Chapter 15
"What! Fudomine beat Kakinoki High School?" asked Kiyoko. She looked at Kachiro who nodded.
"It's not common for an unseeded school to beat a seeded school," said Rei, "Especially since that unseeded school pulled out the year before. This will be harder than I expected."
"It doesn't matter!" said Horio speaking up, "Of course Seigaku will not be beaten at such a low level. We are definitely going to beat Seigaku."
"Eh Horio," said Mizuno now scared.
"I'm not finished yet," said Horio about to bein again when he turned and saw a large body in front of him, "Fu-Fu-Fudomine!"
"What a chicken," muttered Ryoma when Horio had fled behind one of the regulars. He was in an extra pissy mode.
"Are you still mad that you didn't play the last school Ryoma?" asked Kiyoko in an exasperated voice, "Come off it. You played two games the first time." Now Ryoma was paying Kiyoko no attention. She had the anger mark on her face. Rei watched Tezuka and the Captain of Fudomine.
"Seigaku," said the Captain, "I will be waiting eagerly for our match." The seven male second years behind him glared at the Seigaku regulars. The two girls for doubles were not yet there.
"So will I," said Tezuka shaking the Captain's proferred hand. Tension eased and Fudomine walked along. The last boy with shoulder length hair was bouncing a ball on the rim of his racket with ease.
"Look at that!" said Horio amazed, "To do such a complex trick while not even looking, I don't know anyone else who can do that." A second bouncing came in tune with the first and Fudomine stopped to look at Ryoma. He was drinking and bouncing the ball.
"That idiot," said Kiyoko.
"What a cocky freshman," sneered a boy in the Fudomine team. Rei looked at him.
"There seem to be many at our Seigaku," said Rei with a menacing smile, "Isn't it wonderful that they have the talent to back it up?" The boys looked at the second year who looked back before they went on their way. Yuki shook her head.
"Boys are so predictable," said Yuki, "They always have that male superiority thing going on. Even Eiji-chan can get as bad as Ryoma and Momo- chan."
"Yuki!" said Eiji near tears in chibi form.
"Eep!" said Yuki before patting his back, "I forgot you were here Eiji-chan. Gomen nasai."
"Daijobu," said Eiji back to normal and very cheerful.
"Listen up!" called Coach Ryuzaki, "Do not underestimate your opponents. They are strong. Pay attention to the line up! Fuji and Take, Doubles 2. Kiku and Oishi, Doubles 1. Kaidoh, Singles 3. Ryoma, Doubles 2. Tezuka, Doubles 1. Momo and Kiyoko, Mixed Doubles 2. Fuji and Yuki, Mixed Doubles 1. Do your best!"
"May I make a suggestion?" asked Inui. The next minute all the regulars were taking off the weights on their feet and wrists.
"I can't believe we're taking these off in the district prelims," said Oishi with a laugh. "Banzai Fuji-chan!" said Yuki, "I'm rooting for you." They were playing against two second years and one had a white bandanna on his head like Kaidoh's.
"I don't like that guy over there," confided Kiyoko to Rei and Yuki pointing at the boy.
"Why is that?" asked Rei watching him.
"He looks just like Kaidoh," said Kiyoko, "And you know how scary he gets. You can never trust a guy with a bandanna." Yuki and Rei sweatdropped before walking away as Kiyoko explained about how the hat is the personality like a teacher. The referee announced the challengers.
"Round 1, Doubles 2! Takashi Kawamura and Fuji Shuusuke versus Sakurai Masaya and Ishidu Tetsu. Round 2, Doubles 1! Eiji Kikumaru and Oishi Shuichirou versus Mori Tatsunori and Uchimura Kyousuke. Singles 3, Kaidoh Kaoru versus Kamio Akira. Singles 2, Echizen Ryoma versus Ibu Shinji. Singles 1, Tezuka Kunimitsu versus Tachibana Kippei. Mixed Doubles 2, Kazumi Kiyoko and Momoshiro Takeshi versus Tachibana An and Kamio Akira. Mixed Doubles 1, Aihara Yuki and Fuji Shuusuke versus Morimaya Aki and Tatsunori Mori. Doubles 2, please go forward!"
"I doubt they'll have to go as far as mixed doubles to decide the match," said Kiyoko when he was done. Fudomine began the match with Sakurai serving first. Takeshi returned with ease and Ishidu returned. Fuji sent the ball back and scored a point.
"His topspin has gotten stronger," said Tezuka.
"He has certainly passed my expectations," said Ryuzaki. Yuki was dancing around happily with flowers around her while Kiyoko and Rei pretended not to know her.
"Oh no!" said Kiyoko, "They're having a rally and Fudomine seems to be gaining ground." Yuki stopped dancing as she looked at Fuji's now serious stare.
"We'll win no matter what!" said Sakurai as he returned it to Fuji.
"His eyes are so cold," said Yuki sitting back down, "They are merciless and it's as if his desire to win has come out in full blast." Fuji returned the ball with amazing speed. The ball stayed rolling on the ground.
"The ball didn't bounce!" exclaimed Fudomine.
"I've heard of that before," said Rei, "They did an interview with Fuji-senpai. It's one of his triple counters, the Swallow Return."
"This attack can return my Snake even faster than you can," said Kaidoh to Ryoma.
"Oh," said Ryoma looking as if he didn't even care when he pouted. Kiyoko giggled before smiling.
"Using the opponent's top spin to make the ball spin even faster, it's a slice that causes a spin twice as fast as the original," said Kiyoko.
"The stronger the topspin," said Rei, "the faster Fuji-senpai can return the shot."
"They're in trouble now," said Kiyoko, "they have chosen to go up against tennis genius Fuji Shuusuke."
"Fuji," said Yuki worriedly before to herself, "Please don't leave me. You're smile was always there to comfort me."
Takeshi returned the next ball with a war cry to which Sakurai sent back. "Dammit! He predicted that one too?" asked Sakurai aloud as Fuji sent the ball back to the opposite court.
"No wonder he's no. 2 in Seigaku," said someone in Fudomine. Fuji was now smiling and Yuki had calmed.
"His swallow return turned the tide of the whole game," said Yuki. Now Seigaku was under control.
"Sakurai, don't block my path," said Tetsu (Bandana Boy) to his partner.
"Why did he pull his sleeve up?" asked Rei aloud, "It's the middle of the game." The rally continued between Fudomine and Seigaku before Fudomine started cheering.
"Go Ishida!Hadoukyuu!" cheered Fudomine.
"Hadoukyuu?!" asked Kiyoko alarmed. A loud sound was heard as Tetsu returned the ball.
"I won't let you have this shot," said Fuji as he ran for the ball.
"Senpai!" cried Yuki standing up, "Stop! You can't return that shot. You're arms aren't strong enough. Please!"
"Move Fuji!" said Takashi as he returned the ball.
"Taka-san!" exclaimed Fuji surprised. Takashi returned the ball with all his power.
"Yes!" cheered Horio and Kachiro.
"That stance!" exclaimed Rei sitting up, "He's going to do a continuous Hadoukyuu."
"Stop it Ishida, your arm!" exclaimed Fudomine.
"I can take you on!" said Ishida about to return before the ball broke through the strings of his racket.
"It broke," said Yuki breathing a sigh of relief.
"Total Wins, 5-3! Seigaku Wins!"
"This is the last round!" said Horio eagerly, "Kawamura-senpai! GO!"
"Matte!" called Kiyoko to the ref as she walked to the court. Yuki followed while Rei sat to observe. Yuki took Takashi's hand and pressed lightly on his wrist.
"Ouch!" exclaimed Takashi.
"You took the shot for me," said Fuji sternly before looking to the ref, "ref. We concede this match."
"Eh?!" exclaimed the first years.
"Fuji! I can still play!" said Takashi, "You of all people know how important this match is!"
"Baka-senpai!" said Kiyoko hitting Takashi on the head with his racket, "You're injured." Yuki was silent her eyes shaded. Fuji smiled at Yuki who was now turning back to the seats a dark aura around her.
"Someone get some ice for me!" ordered Kiyoko, "Taka-senpai has a muscle sprain. Keep still until we get you to the hospital." Horio handed Kiyoko the ice and she placed it gently on Takashi's wrist.
"I'll take it from here Kiyoko," said Rei, "I am the manager."
"Arigato," said Kiyoko.
"Yuki-chan," said Fuji to the girl who kept walking. She stopped and turned to face Fuji who was now a foot away from her.
"Why didn't you stop?" asked Yuki her voice quivering, "You know you couldn't handle that ball!" She shouted the last statement loudly before taking a step back and then running outside with her racket. "I'm going to do some warm ups," said Yuki hurriedly to the coach. Fuji was in chibi form with tiny dots for eyes as he held his racket while Eiji, Momo, Taka, Oishi, Kiyoko, Ryoma, and Rei were staring at him with their mouths open and their fingers pointing.
"You actually made Yuki mad," said Rei surprised, "Wow, it takes a lot to make her go mental. Usually she just apologizes, and I would definitely know."
"Wow!" exclaimed a bystander, "Fudomine won the first match. This is so confusing." Eiji stood up for the Doubles 1 match. He twirled his racket around his wrists his eyes focused and a serious expression on his face.
"Oh," said Oishi amused, "Normally, he's slacking off and erratic. It seems like.he's getting serious. The opponents are going to get it hard."
"What happened with Yuki?" asked Fuji to Kiyoko and Rei in chibi form as if begging for an answer. The two girls backed away.
"Don't go near!" said Kiyoko dramatically, "Yuki might curse us too!" The second game started with excitement as Oishi served.
"Uchimura!" called Mori to the hat boy, "destroy their rhythm first."
"Right," said the boy returning the shot. Eiji moved close to the net and returned the shot. "I'll show you why I'm the front killer," said Uchimura returning the shot.
"Ah!" exclaimed Mizuno, "He aimed for the face so far from the court!" Eiji dodged and returned the shot over his shoulder.
"Amazing!" exclaimed bystanders, "What was that?!" Eiji and Oishi gave each other a high five.
"Yuki should see this," said Kiyoko, "Eiji-senpai is doing miraculously better than before."
"Th-that guy's movement is so fast," said Mori.
"It was nothing," said Eiji with a smile as he twirled his racket again.
"The weather is getting chilly," said Tachibana, "Kamio, go warm up. Shinji, go help."
"Hai!" said the two boys.
"Even if we beat Seigaku by luck," said Kamio, "We have a great responsibility as singles players."
"No confidence?" asked Shinji with a smirk.
"You must be crazy," said Kamio smugly, "You think that would be possible? There's not even any need for Captain to play. I can beat that guy easily." The two boy's voices faded as Kaidoh stood up with an angry hiss. He left without a word. Ryoma followed a few seconds afterwards nonchalantly.
"I'm sensing some trouble," said Rei standing up. Kiyoko followed.
"Let's go," said Kiyoko. Rei had gone ahead to check on Kaidoh while Kiyoko trailed behind Ryoma. Kaidoh walked to Kamio and Shinji who were returning balls to each other.
"What did you just say before?" asked Kaidoh his racket tucked under his arm and a glowering look on his face. Kamio stopped to look at him catching the ball in his hand before taking out his pocket for another one. He said nothing as he began redoing the previous exercise axcept with two balls.
"Wow!" said Horio, "It's amazing for them to return at such a short distance." Kamio smirked at Kaidoh. Kaidoh's eyes went wide in anger before Rei pulled him back.
"Don't start a fight when you don't have to," said Rei in a serious voice, "Take it up on the court." Kaidoh was just about to go past Rei's restraints before Ryoma walked by her followed by Kiyoko. Ryoma walked by with his eyes closed his racket slung over the shoulder as he went on his way to the fountains which 'happened' to be past Kamio's and Shinji's practice. The first years' eyes opened wide.
"Is it possible to actually pass in the middle?!" they exclaimed. Ryoma returned the balls to the shocked Shinji and Kamio without even making a second glance as he headed for the fountains.
"That baka is showing off again," said Kiyoko under her breath.
"Hey, can we play seriously?" asked Kamio taking the ball into his hand.
"I'm saving the best for last," said Shinji as they watched Ryoma take a drink (Kakkoi!).
"Hey," said Ryoma turning to Fudomine, "Want to try with another ball?"
"Heh," said Kaidoh not looking at Ryoma as he passed by.
"The weather's getting chillier," said Kiyoko hugging her jacket closer around her body, "It's going to rain soon." Just as she said that, it did. The four Seigaku members hurried back to the game slightly soaked. Eiji was not paying heed of the rain as the game continued. He shot a lob ball back behind his back as water trickled down his face.
"It's coming again?!" exclaimed Uchimura.
"Even in the rain, his reflexes are as fast as a cat!" said Mori, "How can that be?!"
"Now it's Diving Volley!" said Eiji jumping to reach the extra mile to get the ball. He back flipped with one hand and returned the ball at the same time.
"How can he move so fast?!" exclaimed Uchimura.
"He's already in position," said Mori as Eiji moved to block the ball.
"Tricked ya," said Eiji winking as he moved his head back for Oishi to return.
"Too strong!" said Uchimura on the floor. Oishi and EIji gave each other the V sign.
"Game Set! Seigaku, 6-2 wins!"
"Yay!" cheered the first years, "It's only expected from the golden pair."
"The only one who can compliment Eiji's acrobatics is Oishi, with the ability to adjust to certain circumstances," said Ryuzaki looking at Momo and Ryoma making sure they heard.
"That's the real Ah-Un Synchronization," said Kiyoko sitting above Ryoma leaning on his head as she pulled his hat down, "You hear me Ryoma- kun?"
"What! Fudomine beat Kakinoki High School?" asked Kiyoko. She looked at Kachiro who nodded.
"It's not common for an unseeded school to beat a seeded school," said Rei, "Especially since that unseeded school pulled out the year before. This will be harder than I expected."
"It doesn't matter!" said Horio speaking up, "Of course Seigaku will not be beaten at such a low level. We are definitely going to beat Seigaku."
"Eh Horio," said Mizuno now scared.
"I'm not finished yet," said Horio about to bein again when he turned and saw a large body in front of him, "Fu-Fu-Fudomine!"
"What a chicken," muttered Ryoma when Horio had fled behind one of the regulars. He was in an extra pissy mode.
"Are you still mad that you didn't play the last school Ryoma?" asked Kiyoko in an exasperated voice, "Come off it. You played two games the first time." Now Ryoma was paying Kiyoko no attention. She had the anger mark on her face. Rei watched Tezuka and the Captain of Fudomine.
"Seigaku," said the Captain, "I will be waiting eagerly for our match." The seven male second years behind him glared at the Seigaku regulars. The two girls for doubles were not yet there.
"So will I," said Tezuka shaking the Captain's proferred hand. Tension eased and Fudomine walked along. The last boy with shoulder length hair was bouncing a ball on the rim of his racket with ease.
"Look at that!" said Horio amazed, "To do such a complex trick while not even looking, I don't know anyone else who can do that." A second bouncing came in tune with the first and Fudomine stopped to look at Ryoma. He was drinking and bouncing the ball.
"That idiot," said Kiyoko.
"What a cocky freshman," sneered a boy in the Fudomine team. Rei looked at him.
"There seem to be many at our Seigaku," said Rei with a menacing smile, "Isn't it wonderful that they have the talent to back it up?" The boys looked at the second year who looked back before they went on their way. Yuki shook her head.
"Boys are so predictable," said Yuki, "They always have that male superiority thing going on. Even Eiji-chan can get as bad as Ryoma and Momo- chan."
"Yuki!" said Eiji near tears in chibi form.
"Eep!" said Yuki before patting his back, "I forgot you were here Eiji-chan. Gomen nasai."
"Daijobu," said Eiji back to normal and very cheerful.
"Listen up!" called Coach Ryuzaki, "Do not underestimate your opponents. They are strong. Pay attention to the line up! Fuji and Take, Doubles 2. Kiku and Oishi, Doubles 1. Kaidoh, Singles 3. Ryoma, Doubles 2. Tezuka, Doubles 1. Momo and Kiyoko, Mixed Doubles 2. Fuji and Yuki, Mixed Doubles 1. Do your best!"
"May I make a suggestion?" asked Inui. The next minute all the regulars were taking off the weights on their feet and wrists.
"I can't believe we're taking these off in the district prelims," said Oishi with a laugh. "Banzai Fuji-chan!" said Yuki, "I'm rooting for you." They were playing against two second years and one had a white bandanna on his head like Kaidoh's.
"I don't like that guy over there," confided Kiyoko to Rei and Yuki pointing at the boy.
"Why is that?" asked Rei watching him.
"He looks just like Kaidoh," said Kiyoko, "And you know how scary he gets. You can never trust a guy with a bandanna." Yuki and Rei sweatdropped before walking away as Kiyoko explained about how the hat is the personality like a teacher. The referee announced the challengers.
"Round 1, Doubles 2! Takashi Kawamura and Fuji Shuusuke versus Sakurai Masaya and Ishidu Tetsu. Round 2, Doubles 1! Eiji Kikumaru and Oishi Shuichirou versus Mori Tatsunori and Uchimura Kyousuke. Singles 3, Kaidoh Kaoru versus Kamio Akira. Singles 2, Echizen Ryoma versus Ibu Shinji. Singles 1, Tezuka Kunimitsu versus Tachibana Kippei. Mixed Doubles 2, Kazumi Kiyoko and Momoshiro Takeshi versus Tachibana An and Kamio Akira. Mixed Doubles 1, Aihara Yuki and Fuji Shuusuke versus Morimaya Aki and Tatsunori Mori. Doubles 2, please go forward!"
"I doubt they'll have to go as far as mixed doubles to decide the match," said Kiyoko when he was done. Fudomine began the match with Sakurai serving first. Takeshi returned with ease and Ishidu returned. Fuji sent the ball back and scored a point.
"His topspin has gotten stronger," said Tezuka.
"He has certainly passed my expectations," said Ryuzaki. Yuki was dancing around happily with flowers around her while Kiyoko and Rei pretended not to know her.
"Oh no!" said Kiyoko, "They're having a rally and Fudomine seems to be gaining ground." Yuki stopped dancing as she looked at Fuji's now serious stare.
"We'll win no matter what!" said Sakurai as he returned it to Fuji.
"His eyes are so cold," said Yuki sitting back down, "They are merciless and it's as if his desire to win has come out in full blast." Fuji returned the ball with amazing speed. The ball stayed rolling on the ground.
"The ball didn't bounce!" exclaimed Fudomine.
"I've heard of that before," said Rei, "They did an interview with Fuji-senpai. It's one of his triple counters, the Swallow Return."
"This attack can return my Snake even faster than you can," said Kaidoh to Ryoma.
"Oh," said Ryoma looking as if he didn't even care when he pouted. Kiyoko giggled before smiling.
"Using the opponent's top spin to make the ball spin even faster, it's a slice that causes a spin twice as fast as the original," said Kiyoko.
"The stronger the topspin," said Rei, "the faster Fuji-senpai can return the shot."
"They're in trouble now," said Kiyoko, "they have chosen to go up against tennis genius Fuji Shuusuke."
"Fuji," said Yuki worriedly before to herself, "Please don't leave me. You're smile was always there to comfort me."
Takeshi returned the next ball with a war cry to which Sakurai sent back. "Dammit! He predicted that one too?" asked Sakurai aloud as Fuji sent the ball back to the opposite court.
"No wonder he's no. 2 in Seigaku," said someone in Fudomine. Fuji was now smiling and Yuki had calmed.
"His swallow return turned the tide of the whole game," said Yuki. Now Seigaku was under control.
"Sakurai, don't block my path," said Tetsu (Bandana Boy) to his partner.
"Why did he pull his sleeve up?" asked Rei aloud, "It's the middle of the game." The rally continued between Fudomine and Seigaku before Fudomine started cheering.
"Go Ishida!Hadoukyuu!" cheered Fudomine.
"Hadoukyuu?!" asked Kiyoko alarmed. A loud sound was heard as Tetsu returned the ball.
"I won't let you have this shot," said Fuji as he ran for the ball.
"Senpai!" cried Yuki standing up, "Stop! You can't return that shot. You're arms aren't strong enough. Please!"
"Move Fuji!" said Takashi as he returned the ball.
"Taka-san!" exclaimed Fuji surprised. Takashi returned the ball with all his power.
"Yes!" cheered Horio and Kachiro.
"That stance!" exclaimed Rei sitting up, "He's going to do a continuous Hadoukyuu."
"Stop it Ishida, your arm!" exclaimed Fudomine.
"I can take you on!" said Ishida about to return before the ball broke through the strings of his racket.
"It broke," said Yuki breathing a sigh of relief.
"Total Wins, 5-3! Seigaku Wins!"
"This is the last round!" said Horio eagerly, "Kawamura-senpai! GO!"
"Matte!" called Kiyoko to the ref as she walked to the court. Yuki followed while Rei sat to observe. Yuki took Takashi's hand and pressed lightly on his wrist.
"Ouch!" exclaimed Takashi.
"You took the shot for me," said Fuji sternly before looking to the ref, "ref. We concede this match."
"Eh?!" exclaimed the first years.
"Fuji! I can still play!" said Takashi, "You of all people know how important this match is!"
"Baka-senpai!" said Kiyoko hitting Takashi on the head with his racket, "You're injured." Yuki was silent her eyes shaded. Fuji smiled at Yuki who was now turning back to the seats a dark aura around her.
"Someone get some ice for me!" ordered Kiyoko, "Taka-senpai has a muscle sprain. Keep still until we get you to the hospital." Horio handed Kiyoko the ice and she placed it gently on Takashi's wrist.
"I'll take it from here Kiyoko," said Rei, "I am the manager."
"Arigato," said Kiyoko.
"Yuki-chan," said Fuji to the girl who kept walking. She stopped and turned to face Fuji who was now a foot away from her.
"Why didn't you stop?" asked Yuki her voice quivering, "You know you couldn't handle that ball!" She shouted the last statement loudly before taking a step back and then running outside with her racket. "I'm going to do some warm ups," said Yuki hurriedly to the coach. Fuji was in chibi form with tiny dots for eyes as he held his racket while Eiji, Momo, Taka, Oishi, Kiyoko, Ryoma, and Rei were staring at him with their mouths open and their fingers pointing.
"You actually made Yuki mad," said Rei surprised, "Wow, it takes a lot to make her go mental. Usually she just apologizes, and I would definitely know."
"Wow!" exclaimed a bystander, "Fudomine won the first match. This is so confusing." Eiji stood up for the Doubles 1 match. He twirled his racket around his wrists his eyes focused and a serious expression on his face.
"Oh," said Oishi amused, "Normally, he's slacking off and erratic. It seems like.he's getting serious. The opponents are going to get it hard."
"What happened with Yuki?" asked Fuji to Kiyoko and Rei in chibi form as if begging for an answer. The two girls backed away.
"Don't go near!" said Kiyoko dramatically, "Yuki might curse us too!" The second game started with excitement as Oishi served.
"Uchimura!" called Mori to the hat boy, "destroy their rhythm first."
"Right," said the boy returning the shot. Eiji moved close to the net and returned the shot. "I'll show you why I'm the front killer," said Uchimura returning the shot.
"Ah!" exclaimed Mizuno, "He aimed for the face so far from the court!" Eiji dodged and returned the shot over his shoulder.
"Amazing!" exclaimed bystanders, "What was that?!" Eiji and Oishi gave each other a high five.
"Yuki should see this," said Kiyoko, "Eiji-senpai is doing miraculously better than before."
"Th-that guy's movement is so fast," said Mori.
"It was nothing," said Eiji with a smile as he twirled his racket again.
"The weather is getting chilly," said Tachibana, "Kamio, go warm up. Shinji, go help."
"Hai!" said the two boys.
"Even if we beat Seigaku by luck," said Kamio, "We have a great responsibility as singles players."
"No confidence?" asked Shinji with a smirk.
"You must be crazy," said Kamio smugly, "You think that would be possible? There's not even any need for Captain to play. I can beat that guy easily." The two boy's voices faded as Kaidoh stood up with an angry hiss. He left without a word. Ryoma followed a few seconds afterwards nonchalantly.
"I'm sensing some trouble," said Rei standing up. Kiyoko followed.
"Let's go," said Kiyoko. Rei had gone ahead to check on Kaidoh while Kiyoko trailed behind Ryoma. Kaidoh walked to Kamio and Shinji who were returning balls to each other.
"What did you just say before?" asked Kaidoh his racket tucked under his arm and a glowering look on his face. Kamio stopped to look at him catching the ball in his hand before taking out his pocket for another one. He said nothing as he began redoing the previous exercise axcept with two balls.
"Wow!" said Horio, "It's amazing for them to return at such a short distance." Kamio smirked at Kaidoh. Kaidoh's eyes went wide in anger before Rei pulled him back.
"Don't start a fight when you don't have to," said Rei in a serious voice, "Take it up on the court." Kaidoh was just about to go past Rei's restraints before Ryoma walked by her followed by Kiyoko. Ryoma walked by with his eyes closed his racket slung over the shoulder as he went on his way to the fountains which 'happened' to be past Kamio's and Shinji's practice. The first years' eyes opened wide.
"Is it possible to actually pass in the middle?!" they exclaimed. Ryoma returned the balls to the shocked Shinji and Kamio without even making a second glance as he headed for the fountains.
"That baka is showing off again," said Kiyoko under her breath.
"Hey, can we play seriously?" asked Kamio taking the ball into his hand.
"I'm saving the best for last," said Shinji as they watched Ryoma take a drink (Kakkoi!).
"Hey," said Ryoma turning to Fudomine, "Want to try with another ball?"
"Heh," said Kaidoh not looking at Ryoma as he passed by.
"The weather's getting chillier," said Kiyoko hugging her jacket closer around her body, "It's going to rain soon." Just as she said that, it did. The four Seigaku members hurried back to the game slightly soaked. Eiji was not paying heed of the rain as the game continued. He shot a lob ball back behind his back as water trickled down his face.
"It's coming again?!" exclaimed Uchimura.
"Even in the rain, his reflexes are as fast as a cat!" said Mori, "How can that be?!"
"Now it's Diving Volley!" said Eiji jumping to reach the extra mile to get the ball. He back flipped with one hand and returned the ball at the same time.
"How can he move so fast?!" exclaimed Uchimura.
"He's already in position," said Mori as Eiji moved to block the ball.
"Tricked ya," said Eiji winking as he moved his head back for Oishi to return.
"Too strong!" said Uchimura on the floor. Oishi and EIji gave each other the V sign.
"Game Set! Seigaku, 6-2 wins!"
"Yay!" cheered the first years, "It's only expected from the golden pair."
"The only one who can compliment Eiji's acrobatics is Oishi, with the ability to adjust to certain circumstances," said Ryuzaki looking at Momo and Ryoma making sure they heard.
"That's the real Ah-Un Synchronization," said Kiyoko sitting above Ryoma leaning on his head as she pulled his hat down, "You hear me Ryoma- kun?"
