.:duology.
I'm sorry, Tezuka says. I'm sorry if I have to go, sorry that I could not be strong enough for the both of us and that you have to carry part of my burden. I'm sorry for putting you through all of this when the only thing I ever wanted was to help you reach the top, for that is what you deserve: everything. You deserve the entire world but now, I realize, that that is no longer something I can give you. So I'm leaving. And, maybe, this is what we need... Maybe.
I'm not asking you to wait for me, though. No, I am not that selfish. Your world must keep on turning, with or without me. Aim for the stars, reach for the skies, conquer your fears, keep evolving, and strive to discover your own style of tennis so that when I return, we shall be meeting on equal terms...
If you would still remember me.
You were never one for patience...
Ryoma.
I won't forget, Ryoma says. I won't forget because that's what I always do -- forget and walk away and leave behind a piece of my heart. I won't forget because that would mean cheapening what we've had, what we could still have. I won't forget because I believe this isn't really goodbye. I won't let you walk away that easily. Because whether by the hands of time or fate or even my own, you will come back. You will come back and then I'd show you just how far I've gone without you, because of you. And maybe then, I'd tell you... Maybe.
Just... Please, don't take too long. My world will keep on turning without you and there are a lot of players stronger than you whom I have to beat.
I won't wait for you forever so please come back soon...
Tezuka-buchou.
.end:.