Petal 20: Tournament

The tournament proceeded as normal. Sanada and Atobe were good doubles partners when they got over their differences. Atobe was trying his best not to spill the secret about Rose to Sanada because they were partners.

The others had the same problem trying not to tell Rikkaidai. Even the American team noticed that they were a little troubled. Oshitari and Kikumaru lost their doubles match but were still cheered for. Sengoku tied his match with Bobby when they both fell to their knees becoming incapable of playing any further. Fuji won his match with a Higuma Otoshi after facing Arnold.

Kirihara's match was going smoothly with his new move called 'Phantom Ball.' That is until he hit the net pole trying to return a ball with that same move.

The match went on with Kirihara getting point from tricking Kevin. Rose knew better though. She knew her partner well enough to know that he couldn't hit any 'Phantom Balls' without damaging his shoulder even more. She walked over behind Tezuka and whispered something in his ear.

When the players were called to switch courts, Tezuka asked Kirihara about his shoulder.

"Let me see your shoulder Kirihara," Tezuka said.

Kirihara just grinned and said, "It's nothing to worry about Tezuka-san. See?" Kirihara tried lifting his arm to immediately put it back down.

Tezuka reached out for his shoulder to see Kirihara jerk his shoulder back and then clench it in pain.

The two called for a time-out and went to the infirmary to bandage up Kirihara's shoulder.

"I told you I can still play," Kirihara said as soon as the nurse was finished.

"We will have to forfeit this one," Tezuka said.

"Coach! Let me play! You saw Tezuka!" Kirihara yelled. He turned to Tezuka to say, "Tezuka-san. You played until your arm gave out. I thought you of all people would understand!"

"Stop this Akaya!" someone yelled from the entrance of the room.

They all turned to see Rose looking at Kirihara with a thoughtful look.

"He is stopping you from playing for that same reason Akaya," she said coming into the room.

"What do you mean Rose?" Kirihara asked.

"He's knows what it feels like to just stand by the sidelines and do nothing. He knows what it is like to just stand there and watch as your teammates are working hard to win. That is the reason he is stopping you," she explained.

"I still don't see why-"

"It's because he doesn't want you to injure your shoulder any further!" Rose yelled interrupting Kirihara. "Onegai shimasu Akaya. You have to stop playing. If you don't…you won't be able to recover in time to play in Nationals!"

Kirihara widened his eyes as she finished the statement.

"You want to go to Nationals don't you?" Rose yelled. "Then stop playing this match and let that Baker guy handle the rest. I'm sure he's got a plan up his sleeve," Rose finished narrowing her eyes.

Kirihara looked at her and nodded.

The coaches were glad that Rose was able to talk Kirihara out of playing for the rest of the match. They went to talk to Baker about their options.

A few minutes later Kirihara and Rose were sitting in the bleachers right next to their teammates. They questioned why Kirihara wasn't playing, and Rose had to explain everything. That was the first conversation between Rose and any other Rikkaidai regular in weeks, and the others were glad.

The tournament continued with Ryoma taking Kirihara's place in the match.

The match continued on and ended with Ryoma winning the match.

Rose went over to America's room in the stadium and was followed by a female sponsor.

She got to the room hearing the words, "We shouldn't be here any longer."

Rose walked into the room saying, "Even if you might get sponsored?"

The team looked at her and the female behind her.

Kevin said, "What?"

Baker said, "I thought the condition was that Kevin had to win?"

The female said, "That was not a test for Kevin…"

Rose finished saying, "That was a test for you Mr. Baker."

The team looked at each other and then at Baker. They then turned to Rose who continued speaking.

"The test was to see whether you would be a good partner in the tennis association. Apparently when Kevin couldn't win and when you slapped him, you failed the test. We will sponsor the American team but not you Mr. Baker."

The American team grinned in delight.

"Oh yeah, Mr. Baker?" Rose said. She let Mr. Baker turn his head to her before saying, "From here on, you are banned from the Tennis Association for using the money for your own purposes without notifying us about it."

The American team was shocked and then looked at Rose.

Kevin asked, "How are you related to the Tennis Association?"

"I've got connections. After all…you guys should remember me by now…"

"Huh?"

Rose took off her wig and took off her contacts and stared them right in the eyes.

"'Everlasting Flower!'" they all yelled.

"It's nice to see you guys again," Rose said nodding.

Everyone in the room was surprised, and the American team talked with Rose about how American police were faring without her.

Turns out that they were doing pretty well. The police officers were working harder than ever to meet up with Spade's expectations now that Rose was gone.

The next few days were spent showing the American team around Japan. Every single person was surprised that Rose actually knew the American team personally.

The day the team left back for America was the day they all said their goodbyes. Rose called her mother after moving away from the group.

"Yes Ro-chan?" Dia answered.

"Think you can send Rikkaidai some medical supplies?" Rose asked.

"Got it already. I'll send them with you tomorrow. I saw what happened with Kirihara on the television. I could practically hear part of your yelling at him to stop," Dia finished with a giggle.

"I yelled that loudly? Oh well, arigato okaa-san," Rose said hanging up. It was going to be a long while until the Nationals.