"Hey," said Eiji with Takeshi and Fuji, "How have the matches been going"
"Very well senpai," said Yuki in her obedient voice. Takeshi grinned.
"You don't have to be so formal," he said, "Just call us by our first names"
"Thank you," said Yuki with a relieved smile. Eiji laughed and ruffled Yuki's hair.
"No sweat," said Eiji, "We are friends. Anyway, good luck!" The three turned to leave but Fuji smiled behind his back.
"Ja ne Yuki-chan," said Fuji.
"Ja," murmured Yuki.
"I wonder how well Ryoma will do with a regular," said Kiyoko curiously as she watched the game. She was sitting cross legged on the ground watching Kaido and Ryoma at the same time.
"Best of one set match!" called the referee, "Echizen. Service Play." Ryoma served a powerful hit to the other side but Kaido returned with ease. Soon, there was a rally going back and forth. Kaido grinned devilishly and returned the ball high into the air. Ryoma's eyes widened as he returned it just barely over the net. His hat had fallen to the ground without a care while the crowd gasped.
"Amazing!" exclaimed one, "This is such a high level match. If you blink, you might even miss something exciting"
"I told you Echizen isn't without a chance," said a first year smugly to Horio.
"Who thought he wouldn't be?" asked Kiyoko looking up. She noted how Horio sweated profusely.
"But Kaido-senpai still hasn't done his strongest attack," said Horio. Kiyoko eyes widened in surprise before she returned her gaze to the second year. His grip tightened on the racket. Ryoma served.
"Echizen hit an excellent angle just then! He's got this point!" said Kachiro. Kaido swung and returned the ball near the net before it bounced off with immense speed.
"What the heck was that?!" exclaimed Kiyoko. It took her by surprise but Horio's lip trembled.
"It's the one we saw on the tape," said Horio.
"That' Kaido's Snake," said a voice behind them.
"Momoshiro-senpai!" exclaimed the first years in surprise. Yuki was with him, Eiji, and Fuji.
"Momoshiro's fine," said Takeshi before putting on a wise smile, "Just as the body's weight shifts from the left foot to the right foot, his body swings with and amazing strength hitting a ball that spins extraordinarily fast"
"Heh," said Ryoma grinning, "Returning the ball at such a fast angle, only someone with arms and legs as long as Kaido-senpai can pull that off." Ryoma served again.
"He's hitting low and deep towards the line so Kaido can't make the snake," said Yuki watching with interest, "Kiyoko, maybe I should have watched that game"
"Told you," said Kiyoko smugly. Just then Kaido returned with the snake again. Ryoma was barely returning the shots.
"The greater distance still doesn't help," said Horio in surprise. Ryoma managed to return the ball but it was out"
"Both of them don't seem to want to relent," said a second year. Kaido seemed to have heard and glared at the boy who had spoken.
"That's one dismal guy," said Takeshi shaking his head.
"Careful senpai!" said Kachiro, "You might be heard"
"It's hot today, isn't it senpai," said Ryoma unfazed by the match. Kaido grunted and turned his back to Ryoma.
"Ryoma seems to be able to return any ball," said Horio, "At this rate he may stand a chance." Kiyoko shook her head.
"He's falling into his trap," said Kiyoko worried.
"Trap?!" exclaimed Kachiro.
"The snake is only his bait," said Kiyoko grimly, "His real intention is"
"Ryoma's already sweating!" exclaimed Horio.
"He's trying to weaken Ryoma's stamina," said Yuki finishing Kiyoko's sentence.
"He's almost finished," wailed Horio.
"Wait!" said Kiyoko and Yuki just realizing something.
"He's been hitting at the same spot the whole time," said Rei walking in on the scene, "If Kaido-senpai has to reach down to get to the ball at his feet, he loses more stamina than Ryoma." Kiyoko grinned at Ryoma though he wasn't watching.
"Isn't it getting a little hot senpai?" asked Ryoma smiling.
"So the one falling into the trap was Kaido-senpai?!" exclaimed the first years at the same time. Tezuka walked up to Yuki and Rei.
"It seems Kaido has lost to his own intelligence," said Tezuka not impressed. The match raged on. Kaido refused to surrender. Ryoma grinned now.
"This should be the 'buggy whip shot' right?" asked Ryoma before returning the ball.
"That was the Snake!" exclaimed Horio in surprise. Yuki gave a gasp before turning to Rei.
"He has just the same ability as you Rei!" said Yuki. Rei smiled.
"There's only one flaw to it," said Rei secretively.
"Game Set!" said the referee, "Match won by Echizen Ryoma, 6-4!" "The game is over," said Kiyoko standing up for a stretch, "It looks like Ryoma won his block. He's a regular now." "Looks like the first day of rankings has ended with one definite member," observed Rei. Kaido didn't bother to shake Ryoma's hand as he marched off the court. He turned to Tezuka. "I'll never give up my qualifications on the school team," he said, "Never!" Kiyoko ran to Ryoma when Kaido had left and gave him a bear hug. "Get off me Odango!" shouted Ryoma before pulling his hat down. Kiyoko smiled at him. "Just wanted to congratulate you.Ryoma-chan!"
"Wow!" exclaimed a female reporter in surprise. She and an older man were watching Oishi and Tezuka playing. Girls were screaming while Rei, Yuki, and Kiyoko were checking to see if their ears were still working.
"I didn't know the senpai were so popular," said Rei.
"Thanks to Tezuka-senpai's hard work, the team matches that of Rikkai University Middle School," said Kiyoko excitedly. Yuki looked at her.
"Kiyoko," said Yuki, "Shouldn't you be in D-block right now? Your game starts in ten minutes against Inui-senpai"
"Eek!" screamed Kiyoko as she ran to the court wailing about being late. Yuki smiled at Kiyoko's retreating figure before looking back at the senpai.
"Let's both make this game enjoyable," said Inui to Kiyoko. She smiled cutely.
"All right," said Kiyoko. The referee stood up.
"The best of one!" he called, "Inui, service play"
"It's starting," thought Kiyoko to herself, "For someone as tall as him, I wonder how he'll play." Inui served at Kiyoko who's eyes widened. "High speed serve?!" Kiyoko returned hurriedly. Inui was not at the net. He returned and Kiyoko smiled. She hit an open spot right behind him.
"Too bad," said Inui returning the ball Kiyoko had thought was a point clincher. The next game started and Kiyoko served. Inui went to the ball with ease. "Nice path, but I still caught it"
"30-0!" announced the referee.
"He knows just where to counter!" thought Kiyoko to herself worriedly.
"That bastard," muttered Ryoma watching the game from afar. Kiyoko narrowed her eyes and returned.
"The Cross Shot"
"That's going too far! At such a short distance"
"The probability of you making a cross shot is 75," said Inui returning the ball Kiyoko had thought was unpredictable.
"This isn't over," said Kiyoko calming her heart beat to a normal rate, "I guess it's time to give it all I've got." Kiyoko stilled herself before opening her eyes and returning the ball.
"Still two balls left?!" exclaimed Horio.
"Missed," said Inui as the ball hit the racket.
"Inui-senpai can totally predict Kiyoko's shots," said Fuji from behind. Yuki stood next to him her eyes averted to Kiyoko's game.
"Maybe he is better than Kaido," said Horio amazed. Yuki turned her eyes to him.
"Inui-senpai won three out of three of his matches against Kaido- senpai," said Yuki her eyes glazed over.
"I've watched all four of your games," said Inui his back turned to Kiyoko, "I know all of your moves." Kiyoko was taken aback before she smiled at Inui.
"Don't worry senpai," said Kiyoko, "Things are about to get interesting"
"1-0! Inui leads!" Kiyoko served the ball and it hit the net.
"Didn't you know where the ball was going?" asked Kiyoko.
"I did not analyze your recent mistakes," said Inui blandly. Yuki shook her head and sweat dropped.
"She's being as cocky as Ryoma now," said Yuki, "But, I always knew she wouldn't concede to defeat"
"However," said Fuji, "that's not how you win a game." Yuki was startled at how close Fuji was. She looked closely at him. His face was as happy as ever but there was a seriousness in his voice.
"That's it!" said Rei with a smile, "Captain's drop volley"
"Game Set! Tezuka 6-1!" Tezuka shook Oishi's outstretched hand across the net. Tezuka suddenly turned to Rei who now gave him a cool look. He walked to Rei.
"What!" exclaimed one of the third years, "Why is Tezuka going to that freshman girl"
"Shouldn't you be watching Kiyoko's game?" asked Tezuka. Rei nodded.
"Yes," said Rei, "But Yuki's telling me all about it later."
Kiyoko shot to the edge of the court. "Pity," said Inui returning with ease.
"This is like one of those chess games when the opponent knows where the other is going," observed Yuki, "His style is nearly flawless"
"Nearly?" asked Horio looking at Yuki as if she was crazy. Just then Kiyoko lobbed the ball above Inui's head moving back as she did. Fuji grinned.
"Inui could retreat two steps and with his height advantage"
"He hit it?!" exclaimed Kachiro amazed.
"Inui-senpai's in great form," said Yuki.
"This is certainly the first time I've seen Kiyoko pushed back," said Yuki worried.
"You're a very talented player to calculate my height reach and serve the lob," said Inui to Kiyoko, "However, no matter how skilled you are, it won't make a difference. I can always reach your ball"
"He seems very confident," said Ryoma, "I guess this is the pride of a third year"
"There's no way Kiyoko can win," said Horio. Yuki took on a serious expression and turned Horio around so that he would face her and aimed her racket straight at him.
"Don't worry about Kiyoko," said Yuki, "She'll get through." Kiyoko laughed as she tightened her grip on the ball.
"I'm glad I can go to this school," she said giving Inui a wink, "My efforts to come here was well worth it"
"She's still laughing at a time like this," said Horio disbelievingly.
"Because now I can defeat a variety of tennis styles her," said Kiyoko slinging her racket over her shoulder. She stretched her legs as if preparing for something. "I just thought of something that will win this for me"
"According to the data which side will she hit that ball," said Inui aloud.
"You don't need to guess which side," said Kiyoko, "Because it's going to the left." The ball was going at a faster speed than before. "Now, to the left"
"You're not supposed to say where it's going to go," said Inui returning the ball.
"Now above!" said Kiyoko now having fun. Her steps were much faster than before.
"She's going to do it," said Yuki eagerly.
"To the right!" said Kiyoko. Inui halted.
"Senpai missed the ball!" exclaimed Horio.
"Out of bounds!" said the ref. The ball bounced out of the court in loud thuds.
"Hmm," said Kiyoko thoughtfully, "I guess I overdid it. Oh well, the good show's nearly at it's end"
"Where did this kid come from?" exclaimed a woman in her mid-20's. Yuki looked to the side and saw a photographer a few steps away.
"She must be from a tennis magazine," thought Yuki to herself before looking at two girls crowding around Ryoma. One was Sonako. Yuki walked over to her. "Ryuzaki-san!" called Yuki to Sonako.
"Aihara-san!" said the girl with a smiled before bounding up to her, "I didn't know until yesterday that you were part of the men's team. That's wonderful"
"What are you doing here?" asked Yuki curiously, "Is that your friend"
"Meet Sanae," said Sonako. Yuki nodded to her.
"Here to see the rankings?" asked Yuki.
"Yes!" said Sonako nodding cheerily, "We couldn't see Echizen-sama's game so we wanted to congratulate him now." Yuki thought she was here for the girls but she seemed like another boy fanatic. She put on her fake smiled before going back to the other first years and the game.
"Those shots were amazing!" exclaimed Kachiro, "I don't know anyone who could return shots with such speed"
"This is only an inkling of Kiyoko's technique," said Yuki, "Notice how her feet are moving"
"Oh, the split step," said Takeshi knowingly.
"Split step?" asked the first years. Horio turned to them.
"Of course!" said Horio, "It's at the basics of training. When your opponent returns the shot, you hop with your body tilting forward, landing on your toes. Doing this, your reaction will be faster by half a step"
"How come?" asked Kachiro. Horio was now clueless. Eiji laughed.
"That's because of the expansion and contraction of the muscles," said Eiji, "It allows her to dash forward. If he's half a step faster, than she can return shots that would normally be out of his reach"
"For such a simple move, Kiyoko has made it into a complex art by doing one simple thing," said Yuki focusing her attention on the game. The others followed and noticed that Yuki was not jumping down on both feet but at a continuous step one at a time"
"It's going to the middle and them I'm moving to the net," said Kiyoko.
"She's moving to the beat of her own drum, it seems," said Fuji. Just then Inui missed.
"Senpai missed?!" exclaimed a second year.
"Kazumi's moves have gotten faster," said Takeshi.
"But," objected Horio, "Wouldn't Kiyoko's technique be dangerous if she didn't know where the ball would land"
"Only people born with a gift for tennis uses the abilities they have to win," said Yuki, "Senpai is playing against a whole different person. He plays data tennis correct? I wonder, could he play his style against a person he has no information on"
"Inui-senpai missed again!" exclaimed a second year.
"I refuse to surrender," said Inui to Kiyoko. The girl smiled as she bounced the ball up and down on the court.
"There are some things you can't help senpai," said Kiyoko, "Even if you knew where this serve is going, it will be fruitless to even move." The ball she served went an inch in front of the net on the other court and flew directly to Inui-senpai. The racket flew off the third year's hands.
"How could this happen?" asked a second year aloud.
"Relying on your data is not going to help is you don't have the skill to back it up," said Ryoma.
"Game Set! Won by Echizen, 7-5!" Yuki smiled and gave Kiyoko a bear hug.
"Yuki! I can't breathe!"
"Yuki-chan won!" exclaimed Kiyoko eagerly. She jumped to Yuki who grinned.
"It wasn't that hard Kiyoko," said Yuki, "He wasn't even a regular. If only I could have had one of your opponents." At the end of the day, the ten members had been decided. They were, Tezuka, Oishi, Eiji, Fuji, Takashi, Takeshi, Ryoma, Kaido, Yuki, and Kiyoko.
"Kachiro, your dad is amazing!" said Horio excitedly, "To be coaching at such a big tennis club." The boys, Kiyoko, Rei, and Yuki were at a tennis club. They met with Kachiro's dad, Coach Katou. The girls bowed while Ryoma gave a bored yawn. Kiyoko nudged him.
"Try and show some respect Ryoma," said Kiyoko shaking her head disapprovingly.
"Whatever Odango," muttered Ryoma.
"You guys can use the tennis court, but don't hit or disturb the other customers," said Coach Katou.
"Yay!" said Horio jumping up and down, "I never imagined I could play in such a big tennis court!" The girls were silent. They had their own court at home and did not bother to say anymore.
"Thanks Dad!" said Kachiro happily.
"Hey Echizen, can you teach me the twist serve!?" asked Horio.
"No way," said Ryoma. A man called Kachiro's dad.
"Hey Coach Katou," said the man, "Teach us well during our evening lesson"
"Sure Mr. Sasabe, please wait at Court F." becan Coach Katou before the man objected.
"What! We have to use Court F?" asked Mr. Sasabe, "Why can't I use Court A. I have to walk all the way over there." He tossed his bag to the coach. "Take this, and don't drop it to the ground, you'd get it dirty"
"Why's he acting like that?" asked Horio watching the scene.
"That's Mr. Sasabe," said Coach Katou, "He's a regular customer and he's selfish and hated"
"We can switch to F Court," said Kachiro.
"No that's okay," said Coach katou shaking his head, "This time I'll handle him"
"Hey! Can you go a little faster?" asked Mr. Sasabe way ahead.
"Coming!" said Coach Katou promptly.
"Didn't he say he was going to handle him?" asked Horio sweat dropping.
"There are a lot of conceited guys these days," said Ryoma with a shrug.
"I hate those who pick on the weak," said Rei with disgust. Kiyoko saw Kachiro look back at the direction his father was heading. Ryoma swung the ball to Horio who was already out of breath.
"Wait, wait a second," said Horio breathing heavily, "I need a rest. I'm exhausted"
"All you do is talk," said Yuki, "And you don't have any stamina"
"Ah! We're all like this now and you're still relaxed!" said Horio, "Plus the fact that you're only using your right hand"
"But with just a little advice from Ryoma I can already get the grasp of it!" said Kachiro.
"What did you just say?! Didn't you just hear what I said! Did you?" said a loud voice.
"It's coming from the A Court," said Rei looking in that direction.
"Bu-But if you don't warm up, you can pull a muscle or injure yourself," said Coach Katou in a stuttering voice.
"It's this again! Making us lose 15 minutes of our time"
"Hey!" said Mr. Sasabe, "Don't compare us with those weaklings. Teach us the top spin, now. I see, it's been rumored that you gave up professionals because of an injury"
"This doesn't look good," said Horio watching. Coach Katou was silent.
"Right," said Mr. Sasabe now confident, "That boy there was your son right? I heard that he joined Seigaku's tennis club. Ha! Three years from now I still see him picking up balls. Like father like son right"
"And I heard that they even let freshmen into the team," said a man with a snicker. Rei chose to intervene before anything else happened.
"Excuse me sir," said Rei in a sugary sweet voice, "Will you teach me how to play tennis?" Mr. Sasabe looked at her and laughed.
"It's because the other coaches are so undependable right?" asked Mr. Sasabe, "Sure I'll teach you tennis." Coach Katou was about to object before Yuki and Kiyoko hurriedly took him to the sidelines.
"What's going on?" asked the coach.
"Hmph," said Ryoma, "I wanted to play"
"Sorry Ryoma-kun," said Kiyoko, "Just sit back and enjoy the show." Rei moved to one court and a man stood to be the chair umpire.
"Since your new," said Mr. Sasabe, "You can have the first serve"
"Thank you," said Rei before going up to do a serve. The man caught it with ease.
"What!" exclaimed Mizuno, "Akuma-san isn't good at all"
"Hush," said Yuki immediately looking to see if Rei had noticed, "Just watch"
"She's very smart," said Coach Katou, "She wants to test the opponent. At this very moment she's watching the ball very closely"
"Of course!" said Horio nodding knowingly, "This is at the basics of playing tennis"
"Shut up and watch," said Yuki. The group turned to Rei as a rally was going on. Mr. Sasabe hit it at Rei's court and it went in.
"15-Love!" said the ref. Rei looked at where the ball landed and suddenly smiled.
"I guess I have no reason to be cautious," said Rei to herself. She returned the next ball with ease.
"What is this!" exclaimed the man in surprise as the ball went past him, "Her serve is completely different from before"
"15-All!" said the perplexed ref. A sudden aura took over Rei and her eyes took on an evil glint.
"Here it comes!" said Yuki eagerly, "Rei's serve." The ball whizzed at Mr. Sasabe and the racket somehow bounced off his hand.
"What was that!?" exclaimed Horio.
"It's called Devil Serve," said Kiyoko, "When the ball heads for the racket, at the exact moment of impact, a second force comes after the next in a continuous motion. That means another hit, more powerful than the last is headed for the opponent. If your first serve was already difficult to return, the second impact is invincible"
"That is the Devil Serve?!" exclaimed Mizuno.
"40-15"
"Rei has one more trick up her sleeve," said Yuki but just then they heard a shout.
"Ow!" said Mr. Sasabe, "I think I pulled a muscle"
"Oh," whined Kiyoko, "We never got to see it." Rei pointed her racket at the older man.
"That's because you didn't stretch right," said Rei before walking off. Yuki was near tears.
"I haven't seen your move in so long!" wailed Yuki, "To think I was a second away"
"Is it that good?" asked Kachiro.
"Yes," said Kiyoko nodding, "She rarely does it because it's her ace in the hole. You would have seen something pretty crazy"
"Let's go," said Rei and Ryoma now bored.
"Go Seigaku"
"A little louder"
"Nice Shot"
"Nice Return"
"Practice has been so much fun lately," said Kachiro as he kept on cheering for the regulars.
"That's because you don't do any running," said Rei blandly, "You're just picking up balls. Coach Ryuzaki does nothing but work on the regulars"
"That's probably because we're so close to the District Semi-Final. It's just in ten days," said Horio, "They want Seigaku to win"
"Man, that old lady hasn't been out in awhile," said Takeshi as Coach Ryuzaki stood pounding hard on the second years. Takeshi snickered. "I'd hate to be with them"
"Momo-chan!" said Kiyoko reprimanding him. The regulars were stretching in the sidelines.
"Okay! Everyone, gather up!" said Tezuka. The regulars assembled at the front while the rest stood behind them according to year. "We have just chosen our eight regular members from the rankings and two who have joined for mixed doubles. Before we can go to the national tournament, we have to win regionals. Regardless of which school, the level of tennis has increased. Do not let your guards down"
"Finished!" said Coach Ryuzaki.
"Second and third years are in Court C," ordered Tezuka, "First years are to pick up balls. Regulars are in Court A and B"
"Wait," said Coach Ryuzaki, "I've asked someone to make a special training menu for the regulars"
"Him?" asked Oishi before smiling, "Ah! Inui"
"Hey," said Inui in greeting before setting a box he had been carrying down, "To survive until the national tournament, first you have to work on your wrist and footwork. Everyone, please come and put these on your ankles. There are 250 g training weights inside. They will go on your wrists and ankles and will help your footwork! Both weights will weigh 1 kg heavier"
"It's not so bad," said Takeshi testing the weight on his ankles by jumping up and down.
"I have red, blue, and yellow cones and balls color coded to match the cones," said Inui setting three different color cones down on the court.
"I get it!" said Eiji. Inui served a ball to Eiji who grinned.
"Red!" said Eiji returning the red ball to the red cone. "Yellow!" "Blue"
"Wow!" exclaimed Horio, "No wonder Eiji-senpai is a regular. He can distinguish the ball just as it's served and hit it to the right cone accurately"
"Sugoi! Eiji-chan!" cheered Yuki smiling.
"Being able to distinguish moving objects like that, no one can match Eiji," said Oishi nodding knowingly.
"You think so?" asked Fuji with a smile before nodding his head at Ryoma's direction, "Look"
"Blue! Red! Blue!" said Ryoma hitting the ball to the cones with pinpoint accuracy.
"Those two aren't tired," said Inui, "But soon enough, they will begin to feel the 1 kg weights and their endurance will gradually hold them back. When they start losing their stamina, their judgment will be impaired as well." Just as he said that, Eiji and Ryoma stopped surprised.
"What happened?" asked Eiji aloud, "My ankles suddenly felt heavier. I get it now, I'll gain stamina by doing this. Re-red"
"Kikumaru, isn't it blue?" asked Inui.
"Huh?" asked Eiji as the ball flew by. Upon closer inspection, it was red. "Inui! You're so mean. It really was red." Inui now made a maniacal grin.
"I forgot to tell you," he said holding up a glass with a nasty green liquid, "If you miss, you have to drink Inui's Special Juice! Don't worry, it's filled with vegetables, except, there's a slight change in the taste." Eiji grimaced before gulping down the juice.
"Eh?!" exclaimed Eiji before running immediately to the water fountains. Everyone looked after him thoroughly scared. A ball went pass Ryoma when he wasn't looking.
"You missed Echizen," said the coach. Everyone watched now wondering what was in the drink as Ryoma gulped it down.
"AH!" yelled Ryoma as he ran stumbling in Eiji's direction.
"Next, Oishi, Takashi!" called Tezuka. The two clutched their rackets tightly and grimaced.
"I can't miss!" they thought to themselves.
"Red! Blue!" shouted Oishi as both balls hit the right marks.
"As expected from the Vice-Captain!" said Horio proudly just as Oishi missed. Inui suddenly stood next to him smiling.
"Inui!" shouted Oishi as he ran for the fountains. Takashi was filled with energy but he still ran screaming.
"Takeshi! Kaidoh!" said Tezuka.
"Look! It's Snake," said Mizuno as Kaidoh launched it saying "Red!" with a grunt. The ball hit its mark but it was actually blue. Kaidoh took it without a word and said nothing as he walked trying to bear the pain. Rei watched with a grimace before Kaidoh ran to the fountains with a hiss. Fuji and Tezuka went next. Fuji made a miss on the first try.
"Fuji!" whined Eiji, "You missed on purpose"
"I wanted to try Inui's juice," said Fuji as an excuse. He gulped the drink and smiled. "This is good! I highly recommend it." Inui sweat dropped while Eiji pointed his finger accusingly at Fuji.
"Liar!" The first years shivered in fear.
"There is someone scarier," they said.
"Kakkoi Fuji-chan!" said Yuki with stars in her eyes. Fuji blushed his hand behind his head.
"Kazumi! Aihara!" called Tezuka. The girls went forward.
"Red! Blue! Yellow! Blue!" shouted Kiyoko hitting every target.
"Hey Odango," said Ryoma, "You cheated"
"Echizen!" said Kiyoko as she served a ball at him. Yuki laughed before stepping forward.
"Red!" said Yuki hitting the red ball at the red cone. The cone was knocked back by the force.
"Look at the power in her hit!" said Horio amazed.
"Yellow! Blue! Red!" said Yuki catching up to the balls and returning them with pin point accuracy before she suddenly tripped and fell over. "Ouch"
"Are you okay Yuki-chan?" asked Eiji stepping forward and helping her up. Yuki was in chibi with tears forming in her eyes.
"Eiji-chan!" said Yuki looking to the third year for moral support. She buried her face in his arms as Fuji went forward with a medical kit. Takeshi and Oishi snickered.
"Momo! Oishi!" shouted Eiji as he blushed.
"Don't worry Yuki-chan," said Fuji patting the raven haired girl on the head, "You just pulled a muscle. It should be better in a day." Eiji carried Yuki to a bench
"Gomen nasai minna," said Yuki bowing with her face red. Rei whacked Yuki on the head.
"I always told you to be careful," scolded Rei, "You probably added those weights Inui gave you to the ones you already wore. Baka! At least Kiyoko didn't put to much stress on herself by pivoting but you must really be the stupidest of us three"
"Rei-chan!" whined Yuki. Just then Inui came forward with a glass of his juice and an evil glint in his eyes.
"Eww," said Yuki when she had drank it all in one gulp. She was gagging before Fuji stood up.
"I'll get you some water Yuki-chan," said Fuji.
"I'll tape you're ankle Yuki-chan," said Eiji sitting on his knees on the floor with tape in his hand before looking up, "Do you want some pillows? I think I saw some in the club room just now"
"Here you are Yuki-chan," said Fuji, "How about I get your racket too." Everyone sweatdropped.
"Am I the only one who thinks that Eiji and Fuji are spoiling Yuki?" asked Kiyoko. An image came in the regulars heads of two knights in shining armor coming to help the damsel in distress.
"It's just a pulled muscle," said Rei shaking her head.
"All of you did well for regulars but I still see holes in your tennis," said Inui to the regulars. They were sprawled on the floor around him while Yuki was sitting up with a large lollipop in her mouth. A sign showed that Eiji and Fuji gave it to her. Tezuka was the only one standing. Rei stood unconsciously next to him. "Eiji, I noticed you loosen your racket after you return the ball but that can be fixed by working on your forearms. Momo, you should be able to gain more accuracy by lowering your power to 70. Takashi, you need to be calmer to gain more control of the game. Oishi, Fuji, and Kaido, you need more power but that can be achieved by working on your biceps, triceps, and forearms"
"Where the heck is that?!" asked Momo and Eiji sitting up. Kiyoko laughed.
"Kiyoko, you need more protein," said Inui, "You look way too fragile." Yuki snickered. "Yuki needs to know how to gain more control over her body." Kiyoko howled with laughter. "Are you guys really friends?" asked Mizuno, a first year, sweatdropping.
"Yuki! Hurry up or we're going to leave you," said Rei.
"Hai!" said Yuki catching up with Kiyoko and Rei promptly.
"Come on!" urged Kiyoko in chibi jumping up and down around the two, "If we don't hurry, I just know there'll be a line at McDonalds." Rei and Yuki sweatdropped.
"Yuki-chan! Kiyoko-chan! Rei-chan! Wait up!" called voices behind them. The girls turned and saw Eiji and Fuji run up to them.
"What's up?" asked Yuki to the boys.
"We were just on our way to McDonalds," said Kiyoko happily.
"Care to join us?" asked Rei.
"Sure!" said Eiji when Fuji was about to shake his head.
"So what did you want to talk about?" asked Yuki when Kiyoko and Rei had gone up to order.
"We were wondering if you knew who your mixed doubles partners were for tomorrow," said Eiji. Yuki started. She had just remembered that she and Kiyoko were to play at the tournament the next day and they didn't know who their partners were!
"At each tournament," said Fuji, "In order to gain the full measure of a school's tennis talent, they have mixed doubles. We have always partnered with two unknown girls from the female tennis team. But now, everyone wants to know who the mysterious mixed doubles pairs will be since the female tennis team was disbanded"
"I see," said Yuki her voice now serious, "Who do you suppose Coach Ryuzaki has in mind?" Before anyone could answer, Kiyoko and Rei had gotten there. To Yuki's, Eiji's, and Fuji's surprise, Momo and Ryoma were right behind them their try laden to the brim with food.
"Do you really need that much Ochibi-chan?" asked Eiji with a laugh, "I guess you listened to Inui's advice." Ryoma said nothing as he sat down looking at Momo's plate. Electricity flew from both of their eyes as they commenced eating as if in a race.
"What happened to those two?" asked Eiji and Yuki in Kiyoko's face. She was in chibi shaking her head.
"You two must be Seigaku regulars right?" asked a girl with shoulder length brown hair.
"How'd you know?" asked Momo. She grinned.
"Seigaku's regulars are well known to the other schools," said the girl, "Captain Tezuka holds the number one spot in Seigaku and Syusuke Fuji holds the next. I wonder, who holds the third?" With that she smiled and left. "Ja ne!" Momo and Ryoma looked at each other before a lady at the cash register called them.
"What would you like to order?" asked the lady.
"Give me a burger and a large coke," said the two boys at the same time. The boys gave a start and looked at each other before Ryoma took on his competitive attitude.
"Could you add an order of chicken with that?" asked Ryoma, "My tennis practice is so hard I need more energy for the next day"
"I'd also like large fries," said Takeshi taking up his challenge, "I work out every day so I need something to fill me up"
"Add another burger to my order"
"I want two large cokes"
"Double my order," said Ryoma.
"Me too!" said Takeshi. Kiyoko walked forward having heard everything and pushed them aside.
"I'm hungry too you know," said Kiyoko with one of the anger marks on her head. She then turned to the registrar with an angelic face and made their order.
"Would that be why Momo-chan and Ryoma both have huge bumps on their heads?" asked Yuki with a laugh.
"Oh," said Momo with a groan outside the restaurant as he held his stomach, "I think I ate too much food"
"That's because you're stubborn," said Ryoma.
"So are you," said Kiyoko blandly appearing right next to Ryoma out of thin air. Yuki laughed before starting.
"I'll see you guys later!" said Yuki pulling Eiji and Fuji behind her.
"What's wrong Yuki-chan?" asked Eiji alarmed.
"We're going to Seigaku to ask about the doubles position," said Yuki, "We have to know now before anything else."
"So what do you guys want to do now?" asked Rei. Ryoma and Momo still had electricity between their eyes as they walked.
"Will you two stop that!" said Kiyoko hitting the two with her racket. The four suddenly stopped and adjusted their ears to a certain familiar sound.
"Is someone playing tennis?" asked Momo to make sure he was right.
"I didn't know they had street tennis here," said Rei as she ran ahead to the sound. A court was set up in the parking lot and teenagers milled around the court. Ryoma and Takeshi grinned to each other.
"What about we decide who's better on the court,
said Momo.
"Exactly what I was thinking senpai," said Ryoma before walking to the court. The girl who had talked to them at McDonald's smiled at Ryoma and Takeshi.
"Ah! What are you two doing here?" asked the girl.
"How do you play here?" asked Momo looking at the court, "Is there a fee"
"It's free," said a voice behind them, "but there's only one condition"
"What's that?" asked Ryoma. The two boys who had appeared had identical smiles.
"It's a doubles court," said one with fair hair. The other had black hair tied in a ponytail. Ryoma and Momo grinned their rackets in their hands.
"Fine," said Ryoma.
"Do you think the others are all right?" asked Yuki between Eiji and Fuji, "We did just leave them there"
"They'll be fine," said Eiji reassuringly. Yuki just remembered something.
"Ah! Eiji-senpai, Fuji-senpai," began Yuki, "How good are you at tennis"
"Ah." said Fuji not sure how to answer. Eiji laughed.
"You can watch us tomorrow Yuki-chan," said Eiji, "But I'm more curious about you, Kazumi, and Akuma. We haven't heard much about your past." Yuki smiled in remembrance.
"Well," began Yuki, "The first thing you should probably know is that Kiyoko, Rei, and I are cousins"
"Cousins?!" exclaimed Fuji and Eiji at the same time in surprise. Yuki nodded.
"Our mothers were sisters," said Yuki, "and they were star tennis players here in Japan. My mother, Kirihara Tsukasa, and Kiyoko's, Kirihara Meiko, dominated the female doubles world. Rei's mom, Kirihara Sakura, was amazing in singles play." Fuji nodded in recognition before looking at Yuki worriedly.
"Demo, the Kirihara sisters died eight years ago on their way to the world tournament in a plane crash," said Fuji.
"Hai," said Yuki her face grim, "My father was heartbroken. They met in college. My father was about to inherit Grandfather's company and they got married a year after he had taken it. They moved to Washington to establish headquarters in the U.S. Kiyoko's dad is a director in LA and Rei's is a lawyer in New York. We all met when we were five at a reunion and found out we played tennis because of our moms. Three years after they died, Rei and I asked our fathers if we could move to LA with Kiyoko and we've been together since. A few months before, Rei had to move back to New York so Kiyoko and I decided to go ahead with our plan. We don't want to hold Rei back." Through Yuki's monologue she was grim. She looked up and smiled at Fuji and Eiji when they had gotten to Seigaku skipping ahead of them. Fuji was in chibi with a smile.
"Eiji, why did you ask about Yuki's family?" asked Fuji, "That's always risky in case there are family problems." Eiji blushed and stuttered before quickly running after Yuki.
"They're doing pretty well," said Kiyoko when Ryoma and Momo had taken a second win.
"Yes," said Rei, "For amateurs. Right Kiyoko?" Kiyoko blushed. Like Yuki, she had inherited amazing Doubles skills.
"But they haven't gone against real doubles players," said Kiyoko, "I hope they're okay." The two boys before gripped their rackets tightly.
"All right, who's next?" asked Momo seemingly bored.
"Those two guys are amazing"
"Yeah! They won the first game with just serves and the second with returns! Who are they"
"We're up," said the boy with brown hair stepping forward, "We'll show you what real doubles is about." The four had a glaring contest before the match started.
"I hope they'll do all right," said Kiyoko worriedly, "I can always tell by formation and if Echizen and Momo played against a real doubles team, it won't be very well played"
"Don't worry about it Kiyoko," said Rei though she was watching the game closely.
"Yuki? Kikumaru, Syusuke," said Coach Ryuzaki, "What are you two doing here?" The two boys pointed at Yuki as an explanation.
"Coach Ryuzaki," said Yuki, "I wanted to ask you about the order of players tomorrow"
"What about it"
"Kiyoko and I don't know who our Doubles partners are!" said Yuki getting to the point.
"Hey," said the brown haired boy, "I bet those guys are new at doubles. All we have to do is aim at the middle"
"Who's going to get it?" thought Ryoma and Takeshi at the same time. The ball bounced off the court. Ryoma and Momo glared at each other.
"I could've hit the ball then!" said Ryoma.
"In this circumstance," said Momo, "The person with the forehand hits the ball"
"Just as I suspected!" said the brown haired boy laughing as the ref said "15-Love"
"Izumi!" said the black haired boy to the one with brown hair.
"Gotcha!" said Izumi returning the ball with ease.
"Echizen, for you," said Momo when the ball passed him. Ryoma didn't move. "Echizen! You were supposed to get it"
"Those two are horrible at Doubles," said Rei sweatdropping.
"Senpai, you ran over so you were supposed to hit it," said Ryoma, "And in Doubles, I think the boundary line is over here. It's so hard to play, I've never played it before"
"What! You've never played it before!" exclaimed Momo. It was a good thing Rei and Kiyoko hadn't heard. Ryoma and Momo missed the next ball.
"End of Match!" said the ref.
"Wonder what happened," mused Kiyoko, "I always thought Ryoma was good at Doubles. Maybe they were out of form"
"They never hit the ball once," said Rei.
"We didn't look like we were playing tennis," said Ryoma adjusting his hat.
"I was thinking of pairing Kiyoko with Echizen," said Coach Ryuzaki, "They both seem equal in terms of skill and their heights nearly match. They are a reasonable pair"
"Has Ryoma ever played Doubles?" asked Fuji. Coach Ryuzaki looked as if Fuji was crazy.
"Ryoma is a master at tennis!" said Ryuzaki, "Of course he can play doubles."
"Izumi, Fukawa, you're awesome!" said a bystander, "You defeated that powerful pair. It's only expected from the tennis club of Gyokurin's #1 pair"
"Gyokurin?" asked Rei, "Aren't they our first opponents"
"Don't compare us with the last pair," said Izumi.
"Although their tennis skills are good," said Fukawa, "They can't play Doubles at all"
"Uh-oh," said Kiyoko, "I sense trouble." Ryoma and Momo walked to the two girls.
"Those two just hate to lose," said Rei.
"Hey Momo," said Ryoma, "I retract what I said about 3rd singles"
"Same here," said Momo.
"Real men should play doubles," declared the two at the same time.
"Hey you two!" called Kiyoko, "Are you ready to go?"
"What about me?" asked Yuki curiously, "Who's my partner"
"Eiji," answered Ryuzaki, "I thought you would like a seasoned player on your side. Of course, this is only for the first match. We will switch when you play each school. It would be unfair if Ryoma and Kikumaru play two games each time." Eiji and Yuki looked at each other excitedly before Yuki clung to Fuji.
"Is it all right if Fuji's my partner too"
"We'll have to wait till tomorrow."