"You go ahead," said Rei, "I want to sleep some more. Seigaku is the first seed so we're allowed to be an hour late." Yuki gave up and ran to Kiyoko.
"Kiyoko! Come on!" said Yuki. Kiyoko was in the kitchen busily making something.
"I'm going with Rei," said Kiyoko. Yuki was crestfallen.
"Why are you late?" asked Yuki, "I thought you wanted to check on the competition." Kiyoko blushed but hurriedly turned away.
"I'll see you later," said Kiyoko. Yuki sweatdropped before running out of the house. She wore a short white skirt and tank top. Her Seigaku jacket was tucked securely in her bag. Wrist bands adorned her wrists and her hair was tucked into a hat. She walked into the Shikinomori Sports Park and settled into a chair watching a game. There didn't seem to be much competition so far and the hour passed by slowly. She yawned and stretched before getting up.
"How boring," said Yuki before two boys walked up to her.
"Hey girl," said one, "Are you hear to watch the matches. My school is sure to be number one. How about you cheer me on"
"No way!" said the other, "She's cheering my school on." Yuki was clueless before Eiji and Fuji walked up.
"Hey! Yuki-chan!" called Eiji. Yuki turned and smiled in recognition.
"Ah! Eiji-chan! Fuji-chan!" said Yuki, "Are you guys here to watch the matches too"
"Ah! It's Seigaku," said the first boy, "Let's get out of here." Fuji and Eiji looked at the two boys confused.
"Who were those guys?" asked Fuji with his usual smile.
"No clue," said Yuki.
"You better put your jacket on now Yuki-chan," said Eiji, "Tezuka wants us all in the front of the park right now"
"Hai!" said Yuki following the two to the park where Rei and Kiyoko were already at.
"Where did you go off to?" asked Rei.
"I was watching the match," said Yuki before turning to Kiyoko who had a large bag behind her. "What's in there Kiyoko?" asked Yuki in a sly voice.
"Nothing," said Kiyoko quickly hiding it behind her back hurriedly.
"Look! Here they come! It's Seigaku's regular team!" shrieked a girl.
"Tezuka! Look over this way!" called a girl as she and another started jumping up and down. Rei was visibly annoyed.
"Can those guys be any louder?" asked Rei aloud.
"That's just because she's jealous," confided Yuki to Kiyoko in chibi form.
"What was that?" asked Rei a fire surrounding her.
"Nothing!" said Kiyoko and Yuki hurriedly. Tezuka went to the registrar.
"There are ten of us her from Seishun Gakuen Jr. High," said Tezuka giving the man at the desk a clipboard.
"It's Seigaku. They look really tough," said a boy before looking at Yuki, Kiyoko, and Ryoma wearing the regular jackets.
"What are those first years doing there?" said one.
"The girls are pretty cute," said another, "They are probably in the mixed doubles teams. Each school must have a representative from both genders at every tournament just so that the school shows its strength in both males and females"
"But I thought they disbanded the girls' tennis team"
"Hey Fukawa," said Izumi who had been watching the regulars with the others, "Aren't those two the guys we played against"
"We are playing them next," said Fukawa.
"What!" exclaimed Mizuno, "Captain Tezuka isn't playing against Gyokurin? Is it to conserve his stamina"
"This is what was entered in registration at the reception," said Inui.
"Eh?!" exclaimed Horio upon closer inspection, "Momo-chan-senpai and Echizen are playing doubles"
"I heard they volunteered," said Inui.
"Look!" said Kachiro, "Ryoma-kun and Eiji-senpai are playing twice"
"Because of Yuki and Kiyoko right?" asked Mizuno.
"Yes," said Inui. Kachiro looked at Eiji and Oishi. The two were looking into their bags.
"Eiji," began Oishi as he looked for something in his bag.
"Here," said Eiji handing him his water bottle.
"Thanks," said Oishi.
"Hey," said Eiji before Oishi gave him his towel, "Thanks"
"Wow, they really are the golden pair," said Kachiro amazed before he looked at Momo and Ryoma.
"Echizen hand me that," said Momo shuffling things around his bag.
"That what?" asked Ryoma. Momo sweatdropped.
"That towel under your ass!" said Momo. All the first years sweatdropped.
"They have no connection at all," they said. Yuki looked at Kiyoko and Rei.
"Why are those guys playing doubles?" asked Yuki, "I thought they wanted 3rd singles"
"Long story," said Kiyoko. Everyone took a seat and Ryoma and Momo went to the court. Coach Ryuzaki turned to Tezuka.
"Tezuka, you don't need to worry," she said reassuringly, "I made sure they won't embarrass themselves"
"I know"
"Guess obaa-sama sensed it too," said Rei.
"First round Seigaku: Momoshiro and Echizen. Gyokurin: Izumi and Fukawa"
"Everyone's surprised that you guys are part of the invincible Seigaku regulars," said Fukawa with a smirk.
"I guess we got off lucky," said Izumi.
"I can't express my relief!" said Fukawa, "If this were singles, you would have had the advantage. Too bad"
"That's true," said Ryoma.
"But we wanted to beat you in your own game," said Momo wearing a confident grin.
"So that's why you decided to play doubles?" asked Izumi and Fukawa shocked.
"We were getting worried that we wouldn't be able to play you," said Ryoma.
"Guess luck is on our side," said Momo.
"If you think that practicing in one or two days is going to change your play," said Izumi, "Thank you're wrong"
"Sure about that?" asked Momo with a laugh, "We learn pretty quickly"
"They look like they're arguing," commented Horio.
"So that's why," said Fuji with a smile.
"All right Echizen. We'll use the ah-un tactic," said Momo heading back to their side.
"Gotcha," said Ryoma.
"Ah-Un tactic?" asked the regulars confusedly.
"Do you know what that is Inui?" asked EIji turning to him.
"No clue," said Inui. Ryoma and Momo were stretching on the court.
"One Set Match! Gyokurin, to serve!" said the ref. People cheered from both sides.
"I'll make you regret coming today!" said Izumi confidently as he served to Ryoma and Echizen.
"Don't miss Echizen," said Momo as he went to the forward court.
"I won't," said Ryoma confidently returning the ball with ease.
"Hyah!" said Izumi returning with a grin. He served to the middle.
"He's going to the middle!" said Horio worriedly.
"Ah!" said Momo.
"Un," said Ryoma. Ryoma stopped and Momo returned the ball.
"They returned it?!" exclaimed Izumi in surprise.
"But last time." said Fukawa.
"Yay!" said Seigaku, "Those two really can work well. But the call is pretty weird"
"Those guys aren't as bad as I thought," said Yuki.
"You should have seen yesterday," muttered Rei and Kiyoko under their breaths.
"Love-40," said the ref as Ryoma returned another ball.
"Gyokurin has something up their sleeve," said Kiyoko, "And I don't think Momo and Ryoma are well trained for it." Momo returned the ball on his side and Ryoma followed after returning a lob.
"Oh no!" exclaimed Yuki, Kiyoko, and the Golden Pair at the same time. Izumi returned on the open side Ryoma had left. Momo and Ryoma tried to reach at the same time but both missed.
"15-40"
"Apart from the center," said Tezuka sternly, "They have no cooperation." Fuji laughed under his breath.
"That's some footwork," said Fukawa referring to how fast they had both gone for the ball, "If we were playing them for singles"
"Fukawa!" said Izumi calling the boy back to attention, "There are different ways to play doubles." Izuma served now.
"Ah! What a soft serve!?" said Mizuno, "Did they make a mistake"
"Finish them Echizen!" cheered Kachiro.
"That was done on purpose," said Oishi while Eiji nodded.
"Even experts don't always win when it comes to doubles," said Eiji. Yuki and Kiyoko looked at them with smiles.
"Senpai are very good at doubles," commented Kiyoko, "Yuki and I would love to play a game with you sometime"
"Maybe when you're older," said Oishi who had never heard of their Doubles skill. Izumi and Fukawa both went to the net.
"It's a Doubles Approach!" exclaimed Yuki. Ryoma returned but Fukawa volleyed it back to their side.
"30-40"
"In order to win in Doubles," said Kiyoko, "You need teamwork." She was watching the Gyokurin pair carefully.
"Let's finish this," said Izumi.
"They struck back at Seigaku," said Gyokurin dazed, "Let's cheer louder for them! Gyokurin! Gyokurin"
"Let's cheer too!" said Seigaku, "Go Seigaku"
"Guess the crowd is getting riled," observed Kiyoko.
"This pair is good," said Ryoma turning his racket behind his back.
"There is something behind that soft serve," said Momo.
"You know," said Rei, "Even I know that a quickly made pair will suffer difficulties. Only seasoned players can manage a bad Doubles player"
"AH! Gomen nasai," said Fuji as he dropped Ryoma's tennis bag on the floor. A book fell out. Everyone surrounded it.
"Doubles for Beginners?!" exclaimed Seigaku. Kiyoko had fangs for teeth and stood as close to the court as she could.
"I'll kill you Ryoma!" shouted Kiyoko, "Do you have any idea how dead you are going to be once this is over? You won't live to see tomorrow Echizen!" Everyone got chills on their spine.
"Kiyoko-chan is scary when she's mad," said Momo, "I feel sorry for you Ryoma"
"Help me out Rei!" said Yuki as she tried to drag the fuming Kiyoko back to her chair. They managed and focused their attention to the game again.
"Die!" said Izumi and Fukawa after they did their Doubles approach again.
"They caught up again!" exclaimed Horio, "Gyokurin has the advantage in the game now"
"Those guys," muttered Rei, "They both have greater defense capability than normal so its likely that the ball will land closer to their range and both will go after the ball. Why won't one of them stay still"
"Because both have egos the size of Japan," said Yuki, "They both want the ball and are way too subborn"
"They won their serving game!" said Gyokurin happily.
"Time to switch sides," said Izumi. Kiyoko pounced on Ryoma once he got off the court. Yuki and Rei held her back.
"Do this after the game!" said the two holding her friend back. Ryoma hid behind Momo as Kiyoko's freaky aura surrounded him.
"You two are pathetic!" said Coach Ryuzaki with a smirk.
"Doesn't feel like I'm playing tennis at all," said Takeshi, "I want my body to move in my mind, but my natural reflexes"
"Internal conflicts are scarier than external pressures," said Ryoma, "All the chances are spoiled"
"What do you mean by internal conflicts?!" asked Momo, "I dare you to say it again?! You're trying to hit the spotlights too"
"Stop quarreling," said Coach Ryuzaki.
"Yo, quarreling?" asked Izumi as he and Fukawa passed by.
"Haha! How ridiculous," snickered Fukawa.
"Those idiots," said Coach Ryuzaki now smug, "Trying to provoke our players." At a closer inspection Coach Ryuzaki sweatdropped. "They fell for the trap?!" Momo and Ryoma were glaring at Gyokurin. "Tezuka, do you think we chose the wrong pair"
"Yes!" said all of Seigaku along with Tezuka's bland response.
"Gyokurin leads 1-0"
"Catch this!" said Momo in a fierce voice.
"Momo's Dunk Smask!" said Seigaku eagerly. The powerful serve fell upon Ryoma's poor head.
"Oops!" said Momo scared, "I put too much power in the serve"
"It's all right," said Ryoma though his eyes were shaded by his hat. Momo served again and Fukawa lobbed it to him. "I've got it," said Ryoma. He found a corner to return it but Momo was suddenly in his field of vision and the ball hit him instead. "Sorry"
"Ryoma," said Momo looking at him about to explode.
"Wow! Internal Clash #2!" said Gyokurin with a laugh. Ryoma walked to the end of the court back to back with Momo who also went to the other end of the court. Everything was silent and only a loud scraping sound could be heard. The rackets met in the middle.
"Looks like we have the same idea Momo-senpai," said Ryoma with a grin.
"Let's play this our way now," said Momo.
"That sounds like the old Ryoma now!" said the first years.
"They divided the court in half so they didn't have to be worried about the other person," said Kiyoko amazed, "Maybe Ryoma won't be such a bad partner after all"
"Don't even think about coming to my side senpai," said Ryoma.
"Same for me Echizen," said Momo winking at him.
"They'll never pull it off," said Izumi stubbornly. The game began again and Ryoma and Momo were returning every shot!
"There's only one place I can shoot!" said Fukawa hitting for the middle.
"No Fukawa!" shouted Izumi but it was too late.
"Ah"
"Un!" Ryoma stopped and Momo returned the ball.
"Game Set!" said the ref., "Seigaku wins 6-3"
"Ryoma," said Kiyoko heading for him. Coach Ryuzaki was right behind her ready to punish both Ryoma and Momo. The next minute the two boys were sitting tea ceremony style on the asphalt with bumps on their heads. Momo had one but Ryoma had two protruding ones. The regulars snickered.
"They may have won but they were still punished," said Oishi.
"Doubles 1 next!" said the ref. Eiji and Oishi came forward. The game didn't even last a second.
"Game Set! Seigaku, 6-0," said the ref.
"Yay! Eiji-chan!" cheered Yuki, "Good job Oishi-senpai." Eiji ruffled Yuki's hair and laughed.
"Thanks Yuki-chan," said Eiji, "You better be ready for our match later"
"Hai!" said Yuki promptly. Kaido went next. The other boy was scared out of his wits and lost immediately.
"Seigaku, 6-0"
"I feel the burn!" said Taka-senpai when he won his match. Rei sweatdropped as she was given the duty of taking the racket from Takashi.
"Seigaku, 6-0"
"Good luck Fuji-chan!" said Yuki when he was getting on the court.
"Arigato Yuki-chan," said Fuji. The game was over in a flash.
"Sugoi Fuji-chan," said Yuki giving him a big hug.
"Next up! Mixed Doubles," said the ref., "Mixed Doubles 2: Echizen Kazumi pair!" Ryoma and Kiyoko went forward. Kiyoko stopped him before entering the court with her racket. Ryoma looked at her from his gaze on the ground.
"Let's do our best," she said with a wink before getting on the court. Ryoma stopped for a second confused. Wasn't she just mad at me? Why am I blushing so much? In reality the blush was just a faint tinge on his cheeks. He got on the court keeping his head to the ground.id Rei, "You can finally see where Kiyoko's talent truly lies." Kiyoko's eyes seemed to have taken a darker shade and she wore a smile much more different to the one she usually had. Gyokurin started first. The opponents were Izumi and a girl with short black hair. She was a second year and did not seem to be very confident. Izumi returned the ball at a corner where no one was looking. Kiyoko appeared out of nowhere and returned it at a super fast speed.
"What was that?!" exclaimed Horio, "Where did Kiyoko come from? Wasn't she just at the middle"
"Kami Kaze," said Rei in a clear voice.
"God Wind?" asked Oishi. Rei and Yuki nodded.
"Kiyoko's number one asset is speed," said Rei, "She uses it to play defense all over the court. If you think Ryoma is fast, you should see Kiyoko in full power. She has the stamina to match it too. Not only that but her speed adds to the return making it into a super fast Ace return." Ryoma watched Kiyoko win the first half of the game. The second was their serve. Kiyoko smiled at Ryoma.
"Would you like me to stay out of your way?" asked Kiyoko, "We both know that your twist serve is much stronger than mine." Ryoma said nothing and served with his right.
"Game Set! Seigaku 6-0!" Kiyoko and Ryoma walked back. Kiyoko had the V sign while Ryoma was looking to the side his hands in his pocket.
"He's moping again," whispered Momo to Horio, Kachiro, and Mizuno, "I guess he didn't play as much as he wanted"
"Momo-chan-senpai!" said the first years hurrying to cover his mouth when Ryoma looked in their direction.
"We're up Eiji-chan," said Yuki walking to the court.
"What's with Yuki?" asked Oishi to Rei, "It's like she completely changed"
"You'll see," said Rei as the match started. Yuki chose to take the back. They were given the choice to serve first. Yuki held the ball gently feeling it from all sides before tossing it up.
"Oh no! Yuki hit the rim!" cried out Horio, "She'll never be able to serve it now." The ball zoomed to the opposite court at the girl who was now frozen in place. It was almost there when it slightly swerved inward more zooming to the spot an inch before the pole and rolling out of the court.
"What was that?!" exclaimed Kachiro.
"Hurricane Serve," said Kiyoko.
"Hurricane Serve?" asked Fuji.
"Yuki meant to hit the ball in the rim," explained Rei, "It applies to air currents. Do you know how air on one side flows faster than on the other to stay afloat? Yuki applied this method to the ball. There's a certain spot on the ball which is its weakest and the best place to hit. The ball zooms to the opposite end of the court and judging the angle of the racket, Yuki can hit the ball at a speed very very few can match anywhere on the court"
"Ever heard of the calm before a storm?" asked Kiyoko, "Well this applies to Yuki. In a desperate situation she takes desperate measures at a grand scale. Hurricane Serve came to her when she just started tennis and took years to perfect. She's the only one with that kind of style"
"Why haven't we heard of you three before?" demanded Tezuka, "Rei seems to be holding something very important back and you three don't say a word about your past"
"Please don't ask us to talk about our past captain," said Kiyoko in a grim voice, "Some things are meant to be hidden"
"Kakkoi Yuki-chan!" said Eiji ruffling her hair, "Didn't know you had it in you"
"Arigato Eiji-chan," said Yuki, "But your acrobatics are sugoi! It can't be fully appreciated unless you are on the court watching it." The two laughed but then stopped at the tension in the air.
"Did something happen over here?" asked Eiji aloud. Yuki broke the ice by looking into Kiyoko's mysterious bag.
"Hey Kiyoko!" said Yuki, "Did you make lunch for us?" She was pointing at a large bento.
"Kyaa! Yuki!" shouted Kiyoko hurriedly rewrapping the bento, "This isn't for you"
"Then who is it for?" asked Rei in a teasing voice.
"Eep!" squeaked Yuki hiding behind Eiji and Fuji so that she wouldn't be in the direct line of fire from Kiyoko's death glare.
"Ryoma," called Kiyoko when the team was on break for lunch, "Come have lunch with me." She had set a feast before the boy and he sat down opposite Kiyoko at the tables. The two were alone for the others were on different tables in separate groups.
"Didn't know those two were like that," said Momo with a teasing grin at Kiyoko and Ryoma. He was sitting with Horio, Mizuno, and Kachiro.
"Momo-chan-senpai!" said the first years.
"Hey Kaidoh!" called Oishi, "Aren't you getting something to eat"
"Hisss," said Kaidoh in response. He, Oishi, and Takashi were sitting together.
"Captain," said Rei to Tezuka in a formal tone, "Can I ask you something"
"Go ahead," said Tezuka while he looked out at the other courts and then at the regulars.
"What happened to your shoulder?" asked Rei. Tezuka was startled as he looked at Rei.
"How did you know?" asked Tezuka. Rei smiled kindly ps. Rei rarely smiles kindly.
"You're always holding onto it when you think no one's looking and when we have meetings," said Rei, "I'm just worried"
"I have tennis elbow," said Tezuka after awhile, "But it's really only on the joints. It's not a large matter"
"I often see you alone Captain," said Rei, "Are you afraid of opening yourself up to people? I know you love your team but I don't think you want to get too close"
"It's not important," said Tezuka still in his serious voice. Rei looked hard at him.
"Don't push me away," said Rei in a forceful voice, "I don't want you to push me away."
"Ryoma!" shouted Kiyoko, "Why aren't you eating?" He wasn't paying attention to Kiyoko and was watching the other matches muttering to himself about how each person could improve. Kiyoko sweatdropped. "Ech-i-zen," said Kiyoko pronouncing each syllable clearly making strangling motions. Ryoma looked up.
"What is it Odango?" asked Ryoma.
"Don't you ever think of anything other than tennis Ryoma?" asked Kiyoko, "What pulls you in so much?" Kiyoko had said the question lightly but Ryoma looked serious when he answered.
"There is someone I want to beat."
"I'm starving!" whined Yuki. She, Fuji, and Eiji were walking around the court during the hour and a half lunch period.
"Are there any food stalls Eiji?" asked Fuji as he looked around himself. Yuki spotted a vending machine.
"Let's go!" urged Yuki before going ahead of the two and reaching out to hug the beloved vending machine. She pulls out a few coins when someone shoves her and the coins fall all over the place. Some were in the fountain and the rest were in the sewers.
"Whoops!" exclaimed a boy, "Well you should have been watching out kid. It's not my fault. Yuki has a dark aura and is about to pound on the older boy when an arm gripped his shoulder. Fuji smiled at him.
"Excuse me but I think you owe her an apology," said Fuji.
"And if I don't"
Fuji took on an evil look in his eyes.
"Kowai!" thought Yuki shivering. The boy saw it too and immediately apologized to Yuki before running off.
"Do Itashimashite," said Fuji. The three settled themselves under a tree. Yuki gave a yawn after lunch.
"Go ahead and sleep," said Eiji, "We can get another half hour"
"I'll stay and watch," volunteered Fuji. Yuki snuggled closer to her jacket but she still shivered. Fuji and Eiji wrapped their jackets around hair and she snuggled closer to the warmth of the two boys. Eiji ruffled her hair while Fuji smiled.
"Somehow," said Fuji, "Yuki-chan has been a bright light in our lives."
"Where did Yuki, Fuji, and Eiji go?" asked Kiyoko aloud when the regulars had assembled. A small picture of the three soundly sleeping appear in the corner.
"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?"
"The game's going to be put on hold soon," said Rei. A few minutes later, Seigaku was sitting under a building waiting out the storm. "Hm? Where did Kaidoh go?" asked Rei looking around.
"Probably warming up," said Kiyoko lazily as she leaned back, "I feel sorry for anyone out there"
"Did you guys see Fuji and Eiji?" asked Oishi to the girls, "They disappeared after the game in the direction Yuki went." The first years sweatdropped along with Rei.
"Those baka," muttered Rei.
"Yuki-chan!" called Eiji and Fuji at the same time. They were walking around in the rain with their hands cupped over their mouths. They walked over to a man about to go inside.
"Excuse me," said Fuji, "Have you seen a young girl with black hair come through here?" The man looked thoughtfully before nodding.
"Yeah," said the man, "She's been running around through here about every five minutes. She was heading that way"
"Arigato," said Eiji before going into the direction the man was pointing. The two had their jackets over their heads. Eiji kicked Fuji lightly from behind.
"What it is it Eiji?" asked Fuji turning to him. Eiji's face was red.
"Why did you have to scare Yuki-chan like that?" asked Eiji, "You probably scared her with that putting-yourself-in-danger-just-from-a-game crap!" Fuji looked down.
"Gomen," said Fuji, "Let's just look for Yuki now." Just then they saw a figure on the ground. They walked over to it.
"Yuki-chan?!" asked Eiji surprised.
"Let's get her out of the rain," siad Fuji picking her up. The two ran to the Seigaku team hurriedly.
"What happened to Yuki?!" shouted Rei and Kiyoko running to her. The girl stared and woke shivering. She looked around and smiled.
"Ohayo minna," said Yuki cheerily before snuggling closer to her already wet Seigaku jacket.
"What happened?" asked Kiyoko shrugging off Yuki's jacket. Rei handed her a warm drink. Yuki shrugged.
"I just went for a little run," said Yuki, "And then I stopped to practice some tennis and then I guess I dozed off. Haha, I guess I fell asleep on the floor. Did we win? Is the match over"
"Baka!" said Eiji, "You shouldn't be worrying us like that! I was thinking about you while I played so I tried to finish quickly but do you have any idea how worried I was"
"So that was why he was so serious," thought Oishi to himself.
"Gomen nasai," muttered Yuki, "I was just thinking but I'm okay now. Don't worry about me"
"All right," said Rei when Eiji was about to object, "Let's just drop it." Yuki looked at Rei gratefully before standing up back to her usual self.
"So, is it going to be Kaidoh-senpai's turn soon?" asked Yuki curiously.
"Iie," said Kiyoko, "It got cancelled because of the rain. Kaidoh- senpai's warming up right now. I think Ryoma is too." The group separated straight afterward.
"Ryoma-kun," said Kiyoko gently shaking him awake. He was leaning on the wall under an awning. There was a block spot above his head where it looked like the boy was hitting repeatedly. Ryoma stirred and looked up.
"Odango?" asked Ryoma groggily. Kiyoko smiled inside.
"He's so vulnerable after he takes a nap," thought Kiyoko before saying, "You should sleep inside. It's warmer in there. The rain's going to lift soon so Kaidoh-senpai's game will start soon. Do you want me to wake you a few minutes before so that you can warm up"
"No," said Ryoma pulling Kiyoko down next to him, "Just stay with me. Let's go in later." Kiyoko blushed.
"He's so warm," thought the girl, "Or maybe it's just me."
"You shouldn't be out here Captain," said Rei worriedly when she had found Tezuka only an inch from the rain. Tezuka did not turn to Rei.
"Why are you out here Rei?" asked Tezuka.
"I was looking for you," said Rei in a soft voice, "I thought you were outside getting sick and I guess I was right. Let's go Captain. We can warm up inside." Rei took hold of Tezuka's hand and tried to pull him in but he stayed where he was.
"Don't worry," said Tezuka, "Just go inside." Rei looked hurt before she let go of the boy's hand. She turned about to walk inside before saying,
"Captain, I know it isn't my place to say but, if you needed someone, you can lean on me any time."
"The rain's gone!" said Kiyoko when she and Ryoma had gone inside, "The ref said that the match is going to start soon"
"Yes!" said Yuki unable to hold her excitement at being outside again. Seigaku and Fudomine went back to their seats to watch the progress of the next match.
"Singles 3! Seigaku's Kaidoh and Fudomine's Kamio," said the ref. The two boys stood staring at each other.
"Yo," said the unibanged Kamio, "I heard your name's the Viper. It suits you perfectly." Kaidoh clutched his racket tightly and swung at Kamio.
"Stop it Kaidoh!" called Oishi from the sidelines alarmed. Kamio moved back quickly.
"Hmph," said Kaidoh.
"Your swing was pretty fast," said Kamio grinning.
"Hey you two!" said the ref. stepping down from his high chair, "What do you think you're doing?" He gulped when he felt Kaidoh's cold stare on him.
"Kaidoh-senpai kowai!" said Yuki and Kiyoko clutching each other tightly as shivers went down their spines.
"Kaidoh!" shouted Tezuka his anger rising.
"ehh," said Kaidoh surprised.
"Don't do that again," said the ref in a small voice.
"Sorry," said Kaidoh through a mumble.
"I apologize," said Tezuka to Tachibana, "It was our fault"
"No, Kamio provoked him first, I should apologize," said Tachibana.
"One Set Match! Fudomine, to serve"
Just as Kamio served he went up to the net.
"That guy," said Horio, "He left the cross court unguarded." Kaidoh served but Kamio smiled and returned it with ease.
"His speed is amazing," said Oishi surprised.
"How did this happen?" asked Inui thoughtfully, "Fudomine has grown stronger"
"Kiyoko," said Rei turning to the girl who was focusing on the match. Kiyoko snapped from her reverie.
"Hai Rei?" asked Kiyoko.
"That Kamio," said Rei, "He seems to match your speed." Kiyoko smiled.
"Yes," said Kiyoko, "I can't wait to see how this match turns out"
"I'm in the rhythm," said Kamio. Yuki sweatdropped.
"How lame was that?" asked Yuki under her breath.
"Hiss," said Kaidoh, "That irritating punk."
"Ahh! Kamio hit the ball to the corner," said a Seigaku second year.
"But for Kaidoh-senpai, this is an advantage," objected another. Kaidoh ran to the ball and returned it in a Snake Shot.
"Unbelievable!" said Fudomine, "To hit that ball at suck an angle.no wonder they're Seigaku. To have a player who can easily hit such high angle balls.but.it's too bad that he's playing with Fudomine's Speed Demon, Kamio"
"Gotta play with the rhythm," said Kamio returning the Snake Shot.
"He's already at the net!" said Mizuno.
"Is that Snake Shot your best skill?" asked Kamio grinning smugly.
"Hey," said Kaidoh, "You're quite confident with your speed"
"Try it with your whatever snake shots," said Kamio.
"Arrogant Bastard," thought Kaidoh before returning with another snake shot.
"Too slow," said Kamio returning the ball. Kaidoh ran to get the ball but fell with his racket thrown carelessly to the side.
"If its others they'd be running around to return your shots and losing their energy to play," said Kamio to Kaidoh who was on the floor, "But, this speed is just nice for me"
"Kaidoh finally met his opponent," said Fuji cheerfully.
"If his snake shot is returned at a better angle," said Oishi, "The ball will be much faster. And since the ball is gaining water from the floor, the strength of his snake shot is greatly diminished"
"Looks like it'll take a different move to overcome this Kamio," said Rei.
"He's lost three times in a row!" shouted Horio, "I can't believe the snake shot has been countered"
"AH! Kaidoh slipped!" cried Kachiro. Ryoma was silent but he watched the ball carefully.
"Don't look down on Kaoru Kaidoh!" said Kaidoh as he shot a snake shot from the ground. The ball swerved around the pole and to the other side of the net before bouncing off. Kamio looked surprised.
"What was that?!" shouted Horio perplexed.
"It's like a boomerang!" said Kachiro eagerly.
"Boomerang Snake?!" exclaimed Mizuno.
"Hitting it from the outer post," said Kamio perplexed, "Hey, is there such a technique"
"Good ball Kaidoh," said Tezuka.
"40-15"
"That's new," said Yuki thoughtfully, "Didn't think Senpai had it in him"
"Did you see it?!" asked a second year eagerly.
"Yeah, it's Boomerang Snake," confided a third year to the other.
"Went through the post and curled in," said Inui while his glasses glinted, "hmm, such an impressive style. I've got new data"
"With such skills he never used it before," said a third year impressed, "Go Kaidoh"
"I think it's because eh just found out about it," said Kiyoko and Rei overhearing.
"hehe," said Kamio bouncing the ball up and down, "You've got some skills Kaidoh. Guess I'll increase the pace." Kamio served the ball at an intense speed to the opposite court.
"Game 1-0. Fudomine leads, Seigaku service play," said the ref.
"Idiot," said Kaidoh serving the ball. Kamio returned and Kaidoh used his boomerang snake. Unfortunately, the ball went out.
"Heh," said Kamio regaining his confidence, "Lucky"
"Don't get so cocky!" said Kiyoko from the sidelines, "Seigaku will beat you for sure!" Kamio turned to the girl who was now glaring and sweatdropped.
"What's a munchkin doing here?" asked Kamio aloud.
"Munchkin?!" glowered Kiyoko about to knock Kamio into the second universe. Everyone snickered. (Now back to the game)
"Hmph," said Kaidoh.
"The boomerang snake was just luck!" called Fudomine, "Don't get fooled by it"
"You're right," said Kamio his profile hidden by his hair, "But I can't be careless. I'll use my speed to defeat him." Kamio served and Kaidoh returned.
"Out!" said the ref., "Fudomine leads 3-0. change court"
"Boomerang Snake isn't doing well losing seven times in a row," said Mizuno shaking his head. Kaidoh walked to a bench and through his racket aside. He sat down breathing heavily. Rei sat next to him putting a drink by his side.
"Don't make any excuses for yourself because you don't deserve them," said Rei harshly, "Baka. What are you doing hitting the balls in such a disordered manner"
"Rei," said Oishi about to object. Tezuka held him back with one arm.
"Don't tell me that you are so weak as to depend on Boomerang Snake?" asked Rei with a cruel laugh, "Can't you defeat him without it? What kind of tennis are you playing?" Kaidoh said nothing. "Maybe you don't deserve that Seigaku jacket." Kaidoh stood up without a word and went to the court. Kamio seemed pissed too.
"I won't let you have an easy game," said Kaidoh to Kamio as the two passed. "Hell no"
"I should be the one saying this," muttered Kamio.
"Guess he understood," said Rei smiling.
"He's still at a disadvantage," said Tezuka.
"No matter what this match won't be easy," said Ryoma with an amused smile, "Because the high spirited Kaidoh- senpai is.irritated"
"You know what," said Yuki to the Seigaku team before the game started, "I think that Kaidoh-senpai is easily angered because of the lack of calcium." Everyone sweatdropped but Kiyoko was laughing hysterically by Yuki-s side and Rei was giving Yuki "the look".
"Look at them go!" said Kiyoko eagerly, "Kamio's speed and Kaidoh's relentless determination has brought the score to 5-3"
"40-30. Fudomine, Kamio, match point"
"Match point?!" said Horio, "This is really going to hurt Fudomine. If he loses this point, he loses the match. GO Kaidoh-senpai"
"Snake scored a point!" said Kachiro.
"Deuce (40-40"
"You better give up quickly," said Kamio after winning the service point.
"Who are you telling to give up?" asked Kaidoh hitting another snake.
"Wow!" said Mizuno, "That's eight snakes in a row!" Kamio returned the ball but it hit the net.
"Net! Deuce again"
"Look," said Rei pointing something out, "It looks like Kamio's wearing out but Kaidoh's not even panting." Yuki clapped one fist over an open palm just remembering something.
"Oh yeah," said Yuki, "Did I tell you guys that Kaidoh-senpai does triple what we do at practice because he wanted a stamina that no one could beat"
"Triple?!" exclaimed the first years. Now Kamio went up to the net.
"That guy still has enough stamina to run that fast?" asked Oishi aloud.
"Matte," said Fuji. Kaidoh returned the fast serve with a snake.
"Damn it," said Kamio, "He still has enough power to hit such a powerful snake?" Kamio's eyes widened as the ball he returned grazed the net. "Sorry Viper, luck is also part of your abilities"
"What did you say?" asked Kaidoh returning the ball to the other side with a dive, "I couldn't hear it"
"Deuce again!" said the ref.
"Who said it's finished?" asked Kaidoh stubbornly.
"I'd rather die than play with Kaidoh," said Arai shivering along with the other second years.
"Me too," agreed another. In the end.
"Game set match. Seigaku wins 7-5!" Rei was the only one who saw Kaidoh's tiny gesture of victory (tightens fist).