win. You all were careless thinking that an underdog team couldn't beat you. This time, nothing should stop Rikkai's third straight win" Yukimura said.
"Hai Buchou!"
"Sanada, you're up first. Make me proud" Yukimura said and Sanada nodded.
As Sanada prepared for the match, he reflected on the talk that he had with Tezuka. It turned out that Tezuka had a lot to talk about and Sanada had stayed silent and listened. After Tezuka had finished, Sanada had brought up the topic of Nationals.
"What if we're supposed to play a match against each other?" Tezuka asked.
"Remember three years ago when we first met?"
"Of course. I've never seen anyone look so enraged and shocked at the same time" Tezuka replied.
"I'll try my hardest to beat you and you will not hold anything back. Promise me that" Sanada said.
"I won't hold anything back. Give me all that you've got" Tezuka promised.
As he headed out onto the court, Sanada exchanged a look with Tezuka. It was a face he was used to seeing when watching Tezuka play. It meant he was serious. It was time to find out who was better once and for all. Sanada won the toss and prepared to serve. He closed his eyes and shut down his heart. The game began.
"It's wonderful to meet you, Yuuta" Yukimura's mother, Sukushi said.
"We have heard a lot about you from Seiichi. I'm happy to see he has chosen a successful boy like you" Yukimura's father, Akira smiled.
Yuuta smiled and they all sat down to wait for the game to begin. Sukushi and Akira had welcomed Yuuta very warmly. Akira didn't look like his son but Sukushi had long lilac hair and a very youthful face much like Seiichi.
"So Yuuta, you are a second year at St. Rudolph, right?"
"Yes I am, sir" Yuuta replied.
"What have you decided for high school?" Akira asked.
"I wish to continue on with my tennis training and also try and get into a high school in Tokyo for mathematics and history" Yuuta replied.
"You are very ambitious. You will need to work hard in your third year to get the grades you need for high school" Akira said.
"Seiichi has already chosen a few high schools. I believe he'll stay in Rikkaidai for high school. I think Sanada-kun will be continuing in Rikkaidai as well" Sukushi said.
"Renji will be heading to Tokyo for a high school specialising in science and mathematics" Yanagi's father, Kyoya said.
"Seiichi has an interest in going professional in tennis. I do believe he can do it if he works hard enough" Akira said.
Yuuta turned away from the conversation and began watching the match. His eyes widened when he noticed Sanada's swollen knees and Tezuka's swollen arm. Those two truly weren't holding anything back.
Will Sanada and Tezuka ever be together? Will Atobe return? Will Yanagi relapse in front of Kaidoh and Inui? Who will win Nationals?