Chapter 6
School life marched on. Fuji worked very hard in his studies. It was just after the mid-term examination that the accident occurred and Fuji was far behind the others in the school syllabus. He used his best efforts to catch up. Fortunately, Fuji was a quick learner and with the help of his fellow third grade teammates, he caught up with others in no time. After all, tensai is really different from ordinary people. Tensai is really genius.
Apart from his studies, Fuji picked up tennis again in an unbelievable speed as well. In fact, what amazed the Regulars most was that Fuji seemed to remember everything single thing about tennis. He returned balls as perfectly and beautifully as before with his triple counters. The only thing that matter would be Fuji's physical condition which has become worse after so many months of treatment. In the classroom, it was Kikumaru who helped Fuji out with schoolwork (Although the fact was that Fuji knew about the teachings better than Kikumaru did). Back in the court, it was Tezuka's job to take over Fuji's special physical training (And Yuuta's job to play tennis with his Aniki during weekends). They had a few matches against each other during the training too. Hoping Fuji to change his attitude towards tennis, Tezuka asked Fuji to be more serious. Nevertheless, Fuji just smiled at him every time, either accepting or refusing the idea.
Preparing to deal with another series of matches, the Seigaku tennis team held its well-known listing competition again. All the members of the tennis team were divided into four groups. Each of them was to have sets of match against their fellow group mates. Fuji was arranged to be in Group D, which happened to consist of the greatest number of Regulars. The listing match would last for two days.
"Okay! So the groupings are as follows! Check the board for the match schedule. If there is no more problem..."
"Just a minute, Oishi. I am representing the school to go for a Mathematics competition tomorrow. I just hope that I can finish all my games today." Inui voiced out his request.
"Ah! I remember the teacher mentioning about that. You are really great to have been chosen, Inui," said Kawamura.
"I see. I will discuss with Ryuzaki sensei to make amendments for you then. Let's begin the listing matches now! Anything more you would like to add, Tezuka?" announced Oishi.
"I want everybody to use their best efforts to complete the matches. Let me remind you all once again, yudan sezu ni ikou! (Beware and always stay on guard)"
"Hai! (Yes)" replied all.
So the games started. Fuji's first and second rival were two second graders. He finished them up relaxingly within fifteen minutes, both with 6:0.
"Look, Oishi, Fuji has already won two matches. How fast!" On the other court, Kawamura and Oishi were discussing.
"Uh! After some training, Fuji seems to have returned to his best state for tennis as before!"
"After all, he is the no. 2 single player of Seigaku. He has never failed to be a Regular ever since he joined the team. It is just a matter of time for him to seize the place now," said Kawamura enviously.
"There is no doubt about that. You don't need to be envious, Kawamura! I am sure that you are going to make it too," encouraged Oishi.
"I just hope that you are right. I am afraid..."
"Kawamura senpai! It's your turn now! Please come to the court!" called somebody.
"Don't worry too much, Taka-san, just go! Here, don't forget your racquet again." Oishi handed Kawamura his racquet.
"Thank you, Oishi..." He grabbed his racquet. After three seconds... "BURNING!!! Oh, come on, baby! Prepare to receive my powerful burning serve!" yelled Kawamura, who has switched into burning mode in no time. He beaten up his opponent in less than ten minutes.
"See..." Oishi sweatdropped.
Meanwhile, Fuji was having his third match with Momoshiro.
"My opponent is Fuji-senpai? How unlucky, how unlucky I am!" moaned Momoshiro.
Apparently having a hard time, Momoshiro was trying very hard to suppress his intention to use smash return throughout the game. He understood very well what the consequence would be. However, he has lost 2:5 already. One more game and he would be beaten up. Just then Fuji gave him a chance ball. "I have failed twice in this match already, but that's my most powerful weapon. Whether it would work or not, I am going to give it a last go." He dashed forward and jumped high, "DUNG SMASH!" The ball fell down hastily into the other side of the court. Just before hitting the ground, it was caught by Fuji's racquet. His back turned to the side of the net. Without looking at the ball and where its destination would be, he returned the powerful smash in a smooth motion. The ball was sent high up to the sky lightly. Not until when it almost reached the base line did it suddenly turned downwards, and landed perfectly in the court area.
"Game Set! Fuji won 6:2."
"Ahhh... I give up! My dung smash still cannot win Fuji senpai's Higuma Otoshi."
"Don't be like that, Momo." Fuji smiled.
"Let it be anyway! I have to admit that I have lost already. I will work harder! Echizen! Go to the hamburger shop with me after the listing match today! We will have an evaluation meeting."
"Usu..." replied Ryoma, who was having a break from his match, from another court, "It is too obvious that Momo senpai is just finding an excuse to eat hamburger. Who don't know about that? Mada mada dane! (He still have a lot more to work on)" Ryoma mumbled softly so that Momoshiro couldn't listen to him. As Fuji, he has finished three games already, which were all the matches they had for the day.
Rounding up the results for the day, all the original Regulars except Momoshiro, Kaidoh and Inui won all the matches. Kaidoh has lost a game to Ryoma, and Inui has lost a game to Kikumaru.
"Ahh... It seems that I am not the only one who lost today. I am relieved!" said Momoshiro.
"Shhhhh... Who are you talking about?" uttered Kaidoh furiously.
"I didn't say anything! You just admit it yourself!" teased Momoshiro.
"Damn! You want to fight now, Momoshiro?"
"What a good idea!"
"Come on, you two, stop now. You don't want to run twenty laps after such tiring games, do you?" Oishi came to be the median again.
The two of them looked around in alert, only to find that Tezuka is frowning at them.
"Hey hey, annoying snake, let's end up our affairs after we were off."
"Shhhhh..." Kaidoh nodded in agreement and they split up immediately.
On the other side, the senior group were having their own chat.
"Hoi hoi! I cannot believe that I beat Inui! The lucky star must be shining upon me!" cheered Kikumaru in astonishment.
"Well done, Eiji," Fuji congratulated him.
"It isn't just luck that brought about your victory, Eiji. I know that you have worked very hard for it when you were on your own." Oishi joined in the conversation.
"Yay! Thank you, Fuji and Oishi!"
"The result shouldn't be like that! According to my calculations, the chance for me to beat Kikumaru should be 68%. However, in today's match, I found out that his movement has increased 24%, and his durability has been greatly improved as well. It is beyond my expectation. The growing speed of you all is really amazing. I always have to update my data frequently from time to time," complained Inui, looking at his notebook.
"Cheer up, Inui. You will be able to win next time," encouraged Kawamura.
"I am sorry to inform you that you would have to come back to school tomorrow after your competition. You know the regulations best: Those who lost only one game in the listing matches would have to attend one to two more games at the end of all competitions to decide which of you would become Regulars," said Oishi.
"That's okay. I have planned to return immediately after the Mathematics competition anyway. I wouldn't miss any chance of obtaining data." Inui wore an evil smile on his face again, thus reflecting his glasses.
"..............." They all sweatdropped.
"Assemble, mina (everybody)!" called Tezuka.
They all came in front of him and lined up neatly.
"I believe that all of you had a hard day today. Take plenty of rest tonight and prepare for tomorrow's challenge. Off you go now."