Disclaimer: I do not own Tennis no Ohjisama and Card Captor Sakura, especially each respective anime's characters. Iwase Kumiko-san and the Reverie Café are my own creations. Any similarities with real people and/or place are unintentional and coincidental.
Author's Notes: This story is not a crossover fanfiction regardless of Daidouji Tomoyo's and Hiiragizawa Eriol's occasional appearances. Moreover, this re-posted chapter is drastically different from the chapter 4 I initially uploaded. It is now aligned with the plot I designed for this story, and hopefully, Fuji and the others are not out of character anymore.
I apologize for the first Chapter 4. Here's the new one, folks.
Enjoy reading!
The Sadist of Seigaku
Chapter 4: Interrogation
Fuji Syuusuke and Sakuno walk side by side quietly. They have just stepped out from the train station and are now at downtown, walking back home. Sakuno unconsciously plays with a strand of her hair that has been hanging on her shoulder. Fuji-senpai has been eerily quiet. Not that it is unusual, though. It's just that he has been emanating this strange aura, and the bigger problem is Sakuno cannot identify what it is.
Then again, he looks like the Fuji-senpai when a serious game is about to start…
…a serious game wherein everything is at stake.
So, being the kind and considerate person that she is, little Sakuno decides to let Fuji-senpai walk her in peace. He may have little time on his own considering that he is usually around the other rowdier regulars. The District Preliminaries starts on Sunday, and although Seigaku has high hopes of winning, they cannot just play and goof around.
Sakuno sighs in exasperation. She does not really know how to deal with a senpai who is in deep thought. Sometimes, it is best to keep quiet, just the same….
…and so she did.
"Is something wrong, Sakuno-chan?"
"Huh?"
Sakuno jumps a little when Fuji taps her on her shoulder. She looks up at him, eyes wide in surprise.
"Eh? No, senpai, nothing is wrong."
"I just heard a sigh, Sakuno-chan."
She blushes hard at the comment, but shakes her head in denial. "I'm fine, senpai."
Fuji regards her for a while before smiling. "Saa…let's go-"
His sentence is abruptly stopped when the two hear a honking sound. They turn back to see who it is, only to find out that it is Fuji's older sister, Fuji Yumiko.
"Oneesan?"
The beautiful woman gets out of her car after parking it, then she approaches the two. Fuji Syusuuke introduces Sakuno to her, with the younger girl blushing furiously as her senpai's beautiful sister smiles at her and greets her back. Sakuno becomes quieter and as the siblings exchange regards. Sakuno proceeds turning her head back and forth to both of them.
"I'll drive you home, Sakuno-chan," Yumiko offers amiably.
"Eh? Ano…"
"Oneesan does not mind, Sakuno-chan," Fuji adds, noticing that the little girl is in her shy mode again – well, she always is, but it's more prominent than before.
"Ano…ano…thank you for the offer Fuji-san, but I don't want to-"
She is now blabbing, and the siblings are both aware of that. Fuji Syuusuke smiles at the girl, amused at her antics. Then again, Fuji grabs Sakuno's shoulders and leads her to his sister's car. Sakuno complies, but the warmth in her cheeks is growing more and more every minute that she thinks she will explode in embarrassment. On the other hand, Fuji Yumiko looks on at the two, more amused than her brother.
She has not seen Fuji Syuusuke interact that way with girls, although he can be very gentlemanly and nice to them. Fuji Yumiko is about to chuckle further, when she sees her brother closing the door of the passenger's side and waves teasingly at the girl, if only she misses the unmistakable glint of what seems like regret in her brother's eyes. She lets the thought pass for the moment, however, as she follows the two to her car.
The drive lasts only for fifteen minutes because Sakuno requested rather shyly to be dropped to the Reverie Café.
"You work, Sakuno-chan?" Yumiko inquires, rather interested.
"Eh? Ano, it's an apprenticeship, Fuji-san. I am under training of the head pastry chef," Sakuno answers wide-eyed at the question.
"I see," Yumiko whispers to herself. She regards the café from her car before turning to Sakuno who is about to get out.
"Ne, Sakuno-chan, would you like to visit us one day? I'll teach you some of the cakes and pies I have made for Syuusuke-kun and Yuuta-kun," Yumiko adds.
Fuji Syuusuke, who is about to walk Sakuno to the café, whips his head to his sister in utter surprise. Sakuno, on the other hand, stutters a series of incoherent words, which Yumiko takes for a 'yes'.
When Fuji Syuusuke and Sakuno have gone out of the car to walk to the café, silence ensues between the two again. This time, however, Sakuno is now more uncomfortable.
"Neesan likes to bake for us," Fuji mysteriously says.
"Eh?" Sakuno blinks at the statement. "What does she usually bake, senpai?"
Fuji smiles at her unpredicted interest in his statement. "Raspberry pie and other…treats," he replies. "I like neesan's cakes and pies a lot, but I also like the Reverie Café's treats, Sakuno-chan," he adds.
"Oh," Sakuno unconsciously blushes at the additional statement. She does not know if her senpai is commending the café or not, but being the innocent girl that she is, she thinks her senpai means that he just likes the café. She smiles at the thought.
"Saa…we're here now, Sakuno-chan," Fuji says as they stop in front of the café.
People still crowd the place. It is not unusual considering that it is already five in the afternoon and most of the students nearby hang out there. After Sakuno has profusedly thanked her senpai and his sister, again, for driving her all the way to the café, she enters the café, only to be stopped when she sees the distant stare of her senpai. He is not looking at anything in particular, although his eyes seem focused on the daily menu displayed outside the café.
She unconsciously touches Fuji's hands in the gentlest manner to get his attention. Fuji, surprised at the sudden contact, turns to her abruptly.
"What is it, Sakuno-chan?"
"Ano, senpai, you've been spacing out," she answers shyly.
"I was?" Fuji blinks several times.
Sakuno regards him for a while. When she is about to offer him a drink or snacks, Fuji turns to her, his eyes mysteriously deep.
"I'm sorry, Sakuno-chan."
"Eh?"
It is now her turn to blink several times. Why is it that her senpai is apologizing? Then, something dawns on her. Perhaps she has appeared so uncomfortable throughout the ride offered to her that the rather observant Fuji-senpai has noticed her discomfort. She does not want him to think that they have caused her discomfort. She is just unused to being offered with rides, especially those offers made by someone she barely knows. Then again, he and his sister have gone out of the way to drive her here so Fuji-senpai's apology is not really called for. In fact, she appreciates her senpai's kindness.
She reminds herself to give his senpai another 'thank you' gift.
Sakuno innocently shakes her head at her senpai.
Fuji blinks in surprise.
"Fuji-senpai should not apologize. Ano…I am really thankful that Fuji-senpai and Fuji-san have driven me back here," she quietly explains. "There is no need to apologize, senpai."
Fuji stares at her, wide-eyed. It takes a while for him to understand what Sakuno means by that, and when he does, he gives her a small but genuine smile.
"Saa…I'll see you tomorrow, Sakuno-chan," he says as he walks back to where his sister's car is.
But of course, he turns back to get a last look at Sakuno.
Sakuno waves back at him, and he waits for her to enter the café before turning back again.
This time, however, the glint of regret Fuji Yumiko has seen in his eyes is more evident than the one before.
Momoshiro is walking Echizen.
It is not entirely an unusual thing he is doing. He has been walking Echizen since junior high that it seems like an unnoted habit for both of them. Then again, walking a sixteen-year-old tennis prince capable of fending for himself is something unusual, so to speak. Well, Momoshiro isn't getting somewhere in the spectrum of being big brother to Echizen. Well, they seem like brothers since junior high but that's just it.
He is actually walking beside Echizen because he wants to lift the spirit of his kohai.
It seems that he has been sulking all throughout practice hour ever since he has seen Fuji-senpai and Ryuzaki Sakuno walk to St. Rudolph. Every tennis club regular member knows that the two are in for an errand by Ryuzaki-sensei, but then, Echizen, being Echizen, continues to sulk on the fact that the two are together.
Momoshiro, himself, does not know why the first year continues to sulk when there is not anything to sulk over. So, okay, he and Kikumaru-senpai have been teasing Echizen to Ryuzaki-chan, but that is all there is to it, right?
Right.
Then again, he has been hearing Inui-senpai talk to Oishi-senpai about Fuji-senpai complicating matters for the first year. He is the only one who has heard bits and pieces of their conversation, but he still cannot piece all things to create one, big, clear picture.
Momoshiro sighs.
"Ne, how about a match, Momo-senpai?"
Momoshiro is awakened from his musings as he notices that Echizen is right in front of him with that cheeky smile of his.
"Huh?"
So what has caused the sudden mood change?
Deciding not to question the kid further, Momoshiro follows Echizen's lead as the two walk towards the street tennis courts.
Climbing the steps towards the courts has given Momoshiro ample time to examine his 'ward' and continue with his musings. Then again, the climb has been so short that all he can do is to prepare for the match Echizen has been asking for.
"Who is going to serve, senpai?"
Echizen's voice is rather deeper than normal.
Monotonous. Quiet. Strong.
Momoshiro sighs for the second time that day.
"You serve," Momoshiro tells him when Echizen prepares to twirl his racket upside down. "Make it good, kid," he adds before the first year gets a chance to turn his back from him to get to his side of the court.
"Mada mada dane," Echizen replies in a whisper.
Once in serving position, Echizen pauses for a while to assess the stance of Momoshiro.
He seems ready for a twist serve, eh?
He smiles cheekily again.
Mada mada dane, Momo-senpai.
Gathering all the pent-up aggression inside of him, Echizen grips the tennis ball harder, twists it as he throws it up and then hits for a good serve.
Meanwhile, Momoshiro can feel the surge of energy emanating from Echizen. He has noticed from the first year's smile that Echizen will not be doing a twist serve. Then again, he is not prepared for the uncalled for serve that is dead familiar.
A knuckle serve!
Then all Momoshiro can do is move away to avoid being hit by the ball.
Fuji Yumiko watches Fuji Syuusuke's movements.
She has been doing that since arriving from the café. She knows Syuusuke well enough: he is aware that he is being watched. Moreover, she knows that her younger brother will not start talking about what is bothering him. He is used to doing that: he solves his problems by his own means and by his own way….
…which will not help in this specific case.
Fuji Yumiko, when she says she is close to her brothers, is dead serious when she has said that. She knows if they are in trouble or if something is troubling them.
She is also aware if something is bothering them and the two brothers cannot point out what is bothering them.
This is the present case of the tennis prodigy, Fuji Syuusuke.
To her surprise, however, Syuusuke approaches the countertop, lays his arms on it and props his head on his arms.
He breathes out a rather deep sigh that all Yumiko can do is drop what she has been doing and give full attention to her brother.
"Neesan, why did you invite Sakuno-chan all of a sudden?"
Yumiko raises an elegant brow at the question, but she discards it immediately and gives her brother a very fond smile.
"Well, she is studying baking. I haven't met a girl her age who is so into baking that she is willing to be an apprentice of a pastry chef," Yumiko replies.
Syuusuke smiles at the open-ended reply.
"I will be having a day-off next week, and since Syuusuke and Yuuta will be busy for practice, I thought of inviting some one to bake with me," she adds.
Syuusuke nods in understanding.
"…and when I saw Sakuno-chan, I thought she may be of good company, considering that she is close to you," she finishes.
Instead of seeing a positive gesture from Syuusuke, Yumiko blinks in surprise at the gaping mouth of her brother. Well, his mouth is a bit hanging, which is definitely a new sight to see.
Fuji Syuusuke feels as if he were in dire need of correcting his sister. He is not close with Sakuno-chan. Of course, his neesan may conclude so because Sakuno-chan is the first girl near his age she has seen walking beside him. Then again, there is nothing to conclude in such things, right?
Somehow though, Fuji Syuusuke is a bit unsettled at the last thought. He has just started talking seriously with Sakuno-chan since the start of the school year. Of course, she is definitely nice and sweet and innocent, but his friendship with her is not yet in the level of the Seigaku tennis club regulars because he has just started getting to know her.
Getting to know her…
His initial plan for Sakuno-chan and Echizen Ryoma flashes through his head.
He has approached Sakuno-chan just for the puny fact of teasing Echizen Ryoma.
Fuji Yumiko watches in wonder as the glint of regret she has previously seen in her brother's eyes becomes more evident. It is not only that, however, because her brother has not given a comment ever since she has answered his question.
Driven by sisterly instincts, she reaches for Syuusuke's hands and clasps them in her own.
Fuji Syuusuke is awakened from his musings. He stares back at his sister with mix surprise and worry.
"Neesan?"
"What is bothering you, Syuusuke?" Yumiko gives Syuusuke a small smile. "I haven't seen you like this for a long time, Syuusuke," she adds, carefully erasing the statement: ever since Yuuta left Seigaku for St. Rudolph.
It is hard for Fuji Syuusuke to wear his creepy mask of a smile, especially when he knows his neesan is trying hard to reach to him. One of the greatest sources of his strength is his family. One of the most difficult people to play around with, for him, is his family too. Then again, he is not the one to voice out things all of a sudden. It is not just because he is growing to be a man, although his neesan has said that men tend to keep their feelings and problems to themselves. It just is not him to do so. He thinks of how to solve his problems first. He does not want to bother his family with problems he can face on his own.
People think he is a sadist.
Maybe he is, but that is just on court…and well, during tennis practice.
Fuji Syuusuke returns the gaze his sister is giving him, and gifts her with a genuine but tired smile. Fuji Yumiko does not miss it; she never does, anyway. Then again, she decides to let go of her brother's hands as she waits for him to speak.
"Neesan, do you think a person will forgive her friend even if he has wronged her severely?"
To say that Yumiko is surprised at the question is an understatement. She purposely tries to ignore the referencing Syuusuke has just used.
Her.
He.
"It really depends on that person, Syuusuke. Some people will not forgive their friends, some people will do forgive their friends, but after a very long time," she replies cautiously, aware that behind the question lies the problem of her brother.
"…but there are a few people who will forgive their friends no matter what their offense is," she finishes, unconsciously giving an encouraging smile to her brother.
She waits for a reaction from Syuusuke, and she is quite pleased to see a glint of hope in her brother's visible blue eyes. He is perhaps, very surprised.
"But isn't that…" Syuusuke trails quietly.
"…a bit stupid?" Yumiko finishes it for him. Her brother is not one to say the harshest things to people – even when he is dead mad.
She receives an affirmative nod.
"There is a very thin line between stupid people and childlike, innocent people, Syuusuke. Then again, they are entirely different still, although I cannot fully explain it," she says as she taps her chin with her finger.
Fuji Syuusuke smiles at the last statement of his sister. He bows his head so that his light brown hair cover's his eyes, but amidst that, he knows his neesan is a bit comforted with the fact that she has helped him.
Of course, she always does, but very much this time.
"They must be very special then, neesan," he quietly says. "Those childlike, innocent people…"
District Preliminaries…
…and today is a Sunday…
…a very sunny Sunday, in fact, so much so that Kikumaru is fanning himself with his hand – if it helps, that is.
"Waah! It's so hot, and it isn't even summer yet, ne Echizen?!" Momoshiro mockingly whines as slings his left arm around the neck of the first year tennis prince and teasingly chokes his kohai. It is a good thing Echizen has not gotten a sip from his ponta yet, or else, he would have spat some of the grape particles on his senpai's jacket.
Of course, he does not mind, but if he does, Momo-senpai will create a ruckus.
The last thing he wants is to be seen by Tezuka-buchou, run around the courts and be humiliated in front of a large crowd.
"Well, the weather is becoming more and more unpredictable nowadays, Momoshiro, but," Inui comments as he adjusts his glasses. "…it seems that there are lots of people, considering that its just the district preliminaries."
Kikumaru blinks rapidly at the sudden change in topic, but nonetheless proceeds to observe the growing crowd of spectators inside the park where the district preliminaries is being held. Seishun Senior High School is now in the district finals, going against the same contender almost three years ago, Fudoumine. No one in the team is expectant on a certain outcome. Time passes and trends change so no one can ever say Seigaku will win again.
The team, after Inui's interjection, quietly proceeds to the designated court for the district final match. Fudoumine is already poised at the other side of the court. The umpire and the commentators have gathered on one end of the court, talking amongst themselves. The setting is so different from several years ago, but the opponents seem to be the same.
The eerie feeling of nostalgia crosses all of the regulars, especially for the Tennis Prodigy who is quietly standing at the back end of the team's trail.
"Ne, Fuji-senpai," a quiet voice interrupts him.
Fuji Syuusuke looks to his right to see Ryuzaki Sakuno. He also notices her dark-haired friend from the café several feet away from them.
"Good morning, Sakuno-chan," he greets amiably.
"Good morning to you too, senpai," Sakuno greets back with a bow.
The prodigy quietly notes Sakuno's fidgeting.
He knows she is a shy girl, and he finds it adorable when she does that.
Fuji pauses after that thought has passed in his head, but he immediately discards it.
"Are you here to cheer for me, Sakuno-chan?"
Sakuno blushes hard at being caught. She has considered Fuji-senpai her friend now, but she is still unfamiliar with him and his reactions. He usually catches her unguarded so much so that she gets this sudden attack of shyness. She is happy nonetheless, considering that Fuji-senpai is a very nice person.
"Hai, senpai," she quietly affirms. Encouraged by the smile she has received from her senpai, she excitedly says, "do your best, senpai! Ano…and senpai-tachi and Ryoma-san, too," she shyly adds as she finally notices that some of the regulars have taken note of her presence.
"Tomoyo-chan and I will cheer for all of you," she finishes, childishly flailing her arms, before bowing to excuse herself.
The regulars smile at her innocent cheer, all except for Tezuka who gives her an appreciative nod, and Echizen who grunts for a reply. Sakuno does not seem to notice this as she proceeds to look for Tomoyo who has already found a good spot for her shoot.
"Sakuno-chan, have you bidden them good luck?"
"Hai, Tomoyo-chan," Sakuno excitedly says. "I hope they'll do well. Fudoumine is a really good school."
"I'm sure they will do their best," Tomoyo comments encouragingly.
She is pleased when she sees the glitter of hope from her little friend's eyes.
Meanwhile, the Seigaku regulars are busy preparing for the beginning matches. Ryuzaki-sensei has just given them her last instructions for the whole team before their respective matches. After that, she has walked to the courts and sat on the coach's bench on Seigaku's side.
"Fuji," Inui calls the prodigy's attention rather hesitantly.
After discovering the line-up, the prodigy has been emitting a very strange aura. The others have noticed it, too, and so they have decided to give the prodigy some space.
Well, Inui is one to pry, but he knows how to manipulate things…
…except for the very unpredictable Fuji Syuusuke.
"What is it, Inui?"
The amiable face is so deceiving, no one knows how sincere it is.
"About your match…"
"I know, Inui. Things like this are bound to happen," he mysteriously says. "I'm actually looking forward to it."
Inui is surprised. "Really?"
Fuji nods.
No words have been exchanged ever since.
It is the moment Inui has been waiting for.
To see Fuji so mysterious even before a match is almost always fascinating.
If Fuji looks like this, it may only mean a few things…
Inui trails for a while as he contemplates on possible reasons based on past experiences alone.
Anger.
Well, few things tick the prodigy for all he cares. Of course, although he does not voice it out, Fuji is very protective of his family and friends, so much so that he will rather suffer harm than see them in pain. Inui has seen that many times. Perhaps, the regulars of the team have noticed it too, but no one has dared to talk about it with the prodigy. Well, that does not go for Tezuka who he remembers has commented on how protective Fuji is with his younger brother, Fuji Yuuta.
Then again, the look on Fuji's face is far from anger. And why should he be angry? Inui cannot find a plausible reason for the prodigy to get mad, so he discards the first reason.
Inui continues to rake his head for all sorts of explanation for Fuji's behavior. Nothing has ticked, however, and he has no time for his musings when he hears the sudden roar of cheers from the crowd.
"Ne, the crowd's a bit excited with this match," Momoshiro comments.
Kaidoh just fsshs in the background. Good thing for both of them, Momoshiro has not heard the viper.
"I don't know why, but both players seem to be ready for some raw battle," Oishi comments in the sidelines as he stands in between Tezuka and Kikumaru.
This better be a good battle, then.
The last thought is from Tezuka, who is observing Fuji from the moment the prodigy has entered the courts to the time he has taken his position.
"Singles 1 match between Fuji Syuuske of Seigaku and Tachibana Kippei of Fudoumine will now begin…"
"One set match!"
"Tachibana to serve."
The umpire's voice booms throughout the courts. The cheering crowd has quieted down, much for the players' good.
Tachibana tosses the ball up with little spin and hits it hard and fast. The ball lands exactly on the centerline at Fuji's side of the court. He has meant it to be an ace serve. Fuji, however, has already anticipated where the ball will land so he uses he hits the ball with a backhand.
A flat serve…
The two go for a rally that lasts for three minutes. It is only broken when Fuji decides to manipulate things and go hassle Tachibana:
Fuji drives the ball towards the baseline. Tachibana runs after the ball and returns. The ball lands a five feet from the net on Fuji's side. Fuji runs to receive the ball with a drop shot.
The ball lands several feet from Tachibana's side of the net. He returns the ball with a lob, while Fuji receives it with a smash that is easily returned by Tachibana.
"It is weaker than his usual smash," Oishi whispers. Kikumaru turns to him, questioningly.
Tezuka, on the other hand, nods.
Meanwhile, Tachibana manages to run after the ball and drives the ball hard to the baseline, far from where Fuji is standing. To his surprise, the prodigy has read his move and returns the ball with a stronger drive.
The ball lands on the baseline. The side far from where Tachibana has anticipated where the ball will land.
"Whoa, what a hassle!" Momoshiro suddenly comments.
Kawamura scratches the back of his head. "Fuji really knows how to play his game well."
Kaidoh smirks at the last comment.
Echizen, who sits under a tree a few feet from the group, squints hard.
There is something strange with this game.
He shares the same thought with Inui, who quietly adjusts his glasses. Whatever Fuji is thinking, nobody will know.
But he better win…
"Ano…Fuji-senpai has read Tachibana-san's movements? Wow!"
The small voice near him suddenly interrupts his thoughts.
Somehow, the spot Tomoyo has chosen for her and Sakuno to stay at is drastically near to where the Seigaku regulars are standing.
"Fuji did not literally read Tachibana's thoughts, Ryuzaki-chan."
"Eh?"
Inui amusingly notes the reaction of the auburn-haired girl.
"It's called reaction time, Ryuzaki-chan."
"Reaction time?"
Inui nods. By then, he has Momoshiro's Kaidoh's and Kawamura's undivided attention. Unbeknownst to him, Echizen is also listening to his explaination. "What seems to be reading an opponent's mind is simply anticipating his next move using your eyes. Normally, a person will react to a movement in five seconds, but to some, they only need a fraction of a second to react to it. It takes time to master that, though," Inui says academically.
"Ah." All four mouth their amazement uninhibitedly.
A few minutes after…
"Game won by Fuji. Two games to love."
"Ne, Fuji is a bit different in playing, ne?" Kikumaru points out.
Oishi quietly nods in agreement.
Normally, Fuji will be showing some of his special moves. Given that he is up against Fudoumine's ace, he should have been showing even one of his counters. Then again…
Tachibana-san is one of those who have broken into the counters of Fuji, forcing him to create the fourth counter.
"Fuji seems to have planned for a raw battle from the very beginning."
All eyes on Seigaku's side turn to Tezuka.
After his words have sunk in their heads, almost every one of them whips their heads towards where Fuji is standing. Currently, Fuji and Tachibana are engaged in a tiresome rally. Tachibana is doing his best on keeping Fuji a few feet from the baseline. It is a trick to prevent the prodigy from approaching the net faster in case Tachibana decides for a drop shot.
Then again, Fuji has his ways of making things go his way.
"Fuji has planned it all along?" Kikumaru asks to no one in particular.
"So that's why he has not even used a special. He seems so eager for this game in the beginning, I was half-expecting for him to use even the disappearing serve," Kawamura comments, before frowning at himself.
Who can ever predict the prodigy?
No one…
…and that makes him one big sadist on court.
"If Fuji were to use any special, Tachibana will just find a way to break into that, considering that Fuji has a tendency to keep on using a special for such a time," Inui adds. "However, that is what it seems for now. We do not know what is in store for Tachibana and for us later."
The mystery in Inui's voice attracts every one's attention on Seigaku's side. Even Daidouji Tomoyo, who barely knows the players of Seigaku, has diverted her attention from the game to Inui.
It's just a good thing that she has brought her camera's tripod with her.
The game has been on for thirty minutes.
Fuji receives Tachibana's flat serve for the second time in that game, but alas, Tachibana manages to return the ball and drive it to the singles' sideline a foot away from the net post. Fuji, who is standing near the baseline, is unable to return the shot.
"Game won by Tachibana! Four games all!"
The umpire's announcement reverberates throughout the whole court. Fuji and Tachibana are given time to rest. Fuji approaches Ryuzaki-sensei. He remains standing as he listens to the coach's instructions.
Meanwhile, Fudoumine's coach leaves Tachibana alone in his thoughts. Except for an encouraging smile, the coach has remained quiet while Tachibana is sitting beside him, his arms resting on his knees.
Tachibana wipes his face with the towel that is hanging around his neck. He knows his teammates are looking at him with mix worry and encouragement. He also knows he had a hard time tying the score with Fuji, but all his struggling has paid. Then again, he is so frustrated with one thing:
Fuji Syuusuke, prodigy of Seigaku, has been manipulating him from the very beginning.
He has discovered it just after he has scored to tie the games with four all, and he cannot deny it. From the very beginning, Fuji has not even used a special. He, on the other hand, has designed a shot specifically invented for Fuji, but whenever he is poised for it, Fuji is able to read through him and break his stance even before he can execute the shot.
It seems Fuji has prepared well for this game.
They may be friends, but this is a game, and as a captain, he has the responsibility of bringing victory to Fudoumine's hands.
I will not let him manipulate me for long.
Fuji quietly drinks his water as he steals glances of his teammates. His eyes land, however, on the auburn-haired girl who is currently listening to what her dark-haired friend is telling her. When she turns to look at him, he gives the one thing few get from him:
A genuine smile
Several minutes before Fuji's game….
Singles 2 has just finished, and well, what is so unusual with Echizen Ryoma winning the match against Ibu Shinji? Nothing, of course. Then again, by some drastic changes in Fudoumine's line up – new talented recruits – Seigaku has to seal the last two games to win the district preliminaries. Echizen has won singles 2, and all is left in his hands now.
Fuji Syuusuke, after changing the grip tape on his racquet's handle, approaches Ryuzaki Sakuno. Her eyes are wandering around the court as she waits for his game to start.
"Sakuno-chan?"
"Hai, senpai?"
"Do you like dolphins?"
Sakuno blinks at the question. Then, she remembers the day Tomoyo-chan brought her to a park that features dolphins. She blushes at the thought.
"Ah…hai…they are very cute, senpai," she replies.
Fuji notes the tinge of pink on her cheeks. He quietly smiles to himself.
"Ano…senpai…"
Sakuno is about to ask why he has questioned her regarding dolphins when he unknowingly interrupts her stuttering.
"One more thing, Sakuno-chan…"
"Eh?"
Sakuno is constantly blinking now that Fuji has shown his blue eyes. To the innocent little girl, the sight of her senpai's mysterious eyes is so ethereal that she cannot take her eyes of them. Then again, obaachan has told her not to stare so she shakes her head a bit to distract her gazing. Fuji-senpai might be offended if she continues with the staring.
Fuji, on the other hand, cocks his head to the right at her unexpected movement. He ignores it, however. The question he is about to ask is more important than asking why she has just shaken her pretty head.
"Sakuno-chan, we are friends now, right?"
Sakuno innocently beams at him and his startling question. She has considered Fuji-senpai her friend already, and it is not just because he has been helping her in her English assignments. She does not know why, but she likes being around this certain senpai, although she knows she still has to know more about him. That comes in time, however, and all she wants is to share moments with her new friends and take care of them.
"Fuji-senpai is my friend," she replies, unconsciously flailing her arms in childlike delight.
Fuji, knowing full well what her answer would be, is still surprised with how she has answered his question. He is also surprised at the sudden surge of emotions inside of him, that all he can do is smile.
"Saa…I'll go now, Sakuno-chan."
"Do your best, Fuji-senpai! We'll cheer for you!"
He has heard her encouragement when he is near the court's entrance. Before stepping in, he turns to Sakuno's direction and quietly whispers to himself, "I know."
On with the game…
The crowd's cheer brings Fuji out of his reverie and back to the game. Tachibana has managed to tie their scores, and that just proves that he is not one opponent to play around with. Then again, he still has one ace up his sleeve, and it comes in the form that is most unexpected of him.
He smiles eerily at the thought, that all Ryuzaki-sensei can give him before going back into position is a motherly pat on the back.
"Fuji to serve!"
Fuji serves with a normal slice serve, and given Tachibana's skill level, he knows he can return this.
Tachibana does.
Fuji drives the ball to the service line. Tachibana, who has stood near the baseline, runs after the ball and receives it. He drives it to the left-corner baseline far from where Fuji is. Almost every one in the audience thinks that the two are on for a long rally again.
Nothing new?
"Tachibana, do you like dolphins?"
The out-of-place question puzzles Tachibana. The rally is taking a bit long now, and the last thing he expects from the prodigy of Seigaku is a question about cute sea creatures.
"They're a bit interesting," he cautiously drawls.
Fuji makes a drop shot, which, again, forces Tachibana to go nearer the net. Once the ball is returned to him with another lob, Fuji drives the ball to left side of Tachibana's court – still near the net.
"Have you seen it maneuver?"
Tachibana barely hears the question, but he hears it still. Fuji is not attempting to distract him, right? The prodigy has a plan, that's for sure. Whatever it is, it is beyond him though.
So what's with the interrogation?
"What do you mean?" Tachibana asks as he runs near the singles' sideline where Fuji has just driven the ball. He drives the ball back to Fuji's side.
Instead of giving an answer, Fuji smiles at Tachibana as he positions in a stance much like Kaidoh's stance when he is going to do the Boomerang Snake. All eyes are on him, thinking that the prodigy is going to copy the Viper's move, which only a few have dared to.
If they're waiting for a special, I'll give them one.
Fuji hits the ball returned to him with an unusual force and speed for a drive – it is almost a kill. The instant Fuji hits the ball, Momoshiro blurts out: "Is it just a drive?"
Inui, Tezuka and Echizen, have other thoughts however.
Truth be told, as Tachibana runs to receive the ball, he stops dead on his spot.
There is one REALLY BIG problem.
He is seeing a hundred balls…or so he thinks.
Silence ensues after the ball remains unreturned by Tachibana.
"15 – 0!"
The umpire breaks the silence, and the crowd roars.
Amidst the commotion, all ears at Seigaku's side are on Inui who unconsciously explains the move Fuji has just done.
"Fuji has used the position to execute the Boomerang Snake to gather energy from the ground. It has enabled him to drive the ball with five times the force and speed so much so that the ball literally glided on the ground. I also see now why it has taken time for him to make a special," he drawls.
"He has waited for the sun…and he has used the sun's light to create numerous reflections of the ball," Oishi adds quietly.
Tezuka nods.
"Fuji's combination of force and speed has made a mirror out of the ground."
All eyes are blinking at the new information they have just gotten. Inui is noting some more things on his notebook, while Echizen, who is now standing beside Momoshiro, is smirking to himself in excitement.
A trick. Fuji-senpai has planned to use a special after all.
"Banzai! Banzai! Banzai!"
The freshmen trio cheers inside the Reverie Café. Seigaku has won the District Preliminaries after Fuji has won against Tachibana – on an almost raw battle. The regulars, along with Ryuzaki-sensei, Sakuno, Tomoyo, and the freshmen trio, have decided to celebrate at the Reverie Café when Kawamura has announced that their sushi restaurant is on reservation for a special event. They are at a special spot in the café where they can have their celebration in private. All the Seigaku students sit at one long table fixed by Tomoyo and Sakuno. The latter two are serving the whole team for their celebration.
"That was a swell drive you did, nya, Fujiko-chan! What do you call it?" Kikumaru says as he slings an arm around the prodigy's neck.
Fuji blinks at the question before smiling at Eiji. "I call it Iruka Kidou."
"Iruka…Kidou?" Every one at the table, except Tezuka and Ryuzaki-sensei drawls.
"Hai."
"The Dolphin Maneuver…" Kaidoh whispers. Fuji hears him, and he gives the Viper a knowing smile.
"Nya! Nya! Let's make a toast for Seigaku's victory!" Kikumaru breaks the awe-silencing atmosphere at the table as he raises his glass of vanilla milkshake to initiate a toast.
All of them cheer in agreement…except for Ryuzaki-sensei and Tezuka…again…but they, too, raise their glasses.
But before they can make a toast for Seigaku's victory, an unusually deep and sensual voice disrupts them.
"Well, well, well, isn't Seigaku celebrating so early?"
All heads whip to where the voice has come from, only to be utterly surprised with the sight in front of them all.
"Hyoutei!"
The information regarding reaction time is from a National Geographic Special Presentation on Martial Arts and Science.
The information regarding the flat serve is from Wikipedia.
Iruka Kidou is something I invented. It is based on a hypothesis I have thought of. It has not been tested yet so I do not know if it can be done for real. The mirage it creates is based on the reflection/deflection of light.
I apologize for the length of this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Read and review please.