A/N: I'm so sorry minna-san! I think I did mentioned that this chapter is the longest, so I break them into three section otherwise; I won't be able to upload the docs. Please bear with me...domo arigatou

Please enjoy the continuation...

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

Italics + Bold denotes Song lyrics

Song Title: Yubiwa by Maaya Sakamoto

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.

Chapter 10 PIII: Youkoso Kyoto: Breached Bond, Attack of Dark Angel 2

"By the way, Sakuno-chan; you look extremely beautiful today" Sengoku, the Mr. Lucky of Yamabuki continued to compliment the girl.

"Sengoku-san? You still remember me?" Sakuno asked again. She never thought of anyone from the training camp would remember her because of her introverted nature.

"Of course I remember you. You were the first girl I met when I woke up from my unconscious state. Talk about that, I should have thank Echizen Ryoma for hitting me hard with the ball otherwise I won't be seeing a sweet angel kneeling down next to me, taking care of me…"

Sakuno's face immediately flushed as red as tomatoes however she didn't remember of taking care of him while he was unconscious.

"Keh" Kirihara jeered "Stop your stupid serenading, Sengoku. What kind of decency you have of hitting on girl like Ryuzaki-chan?"

"And what about you? Weren't you doing the same thing just now? Akaya-kun" Despite of Kirihara's sarcasm; the power house of Yamabuki was able to remain his tranquility.

"What did you say?" Kirihara felt a little lambasted upon hearing Sengoku's accusation.

"Ano…" Now Sakuno had grown worried about the two young men. Based on their stance; the heated fight will soon be view. Just when she was about to stop them before the situation turns rough; a stern voice called from behind.

His emergence would be the greatest relief for Sakuno as she knows that he's the only one who could stop the two. Beside the Rikkai Dai's Emperor; there is a violet haired beautiful young man with a serene façade and both of them came forth to greet Ann and Sakuno politely.

"I'm Yukimura Seiichi, Rikkai Dai Tennis Club Captain" he continued to introduce himself to the two girls. "I heard from Genichirou that both of you were also working in the campus as volunteers during America/Japan Exchange Tournament. Thanks for taking care of our team members"

Overwhelmed by Yukimura's affability; the two immediately perform a ninety degree bow to return his courtesy.

"Same here! We should be the one to say so" Ann said with the equally politeness as the Majestic Rikkai's captain.

Dan immediately apologized on behalf of his teammates for stirring up the trouble. "Ryuzaki-san! We're so sorry. Sengoku-senpai is an airy person. Please do not take his words seriously although he has been modestly precise this time, and Kirihara-san; please forgive our Sengoku-senpai for his rudeness" with that he earned a knock on his head from Sengoku.

"Dan? What are you talking about? I'm serious when I said that Ryuzaki-chan is beautiful…" he continued to complaint "and I don't think I'm rude. Don't simply speak on behalf of others; especially when you're talking nonsense"

"Sengoku-senpai…" this time Dan is dangerously close to tears as he drops his head and murmured soft apology "Sumi masen"

"Akaya…why don't you leave the two young ladies alone and return to your seat first" Yukimura told Kirihara who in turn acted accordingly.

The four people witnessed the great supremacy that lies beneath the serene and beautiful façade of the 'Majestic' Rikkai's captain. Like Fuji Shusuke, the captain always appears to be a pacifist otherwise he would be the one who promised nothing but hell, should there be anyone who dared to step beyond his territory. At least among the four of them, Sengoku is one of them who had already tasted his astuteness.

The two Tenipuri princesses took the vacant table next to the Yamabuki and Rikkai Dai. Sakuno heaved a sigh as soon as she rested her back against the soft bolster of the double seats.

Right after the two made their orders; Sengoku continue his chatting with them "So, it's only the two of you?"

"Of course not" Ann replied nonchalantly "We came in a group…" she paused for a moment before correcting her earlier statement "Should say; we're now in a three groups combined as one group tour…"

"Three groups in one? What do you mean, Tachibana's little sister?" Ann immediately ignored Sengoku when he called her 'Tachibana's little sister'. Comprehending Ann's feeling and her slight mood change; Sakuno immediately chipped in, telling Sengoku and the rest that she came here with the regulars and bump into the Hyoutei and then the Fudomine. Since it's so coincidental, the three tennis teams had decided to tour in a big group.

"That means Echizen-san is here?" This time Dan sprang up from his seat and asked excitedly.

"And Omoshiroi-kun too?" Sengoku added.

(Omoshiroi-kun – The way Sengoku addressed Momoshiro)

"Hai…" Sakuno nodded and regarded the players with surprise. Not only Yamabuki; as soon as Sanada heard that the Seigaku regulars had joined the tour, he too stood up from his seat and question the girl. "Tezuka-san; is he coming too?" he asked with a casual baritone.

"Yes…all the Seigaku regulars are here"

"I can't believe that Inui is joining the trip" the corner of Yanagi's mouth curled up upon imagining his former partner collecting tons of data while touring the park.

"Oh…and the self admiration, Atobe-sama is here!"

"Hai…" The exhilaration has been rather excessive, Sakuno felt herself being pushed aback from her seat.

It did not take long for the two enthusiastic groups to rectify the girl's statement when they saw a group of people marching towards the coffee house.

"Ah? They are here" Ann remarked when she noticed that the big group has finally arrive.

On that day; Boston Café was soon crowded with many good looking players. More surprises comes forth when they saw another three groups of people; St. Rudolph; Jouseishounan and the Rokakkou; entering the coffee house right after Seigaku, Fudomine and Hyoutei.

"Yo…Seigaku, Fudosan and Hyoutei no minna-san tachi…" Sengoku came forth to greet the groups of players. "Wow; you guys are here too? St. Rudolph; Rokakkou …and…" he paused for a moment trying to recall the last group who entered the coffee shop "Eto…it's Shonano ka?"

"It's Jouseishounan; you idiot!"

Gagging with fears; Dan quickly came forth and bow many times to ask the raged team to forgive his senior. Poor Dan for his senior never stops making fun of others.

(Fudosan refers to Fudomine. Their last kanji is written as 'yama' or 'san' and both literally means mountain. Shonan is referring to Jouseishounan. I'm so much in love with Sengoku's ability in playing with names, thus I'd try to imagine what he'll call the Jousei team. In Japanese, Shonanoka refers to memorial service held on the seventh day following a person's death. In here, Sengoku is trying to make his sentences sounds like a question as if he's asking if that's Jouseishounan. Owari)

"Yamabuki and Rikkai…!" Momo shrugged, had the others were also surprised to meet Rikkai and Yamabuki in Kyoto.

"Rivals are destined to bump into one another, coz the road towards victory is narrow and stiff" as Sanada enunciated the proverb all of them noted with agreement.

"Ya! Echizen! Long time no see! Wow! What a great costume you're wearing now!" the bouncy flirty player of Rokakkou; Aoi Kentarou approached Ryoma and give him a hard handshake as he commented. "I thought I was right when I saw and recognized your back from a distance. I have sharp instinct right!"

"Can you please lower your voice? You talked too loud" Ryoma muttered.

"Ya ya; I'm sorry! I'm quite annoying am I!" he admitted openly. Once Kentarou had started his conversation with Ryoma, he could no longer leave him behind "But I'm so happy to see you here! How about a game later"

"Iyada…" turn and walk away from the bouncy player.

'Can't he just leave me alone!' Ryoma sighed inwardly.

"Yuuta!" Fuji smile widen as soon as he saw his Yuuta while the little brother shrugged upon seeing his elder brother in Hoko sugata.

(Hoko sugata – Semi formal outfit. The name literally means "cloth hakama," in deference to the use of sashinuki instead of the more formal silk uwabakama. Typically, only military officials or men of high rank would wear a sword with this outfit, and even then they might not wear one if they choose)

"Eh? Wasn't that Fuji Shusuke, dane?" Yanagisawa remarked with a rather surprise tone "And he's wearing a hoko sugata dane. Yuuta; why don't you go over and greet your brother dane"

"Yanagi-senpai!" Before Yuuta could continue further protestation; Shusuke is already standing infront of the group.

"Hi Yuuta. What a pleasant surprise to see you here. You should have told me that you're coming to Kyoto too…"

The leader of St Rudolph; Mizuki came forth; twisting one curly bang, with his trademark laughter; he greeted Shusuke "Well, well; it's the Seigaku's Tensai Fuji Shusuke. What a great surprise to meet you here. Of course; we are rivals after all"

As usual, Fuji would give Mizuki a cold shoulder. He ignored him and continued to greet the rest of the members as well as his childhood friend, Saeki who is standing behind the St Rudolph's team.

The twin, Kisarazu Atsushi and Ryou get together and had a little chat when Mizuki who looks seriously furious because of being ignored by Fuji, interrupted their conversation.

"Atsushi-kun? What do you think you're doing now, not wearing your headband again?"

"Mizuki-san! We're on vacation!"

"Still, you're part of St. Rudolph! What will happen if we wrongfully took your brother with us? Don't you know he can easily spy on us!"

The twin brother sweat drop upon hearing such perverse reasoning; however, based on his stance; the Manager could be quite pushy; thus to save their ear drums from unnecessary damages; Ryou decided to distant himself from his twin brother.

Yukimura and Sanada left their seats and walk over to greet each team's captain. All the great leaders exchanged a short and complimentary conversation while their teammates filled up the coffee house. As usual; Tezuka had gained so much attentions and compliments from many people because of the grand outfit he's wearing.

Many players had learned about Yukimura's condition, they could tell that he's still at the stage of recovery; they show their concern towards him.

"Yukimura-san…Seigaku are always looking forward to seek guidance from you" Oishi commented politely.

"Thank you, I'm also looking forward for competition. It's really a pity that I wasn't able to take part in the Exchange Tournament" Yukimura replied with the same courtesy "Please show your guidance to us too"

While the leaders were still interacting with one another; Ann eyed the groups with surprise as the fangirls were no longer pursuing the players. She wondered what had happened to those persistence fangirls.

Out of the blue, Atobe had caught Ann's staring. It took him a moment to analyze her thoughts from those quizzical stares. Plastering his trademarked supercilious smirk; he explained "I called up the manager of the park and told him to stop the fangirls from harassing us. What a sin it is for ore-sama to be so attractive; na…Kabaji" with that he brush off a few strains of his bangs to show off his charm and ingenuity.

"Usu"

Most of the players who joined the training camp had got use to Atobe's self-admiration and were not affected by him however to those who still had hard time on accepting his style; had earned themselves goose bumps from head to toes.

Seeing the group of familiar players; it reminds Sakuno of their wonderful times they had at the training camp. Now Ann is by her side and 'Tomo-chan…' Her cheerful face was immediately replaced with a depressing one as soon as the familiar names slipped into her mind again. If her best friend weren't abducted by the devil; the three of them would have been enjoying good times together.

Everything seems so foreign and yet so familiar. Just when she had decided to come back to Kyoto to start anew; meeting new faces, however; serendipity had once again bring forth familiar faces, creating a proverbial surroundings for her to remember all the good and bad times.

Ann immediately noticed Sakuno's depression. "Sakuno-chan, are you alright?" she asked with concern. She began to wonder if her sudden depression could be due to the absence of Tomoka.

She'd felt surprise at first to see that Tomoka had not joined the trip; however, she assumed that the energetic girl must have been occupied, perhaps baby sitting her little brothers or watching over their house. She thought; maybe she could make her feel the presence of the girl even if she's not with them.

"Hm? I wonder what Tomo-chan is doing now" Ann mused audibly.

Sakuno eyes widen as Ann mentioned Tomoka. She couldn't get herself to answer or even utter a single word. She's doesn't know what to say to Ann nor how would she explains to her what had happened to Tomo-chan; or should she even consider of letting her know. What would she think of her; if she told her that it's because of her inability; Tomoka and her family were kept hostage by the evil clan that were supposed to haunt her.

Despite of Ann's ignorance of the whole facts; Ann continued to cheer her up. "Ne…ne; Sakuno-chan? Later on; let's go and buy some souvenirs for Tomo-chan, ne, so at least smile a little" This time she exclaimed excitingly. It gives the Seigaku regulars a hard thud in their chests when Tomoka's name being mentioned; worst; it's directly hitting the girl.

Before the girls could continue their conversation and before the Seigaku could ease their princess's tension; however, unexpectedly; Sengoku turns up and disrupted everything.

He hauled the girl towards him, his face sticking at the side of hers; with another hand he held the digital camera, adjusting the lens to the right position before he exclaimed cheerfully "Ohime-chan? Ichi tou ichi?"

It was Sengoku's sudden interference that all her anxious thoughts disappeared; replacing with a suspense one. However, as malleable as the girl is; she immediately replied Sengoku without thinking "Ni…" her mouth broadens as she enunciates the word. With that he quickly clicks the snap button to take a quick shot.

(Ichi tou ichi – one and one? Ni – two. A Japanese ways of saying cheers)

"Yosh! Perfect shot!" Sengoku make a self compliment as he check the quality of the picture which he took a while ago. This would be the first picture of him and Sakuno. "Thank you; Ohime-chan"

Though; the Seigaku team has been grateful that because of Sengoku's sudden intervention that had somehow made the girl drop her anxiety; however they dislike the fact that he was taking advantage of the girl. Everyone could simply read the girl's mood as it reflected directly onto her face. In another words; she is too uncomplicated.

Both Ryoma and Fuji glared at Sengoku as if they wanted to skin him alive and burn his bones in the furnace and dispose the ash into the ocean. Eiji quickly pulled Sakuno away from Sengoku as he protested "Sengoku! What do you think you're doing within five feet of our Ohime-chan! Who gives you the right to take picture with her?"

"Oya; oya! What's with the fuss, Kiku-rin? Ohime-chan did not say 'no' either" Sengoku shook his head as he defended himself adequately.

"That's because she's too ingenuous to know your motive!" pulling his side bangs; the acrobatic player jumped up and down with steam on top of his head as he fumed.

(A/N: Okay, this is probably the most OOC scene I would ever imagine)

"..." Sakuno was once again caught speechless.

"Sakuno-chan? Are you okay? Did he frighten you?" Fuji briskly walked over to Sakuno, regretting that he had not been keeping close eyes on her and that had let Sengoku having an upper hand to do what was supposed to be his liability.

"Hidoi Fuji-san! You sound like I'm a monster or a pervert" this time it's Sengoku's turn to protest "I'm just trying to be friendly"

(Fuji-san, proper way of addressing Fuji, literally refers to Mt. Fuji of Japan)

"Sengoku-san…" this time Fuji announced seriously "Sakuno-chan is very important to us. Not only as her senior who is suppose to protect her from any unnecessary disturbance but also for the fact that I've already declared my love for her; it bothers me a lot to see if anyone is trying to hit on her"

"You what?" Everyone jaw dropped upon hearing such firm and honest declaration. They had never seen Fuji like this before. The usual smiling façade was replaced with a cold and deadly solemn one.

"Nii-san? When did you…" Yuuta eyes widen with surprise "I don't care but you don't need to be so straight forward"

Gently he pulled the girl towards him and gave her a possessive hug. "I'm sorry for leaving you alone. I promise I'll never leave your side again"

"Fu…Fuji-senpai?" Indeed Sakuno was not surprise when he hugged her so suddenly. It seems like she had get used to it. His embrace is so warm; so secure; she wished that she could stay longer like that; however; she immediately break away from him when those playful players started to tease them; Yuuta approached them and protested softly to his brother that he is causing an embarrassing scene.

"Fuji-senpai…"

"What is it, Echizen?" Fuji turned around to face Ryoma. This time the two rival exchanged glares. An animated electrical beam could be seen as they challenged each other with dead glares.

"Fuji-senpai…Ryoma-kun?" Sakuno sweated immensely upon seeing the two geniuses were about to bit each other's bones again.

"Next time…" breaking away from their glares, Ryoma said sternly "Let me protect her from the pervert"

Though Sengoku had heard Ryoma's word loud and clear; he did not take it offensively. He rather enjoyed watching the two geniuses fighting each other.

Atobe sighed. He noticed that aside from all Seigaku regulars, any guy who gets near the girl within five feet would be labeled as 'Pervert'

"If that's what you want" Fuji flashed another smile at his junior before tightening his embrace as he provoked "But too bad, Echizen! I'm not gonna let go of her!" He continued casually and then he turned his attention back to Sakuno who looks awfully apprehensive "That I promise you, Sakuno-chan"

"Stop taking advantage of her!" this time Ryoma bolted with fume of jealousy.

'Doushiyou…fuhuhuhu' Sakuno wept inwardly as she massaged her now throbbing temples.

"Mou, both of you are giving Sakuno-chan a hard time" Ann sighed.

Yanagi Renji briskly walked over to Inui's side to inquire about the new found topic 'Seigaku's Internal Conflict' Inui smirked and he was more than happy to share the same interest with Renji.

"Oh…is that so" It didn't take long for the Rikkai's data player to go through the thick data book which Inui had collected since this morning.

"This is really interesting. I didn't expect that Tezuka-san is taking part of this too. He always reminds me of Sanada. Wait, I should say his face is more impassive than Sanada's, however; it really surprised me to know that his preference for girls would be someone like Ryuzaki-san. So he likes girls with decency, eh…"

"I've already told him to practice smiling. It's good for exercising his face muscles. At this rate, Ryuzaki-san would not read him well" While talking to his old friend, Inui also took out another data book which he used to collect all the data on Tezuka "Renji; I'll mark down your words. Comments will always convince people to change"

"Congratulation, Yuuta…" suddenly Nomura came forth and shook Yuuta's hands hardly.

"Why?" Yuuta stepped a few steps backward.

"For having a cute sister-in-law soon" like Yanagisawa; Nomura doesn't know when his teasing has gone too far and seems to particularly have this problem when it comes to Yuuta. In fact, he's always doing something to upset Yuuta. At the end he earned a deadly head knock from the furious teammate.

"Fuji-san (Mt. Fuji); she's a princess and based on your outfit; you're suppose to be an Imperial Officer. An Imperial Officer who cheated on the Emperor is a dead penalty and you're supposed to perform 'seppuku' to repent your misdeed" Sengoku played along since all Seigaku players were dressing in ancient costumes.

Everyone turned and look at Emperor Tezuka whose face is still as solemn as ever while he ignored all the mischievous stares that directly hit to him.

"Seppuku first; then seppuku, buu.." abruptly Amane Hikaru (Dabi) of Rokakkou came forth and cracks a pun and earned a served kick from Kurobane "Na Dabi! It's not funny! Stop embarrassing us!"

(Seppuku – disembowelment (penalty), setsu fuku means persuasion and also can be pronounced as seppuku (Fu-Bu))

Someone among the group of people had been throwing deadly glares at Amane. He's no other than Oshitari. He could well remember the joker's merciless tarnishing to his prided Kansai accents when they were paired up during the trainings.

"I don't mind even if I have to die for her…" Fuji announced; so sincere that everyone backed a little.

Even Yuuta could not bring himself to believe what he had just heard. He knew that his brother has always been a good and kind hearted man who cherished his family and friends; despite of his constant denial of such quality he possessed. Yet, it would be absurd for his brother to claim that he would give up his life for a girl instead of his beloved tennis.

"No! You can't! No matter what happen, you must not simply give up your own life!" Sakuno exclaimed frantically as soon as she heard the word 'Dead' Her pair of hazel eyes suddenly shows nothing but fear and agony as she quickly pushes Fuji away and backed a little.

As my tears keep overflowing one after another,

I can't see your last smile through their blur.

Please don't go, please don't go... Stay here.

Light bursts through the sky.

"Sakuno-chan/Ryuzaki…"

"There are many people in this world who wished to live and yet they were not given a chance…" Once again the image of her suffocated mother came to her. Sakuno tried to hold back her tears; however she failed. "So…no matter what happens; please live on…otherwise someone who cares for you would be very sad…" she managed to pour her heart out despite of her constant sniffling "So…please don't tell me such a sad thing"

Even this insignificant me

loved you more than anyone, with all my soul.

Thank you for all of

the precious feelings

Not only the Seigaku were staggered by her sudden mood swing, most of them noted that the girl had been typically sensitive about life and death. Her agony had somehow affected the frame of mind of others, especially those words that she had spoken a while ago had made them realized the significance of their life and their blessings which they have presently.

The Seigaku members felt for her. Knowing that she had lost her mother at such tender age; they realized how lucky they are that their love ones are still with them. Somehow they felt a little culpable for taking their happiness for granted. Moreover she had had another scar within her from the day she left Seishun City.

Fuji understands as he too had once lost his beloved sister, Yumiko. If not for Sakuno…Jubei-sama; he wouldn't be able to see his sister again.

Though, Ryoma did not really have such glitch of losing someone dearly to him and aside from losing a game to anyone; however, had once felt that he had almost lost Sakuno. He detests such feeling. It's like losing a game to his rivals.

Although Yuuta was not very sure of what had happened to their sister, however he too felt quite upset when she had gone missing for almost two years. Moreover, Fuji Sibling's Rivalry issue was like a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. Eversince that day when his brother matched their captain, Mizuki; he began to understand a little about his brother. Though; he seldom goes back home; the family has been very supportive and understanding. He could not imagine what would happen to him if his family wasn't there for him.

When you took off, I was

watching for a long time as the vapor trail disappeared

Please don't forget

You're not alone.

Even if we're apart, we can still carry on hand-in-hand.

With my first love, I first realized

that there could be such sorrow.

Sanada and his teammates who had once almost lost their important leader as well as good friend; Yukimura, could also understand the girl's feeling. Yukimura himself too had gone through the road of life and death. While inside the surgical room, he could heard his teammates cheering and supporting him, telling him not to give up and because of this, he was able to become strong and live on. 'I'm also one of the millions people to wish to live on…that is why' a smirk plaster across his face upon remembering the girl's words.

Even if something lapses away, something will

live once again.

When you gave me a smile as we parted, it was

your message for me

to truly live with all my heart.

The Rokakkou began to ponder about their future of not having their coach to be with them as they understand that the elderly is towards the edge of his lifespan; though at his age; he seems perfectly healthy. 'Thinking of the close ones that would soon be leaving us forever makes me sad'

"Jii-chan!" Kentarou, being the most expressive player of Rokakkou hugged Saeki as he burst in tears.

"Oi….oi, Kentarou! Stop it…its embarrassing" Saeki was totally shock when Kentarou suddenly hugged him. He would like to give the first year board shoulder sympathy; however, it would be awkward and kind of weird for a boy to cheer up the same gender in such way. "Let go now…"

"Hidoi, senpai!"

Atobe analyzed the girl's words. Many people said that he's damn lucky that he's born with a 'golden' spoon in his mouth; however, the arrogant tennis player doesn't have real friends before meeting his teammates. Being the only male heir of the Atobe's clan; many of his relative had wished that he was dead so that the Atobe's empire would pass to the next kin. He had once becomes very skeptical to everyone around him. His arrogance and self esteem is the disguise that he used to deceive other people; not wanting them to sense his weakness.

I just know that we'll see each other someday.

If we're together,

even if we're far apart, we can gaze in each others' eyes

Let's bet everything on all our hopes and dreams.

The Fudomine had also once gained disparagement in public's eyes due to the past incident. However the group, under the leadership of Tachibana and with their strong determination they had finally get over those hard days. They know the loneliness of being alone and helpless. They know back then; they had hold up much agony and fury. They could not imagine how their future would be if they had not built up trust and bond between one another.

Sengoku could also felt the wrench in his heart. Right after losing his match to Kamio, he said that he would strive hard to improve his skills; however, there were times he almost lost all his confidence and faith in tennis. It was through the continuous supports of his teammates; he was able to keep the dimmest light of faith that burns within him. Without them, he would be no one; without their support; he wouldn't cast out his old self and start anew.

Let's promise each other

that we'll hold on to the intensity we felt

that day,

and live the future that blooms

in tomorrow.

"I'm sorry, Sakuno-chan. Please don't cry anymore…ne…" Although Fuji felt the wrench in his heart; however, he did not show it too explicitly. He doesn't want people to see his feeble side "I take back what I said earlier"

Realizing that her earlier reaction was rather overwhelming; she lowered her head and muttered a soft and thwarting apology. Once again, she attempted to compose herself.

Fuji regarded the girl for a moment. She is so fragile and innocent. So fragile that he wanted to protect her, so innocent that he can't help but wanting to hold her tightly once again in his arm; he felt for her; among the group of people, he is the only one who knows more about her and her painful past. Yet, not at this moment, he suggested as the girl is still dishearten and it would mean that he is taking advantage of her. He decided to think of other topic to divert the girl's thought since she's easily distracted.

"Please don't say that. It's my fault; I apologize, Jubei-chan…" Fuji had once heard that Sakuno doesn't like anyone to address her as 'Jubei'. She would definitely take those words seriously and would start her cute retaliation. He smirked with satisfaction as the girl's sad expression is replaced by an amiably staggered one.

"FUJI-SENPAI! I'm not Jubei! Although papa does call me that; but he is literally referring to Jiyuubei and when he speaks very fast it would sounds like Jubei; but he actually calls me 'JIYUUBEI' since my given name 'WAS' Jiyuu. Nanohana Jiyuu..."

"What are you babbling about; Sakuno-chan!" Suddenly everyone except the Seigaku members…appears to have question marks above their heads.

"Eh? Why why? Why do you call her Jubei? Nan de, Nan de?" Hasu Takehiro of Rokakkou jumps out from the group and started his weird babblings too.

"Keh! Why do you always have to ask why? Atama okashii…" Eiji chipped in with slight irritation. It seems like the curious player would like to do weird things to his nose never changed a bit.

(Atama okashii – refers to people who are curious, atama – head, okashii – strange/curious)

"Eh? Nande? Nande? Why do you still stick the bandage on your face? Does it hurt? Eh? Why? Why?" with that Hasu quickly moved over and stood infront of Fuji "Why…why are you always smiling and why do you call her Jubei? Why? Why?"

(Nande – Why?)

"Yeah; I'll like to know too…Nan de…" Sengoku joined the probing.

"Urusai!" The Seigaku members; except Tezuka, Oishi and Kawamura; muttered in unison.

"I know; but it's alright for me to call you Jubei-chan; right?" Fuji smiles again as he resumed his mischievous plan. He noted that some people from their group are dying of curiosity, thus, he decided to continue with his act.

"Ha?" Sakuno never had anyone asked her of what she likes to be call so it was to her a very difficult issue to be decided.

"But…I really wanted to call you that. It would be too sad if you would say no since I've just started to like the way I call you" immediately he furrow his brow; faking a disappointed look.

"It's a trap…" before Ryoma could say the word out loud; Sakuno had already given the cunning senior a few frantic notions in agreement "Hai! I understand! Jubei is alright for me too"

"Ryuzaki…" Ryoma went speechless for a short jiffy before resuming to his natural stringent self. How could she be so unimpeachable that she didn't even noticed Fuji's mischief? Anyway, there's no way he'll let Fuji take another step ahead of him. He'll have to do something to close the distance between him and Sakuno. "Ryuzaki; I'll call you Jubei-chan too"

Everyone; including Tezuka looked at the cool first year; their mouth suddenly gaped a little.

"What's with the stares!" Ryoma turn away feeling slight irritated when everyone stares at him as if he's an alien from out of space.

"Ryoma…kun" Sakuno also could not believe of what she had heard; however, as soon as she regain her poise she flashed a bright and sweet smile at him "I would loved Ryoma-kun to call me 'Jubei' too"

"Er…if Ochibi calls you Jubei-chan; I'll call you that too!" Eiji added.

"Me too" Momo added with a trademark wink "Jubei-chan…"

"Fushu…baka…"

Again, Amane came forth and regarded Sakuno for a moment before turning to one of the Rikkai player, Yagyu Hiroshi; the renowned chivalrous player of Rikkai Dai; who challenged his stares.

"Yagyu" Amane's eyes are still on Yagyu as he said his name. He then divert his attention back to Sakuno again as he call out her nickname "Jubei" To an extend he combined the two names together.

"Yagyu Jubei…buu…" everyone sweat drop upon hearing the rather confusing remark Amane had made. With that, he earned another flying kick from his teammate. "Dabi! Told you many times not to crack silly jokes like this and obviously; it's not funny!"

"Yagyu…Jubei…" unknown by the group of tennis players; a man with spiky hair, wearing a pair of sunglasses and a set of black colored yukata, eyeing dangerously at them as soon as he heard the name of the legendary swordsman being announced among the crowd when he entered the coffee house "…but there are so many people there, who are they calling Yagyu Jubei…"

At last, the waitresses were able to serve the group as the group finally decided to settle down. Most of the team members even suggested of binding all the tables into a long table so that all of them could sit closely to one another since it's an unusual opportunity for eight best tennis groups to gather around.

Continue…