Author's Notes (1): Big sigh here… I'm supposed to be working but the idea took root in my head and would not let me do my work until I finished this. Anyway, this is the Tuesday right after the previous one-shot "An Uneventful Saturday." I'd like to tell you who it involves…. But nah! I'll let you figure it out on your own.
Author's Notes (2): No Japanese use in this one-shot.
Title: Inui's Notes
Rubbing his head dry with the towel, Inui sighed as he entered his room and sat gingerly down on his chair. Feeling his legs and arms aching, he supposed that it was a good thing that his muscles were all sore. It just meant that he had worked really hard today. Thus in all things considered, it was a good thing. He eyes rested on the picture of his self and another boy with his brown hair cut in a page-boy style. Involuntarily, his hand reached for the picture and he studied it. He remembered being so happy to be with his best friend when they took the picture- they had just won the tennis championship for doubles the under age of 12 category.
He closed his eyes and remembered a conversation from a happier time.
FLASHBACK
"Renji, that was an exciting match, wasn't it?" he said as he looked at his friend.
Picking up his bag, Renji Yanagi merely shrugged. "I suppose it was a good match, Sadaharu, but the percentage of them of winning against us was only-"
"Eighty-five percent with a five percent margin of error," he finished with a grin.
"Actually, I calculated that it was eighty percent with a two percent margin of error," Renji grinned as he looked at his friend. "You were being too generous in your calculations again."
He merely shrugged. "You never know- one can never account for other factors that could influence one's game. Things such as-"
"Such as heart and determination," Renji finished as he looked at his friend then shook his head in mild amusement. "You, my friend, are an optimist. Sometimes I can't tell if you give them that leeway in hopes that they give you a good game."
He shrugged. "It's more fun if you have to fight for your victory than to have some opponent to just roll over and give it to you." He cocked his head, hearing his father calling him. "I have to go now, anyway, see you tomorrow at the courts? Eight o'clock sharp?"
"I'll be there," Renji promised as he heard his own father calling him. "Just work on your calculations again, Sadaharu. Do it just like I taught you and don't be so generous- heart and determination means nothing without the talent or honed skills to back them up."
He grinned. "But they do make for an interesting and honest game."
END FLASHBACK
His thumb traced the young Renji's face and he smiled, "I've worked the calculations out Renji, just like you taught me how- and I've found that my calculations always work better when I give my opponents that extra margin for heart and determination. And when we meet in the Kanto Tournament, I'll give that margin as well, old friend."
With that, he placed the picture back down and opened his infamous green data book and looked at the notes he had scribbled there during the day. Turning on his computer, he looked at the facts and figures that he had written…. then his glasses gleamed as he smiled as he started to sort out the amusing facts first.
He opened the fast growing file labeled: RYUZAKI, SAKUNO.
Scanning the page, he looked at the heading of General Information and mused at what he had first written there. Granddaughter of Ryuzaki, Sumire (tennis team coach). Started first year at Seigaku, class 1-C. 151 cm, dominant hand right with a strong grip. Member of Seigaku Female Tennis club. Little coordination and needs to work on sense of balance when lower extremities are in fast motion. Higher than average intelligence according to test scores, often friendly and sweet natured with bursts of temper. Oddity: Has very good aim but at times lacks hand-eye coordination to make it effective. Rumor has it she is adept at keeping her balance when her feet are not touching the ground. SPECIAL NOTE: As ordered by Oishi, Syuichiroh (vice-captain) all regulars are obliged to watch over her if in vicinity. Caution: Extremely shy and prone to tears when upset. Has been known to defy probabilities of personal and public safety.
Sighing as he looked at the notes, he looked at the facts that he gathered:
A) Has close and congenial relationship with her grandmother. Unknown about her relationships with other family members. (Note: Father is in Brazil on business, unknown what occupation.)
B) Seems slightly popular with fellow classmates, however, unaware of her popularity. (Note: Due to extreme shyness?)
C) Has a close friendship with Osakada, Tomoko, the self-proclaimed President of the Ryoma Echizen Fan Club. Gets along with the Freshmen Trio and often volunteers to help with their duties.
D) Had a crush on Echizen when first started school but status of this is unknown (Probability of crush diminishment: 40.2)
E) Has close relationship with Fuji, Yuuta (known as Yuuta-oniisan) and in private, calls Fuji 'Syusuke-oniisan'.( Note: Unknown if calls eldest Fuji sibling 'Yumiko-oneesan')
F) Has growing relationship with Kawamura, Takashi (called Taka-san while in private) and congenial relationship with Kawamura's parents. (Note: Mother extremely favors Ryuzaki as a possible girlfriend for Taka-san)
G) Currently has a hero worship of Fuji, Yuuta and provides him with homemade bento and snacks at every possible time. (Note: Probability of relationship change from brotherly/sisterly to a romantic nature is rated at 70.8)
H) Does not provide him Echizen homemade bento but does provide him with bought bento and snacks during Sunday mid-afternoon lessons. (Note: probability of her still embarrassed about her bento incident with Echizen rated at 78)
I) Apparently a very good baker and adept in creating garnishes (Note: has yet to try cooking, probability of her being a good chef rated at 62.3)
Then he looked at the observations he gathered:
A) Nickname by grandmother: Sa-chan
B) Most likely kissed Echizen while he was sleeping under sakura (probability 92)
C) People that call her 'Sakuno-chan' or other forms of familiarity: Osakada, Tomoko; Fuji, Syusuke; Fuji, Yuuta; Kawamura, Takashi
D) Has an apparent fear of Yanagisawa of the St. Rudolph Tennis Club (Reason unknown)
E) Fuji seems very protective of her and is often disturbed to hear of her being distressed
F) In Seigaku, only Fuji and Echizen have tasted her cooking, both are unreliable sources due to taste buds and circumstances (Note: Rumor has it that her baking and cooking is in demand at St. Rudolph but unknown if because of natural talent or due to poor quality of food in cafeteria. Probability of her food tasty rated at 84.8)
G) Taka-san seems very protective of her
Tapping a finger against his chin, he thought about the information regarding her and then immediately opened the file labeled, ECHIZEN, RYOMA.
Ignoring the information about the first year's tennis for the moment as well as his general information, he looked at the personal facts he knew about the young freshman regular.
A) Has an immense appetite that is on par with Momoshiro, Takashi and has a high sense of competition in all fields
B) Appears to have a keen understanding of psychological competition and strong facial muscles (his facial control is on par with Tezuka)
C) Has habit of verbally egging on a person to get his desired results
D) Has habit of ignoring anything that does not fall in lines of interest or competition (Interest: Tennis, Ponta, sports competition. Rumor has it that has a family pet Himalayan cat that holds his interest)
E) No apparent close friendships other than those in the tennis club and the Freshman Trio, though he is admired by many in his grade (probability of friends other than in tennis club rated at 48.2)
F) Has an active fan club base of 2: Osakada, Tomoko (class 1-C) and Ryuzaki, Sakuno; has an inactive fan base of 25 not including the two and the Freshmen Trio (Note: Unknown if the inactive fan base are there due to his tennis or his looks)
G) Is currently ignoring the fact that Ryuzaki most likely kissed him while under sakura sleeping
H) Has an innate sense of justice and righteousness and uses his tennis to correct wrongs, as dubbed by Ryuzaki, his Tennis of Righteousness
Then he looked at the observations he listed under the boy.
A) Does not appear to be interested in the opposite gender nor those of the same gender unless individual falls into the categories of main interest then interest is lost when the competition is over
B) Apparently passive when dealing with the opposite gender (Probability of ignoring a female that does not fall into areas of interest 86.9)
C) Appeared to be disturbed when Ryuzaki supposedly kissed him (92) under the sakura tree while lying there (Note: Unknown if he was entirely awake, probability 89.8)
C) Has a protective nature towards Ryuzaki (Note: unknown whether due to Oishi's order for the regulars to watch over her or due to an affection towards her. Probability of Oishi's order rated at 68.9 56.3)
After thinking about what had progressed the past two days, Inui steepled his hands together and closed his eyes to try and sort out all his observations.
FLASHBACK
"So, Inui, what did you find out so far?" Fuji asked as he sat by him. He noted that the other regulars, with the exception of Echizen, were all paying him rapt attention.
Opening his book, he flipped it to a page that had a blown up picture of the two boys. "The boy on the right- his name is Watanabe, Genji and on the left is Takayama, Kenchiro. They are second year classmen students at Kakinoki Junior High, both in class 2A. Both are in the yearbook committee as part of the photography section as well as the science club. Both had tried out for the tennis club but dropped out of it after a year."
Kikumaru frowned as he looked at them. "They look pretty normal for a couple of perverts."
"Do you have any other information about them?" Tezuka asked with a frown.
"They like to hang out at the local coffee shops and parks to take pictures," he said as he scanned his notes. "And they are quite known around the school for taking pictures for the school paper."
Kaidoh hissed his displeasure as Fuji looked thoughtful.
"So what should we do?" Oishi asked as he looked at Tezuka. "Challenging them to anything athletic doesn't seem to be an answer."
"It would make us look bad if tried to confront them," Kawamura said as he shook his head.
"Damn! They would be science perverts," Momo cursed. "We can't hurt them if they can't defend themselves. It wouldn't be fair."
"Maybe you can't, but I can," Fuji smiled angelically as he took out his camera from his bag. His eyes shined brightly as he looked at his teammates. "I just need you guys to help me corral the perverts so I can take their pictures."
Everyone looked at Fuji and shivered. Oishi cleared his throat, "Ah, Fuji. What do you plan to do to them?"
Fuji looked at Oishi innocently. "I just want to teach them how wrong it is to do what they're doing, Oishi. Nothing more."
Everyone was silent again until Echizen walked away and shrugged saying, "Mada mada dane."
Sighing, Tezuka looked up at the ceiling and asked, "I take it you know their schedule, Inui?"
P
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P
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"This is the stop right here," he said as he rang the bus bell. As the Seigaku members came off the bus, all wearing their school uniforms, he noticed another group of students coming towards the entrance of the school. "Fuji- I think that your little brother-"
"Yuuta! Isn't that your brother and Seigaku there?" shouted out Yanagisawa as they came closer. "Hey! Why are you here?"
"Aniki! What are you doing here?" Yuuta called out as he approached his brother. He narrowed his eyes. "What are you planning to do here?"
"Yuuta! What a coincidence to see you here! Are you here for some fresh air?" Fuji smiled as he saw his little brother.
"We're probably here the same reason you're here," Mizuki interrupted as he twirled a finger around his lock of hair. "We're here to make sure these perverts pay for what they-"
"You really shouldn't be here, Yuuta," Fuji scolded lightly as he looked at his brother. "Don't you have a test to study for?"
"This shouldn't take a lot of time," Yuuta said as he looked at his brother.
"In fact, I estimate it should take us no time at all," Mizuki interrupted.
"I really think that you should go home," Fuji said, ignoring Mizuki.
Feeling the tension between the two, Oishi tried to step in. "Do you really think we should discus this here? Right now?"
Fuji smiled sweetly at his brother. "We won't have anything to discuss this if Yuuta believes he should go and study for his test."
"And I really believe that I should stay, Aniki," Yuuta said stubbornly ignoring his brother's veiled order. "After all, who knows what might happen?"
"I think we should get this done and over with soon before we all get into trouble, da-ne," Atsushi announced as he eyed the two brothers.
"Yeah, we have to take care of those perverts, da-ne," Yanagisawa seconded as he looked at the older and younger Fuji warily. "They should be taught that they shouldn't be messing around with Yuuta's girlfriend, da-ne. OW!"
"How many times do I have to tell you that she's not my girlfriend, sempai," Yuuta growled as he ground his knuckles into his sempai's head. "She's my little sister!"
Akazawa shook his head in exasperation. "I don't believe this- I knew there were too many of us." He eyed Tezuka. "Should we have a match to see who should teach these guys a lesson?"
"There's no match to decide," Kaidoh hissed as he looked at the St. Rudolph team captain. "She's our coach's granddaughter and she goes to Seigaku. We take care of our kohai."
Everyone turned to look at Kaidoh who was glaring at the St. Rudolph team. Momo let out a chuckle. "And when the Mamushi hisses, you should listen."
"Sorry, all I heard was a fangless viper hissing," Yuuta gave a razor-thin smile of his own. "With the exception of Aniki, I say that you guys should leave- kohai or not, outside of your school, Sakuno-chan looks up to me and I'm responsible for her. I won't have it said that a Fuji doesn't take care of his own."
"And I'll help you, Yuuta-kun," Mizuki said as he gave a thin smile. "I won't have it be said that I don't help my kohai when he needs it."
Fuji looked at him and frowned. "And who are you again?"
Mizuki turned to scowl at Yuuta's older brother. "I'm MIZUKI! MI-ZU-KI!"
"I've taken care of her outside of school and I think that should stay, Fuji-kun," Kawamura said as he stepped up to look at Yuuta. "Her family knows mine. And my mother would never forgive me if I let those perverts get away with what they tried to do."
As the two had a staring contest, Echizen shook his head and started to enter the school. "Mada mada dane. Urk!"
"And where do you think you're going?" Momo scowled as he held on to Echizen's collar. Kaidoh hissed his displeasure with the boy.
"Inside where the perverts are," Echizen said as he looked at Momo. "For all we know, they could have gone home with all this arguing."
Alarmed by the thought, the two brothers looked at each other and started to go into the school campus as Momo let Echizen go.
P
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P
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After wandering around the busy school grounds for twenty minutes, Fuji frowned as he looked at his classmate. "Inui, I thought you said that they would be here."
He looked at his notebook. "They should be here- they have club right now."
"Why don't we just ask someone if they know where they are." Oishi said as he looked for a friendly face. Spying a boy and girl walking by together, he stopped them and showed them the picture. "Excuse me, miss, we're looking for a couple of guys- Watanabe, Genji and Takayama, Kenchiro. Have you seen them?"
The boy shoved the girl behind him as he eyed Oishi hostilely. "And what do you want to do with those perverts? Are you friends of theirs?"
Oishi blinked. "Why no- we're here on behalf of a girl we know."
The girl came around the boy and smiled triumphantly at Oishi. "Then you missed all the action. They're not here right now- they just finished their punishment and they won't be back. I heard that they were transferring schools."
"Can you tell us what happened?" Tezuka asked as he looked at the girl and boy.
The girl looked at the boy who shrugged and then continued with the story. "I'm not so sure of the details- but when we came to school yesterday morning, there were these pictures of them on the school gates. It showed them taking turns using their camera phone on unsuspecting girls. You do know why they used their phones, right?"
"We know," Yuuta said grimly. 'That's why we're here."
"So then what happened?" Fuji asked as he looked at the girl and smiled at her.
The girl's eyes went wide as she looked at the guys behind Fuji. Shaking her head, she smiled at him. "Anyway, everyone cornered them as soon as they came to school and they were pinned at the gates and were denying everything until a kid- I think he was an entering freshman, bumped into them while trying to get into the school. Well, he somehow dislodged Watanabe's cell phone and he picked it up thinking it was his. And when he was checking it, he shouted and wanted to know why there were panty shots on the phone!"
"Then the teachers came and there was a whole meeting, parents were called in and everything! And it was decided that they would be punished before being allowed to transferred to another school," the boy smirked. "They had to clean all the lockers, bathrooms and all the windows and rooms of the school. I think they just went home now and they are under some sort of police protection- someone said that they emailed their pics to the other schools. We've been getting a lot of visitors from other schools today."
"So they definitely went home," Yuuta frowned. "Without really paying for what they've done."
"I wouldn't say that," the boy drawled. "Whoever said that the females were the weaker sex might have been right if he were talking about them physically- but let me tell you, there's nothing wrong with the minds of females when it comes to righteous revenge."
Akazawa frowned as he looked at the boy. "Righteous revenge? What did the girls do?"
The girl nodded and smiled thinly. "A few girls of the school decided to give them the underwear they wanted- they took all the boys' old jock straps and wrapped it around their heads after soaking them with itching powder. Then the some girls grabbed their clothes and left them to wear girls' shorts for PE."
"Whoa," Momo whistled as he looked at the couple with wide eyes while Kaidoh simply hissed.
"Echizen, da-ne! What's a matter with you?" Yanagisawa shouted as he rubbed his head. "You're not usually clumsy like this are you?"
Mizuki blinked as he looked at the four boys that just arrived. "What's going on? And why does Shinya have a huge purple stain on his shirt?"
Looking at the annoyed Yanagisawa and at Echizen, Atsushi simply shrugged. "Shinya keeps getting hurt by Echizen who is extraordinarily clumsy today. He tripped and spilled his drink of Shinya and then when he got some candy bar, the bar somehow slipped from his hands and hit Shinya on the head."
"Echizen is clumsy today?" Yuuta blinked as he looked at Echizen.
"Since when does Ochibi eat candy bars?" Kikumaru frowned as he looked at Oishi puzzled. "He hates sweets."
"I like them occasionally," Echizen replied as he bit into his candy bar. "They have their uses."
END FLASHBACK
Inui opened his eyes and entered a few more notes in the appropriate places.
Hypothesis 1: Echizen has a passive-aggressive personality towards any speculation of Ryuzaki's romantic relationships.
Proof 1: Horio was constantly hit with Echizen's tennis balls at practice when he questioned if she had a boyfriend.
Proof 2: Horio gets hit with Echizen's jacket when he mentions possibility of Ryuzaki having a romantic relationship with Fuji, Yuuta.
Proof 3: As heard from Kachiro and Katsuo's conversation on Saturday, Yukimura had books fallen on him when he mentioned the attractiveness of Ryuzaki and Kuwabara was hit with a tennis ball during practice.
Proof 4: Yanagisawa had soda spilt on him and was hit on the head by a candy bar. He had called Ryuzaki Yuuta's girlfriend.
Conclusion: Echizen has a developing interest in Ryuzaki but does not have the emotional maturity to deal with it directly. Ergo, he aggressively disagrees with the questions and postulations that she is dating by using passive attacks.
Notation: Probability that Echizen is the unknown freshman is rated at 85.7 percent.
Support: See conclusion to Hypothesis.
Scratching his head, Inui added some more side notes:
Fact A: Yuuta Fuji regards Ryuzaki as his sister, no romantic relationship seen as of yet.
Observation A: Echizen had a pleased look at Yuuta's vehement denial of her being his having a romantic relationship with the girl.
Fact B: Echizen is not pleased with the possible relationship developing between Kawamura/Ryuzaki and Fuji/Ryuzaki.
Observation B: Echizen unconsciously watches Ryuzaki closely whenever she interacts with either of them.
Fact C: Echizen is becoming obsessed over Ryuzaki's lack of homemade bento for him.
Observation C: Echizen is displeased over the presentation of bought bento by Ryuzaki and has mentioned (2x in school and 8x in a roundabout manner during tennis lessons in the park) his appreciation for homemade bento and good chawamushi.
Conclusions of Facts A, B, C: Echizen likes Ryuzaki but is unaware of it. (Note: Probability of Echizen realizing he likes Ryuzaki within the next month: 10.95; before the Nationals: 6.87)
Inui frowned as he looked at the screen and impishly wrote: Probability that one would have to figuratively hit Echizen with a tennis ball to make him realize he likes Ryuzaki: 100
"And that would make it all priceless, neh, Renji?" Inui snickered as he started to erase his whimsical sentence. Then he grinned as thought about it again and retyped and saved it.
Stretching his arms to the ceiling, Inui let out a loud yawn. As he settled down, his felt his blood pumping faster as he closed his opened files and started to read the data he had to update. "And now for the real fun."
-End.
Author's Notes (3): And now for real, I've gotta get to work.