Since a long time ago, Ikenami Ryuunosuke was an enigma in Fuji Yuuta's life. And that speaks volumes considering his brother is Fuji Syuusuke. He remembers that his cousin is a kabuki actor and therefore is very energetic and exaggerative. And his father's family is part of a group of families that train their children to fight monsters as samurai.
Because the Fujis only connected to the Ikenami family through marriage, their knowledge on Ryuunosuke's mission is limited. His contact with their family was very limited to focus on his training. However, after the Shikengers' appearance, it all became clear.
Yuuta would never in a million years imagine that his cousin is part of a Super Sentai. But it made sense considering his upbringing.
"Looks like the Shinkengers won again." Yumiko remarked on one her calls to her youngest brother.
"Ah." Yuuta nodded in agreement, not taking his eyes off the newspaper which had the Origami mecha splashed on the front page. One of its feet was made up of the dragon origami Ryuunosuke always carried around. "Thank goodness they aren't in Tokyo this time. We get enough attacks as it is."
"I know. But I can't help but worry for Ryuu-chan. These are dangerous fights. But considering it's Ryuu-chan, he's dedicated to a fault, to his training and to his mission." Yumiko sighed. There was some clicking on the other side and Yuuta guessed she was on her computer. "I asked his father if I can send some gifts over and he promised to make sure it gets to him. If you want to send something, let me know. I'm planning to send it to him next week."
"Well…" Yuuta thought about his abysmal pocket money no thanks to a certain senior who has been eating out his wallet. Then he remembered that he had some spare tennis balls lying around. Ryuunosuke doesn't play tennis. But hey, it's the thought that counts.
At the Shiba Manor
"Ryuunosuke, you have a delivery!" Jii announced. A kuroko was right behind him carrying a basket filled to the brim with goodies.
"Oh, thank you." Ryuunosuke thanked the kuroko as he accepted the gift.
"Heh, who you sent that?" Chiaki eyed the basket enviously.
"Ryuunosuke's father sent it over. But he said that it was his niece who asked him to."
Ryuunosuke flipped open the card attached to the basket and smiled. "Yumiko-san is too kind."
The door to Takeru's rom slid open and the lord slipped in, having finished his shower.
"Tono, please have some of this." Ryuunosuke bowed and handed a tin of biscuits to the lord who accepted it with bemusement.
"What is the occasion?"
"My cousin just sent me a gift basket." Ryuunosuke gestured at said basket. He frowned then slapped Chiaki's hand away when he tried to snag one of the goodies inside it.
"Ow!"
"Chiaki, this is Ryuunosuke's gift from his relatives. Don't take from him without asking." Mako scolded him.
"Hai, hai." Chiaki slunk back with a pout.
Kotoha scooted over to have a look and took out a packet of tennis balls curiously. "I didn't know that you play tennis, Ryuu-san."
"I don't." Ryuunosuke took the packet with a fond smile. "But my cousin's younger brothers do. They're obsessed with it."
"Just like you are with kabuki and tono?" Chiaki teased.
"Oi!"
Takeru heaved a silent breath but smiled just the tiniest bit at Ryuunosuke. "It's good to have relatives who care. But you should put that away. We're going to have dinner soon."
"Yes, tono!" Ryuunosuke bowed and took the basket back to his room. Once inside, he picked up the tennis balls again with a fond, reminiscent smile. He can guess that it was Yuuta who sent them. Syuusuke would send him something cactus related just for the fun of it.
Even though he didn't play tennis, he understood the message behind it. Yuuta was waiting for him to come back so that he can watch his tennis matches, just as he once promised to once he defeats the Gedoushuu.