Wow, it's been a long time, hasn't it? Sorry, don't kill me! (hides) I encountered this huge block when I tried to write Natsumi's match, and an even more gigantic one when it came to Sumiko's... (cries) The tennis matches are really cut short, but I'll try my best to write them in the future. There's still the Nationals after all!

For now, enjoy!

Tsubasa (Wings)

Sumiko worried her lower lip. Fudoumine had won two matches already. In order for Seigaku to win, they had to win all three Singles.

"It's up to you, now, Natsumi-chan. Don't lose."

"Hai, hai. Daijoubu."

"1 set match. Fudoumine Kobayashi to serve."

Natsumi easily returned her opponent's serve. The rally continued for some time, with Natsumi never showing any difficulty in catching up to the ball.

'She's using Split Step to speed up her footwork, thus creating the impression that she can return any ball. That cocky smirk that has been there since the beginning just infuriates her opponent more. Kobayashi Shizuka is totally being drawn into her pace. Pretty good, Natsumi-chan,' thought Sumiko, impressed at her teammate's tactics.

Having a clear view of the match from the bench, Michiko continued to update the data on her laptop.

"Do you really think you can return this ball?" taunted Natsumi, raising an eyebrow haughtily, as she raised her racket.

The Fudomine player hesitated for a second, expecting an unexpected twist to the shot. That uncertainty was enough for Natsumi to send the ball just out of her reach.

"See, I told you."

'Damn! She's toying with me!' cursed Kobayashi in her mind.

From the sidelines, Fudomine's captain Sakuraki Tsukiko let a small smirk grace her lips. 'Seigaku, is it? Look like it'll be interesting from now on.'

"Alright!" Sumiko whooped when Izumi won Singles 2. Along with Natsumi's previous victory, they were stepping closer to victory. But then, Sumiko's match would decide whether they were going on to the Finals, or going back.

"Wakana-sempai... If it's you playing, there won't be any problem..." she sighed, looking at her vice-captain who was resolutely stuck on her seat.

"I'm saving my energy for the Finals. After all, it's much more productive to watch from the sidelines. Analyzing one's opponent's moves from the opposite side of the court make one miss things." Michiko looked up from her typing. "Also, haven't you been waiting for this match for ages?"

Before Sumiko could answer, the umpire called for the players of the next game to enter the court. Tossing her jacket onto the seat beside her, she strode in to face her opponent. The face staring back at her was familiar.

"Tachibana."

"Fuji." The brown-haired girl returned Sumiko's greeting in an equally formal manner.

They took their places on opposites sides of the court. The match started.

Sumiko was good, undoubtedly, but Ann matched her ball for ball. The rally continued for a while, neither willing to let up. For the stands, the crowd watched the heated battle between friends and rivals.

"Game and match, Seigaku!"

The Seigaku supporters erupted into cheers. On the sidelines, the regulars were hugging each other in their excitement. "Seigaku! Fight-oh!"

Sumiko went forward to shake her opponent's hand. "That was a great match, Ann-chan. The points were so close!"

Tachibana Ann grinned back at her. "Keep that in mind! I look forward to playing against you again in the future. Next time, I won't lose!"

"Don't bet on it! I'll keep on training as well!" With that promise, they parted ways to return to their team.

The members of the Seigaku girl's team surrounded Sumiko the moment she left the court. "That's our buchou!" "Way to go, Sumiko-chan!"

"You all were awesome too! After all, it takes the whole team to win!"

"But that was scary. I was really worried when both doubles were defeated! Fudomine sure lives up to their reputation of having two undefeated double pairs..."

"Then we'll just have to improve, won't we?" said Sumiko.

"Yeah!"

"Well, Syuusuke-kun. Your sister's pretty good. Your work, I presume? Her style has you written all over it. If only I had her on my team..."

"Saa, is that so? But you shouldn't think of stealing players from Seigaku, Reina-chan."

The girl standing next to him, Reina, chose to ignore him, continuing to observe the girls on the court. Then she grinned and straightened up from where she was lounging against the banister. "I think I'll pay Seigaku a visit one of these days."

Ooh, a mysterious new character. What effect will this have on the girls?

It's rather shorter than the others chapters, but if I tried to add things it'll never get published.

Next chapter, we're going back to the Seigaku training grounds, and the members' wacky lifestyles! I'll try to update regularly, preferrably once a week. Review please!