I have decided rewrite the chapters to make the reading experience better. Hopefully I can somehow work through it for more people to enjoy. Now without further ado, let's all revisit Thank Goodness You Passed By.
"Chapter 1: His: Life after Seigaku"
This is the story of two people. An idea so familiar it is deemed common unexciting. But as far as the two characters are concerned. The events, which beat them around the bush, made life a little more, complicated. And as everything piled up, it blocked the paths they usually trod. Choosing between aspirations and reality, young people are bound to follow their dreams. Towards the goal certain things will need to be dropped. But just because something was left behind, it does not mean retrieval is impossible. Of course the question is, do we want it back?
People say Ryoma Echizen wouldn't want anything more in life. Being the son of a tennis prodigy, he was trained in an early age to master the craft. While growing up, he has discovered more his passion for the sport. Except family, Karupin included nothing mattered but Tennis. The ecstasy of adrenalin is definitely worth living for.
Due to his zeal, he attained unimaginable achievements. At age 13, he was able to support his middle school team to be Japan's National Champion. During his stay in Seigaku, no school was able to take it from them. In between summers he would compete in the US junior championships. This consistency built up his reputation so fast, after graduating middle school he was asked to join the US and Australian Cup as a Pro.
The offer seems so good at that time. "After graduation, all are bound to separate ways anyway." Ryoma thought to himself. Except his Seigaku senpai's he doesn't really have much friends. Less commitments and attachments the more freedom can be indulged in. Tezuka Buchou actually went to Germany to work on being a pro during high school. So taking the same route is not a bad idea. To make it short Ryoma Echizen accepted the challenge. Taking a home school learning program, the lad will allocate his available time to train.
His Father was skeptic about his decision. "Now Ryoma, you'll miss the fun of High school." The elder explained, it was too early for him zone in too much in one thing. "Tennis is more fun." The response made the patriarch frown. "Think of all the festivals, proms and possible dates you will miss!"
The young prodigy sighed, why is this man always thinking about playing around and women? "Those things are boring compared to Tennis."
Scratching his head the older man inquired. "Where is your sense of happiness boy? I took you here to Japan so you could develop your tennis and enjoy a normal life." The father patted the son's shoulder. "I want you to enjoy it like the way I did."
Ryoma shrugged. "I am not you Oyaji." Looking at the elder he added "My happiness is in tennis. I did develop my skills here in Japan." Pausing he took time to say his point. "I also appreciate the normal life, but there is something else that I want." Crossing his arms the boy continued. "It's best to start early."
Nanjiro eyed his kin "What are you aiming for world number one? A Grand slam?" Ryoma smirked smugly. "Not just a grand slam Oyaji. A golden grand slam."
His Father couldn't help but whistle. "Looks like I raised you to obsessed eh?" The man placed his hand under his chin. "Shounen, are you certain to handle it?" Then he gestured his hands to indicate Ryoma's height. "You are still chibisuke."
"Don't make fun of my height pervy old man." The prodigy retaliated. "I will grow taller in no time."
It was true nothing mattered to him except tennis. When graduation day came, his family urged him to throw a party for his friends. Although he was totally against the idea, he had no choice but to invite his former sempai's, trusted teammates and coach.
His middle school coach has quite a history. Coach Ryuzaki was his Father's mentor and now his. It's amazing how this woman can create a link between him and his Father. She has also silently urged him to go for what he wants. Being entrusted as team captain in his senior year, she has placed her trust in Ryoma that Seigaku will win 3 straight Nationals. Her confidence in him never failed.
Events passed by quickly after his graduation. Home schooling and joining tournaments here and there. He left for Australia and conquered the event by storm. Everyone wondered, "Who is this high school student?"
This came in quickly at age 17 he won his first small slam. The small slam paved way for Wimbeldon. At 18, he got his grand slam with lots of effort. At 19, it was a debate whether or not he could be qualified to go for the Golden Grand Slam. Since he was Japanese by ancestry and American by birth, they had yet to decide, which country he is representing.
The choice was difficult, but it came to this evaluation. After junior high, he once again resided in America. Since his current address and life is within America, he chose to play under its name. However, his final citizenship is yet to be confirmed. And so he qualified and as Napoleon Bonaparte said. "I saw, I came and I conquered." nineteen-year-old, Ryoma Echizen, graduated from home schooling and won his Golden Grand slam.
He decided to enter college and get a degree in management. Many wondered if he could make it to a decent university. He has always been busy with training that he lacked to study. But low and behold, Ryoma Echizen secured a spot in Harvard for the degree of Business Management. It might have been the benefit of having Tennis prodigy genes from his Father and the intellectual genes from his lawyer Mother.
His college years were hectic. In those four years, he would randomly win 2 major events and numerous minor events. But he never joined the Japan Open. In his time of popularity, using his chosen degree and fame, he established investments.
Ryoma opened his first Sporting Goods Store in Beverly Hills. He fondly called his shop: Drive D. In those four years, the establishment spread to America, Canada and Europe. However, he is yet to expand in Asia.
Upon graduating from Harvard, he wanted to put up Tennis place to train and scout young talents. So he opened up his own Tennis Training Center. Locating its stronghold in New York, extending branches in California and Florida. He never trained anybody personally, but he always played with the promising students.
There was no stopping Ryoma Echizen. His need for excitement arose that he has decided to challenge nature. Visiting Niagara Falls, he tried to execute and develop his enlightenment skills. However, Ryoma Echizen was human after all. Nature won over him. Aged twenty three, Ryoma Echizen retired from tennis. Due to an injured left wrist and shoulder. But who cares? A millionaire, college degree, businesses and training centers, in tow it was time to concentrate on other things. This is what his parents assured him.
His arm and wrist can still function normally. However it cannot endure the pressure of the game. So Ryoma Echizen, decided to retire from tennis an unimaginable thing to be honest. He took the turn and be dedicated full pledged entrepreneur up to present.
Author's Note:
Hi guys, I made a resolution for myself to conclude all my pending works. And of course this is one of them. A lot has happened in the series and I believe before I drafted this RyoSaku moments were scarce. Now we have their U17 arc short date, Sakuno cheering for Ryoma even if he with e US team and the Ludovic moment. Thank you Prince Ludovic, you provided the push Ryoma needed to realize some things.