A/N: The second to last chapter has finally arrived! I'm sorry for taking so long, but I do have other fics. I just hope you all enjoy this, for the second to last time (at least for this story) I don't own Prince of tennis…wait do they count the box sets as owning them? No, damn it! I also apologize if this isn't very long. I'm extremely lazy when it comes to writing matches but I'll do what I can! Well on with the fic!
Chapter 29: Let the Games Begin
The day had finally come; Liberty Court. The number of attendees was at its peak, that year, and the competition breathe taking. The matches were to take place after a total of 10 teams and their accomplishments were introduced, to an audience of 1,000s.
When his team was announced Tezuka Kunimitsu stepped forward with his vice captain Oishi Shuichiro holding the Seigaku flag between them. Neither of them able to hid their looks of pride for their team when their victory at the Nationals in Japan was announced. As promised their 'cheering section' did indeed applaud the loudest.
When the name Jackson Stockholmz echoed over the loud speaker, all of Seigaku turned to see a group of men in dark green jerseys. Among them, none looked familiar except for one; Miamichi Hisoka. Tezuka glared at Jackson and the two captains' caught each other's gaze igniting the beginning of a silent battle, ceasing only to allow the courts to be cleared and the matches to begin. The level each team is ranked indicated when they would play, and Seigaku had a bit of time to wait.
Since Seigaku did not play in the first round Tezuka used that opportunity to have one last strategy meeting. But when he turned to address his team he was surprised to see what appeared to be bloodlust in their eyes; even Oishi.
Momoshiro's grip on his racquet, noticeably tightened as he glared at the other team, "It's a good thing Echizen isn't here."
Tezuka gave the dunk smash player a hard look before turning his attention to Ryuzaki-sensei and Echizen Nanjiroh. For once the perverted tennis player had been paying attention to his surroundings.
"It's just like how I remembered it."
"Echizen-sama, did you participate here as well?" Oishi asked hoping to get the others attention away from the bastard with a racquet.
Nanjroh chuckled, "Why yes. It was around the time this old hag, didn't have any wrinkles if you can believe that."
Ryuzaki-sensei glared at the tennis samurai before borrowing one of the regulars racquets and using the frame to smack it on the back of Nanjiroh's head. "All of you listen up. We have the line up for the match. For doubles two Kaidoh and Momoshiro, Doubles one Kawamura and Inui, Singles 3 Fuji, Singles 2 Oishi, and Singles 1 Kikumaru.
The regulars gave each other quizzical looks at the choice of their line up. The doubles players were understandable, but the choice of singles player left them scratching their heads.
"Ryuzkai-sensei, how come I'm in singles 1?" Kikumaru asked twirling his racquet on his wrist.
"Because our opponent's first single's player is the perfect match to go up against your acrobatic net play." Inui answered before their coach had a chance.
"Inui, just how exactly do you know that?" Taka asked.
"Inui-senpai was up half the night working on his laptop," Kaidoh put in, "He kept me awake half the night. I'm surprised he's as wide awake as he is right now. It's kind of scary."
Inui looked up from his notebook, which seemed to pop out of nowhere, "the opponents we are about to face, they fascinate me."
"Leave it to Inui, "Oishi stated, "If he has the chance to, he will acquire data for tennis.
"Well in any case the line up has been made to give you all the chance to use your talents." Ryuzaki-sensei explained, "Remember the convention gives you a chance to portray your skills."
Tezuka stepped forward with a look of determination, "Yudan sezu ni ikō."
"Seigaku Doubles 2 players please report to the courts. Your match will begin in 3 minutes."
Kaidoh and Momoshiro looked at each other with knowing glances before they joined their senpai in a quick huddle.
"Seigaku Fight!"
"Viper let's go."
Kaidoh only hissed in response as he followed the dunk smash player onto the courts, "Remember after this entire convention we go back to being bitter rivals. But for now I guess we can consider each other-"
Momoshiro smiled, "Kaidoh, come on, don't tell me you're only putting up with me for Echizen's sake. I've wanted to be your friend for a while; you've just never given me a chance."
Kadioh stopped in mid-step, "Are you serious?"
Momoshiro turned and gave the snake shot player a hard look, "Yes. Now come one let's win this match for Echizen."
For the first time in ages a genuine smile appeared on Kaidoh's pursed lips, "Yeah, let's go."
"Well, well well. Are you sure you kids belong here? This is the adults' courts. I'm pretty sure they're looking for you in the daycare center."
Momoshiro turned to see a man with light brown hair and a fair muscular build. Next to him was a man with long black hair pulled in a ponytail. He glanced at Kaidoh to see if the viper before focusing his gaze back on their opponents, "Is it just me Kaidoh, or do these guys remind you of something?"
Kaidoh stepped forward, "Yeah, they remind me of the cockroach I squished this morning."
Momoshiro shook his head, "No, I'd say the cockroach had more class then these low lives."
"You better watch what you say, you punks." The man reached over in attempt to grab Momoshiro's shirt but was stopped when the announcement of the match beginning echoed over the speakers.
Once the match started it appeared that Kaidoh and Momo had indeed set aside their differences and were working together. Their teamwork no doubt paid off as they dominated their opponents 6 games to 1.
When the two 8th graders made their way off the courts to retrieve their water bottles and towels, Tezuka shot a look of praise. He never noticed the other man taking his place right next to him.
"That was quite impressive. Hard to believe those two are only 8th graders."
Tezuka turned his attention to the man addressing him. That's when he noticed the man's jersey was red and gold, just like their opponents, "Yes those two will no doubt lead Seigaku to Nationals in Japan next year
"Ah yes of course, you are the national champions of Japan of the middle school league. For a mere middle school victor like that must make you feel like your team has one the Grand Slam itself."
Tezuka kept his expression neutral, "I'd appreciate it if you would no insult my team and their skills. I will not allow anyone to get away with putting my team down."
"Whatever you say kid. But don't forget this isn't just some snot nosed kid tournament. You're playing with the big kids now." Without waiting for an answer the man walked off.
Fuji, who overheard the entire vocal exchange, approached Tezuka, "What was that all about? Who was that man?"
"He is the team captain of our current opponents." Inui glanced up from his notebook, "They are one of the best college teams in America."
"Doubles 1 players please report to the courts. Your match will commence in 3 minutes."
Inui looked over his precious data one last time before snapping the book shut, placing it into his tennis back and picking up his racquet, "Come on Taka." The data and Hadoukyuu tennis geniuses stepped onto the courts.
The two idiots on the other side of the net busted out laughing, ""Man this team keeps getting better and better. First the out a bunch of eighth grade thumb suckers on the courts. Now we've got a four-eyed nerd and a pathetic excuse for a player who can't even remember his own racquet! Oh man my stomach hurts!"
Inui smiled as the twinkle behind his glasses seemed to glow brighter, "Taka, I believe this is yours."
Taka took a hold of his racquet and no surprise his attitude changed in a heartbeat, ""I'll show you whose pathetic baby! I'm burning, way to go Taka!"
Inui smiled, "Hey Taka, I highly doubt I need to tell you the percentages of us winning this match."
"Game, set, and match. Match to Seigaku 6-0."
Inui and Kawamura stepped off the courts leaving their opponents with their racquets and jaws slamming to the courts.
"Ladies and gentlemen; we will no take a brief 15 minutes to take care of maintenance on the courts. We will resume with the singles matches shortly."
"Fuji Oishi and Kikumaru, go use this time to warm up. Golden pair work together and Tezuka go with Fuji." Ryuzaki-sensei ordered. She looked over to see Nanjiroh attempting to flirt with a bunch of young girls. She marched over and grabbed the idiot by the ear, "Just because your son and wife aren't here does not give you free range to make a clown of yourself, an embarrass us."
Fuji waited until they were out of earshot before turning his attention to his captain, "Do you even plan on playing in these matches?"
Tezuka stayed silent for several moments. Finally he turned to face the Seigaku tensai, "There is only one person I want to compete against."
"Well it's up to Sensei who plays the-" Fuji stopped himself when he realized his friend was no longer next to him. Turning around he saw the look of determination on the brunette's face.
"I have already discussed it with Sensei. She has agreed to put me up against that bastard." It was easy to see the fire burning in the Seigaku captain's eyes, "Let's go."
Fuji gave his best friend a concerned filled expression, "Well I'm not going to stop you, but like I told you before: be careful." He took his best friend's hand into his own, "Come on I have some warming up to do."
"Will all Singles 3 players please report to their designated court? Your matches will be resuming in 3 minutes."
Tezuka hit me a lob quick." Fuji requested.
Tezuka did as asked and the result made has jaw attempt to unhinge.
Fuji picked up the tennis ball with the shadow of a smirk on his face, "Come on I have a match to win."
"It's about time. Where have you two been?" Kikumaru asked twirling his racquet on his wrist again, "Oishi and I didn't see you earlier."
Fuji only smiled, "Nowhere of importance." He turned his gaze to the burly man on the courts glaring at him.
"What are you smiling at you little punk?" the man seemed like someone Momo, Kaido, or Tatak would go up against. This match would no doubt prove interesting.
Fuji's eyes opened and his smile vanished. Once the match started the tensai had trouble keeping his laughter in. After testing all his counters on the overgrown brute, the man was out of breathe and panting hard. Soon the score reached 5-0 in Fuji's favor. Fuji pulled out a killer serve
"Is that all you got you little punk?" The guy was struggling for breath as he spoke, "This is just child's play." He hit a lob attempting to use his height as a disadvantage.
Fuji stepped back and spun around counterclockwise having the ball hit just before the rim of his racquet and watched it as it soared over, pounded itself into his opponent's court and bouncing back to his side where it came to a stop at his feet still spinning.
"Whoa, what the?" The man looked at the still spinning ball with his jaw scrapping the courts.
Fuji's voice was dark as he spoke, "Okamihaiiro. You should consider yourself privileged to be defeated by it."
Not wanting to be shown up the man glared across the courts, "And just why is that you little brat?"
"The reason is because you are the first person to be defeated by it outside my own team." Fuji walked off the courts just as the score of 6-0 was announced. As soon as he approached his team, Kikumaru bombarded him with question."
"What was that just now? When did you come up with it? How long have you been-"He stopped when he felt Oishi's hand on shoulder.
"Let him breathe Eiji, he just finished that match." Oishi picked up his racquet and inspected the strings, "You need to calm down too." Can't have you too riled up before your match."
"Will all singles 2 players report to their designated courts. Your matches will begin in 3 minutes."
Oishi gave everyone a smile before making his way to the couch. He stopped when he saw Ryuzaki-sensei jogging towards them with a grim expression on her face, "Sensei, is something the matter?"
"I'll explain everything once you finish your match." Ryuzaki-sensei turned her attention to Tezuka, "You come with me. I need to speak with you."
Tezuka said nothing as he followed his coach away from the others, "You seem upset, Sensei. Is something wrong?"
The tennis coach stopped and looked at the brunette, "Well I have some good news and some bad news. I figured it would be best to inform you first before the others."
Tezuka nodded indicating he was listening.
A smile spread across Ryuzaki-sensei's face as she spoke. "The good news is the judges have been monitoring our tennis skills and believe if Oishi and Kikumaru can win their matches it will be the right decision to put us in the final match."
Tezuka stood there for a moment trying to remember how to speak in Japanese. It seemed all source of speech had deserted him. Finally he said, "The final's match already? I don't understand. We've only competed against one team so far." It didn't seem at all fair to him.
"Well considering-up till now- our team has stayed humble when it comes to showing off and our amount of sportsmanship is off the charts, the judges have already agreed to it. The other teams so far have proven themselves unworthy of the spot." Ryuzaki-sensei explained, "Remember this whole convention is for teams to prove their talents and sportsmansip. Not for them to show off." Her smile vanished, "But that brings me to the bad news. The Renegades are the team we would be competing against."
Now it was time for Tezuka to be confused, "But Sensei that is the team we want to play against. How is that bad news? I don't understand."
"Because the player you wanted to go up against-Jackson Stolkholmz- has put himself down as the reserve player."
Tezuka froze. All his muscles-save his mouth-refused to cooperate, "Reserve?"
Ryuzaki-sensei only nodded, "Tezuka please tell me why it's so important that you play against this guy?"
Tezuka shook his head, "Sensei I'm sorry but that's just something I can't tell you."
Ryzuaki-sensei sighed deeply, "Very well then. Come on we need to head back to the others."
"Game and match to Oishi of Seigaku 6-0."
Oishi walked off the courts with a smile on his face. The smile vanished however when he saw the look on Tezuka's face. Taking his place next to the Seigaku captain, he waited for an explanation.
"Kikumaru if you win your match then we will be moved to the final matches," Ryuzaki-sensei explained in a mono toned voice as she approached the regulars.
"But that's great news! Why do you seem so upset, Sensei?"
"Because the reason we accepted the invitation to come here was because of that man Jackson Stolkholmz. We have just been told that he will be the reserve player and his team will be the one that we will face," Tezuka explained.
"But Jackson isn't the one who hurt Ochibi's arm is he?" Kikumaru asked.
"No, the one who hurt Echizen was Miamichi Hisoka.
Everyone turned to see Yutta standing there, "Wait a minute how do you know that Yutta?" Tezuka asked just barely able to hide his confusion, "I'm the only one Ryoma told."
"Mizuki-senpai and I overheard Hisoka talking to that Jackson guy. He was bragging about putting Echizen in traction."
"Well since one of us can go up against Jackson, why not go up agsint the next best thing." Momoshiro suggested.
"Well does anyone know what match he'll be playing in?"
"Well since Miamichi is the best player next to Jackosn on their team he will no doubt be placed in singles 1." Inui explained.
"Will all single 1 players please report to their designated courts? Your matches will begin in 3 minutes."
Kikumaru flipped his racquet on his wrist a few times before flashing his teammates a smile and making his way to the courts.
"Wait a minutes, I know that smile." Fuji looked at Oishi, "Our acrobat has something up his sleeve doesn't he?"
Oishi only shrugged as he turned his attention to the match.
"Oh come on. You mean I have to go up against a bouncing idiot? This is going to be way too easy"
Kikumaru looked over to see his opponent tapping his racquet on his shoulder. The red head only smiled, "Come one let's see if we can change that attitude of yours. Underestimating me would be a bad thing to do."
Inui had been right about the opponent. No matter what type of shot he used, Kikumaru was able to return with ease.
"Try this on for size you jerk." Kikumaru turned his head in time to just barely dodge a shot serve that nearly knocked his head off, "Just try returning that kid."
"Did you see that? What the hell was that?"
"Inui I thought you said this match would be a piece of cake for Eiji." Oishi protested.
"Do you even know what that shot was?" Momoshiro asked.
"I believe it's a called the guillotine. I have heard of the shot before, but never actually seen it being used." Inui stated looking over his notebook. "The shot I believe is considered borderline legal."
"Borderline legal like my boomerang snake shot." Kaidoh added, "It has to be hit just right. Or the judges won't count it as a legal shot giving the receiver the point."
Oishi kped his eyes focused on his boyfriend and doubles' partner. If Eiji was going to use his new move, now would be the best time.
As his opponent hit another guillotine serve Kikumaru just barely managed to return it with a dropshot. Just as he expected the return was a lob. Kikumaru leaped into the air, "Kikumaru Whirlwind!" He landed on his feet just as the score was called out.
Before anyone knew what was happening another serve came flying over the net hitting Kikumaru right in the head.
Oishi's eye widened as he watched his boyfriend fall to the court, "Eiji!" Completely ignoring the rules he ran to his partner's side, "He's unconscious!"
"That means the victory goes to me. Too bad you little brats."
Oishi stood up and started storming towards the other man but stopped when he heard the just call out the score.
"Game and Match to Kikumaru of Seigaku."
"What?! How? He can't play anymore! I win by default!"
"He loud mouth didn't you hear the judge? You lost. You, your whole team lack sportsmanship and the ability to work as a team." Nanjiroh stepped forward before anyone else could "Now I may not be much of a team player since doubles doesn't' really suit me. But even I know how to be a team player."
"In other words lack of sportsman ship leads to lack of victory." Ryuzaki added before running to the courts, "Get a stretcher and be quick about it."
"Tezuka I have phoned for a chopper. Kabaji and I will escort Kikumaru to the hospital. Please inform you coach."
Tezuka turned to see Atobe and Kabaji standing behind him, "Very well, thank you Atobe." He turned his attention back to the courts.
"Has anyone called for an ambulance?" Ryuzaki-sensei asked.
"Atobe just informed he has requested chopper." Tezuka stated, "He and Kabaji will be going along."
Oishi stood by the stretche, "I'm going with them."
"But Oishi-senpai, I fyou go then that means we will have to forfeit." Momoshiro protested.
"You remember what that letter said," Kaidoh added, "Every loss will equal a punishment to Echizen."
Oishi sighed deeply, "You're right." He bent down and placed a gentle kiss on his boyfriend's forehead, "I'll see you soon love."
Nanjiroh stepped forward placing a hand on Oishi's shoulder, "I'll go with him son." He flashed the vice captain a smile, "Don't worry he'll be fine."
"Ladies and Gentleman, the judges would like to announce the two teams who will compete in the finals match. These teams are Seigaku Jr. High of Japan and the Renegades. The final matches will begin 20 minutes."
"That should give us time to plan out the line up." Ryuzaki-sensei stated. She turned to Inui, "Does that trusty notebook of yours have any data on our next opponents?"
Inui opened his notebook and looked over the contents, "Even after much research I was unable to require enough data to know exactly who would be the best match up to which opponent."
"Well, Viper and I can team up again." Momoshiro stated.
Kaidoh only nodded hissing softly.
"Well let me think about this for a minute. Inui come with me." Ryuzaki-sensei ordered. "We will use what data we can. Everyone else use this time to warm up again and get hydrated."
The data tennis player only nodded as he followed his coach to one of the benches.
"Minna gather around. We have the line up. Doubles 2 again will be Momoshiro and Kaidoh. Doubles 1 will be Fuji and Kawamura. Singles 3 will be Inui, Singles 2 will be Oishi, and of course Singles 1 will be Tezuka." Ryuzaki-sensei looked around, "Wait where is Tezuka?"
Tezuka and Fuji walked up to the others holding an ice pack to his arm, "I'm right here."
"Buchou what happened?!"
Tezuka winced at the coldness of the ice on his shoulder, "I'll be fine. Let me play."
Ryuzaki-sensei walked over and grasped Tezuka's arm tightening her grip causing him to wince again. "Well, since your match is last, we'll see how your arm is by then. If by then it's not feeling better then I'm afraid we'll have to forfeit."
"Don't even think about it!"
A/N: Ok, that's it for this chapter! I hope it wasn't too confusing for you! And I hopeyou enjoyed 3 reviews= chapter 30! The final chapter!
