Shinobu narrowed his eyes into a thin line, watching Miyagi doing his last stretches, while Aikawa asked him their names. The other woman was just telling the rules, as if they didn't know them from the first round.

The first match was their win. Onodera won the first point for them, now it's time he won the second. He smirked at the other men, who was doing his last stretches before the match started.

Which strategy did Miyagi implement? What are his moves… Shinobu shook head. He's got to keep the focus on the ball, the ball.

Miyagi came up to the line, his expression was indescribable, which made it all the more harder for the younger challenger to figure out for which ball he'll go.

He himself was going for neither ball, as crazy as it sounds. His strategy was depending on close range and his jumping ability. Shinobu's calculations have to be strictly on point, or else… He bit his under lip. Miyagi's voice interrupted his flow of thoughts. "Shinobu –chin, lighten up. One hit and it's over."

Cheeky old man. Shinobu gifted him with glare. "Just so you know, I won't forgive you if you didn't take this seriously. I expect a challenge."

"Well then. What are we waiting for?" Miyagi turned to the women, who were here as referees (plus incognito fujoshis).

"Alright! Let the second match commence! Shinobu Takatsuki will will go against Yoh Miyagi!" Aikawa announced, getting the whistle to her mouth.

Miyagi licked his lips, staring in front of him, eyes glued on Shinobu, who snorted. He knew Miyagi's intentions. Trying to unsettle him.

Too bad, old man. I'll be doing the unsettling!

The referees glanced at the tribune, where the tension was high, all whispering ceased. An and Aikawa nodded.

Shinobu knew what's his game plan and he'll stick to it.

Miyagi on the other hand, was so composed, waiting for the whistle. Watching Shinobu and figuring his strategy out is his priority, but when it comes to the worst, he'll stand victorious. The professor knew his lover was overconfident with his victory, so he'll launch an attack as soon as it starts after the dash.

Falling back to create some space between must be also part of Shinobu's strategy. This match is just the story of rabbit and turtle. Patience always pays off.

Sooner or later, Shinobu will make a mistake, which will cost his this match. He'll be waiting for an opening, deploying his move.

The referees stood on both sides, raising arms.

Both Shinobu and Miyagi tensed.

WHISTLE

Miyagi sprinted to the ball and he was perplexed by his unmoving opponent, who simple stood on the same spot. What the hell is he planning? Why isn't he rushing forward?

Shinobu's behavior made Miyagi even more wary, slowing down. If he doesn't want the ball(s), he'll have none!

While he stood there, watching Miyagi with interest, the professor grabbed two balls, the middle one and the one the left. He initially wanted to grab all three, but -

WHISTLE

Crap. He eyed the situation. Shinobu didn't look concerned by the fact he took two balls. But now's no time for contemplating! Miyagi kept an eye on him as he backed away, while Shinobu simply walked instead of running away from danger.

That kid… he did surprise him. Not many have the stones to not grab a ball in the dash and seemingly bored walk a few meters away. It all the more way infuriating for him.

Just what is Shinobu playing at? It doesn't matter what's his tactic. Miyagi is ending this match, right now, he zoomed in on him, waiting for the double whistling.

Never underestimate elderly, Shinobu –chin.

WHISTLE WHISTLE

Invigorated, he made the three steps, watching how Shinobu didn't even flinch. Heck, he looked bored! This will wake him up! The ball in his left hand was going off as first, it was his distraction from the real throw. His Double Shot!

"Ready, Shinobu –chin?!"

He threw the distracting throw, which missed Shinobu and he looked momentarily confused. Now for the second, lethal throw!

Miyagi launched it, already seeing his victory. In that moment, Shinobu finally moved. He smirked, moving his head to the side. He - evaded!

The professor knew he had to retreat and fast.

But, his legs wouldn't obey him; Shinobu picked up the first ball which was supposed to serve as a distraction and he smirked. "Miyagi, Miyagi… I'll be taking the second point!"

And he started moving, switching the ball in his hands, making two big steps/jumps. Shinobu's eyes burned up. He leapt.

Miyagi was in awe; he moved so fast… it took a moment for him to realize Shinobu's in air, getting ready for the big finale. Then, it made sense. This was all a setup, for him to think he's won, so he'd dish out his best moves at the beginning. He smirked.

The best move, he left for the end. His real special move – Return Fire. If he caught Takano's balls, he can catch anyone's.

Meanwhile Shinobu reached the highest peak of his massive jump, like he was going for a dunk or meteor jam.

The challenger joined the ball in his hands, aiming. "Try catching my Meteor Shot!" And he released it, the ball was going at him, but Miyagi saw it almost in slow motion. His perception of the ball has gotten much better.

I can see it!

Miyagi moved in synchronization with the ball, eyes were on the ball, he had to duck a bit, so it wouldn't accidentally hit his body, stopping and successfully catching the ball, its momentum lost.

Shinobu's eyes snapped in shock. He can't evade airborne. He knew of the fact, so did Miyagi.

He dished out his nastiest throw, aimed at his legs, so Shinobu had no chance.

The ball hit his kneepad (good thing they have them all on, or else it would hurt like crazy) and Shinobu let out an exasperated groan of surprise and anger, falling backwards.

Shinobu!

Ball bounced off, but Miyagi didn't care for that, he casted himself forward, holding out his hands in an attempt to catch Shinobu.

They both yelped. Shinobu landed on him, namely his back and Miyagi got to know the term flattened as a pancake more personally.

He glanced behind him. "You okay, Shinobu –chin?"

"Yeah… am I heavy?"

"No, but gravity did more damage." He retorted and a flustered Shinobu shot up, giving him a helping hand.

He's adorable when he's worrying about me.

Miyagi took his hand and Shinobu pulled him back on feet, turning to their teams and then, to the referees, who simply gaped.

Aikawa shook head, recovering from the equally dramatic match as the first one.

WHISTLE WHISTLE

She clasped her hands, grinning. "Talk about meteoropic entrance! And turning the tide!" She approached them, raising Miyagi's hand in the air. "The score is tied! 1:1 and I'm burning for the third match to begin! Who will step up?"

Team blue was praising their teammate, who cashed in their first point, while the red team shrugged it off. It's only the second match. Anything can happen until then.

But the question stood.

And Shinobu and Miyagi felt like going off somewhere to talk after their match was done, but they knew better. They're staying until the end.

Aikawa observed the two teams and her eyes preyed upon Misaki and Usami. "I'm deciding, since no one wants to go as next. Misaki and Usami – sensei are up next!"

The teams shot her a critical look. Since when do referees decide that stuff?

But, she was right. No point in stalling, is there?

Misaki scratched the back of his head. "Fine, fine! Usagi –san, it's our turn."

The author smirked. "I hope you won't regret this, Misaki."

"You'll be the one regretting, Usagi –san."

He gasped (in a mocking way). "Ooh, Misaki is getting serious. Now I want to beat you."

An send the rest back to the tribunes, while the college student and author stayed on the field. Aikawa was gathering the scattered balls.

The party is just getting started.

TO BE CONTINUED_