A/N: Konnichipuu! Long, long time no see na no da I would like to apologize for keeping all readers waiting for almost four months for the update! I know excuses are bad to hide my slacking off; but, I still have to apologize for the short comings. Moshiwage arimasen deshita! In order to repent my shortcomings; I shall now perform "SEPUKKU…" Ah, but I don't have such courage to do so. It painful right…so please forgive me and spare my life.

There are many things happening actually. Moreover this chapter is a little challenging for me. I'm so happy that I've finally get over it now…

I guess this chapter is longer than other previous chapters; as I just realized that it contains 30 pages

As always, this story is dedicated to all Tenipuri fans, especially Sakuno's fans.

Warning: Sakuno-centric fics, readers has been warned.

Plot: Tenipuri x Jubei-chan crossover (some sorts)

Pairing: RyoSaku, FujiSaku (maybe more pairings to come)

"…" Denotes speech

'…' Denotes thoughts

Italics denotes flashbacks

Standard Disclaimer: Would anyone believe this when I said I actually owned Tenipuri and Jubei-chan? Impossible right? But still just to secure ware-sama; I'll have to put up a Standard Disclaimer. Definitely no income is made out of this.

Recap of Chapter 10 Part II:

"Of course, that's part of the service" she smiled "But first, can we borrow this cute little lady for a while? We really like her and had decided to use her picture to promote our shop"

"Me?" Sakuno shrugged

"That means they wanted you to become their model, Sakuno-chan" Fuji explained

'Doushiyou…' Sakuno sobbed inwardly.

Chapter 10 PIII: Youkoso Kyoto: Breached Bond, Attack of Dark Angel 1

"Yes, just like this! Oh; please tilt your head a little to the right" adjusting his lens for a perfect shoot; the photographer guided Sakuno to adjust her stance. "Right…perfect!"

"Now; won't you give me a sweet smile; young princess?" Instead of smiling; Sakuno dropped her head with much embarrassment when he pointed the lens at her. Her tension builds up and she felt like she is almost out of breath.

"Oh, this is no good…" the players; especially Kaidoh were shooting dead glares at the photographer who fumed slightly. Well; who wouldn't, since the poor man had been adjusting his camera from high to low, from left to right, hoping that he'll capture the best shoot of such astonishing ancient beauty. However, just when he finally found the right spot, she refuses to smile.

Ryoma stood forward as he studied Sakuno's stance. "She's nervous"

"Echizen is right" Inui chipped in "According to my data; signs of nervousness; one – three minutes: She drops her head and stares blankly at the floor; two – five minutes: she plays with her fingers; three - ten minutes, her legs become weak and wobbly…" as the data player goes on, his teammates stared at him suspiciously.

"Ne…Inui-senpai…" Momo asked out of curiosity while Eiji once again attempt to peek over Inui's precious data book, edition no. 545 who instantaneously shut it tight.

"What is it Momo?"

"You're keeping Sakuno-chan's data?"

"Yes, just recently" Inui quickly adjust his lens as he reply casually "Since she has now become an extremely distinctive being"

"Nyahhh…Inui? You are making her sounds like a Martian" Eiji furrowed his brow upon hearing what Inui said.

"A Martian?" Inui turn and regarded Eiji for a moment before resuming to his data book to take down some notes "Good point. This theory could be possible; since no humans I know could be like Ryuzaki."

As the topic has been quite debatable; everyone decided to let it pass. Moreover they could sense an appalling aura from the photographer; worse; like what the data said; Sakuno is starting to dangle around from one corner to the other.

"So Sakuno-chan is nervous?" Fuji chuckles "She's so adorable" with that the Tensai approached the girl.

"What is he doing?" Ryoma doesn't like the idea seeing Fuji approaching her and he's filled with jealousy when he saw Fuji lowered his head a little and whispered soft words into Sakuno's ears.

Everyone was curious of what Fuji had said to girl. They noted; as soon as she heard those words; her tension disappeared and was replaced with a comical expression. The girl then broke into soft chuckles, so lovable and so warm that would melt anyone's heart.

The photographer had finally spotted the best moment of her adorable smiling face, with Fuji standing by her side. Just when he is about to click the button; Ryoma, Momo and Eiji stopped him.

The photographer blinks with confusion "Why are you guys stopping me? I could have taken a picture perfect" he fumed.

As soon as the photographer slips out his comments; Ryoma mocked with much irritation "What picture perfect? There must be something wrong with your eyes. Mada mada dane"

"It's unfair" Eiji complained "Why does Fuji get to have a shoot with Sakuno-chan? I wanted to take a picture with her too"

"Yeah; me too" Momo added.

This time Sakuno move forward to speak to her seniors "Ano…Senpai-tachi…" before she could even continue further; the poor girl immediately drop her head and stare shyly at the stage; her voice is extremely mellow as she talks "Eto…I really hope that we can have this together…"

"Really?" Both Eiji and Momo exclaimed with much delight. "Wow! Sakuno-chan, you're the best!" Although Sakuno has been speaking so softly; the two seniors were able to catch her words or they just assumed that she'd ask them to join in.

Without holding back, the two quickly pull the rest of the regulars up to the shooting stage. Even Tezuka was being force to go on stage as most of them were eager to see if he would flash a smile.

Although the photographer doesn't like the idea of taking a group picture, but as soon as he saw the girl's smile bloomed, he'd reconsidered. The shop attendances were also happy to see such a cheerful group that would eventually be posting for their shop.

"Alright, princes and princess; are you all ready?" He asked excitingly.

"Yeah" all the players except Tezuka, Inui and Kaidoh; posted a bashing pose.

"Bravo" with that the photographer snap on the button "Done!" He exclaimed with much satisfaction.

As soon as the shooting session is over, the two attendances guided the group out of the studio and wished the group to enjoy their tour around the park.

Just when they were about to leave Funsou Kan; something in the display corner attracted Inui's interest. He moves closer towards the huge window panel, looking at a certain picture display.

"Ryuzaki-san" he called solemnly "Have you ever been here before?"

Sakuno pondered for a moment before replying him "No; I don't think so…" she then blinked curiously at Inui. She doesn't know what had made him said that.

"Can you come here for a second?"

"Hai" Sakuno obliged and quickly walk towards the data player and he gestured her look into the window panel where there is a huge picture of a young lady wearing the same kimono as she's wearing now.

Her eyes widen. She recognized the lady inside the picture. Emotion started to build up inside her; the past began to haunt her once again.

Flashbacks of a lady lying lifelessly in her futon; with Sakuno's tiny hand stroking her cold and pale cheeks 'Cold…'

"Oya? Wasn't that Sakuno-chan in the picture?" Eiji asked curiously as all of them gathered in front of the window panel to look at the picture of the lady which resembles Sakuno "Ne…Sakuno-chan?"

"No…not me…" The girl's forehead rest against the window panel, soft fingers trails along the reflection of the frame on the glass panel. Based on her stance; she is perilously close to tears.

The group began to silent down. They assumed that Sakuno must have known the young lady; moreover; the person in the picture could be someone dearly to her.

Noticing that she had once again stir up their anxiety; she quickly dried up the tears at the corner of her eyes.

"Oh; I'm sorry; the dirt get into my eyes" with that she excuse herself from the group.

Fearing that the girl might get lost, Oishi wanted to stop her from leaving only to find that Tezuka is stopping him.

"Tezuka? Why are you stopping me?" Oishi furrowed his brow and stare at the captain quizzically.

"Oishi; it would be good to let the girl to have some space of her own; that is why Tezuka is stopping you"

"But…what if she got lost again?"

"Nyah, we, the Seigakugumi tachi will definitely find our Ohime-chan back" this time Eiji winked at his partner.

"Seigakugumi?" Momo and Ryoma pondered in unison. The word 'Gumi' makes them sounds a little ancient.

"Minna…" Oishi is greatly moved by their team spirit. Kawamura and Fuji gave him a thumb up to ease his worries.

"Fuji, what do you think of this picture?" Inui asked casually as he flips open his data book No. 545 and ready to note down the comments Fuji would have.

"Based on her reaction just now; I assumed that the woman in the picture must have been someone she knew and the based on the picture; it looks like the picture was taken for quite sometimes already; she could be…"

"Heh! Sakuno-chan's MOTHER?" Eiji bellowed with disbelieve.

"Talk about her mom; we've not seen her yesterday…" Eiji continued to ponder perceptibly.

Fuji lowered his heads and muttered sympathetically "Mou…we won't be able to meet her anymore"

"Fuji? What do you mean?" Oishi eyes widen.

"Yumiko-neechan once told me that Sakuno-chan had lost her mother at the age of six" Fuji explained "Sakuno-chan was by her side; watching her mother fought against the pain. Back then; there's nothing little Sakuno can do"

'With those tiny hands of hers…she can't do anything to protect her love ones. And because of this she also couldn't bear to see anyone losing their love ones. That is why she saved my life so I can be with my family again. So…Shusuke, you must protect her… ' Fuji recalled of what his sister said to him before leaving the house.

What Fuji has explained would sound logical; otherwise, the girl would not have suddenly broke into tears for no reason. Everyone stood quietly for a moment as mild wind blow across the busy street of the Studio Park, mourning for the unhappy past of Sakuno.

Sakuno decided to take a break and walk beside the beautiful riverbank somewhere nearby the ghost house. Little did she know that she has become an alluring figure for people around the Studio Park; it seems like eight out of ten people would turn back and take a glance at her.

It was warmer than she had anticipated, and the cool of the river bank seemed an even more inviting prospect. The turf was cool and springy as she walked down the hill to the river, a light wind stirring the hair on her neck, while in the near distance, leaves sprawled hazily in the sun.

'I'm being so insensitive. It's a rare chance for them to enjoy their trip before the hectic trainings would start and yet; this is the fourth times that I've made them worried about me' she thought feebly.

"Mama?" Her eyes widen upon seeing her mother suffocating state. Despite of fighting the pain; the woman still smile warmly at her "Daijyobu yo…"

"I'll…I'll get you the medicine" she quickly dash into the kitchen; took out the medicine and get a glass of water for her mother. Hot tears stream down her cheeks.

"Ju…bei…chan" a hand drop lifelessly at the side of her body.

"Mama! Please don't leave me alone…"

"Ma…ma…"

"Mama…" She looked up; the angry sun that stinks into her eyes; causing her tears to flow freely down her cheeks "Ai itai…"

(Ai itai – I miss you)

Sakuno broke into a silent weep when she heard footsteps approaching her.

"I never expect to see a beautiful Ohime-sama sitting beside the river and cry" Startled by the unexpected company; Sakuno turn around to face them.

It seems like her motion slowed down, the moment when Sakuno turn around to face the team; her tears flow within the air; mild wind blow towards her causing her long hazel hair that flow sassily from her back, her tendrils caressing her rosy cheeks; her expression was rather vulnerably enthralling.

"Enchanting…" Atobe managed to whisper. The rest of the boys except Kabaji nodded in unison upon hearing their captain's comment. Kabaji did not say anything since Atobe did not ask any comments from him. Usually the captain would end his arrogant remarks with a 'Na, Kabaji' and Kabaji would just reply 'Usu'

"Hyoutei?" Sakuno blinked with surprise upon meeting them.

"Why…I'm honored for a beautiful girl like you to know our team" Atobe remarked arrogantly with his trademark smirk plastered on his face "We never thought that our team is so popular, even as far as Kyoto; na, Kabaji?"

"Usu!" he replied and thought inwardly 'Finally my role has come'

Sakuno could felt herself shivers upon hearing those words. The meeting could have proved even more awkwardness than fear, and she found herself with the desire to run away from the Hyoutei group. Immediately, the girl stood up and excused herself from them.

Just when she was about to leave; Atobe quickly dash over to stop her from leaving "Wait…I mean; at least let me know your name, beautiful Ohime-chan"

"…" Sakuno blushed furiously, with two big eyes staring at the arrogant captain with disbelieve 'He don't remember me!'

"I'm…I'm Ryuzaki Sakuno of Seishun Gakkuen" she dropped her head as she murmured softly.

"Ryuzaki!" This time it's Atobe and the Hyoutei's turns to stare at her with surprise.

"You are…." Just when Oshitari was about to say a word, Oohtori interjected "You are one of the volunteers, Ryuzaki Sakuno-san, the granddaughter of Ryuzaki-sensei?"

She nodded with much trepidation. "Ano…can you let me go now…" her face flushed as red as tomatoes.

"No…" At first the arrogant captain had planned to let go of her; but, right after interpreting that the girl is so uncomplicated; he decided to tease her further "How come I never noticed you when you were at the training camp? Na, Kabaji…"

"Usu" Kabaji replied with his customary baritone.

Sakuno mouth slightly opened a little; words caught in her throat, her eyes still stares at him with shock.

"I've decided to ask you to be my date for today" he announced.

"Heh!" Sakuno jumped with a good deal of astonishment.

Never in her life had she encountered something like this before. Lately she had been having some problems with Fuji and Ryoma and just earlier, Inui had assumed that she and Tezuka were having some sort of connection too. She is pretty sure that she did wish for peace on earth, people's good health and was sure that she did not wish for her love life to develop in a rather devastatingly fast pace.

While Sakuno struggled when he pulled her closer to him; a female voice called furiously from behind. "Get you hands off her, you pervert!"

Sakuno could felt Atobe's slight irritation when the girl called him pervert. She could even hear him mumbles with self-esteem "No one calls me pervert. I'm just a gorgeous prince who has too much love to confer. No girls would ever resist my charms, en…Kabaji"

"Usu"

Sakuno shivers at first but soon her smiles broaden when she registered the girl who had come to help her out. Behind her; there is another well recognized team; Fudomine.

"Ann-chan!" Though she didn't know why the Fudomine would be here so unexpectedly, yet, she sincerely thanks kami-sama for sending someone to help her out.

Just when Sakuno tried to wiggle free from Atobe's grip, it seems like his grip tightened upon seeing the Fudomine team coming towards them. Just when Fudomine's captain Tachibana Kippei is about to confront the Hyoutei's captain and other members; the Seigaku regulars too arrive to the scene.

Everyone stared at the Seigaku members in awe, especially Tezuka. He looks so majestic with the hoeki no sokutai he's wearing now; it shows the charm of his leadership.

(Hoeki no sokutai – kimono of imperial officers or for emperor)

Right after greeting the Fudomine group with a formalities; Tezuka walk over and stood in front of the Hyoutei group. "Atobe; I hope this is just a mistake" he said firmly while a pair of stern eyes gazed at the offending hand which the Hyoutei leader had on Sakuno's one.

(AN: Kyah! Tezuka Ou-sama to the rescue! Bui)

"Well, well, look who've got here? Tezuka Ou-sama and his pen pushers" he smirked "And you're here to save this beautiful princess, I believe"

"Pen pushers? Can't you find a better word to address us?" Momo sighed audibly upon hearing Atobe's arrogant remarks.

"Why? It's Hyoutei and Fudomine" this time Fuji interjected casually as he slightly nodded his head to greet the Fudomine "What a great surprise to see you guys here too…"

Upon seeing Fuji standing out to greet them, Oshitari, the Hyoutei genius walk towards them to greet the Seigaku team, his eyes gazed challengingly at Fuji.

"By the way; I'm so happy that Atobe-san has found my little girlfriend attractive" he said with another smirk "But, I would be more than happy if you could keep his hands off her"

"Your little girlfriend!" Everyone mused in unison as they turn to look at Sakuno for a moment before turning back to stare at Fuji.

"Ano…" hot steam immediately disperse from her crimson face.

"Wait, Fuji-senpai; who said that she's your girlfriend?" Ryoma quickly interjected with much exasperation "We're still competing…"

"Ry…Ryoma-kun?" Now Sakuno's face is totally unreadable.

"But I thought you were dating Tezuka-san!" Ann immediately chipped in and the rest of the guys were as curious as her "Right? Akira-kun…didn't we saw Tezuka-san sending her back home right after their date?"

"Heh!" all of them turns to look at Tezuka who almost choked himself upon hearing Ann's words. At that moment how he wished he could make all of them to run 50 laps around the park; however, knowing that he has no such authority to punish these bunches of annoying people except his teammates; he controlled his irritation.

"Heh?" Atobe instantly let go of the girl as he commented haughtily "You're quite popular among the guys"

"I'm not" Sakuno retaliated softly; however; those intense defiant stare she had on Atobe had made him taken a few steps backward. Even the rest of the Hyoutei group and the Fudomine were overwhelmed when felt a rather fearsome and yet virtuous aura which the girl released a while ago.

"Ma…Sakuno-chan…calm down" Fuji briskly walk over to Sakuno and gave a pat on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry…" Sakuno make a quick bow as she apologized. She had just realized that she was about to lose her usual tranquility. Since the day when she repossessed the power of Yagyu Jubei and the love-shaped eye patch, she noted some changes in her, whether it's physically or mentally. The intuition, the erratic power that she felt within her is about to claim her perception at any moment.

Inui immediately took out his beloved data book to record everything he saw a while ago. To his comprehension; the groups look startled when Sakuno instinctively released her fighter's aura.

"Ryuzaki? Are you alright?" Ryoma asked casually and yet she could sense his worries for her.

"I'm fine…" her head dropped with awkwardness as she replied. "I'm sorry for the trouble" with that she earned a light knock from Oishi on her head.

He shook his head to protest her from blaming herself. "Ryuzaki, you're being too reserved! We are your seniors as well as friends; we should take care of each other and that is 'UNITY!'"

"Nyah; Oishi is right! Don't hold back if you need any help" Eiji winked and the others except Tezuka and Ryoma gave her a thumb up sign. "We, the Seigakugumi tachi will do everything to protect our itoshi no Ohime-chan, nyah…" he said with a rather broken kansai accent and that had earned him a deadly glare from Oshitari. The Hyoutei genius is quite patriotic to his own native language and now the acrobatic player is obliviously speaking for the sake of amusing their coach's granddaughter.

"Minna…" Sakuno eyes soften and stare ardently at her seniors and Ryoma-kun "Thank you" she noted their benevolence with gratitude.

It's indubitable for Fudomine and Hyoutei to find the girl unexpectedly interesting, well; not for every one; but somebody among the groups.

At least Atobe is the first one who found the girl attractive; and right now he's even more interested with her when he heard Ann declaring that she and Tezuka, his rival, were dating each other. He would definitely want to know more about the petite enchantress. Oshitari thinks she has typical traditional quality; a Yamato Nadeshiko. Since young, the Hyoutei's tensai had been groomed with strict rules and regulations and most importantly, the family is very particular about tradition and aesthetic.

(Yamato Nadeshiko - woman who displays the feminine virtues of old Japan; use to glorify JAPANESE woman only)

Oohtori finds her cute, cuter than any other girls he met before. Shishido is totally attracted by those set of beautiful long hazel lock. It seems so natural and silky soft when the wind blows over it just like the set which he used to own before.

The Fudomine's captain, Tachibana Kippei wants to know what had made the girl so special. The Seigaku seems to be very protective over her. He's not fond of gossips though; it's just the habits of his little sister; Ann who used to report to him her daily events at the training camp. He also gets to know that his sister and Sakuno have become close friends. There is another girl whom Ann had mentioned. The two were from Seishun Gakkuen. It's really nice to know that his little sister has finally get to meet some friends of her own rather than spending most of the time in the tennis club, not that he doesn't like it; sometimes he felt that she should at least hang out with more girls of her age. The girl whom seems to be an apple in the eyes of the Seigaku players seems rather amusing.

Ibu Shinji did noticed the over protectiveness from his rival; Echizen Ryoma. He even heard the conversation between the first year and his senior, Fuji Shusuke about competing over the girl. He doesn't understand what makes the girl so special that could make the two promising players of Seigaku to compete for, yet; for the very first time he felt the urge to find out the behind stories.

At the end, the two groups decided to tag along with Seigaku; their main aim is to get to know better about the Seigaku princess.

"Sakuno-chan; let's continue our exploration. Let's go to the Haunted House" he winked and as he was about to pull her to leave with him; Ryoma caught the other side of her hand.

"Wait" Ryoma said gallingly "I know what you're up to; Kikumaru-senpai, bringing Ryuzaki to the Haunted house. You're trying to make use of this kind of tricks to frighten her so that she would throws herself to you"

"Keh!" Eiji sweat drop "Ochibi where did you get such weird ideas from. Since the Haunted House is one of the main attracting spots; it would be a waste for us not to go there, moreover, didn't I say that we'll go together? So let go of Sakuno-chan now!" he pulled the girl towards him, however the persistent junior was not convinced, had pulled the girl with equally force as his senior "Kikumaru-senpai should let go of her first"

"I…itai" Sakuno, who felt like her arms being pulled apart, whimpered softly in pain. Before the other guys could do anything to save their princess; Ann approached the two and gave a hard knock on their heads.

"Tachibana no imouto? What are you doing?" With that Eiji earned another knock from the furious girl for calling her Tachibana's little sister.

"Both of you! Though Sakuno-chan may be malleable; that doesn't mean that you could treat her like a string-puppet!" Ann's voice was sarcastic and quickly rising in decibels but as she turn towards the victim; Sakuno; her face softened "Sakuno-chan? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, thank you; Ann-chan" Enduring the slight pain on both side of her arms; the timid girl managed to utter an assurance.

"You're definitely not. The two bullies had pulled you so hard; I thought that they're gonna pull you apart" Fuji who looks dreadfully concern remarked sarcastically at the same time he stoop in front of Sakuno to check on her status.

Irked at the sarcastic undertone to the Tensai's statement, the two turned around to glare at him; however, they did not made any protestation for they've realized their mistakes. Though it's unintentional; their preceding behavior are excruciating.

"I'm sorry" Both Eiji and Ryoma apologized with an unfazed monotony.

"Hora; Sakuno-chan; don't stay too near the two cows; let me bring you around" Ann suggested excitingly. Despite, Kamio who murmured slight protestation, the others agreed. For Kamio; be able to walk beside his secret crush is a big deal and now he had to give up his privilege to Sakuno.

They were now going on a big group with Ann and Sakuno ahead of them, heading towards the recreated ancient town. The Seigaku didn't really mind the others to tag along; since they noted that it would be more fun to go on a big group. Moreover; their little princess, Sakuno is enjoying the company of the other girl, Ann Tachibana. The two seems to enjoy their tour all the way. From time to time; the two would just stop by some stores to check on the items which they find attractive.

The three groups of tennis players from different schools; formed a group of good looking young men and had attracted the attentions of many young ladies as they march towards the town. Especially the Seigaku, every now and then, fangirls would approach the boys and ask for autographs or even request for a photo shoot, thinking that they were actors from the Studio Park.

Tezuka ignored the fangirls; Fuji; being the all ladies man; yet; knowing that obligation would stir up more trouble later; thus; he politely turn down the girls' request. Eiji gladly accept their invitation and at the end he gets himself into big trouble. The rest were too shy to interact with the group of girls. Inui were collecting data of how many girls were hitting on the guys.

Not only the guys appeared to be popular; even Ann and Sakuno had been approached by some guys; however as soon as they registered many pairs of deadly furious eyes glaring at them, the pursuers immediately turn and run away.

As Ann suggested their next stop would be at Milk Hall for she had longed to visit the shop to taste the popular green tea cake with red beans topping.

To Ann's disappointment; the shop was fully occupied, moreover the popular dessert were all sold out. Going into the shop would be meaningless to her now; however the cozy coffee house next to Milk Hall has attracted the girl's attention; especially there are two big sundae twirl sculptures displayed in front of the shop entrance.

"Ne…Sakuno-chan; how about some delicious and creamy, cool, soft, fluffy and rich ice cream?" Ann winked as she pointed an index finger over the other side of the shop.

"Ice cream sounds great" Sakuno nodded with a lovely smile. She had felt uneasy with the kimono she's wearing now, moreover; she could feel the burden as she dragged the ten kilos of thick and heavy fabrics along with her as they walks from the Edo Bridge. She really thanked Ann for making a good decision of finding a place for her to rest.

Before the two girls were about to enter the elegant coffee house; from the visible window panel; they instantly registered two groups of people sitting at each side over the far end corner seats. The place has become rather sinister with two groups sitting there quietly.

The usual lively Sengoku Kiyosumi has not been himself. He seems awkwardly quiet as Ann would suggest. She wondered what had happened to the two groups.

Flashback…

Keh…Rikkai Dai?" Sengoku was also overwhelmed to meet the strong team here, but he was able to resume his usual airy attitude soon "Wow, guess the world is so small. What blows the 'Rikkai Dai Fuzoku' here? Look Dan, it's the famous Rikkai Dai…aren't we lucky or what?"

"Sengoku-senpai…" Dan shrugged when he sees most of the members from Rikkai Dai are glaring at his seniors.

"Oh? Who's the beautiful girl beside you, Sanada-kun? Girlfriend?" Despite of being glared by some members; Sengoku continued further with his teasing; however, this time he had picked the wrong person.

"Nice to meet you; I'm Yukimura Seiichi; captain of Rikkai Dai Tennis Club" His eyes widen when Yukimura stood up from his wheelchair and came forward to greet Sengoku with a warm smile and even give him a friendly handshake.

"What!" Sengoku exclaimed with astonishment when Yukimura introduced himself. Now the captain seems manlier as Sengoku studied his features in close distance. He could felt the handshake tightened and he implicit that the captain had did this on purpose.

'Such a strong grip! This guy is definitely a jackass player!' Sengoku thought inwardly while enduring the slight discomfort caused by Yukimura.

Bunta quickly covered his mouth to stop himself from laughing out loud. Akaya grinned mischievously upon seeing Sengoku's face slightly changes hue. Though Niou knew what's happening between the orange haired and their captain; he was able to keep a blank expression to conceal his inner joy upon seeing such an amusement incident. Inwardly, he's thanking Sengoku for being here to kill the boredom.

Sanada, Jackle, Yanagi and Yagyu ignored the little game as they walk over to the other side and occupy a table for themselves.

Right after Yukimura releases his grip; Sengoku massaged his knuckles to ease the soreness.

"I'm sorry! I must have been too excited to meet a great player like you, Sengoku-san" Despite the facts that he is still quite upset for mistaken as a female, Yukimura was able to give Sengoku another angelic smile.

"Oh my…Kyoto is not that big afterall…" Ann murmured softly "Ne…ne; Sakuno-chan, lets leave this place before they sees us" Ann doesn't like the idea of bumping into their rivals, especially Kirihara Akaya. Though their detestation had somehow lightened during the Japan-America Junior Exchange Tournament, Ann still prefers to keep a distance from him.

However Ann's plan had gone wry when a shop assistant spotted their presence.

"Irasshaimase" a beautiful brunette quickly approach the two girls and invite them to come into their coffee house. At that moment Ann had regretted of leaving the groups behind. She should have wait for the others; however; her patience is limited since there were so many fangirls entrapping the groups to move ahead. She could also tell that the deadly passionate fangirls will definitely skin her alive if she were to cause any interruption.

Since the waitress had greeted audibly; the two sinister groups divert their attention toward the entrance where they saw two young ladies, one; which most of them recognized instantly was none others than the sister of the tennis star of Kyushu; Tachibana Ann, however they were unable to recognize Sakuno who was dressing in a traditional kimono.

"Yo, Tachibana's little sister" To their surprise; Kirihara appeared to be the first one to approach the two.

"Don't call me that! I have a name, Kirihara" green vein popped up at each side of Ann's forehead.

"Kirihara-san; it's so nice to see you here" Sakuno smiled.

"It's not nice to see him! Sakuno-chan…" Ann protested "Why are you talking to him so politely?"

"Ann-chan?" Sakuno's heart pounded frantically against her chest when she sensed Ann's sudden outburst. She thought that the two had already been in good terms. "Gomen nasai"

"Erh….I'm not blaming you, just that, stay away from him" with that she pulled Sakuno and moved away from Kirihara.

It took quite sometimes to blend into the conversation as he too had found it rather contemptuous upon how Ann reacted.

"Eh? You're Ryuzaki-chan?" He had laid eyes on the beautiful girl ever since she entered the coffee shop. He never thought that the girl would turn out to be someone he knew. During the training program, Sakuno has been the one who took care of him right after he felt down the stairs and injured his body. Thus he could well remember the decent girl "You look totally different, awesome I would have added"

"Thank you…" Sakuno immediately drop her head to hide her blushing face again.

"Why don't both of you come and join our group, I'll introduce you to my other teammates" Just when Kirihara was about to take Sakuno's hand and pull her to join his group, Sengoku stood up from his seat and greet the two girls.

"Sengoku-san? Dan-kun?" Sakuno blinked her eyes when she met Sengoku and behind him was the guy who once went to their school and had challenged Ryoma once, the Yamabuki's manager, Dan Taichi. Sakuno used to felt that she and Dan had something in common. Fortunate for Dan; he was able to set his goal for his future right after meeting Ryoma.

"Lucky! I can't believe I'll be able to see you again, Sakuno-chan and Ann-chan too" Sengoku remarked with a sing song tone while Dan immediately perform a ninety degree bowing to greet her.

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