Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis
Mochiii's note:
Firstly, I would like to thank Shunrei Ryuzaki for your review! It gave me the courage to post up Chapter 3. I'm sorry that it started out a bit confusing. I'll take note in future. I've probably become rusty that's why. :P But I'll try my best to have this story finished as nicely as i can! Arigatou Gozaimasu! *bows*
Chapter 3: Knocked out
Echizen Ryoma?
Sakuno turned to look at the boy again. Indeed, now that she had taken a closer look, she realised that the person was really not who she thought he was. In fact, this person had a smaller built compared to the one in her mind.
Souka!* It wasn't him! Sakuno silently heaved a sigh of relief.
"Sakuno! Let's go over to the tennis courts to take a closer look!" Tomoka said as she started pulling her friend along.
"Ah! Matte yo, Tomo-chan!"** Sakuno tried to keep up with her but in a hurry, she accidentally let go of the handkerchief in her hand which was in turn being carried along by a gust of wind.
"Taihen da!" Sakuno exclaimed and freed herself from Tomoka's grip in order to chase after her handkerchief. It landed near the edge of the tennis court and she hurriedly ran towards it before it could fly away again. Just as she had squatted down to pick up her handkerchief, she heard a shout,
"AH! WATCH OUT!"
Sakuno looked up to see a tennis ball flying towards her. "Ah-" And before she could shield herself or dodge the tennis ball, the ball had knocked her unconscious.
"AHHHHH! Ochibi! This is all your fault! You should have retreated and hit the ball back!" The red-haired third year whose name was Kikumaru Eiji shouted at his opponent.
"But why would I want to hit a ball that was meant to be out anyway?" Echizen Ryoma retorted.
"Tonikaku, we have to bring her to the infirmary first."*** Another third year, and also the vice-captain of the club, Oishi Shuichiro said.
"Sakuno!" Ryuzaki-sensei exclaimed in shock when she approached the court and saw her granddaughter lying on the floor.
"Sakuno? Wait a minute, Ryuzaki-sensei, is this girl by any chance the Sakuno that you have mentioned to us before? Ryuzaki Sakuno?" said second year student, Momoshiro Takeshi, as he began to approach them after stopping his game abruptly with his eternal rival, Kaidou Kaoru.
"Yes, she is my granddaughter, Sakuno. But let's do all the talking later. I need to take her to the infirmary first. This girl… She only recovered not long ago! Tomoka, help me walk her to the infirmary!" She instructed Tomoka when she approached the crowd.
"H-Hai!" Tomoka answered and picked up Sakuno's bag. Together with Ryuzaki-sensei, they held her up, with each arm of Sakuno's slung over their shoulders and they started walking towards the direction of the infirmary.
"Yabai!**** Of all people why must the ball choose to hit the granddaughter of Ryuzaki-sensei?" Eiji asked in bewilderment.
"Oi! Eiji! Does that mean you are fine with the ball hitting someone in the first place?" Oishi asked in shock.
"Joudan joudan!"***** Eiji grinned and patted his partner on the back. "Tonikaku, Ochibi! Shouldn't you go check on her?"
"Huh? Why me?" Ryoma turned to face his senpai in surprise.
"Because you were the one at fault!" Momoshiro and Eiji shouted in unison cheekily. Together, the both of them pushed Ryoma towards the gate of the tennis court and Ryoma trailed after the trio grudgingly.
Translation:
*Souka: I see
**Matte yo: Wait
***Tonikaku: Anyway
**** Yabai: This is bad
***** Joudan joudan: Joking joking
Mochiii's note: okay, this chapter was probably a bit crappy, with the handkerchief flying and the ball knocking her unconscious. :P but there will be Ryoma-Sakuno moments in the next chapter! ^^