A/N: Ok, so here is Chapter 28. While rereading the a/n for the last chapter I realized I made a slight mistake on what's going to happen. The matches won't begin until chapter 29, so if there is any mix up here I apologize. Well with out further ado, here is chapter 28! Also, this chapter will no doubt be the shortest one of the entire story considering it's only a 'filler' of sorts. Chapters 29 and 30 will make up for it trust me.

Disclaimer: I have no ownership over any characters related to Prince of tennis both Manga and anime so don't Sue!

Chapter: Seigaku's Supporters

The 16th time. Tezuka pulled his glasses off, wiped them on his shirt, and put them back on his face for the 16th time. But each time he did it, it didn't do any good. He could still see them standing there. Yuuta Fuji, Yoshirou Akazawa, and Ichirou Kaneda from St. Rudolph. Kippei Tachibana, Akira Kamio, Shinji Ibu from Fudomine. Kiyosumi Sengoku, Jin Akutsu, Taichi Dan from Yamabuki, and all the regulars from Hyotei were standing in the hotel foyer.

"What are you all doing here?" Oishi asked seeing as how Tezuka had grown speechless, but was now expertly hiding it behind his stone-faced mask.

"I'd assume it would be obvious." Oshitari answered

"We came to cheer you on." Otori added standing next to his double's partner

"After all your tennis team is supposed to be representing our country. We can't very well let you embarrass us now can we?"

"Well since the actually matches don't start until tomorrow, why don't we go get something to eat then take a tour of the city." Tachibana suggested. He noticed the way his sisters was eyeing the Seigaku dunk-smash player and rolled his own eyes.

"Sound fun-filled beyond belief but how exactly are we going out pull that off? "Fuji questioned motioning to all of them, "There are 26 of us here."

"Are you forgetting whose presence you are standing in? Atobe stepped forward, "Providing an elegant feast at the greatest restaurant in New York will be mere child's play for Ore-sama."

"You know throwing your money around like that is rather insulting Atobe." Tachibana retorted, "We can take care of our own meals."

"Same here. As much as we appreciate you flying us over here, we don't want to be in debt with you anymore than we already are." Sengoku added as he placed a hand on his teammates, Dan's shoulder, "I'm pretty sure Akazawa will agree with me."

Akazawa nodded, "Yes, that's true."

'Well it's settled then. We will all handle our own expenses." Oishi announced in hopes to keep an argument from happening."

Umm Akazawa-Buchou, would it be all right if I have dinner with my brother?" Yutta requested.

"As long as Tezuka doesn't have a problem with it, I don't see why you can't." Akazawa answered as he and Kaneda turned to leave, "Just try to make it back to the hotel at a decent time, and stay out of trouble

The Fuji brothers both looked at the Seigaku captain who had stayed completely stone-faced. Considering he was standing behind Fuji meant that no one could see his hands tightening into fists. After a moment he released a breath, "Yes, Yutta is more than welcome to dine with us. We will take good care of him." He stepped forward, "Atobe a moment, I would like to have a word with you." He turned to the others, "I'll be back in a moment."

"You bastard." Tezuka slammed Atobe up against the wall of the deserted hall way. If looks could kill the Hyotei captain would be the dust left over from his skeleton by now, "What the hell were you thinking?"

Atobe was the captain of one of the best tennis teams in Japan. Atobe himself was a nationally ranked player. Atobe was rich Atobe was powerful. Atobe could fit the Hyotei student body in the palm of his hand….

Atobe was scared.

"You promised Ryoma you wouldn't tell the other schools." Tezuka had snapped. He had managed to hold himself back until he and Atobe were alone where he wouldn't have to worry about the others gasping or being taken by surprise. His normally calm brown eyes were now blazing with anger and his grip on Atobe's shirt was tightening every second, "Why?"

Atobe swallowed and started down Tezuka just as fierce one he relocated what courage he could muster, "Tezuka, if you'd be so kind as so let me, I will be more than happy to explain why they are here and why I DIDN'T tell them."

Hearing that caused Tezuka to go into shock for a moment, "Didn't?" he released Atobe, "Ok, then what are they doing here?"

Atobe took a moment to gather himself before turning to face the Seigaku captain, "Believe it or not Tezuka, the other schools wished to come with us when I had a meeting at my mansion about surprising you all at the convention. We were actually planning to be in the audience and then cheer the loudest for you guys."

"I see then why didn't you just wait till then to approach us?" Tezuka asked finally getting it.

"We had no idea you were going to be in the hotel lobby at the time. It was by pure coincidence that we ran into each other." Atobe turned and leaned against the all, "Do you really think I would have broken a promise to my greatest rival? Besides if I had Seigaku would have received more attention and Ore-sama cannot allow that."

Tezuka sighed, "Same old Atobe. We better had back, "I'm sure the others are wondering where we are."

Atobe nodded as he followed the Seigaku captain back to the lobby.

"I don't see how Echizen could have survived in the city." Momoshiro said as he just barely managed to dodge the car nearly barreling towards him, "This place is nuts."

"Watch where you going Momoshiro. You need to be more careful, understand?" Oishi took a hold of Kikumaru's hand holding him close. He didn't trust these New Yorkers and how a lot of guys were giving the red head a look.

"Let's just find a restaurant and get something to eat." Tezuka said, "Echizen-sama, do you have any suggestions that allow in minors."

For once Nanjiroh was looking around, "Well, there's one restaurant Ryoma used to love to eat at as a kid, but I suppose it would be best to go to Chinatown. They have amazing cuisine."

"It looks like we'll have to take a bus." Inui pointed to the bus station, "Here we are."

Once all of them had piled on to the bus, and paid their fare Yutta pulled out his phone, "I better call Akawaza-Buchou and let him know where I'll be if he needs to get a hold of me." Once the phone call was made the younger Fuji brother turned to the others,

"Shusuke told me about the situation but trust me when I saw I haven't breathed a word of it to anyone. The rest of St. Rudolph told me to pass on their best luck wishes."

"Arigato," was the answer.

"Um, after we are done eating is there anything else we're going to be doing??"

"Well if you may recall we only got to see half of Central park yesterday so perhaps we could see the other half," Taka suggested.

"Well it looks like we'll have to take another bus." Tezuka acknowledged as he looked out the window, "Those of you who wish to return to the hotel may do so, just stay out of trouble."

"Tezuka, we're all going, Seigaku has to stick together, on the courts as well as off." Fuji pointed out elbowing his best friend's left arm seemingly forgetting his captain's condition. He looked up to see Tezuka trying his best to hold back a wince.

Tezuka felt the pain shoot through his arm and glared down at the Seigaku tensai. He knew it was all in good fun, but he couldn't help it. He hoped none of the others had noticed, but for once luck wasn't on his side.

"Tezuka are you all right? You looked like you were in pain when Fuji elbowed you." Oishi asked being the mother hen of Seigaku that he is.

"It's just a little sore, Oishi, nothing to alarm yourself about." Tezuka looked over to see Fuji giving him a doubtful look along with the others. But they knew better than to question their captain so they kept their thoughts to themselves, "You know it is getting rather late. I think it may be best if we just head back to the hotel. I know trust this city after dark."

No one could argue with their captain on that note, so they all finished their meal in silence.

"Tezuka, do you think we might be able to make a quick stop by Virgin Music Store? I want to see if the Chocolates' new cd is out yet." Kikumaru asked.

"Eiji can't you just wait until we get back home and find the cd then?" Oishi asked.

Kikumaru pouted then smiled a second later, "I guess so. I really wanted to get a cd for O'chibi. I heard from his cousin what his favorite artist is now."

Tezuka placed his hand to his chin, gripping it tightly, "I guess we can make a quick stop, but, get the cd you need and get back out again. Knowing you, Kikumaru, you'll probably spend as much time in there as you can."

Kikumaru couldn't help but blush at that as he led the others towards one of the largest cd stores in the United States.

As the walked Tezuka once again had to hold himself back from gripping his arm, "Please stay safe Ryoma," he whispered to himself.

A/N: Ok that's it for chapter 28, Chapter 29 is the matches and I'm hoping you will all enjoy them!