A/N: I have to say I'm thrilled by responses on the newest chapter! XD so you will all be rewarded with this chapter.

I know I've said many times that the end is approaching and never specified when but I will now…there is EXACTLY 2 chapters left. Between here and the 2 chapters will solve the rest of the dilemmas and cover Nationals. One thing you may look forward to this chapter is Atobe/Ryoma scene :)

(WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS LITTLE PARAGRAPH IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE LATEST PoT CHAPTERS!!!)JUST A RANT : Did anyone else read the later PoT chapter! OMFG! I never wanted to throttle Konomi-sensei more than I did before! First we got Sanada with his amazing yell and now a dumb Ryoma :(

Since many didn't answer my question last time, I'll have to repost it in this chapter!

Some people feel very unfulfilled by Waiting For You and feel that Fuji should have a reason for doing all that he did or a sequel continuing off from the party. Now my question to all of you is

Do you want to see the story told from Fuji POV?

OR

Do you want to see the sequel?

OR

Should I do a sequel with flashback of Fuji's view as crystalyuy suggested?

Don't forget to review because it'll make me happy!


RC- Well I hope you follow this to the end as well…after all, the end is only 2 chapters away

Blackspica- Thanks for the luck and don't you worry overly much about the Thrill Pair… time will open all eyes XP

Lonely Rain- I've updated and hope you will read on to see more of the Thrill Pair at work!

1FujiEijiLVR- Thanks for the review and constant support!

Seer Vixion- I'm glad you like the fact that Jun/Ryo got their wish…as for the Thrill Pair…they need a bit more time?

Sweet Obsidian Rain- I will consider it since the reader's in-sight is the best in-sight I have. :) As for the Hajimoto VS Echizen case, it'll be a scene when Jun's parents find out who the plaintiff is XD.

Shadowsteph- Yes everyone is getting involved. It's bad for the team if you're captain is in LaLa land, the vice-captain is frustrated and the coach is taking all the stress. I'm glad you love all the twists and turns to the story…I have fun doing that….unless you all want to see a typical story where the plot is transparent and the trouble is a jealous Mary sue…XD

Cheska- Yep! One trouble solved a few more to go!

Fullofmisery- The next few chapters aren't going to get any better for Ryo now that Jun has nothing holding him back XD

RuByMoOn17-Yes, problem solved and both are happy…well at least Jun will be extremely happy XD

Asian Tinkerbell- I can't say much on Fuji after all he feels betrayed at the moment and Ryoma's feeling extremely negative at the moment.

XoHakugei- I know, a lot of people commented on how supportive I made them of Jun's decision. I figured a relenting family is rarely showcased so I decided his parents would be. But as his mother says, it was only because an heir would be born soon.

Empress Satori- Thankfully they are very supportive parents despite how Jun portrays them at first. :) His family had formidable attributes huh? XD Anyways! Fuji hopefully will see that indeed Ryoma gave him the easy way out! Until then bare with the lost lamb :) Ryoma on the other hand, will hopefully relax in the next week or so a bit and ease his tension. Then again Oishi bringing it up isn't going to help him either XP Poor Ryoma already had to swallow his pride as ask for help…what more can happen?

Marauders Jr- Well got to love his parent now too! Hopefully Fuji will figure it out and go back to where he belongs XD

Selyn- Thank you for that one word! XD all I can say is the Tensai can't be good at everything…especially when it comes to his own love story XD The sequel to 'Waiting For You' is being considered after a couple people also said they'd like to see a sequel instead with more problems…I'll see what I can do to these couples though ( evil thoughts!)

Crystalyuy- Your point is being considered and I must say thank you for reading the A/N as well XD (People! It's there for a reason!) It will now be used as a 3rd option to see which is more popular now!


The Risks We Take

Chapter 20: Live With No Regrets

Fast Recap

"I can't concern myself with him or Ryo anymore Momoshiro…I'm with Tezuka now…"

Momoshiro grabbed Fuji roughly and shook him. " If you don't find out the real reason then you'll live with regret at never knowing Fuji-senpai… you'll never know what he or you did wrong…can you live with that? Can you live knowing things could've been worked out?"

"I…"

"If you ask me Fuji-senpai, it sounds as if Echizen was just stressed and struggling to be a pillar where Ryo and you could rely on…one who is capable of everything…I think he's letting you have the easy way out…"

…………………………..

"Arigatou Otou-san." Jun said as the door to his father and a slight smile graced Jer's lips for a few seconds.

"Live with no regrets Jun."

"Aa…"


"Fuji-senpai…"

Fuji snapped out of his thoughts and looked up to see Momoshiro. " What?"

"Is it too much to ask that you think about it?" Momoshiro asked with a sigh. " That baka Echizen is always going in headfirst so I don't think you two are okay yet…"

"Maybe…" Fuji merely mumbled.

"I don't know but Fuji-senpai…Kaidoh and I are flying to Tokyo in a week's time. Nationals is coming up and Inui wants out support…if Tezuka-senpai and you want, you can come back as well since the team will be gathering…"

"Nationals huh…" Fuji said a bit distantly.

"Is that it?" Tezuka asked walking over.

"Hai Tezuka-senpai…" Momoshiro said.

"My original trip was to come see you two, if you two are flying back then we might as well go back and enjoy Nationals with everyone." Tezuka said without a trace of emotion in his voice.

"I'll have Kaidoh reserve 4 seats for the day after then." Momoshiro said with a nod before he gave Fuji one last look. Hopefully Fuji would think about what he said.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Sunday

"Echizen-san…"

Ryoma turned to see Matsuma heading his way. Today they were going to the drawing for Nationals and this time; it'd only be Matsuma, Ryo and himself.

" Matsuma…" Ryoma greeted as usual.

"Ryo's not here yet?" Matsuma asked with a slight frown. They had planned to meet up in front of the building at 8 am sharp…it was already 8 and the other schools were already going in.

"Hajimoto said he'd drop Ryo by…" Ryoma said bluntly.

"I see…about the additional help, my parents are putting their full support behind you."

Ryoma nodded a bit in thankfulness. " Arigatou…Matsuma…"

"Iie…you know I would do anything to help." Matsuma said softly.

"Aa…and that's why I had to thank you…I'll make sure to thank your parents when I see them."

Matsuma nodded, "They are currently trying to figure out who is helping Hajimoto in the court battle so they know which approach to take but that shouldn't take more than a couple of days at the most…we still have a week before finals."

Ryoma nodded. " I hope that'll be enough time… I don't want any distraction for Ryo or you."

"Aa." Matsuma agreed readily.

"Gomen…"

Both turned to see Ryo breathing a bit hard from running.

"I though Hajimoto was dropping you off?" Ryoma demanded.

"He was… but his car broke down a ways back so I had to run the rest of the way…" Ryo said and frowned a bit as a look or irritation and anger passed his aniki's face.

"I'll give you money later in case he doesn't have any money after fixing his car." Ryoma said before pushing them both in. " Come on, it won't due for this year's champion's to be too late!"

"Usu!" Ryo said and led Matsuma inside and towards the front.

"Seigaku…" a few schools whispered while others eyed Ryo in challenge.

"Finally decided to show?" Kei asked from where he sat with his own Fukubuchou.

"It's my grand entrance." Ryo said with an ego-filled smile to match any of Atobe's.

"Che!" Kei said before shifting his glance to Matsuma. " Jun… there's still spots open at Hyoutei for you!"

"No thanks Kei." Matsuma merely said as he followed Ryo to a seat.

"You'll regret it!"

Matsuma merely ignored it as he contained his happiness. He couldn't wait to tell Ryo about his parents' decision.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

"You're about to be squashed!" Kei said to Ryo with a grin. The drawing had been determined and it seemed like it was in for a big one on both sides of the chart.

On one side was Seigaku with last year's champion Shitenhouji, only one would advance to semi-finals. On the other side, were Higa, Rikkaidai and Hyoutei…all three who were the top 4 last year.

"I could say the same for you." Ryo said with a smirk.

"Aren't you confident for someone whose leading a school who hasn't been to Nationals in years!" Kei sneered.

"I'll show you where you went wrong Atobe." Ryo said with a smile, " When I show you how to beat Shitenhouiji!"

Kei frowned. It was true Hyoutei was the best 8 last year and lost out to Shitenhouji but NO ONE! Not even Ryo should be making fun of them!

"Ike (Let's go)" Ryo stated to Matsuma and headed out.

"I still say you come to Hyoutei Jun!" Atobe-junior stated.

"So he can be your dog? I don't think so." Ryo stated back.

"Better mine then yours!" Kei said smugly. "After all we were raised together!"

Ryo didn't say anything as he continued walking out, he only pause long enough to grab Matsuma's hand in his and pull possessively. No one else said anything as they watched the buchou of Seigaku drag his Fukubuchou out of the room, Matsuma on the other hand was trying to hide a pleased smile at Ryo's possessiveness and tightened his grip on Ryo's hand to show his happiness instead.

When they got outside Ryo noted his brother's gaze that was directed to their hands and immediately let go.

"Why were you holding my hand?" Ryo demanded as he pulled his cap down over his reddening face.

"But you were holding mine!" Jun said with a small smirk. It seemed his Ryo was still a bit shy…

"Anyways aniki… I want to stay with Jun and you for a bit more…" Ryo whined.

Ryoma merely smiled and pulled Ryo's cap lower, "Aa…why don't we go hit some balls for practice?"

"Aa!" They both agreed readily. Ryoma smiled warmly at Ryo and walked ahead of the two. It seemed they needed a bit of time with each other…and besides that point Ryoma felt the need to be alone with his thoughts for a bit…Oishi had mentioned that Fuji and Tezuka had gone to France to see Kaidoh and Momo-senpai. That meant Fuji had done exactly what Ryoma had said to do…he'd gone back to Tezuka.

'Baka!' Ryoma chided at himself as a pain throbbed his chest and tears bit at the corner of his eyes. 'You brought this upon yourself!'

He glanced backwards where the two following him were quietly talking. All he needed was Ryo…everything had been taking from him…he'd be damn if Ryo was as well! He'd lost Nanako, His Oyaji, his mother, his professional career, and the love his life…

'Is that not enough?' Ryoma asked himself silently. Sometimes even Echizen Ryoma needed a break from being a concrete pillar supporting everyone.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Jun was happy just being beside Ryo as they walked. The slight irritation and embarrassment wasn't leaving Ryo's face but it was those tiny things that made Jun love him all the more…

"Ne Ryo…"

"Hm?"

"About Kimiko-"

"I don't want to know!" Ryo said bluntly cutting him off.

"My parent's broke the engagement…" Jun pushed on anyways looking at Ryo fully.

"Jun…they'll just get you engaged to someone else-"

"Yadda!" Jun said cutting Ryo off this time, " I talked to them about us already…"

Ryo's eyes widened before a frown graced his lips. "Jun…"

"It's okay Ryo…" Jun said with a small smile, " They accept us…it's okay with them…"

Ryo searched Jun's eyes to see if this was actually true…what he found was sincerity and the worst he could do at the moment was poke Jun on the forehead and deepen his frown.

"Baka! That's nothing to be overly happy about!" Ryo chided softly.

Jun merely smile knowing his boyfriend was just uncomfortable at the moment. All he needed was the softening of those golden eyes for him and the worry that was apparent in his frown.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Sunday, The night before Nationals Fukumachi Residence

"Aniki's not playing tomorrow?" Kei and Kenta asked their older brother with watery eyes.

(A/N: I'm sure everyone remembers these two adorable twins from chapter 16 where they both appeared in the scene where Kitawaru was in the hospital.)

"No I'm not!" Koichi said as he reached to ruffle the twins brown hair in a loving way.

" It's because of your owie isn't it?" Kenta said with a frown touching his aniki's knee softly.

"Aa Kenta… but we'll still go…want to go cheer for my school?"

Both nodded furiously. " Misa gunna be there?"

Koichi smiled a bit at the mention of his girlfriend and nodded, " Aa…"

Koichi was a bit surprised at himself for being able to stick to a girl for almost a month now…He was Seigaku's King of Players, the proud king who had girlfriends whose expiration date was a week at most.

"Koichi-nii-san!" Kei said waving to get his attention.

"What is it?" Koichi asked looking at the little 5 and a half-year-old boy.

"When I grow up I'm gunna be just like you!" Kei said with a cute grin to his brother.

Koichi smiled. "Aa…"

He watched as his brothers wandered out of the room and away. He looked at his knee for a second. He knew he should be thankful he can even walk with a brace in a month's time but he felt a wave of regret…he wasn't going to get to play in Nationals…and even afterwards he'd have to rehabilitate his knee so the earliest he'd be able to return was preliminaries.

"Ganbatte!" Koichi whispered lightly for his sake and Seigaku's…with all his heart he hoped the 3rd years would get to see Nationals and he'd be able to recover fasted with all the pampering his girl and mother was giving him.

"YOSH!" Koichi said to his room as he set the clock early. Even if he wasn't going to play he'd be there supporting his teammates every step of the way!

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Kitawaru residence

"Go to sleep!" Kitawaru Kai yelled at his 4 younger brothers.

"Hai!" came 4 voices in a perfect echo.

Kai sighed as he picked up the clutter.

"Oyasumi Kai… my brother's here for me." Seiko said from the door.

"Aa… thanks for cooking tonight for me…I appreciate it…" Kai said hugging Seiko close.

"No problem… I'm sure your aunt will be happy as well…"

Kai nodded and opened the door to let Seiko out to Soujirou.

"Ready for tomorrow?" Soujirou asked.

"Aa… hope you are as well Moritaka…after all you're the noob!"

"Che!" Soujirou merely said and nodded. " Oyasumi."

"Oyasumi" Kai said to both and shut the door. Locking it quietly, he glanced towards his brother's bedroom and sighed a bit.

It was a hard life for all of them. His mother had died after having the youngest of his four younger brothers and his dad had abandoned them when he realized there was no way he could raise 5 boys by himself. It was thanks to his mother's sister that they even had a place to call home. She had given up her freedom to work 2 jobs to help raise all five of them…together the 6 of them conserved, scrimped and saved everything to survive.

"Okaa-san…wish me luck?" Kai said softly to a picture of his mother on the mantle by the fireplace. He picture as usual smiled back and Kai could do nothing but turn out the lights and head to bed as well. Tomorrow…he'd do his best!

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Inui residence

"Yura and I will come see you tomorrow Shiro." Yuna promised as she carried her sleepuing daughter towards the front door.

"Aa… Oyasumi Onee-san!" Shiro said as tapped his foot impatiently to let his older sister out. He was itching to go back to his computer where he could work his data to the team's advantage…he was thrilled at the strong plays he could suggest to Echizen-san tomorrow already.

Shutting and locking the door behind his sister, he yelled a good night to his mother in the kitchen and practically flew to his bedroom towards the computer.

"Hmmm…Kira and I…."

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Tokinawa Residence

"Your father and I are looking forward to tomorrow opening ceremony… we'll be there for that and then head to work Naota."

"Arigatou Okaa-san." Naota said with a smile and turned with Aikawa to go to his bedroom. That night Aikawa was sleeping over since Aikawa had no wish to go home to be pampered by his mother and 2 sisters.

Shutting the door Naota turned to look at Aikawa. " Say Shun…why don't you like the constant attention of 3 girls?"

Aikawa crawled into the futon laid out for him before he sighed. " It's hell Tokinawa…haven't you ever wondered why I can't get a girlfriend?"

Naota shrugged as he crawled into his bed. " No…why can't you? You're pretty popular!"

"They are the problem…every time I bring a girl home they scare her away!"

"Scare? How?" Naota asked amused by Shun's story now.

"They scare the girl into thinking I'm looking for a wife at my age! They stress the things I like to eat, the duties she will need to do as my wife and such things…I hate that!"

"It's cute…" Naota admitted with a smirk to the ceiling darkened now that he turned out the lights.

"No it isn't! No matter how mad I get though… I just love my mom and my 2 sisters to much! I guess it's because with my father dead and me as the only male in the family…they spoil me a bit too much!"

Naota nodded in the dark. " That's probably it!"

"I wished they'd stop sometimes though…"

"Perhaps in time…" Naota suggested.

"Nah… never will happen….anyways Tokinawa-kun…how come you can't get a girlfriend? You're a pretty nice guy!"

"Am I nice?"

"You are! One of the nicest men in know!" Shun exclaimed.

"Sure? Let me tell you a story…" Naota said after a long pause of silence.

(A/N: everything in italic is now a flashback!)

I once went to a private school for elementary…it was there I met my first love Mia. She was beautiful and lovely in every way possible. I had my first talk with her when we were paired as project partners; she was brilliant and told me she liked me a lot. When I finally gathered the courage to tell her how I felt, I found out she was dating the most popular guy in the school at the time. In a jealous attempt to separate them I purposely told his fan club about them dating. It was only in a matter of months that they both caved in no matter how strongly they felt for once another…afterwards I claimed her as my own and we started dating. Although we dated for nearly three months, every time I looked at her, I saw no love reflected…all I saw was her eyes on him and her heart that was with him.

Before I moved here I set a meeting with both of them at my house. Before I left I set her hand back in his and told her that I truly loved her with all my heart, but if she didn't return any of that then it means nothing…

"So you see Shun…I'm not nice at all…"

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Kira Residence

Kira sighed as he shut the door to his room. Once more his parents weren't home and his sister would not be back till late. Crawling in his bed he pulled the covers all the way up and shut his eyes. Seigaku wasn't playing tomorrow but he wanted to observe what they were up against…after all Echizen-san did say that the parings they could be in were all random… he was an accomplished doubles player… but if he got the chance to be singles…he'd have to be ready.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Moritaka Residence

Soujirou cuddle closer in his bundle of blankets. Once again his father had refused to even consider going to see him…although it hurt that his father wasn't fully supporting him, it helped a bit that his mother had encouraged him and Seiko would be going tomorrow to see them.

'Tomorrow I'll do my best to see Nationals with my own eyes…and if I never get there again, I'll have no regrets!'

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Matsuma Residence

Jun hung up the phone and collapsed on his bed in happiness. He had just gotten off the phone with Ryo…HIS boyfriend…who yelled at him to get some sleep. But he couldn't help it…his parents had promised to be at the opening ceremony before returning to their work and Himiko would be there the whole day!

Yes…he was definitely happy and definitely wasn't going to fail Ryo or his parents!

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Hajimoto Residence

Ryo hung up his cell and crawled into his futon. Although he hadn't mentioned it to Jun…he dearly missed his bed and his aniki…this wasn't where he wanted to be but he knew better than to make his aniki and Jun worry. As buchou he had to be the pillar of support that showed no weakness in a time of need.

"Oyasumi Aniki…be okay…."

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Monday Morning

Nationals

The opening ceremony ended beautifully as each member of Seigaku was happy to see at least one member of their family in the crowd smiling in happiness at them, even Fukumachi was there supporting them.

As first matched started and the regulars eventually wandered back to where Ryoma and Ryo stood to go scout out their opponents, Inui walked over with everyone.

"Minna…" Ryoma said to everyone as he smirked and avoided looking at Fuji all together. Instead, he focused on Momo-senpai and Kikumaru-senpai who were trying to glomp him in happiness.
"It's been a while since we've all got together right Tezuka?" Oishi asked in happiness.

"Aa" Tezuka said as he reached over to take Fuji's hand in his. " Especially since Fuji and I are together again."

"Really?" Kawamura said in surprise, " Last time it was Echizen and Fuji wasn't it?"

"Something like that!" Oishi said quickly trying to change the subject. He glanced worriedly at Ryoma but Ryoma continued insulting Momo on his backhand swings.

" Why don't we go look at you're opponents tomorrow…" Inui said interrupting everyone.

"Aa… it'd be either Kabuto from the Nara region or Takashiro Gakuin from the Fuka region." Inui-junior finished off before going to stand next to Kira again. After seeing the relationship his uncle was in with that other guy, he didn't want to catch another sight like that again.

"Ike!" Ryo said and led the way.

"Ryo…wrong way!" Ryoma yelled out cockily and took the right way leading the rest of them.

" Che!" Ryo said with a frown and pulled his cap to cover his face.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Ryo noted the tension between his aniki and Fuji immediately. As soon as the group had approached them after the ceremony, Fuji and his aniki had avoided eye contact, talking or anything that'd involve them doing something together. Ryo observed as the man who claimed to be Fuji's boyfriend held tightly onto his hands yet Fuji's gaze was directly centered at his aniki's back. With a sigh, Ryo sped up to walk with his brother. Upon reaching him he noted the distant look in his aniki's eyes as he led the rest. A scant trace of sadness and pain tinted his golden eyes when he wasn't guarding his emotions well…

Ryo bit back a question as he focused back on the path they were taking. He knew it was the recent breakup and problems involving him that was destroying his aniki. Ryo bit his bottom lip in guilt. Ever since he was born, he'd done nothing but hinder his aniki…it was because Ryo wanted to see his aniki play tennis that Uncle Nanjiroh had died in that car accident, it was because of him that his aniki had to quit professional tennis and move them to Japan…now it was him again breaking up his aniki's relationship and life with custody issues.

Ryo felt a hand on his head through his hat and looked up to see his aniki with a small smirk on his lips. Ryo returned it and felt a bit of relief touch him. As long as his aniki was here, he'd work his hardest as well…for Seigaku and his brother, he'd go all out and win this for all of them!

………………………………………………………………………………………..

The match between Kabuto and Takashiro Gakuen didn't interest any of them. It was amazing that these two groups even got this far with the little skills they had.

"Let's see how Yamabuki's doing instead then!" Inui said looking up from his blank page of notes. He had prepared it for the match only to see that it was of no use to write anything.

" Aa… They're up against Kashimakita today aren't they?" Tokinawa asked dusting his jersey.

"Aa…" Ryoma answered and once more led the way with Inui towards Yamabuki.

"Echizen…"

Ryoma turned around to see Momoshiro trying to keep up with him.

"What is it?" Ryoma asked.

"Hey…about Fuji-senpai and you…"

"There's nothing to talk about if it's that." Ryoma stated bluntly and kept his pace.

"Echizen! I think there's a lot to talk about though!" Momoshiro said a bit irritated at Ryoma attitude now. He could see why Oishi-senpai could do nothing but worry now…

"Momo-senpai…I shouldn't have interfered in their lives…that's it…I should be focused on Nationals and Ryo right now, not worrying over a mistake I made."

Momoshiro opened his mouth to yell at Ryoma but no words came out. He merely fell back to walk with Kikumaru and Oishi-senpai in defeat.

"He got you too huh?" Oishi asked.

"O-chibi is so stubborn nya!" Kikumaru said with a frown.

Momoshiro merely nodded and followed quietly as he thought of an alternate way to talk of this…

………………………………………………………………………………………..

"Yamabuki wins!" The referee said loudly as they got there. It seemed they were only in time to see everyone cheering.

"Seigaku!" Banji greeted with his usual smile.

"Omedetou (Congratulations)" Inui said and shook hands briefly with Banji.

"Aa…they're hearts are stronger now since you last seen them…we will do well and hopefully see you there as well?" Banji asked.

"We will be there." Ryoma said confidently and stepped forwards to shake hands with Banji as well. " Ganbatte…you're next match is with Shitenhouji isn't it?"

"Sugoi…last year's champions?" Aikawa asked.

Matsuma nodded, " Aa… whoever wins will advance and eventually meet with us."

"That's IF you get that far." Banji said with a wide smile.

"We WILL get that far." Ryo assured with a smirk.

"I can see where the similarity lies…" Banji said to Ryoma, " That attitude will be trouble…"

"That attitude is what will lead Seigaku to victory." Ryoma assured Banji. Now he remembered why he disliked this smiling old man…he insulted everyone with a smile on his face and THAT was what ticked Ryoma off.

" Good luck as well on your match tomorrow as well." Banji said before walking back to his team.

"Arigatou!" Ryoma called after him, " Don't stress to much or else a few more wrinkles will appear!"

Ryo bit a smile back as he heard the regulars try to contain their own laughter. He caught a trace of a smile appear on Fuji's lips before it dissolved. It seemed Fuji missed his aniki as well…whether they admit it or not.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Later

"Have a good night okay?" Ryoma said to Ryo as Hajimoto walked over with his wife and daughter to pick up Ryo.

"Aa…you as well." Ryo said as he went through the daily ritual of his aniki ruffling his hair one last time then digging into his pocket for his wallet.

"Wonderful day isn't it Echizen-san?" Hajimoto said with a smile.

Ryoma didn't answer as he reached into his wallet and pulled a couple hundred yens out to hand to Hajimoto.

Hajimoto took the money gratefully and put a hand on Ryo. "Come along Ryo…"

Ryo merely looked at Ryoma until Ryoma gently poked his forehead in his endearing way and nod for Ryo to go.

Ryo turned away and followed his 'father' away.

"Why is Ryoma giving that man money?" Fuji demanded of Kikumaru who stood next to him.

"Because that man is poor and if Ryoma doesn't then Ryo will definitely starve at that man's house!" Kikumaru said with a deep frown. " It's the same routine each time he picks up O-chibi junior!"

Fuji frowned as well…what kind of settlement was that?

"Anyways Fujiko when did O-chibi become Ryoma to you again?" Kikumaru asked pointedly.

"I…"

"Nevermind…he's hurting enough as it is anyways…he doesn't say how stressed he is with the recent court battle for Ryo but I can tell…the pillar is breaking when you see him like that…" Kikumaru said softly.

Fuji stared at Ryoma who stood watching Ryo and Hajimoto's family disappear into the parking lot. He stood with a proud back but Fuji somehow knew he was probably dying inside.

"Ike Syuusuke…"

Fuji turned to see Tezuka leaving and reluctantly followed. He wanted to hug Ryoma for some reason right now…and tell him…it'd be okay…

………………………………………………………………………………………..

The next day

Nationals

"Seigaku! Fight-O!" The regulars said strongly. Today they were in high spirits…they're family was here for their first match, their friends and even their rivals who wanted to see Ryo in action.

"Okay…here's the line-up!" Inui said to the members as they gathered. "Singles 3, Moritaka…don't lose, this is your debut! Doubles 2, Tokinawa/Aikawa pair, Singles 2 Matsuma, Doubles 1 Inui/Kira pair, and Singles 1 Kitawaru…. questions?"

"Where's me?" Ryo asked with a slight frown.

"Reserve" Inui said with a smile.

"Why?"

"There's no reason to use you in this match Ryo."

Ryo turned away without a word and pulled his cap down in anger. Ryoma merely pulled it down even further

"Do your best Moritaka!" Ryoma said before sitting down to observe. Fuji sat almost beside him but he did his best to ignore that fact. He kept his eyes leveled at the match that was about to start instead.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

The entire crowd watching the match was silent. Most were in awe at the flawless plays that Seigaku had just displayed. They'd won all 5 matches with flying colors and not one game passed 20 minutes. Slowly one applause went up and the rest followed…no one expected Seigaku to be like this…to win Kantou and make it this far was by far amazing to everyone watching.

"You all did well…." Ryoma said with a smile.

"Aa!" They all said as they celebrated their first victory in Nationals.

"But…mada mada!" Ryoma finished.

"Mou! (geez)" They echoed.

"Anyone up for Yamabuki's match? It should still be on since ours ended quite soon."

"Aa!" They all agreed and started packing. To see Shitenhouji in action was something they all look forward to.

"Seigaku!"

They all turned around to see Midoriyama walking their way.

"We heard you won…" The coach said to Ryoma.

"Aa…we did…and your team?" Ryoma asked.

"Just about to begin ours… if we win we'll face off with Seigaku once more."

"Then I'll wait till then to congratulate you on being able to see us again." Ryoma said with a smirk.

"Echizen…I don't make the same mistakes twice… I'm pretty sure it's as I predicted this time again…after all Midoriyama is a team who always makes it to Nationals."

"Of course you should always make it to Nationals; It'd be a shame if retired professionals like you can't even bring their team to nationals…. besides, I don't make the same line-up twice as well…" Ryoma said with his own challenging smirk before he waved the team to head on. " We have a match to catch so excuse us."

"It's be a shame to place your bets on Seigaku, Samurai Junior!"

" Samurai junior would be my son…as for where my loyalty lays, it's no concern of yours…then again you may fear that someone as young as me will bring victory on a school who hasn't seen victory in years."

Ryoma expected the silence, as Midoriyama couldn't reply to his challenge. As he was leaving to catch up with the others, he noted that Matsuma was also behind the rest as he walked with his parents. Ryoma suppressed a frown…whatever they were saying to Matsuma didn't look like good news.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

"What happened?" Ryoma asked when he got to the court and it seemed the matches were over already.

"They lost…" Inui said as he wrote a couple things down.

"Who?"

"Yamabuki…so fast." Ryo said studying Shitenhouji. " We caught the last part of singles 2 and it looked brutal…"

Ryoma frowned…he had wanted to see last year's champions in action…

'Would it be like anything we faced back in the day?' Ryoma thought silently.

"What are we waiting for now?" Tokinawa asked.

"For the announcement of the best 8." Inui said, "After that we have a match with either Midoriyama or Okakura."

Everyone nodded and started to relax.

"Relaxing already?"

Ryo turned to see Atobe Kei making his way towards them with Hyoutei in tow.

"Monkey-king junior…" Ryoma greeted, "Where's the monkey king himself today?"

"My cousin will be here later!" Kei said offended by the terms Ryoma used. " I dislike the way you call us Echizen!"

"Yet you answer when I call you that?" Ryoma smirked in amusement.

Kei frowned but turned his attention back to Ryo. " I command you to lead your team to semi-finals where I can thoroughly beat you myself!"

Ryo merely stared at him as if he had lost his mind. " The only way I'm going to see you again is if you beat either Rikkaidai or Higa, Monkey-junior!"

Kei merely smiled. "Whatever…I'll see you there!"

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Ryoma glanced over the regulars to make sure they were all here. They were about to announce the Best 8…although Ryoma already knew Seigaku was one of them…he needed to know who else made it.

For a second Fuji came into a view and with that came a searing pain through his chest. Ryoma looked at his hands instead and concentrated on the lines on his hands. Suddenly a hand touched his shoulder arm and he looked up to see a grim-faced Matsuma.

"What is it?"

"About the lawsuit-" Matsuma started but was cut short when the announcer announced the Best 8.

"…Higa (Okinawa region) best 4 of last year…Rikkadai (Kanagawa region) best 4 of last year…Maikozaka (Kyoto region) a big surprise for one who didn't wind their first round last year…"

"Tell me after this." Ryoma said to Matsuma before he concentrated on hearing the rest of the Best 8.

"…Hyoutei (Tokyo region) best 8 of last year…Ikari (Yamanashi region) runner-up to last years championship…Shitenhouji (Osaka region) our champions of last year…Midoriyama (Saitama region) best 12 of last year…"

"It seems we are against them tomorrow then…" Ryoma muttered to Matsuma who nodded.

"…and Seigaku (Tokyo region) a new appearance in Nationals after a long time-"

"Echizen-san…" Matsuma said turning back as he ignored the announcer congratulating these top 8 that would advance.

"Go ahead…" Ryoma said focusing on Matsuma now as he ignored the other regulars who were happily celebrating this small victory with Inui-senpai and the rest.

"It's just that my parents have finally figured out Hajimoto-san's defense team…"

"Go on…" Ryoma said with a slight frown at the mention of Hajimoto.

"It seems the defense on favor of Hajimoto is Sanotoku law firm, which is heavily supported by the Atobe's-"

"Chibisuke!"

Ryoma didn't have time to recover before the culprit himself showed up with Hyoutei.

"Echizen-san…"

Ryoma didn't listen to Matsuma anymore as he stalked up to the smirking idiot. Hate was too kind of a word to express the hatred that filled Ryoma's aura when he locked his eyes on Atobe's smirking face. Upon reaching him, Ryoma drew upon all the self-control he had and took his cap off.

"Why monkey-king…why would you support a scheming thief who wants Ryo?" Ryoma said as calmly as he could even if the fiery blaze ignited his golden eyes.

Atobe merely smiled back. "Because he is Ryo's real father isn't he?"

Behind them were many people shocked…shocked to hear that Atobe was backing Hajimoto up…that he was behind the bulk of anguish that never left Ryoma.

" Atobe!" Oishi whispered in his own anger…even he couldn't predict that Atobe would do such a thing to Ryoma…

"I don't care about that! He can't even support himself, how will he support MY Ryo?" Ryoma demanded.

"With your money of course!" Atobe said with a smile.

With that Ryoma snapped and the gasps of surprise filled the air right after because no one expected Ryoma to draw back his fist and shove it straight into Atobe's cheek hard. The hit knocked Atobe back a couple of steps in surprise and as Ryoma advanced forward to do more damage Kaidoh and Inui, who stood closest to Ryoma held him back.

"Echizen! Stop!" Oishi cried out as he advanced forward. He could tell Inui and Kaidoh were having a hard time holding Ryoma back. He noted that even Ryo rushed forward…

"Let me go!" Ryoma said as he shoved both of his senpai's off and face Ryo. Grabbing the racquet and ball from Ryo's hands he turned and served a Drive A straight at Atobe's face from a close distance. Atobe collapsed to the floor as both his cheeks now were starting to bruise and swell from Ryoma's hits.

"I'll sue you!" Atobe announced before Kei had his servants help Atobe up and out to the hospital.

"Bring it on!" Ryoma said angrily to Atobe who was retreating now with his servants.

" Echizen!" Oishi said in horror at how fierce Ryoma acted… "He'll destroy you!"

For the first time that day, Ryoma faced all of Seigaku and his friends with anguished filled eyes. The golden eyes of the pillar were collapsing with anguish and hurt as it stared at all of them.

" I have no regrets if I die now…" Ryoma merely announced to them and walked off in his own direction. No one could say anything as they watched him walk off…no one dared followed…they knew he needed time…

"Aniki…" Ryo muttered. Towards the back though, Fuji had never seen Ryoma so mad nor so broken… "Ryoma…what's wrong…" Fuji whispered.


A/N: Thus it ends this long-ish chapter!

For those who wanted to see Ryoma snap, there you are…as for the next chapter, I'm pretty sure we'll get through semi-finals, and we'll refocus on the issue of our Thrill pair again… the more reviews I get, the faster I'm inspired to write the next chapter so throw a review in after this! It'll be much appreciated since we are approaching the end!