In the bustling city of Tokyo, the highly anticipated mixed-doubles tennis tournament was about to begin. The excitement was palpable as spectators from all over Japan gathered at the renowned tennis court for this prestigious event. Among the crowd were many high school tennis players who had traveled from different states to showcase their skills on the court.
Sakuno and Ryoma had registered their names and school. As they sat at the designated participant area, a wave of support washed over them as many students from their school came to cheer for them. Sumire, Tomoka, the trio, and the former regulars also made an appearance, adding to the cheers and encouragement.
The buzz surrounding the tournament grew even louder when word got out that Echizen Ryoma, the prodigious tennis player, was joining the competition. Sport reporters flocked to the court, eager to cover the matches and capture Ryoma in action. Despite all the attention on Ryoma, his partner Sakuno began to catch the eye of the reporters. They kinda curious about Ryoma's partner.
This makes Sakuno a bit nervous. She never been in any attention before.
"Don't worry too much, I'm here." Said Ryoma when he saw Sakuno a bit tense.
Sakuno smiled and nodded. She felt calm a bit.
As the tournament progressed, Ryoma and Sakuno proved to be a formidable duo, winning match after match and effortlessly making their way to the final.
People cheering for them. While the reporters keep taking pictures.
The final, their opponents were no pushovers; they were relentless in their attacks and had a clear strategy to target Sakuno, putting pressure on her and causing her to strain her elbow during a particularly intense rally.
Seeing Sakuno in pain ignited a fire in Ryoma, fueling his determination to win the match. He unleashed all of his signature techniques with precision and power, determined to pay back the opponents for targeting Sakuno. The opponents, sensing Ryoma's resolve, also began to showcase their full arsenal of skills, turning the match into a fierce battle of wits and athleticism.
All the audience a bit silent when they also felt the nervousness. Both sides were having their own strong points.
Despite the intense competition, Sakuno refused to give up, gritting her teeth and pushing through the pain. She reassured Ryoma that she was okay, determined to contribute to their victory in any way she could. With the match reaching a critical point and tension mounting, Ryoma and Sakuno made a decision that would change the course of the game.
The opponent start to serve first. When Ryoma analyze the movement, he smirked as he knows what to do.
"Ryuzaki, it's the time." Ryoma said.
Sakuno nodded, understand what Ryoma tried to say.
In a moment of perfect synergy, Ryoma and Sakuno combined their signature moves – the Samurai Drive and the Sakura Drive – creating a new, powerful technique that left everyone in awe. The Bushindo Drive, as they named it, was a testament to their teamwork and trust in each other, showcasing a level of skill and coordination that was unmatched.
The ball moved with such speed and intensity that it left a trail of petal in its wake, mesmerizing the crowd and striking fear into their opponents' heart.
Ryoma and Sakuno emerged victorious, winning the final match in spectacular fashion. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, celebrating their incredible performance on the court. Overcome with joy and relief, Sakuno couldn't contain her emotions and rushed into Ryoma's arms, gave him a quick hug while as they basked in their hard-earned victory.
Sakuno felt so relief, all their hardwork until today feel like already pay off. She even forgot her pain on her elbow. Ryoma grabbed her arm and made her sit on the bench. He took the first aid kit and cleaned Sakuno's wound carefully and put bandage on.
"Thank you, Ryoma-kun." Sakuno said with smiled.
"You're such a klutz." He sighed.
Sakuno giggled with his comment.
Not long after that, Sumire, Tomoka, the trio and the former regulars came to them. The guys hugged Ryoma and said congrats. While Tomoka grasped Sakuno's hand, too happy with her best friend's winning.
After an hour, the crowd at the tennis court disappeared a bit by bit as the tournament already over.
Sumire gave congrats flowers to both of them and she insisted to take pictures of both of them with their medal.
Eiji and Momo kept teasing them to get more closer. Sakuno blushed hearing their tease. Sakuno and Ryoma were in awkward distance.
"Hey, you both already hugged but now still in awkward distance?" Said Sumire with teasing.
"Mou- obaa-chan." Sakuno blushed with her grandma's comment.
Ryoma sighed. He put his left hand on Sakuno's shoulder and pulled her closer.
"Is this good enough?" He asked lazily.
His action made everyone shocked and blushed, especially Sakuno. She could feel her heart racing as she looked up at him, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Sumire quickly took their picture and then laughed hard. She saw Sakuno was too cute when she blushed.
After everything's over, everyone walked together to celebrate at Kawamura Sushi Bar. Ryoma walked with Sakuno at the back.
Sakuno looked at Ryoma and asked, "Tennis is fun, right?" She smiled.
Ryoma smiled back. "Yeah."
