Seigaku Ranking Journals

Disclaimer: Prince of Tennis is created by Takeshi Konomi. I do not own it.

A/N:
NO FLAMING allowed!

Beware of SPOILERS for Episodes 52-53 and Genius 116-118. This chapter is centered on them.

3rd Day After Ranking Tournament – Part 2

Ryuzaki Sakuno – Seigaku Tennis Club member, 1st year, Coach Ryuzaki's granddaughter

The Girls Tennis Club has heard about Momoshiro-senpai not attending tennis club activities, and we are getting concerned. During lunch, Tomo-chan and I overheard the first year boys talking about him, so we secretly perked up our ears to listen. Unfortunately, before we could learn anything, Oishi-senpai stopped their conversation. I could tell that he himself was very worried, or he wouldn't be known as "the mother of Seigaku."

After we finished eating, a girl from Class 1-2 asked me where Ryoma-kun was. He seemed to be staring through the rooftop fence at the pond below when his classmate reminded him of his class duties. I approached the fence to see Momoshiro-senpai walking away from the pond. Though Ryoma-kun pretends not to care about others, he actually does care.

I wish I had a chance to inform the Boys Tennis Club about seeing Momoshiro-senpai, but I couldn't find Obaasan or any of the members, and lunchtime soon ended. After school, we girls also had practice, so we couldn't go over to the Boys Tennis Club. I did inform Obaasan when she came home tonight. She seemed frustrated, but was happy to receive some information about a missing club member. I guess practice had gone terribly for the boys today. I hope things will be better tomorrow.

XXX

Osakada Tomoka – Seigaku student, 1st year, Ryuzaki Sakuno's best friend

I heard from Sakuno-chan and our classmates that Momoshiro-senpai has been missing tennis club activities for three days. When I heard that annoying Horio mention his name, I quickly tapped Sakuno-chan on the shoulder, and we both turned around and listened. Unfortunately, Oishi-senpai interrupted and told them to stop discussing the problem. Then the three first year boys ran away when they saw Kaidou-senpai. Argh! We lost the opportunity to catch up on some news.

After we ate, a girl from Class 1-2 was looking for Ryoma-sama because he had class duties. Sakuno-chan was right! He was on the roof, and seemed to be staring at the pond below. As I followed Ryoma-sama down the stairs, Sakuno-chan caught up and told me that she saw Momoshiro-senpai walking away from the pond. That meant Ryoma-sama is also worried, but doesn't show it.

Unfortunately, we couldn't inform the Boys Tennis Club about seeing Momoshiro-senpai. Lunchtime ended before we could find Ryuzaki-sensei or any of the members. After school, I had to rush home to babysit my otoutos. At least Sakuno-chan could tell her obaasan tonight. I hope that will help them find Momoshiro-senpai. Now I need to prepare more cheering posters, outfits, and supplies for the Kantou Tournament.

XXX

Coach Ryuzaki Sumire – Seigaku Tennis Club coach

This evening, just when I thought it was the end of the Seigaku Boys Tennis Club, Sakuno informed me that she had gone to the roof this afternoon, and seen Momoshiro by the pond. I guess that would give us a better idea where to find him tomorrow.

It will be even better if Momoshiro returns. The club has been in low spirits for the past three days, and things have taken a turn for the worse this afternoon. In our current state, we will fall in the next tournament. Seigaku already lacks strong doubles players, and as of today, we lost our best doubles pair when Oishi and Kikumaru got into a fight. If things don't improve tomorrow, we'll have to try some new doubles combinations. I have Fuji and Kawamura in mind since they have played Doubles 2 together several times. Momoshiro and Kaidou did win in doubles, but they spent most of the game fighting. Besides, Momoshiro is no longer a regular. I might consider Inui, too. I think Tezuka will punish Oishi and Kikumaru with more laps if they don't settle their dispute tomorrow.

As if we didn't have enough to worry about, Banjii of Yamabuki told me to pass on information about a study abroad program to Tezuka. He must be trying to weaken Seigaku's team since he also asked about having Echizen on his team. I understand that he is trying to fill the big gap from Akutsu's departure, but he should not be snagging players from other teams.

Tezuka did seem interested about the study abroad program in the U.S., but he will probably turn down the offer. He is needed for Seigaku's victory, but I should not limit his future.

XXX

Captain Tezuka Kunimitsu

Oishi called tonight, reporting that Momoshiro would return tomorrow. Well, there will be laps waiting for him. His absence has really lowered the mood, spirit, and motivation of the tennis club for the last three days, and Oishi was worried to the point of being in a bad mood this afternoon. As if things weren't bad enough, he and Kikumaru fought and broke up our only good doubles pair so I made them run 20 laps.

Ryuzaki-sensei provided me some information about studying abroad in the U.S., but I will decline the offer because Oishi and I had made a promise to take Seigaku to the Nationals. Unfortunately, in our current situation, we might not even make it through the first round of the Kantou Tournament.

Our problem is doubles. I do not play doubles, and Echizen is impossible. Fuji and Kawamura have played Doubles 2 a few times, so they are a possibility. I could also consider Inui. Actually, his and Fuji's skills and advice would help their partners. Ryuzaki-sensei did mention that if situations don't improve tomorrow morning, we would need to try some new combinations. Oishi and Kikumaru form the best combination, but that's history… maybe not, because if they don't stop their nonsense tomorrow they're running laps again.

XXX

Kikumaru Mikio – Kikumaru's 2nd brother, Seigaku High School, final year

It had been a stressful day at school, and we were given much homework as usual, so I had hurried home to start right away. However, outside the house, I was already hearing loud noise from Eiji's video games and shouting.

Fed up, I requested him to turn off the game, and Hisa agreed. Unfortunately, our otouto refused because of his stupid high scores. I enjoy video games, too, and my scores are even better than his, but I don't have much time to play anymore. That spoiled brat even blamed us for losing the game, and argued until Okaasan and Otousan stepped in.

How dare he accuse us for picking on him if he was the one being disruptive! Fortunately, Okaasan and Otousan reminded him to finish his homework before playing games, but how could they ask us to speak to one another nicely? Eiji knows that Hisa and I have enough pressure with school and college applications, but he is making things harder for us! How about his homework and high school applications? Wouldn't that keep him busy?

He was even making noise and pacing the room instead of doing his homework, and yelled back when I told him to be quiet. Luckily, Nii-chan was home by then, so he settled things and asked me to be more patient with Eiji. That's easy for him to say since he has his own room. Why do I have to be the one sharing a room with that brat! If Nii-chan likes to spoil our big baby, why can't he share with him? How does being the oldest give him the right to have his own space?

I'm glad nothing else happened. After Eiji finished his dinner, I heard loud music from our room. Though I like the Chocolates, the volume was too high. Fortunately, Nee-chan stood up so I decided to let her handle it. As soon as she was upstairs, the music stopped.

To tell the truth, our otouto seemed to be in a bad mood today, so I remained out of his way for the rest of the evening. It worked well, especially since he quit being disruptive. Could something have happened at school?

XXX

Kikumaru Keiko – Kikumaru's 1st sister, 2nd year in college

I returned from my classes to hear Hisa complaining about Eiji being disruptive and uncooperative earlier. When she and Mikio asked him to turn off his video games, he started arguing until Okaasan and Otousan intervened. She also said that the youngest member of our family seemed very upset.

Just then, I heard my otoutos yelling. I was about to settle the problem, but Nii-chan beat me to it. Hisa was correct: something wasn't right. Eiji's lack of words and laughter during dinner confirmed it. I wondered if something happened at school. He quickly finished his dinner and left the table.

When I heard loud music, I knew I had better rush upstairs before anything else happened among my otoutos and imouto. I knocked on Eiji's door, asked him to turn the music down, and suggested that he study without music or use headphones. I also asked about his problems, but he said that nothing was wrong. He probably didn't feel like talking about it, so I just let it drop, and he hugged me as usual.

He sure wasn't being uncooperative. Maybe our otouto's mood had improved, or it was something Okaasan, Otousan, and Nii-chan said earlier. Then again, the twins themselves could also be uncooperative. They do not have much patience and tolerance, so they had probably rudely ordered Eiji around without considering his feelings. Both complain about him being a spoiled brat, but they themselves are quite spoiled, too.

XXX

Kikumaru Eiji – Seigaku Tennis Club regular, 3rd year, Golden Pair acrobatic player

The tennis club has not been in a good mood for the last three days. It is too lonely and quiet without Momo around nya. I know Oishi has been worried about him, but so has everyone, except maybe Kaidou and Ochibi.

I was just having some fun, trying to cheer everyone up this afternoon, and Oishi was right that teasing Momo was insensitive, but he didn't have to yell or smack me nya! Fujiko and Taka-san said that the jerk just wasn't himself, but that's because he didn't attack them. They even said that he apologized, but he actually didn't. Instead, he agreed to not play doubles with me, which means he doesn't regret hitting me.

Oishi has always been nice and thoughtful. For example, he lent me money for new tennis shoes, often treated me, and is the game-maker in matches. He even took care of me during the St. Rudolph matches. It just makes no sense for someone like that to smack me, especially since I'm one of his best friends. Well, someone who hits his best friends is not a friend, so I'm never speaking to him again nya.

I asked Ochibi to be my new doubles partner, but he refused to help me crush Oishi who couldn't accept the fact that I scored one point before he did. His excuse was that I was insulting Kaidou. That was when Tezuka made us run 20 laps. Why did I have to run if it was all Oishi's fault?

Since I couldn't beat up Oishi in person, I decided to do it in a fighting game. That's why for the computer player, I chose someone who reminded me of the fukubuchou who hit me. Daigorou is usually around to comfort me, so I let him watch me beat my highest score and win. Unfortunately, Mikio-nii-chan rudely interrupted and yelled at me to turn the game off. Hisa-nee-chan sided with him, and they both picked on me, making me lose nya. They said that my scores were stupid, but how about their scores! I've won more games than Mikio-nii-chan. They also called me a big baby and spoiled brat. Argh! They're always trying to act all grown up!

That was when Okaasan and Otousan told us to do our homework. They also told them to speak to me nicely, but Mikio-nii-chan did not. Fortunately, Tadashi-nii-chan stepped in and asked him to be more patient. He also told me to be quiet, but at least he didn't yell or talk rudely. Why do I have to be stuck with Mikio-nii-chan? Why couldn't I share my room with Tadashi-nii-chan instead? Why does he get his own room just by being the oldest?

Keiko-nee-chan also politely told me to keep my music down or use headphones, and reminded me that listening to music during homework wasn't a good idea. She asked if anything was wrong, but I did not want to hear anymore about how it was right for that jerk to hit me in a bad mood nya. At least she understood that I didn't feel like talking about it, but offered to be there for me.

Stupdi Oishi even had the nerve to interrupt my dinner by calling and texting me. Doesn't he know that I wasn't ever going to answer his calls again?

I will need a new doubles partner. Momo and Ochibi are an insult to doubles, so they are out of the question. Besides, Momo lost his regulars position, so he can't play. I definitely do not want to drink Inui's horrible juices, and there's no way I would ask Tezuka or Kaidou because they're too scary. Nya, I guess my only choices are Fujiko and Taka-san.

XXX

Oishi Atsuko – Oishi's younger sister, Seigaku Elementary School, 6th grade

Nii-chan has been acting strangely lately. He hasn't really been eating, and seemed miserable when he came home this evening. When Okaasan called us for dinner, we found him asleep, and she said that he was just exhausted.

After finishing my dinner, I remained at the stairs, listening to my family's conversation in the kitchen. Otousan and Okaasan are worried about Nii-chan, though he continues to tell us that nothing is wrong. I doubt it.

My family keeps saying, "Don't worry," but how can I not when something is obviously not right? Fortunately, no one caught me with my ear against a glass I placed to Nii-chan's door. He was talking on the phone about a Momoshiro-san and the tennis club falling apart. So something did happen at school! Maybe I'll ask Arisu-chan tomorrow to see if she heard anything from her nii-chan. If not, I could probably ask Eiji-nii-chan the next time he comes over.

XXX

Vice-captain Oishi Syuichirou

Today wasn't my day, but I only have myself to blame. I myself made it much worse by being a jerk this afternoon. I still can't believe it! I hit Eiji and broke up Seigaku's Golden Pair! He was right: it was all my fault.

It began when I couldn't sleep last night because Momo had been missing practice for two days. My tossing and turning must have caused the clubroom keys to fall to the floor. I was scared when I couldn't find them on my bedside shelf.

Unfortunately, Momo still didn't show up as we had hoped. With my thoughts on him, our sensei caught me losing my place as we read in class. That was already embarrassing, and the class had to laugh.

While looking for a seat in the cafeteria (I had forgotten to bring my lunch), I had to ask the first year members to stop talking about Momo's absence, because it is not nice to talk about others behind their backs. At Class 2-8, Arai and Ikeda said that Momo had left right after the lunch bell, and fangirls bothered me. I searched areas where Momo would possibly go, but still couldn't find him.

After lunch, we received our graded quizzes from yesterday, and I had made some careless mistakes. As if things couldn't get any worse, my racket strings snapped, and I had forgotten my spare at home. From there, everything irritated me, and I just wanted the day to be over. Still, it was no excuse for being disagreeable! Besides, as a senpai and the fukubuchou, I was setting a bad example for our club and kouhais.

I kept yelling and slamming balls at Taka-san, and scolded the first years for not cheering when they were busy picking up balls and observing our games. Taka-san seemed relieved to end his practice with me, and that was when Eiji started teasing Momo for slacking off. I knew he was just being himself by trying to cheer everyone up, but what he said just got the better of me. My yelling and striking my doubles partner drew everyone's attention, but I was unaware of it until he was on the ground a few meters away.

What if he had slammed into something? He could have been injured. Still, the physical wounds cannot compare to the emotional ones. I don't think he heard my quick apology, and his refusing to accept my help was no surprise. However, I hadn't expected him to go that far, as in breaking up "Seigaku's best doubles pair." Well, I betrayed him, so I can't blame him for it. I knew it was futile trying to convince him to remain as my partner, so I just went along with his decision, and we followed Inui's suggestion to try different partners. Inui chose Kaidou as my partner, and Eiji made insults as he used Echizen against me.

When the angry acrobat taunted, "Ha! Serves you right!" I scolded him for teasing Kaidou, but he was set on getting back at me any way he could. That was when Tezuka appeared and punished us with laps.

I really had been in no position to say "Eiji! Control yourself!" when I was the one taking my frustrations out on everyone. How can Tezuka hide his emotions, maintain self-control in any situation, and command the club all at once? I guess that is why he is the buchou.

I wanted to apologize and talk to my doubles partner after practice, but Fuji, Taka-san, and Inui suggested against it. How could they just tell me to "go home and not worry about it"? Momo has been missing, the club is falling apart, and I only made things worse by hitting one of my best friends who will no longer play doubles with me.

I could not stop the tears from falling after reaching my room. I must have cried myself to sleep because when I sat up, I realized that it was about halfway through dinner time. Still I knew I had one thing I should have done much earlier instead of taking my frustrations out on teammates. I was relieved when Momo cheerfully answered the phone and said that he will be at practice tomorrow, which I later informed Tezuka. He is probably thinking about Momo's punishment right now. Eiji refusing to pick up his cell phone or respond to my text message this evening proved Inui right.

Since Tezuka is doing his part to keep the tennis club together, I better do mine, too, especially after being a jerk today. For now, I don't think I can raise the club's spirit, so I hope Momo's return will help. Then, since I broke up "Seigaku's only strong doubles pair," I better do something about it. I guess I could pair up with anyone besides Tezuka, Echizen, or… Eiji… no, I really want that mischievous acrobat to remain my doubles partner. It has only been a few hours, but I already miss his red hair, blue eyes, bandage, and cheerfulness. However, I can't do anything about it if he is that mad at me. If only I hadn't yelled and hit him. I hope he'll at least talk to me by morning.

During dinner, my overprotective family had to make things harder by asking me if anything was wrong. I understand their concern, but I really did not want to drag them into my problems or talk about it. Besides, Atsuko is still young, and shouldn't have to worry about such things.

To be continued…

A/N:

Translations based on subtitles:
Okaasan – mother
Otousan – father
Nii-chan – older brother
Nee-chan – older sister
Imouto – younger sister
Otouto – younger brother
Obaasan – grandmother
Sensei – teacher, coach
Buchou – captain
Fukubuchou - vice-captain
Senpai – senior
Kouhai - junior
Kun – honorific for boys
Chan – honorific for girls or children
San – general honorific, can be translated to Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.
Ochibi – baby boy, kiddo, or little one (Kikumaru's nickname for Echizen)
Nya – a cat sound Kikumaru occasionally adds to his sentences

Internet profiles mention that Kawamura has a younger sister, though she and their mother never appear in the anime, manga, or fanfictions I've read. That is why I'm bringing them into my stories.

I've always thought that Oishi's bad mood in Episode 52 and Genius 116 was due to more than just worrying.

It was not easy thinking of names for the regulars' unnamed siblings. For the Golden Pair's siblings, I tried to pick names with meanings matching their characteristics. Oishi is kind and overprotective, so I pictured his family, even his younger sister, to be similar. I imagined the two oldest Kikumaru siblings to be well-behaved and patient while the two middle ones to be competitive and domineering. According to internet sources, Kawamura's first or given name, Takashi, means filial piety or noble, so I imagined his parents to name both children something noble.

Oishi's younger sister: Atsuko (kind, warm, or industrious child), 11

Kikumaru's siblings:
Tadashi (correct or righteous) – oldest brother and sibling, 21
Keiko (respectful or blessed child) – oldest sister, 19
Mikio (tree trunk man) – 2nd brother, 17, older twin to Hisa
Hisa (enduring) - 2nd sister, 17, younger twin to Mikio

Kawamura's younger sister: Arisu (noble sort), 10