Note: Thank you for bearing with me despite my slow updates! My computer caught a bug from someone and I had to have it reformatted. Anyway, thank you for reviewing my story despite it being somewhat long. Normally, I wouldn't write stories that have 10,000 words but people advised me to write every detail of the match. Actually, I find that interesting as well but I know some people would get bored so, I try to add some stuff in between. Thank you to all my reviewers! Please continue reviewing my stories! It gives me more inspiration to write!

TotalPrinceofTennisFan07: I will try my best to make Yukimura appear more often. I'm trying to follow the series but unfortunately, it got more messed up. So, considering I'm in control here – I guess making Yukimura pop out here and there won't be a problem. Ayane and Atobe's arguments are quite the comic relief but the shocking part comes later.

Sundae Bunny: Honestly, I thought it would be nice to have the two but considering there was too much of that and I too kind of found it over dramatic, I decided to make it different. I might be planning a SanadaOCTezuka considering how much the two want to murder each other or an OshitariOCTezuka since Oshitari and his "favourite" kohai spend a lot of time together and Tezuka and "she" have similar views. Yes, her family is quite complicated – she'll reveal her life story soon. Or, I might make another story which is a prequel to this one.

Tanya: Yes, Gin is a third year. It so happens that the sister enrolled the same time he did though she is a few months older than he is. Atobe and Ayane's situation will be put on hold for now since they're in the Kanto Regionals. However, you'll see what happens to dear Ayane and Atobe soon. (Cackles in background)

Chapter 23 – Sidewinder versus Divine Speed

Taking out her racquet, Mai proceeded towards the court with another girl following her. Adjusting the strings of her Wilson [K]obra Team FX racquet, Mai glanced to see a blue haired dark skinned girl with green serpentine eyes walk from the Taishaku Fuzoku Chuu side. The red haired tensai didn't know what to make of the girl who licked her lips maliciously at her, shuddering at the long tongue.

"Singles Two will now begin: Hyotei Gakuen's Nagisaki Mai versus Taishaku Fuzoku Chuu's Hakumaru Ayame! Please come to the court now!"

When Mai met Ayame, she raised an eyebrow before shaking Ayame's hand. "Uh... hi, let's have a good match?"

"I'm ssssure we will," Ayame's tongue slithered, further grossing out the Hyotei tensai. "Hmmm, you look really sssssexy..."

Mai shuddered while turning around. Kami-sama, please deliver me from this deranged lesbian of a snake!

Momo twitched at the dark skinned girl. "She's worse than Midoriyama-senpai when she had the drugs."

Haruka hollered to the sophomore. "It's okay, pretend it's someone you really hate and blast her face!"

Mai twitched once again at her opponent, walking towards the baseline. "Well," –she smiled sardonically. "Let's dance then."

"Aww, that smile doesn't suit you," Ayame pouted as she licked her racquet. "I wonder how you taste after I wipe you across the tennis court."

Ayane gagged and turned around while Isane handed her a paper bag. "I knew this bag would come in handy some day."

Kiyone turned around, gagging over at a nearby trash can. "She's sick..."

"Game start, Hakumaru to serve!"

Tossing the ball in the air, Ayame licked her lips maliciously. "Let's see some skin~~!"

The ball zoomed towards Mai with a curving motion which the tensai easily deflected. Ayame forehanded it again while Mai sliced the shot down to force the girl to come closer. Ayame, sliding over, dropped the shot right over the net while Mai sent it as a lob. Ayame jumped up and fired a fast shot with the effects of the Knuckle Serve.

"Verse one~~," Ayame licked her lips as Mai's skirt blew over. "Huh? Aww, why are you in shorts!?"

"It's what people call 'scorts'," Mai pointed out while returning it with the Adonis Drop. "I always wear a pair. I know I'm pretty so yeah, I gotta make sure those boys don't get perverted~."

The ball lobbed all the way to the baseline but Ayame bridged backwards and sent the ball back in awkward angle. "You shouldn't make it sssso fassst, sweetheart~!"

"Ugh, stop that," Mai backhanded it back to another corner. "I'm about to gag on the court because of you!"

Ayame forehanded the next shot towards the Singles line. "Aww but I want to see every bit of you!"

"Really," Mai smirked while jumping for a smash. "Sorry biscuit, I don't swing that way!"

"Love – fifteen," Mai landed gracefully while Ayame licked her lips.

Ayame sniffed the air. "Can't you smell it? It's the smell of..."

"Sand," Mai rolled her eyes. "Please – if you're really straight and a top spinner, I suggest you stop acting like a damn lesbian and give me the game I want!"

Ayame wagged her finger dismissively. "Tsk, tsk, a lady shouldn't ask people to rush."

"But a lady doesn't hold back when she knows her pride is on the line," Mai pointed out to the serpentine girl. "So, play against me like you mean it!"

Ayame smiled slowly, giving off some crocodile like grin. "Well, I didn't know you swung that way. If that's the case, come and get me!"

"Sure, why not," Mai sardonically smiled before forehanding it towards the very intersection of the service line and singles line. "I never back down!"

"Love – thirty," Ayame picked up the ball again for the next service.

Mai shuddered at the gleaming reptile eyes. She looks more snake than human! What the hell...?

Ayame fired a side winding serve which caught Mai off guard. The ball curved in different directions while Mai got ready to terminate its spin power.

"Gotcha," Mai noticed the ball disappear. "What the hell-?"

The ball bounced on the court in a ninety degree angle away from the tensai which forced Mai to lunge and return it with a flimsy volley. Ayame licked her lips before sending it straight towards Mai and blowing up her shirt. Mai side stepped while managing a hard forehand to the corner but Ayame contorted over like a snake and repelled it in an even more awkward angle. Mai jumped backwards to return the shot with a backhand while Ayame slammed it towards the corner.

"She's insane," Mai muttered before returning it with a cross-court. "However, every player has a limit. If it's my skin she wants then, she's going to get it!"

Ayame slid to one side and got ready to top spin until Mai lifted her shorts a bit. "Hey~~~, you want some?"

Though Mai didn't want to believe it, Ayame fell flat on her face and the ball smacked the net.

"Love – forty," Mai shuddered at the fallen girl's reaction.

I can't believe it! She's really a dyke, Mai felt her jaw drop. I'm not even sure if she's worse than Midoriyama-senpai or if she's just plain nuts!

Ayame mumbled to herself as she saw Mai's face contort with disgust. "I must find a way how to please Nagisaki-sama! Does she like how I look? Am I pretty enough?"

"Buchou," Mai twitched at Shizuru, pointing menacingly at the reptilian girl. "She is just plain creepy!"

"Just try and ignore it," Shizuru replied calmly. "It's probably just a tactic to throw you off."

How can you be so calm!? Mai stared incredulously at her captain, who simply folded her legs one over the other. I can't believe she's not even intimidated by the dyke! That's insanity or pure denseness!

Ayame glanced to the side but turned back to glare at Mai, stomping the floor. "No, she can't be! She's not!"

"She's not what!?" Mai stared aghast at Ayame. "Whatever you're thinking must be some disgusting erotic fantasy!"

Ayame's eyes somewhat glistened with jealousy. "She's your lover isn't she," –her voice began to tremble while her eyes began watering. "No fair!"

Momo gagged while turning around. "Gross, that's the worst thing to say on the tennis court!"

Hitomi began scribbling down. "This is what happens when there are schools that have a building exclusively for girls. But the percentage is usually moderate."

"Whatever she is or what she wants," Haruka shivered as Rin clung on to her. "She's really creepy; can we please end this match NOW?"

Mai winced before returning the next shot. This girl's a monster! To think they even dubbed Shizuru as a monster...!

"What's the matter," Ayame smiled slowly. "Don't tell me you're slipping now?"

Hitomi began looking through her notebook. "Hakumaru Ayame, senior tensai of Taishaku Fuzoku Chuu, is known as 'Quetzalpetal'. Her reptilian looks inherited the title but more that she acts very seductive. Her opponents of choice are usually red heads that have appealing qualities."

"Crap," Mai whined from the court. "Doesn't she have any other preference asides from red heads that have appealing qualities!?"

Haruka snickered a bit. "Unfortunately, no – she doesn't. I hope you're straight, Mai!"

"I know I am," Mai shouted from the court. "Besides, what kind of person likes snakes!?"

"I happen to like snakes," Kiyone shouted from the other end. "They're cute!"

Mai stared at her incredulously. "But, they're slimy and they eat people!"

"Those are only the big ones," Kiyone pouted childishly. "Anacondas only eat deer!"

"Sure they do," Mai rolled her eyes while returning the shot. "This girl looks like she wants to eat me!"

The captain of Taishaku Fuzoku Chuu smirked at a flabbergasted Mai. "It's so sad. She can't even face an opponent who flirts with her!"

"Yeah, it's so nice to look at isn't it," Momo rolled her eyes. "Have you looked in a mirror and seen how wrong the situation is!?"

Haruka shrugged while sitting on the bench. "I don't think she cares about Hakumaru-san's infatuations."

Rin bit her fingernails. "Kuwee~, she's been hitting on Mai-chan ever since the game started."

Mai fired a forehand towards her. "Game, Nagisaki: one game to love!"

Ayame placed a finger on her lips. "Hmm, perhaps you would like to see more of me then?"

"Eww no," Mai drew back horrified. "Keep your skin on!"

"Why is she making this place a striptease?" Momo drew back, somewhat hiding behind Isane. "She's disgusting and how much drugs does she take?"

Hitomi began scribbling down. "Well, at least we're now sure that Mai's not a dyke."

"I was never one to begin with," Mai fired a heavy service, screaming at the data master. "Who does she think she is!?"

"Uh, your lover?" Momo raised an eyebrow only to earn a glare from the tensai. "Okay, I'm kidding. Geez, I know you're straight!"

Ayame contorted and sent it back with a top spinning shot. Mai danced to one side and volleyed it across while Ayame forehanded it straight towards the corners. However, Mai lunged for the ball easily forcing Ayame to run down the shot. The ball lobbed over but Mai managed to smash it down to the right service box corner.

"Fifteen – love," Ayame tilted her head to the side while licking her lips.

Mai fired another service but what startled her was that Ayame just bent over and returned it with an awkward shot. Mai managed to backhand it however Ayame returned it again.

"Her flexibility is what's confusing Mai," Hitomi scribbled down on the notebook. "Mai can't predict the next shot since the flirting's there with the insane contortion. Despite Mai's motion sight, it's going to be hard for her to contort here and there."

However, what shocked Ayame was that Mai sent a shot from between her legs. Ayame smiled slowly, blushing. "Aww, you're so cute when you do that!"

Mai forehanded it back to Ayame. "Huh? Are you alright or are you insane? Oh sorry, that's a rhetorical question!"

"Fifteen – all," Mai saw Ayame send a cord ball towards her.

"Thirty – fifteen," Mai dashed with a fast volley going to the baseline left corner.

Ayame and Mai played it out with flexibility and agility. Ayame flew upside down and still managed a good forehand across. Mai sliced it down for an under spin and Ayame skidded across the floor only to have Mai counter her drop shot with a ground smash.

"Forty –fifteen," Mai wiped the sweat away from her forehead.

"Wow, you haven't lost your touch considering," Ayame smiled slowly. "Considering that you played Doubles against St. Rudolph, I'm surprised you held your ground here."

"Of course," Mai smirked. "I have to be flexible in situations like this."

Ayane punched her hand. "Yeah, Mai's got here in now!"

Atobe glanced at Ayane and then at the Hyotei captain. "Kurenai, can you come here for a minute?"

Shizuru stood up, smiling faintly. "It will take Kobayagi time to adjust to your bet. But, you didn't have to do it that way."

"Ore-sama knew no other way," Atobe grew even more flustered. "By the way, what did you do to Shishido?"

Shizuru mournfully lowered her head. "I didn't know it would..."

"It didn't hurt him," Atobe nudged her. "It's more like he's training hard so he can flatten Singles players. He's out powered Hiyoshi on some days."

Yukimura breathed in the fresh air after being granted time to walk around. Sanada followed behind him with the Rikkai Dai team in case something happened to the bluenette buchou of Rikkai Dai. He knew that Rikkai Dai would breeze past their last opponent which is what led him to stay in Tokyo for awhile. Yukimura noted to Sanada that maybe he may want to see his cousin or his rival. However, Sanada made no comment until the word "Kurenai" was mentioned. Yukimura laughed softly at Sanada's blushing face. The vice captain even hid his face under the cap.

"Sanada, are you that eager to see her," Yukimura smiled his turtle smile. "If so, the Kanto Regionals area is just around the corner."

Marui leaned against Jackal. "Wait a minute, fuku-buchoulikes someone?"

Sanada hid his cap, muttering a soft "Tarundoru". He couldn't brush off the humiliation that day and the one thing he made his priority was to beat the brunette for that day. That tomboyish, soft-spoken, tennis obsessed...

That tomboyish, soft-spoken, tennis obsessed queen that decided to be more interested in winning than you?

Sanada growled in annoyance; how could those thoughts enter his mind? He didn't know why Yukimura chose Tokyo as a walk around place but the thought alone irritated him. Niou's bickering with Kirihara and Marui didn't help either while Yagyuu who seemed to be the only sane one with Jackal. Yukimura however decided to take in the fresh air.

"We should check the Kanto Regionals," Yukimura smiled serenely. "I would like to check on my sister."

"Now, now, Yukimura," Yanagi pat the demigod's shoulder. "Let's not have a repeat of last year."

Yukimura glanced at the courts. "I can hear pretty good shots and I think Taishaku's having their game today, am I right?"

Marui shrugged. "They're just some no-namer school that came about. There's nothing too fancy about them."

"Still, it wouldn't hurt to see new styles," Jackal nudged Marui for his tactlessness. "So, are we going to watch?"

Yukimura smiled pleasantly to the Rikkai Dai regulars. "I guess so, considering we don't have anything to do here."

Walking after Yukimura, Sanada found himself going to the place that he probably didn't want and wanted to go. Shots echoed left and right as Sanada watched how fast the ball skid off the net.

"Game, Nagisaki: three games to love!"

Mai, brushing away her hair, walked towards the bench to get a swig of water before heading back to the courts. She glanced at Ayame who smiled at her slowly, causing shudders from the tensai. Mai shook her head while looking towards her team. Momo twitched every few minutes before muttering a string of curses and something about her blood pressure rivalling her cousin's. Haruka glared at Ayame while Rin hung behind the glaring Zhujiang. Hitomi scribbled and even hid her face in her notebook to prevent looking at Ayame's slow smile. Ayane gagged while Kiyone grabbed a doggie bag and began throwing up. Shizuru however, didn't seem to mind what was going on.

"Why's everyone vomiting? I don't remember us eating anything poisonous before the game," Shizuru tilted her head to the side. "I mean – as far as I'm concerned, we didn't have any of Yamaguchi's funny concoctions."

Hitomi frowned a bit. "My concoctions are not poisonous."

The whole team stared at her (except Shizuru). "Yes they are!"

"It's not her," Mai shivered a bit. "It's my opponent! She's been checking us out ever since awhile ago!"

"Ayame has issues," Haruka shook her head disdainfully. "She's been checking out at buchou's butt for some time now."

Shizuru glanced at Ayame, looking at her backside. "She's doing what now? But, it's not that big."

The whole team sweat dropped at their captain before breaking into laughter. Isane leaned against Momo for support, laughing hysterically while the female Sanada held her laughter inside. Haruka rolled on the floor after Rin swat her backwards by accident. Ayane hugged onto Kiyone, crying with laughter.

"Time's up," the arbiter declared as Mai and Ayame went to the courts again.

Mai shuddered as she glanced at Ayame but stopped when Yukimura smiled at her from the bleachers.

Oh my God, Mai felt her knees buckle while Yukimura leaned against the bleachers with his usual pleasant smile. He's so hot!

Momo slapped her forehead. "Great, they just had to come...!"

"Why? There's nothing wrong with that," Ayane tilted her head to the side. "So, what's wrong with Rikkai Dai coming over?"

"It's Mai," Shizuru sadly sighed. "She has a problem dealing with Yukimura."

"She's scared of him?" Rin raised an eyebrow.

"Worse," Momo shuddered. "She's in love with the devil."

Mai cocked her head to the side while glancing at the beautiful devil of a captain. Yukimura smiled pleasantly despite Ayame's slow smile at her. Gripping her racquet tightly, Mai glared at the hissing girl while lifting her racquet slowly.

She has some nerve to embarrass me in front of Yukimura-kun! I'll show her the meaning of 'embarrassment'!

Mai began her service with the Sazanka serve while Ayame sent a tornado like shot. Mai dashed over and sent a heavy forehand across while Ayame started fumbling from the impact.

"Mai's playing abilities have increased by 5.5 percent because of Yukimura's presence," Hitomi scribbled on her notebook. "Reasons so far are unknown."

"You shouldn't be looking at him like that," Ayame smiled slowly with a hiss. "Your lover might get jealous of him."

Mai gagged. "Shizuru's straight and that's all I need to know!"

"What makes you think I was referring to her?" Ayame backhanded the shot back at her. "Although, you wouldn't mind if I take her?"

"I like Shizuru the way she is now," Mai half-snarled while slicing the ball over the net. "Innocent, dense and tennis obsessed! Don't you dare twist her mind into some creepy dyke thing!"

Ayame mocked hurt. "But she's so beautiful," –she protested until her racquet got knocked off by Mai when the tensai targeted the wrist.

"That's junk," Mai hissed venomously. "Buchou's better off with a guy who can make her smile for real! Apparently, you don't qualify!"

Isane sighed while looking at Shizuru. "Wow, Shizuru's going to have a heyday in looking for a man."

"I don't think she's concerned with that right now," Rin shook her head disbelievingly at the kohai and Sniper. "Romance is the last thing that can penetrate her thick head."

Yukimura shook his head, sighing at Mai's temper. The tensai's eyes flashed angrily while her shots scared everyone, including those who were not on the court. Her speed slowly changed from being only one into five people. Ayame's eyes widened and Yukimura couldn't help but be impressed. The serpentine girl fumbled over as Mai increased her speed continuously.

Her speed's much better than most speed stars, Yukimura noted quietly to himself. She has quite the temper too but can still make her way out. Quite the tensai she is, considering that most tensai would rather stay calm and find some other manipulative way but this one's different.

"Love – fifteen," Mai saw a shot that disappeared and cracked onto the other side.

Hold up, Mai glanced from one side to another. I never saw that shot before!

"It's called the Sidewinder," Ayame rested her racquet on her shoulder. "Don't snakes do that?"

"Yeah, ones that live in the desert," Mai rolled her eyes. "Maybe you should go there."

Ayame glanced at Yukimura with a huge cheerful chirp. "Wow, she's so beautiful!"

Mai clenched her racquet tighter. "Hey, hands off!"

"She's not your lover," Ayame pouted. "You back off!"

"Quit questioning my sexuality because I'm perfectly straight," Mai hollered while her volley increased speed. "Besides, that's a boy you're looking at!"

Yukimura chuckled lightly at Mai's temper; after all, what Mai said was true. Many girls could mistake him for another and Mai seemed to be the very first or one of the very few who could tell that he was a guy. Watching her speed intently, he glanced at Marui and then at her – this is something Marui needs work on.

"Oh no," Marui stared in horror. "You're not going to make me run at that speed are you?"

"Maybe," Yukimura smiled vaguely at Marui who hid behind Jackal. Then again, he'll collapse before the Nationals. Maybe Niou should do it.

Niou's face paled considerably but Yukimura paid no heed to it. "Sanada, would you like to watch the last match?"

Hiding his blushing face under the cap, Sanada didn't know how Yukimura knew that he wanted to. "Am I that obvious?"

"Personally knowing you," Yukimura placed a finger on his chin, smiling pleasantly. "I'd say yes, Gen-chan."

"Game, Hakumaru: one game to three!"

Mai watched the pathway of the Sidewinder before making any counter measures. Seeing the serve fly towards her, Mai returned it sharply to the right side while Ayame managed to stretch over and return it. Though she also wanted to win, Mai felt her drive intensify as Yukimura continued watching intently on her play.

I have to win! Yukimura-kun is watching me!

Yukimura chuckled at Mai's ferocity of play. He couldn't help but be amused by Mai's ticked off expression at the same time manage to increase her playing style intensely. Ayame lost her footing several times, resulting to several net shots before managing to score even once.

Nagisaki-chan's quite the tensai, Yukimura thought bemusedly to himself. Nagisaki-chan doesn't back down from a challenge, she manipulates people to do her bidding and recognizes techniques easily. Her temper usually gets the best of her though but I guess it makes her quite a figure among the Hyotei regulars. Kobayagi-chan's the eccentric one, Getsugan-chan's their version of Akaya and Nagisaki-chan does her part as Niou-kun while Shizuru... Hmmm, she's more like Gen-chan I guess.

"Deuce," Mai fired a fast volley towards Ayame.

"Advantage: Hakumaru," Ayame brought out the Sidewinder shot again.

Mai danced to one side, slicing the ball hard. Ayame lobbed it, forcing her to retreat to the baseline. Mai however managed to jump and smash the shot, returning it into a deuce. Ayame fired a top spin service while Mai managed to backhand the shot straight to the corner forcing Ayame to fire a cord ball. Mai tapped it over gently, smirking as Ayame stumbled to the ground.

"Game, Nagisaki: four games to one!"

Stretching her neck, Mai smiled at the reptilian girl with a sardonic grin. "So, is that all you got or do you have something else?"

Ayame, cracking her neck, smiled slowly at the tensai with her serpentine grin. "My, my, my, you're the cocky one. Quite the tensai now are you," Ayame licked her lips. "You must taste so sweet then."

Mai drew back, completely horrified. "Eww, stay away from me!"

Hitomi began scribbling. "Despite the intensity of the situation, Hakumaru manages to flirt with Mai-chan. The tensai's reaction is out of pure revulsion therefore rejecting the rumour that she and Shizuru are indeed a couple."

Mai glared at the Mastermind. "Yamaguchi-senpai, you honestly believe that kind of junk!?"

Ayame faked tears. "What? You're rejecting my love?"

Mai pointed while twitching furiously. "Who said we ever together!? Honestly, what are you!?"

Ayame sniffed while faking hurt. "You're so mean! We are together!"

"Oh shut up," Mai screamed from the other end.

Yukimura shook his head, chuckling at the flustered face of the sputtering Hyotei tensai. She's just so funny when she starts sputtering.

"Buchou, is Nagisaki straight or what," Kirihara leaned against the fence, putting it off bluntly. "Hakumaru's been flirting with her ever since we got here."

Ayame fired a fast service while Mai returned it with a disappearing top spin.

"Love – fifteen," Mai smirked before returning to the baseline.

A Sidewinder made it inside the court, "Fifteen - all!"

Seeing that Mai started getting used to returning the Sidewinder, Ayame lowered her stance. Time to bring it out, Ayame smiled evilly as she sent an awkward shot towards Mai. Unlike the Habu, it had even a more disastrous pattern and it started creating more side winding paths. The speed of this shot was very similar to the Kosouku Yaribana and the spin power caused it to create solid afterimages. Mai stared at it for one moment but it zoomed past her.

"Thirty – fifteen," Ayame leaned against her racquet.

"You must be surprised, Mai-hime," Ayame purred darkly at the tensai.

I think I'm blind, Mai rubbed her eyes before recalling the pathway of the ball.

"It's quite a technique isn't it," Ayame smiled slowly. "I call it the "Black Mamba". Its name suits it, no?"

Mai shook her head. "Sure, it does."

Man, this woman plans to make me blind at the end of this match!

Shizuru glanced at Hitomi. "Do you know how the technique works?"

"She applied the same spin power as Natsunaga but released more power from the hips and knees," Hitomi began calculating. "She knows that Mai has Motion Sight and this technique's going to tire her out almost immediately."

Ayame fired it several more times. "Game, Hakumaru: two games to four!"

Mai fired her service but Ayame got ready to send the Sidewinder. This is it! I can return this...!

Unfortunately, what zipped past Mai was the Black Mamba, causing the tensai to nearly fall backwards.

"Love – fifteen," Mai stared in shock; the stance of the Sidewinder and the Black Mamba are the same!?

Niou whistled. "Wow, she's in for it now."

"I didn't know that technique was even possible," Marui blew up his bubblegum again. "She's totalizing Nagisaki's stamina if what you said about her having motion sight is true, buchou."

Yukimura stared at Mai's gasping form. Now, what will you do?

Mai, inhaling sharply, stared her opponent down while preparing her service. Recalling the last two shots, Mai couldn't tell which one she could fire because Ayame had the choice to change her mind the last minute. Firing a fair service, Ayame returned it with a hard forehand but Mai reflected it with a top spin backhand. Ayame rushed forward with a volley while Mai managed to return it with a backhand volley. Seeing the same stance, Mai decided to perform a little experiment.

Because the Kosouku Yaribana terminates all rotations and spins, Mai returned it towards the corner. The Black Mamba and the Sidewinder will be deemed useless, I think.

Ayame fired the Black Mamba but it still managed to become a cord ball.

"Love – thirty," Mai bit her lip. It looks like that's going to be useless too.

Ayame smiled, putting a finger to her lower lip. "Well, shall we get started?"

Shizuru saw the whole game tilting in Ayame's favour with Mai diving for the shot. However, what teased her a bit was that Mai didn't show the least bit of frustration. Usually, Mai would show a little bit of frustration if there was something she couldn't understand. However, Mai watched the ball pass her every time without even showing a hint of irritation.

"Game, Hakumaru: three games to four!"

She's catching up now, Yukimura noted quietly while watching Mai dancing around a bit. However, he noticed that unlike most players – she maintained a straight face. Her face remained impassive, watching the shot as it curved by her.

"Forty – love," Ayame pouted a bit while Mai calmly walked to the baseline.

"Why aren't you getting mad?" Ayame stomped the ground. "I...I did everything to annoy you! I even...!"

"Did you think flirting with me would break my concentration?" Mai coldly stared at the serpentine girl. "You just gave me a good idea how to break your whiny little butt on the court."

Atobe on the other hand had headed off to his team. He recalled bringing Ayane to the tennis court and had no idea why he did that. Glancing at his sore wrist, Atobe shook his head distastefully. Ayane made shots that could rival Kabaji's in terms of explosive power. She nearly sent him back if not for his shoes digging into the court.

What makes Ayane tick, Atobe paced around. That girl's got a voice louder than Mukahi on his best days!

Before he could continue walking around, Atobe felt his phone vibrate and by sheer luck, it was Ayane.

"Arn~, do you miss ore-sama already?" Atobe smirked while running his hand through his hair. "Didn't we just go out a few moments ago?"

"Shut up you vain bratty peacock," –Atobe could imagine her rolling her eyes. "I just wanted to ask what you like eating when it comes to bento boxes so I know what to put in your food tomorrow. Unless you're willing to eat some of Yamaguchi's concoctions then, I won't have any problems."

"Ore-sama eats anything," Atobe glanced at the courts where Oshitari and Gakuto managed to swipe a win. "You don't need to worry."

"Says the brat I ended up being the faux girlfriend of," Ayane snorted at the other end of the phone. "So, tell me now!"

Atobe thought for a moment. "Do you know how to make Panna Cotta?"

"The fruit custard pudding thing," Ayane hesitated for a moment. "Yeah, it's one of my specialties, why?"

"Make ore-sama one tomorrow," Atobe raked his hair, requesting to Ayane. "He expects it to be delicious."

"Yeah, yeah," Ayane dismissed the tone of his voice. "Quit your complaints; don't bother if it tastes like junk."

After this, the line went dead.

Atobe shut his phone with one flip, glancing at the court. Oshitari and Gakuto returned from the doubles play with a good result of six to four. Snapping his fingers, Atobe got Kabaji to remove his jacket while he went to the courts to play.

This time, Atobe smirked to himself. Ore-sama will try to see what makes Ayane tick in tennis.

The opponent shivered at the sight of Atobe as the Hyotei captain prepared his service.

Perhaps, ore-sama might learn a thing or two after this 'deal'.

"Game, Hakumaru: four games all!"

Ayame raised an eyebrow to the calm tensai who simply walked over to begin her service. Bouncing it several times, Mai sardonically smiled as her serve cracked off with an irregular bounce causing Ayame to flip over. Everyone stared at Mai's awkward service that managed to score a point.

"F-Fifteen – love," the arbiter stared in shock.

Ayame turned back to Mai who started letting out a different aura. Her body started to look like it was multiplying. With a fairly strong service, Mai dashed off creating multiple and solid afterimages. Ayame sent it as a drop shot but saw Mai appear there while another Mai stood at the baseline. Ayame stared, bewildered as Mai scored a smash easily.

"Th-thirty – love," the whole Hyotei crowd burst into a wild cheer.

Mai brushed her hair back. "You said that you would wipe me across the tennis court. Yet, what's happening now?"

Ayame sniffed, falling down to her knees. "You're so cruel, Mai-hime."

"Sorry," Mai shrugged. "Sometimes, you gotta be cruel when it comes to morons like you."

Hitomi began scribbling down. "Well, Mai's play has been affected by both the flirting and the presence of Yukimura. However, Yukimura's presence made a drastic change in her style."

"I have to agree on that one," Momo noted as Mai scored with the Sazanka Serve. "She usually doesn't get vicious on the court."

Mai jumped up for another smash, smirking. "I may only be the Queen of Spades but that doesn't mean I don't have enough fire power to take you out!"

Ayame stumbled over, crashing on the floor. "Game, Nagisaki: five games to four!"

Marui whistled. "Wow, we learned something new! How to crash on floors," the self proclaimed tensai rolled his eyes.

Nagisaki-chan improved so much in a short time, Yukimura continued watching the ball fly back and forth with Mai multiplying herself into several solid afterimages. I wonder how Kurenai-chan got her to move that fast in such a short period.

Yukimura's P.O.V

I couldn't believe how fast Nagisaki-chan was running. They say she's National calibre and at that speed, I think she would be more of an international calibre.

"She's quite the speed specialist," Yanagi remarked offhandedly to me. "Nagisaki Mai is currently breaking a record with that kind of reaction time."

I watched her dance around the court with the kind of grace most players hoped for. Nagisaki-chan returned the Black Mamba with such ease that despite the succession it's being used in, she's gotten stronger with that kind of speed.

Ai's groupmates are going to have a heyday when one of them plays against her.

Though, it was quite adorable when Nagisaki-chan looks so flustered. I laughed lightly at the image that flashed in my mind. Nagisaki-chan literally turned red after those remarks. I was surprised that she managed to stop herself from scratching out Hakumaru's face.

"Nagisaki Mai," Yanagi began showing me her data. "She was born on March 25, loves dancing, the best friend of the current captain. Her other nickname is Queen of Spades due to the ranking matches between the regulars. She joined the Dance Troupe and the tennis team in first year as Kurenai Shizuru's doubles partner. This year, she is still a member of both but an official player in the tennis team whereas during her first year, she was only a sub."

Though I would like to ask how he got that info, somehow there are things that are better off not being asked about.

"Buchouuu," a whine pierced my ears. "Niou-senpai called me a "seaweed haired brat" and some random stuff I don't know!"

Sighing to myself, I turned around to face Niou with a turtle smile. "Now, now, Niou, how many laps would you like to run?"

Niou pales considerably though I chuckle darkly, causing him to shrink back a bit. "Uh, I don't plan to run at all?"

"Aww," I smiled wider while chuckling darkly. "Because, I think you earned yourself forty laps unless you want me to quadruple it?"

"NO," Niou almost shouts but manages to restrain himself. "I'll do it right now. Geez..."

Seeing him run off, I can now watch the game in peace. Kirihara is now pulling Marui's hair for some strange reason and another one was that Sanada wasn't doing anything to stop them. I glance at his eyes and find where they're looking at.

She's the captain, I thought to myself before glancing at her again. No wonder Gen-chan likes her.

End of Yukimura's P.O.V

"Those laps are certainly helping her," Hitomi noted while pressing a few buttons on the calculator. "She used to only create one afterimage but now, she's doing three at a time."

"This is only her basic speed after all," Shizuru smiled at Mai who returned the Sidewinder. "Hakumaru-san never became a challenge to her. Mai just loves fooling around with people's heads."

Mai scored with a hard smash, "Love – fifteen!"

Ayame stumbled over; the shot exceeded the line, "Out, love – thirty!"

"This game is Mai's," she smiled triumphantly. "There's no way they'll beat Shizuru."

Ayame stretched over for the Black Mamba only to have it returned twice with the Kosouku Yaribana.

"Game and match, Nagisaki: six games to four!"

Before Mai walked off, Ayame slid towards her smoothly. "Mai-hime, we should play again sometime."

"Yeah," Mai smiled with a fake chirp. "Yeah, we should."

The Hyotei girls hid their snickers as Mai sat down, disgusted with her game.

"I didn't expect those two shots," Mai sat with her hands in front. "The Black Mamba confused me for a moment until I remembered seeing that attack somewhere. It really got me dizzy though."

Shizuru stood up, gently putting her jacket aside. While Taishaku Fuzoku Chuu's captain stood up towards the stairs, their coach nodded to her, giving her a signal to do something. Not that it bothered the Hyotei captain but, Shizuru wondered what kind of play would result from a single nod.

"Singles One will now begin: Hyotei Gakuen's Kurenai Shizuru versus Taishaku Fuzoku Chuu's Morikawa Rika!"

Rika, brushing back her maroon jet blown hair, strode to the courts with a proud smile. "Though the team competition is clearly over," she raised her racquet to Shizuru's right shoulder. "I will not be defeated by a second year student."

"I don't plan on losing either," Shizuru smiled faintly before walking towards the baseline, gently pushing away the racquet. "But, I do hope that we have a good game."

"Game start, Kurenai to serve!"

Shizuru, bouncing the ball a few times, fired a fast serve right down at the intersection but Rika returned it with a heavy backhand. Shizuru returned the shot with a top spin and Rika slid over to fire a volley. Glancing at the rotation, Shizuru sliced it down below, causing it to disappear and bounce towards the net.

"Fifteen – love," the whole Hyotei crowd roared with loud cheer.

"That was the Subera Kagerou," one called out to his friends excitedly.

"She's the real queen of Hyotei," another chattered to his partner.

"Is she really human?" Another group murmured to one another. "She plays like... like..."

Hitomi began scribbling down. "Seventy nine percent of the Hyotei male population are here. The other twenty one are broken down into different schools."

"Well, it's good for the spectators," Haruka shrugged while glancing at Rikkai Dai who stood at the bleachers. "Also, it looks like an emperor's checking her out."

Momo saw Sanada eyeing Shizuru intently as she performed her rally. Why can't he pick anyone from his school anyway? Dumb Genichirou's always trying to inconspicuous.

Sanada, no matter how much he tried, couldn't peel his eyes off the Hyotei captain. Her aura demanded respect and even the way she played showed that she wasn't one of those cheerleaders.

Sanada's P.O.V

What I couldn't believe was how much of an uproar Kurenai-san can create by a simple technique. Her speed rattles the enemy, her strength and skill does the same and that smile on her face freezes the opponent in his tracks. It's not that she's creepy but if there was one thing I could describe her as it's a vampire...

A vampire who can strike fear and respect yet bewitch me with one smile. With that look alone, the only thing that enters my head is her.

Yet somehow, the effect doesn't seem to be negative.

"Kurenai-chan's quite the figure hm?" Yukimura glanced at me with the 'you're-in-love-with-her-and-if-you-don't-admit-it-you'll-die' smile. "After all, Kurenai-chan does have that drive for tennis right?"

I turned away, concealing whatever you call that thing crawling up my face. Shizuru scored the next shot with another backhand top spin. Most people were born with natural forehands but I guess she got the opposite. Then again, that's what made her unique among the captains. Shizuru's movements entrance the entire crowd and even the seniors of her team are staring in awe.

"Gen-chan," a serene voice cuts through my thoughts. "I think you ate three mosquitoes."

Paling a bit, I hit my chest hard, coughing lightly if I did eat something. Then again, Yukimura's face tells me otherwise.

"Yukimura," I twitch a bit at my blue haired captain's serene face.

"It's okay, Gen-chan," Yukimura smiled sweetly. "You don't need to worry about anything."

Unfortunately, that's the thing I'm afraid of.

However, her smile snaps me back into that trance. The only thing I could hear and see is her feet moving and her sending shots across.

"Game, Kurenai: one game to love!"

Niou whistled. "Man," –he smirked, "that game ended fast... three minutes?"

Yanagi stopped his watch. "Actually, she finished the match in two minutes, forty seconds and three hundred ninety eight milliseconds."

I grunted in acceptance though, I would have gaped at the scene. Not many girls crack that kind of record and not even Yukimura's sister despite being a Nationals Calibre player, DOES NOT end a game in approximately three minutes. Kurenai-san really bends nature's perception of women's tennis with that kind of play. Even though I didn't want to come, somehow, I feel glad that I did.

"Return ace, love – fifteen," Shizuru backhanded the shot with a super spin.

"Shots like that are almost impossible to do," I mutter to myself inwardly.

"She's so amazing," I heard Kirihara yell excitedly. "When can we play against her, buchou?"

Marui shrugged, blowing up a bubble. "I wanna see Ayane-chan play!"

Niou smirked while clicking a few buttons on his phone. "Actually, Kurenai's a real catch, right Yagyuu?"

Yagyuu tilted his glasses up a bit. "Kurenai-san is impressive."

I rolled my eyes a bit as I glanced back at the Hyotei buchou. No matter how many times I try to think of ways to defeat her, the only thing that pops up in my head is that smile. It's that ridiculously provoking, annoying, sweet yet... gentle smile.

That smile of hers, I shade my eyes with my cap. Why do I want it to be directed at me?

End of Sanada's P.O.V

Shizuru on the other hand didn't acknowledge anyone but her opponent. Rika, breathing heavily, flimsily sent a forehand which she easily returned with a backhand. Watching Rika's footsteps, Shizuru dashed to the other side which in response – Rika sent it to the opposite direction.

"Morikawa's got her," Kirihara gnashed his teeth, yelling loud enough for many of the spectators to look at him. "She went the wrong way!"

Sanada slapped Kirihara at the back of his head, "Tarundoru!"

Niou mischievously smirked. "I didn't know she had a swindler side."

Sanada saw Shizuru's smile change into something more devious as she vanished and reappeared at the other side. Everyone's eyes widened as Shizuru sliced the ball to finish the rally with the Subera Kagerou. Running towards the shot, Rika crashed on the floor and Shizuru smashed right next to her.

"Love – thirty," the arbiter declared, gaping at Shizuru's insane speed and skill.

Shizuru extended her hand, smiling gently. "Are you alright?"

Slapping her hand, Rika smirked. "I wouldn't be captain if I cried over something so measly. You're not so bad, shakugan-chan~."

Shizuru raised an eyebrow, "Shakugan-chan?"

"You have a burning passion," Rika smiled before turning away. "No wonder a lot of the seniors respect you. It's quite a feat for a sophomore to gain the respect of their upperclassmen."

Shizuru bowed humbly. "Thank you, it's very kind of you to say so."

Her speed may not create solid copies like Nagisaki-san, Sanada noted before watching Shizuru score with a backhand. Her strength may not rival her vice captain's or so I have heard and her spin control doesn't match her protégé's but... what got her there is...

"Kurenai-san is on a different level," Yanagi noted while scribbling down. "What she's showing her now may or may not be her true power."

Niou stashed back his camera. "She's just playing for the fun of it. She's not that competitive at this rate."

"She is competitive," Yukimura pointed out. "You can see it in her eyes. She will place herself before her teammates to make sure everything is sure and certain. Her passion perhaps is focused somewhere else but what...?"

"She says it makes her feel alive," Sanada remembered his talk with Shizuru while he headed back home. I wonder what that means though...

Niou folded his arms, imitating Yanagi's dead on stare. "That's a rare answer. Most girls say something like: 'I want,'" –hesitating for a moment, " 'I want Atobe-sama to look at me!' That's kind of crappy, you know? He's not a great player. You can floor him any day and I think I can do the same."

"Game, Kurenai: two games to love!"

Shizuru gained control of the game as she brought down a no return serve. Rika managed to lob it while Shizuru gently tapped it over. Rika dashed forward to send it over again while Shizuru volleyed it easily to the other side. Rika jumped for the shot while sending it as a cord ball. Shizuru sliced it back towards her but Rika backhanded the shot to the baseline, forcing Shizuru to flash there again. Rika stared, wide eyed at how fast the younger moved without even breaking a sweat. Biting her lip, Rika threw herself backwards to return only to have it smack the net.

"Fifteen – love," everyone gaped at the speed of the rally.

"Wow, are they even human!?"

"That rally's better than any of Atobe-san's!"

"Kurenai-sama has her cornered now!"

Shizuru smiled at her fans causing them to swoon over while some of the girls got jealous. Rika raised an eyebrow quizzically while Shizuru shrugged at the senior. Seeing that Rika got ready to receive her service, Shizuru cracked it on the court causing Rika to dash madly for the interception. Shizuru forehanded it back while Rika fumbled again.

"You're really an Angel," Rika smirked before doing a drop shot. "Kanto should be proud to have someone like you in their arsenal."

Shizuru said nothing but continued backhanding towards the corners. Rika returned it with a drop shot, staring in shock as Shizuru flashed forward and returned it with a backhand to the corner.

"Thirty – love," Shizuru smiled gently at her opponent who simply gaped.

"Forty – love," Rika stumbled on the next shot.

Shizuru's service zoomed across the net, invisible to the naked eye. The only thing the crowd saw was the ruffling of the net and the ball grinding itself in the wall after marking the service line.

"Game, Kurenai: three games to love!"

Kirihara's eyes widened while Marui stopped chewing his gum. Yukimura nodded in approval while Yagyuu tilted his glasses a bit.

"She's going to finish this game in ten minutes tops," Niou smirked while glancing at Jackal. "What do you think?"

Jackal shrugged while glancing at his watch. "I think this match is going to end in a default with the way Kurenai-san is making damage."

Hitomi, scribbling away, glanced at her watch. "At this rate, we will still have time to watch Seigaku and Rikkai Dai. If they're not done with their matches, that is."

Momo watched Shizuru finish off the rally with a smash. "She's not even using much of her special moves except the Subera Kagerou. Other than that, this girl isn't even worth her sweat and breath."

Rika hung her head until Shizuru called out. "Hey, don't mind it."

Glancing up, Rika found Shizuru smiling. "What matters the most is that you play your best. It's okay to be competitive but don't make it an obsession."

Rika nodded with a smirk. "You're smart for a second year."

"Thank you," Shizuru fired another shot in.

"Love – thirty," Rika found the ball rolling towards her.

Tossing the ball, Rika sent a fast serve which Shizuru returned with ease.

"Return ace, love – forty!"

Ayane leaned against the bench. "Buchou's not really doing much is she?"

"She is," Mai lazily drank her water. "Buchou doesn't believe on holding back on her opponents unless necessary."

"Game, Kurenai: four games to love!"

Momo stood up and found Sanada watching Shizuru. Geez, he never picked someone from his own school, she snorted. He might just treat her like trash or he might even make her depressed! I don't want her more depressed than she already is!

Haruka paled considerably when she saw a certain Brazilian leaning over the fence. "Oh man, what is he doing here...?"

"Uh," Rin shrugged. "Isn't it a free country here in Japan?"

Haruka blushed madly until Hitomi began sniggering behind her who pulled out an ear thermometer. "Hikifumi Haruka now has increased her temperature to 38.9 degrees Celsius when she sees Jackal Kuwahara. They're quite an interesting pair like Momo-chan like Sengoku-san and Rin-chan is now involved in a love triangle between a coconut sherbet and a nekojin."

Rin twitched a bit, jumping on Hitomi out of embarrassment. "Hitomi-chan, don't say things like that!"

Momo got ready to wrestle her other doubles partner into the ground, rolling up her sleeves. "Hitomi, do you want to die early!?"

Haruka slipped off her chair as Rin lunged down to catch her doubles partner. "Hitomi-chan, don't be so mean!"

"Also," Hitomi tilted her glasses a bit. "Ayane-chan is a lot closer to Atobe-san now. Mai-chan's abilities increase by 5.5 percent probably due to the want to please Yukimura. Kiyone's improvement has come from some time spent with Shitenhouji Chuu. Shizuru-chan seems to smile more now ever since the camp. Not only that, her eyes has a different sparkle."

Shizuru smiled inwardly at herself. All that time in camp, she enjoyed it a bit. However, something caught her off guard there...

Tezuka-san kissed me, Shizuru bit her lip, blushing slightly. Why am I thinking like some stupid fan girl!?

"Fifteen – love," everyone in the crowd gasped as the ball promptly missed Shizuru."

Shizuru waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see that coming."

Shizuru gained the point back with the Subera Kagerou, "Fifteen – all!"

Rika fell on the floor as the next shot soared over, "Fifteen – thirty!"

"She hasn't scored once against buchou," Kiyone leaned lazily against the fence. "Shizuru-nee-san's going to knock her down!"

"It's kind of obvious already," Hitomi tilted her glasses. "After all, buchou has played in all sorts of situations."

"Game, Kurenai: five games to love!"

"It's total annihilation," Niou whistled at the situation. "That girl should have just given up at the first part."

Yagyuu sighed. "Well, it was a valiant effort on the other girl's part to try and take down Kurenai Shizuru."

Hearing the ball crack again and again, Sanada watched Shizuru's serve shoot faster and faster each time she began.

"Game and match, Kurenai: six games to love!"

Rika slumped to the floor, exhausted while Shizuru extended her hand. "It was a good game."

"You had me running all over the place," Rika exhaled sharply. "Hyotei's going to blaze through the Nationals as long as they have you."

"It's not just me," Shizuru glanced at her team. "They had a big role in this too."

"Game and match, Hyotei Gakuen: five games to love!"

The girls stood in front of the net, bowing while thanking one another for the match. They all exchanged handshakes and some even began laughing about the game they recently had. Rin repeatedly apologized to the smaller girl, Tsumugari Yukino for calling her "chubby", Momo planned to accept the power match between her and Ishida Chie, Rika and Shizuru exchanged glances with a courtesy smile before leaving.

When Haruka faced her sister, Ino sighed while extending her hand. "Congratulations, you did well, onee-sama."

"Just because I beat you doesn't mean you have to put the suffix "-sama" in it," Haruka shook her hand vigorously. "I'm sure mom and dad would prefer if we dropped our rivalry."

Packing up their things, the girls were about to head back until Ayane got attacked by Marui from behind.

"Where were you!? I wanted to see you play," he pouted like a small child.

Ruffling his hair affectionately, Ayane cheekily smiled. "Well, it's a long story! Buchou," –she cast a sideward glare at her innocently smiling captain. "She thought I needed a break."

Kiyone jumped around, grinning mischievously. "She's just saying that because she met up with her hubby!"

Ayane, snarling and cracking her knuckles, lunged at her doubles partner. "I'll show you what I'll do to him and you if you don't shut up!"

Marui began snickering as another display of "Niou-goes-off-to-kill-Kirihara" chase is represented by the two. Jackal sighed into his hand while Yukimura chuckled lightly before moving towards Mai. Sanada glared at his cousin first who nonchalantly shrugged it off before sliding towards Shizuru which caused Momo to advance towards him menacingly. Haruka stayed behind Shizuru while Isane and Rin began interacting with the other members.

"It seems like you're the only one sane," Isane smiled sheepishly at Yagyuu. "How do you live with this kind of chaos?"

Yagyuu shrugged at her. "I don't know; it's the same thing I want to ask you."

Kirihara clung on to Shizuru. "Wow; that was one of the best games I ever watched! You're really like Yukimura-buchou except prettier and kinder!"

Shizuru smiled, gently patting his head. "Um thank you, it's very kind of you to say so."

"Kirihara," Sanada's glacial voice caused the devil of Rikkai to freeze. "Let go of her arm if you're just going to yank her down."

"He's not yanking me down," Shizuru smiled meekly. "He's just very affectionate?"

Kirihara stuck his tongue out. "Yeah, I wanna cling on to her arm! You got a problem with that, fuku buchou?"

Sanada lowered his cap before growling towards the ace of Rikkai Dai. "Kirihara, start running a hundred fifty laps. NOW," – his eyes bore holes into Kirihara's soul.

Kirihara gaped at the vice captain. "But I didn't do anything!"

"Geez, you're moody today," Niou slung his arm casually over Shizuru's shoulder. "Is there something we don't know, fuku buchou?"

Sanada knew snapping at Niou would be rising to the bait. Secondly, Yukimura was smiling at him that said 'Niou has a point'. "Of course not," –Sanada's tone remained stern. "Kirihara's been slacking off for the past few weeks."

Kirihara, moping a bit, trudged off to run laps while Niou smirked to Shizuru. "Well babe, it will be awhile before the brat finishes his laps."

"Why don't you join him, Niou," Yukimura's deadly... rather – friendly voice gently prods the trickster. "After all, you'll be in Doubles One."

Niou grumbled a bit, running his laps while giving Sanada the chance to speak to the captain. Though it was never really his intention, Yukimura slid over to Sanada, putting his hand on Sanada's shoulder.

You better talk to her. Try to know her more, Sanada.

Sanada glanced at the captain, walking towards her uneasily. "That was a good game out there."

Shizuru smiled humbly. "Oh, thank you. It's nice to hear it from someone who's of National Calibre."

It's that smile again, Sanada could feel heat rising up to his cheeks but concealed it with his cap. "I'm just being honest, Kurenai-san."

"Nagisaki-chan," Yukimura on the other hand sauntered towards Mai. "You weren't too bad during your slot."

Mai flushed into ten shades of red. "Oh, thank you, Yukimura-kun!"

Oh my gosh, Yukimura-kun just complimented me! Waah, I can die a happy woman!

Momo dusted her shoes after sand started clogging up with clay. Groaning inwardly, Momo cast a sideward glance at Sanada who began talking to Shizuru. She bit her lip hard; Shizuru may be dense but Sanada might have learned something from Niou or God knows who.

"So," Yukimura looked at his watch. "Are you girls going to watch Rikkai Dai's match?"

Mai glanced at the others. "I guess if our buchou would be so kind not to leave us again."

Shizuru turned to Mai while Sanada raised an eyebrow at Mai's words. "I don't intend to leave. Not this time," –she smiled faintly.

Kirihara pounced on Shizuru. "So, you're coming with us!?"

"Actually," Shizuru looked down. "If you don't want me to, I can just head to the other court for a few matches."

"NO," the whole team dragged their captain off without question.

Yukimura smiled at Sanada. "Maa~, they're very supportive. I haven't seen girls like that towards their captain."

Sanada grunted only in reply while Yukimura pat his back. "Well, you have a choice: pursue or let the other take her. Which will you take?"

Kirihara glanced at his vice captain who approached his cousin, shrugging. "What did you mean by that, buchou?"

"You'll see," Yukimura smiled pleasantly, causing the regulars to shudder. "Come on now, we can't miss the action."

-That's chapter 23! I'm very sorry for the late update! So, what do you guys think is Sanada's choice? Who is the other that Yukimura's referring to? Only time can tell!

Please review! Reviews make me more inspired!