#echizen-kun...?

[sadlynotthevoid]

I can't believe we don't have at least one LCFxTanaka-kun crossover.

Like, we have a protagonist who is a failed lazy ass and yet, we haven't thought on putting him in the same space that the lazy king, Tanaka.

Just imagine a highschool AU where they all go to the same school and:

• Og!Cale overhears someone talking about "that guy tanaka from the other class" who is "so lazy even his music slows down" and has a brilliant idea.

• One day, Tanaka, Otta and some of their friends stay after class because someone told them that "that punk guy Henituse from the other class" wants to meet with Tanaka. They all expect a scary angry dude seeking a fight.

• Instead, they get a weirdly enthusiastic Cale, looking like a puppy who got offered a hamburger. He first asks if he's Tanaka (curiously pin-pointing the right person at jis first try) and if whether he was "as ridiculously lazy as the rumors say". Then, in a petition that makes them think of Miyano, he requests Tanaka to become a lazy mentor.

• "No, not to me. To my brother— the new one, not Bassen—. He talks and talks about how much he wants to be a slacker and do nothing all day long. But, that guy, he wouldn't take a rest even if mundial peace was declared. He keeps running around, getting himself in troubles and always ends up hurt. It's troublesome. So, teach him to be lazy peacefully, please."

• So Rok Soo, the recently adopted Henituse kid, attends to Tanaka's listless lessons with Miyano.

• The first try fails magnificently. Instead of Tanaka's lifestyle sticking to Rok Soo, Tanaka gets infected by Rok Soo's logic. For a whole week, Tanaka's friends (plus Cale, because "he started this") have to run after him trying to stop him from doing dangerous things. Luckily, his stamina is really low.

• After every try, more and more people get involved in the "Let's Teach Rok Soo How To Slack" plan. They still keep failing tho.

• At some point they forgot why those meetings were for and just use them to hang out with friends. Except Cale, he keeps trying.

• Otta, Alver and Shiraishi bring baked goods to their meetings and exchange recipes. They're baker friends.

• Echizen is confused at Cale's reputation sometimes. He's mostly harmless and he won't do anything unless the person in question crosses a line, but people still fear him more than her. After seeing him in action, she gets it. People surely love to make assumptions. He only has to put a face and be vague here and there and they'll come up to their own conclusions.

•They bond about their cute likings.

There's more but that's what I can think about right now.

[cute-girls-from-vns-anime-manga]

I really like the long skirt yankii look. Underrated.

Ooooh agreed this gives me the chance to gush over Echizan from "tanaka-kun is always listless" who 100% fits this trope to a T

[violetearuby]

Ecchan & Myaanoo😆❤️

[anime-ships-all-good]

Echizen x Miyano

Tanaka-kun is Always Listless

[theslythernfreak]

LMFAO ECHIZEN THINKING OHTA AND TANAKA ARE INTERESTED IN HER WAS NOT ON MY BINGO LIST

[echizen-division]

“I could believe in hell, but it was impossible for me to believe in the existence of heaven.”—Osamu Dazai

Introduction 🕸️

[ahiijny]

echizen day!! ✨

[sorato00]

RYOSAKU ONE-SHOT

Inspired by their pictures when they reach 23 years old.

I don’t own POT, only the plot is mine.

_______________________________________

The hum of Narita Airport filled the air as Ryoma Echizen stepped onto Japanese soil, his tennis bag slung over one shoulder and his luggage following closely behind. At 23, he towered over the crowd, his once boyish features now giving way to a maturity that suited him well. Fresh from a thrilling victory at the Australian Open, he felt the weight of expectations pressing lightly on his shoulders. As he scanned the terminal, his eyes fell upon his older brother, Ryoga, leaning casually against a wall, effortlessly bouncing an orange in one hand.

“Chibisuke!” Ryoga called out, a grin spreading across his face.

Ryoma returned the smile and quickened his pace. “Thanks for picking me up.”

“Not a problem at all,” Ryoga replied, leading him towards a sleek yellow Toyota Supra. Once inside, the engine’s purr accompanied their chatter as they navigated the streets.

“So, congrats on your win in Australia! What’s next?” Ryoga asked, glancing at Ryoma, who was gazing out the window, lost in thought.

“Probably the US Open,” Ryoma answered.

“That’s great.” Ryoga nodded, smirking.

As they arrived home, Ryoma’s gaze fell upon his father, Nanjiro, clad in a traditional black monk outfit. The sight of him, scratching his collarbone and yawning while sweeping dry leaves smirking, somehow brought a warm smile to his lips. Despite the encroaching gray in his hair, Nanjiro retained an air of vitality.

“Oh, Seishounen, you’re back,” his father said without missing a beat. “How was Australia?”

“Yeah. Just like usual,” Ryoma replied, brushing past him towards the door. He could hear Nanjiro huff softly, perhaps noting his son’s lack of enthusiasm.

“Tch, so unsociable, like usual,” Nanjiro muttered, giving Ryoma a bored look.

Ryoga chuckled beside him, “that’s how Chibisuke is.”

Inside, Rinko looked up from the kitchen, her warm smile brightening the room. “You’re back, Ryoma! Congratulations on winning the Australian Open!”

“Thanks, Mom,” he replied, feeling the familiar weight of her expectations wrapped in her affection.

“You must be tired; go rest in your room. I’ll make something to eat,” she urged.

After a swift climb up the stairs, Ryoma tossed his luggage and tennis bag aside and collapsed onto his bed, surrendering to the fatigue that consumed him. The world faded into darkness as he drifted off to sleep.

Hours later, the incessant ringing of his phone pulled him from dreams. Blinking against the afternoon light, he reached for the device, groaning upon seeing Momoshiro’s name flashing on the screen.

“What is it?” he picked up, still half-asleep.

“Echizen! You’re back, right? Come play tennis with us at the usual place!” Momoshiro’s voice crackled with excitement.

“I’m tired…” Ryoma murmured, but before he could hang up, Eiji’s voice cut through the phone.

“Hoi hoi, Ochibi! Come play with us! The Hyotei guys are here too. You wouldn’t want to miss this.”

Giving in, Ryoma sighed. “Fine.” After hanging up, he couldn’t help but think about what lay ahead—friends, laughter, and tennis.

While Ryoma prepared for his outing, Sakuno Ryuzaki stood in front of her mirror. At 23, she had blossomed into a young woman, her fair skin and long braided hair glowing with vitality. Her heart raced as Tomoka’s excited voice floated through her room from her phone.

“Sakuno! Are you busy?”

Sakuno smiled and said, “no, I’m not,” while took some clothes to fold.

“Let’s go to the usual tennis court. Momo-senpai said they are playing today, and you know what? Ryoma-sama will be there too!”

“R-Ryoma-kun?” she responded, her cheeks flushing at the mere thought of seeing him again. Tomoka’s laughter echoed in her ears as she rushed to prepare herself. After rejecting several outfits, she settled on a soft pink dress with ruffle sleeves. With a touch of makeup to highlight her features, she took a deep breath and headed out the door.

“Going out, Sakuno?” Sumire, her grandmother, asked, eyeing her critically.

“Y-yes, I’m going to the usual tennis court,” she replied, adjusting the strap of her white sling bag nervously.

Sumire raised an eyebrow. “You look extra cute today. Is it because Ryoma is there?”

“T-that’s not it, obaa-chan!” Sakuno protested, her blush deepening.

“Just confess to him if you like him. He’s quite dense when it comes to things outside of tennis,” her grandmother teased, laughter dancing in her voice.

Sakuno sighed, “I don’t know...”

“You already 23, Sakuno. I’m worried about you. Your eyes only see him, don’t you think that makes you hard to see another guy? Just confess and move on.”

Sakuno sighed. Could she really confess? They had been friends for years, and the thought of rejection gnawed at her. Still, every time she thought of Ryoma—the way he played, his smile, even the gentle quirks of his personality—her heart fluttered with hope.

Seeing her granddaughter's troubled face, made her stop. “Well, that’s fine if you just want to continue being friends, it’s all depends on you.”

Sumire continued, “oh by the way, since you are out today, can you give this to the Echizen? They bought me some manju before.” Sumire handed her a box of Wagashi in a paper bag. Sakuno nodded and took the bag.

Arriving at the tennis court, she spotted Tomoka waving enthusiastically. Sakuno forced a smile, pushing her doubts aside.

At the tennis courts, Tomoka and Sakuno stood together, their eyes glued to the ongoing match. The energy of the game crackled in the air. Momoshiro and Kaidoh were neck-and-neck, but their attention drifted elsewhere.

“Where is Ryoma-sama?” Tomoka mused, glancing around with a playful pout.

Sakuno’s cheeks flushed crimson at the mention of his name, and she timidly scanned the crowd. “I wonder…”

A quick glance at her wristwatch pulled Tomoka’s focus back to their conversation. “Looks like he’s not here yet. I have a date after this.”

“W-What? A date?” Sakuno gasped, her heart fluttering at the unexpected news. “Is it with the guy who works part-time at the convenience store?”

Tomoka grinned widely, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Yep, that’s the one! He’s cute, so I just asked for his number, and he gave it to me without hesitation!”

Sakuno’s eyes widened, a hint of envy coloring her features. “I-I envy you, Tomo-chan. I wish I could be that confident.”

Tomoka tilted her head, a warm smile spreading across her face. “It’s nothing, really! Just say it if you like someone. You’ve got to believe in yourself, Sakuno! I mean, look at you. You’re pretty, and you have a good figure too.”

Sakuno’s gaze fell to the ground, her insecurity creeping back in. “B-but what if that person rejects me?”

“You have to try. It’s better to know rather than to wonder, you know.” Tomoka encouraged. “I have plenty of handsome and kind friends out there. Some of my friends even asked for your number! But since you said you weren’t ready to date, I turned them down.”

Sakuno felt a mix of warmth and embarrassment. “S-sorry, Tomo-chan.”

Suddenly, Tomoka’s gaze shifted, her excitement bubbling over. “Oh! There’s Ryoma-sama!”

Sakuno flinched, heart racing as she followed Tomoka’s gaze. There he was, guiding his way through the throng of players in his long sports pants and a simple red T-shirt, his tennis bag slung over one shoulder. In that moment, the world around her narrowed down, and it felt as if time had stopped. He exuded an effortless charm that left Sakuno breathless.

“Oh my gosh, isn’t he just stunning?” Tomoka squealed, drawing Sakuno back from her reverie.

“Y-yeah,” Sakuno managed to whisper, attempting to conceal how deeply affected she was by Ryoma’s presence.

Tomoka continued enthralled, “Look at his face! I feel full just gazing at him, even though I’m hungry.”

Sakuno’s thoughts swirled; she could see the sharpness of Ryoma’s features, the confidence in his stride, and suddenly, she understood why Tomoka admired him so.

“Um, Tomo-chan,” Sakuno stuttered, her cheeks heating up. “D-don’t you want to confess to him if you like Ryoma-kun?”

Tomoka let out a laugh. “Don’t you know? I confessed to him every day during junior high—and he just ignored me. It’s no use if he doesn’t like me back. It’s better to find someone who can like me back. I might as well just keep liking him like I do to another handsome guy.”

Sakuno sweat-dropped, Tomoka sure always too positive. But at the same time Sakuno’s spirit sank at those words. She wondered if he would ignore her too.

“What’s wrong, Sakuno?” Tomoka asked, her expression shifting to concern. “You want to confess to Ryoma-sama too?”

Sakuno felt her face flame with embarrassment. “I—um…”

Tomoka laughed and hit her back gently, “I’ll cheer for you then! Good luck.”

Momoshiro, having noticed the pair. “Hey, if it isn’t Osakada and Ryuzaki.”

Ryoma turned, his gaze settling on them, and Sakuno’s heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. Eiji’s voice rang out next, cheerfully summoning them over. “Oi, Ryuzaki-chan! Osakada-chan! What are you guys doing there? Come here!”

Tomoka waved at them and grasped Sakuno’s hand, and they rushed toward the boys. “Ryoma-sama! Congratulations on your victory in the Australian Open!”

“Thanks,” Ryoma said, nodding his acknowledgment.

“Sakuno wants to congratulate you too!” Tomoka nudged Sakuno forward, her grin growing.

Sakuno’s heart raced as Ryoma faced her. She stammered, unable to find the words, “C-congratulations, R-Ryoma-kun…”

Ryoma tipped his head slightly, offering a small gesture of thanks. They had always been friends, or he could say she just his former classmates, since they only talked on a few occasions. But whenever they talked, it felt deep inside him, the girl who always cheered for him and sometimes made him feel better with her simple words, ‘it’s going to be okay. Everything will be fine. Something good will come at the end.’

As Ryoma scanned Sakuno’s face, he noticed a subtle change in her appearance. She had started wearing a bit of makeup, and he couldn’t help but think that it suited her perfectly. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Ryoma quickly looked away, feeling a rush of emotions he couldn’t quite place. Sakuno, on the other hand, felt a sense of accomplishment mixed with anxiety.

Momoshiro asked, “won’t you guys playing too? There’s an empty courts there.”

Tomoka answered confidently. “I want to but I can’t. I have a date later.”

Horio chimed in while chuckled. “A date? So you found new boyfriend? Who is it now?”

Tomoka glared at Horio. “That’s none of your business. I am a popular with guys, unlike you, unibrow.”

Horio, didn’t want to lose, approached her and their eyes are full with electricity. “What? You have problem with unibrow?!”

Eiji hold Horio, trying to make him calm. Sakuno also did the same to Tomoka, they somehow already gotten used with their banter.

Momoshiro leaned closer, teasingly observing, “Ryuzaki, you look stunning today. Got a date too?”

Sakuno shook her head fervently. “N-no, I don’t have a date!”

Tomoka laughed and wrapped her hand on Sakuno’s shoulder. She grinned, “who knows, maybe Sakuno will confess to someone today. Isn’t that right, Sakuno?”

Sakuno blushed as the others look at her, half-shocked and half-curious. She waved her hands, “I-It’s not like that.”

Tomoka whispers to her, “Ryoma-sama is here, this is your chance.” Tomoka checked her watch again. “I have to go now, but let’s catch up later, Sakuno! I will called you later! Tell me all about it!”

With that declaration, Tomoka winked and waved goodbye, leaving Sakuno standing amidst the chatter, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

Sakuno felt a nervous flutter in her stomach as she clutched the strap of her bag, glancing around the tennis courts filled with familiar faces, but all of them are guys. “I think I should go too...” Her heart sank slightly at the thought of leaving, but the awkwardness of being the only girl there made her hesitate.

Eiji’s voice broke through her thoughts, playful and insistent. “Eh, you want to go? Ochibi just arrived! Won’t you see him play?”

With her cheeks tinted pink, she stammered, “W-well, okay.” She watched Ryoma and Fuji step onto the court, their presence igniting that familiar rush of admiration within her.

As the match began, her eyes were locked on Ryoma. Each powerful serve and concentrated rally made her heart race, a chorus of cheers from their friends fading into the background. Sakuno sighed, feeling more than ever that her grandmother was right about confessing her feelings. If she didn’t take the leap, she might miss her chance.

“Ryoma-kun.” she whispered to herself, her gaze following him as he smiled and exchanged banter with Fuji. “You’re so amazing…”

After their match, moments drifted slowly as Takashi and Oishi took to the court. Ryoma and Fuji leave the court, watching Takashi and Oishi’s match. Just then, a voice yanked Sakuno from her daydream. A guy stood before her, looking sheepish yet determined. “Hello, you are Ryuzaki-chan, right?”

Sakuno blinked, her heart suddenly thudding louder. “Oh hello, yes, I am. And you are…?”

“Takeru Watanabe,” he smiled, his face lighting up with recognition. “Your former classmate from university. Do you remember?”

She hesitated for a moment, piecing together memories of a boy with glasses. “Oh! Yes, I remember. I’m sorry for not recognizing you; you wore glasses back then.”

He chuckled. “Yes, I did. Can we talk over there for a while?” Takeru gestured to a quieter spot by the courts.

Something inside her stirred. Talk? With him? Before she could overthink it, she nodded, “Oh, okay.”

As they moved away, the boys glanced knowingly at each other. Momoshiro elbowed Ryoma. “Ah, he must be confessing, right?”

Eiji grinned, “Yeah, it’s so obvious!”

Fuji raised an eyebrow, a hint of mischief in his smile. “Saa… Ryuzaki-chan is cute after all.”

Kaidoh scoffed, “Fsshh.” Agreeing, but his tone lacked conviction.

Eiji said, while placing his both hands behind his back, “yeah, seriously, if she’s not the coach’s granddaughter, I probably confessed to her as well.”

The former regulars shocked, except Fuji and Ryoma. “Ehhh?!”

Eiji chuckled, “I mean, look at her. She got the perfect package. She is nice, pretty, decent and honest too. Who wouldn’t like her..”

Momoshiro finally nodded. “Yeah, I can see that. But when we think about coach...”

The former regulars except Fuji and Ryoma looked up, imagining Sumire in their head, with a scary face. The imagination disappeared as their body shivered.

Fuji chuckled, “That what make things interesting.”

Then, as if caught in a mental trap, Ryoma felt something twist in his chest. He stare at Sakuno and Takeru. Why did the sight of Sakuno with another guy bother him so much? She looks bright with her smiles. His internal struggle was interrupted by the arrival of a bowing Sakuno, parting from Takeru after what seemed like an intimate conversation.

“95.7% he asking for her number.” Inui chimed in, his glasses glinted, as he saw Takeru kept his phone in his pocket.

“Did he asked for your number?” Momoshiro teased, a spark of mischief in his eyes.

Sakuno blushed fiercely. “Y-yeah.”

Eiji’s eyebrows shot up, impressed. “So you gave it to him?”

Sakuno responded softly, “Y-yeah… He’s a kind person. He has always helped in our class.”

A strange, heavy silence fell around them, and Ryoma felt a surge of unease. Why did it hurt to hear her say that? She, who always looking at him and cheered for him, suddenly praising another guy? That, somehow made him pissed off. Suddenly, without thinking, he blurted out, “So you just give your number to any guy?”

The air shifted instantly. A gasp escaped Momoshiro and Eiji, while a shocked silence enveloped the group. Sakuno flinched, the sparkle in her eyes dimming. Is that how he thought about her all this time? The courage she had to confess suddenly crumbled. Her hands gripped tight, trying to suppress her feelings, but tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. “Do you think I have no pride? I-Is that how you think of me?”

Ryoma’s eyes widened, as he saw her tears.

“Y-you don’t even know my feelings!” Her voice cracked with hurt. “I hate you, Ryoma-kun!” she exclaimed, turning on her heel and fleeing the scene.

Her words hung in the air like a curtain of dread, the others exchanging worried glances. Ryoma felt panic lurch within him.

Momoshiro shook his head, exasperated. “Why would you say that, Echizen?!”

Eiji added, “Yeah, you were really mean-nya!”

“Go apologize!” Momoshiro pushed Ryoma, urgency spilling from every word.

With his heart pounding, Ryoma dashed off, searching for her, but after fruitless searching, he returned to the group, shoulders heavy with guilt.

“Well?” Momoshiro asked, worry etched on his features.

“I couldn’t find her,” Ryoma admitted, his spirits deflated. He didn’t ’t even feel like playing tennis anymore. He packed his bag, the weight of regret heavy in his heart. “I’m going home.”

“Damn it, you better apologize later,” Momoshiro warned as he walked home.

Ryoma sighed. As he walked, he fished out his phone. The thought of facing Sumire filled him with dread. When she answered, her voice was bright. “Hey, Ryoma! Fancy to see you calling me. What’s up?”

He stumbled over his words, trying to navigate his emotions. “Um… coach, is your granddaughter home?”

“Sumire replied, “Sakuno? No, not yet. Why are you looking for her?”

He felt his throat tighten. “I want to talk to her about something, but I don’t have her phone number.”

“Oh really? Well, I’ll give you her phone number. But if I found out anything bad happening, I’ll kill you,” Sumire joked, though her tone carried a hint of seriousness.

Ryoma sweated at the thought and quickly agreed. “Thanks.”

He dialed her number quickly after Sumire sent the number, holding his breath. It rang once, twice, and then went to voicemail.

Sakuno stood by the mirror in the dimly lit public bathroom, her breath hitching as she dabbed at the remnants of tears with a tissue. Her eyes were red and puffy, betraying her emotions despite her clumsy attempts to mask them with makeup. She glanced at the paper bag in her hand, filled with wagashi—a gesture meant for the Echizen family that now felt heavy with unspoken words.

Around her, several missed calls blinked from her phone’s notification pane. Each one was from an unknown number, and in that moment of heartbreak, she registered them as mere distractions. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. ‘I’m so stupid, getting upset just because of this.’

Meanwhile, Ryoma sat on the couch in the living room, the remnants of dinner lingering in the air but forgotten in his restless mind. He absentmindedly stared at his phone.

“What is wrong with you?” Nanjiro’s voice cut through the silence, breaking his reflections.

“It’s nothing,” Ryoma replied tersely, his eyes darting to the screen again.

“Nothing? You’ve been looking at that phone like it holds the secret of life. Having a fight with girlfriend or something?” Nanjiro teased, leaning back in his chair with a smirk.

Ryoma just silent, too tired to make another argument.

Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting their banter. Curiosity piqued, Nanjiro wandered to the door. “I wonder who that is.” As he swung it open, he greeted a familiar face. “Oh, it’s you, Ryuzaki-chan.”

At the sound of her name, Ryoma sprang from his seat, peering around the corner. His heart quickened when he caught sight of her—tears still evident in her red-rimmed eyes.

“I’m so sorry I came late, Uncle Nanjiro. Obaa-chan asked me to give this—it’s wagashi,” she said, her voice trembling.

Nanjiro’s eyes softened. “Ryuzaki-chan, are you okay? Your eyes…”

Ryoma stepped into view, unable to hold back. “Ryuzaki.”

Sakuno froze, wide-eyed, and turned away. “I’m okay, Uncle. I’ll take my leave now.”

The door closed behind her, leaving Ryoma unsettled. “Did you do something to her?” Nanjiro asked, concern gripping his features. Ryoma ignored him, slipping past his father.

“I’m going out.”

Before Nanjiro could respond, Ryoma grabbed his dad’s bicycle and pedalled off into the night, determined to find Sakuno.

Sakuno walked slowly in the dark alley after she running, she took a breath, her heart heavy. She heard the sound of bicycle wheels behind her.

“Ryuzaki,” he called softly.

She kept her gaze fixed on the ground, unwilling to meet his eyes and keep walking.

Ryoma rode slowly, following her. He called out again. “Ryuzaki, I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean it.”

She still didn’t respond and keep walking.

Ryoma losing his patience and rode the bicycle faster and skidding to a halt in front of her, made her flinched. She looked down, her bangs close her eyes.

“Please, can we talk?” he urged gently.

She didn’t respond. Instead, she squatted down and buried her face, overwhelmed.

“Ryuzaki, are you okay?” Ryoma quickly dismounted the bicycle and squatted down beside her, concern etched on his brow.

“Go back. I don’t want you to see me like this,” she whispered.

He hesitated, then sighed and said, “Okay.” He makes the sound as if he was gone, he grabbed the pedal of the bicycle and turn it backwards, creating a loud clanking sound. As Sakuno didn’t hear the sound of his bike anymore, she already assumed that he was gone. She looked up, but she got shocked to find him still there, mirroring her position.

“Why didn’t you go?” she asked, confusion blooming amidst her sadness.

“And leave you here alone in the dark?” His words were sincere, warm.

Sakuno felt a blush creep to her cheeks. Then, Ryoma reached for her wrist. “Let’s go. I’ll send you home.”

She followed him silently, climbing onto the back of the bicycle as he took the front, instructing her to hold tight. Sakuno hold the hem of his shirt.

As they rode, the tension began to dissipate. The rhythmic motion of the bicycle seemed to soothe her troubled soul.

“I called you many times,” Ryoma began, attempting to break the silence.

Sakuno flinched, realization hitting her—he was the unknown number. “I’m sorry for not picking up,” she murmured.

“Can’t you smile?” he pressed, catching a hint of hopefulness in his tone.

A small smile tugged at her lips, albeit weak. “I… I don’t feel like smiling right now,” she admitted, the weight of the day still pressing heavily on her heart.

“That means you’re still mad,” he still rode the bicycle.

“I’m not mad,” she denied, though uncertainty clung to her words.

“Then smile,” he challenged gently.

Taking a deep breath, she found courage in his presence. But still unable to smile.

“Seeing you upset, I don’t like it,” Ryoma said, still pedalling.

Though her heart was heavy, she felt lighter under his attention. “Ryoma-kun...”

She looked at his back, who still pedalling the bicycle. Perhaps this is the time to end everything. Like how her grandma and Tomoka said. Confess and move on. Summoning up her courage, her forehead leaned against his back, clutching his shirt tightly. “I like you, Ryoma-kun.”

Their progress halted, the world narrowing down to just the two of them. Ryoma silent, stopping the bicycle, but still looking ahead.

“You’re the reason I wake up with a smile. You make me happy by just being there. Whenever I see you, my heart beats faster, I like you more with each passing day,” she confessed, emotions rising within her. “I can’t see the other guys like I see you. Today, I even wore a nice dress for you. It’s funny right?”

Tears welled in her eyes, but this time they felt different—hope intermingled with vulnerability.

“Ne, Ryuzaki,” he said finally, “if you like me, then don’t exchange number with other guys.”

Her eyes widened. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest.

He continued, “don’t smile at other guys. If you want to exchange number with a guy, just do it with me.”

Minutes stretched into eternity as he remained silent. Although it was dark, Sakuno can see the blush creeping across his ears from the back. She smiled softly as she understood the meaning. That was Ryoma’s way to tell ‘I like you too.’

They resumed their ride, the moonlight illuminating their shared warmth. Sakuno wrapped her hands around his waist tightly and leaned her head on his back. It was warm.

When they reached Sakuno’s house, she hesitated at the gate. “T-Thank you for sending me home,” she said bashfully.

Ryoma just replied with simple “yeah.”

Sakuno smiled and turned around to the main gate. Ryoma called out before she could disappear through the gate. “Ryuzaki.”

Pausing, she turned, curiosity shining in her eyes. “Y-Yes?”

“Let’s date,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

Overcome with shyness, she walked to him, heart racing. In a bold move, she kissed his cheek, whispering, “G-Goodnight.”

Sakuno fled inside, heart racing and cheeks blazing, unable to contain her happiness. She’s leaving the stunned Ryoma.

He touched the spot she had kissed, a smirk forming.

Sakuno squatted down after the gate. Her both hands cover her blushed face. Just then, her phone buzzed. A message from the unknown number sent her heart soaring: *Goodnight. P.S. You look pretty today.*

As she hugged her phone tightly, she knew this was just the beginning.

Several months later, as Ryoma strolled through the New York street, he carried a tennis bag slung over his shoulder. He stopped mid-step, glancing back at Sakuno who was kneeling beside Karupin, his beloved Himalayan cat.

“What should we do with you, Karupin? Did you sneak into Ryoma-kun’s bag again to follow us to States?” she giggled. Karupin replied her with a meow.

“Don’t lag behind, Sakuno. Just let him follow us.” Ryoma said, with a warm smile.

She smiled brightly in return. “Okay!”

Karupin trotting behind Ryoma, being the witnessed of their shared smile. The world around them brightening with the promise of love and countless adventures ahead, their hearts intertwined as they moved forward into their new chapter together.

[spicykaraage]

Ryoga Echizen Tenigo Episodes - Story Translation

[Improvement Level 1 - Episode 1]

Koharu: Hm, hm-hm, hmm~♪

Koharu: One, two… one, two… Last, right… then turn!

Koharu: And… pose☆ That—was—per-fect♡

Ryoga: Whoa! Not too bad.

Koharu: Hm… who’s there?

Ryoga: I wasn’t trying to sneak a peek, but I was napping on that bench over there and ended up—

Koharu: It’s you…

Koharu: Big brother♡

Ryoga: I’m not your big brother.

Koharu: Oh, you make a good straight man♡

Koharu: What about Echizen-kun? Oh, but then people would get it confused with Seigaku’s Echizen-kun…

Koharu: How about Ryoga-kun?

Ryoga: Call me whatever you want. Anyway, what was that dance just now?

Koharu: It’s from this new song by an idol group I saw on TV yesterday… The choreography I did was by the girl in the center.

Ryoga: Wow… So you memorized that dance just by watching it once on TV?

Koharu: Once I see an idol perform, I can perfectly copy their dances… It’s a special skill of mine♡

Ryoga: Kakaka! You’re pretty interesting. I like that.

Koharu: Oho, I’m so happy to hear that. And I like me a handsome fellow like you, Ryoga-kun♡

Ryoga: I think you got the wrong idea… Well, whatever.

Ryoga: Since you can move that well, you should be able to do other dances, right?

Koharu: You think so? I haven’t tried any other dances before.

Ryoga: How about you try this on for size? Like this.

Koharu: Whoa, breakdancing!?

Ryoga: It’s just a quick rundown.

Koharu: A-ma-zing♡ I’m falling in love.

Ryoga: Now it’s your turn. Show me what you got.

Koharu: Like this…?

Ryoga: See, I knew you could do it. You’re definitely talented.

Koharu: T-Y-S-M♡

Ryoga: Whaddya think? Wanna try another dance?

Ryoga: There’s this place where the guys who like dancing go to practice. Let’s head over there.

Koharu: If I’m with you Ryoga-kun, wherever you go, I’ll follow♡

[Improvement Level 1 - Episode 2]

Ryoga: Here we are. One of the guys who likes dancing should be practicing over here.

Jackal: Oh, what’s going on? Senpai and Konjiki, never thought I’d see you guys together.

Koharu: Rikkai’s Kuwahara-kun. Do you dance too?

Jackal: Yeah, I do a little hip hop. Wait a sec, don’t tell me you like to dance too, Konjiki!?

Koharu: For me, I like doing idol dances.

Jackal: Idol dances…?

Koharu: One, two… one, two… Last, right… then turn!

Koharu: And… pose☆ What do you think?

Jackal: W-Wow… not bad.

Ryoga: Wahaha, right?

Ryoga: This guy’s pretty good, so I wanted him to try other dances.

Ryoga: If you’re up to it, how about teaching him your hip hop moves?

Jackal: Sure, that’s fine. I was just waiting for someone, so I have the time.

Jackal: Okay then, let’s start off small. First, I’ll do the basic steps—

Koharu: Ah! Ha! Ho! Ho! Hey yo! Man!

Jackal: (Wait, are you serious… He can copy my moves that well after just watching me one time!?)

Ryoga: Heh, he’s something isn’t he. Okay, lemme join you…

Koharu: Come on, Ryoga!

Ryoga: Yeah! Here we go!

Jackal: (E-Even senpai is… Well, of course, since breakdancing’s his thing…)

Jackal: (Konjiki and him are so freaking cool! Man, I really wanna dance now too!)

Koharu: Come on, Jackal!

Ryoga: Are you ready?

Jackal: Yeah! Let’s hip hop!

[Improvement Level 1 - Episode 3]

Kamio: Sorry, Kuwahara-san. I hope you weren’t waiting too long—

Jackal: Say yo!

Ryoga: Yo! Yo!

Jackal: Say ho!

Koharu: Ho! Ho!

Kamio: Uh… what’s going on…?

Jackal: Oh, you’re here, Kamio.

Kamio: Well of course I’m here. Why are you all hip hop dancing?

Jackal: These two asked me to teach them.

Jackal: Oh yeah. Maybe you can teach them tap dancing too.

Kamio: Huh? Why would I do that…

Ryoga: Because it’d be cool.

Ryoga: So, you gonna show us?

Koharu: I would love to learn it from you♡

Kamio: But, I had something I was gonna do with Kuwahara-san—

Jackal: This is how you’ll make up for being late. Now quit your griping and teach Konjiki.

Kamio: …Alright, fine. If you say so, Kuwahara-san.

Koharu: Be easy on me, okay? Please—and—thank—you♡

Kamio: …*sigh*

Kamio: …Okay, so you’re gonna get into the rhythm like this—

Koharu: Like this?

Kamio: Wha…!? N-No way… You know how to do it already…!?

Koharu: I’m riding the rhythm♡

Ryoga: Wahaha, pretty good, huh?

Jackal: Tch, I can’t even believe it, I think he’s got us beat when it comes to dancing…

Koharu: Trying out all these different dances is a lot of fun.

Koharu: But for me, the one I love doing the most are idol dances.

Koharu: Plus, any choreography of the girl in the center position is perfect for me.

Koharu: So now, it’s my turn to teach you all how to dance like idols.

Koharu: Let’s all be idols together♡

Jackal: W-Well, that’s, uh…

Kamio: I’d rather not…

Ryoga: Have us all become idols, huh. You really are an interesting guy! Kakaka!

[Improvement Level 2 - Episode 1]

Ryoga: Orange Ponta is the best, isn’t it?

Ryoma: Grape is.

Ryoga: You mean orange.

Ryoma: Grape only.

Ryoga: You’re stubborn, you know that.

Ryoma: So are you.

Ryoga: Heh… I think we can hold off on this for today, don’t you.

Ryoma: Yeah. We did come all this way to look for it.

Ryoga: The new Ponta flavor being sold for a limited time only in Japan… “Persimmon” flavor!

Ryoga: Apparently people have been saying it’s pretty good…

Ryoma: Are they really selling it here? I haven’t seen it at all.

Ryoga: Just be patient. They said a vending machine at the corner of the district has it—

Ryoga: Oop, bingo. Look, Chibisuke. There’s the persimmon flavor.

Ryoma: Hmm, so they do have it.

Ryoga: Here, let your kind older brother get it for you.

Ryoma: Uh-huh, thanks.

—

Ryoga: Here.

Ryoma: Thank you.

Ryoma: Okay…

Ryoga: Bottoms up!

Ryoma: …

Ryoga: …

Ryoga: …Well?

Ryoma: …What about you?

Ryoga: Uhm, yeah… It’s definitely persimmon flavor… Yep…

Ryoma: They overhyped it.

Ryoga: Jeez… You didn’t even hesitate.

Ryoma: Well yeah, the one I like to drink always tastes better.

Ryoma: Here, this one’s on me. Orange for you, right?

Ryoga: Oh… are you sure?

Ryoma: I don’t care… Now we’re even.

Ryoga: Heh, oh really. Then thank you for doing that for me.

Ryoga: Ahhh! Yeah, that’s the one!

Ryoma: Right.

Ryoga: There are some things you just can’t replace. Better keep that in mind, Chibisuke.

Ryoma: What do you even mean by that.

—

Ryoga: Hm? Hey, come take a look at this, Chibisuke.

Ryoma: What?

Ryoga: Check out this poster.

Ryoma: …An antique market?

Ryoga: Looks like they’re doing it over at the shrine.

Ryoga: I don’t have anything planned after this, so why don’t we swing by?

Ryoma: Oh, that’s a surprise… You’re into that kind of stuff?

Ryoga: It’s just something to help pass the time, so let’s go.

Ryoma: Ah! Wait…!

[Improvement Level 2 - Episode 2]

Ryoga: Hey, aren’t those guys over there from your school, Chibisuke?

Ryoma: …Momo-senpai and Kaidoh-senpai.

Ryoma: It’s rare to see those two together.

Momoshiro: Why are you walking next to me!?

Kaidoh: Because we’re heading back in the same direction, obviously!

Ryoga: Sounds like they got beef…

Ryoma: They’re always like that when they’re around each other.

Ryoga: Oh, really? Must be nice to have that kind of energy.

Momoshiro: Hm? Oh, hey!

Ryoma: What’re you guys doing here?

Momoshiro: We’re heading home from our shopping trip.

Ryoma: …The both of you?

Kaidoh: It’s nothing like that…!

Momoshiro: We ran into each other at the store, and we ended up leaving at the same time~…

Kaidoh: Not that I wanted that to happen…

Ryoga: Heh, you must be pretty good friends.

Momoshiro & Kaidoh: Excuse me!?

Ryoga: That was some good unison…

Momoshiro: Well, anyway, why are you guys here?

Ryoma: Well…

Ryoga: We both wanted to try the persimmon-flavored Ponta…

Kaidoh: …Persimmon-flavored?

Ryoma: You don’t need to tell them everything.

Ryoga: What, are you embarrassed? Kakaka!

Ryoma: No, I’m not.

Ryoga: You get embarrassed when someone you know sees you with your family, don’t you. Classic.

Ryoma: I’m telling you I’m not…!

Momoshiro: Haha, you got him out of character!

Ryoma: …We’re on our way to that antique market.

Ryoga: There’s a poster for it on that wall if you wanna check?

Momoshiro: Whoa, so they’re holding an antique market at the shrine.

Kaidoh: …!

Momoshiro: What’s up?

Kaidoh: N-No… it’s nothing…

Ryoga: Did that cat figurine on the poster catch your eye?

Kaidoh: Nuh-No…!?

Momoshiro: It did, you like cats.

Kaidoh: Shut up, Momoshiro… When did I ever say I like cats!?

Ryoma: We already know. You love cats, Kaidoh-senpai.

Kaidoh: What—huh…!?

Ryoga: Wahaha, hey, nothing wrong with that.

Ryoga: Anyway, if it’s something you guys are interested in, then you should come with us!

Momoshiro: Right, let’s go!

Kaidoh: (People already know I love cats… No… it can’t be…)

[Improvement Level 2 - Episode 3]

Ryoga: Whoa, talk about a crowd!

Ryoma: There’s a lot more people than I expected.

Momoshiro: Whoa!?

Ryoga: What?

Momoshiro: Th-There’s this… huge person…

Kaidoh: He’s a head… no, at least two heads taller than everyone.

Ryoma: That’s…

Ryoga: Oh, it’s him.

Ryoga: Yo, Ochi.

Ochi: …Echizen.

Ryoga: What a coincidence we’d run into you here. You like antiques?

Ochi: I’m not interested.

Ryoga: Oh, then why are you here?

Ochi: I’m just stopping by on my walk.

Ryoga: Alright then. But y’know you kinda stick out like a sore thumb, right?

Ochi: …

Kaidoh: I wouldn’t go that far…

Ochi: …Right.

Ryoga: Nah, I would say so…

Ryoga: See, there’s an old lady over there facing towards you with her hands together.

Ochi: I’m not a god.

Ryoga: Well, yeah, but…

Ryoga: Here, why don’t you come look around with us so people don’t get thrown off by you?

Ochi: I’ve no interest in associating with you.

Ryoga: Oof, okay… He left.

Momoshiro: But at least with his height, we’ll always be able to find him…

Kaidoh: It’s obvious he wanted to hang with us even though he said he didn’t.

Ryoga: Well, I’ll try asking him again later.

Ryoga: Alrighty, let’s get a move on too.

Ryoga: You’re all free to go from here. Go ahead and look around wherever.

Ryoga: We’ll meet back here in an hour. Okay?

Ryoma: I won’t need that much free time…

—

Ryoga: Oh, you’re finally back, Chibisuke.

Ryoga: You sure took your sweet time picking out what you wanted, what happened to you not needing that much time?

Ryoma: …They were selling the back issues of “TENNIS LIFE.”

Ryoma: So, yeah…

Momoshiro: I got some used clothes! …And you got a cat figurine, didn’t you?

Kaidoh: Wha!? How’d you know that!?

Ryoma: ‘Cause it’s obvious.

Kaidoh: Wh… Are you kidding me…!?

Ryoga: Wahaha, well it’s good that you all got something you like!

Ryoma: So what’d you get?

Ryoga: Me?

Ryoga: Ah… I actually got sleepy during the middle of it. So they let me take a nap in the main shrine. Kakaka!

Ryoma: I hope the gods smite you…

—

Ryoga: Yo, Ochi. What’d you buy?

Ochi: …I bought a nice, miniature pot for bonsai. I’m satisfied.

Ryoga: Classy…

Momoshiro: So what now?

Ryoga: Well… I’m thinking it’d be good to go grab a bite to eat and then head back…

Ryoma: Tennis.

Ryoga: Mm?

Ryoma: Let’s play tennis.

Ryoma: We’ll get out of shape if we just head back after this… right?

Ryoga: Heh, this guy…

Ryoga: Okay then. Instead of returning to the camp, we’ll return each other’s shots!

Momoshiro: Count me in! Are you joining in too?

Kaidoh: Heh… obviously.

Ryoga: Hoo boy, I won’t be able to handle all this by myself. Gimme a hand, Ochi.

Ochi: …Very well.

Ryoga: Alrighty, let’s head on over to the courts!

[Improvement Level 3 - Episode 1]

Ryoga: …Zzz… zzz…

Ryoga: Mm… Wha?

Ryoga: Is that… a saxophone?

~♪

Ryoga: Kanata Irie… So it was you…

Ryoga: I knew he sometimes practiced at night, but I guess he does it during the day, too.

~♪

Ryoga: He knows I’m here, right?

Ryoga: Well, either way, it’d be rude to bother him.

~♪

Ryoga: Heh, alright then.

Ryoga: Taking a nap under this blue sky with a saxophone playing in the background wouldn’t be too bad now and again.

Ryoga: It kinda reminds me of the US…

Ryoga: …

~♪

Ryoga: …Zzz… zzz…

Ryoga: …Zzz… zzz…

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Whoa!?

Ryoga: Wh-What the…!? It suddenly got louder…!?

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Hold up… is he doing that on purpose ‘cause he knows I’m trying to sleep?

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Nah… It looks like he hasn’t even acknowledged me.

Ryoga: Maybe he’s getting louder ‘cause he’s getting into the groove of it…

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Oh, brother… I give up…

Ryoga: I’m not gonna be able to take a decent nap with this racket…

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Maybe I should just let him know I’m here?

Ryoga: No, wait… I probably shouldn’t.

Ryoga: It’s not like I can just go up to him and be like “you’re interrupting my nap.”

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Looks like I’ll have to be patient then.

Ryoga: Okay, I guess I’ll stay awake for a while till he’s done practicing.

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Uh… So, when’s that gonna be…?

[Improvement Level 3 - Episode 2]

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Oh my god… Seriously, when is it gonna end?

~♪♪♪ ~♪♪♪

Ryoga: It looks like Irie’s getting even more into it…

~♪♪♪ ~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Lord have mercy…

Ryoga: There’s other people that are gonna complain about this, right?

—

Zaizen: …Oh. So you’re here, Irie-san.

Irie: …Hm?

—

Ryoga: Hough… Finally, someone else came to stop him.

—

Irie: Zaizen-kun. Is there something you need from me?

Zaizen: Hold that thought, are you good if I take a couple pictures?

Irie: Huh?

Zaizen: Well, you were looking really cool just now.

Irie: R-Really? I’m a little embarrassed now that you’ve said that.

Irie: Uhm… What kind of pose should I do?

Zaizen: Oh, just play the sax like you normally would please.

Zaizen: How you look as is is meh, but you do look cool when you’re playing the sax.

Irie: …I see. Yeah, I suppose you’re right.

—

Ryoga: Um wow, that was pretty rude, wasn’t it? He should learn to say things a little nicer…

—

Irie: Well then…

~♪

Zaizen: Yeah, just like that.

~♪

Zaizen: I’m really digging this!

~♪♪♪ ~♪♪♪

—

Ryoga: And now it’s freaking loud.

—

Irie: Phew… How was that?

Zaizen: Great. I got some good pictures thanks to you.

Zaizen: Oh, you cool if I post them on my blog?

Irie: Yeah, I don’t mind at all.

Zaizen: Take a look at this one, there’s a shadow covering your face so I don’t need to censor it, plus it looks pretty cool.

Irie: …Right.

—

Ryoga: That’s pretty harsh…

—

Irie: A-Anyway… is there something you needed from me…?

Zaizen: Oh, yeah. Ootori was looking for you.

Irie: Ootori-kun? What for?

Zaizen: I’m texting him right now, so you can ask him about it.

Irie: All right.

—

Ryoga: Now someone else is coming?

Ryoga: Ugh, jeez… Well, there goes any chance of me getting a nap…

[Improvement Level 3 - Episode 3]

Choutarou: Great work today, Irie-san!

Irie: Hey, Ootori-kun.

Irie: So, you needed something from me, Ootori-kun?

Choutarou: Well actually… I’ve been wanting to discuss music with you for a while now, Irie-san.

Irie: Discuss music?

Choutarou: You play the saxophone don’t you, Irie-san?

Choutarou: I also play a little piano and violin…

Irie: Oh, is that so?

Choutarou: Well, they’re hobbies of mine actually…

Zaizen: Even though they’re hobbies, he’s still pretty good at them. Apparently he has perfect pitch.

Irie: That’s incredible.

Choutarou: I know you sometimes practice your saxophone at night, Irie-san.

Choutarou: Hearing you play late at night is amazing!

Zaizen: But one wrong note and then everyone kisses their good sleep goodbye.

Choutarou: Z-Zaizen!?

—

Ryoga: Well, he’s not wrong.

—

Choutarou: A-Anyway Irie-san, I would like to discuss—

Irie: Ootori-kun… Any chance you could hurry and get your violin?

Choutarou: Huh? Oh… Yes, I could, but…

Irie: Then why don’t you and I have a music session together?

Choutarou: Wha… A music session!?

Irie: The best way to have a conversation between musicians is to have a session, right?

Choutarou: Y-Yeah… I’ll go get it right away!

—

Ryoga: Wow… A saxophone and violin session, eh. This’ll be interesting.

—

Irie: Well then, shall we begin?

Choutarou: Y-Yes…!

Irie: One, two…

~♪♪♪ ~♪♪♪

—

Ryoga: Ooh, that’s nice!

—

Zaizen: This is really hype!

Irie: Not bad, Ootori-kun.

Choutarou: Thank you very much, Irie-san!

—

Ryoga: Heh, not catching any Z’s is fine if I get to listen to this, I suppose.

Ryoga: Guess I’ll enjoy the entertainment for a while.

—

Irie: Whew… I was completely immersed in it.

Choutarou: Ah… What time is it now…?

Ryoga: Yo, great job.

Choutarou: Huh…

Zaizen: Huh… Since when did you get here?

Ryoga: Since the very beginning.

Irie: Really? I didn’t notice you at all.

Ryoga: Oh, don’t give me that. You knew the whole time, didn’t you?

Ryoga: Being all loud, interrupting my nap, and now you’re trying to lie about it.

Irie: Fufu, well, maybe so?

Irie: More importantly, what did you think of our performance?

Ryoga: It was pretty good, I’m actually fine that I wasn’t able to sleep.

Irie: I’m glad to hear it.

Choutarou: Thank you very much!

Ryoga: But you should probably stop doing it at night, y’know? People might start filing complaints for messing with their sleep. Kakaka!

[Improvement Level 4 - Episode 1]

Mitsuya: …Ryoga Echizen.

Mitsuya: Birthday: December 23rd, Capricorn. Height: 180cm. Weight: 67kg.

Mitsuya: Blood type: O. Vision is 1.4 in both eyes.

Mitsuya: Right-handed. Playing style is all-rounder. Special move: Destruction.

Mitsuya: Hobby is napping. Special skill is breakdancing.

Mitsuya: His stats are… unknown.

Mitsuya: How unfortunate… there’s still very little that we know about him.

Mitsuya: While I do have his basic data down, I am unable to measure him based on that alone.

Mitsuya: It is clearly evident that he’s skilled. I would even say he’s one of the best out of the U-17 Japanese Representatives…

Mitsuya: However, the full picture of that man remains a mystery.

Mitsuya: First and foremost, he’s never even shown anyone how he practices.

Mitsuya: I was fortunate enough to be able to watch him practice today, but I do not believe those were his true capabilities.

—

Ryoga: Hah!

Ryoga: …Hm?

Ryoga: Guess that’s about it for today~. Alright, I’m gonna go find a place to take a nap.

Ryoga: Oh, it’s Chibisuke. Heyy, Chibisuke~!

—

Mitsuya: He wasn’t cutting any corners. But he also wasn’t giving it his all…

Mitsuya: That man is still hiding his true power. And the reason for that is unclear…

Mitsuya: How very interesting. He’s a man truly worth collecting data on.

Mitsuya: In any case, I must gather more data on him. Anything, no matter how trivial.

Mitsuya: That man… I must know more about this Ryoga Echizen.

Mitsuya: But, there are limits on what I’m able to do on my own… So, in this case…

Mitsuya: I’ll go consult the others a bit as well. The more data I have, the better.

[Improvement Level 4 - Episode 2]

Mitsuya: …And that is why I specifically asked you three to come here.

Mitsuya: Ryoga Echizen… I would like each of you to share and exchange the data that you have on that man.

Mitsuya: And of course, I’ll share my data as well.

Mitsuya: What do you think? I think it’d be a good idea.

Inui: I have no objections, Akuto-senpai.

Yanagi: I as well, Akuto-niisan.

Mizuki: Mmm… It is true that there’s a lack of data on him.

Mizuki: I will cooperate with you, Mitsuya-san.

Mitsuya: Thank you, everyone. I appreciate it.

Inui: That being said, I’m pretty sure the data we each have on him is mostly the same…

Yanagi: We still don’t have the full details on him. We’re essentially in the same boat as you, Akuto-niisan.

Mitsuya: Even the most trivial piece of info will suffice. It could even be something uncertain like a rumor. Right now I just need any data I can muster.

Mizuki: Mmm… Then, how about this piece of info?

Mizuki: Ryoga Echizen is quite fond of oranges…

Mizuki: Rumor has it that he’s traveled across the globe in search of the most delicious oranges.

Inui: Wha… just for oranges!? Who in their right mind would do something like that…

Yanagi: Well… I believe it may be true, Sadaharu. I’ve heard rumors similar to that as well.

Yanagi: Depending on which country you visit, you may not be able to understand the language at all.

Yanagi: And rumor has it that in times like that, Ryoga Echizen would arrange dance battles and utilize his special skill: breakdancing.

Inui: D-Dance battles…!?

Yanagi: Supposedly he would win the battles and use them as a means to break the ice with others.

Inui: So you’re saying he communicated through dancing…?

Yanagi: It’s just a rumor, though.

Mitsuya: Excellent, Renji. Thank you for the info too, Mizuki. That’s exactly what I wanted.

Mitsuya: That drive to travel the world for your favorite food… and using a different means of communication to compensate for language barriers…

Mitsuya: Both are compelling pieces of data that align with his abilities.

Mitsuya: How about you, Inui? Is there anything you’ve heard about him?

Inui: W-Well, since you asked, I have heard something…

Inui: Supposedly, here at this training camp, Ryoga Echizen had borrowed a comb from Duke-senpai…

Inui: But, he has yet to return it…!

Mitsuya: That’s…

Inui: H-Huh…?

Yanagi: Sadaharu… That’s not what he meant.

Inui: Actually, I believe it shows a part of his personality and that he surprisingly has a lazy side to him…

Mitsuya: I’ll ask him to return it next time I see him…

Mitsuya: Is there anything else…

Mizuki: Mm… Come to think of it, I often see him rallying with Echizen-kun.

Mizuki: Ryoga Echizen’s behavior is unclear and somewhat elusive I’d say…

Mizuki: So if we were to follow Echizen-kun, it may make it easier to understand Ryoga Echizen’s behavior.

Mitsuya: I see, that’s a good idea!

Mitsuya: Fundamentally, the basis of data acquisition is observation, it’s just as you said. Let’s scope out Echizen, shall we?

—

Ryoga: Oh, please…

[Improvement Level 4 - Episode 3]

Ryoga: Hey hey, what’s wrong, Chibisuke!? Is that all you got?

Ryoma: …Right back at you, you’ve got a ways to go.

Ryoga: If you say so! Kakaka!

—

Mitsuya: Right on target, now we’re able to observe him through following Echizen.

Mitsuya: Echizen is one of the most talented amongst the middle schoolers…

Mitsuya: With him as an opponent, even he wouldn’t be able to keep his abilities concealed if he tried.

Inui: Ngh! Ryoga Echizen’s backhand just now had a different speed and angle compared to the previous data!

Inui: That backhand has not been recorded in my data…

Yanagi: And it appears that his Twist Serve is more powerful than before…

Yanagi: Has he been hiding it this whole time? Or perhaps… he has no choice but to be serious since his opponent is Echizen?

Mizuki: Mmm… And just now with his movement by the net, he moved forward at a different timing than before.

Mizuki: This is valuable data.

Mitsuya: Marvelous…

Mitsuya: With this data we’re receiving, little by little Ryoga Echizen’s true power will eventually be revealed!

Mitsuya: This is truly marvelous!

Mitsuya: More… Show me more, Ryoga Echizen!

Inui: Hmm!? What was that movement!?

Inui: It’s a unique movement I’ve never seen before…

Yanagi: There is a precise rhythm to it, however… almost like dancing…

Inui: Like he’s dancing… Dancing…?

Mizuki: Mm… Yes, akin to breakdancing even.

Mitsuya: Breakdancing…!?

Mitsuya: No, is he really… He’s incorporating breakdancing moves into his tennis…!?

Mizuki: No… It appears he’s simply playing around with them…

Inui: S-So in other words… he’s aware we’re watching him and he’s doing it intentionally…?

Yanagi: So this data we’ve collected is false…?

Mizuki: Mmm… I’m afraid so.

Mitsuya: He’s clever… You are something else, Ryoga Echizen.

—

Ryoga: Heh…

Ryoga: How naïve of them to think they can figure me out just by watching me.

Ryoga: If they wanted my data so bad, they could’ve just came up to me and asked. Right, Chibisuke?

Ryoma: Hey, can you stop looking over there and get serious?

Ryoga: Wahaha, me looking over there is actually making it more fair for you.

Ryoma: Seriously…

Ryoga: If you ask me, they got a ways to go and so do you! Kakaka!

[Improvement Level 5 - Episode 1]

Kintarou: Gimme a bite of your meat, Koshimae!

Ryoma: Nuh-uh.

Kintarou: Oh c’mon, just one bite. Don’t be stingy.

Kintarou: I’ll give you my broccoli in return.

Ryoma: Why would I trade my meat for broccoli…

Ryoga: Wow, a full house.

Kintarou: It’s Koshimae’s big bro!

Ryoga: Chibisuke, can I sit here?

Ryoma: Go ahead.

Ryoga: Aw, what a bummer. I was gonna have their orange jelly for dessert, but they were all out of it.

Ryoga: I’m a big fan of the orange jelly here since they put a lot of pulp in it, but…

Kintarou: Mm? Is this the orange jelly you’re talking about, Koshimae’s big bro?

Ryoga: Ah, yeah, it is! Wait, so you…

Kintarou: I took the last one.

Ryoga: So you did… Well, you grabbed it, so it’s yours.

Kintarou: Did you really wanna eat it that bad? In that case, you can have it big bro!

Ryoga: Huh? No, it’s yours…

Kintarou: It’s fine, I only grabbed it ‘cause I like the color orange.

Kintarou: But you like orange flavor, don’t you big bro? So you should eat it!

Ryoga: You’re… a good kid…

Ryoga: Okay, then let’s trade! I’ll give you my dessert for your jelly!

Kintarou: Whoa! But that’s that seasonal fruit platter!

Kintarou: You’ll really give that to me!?

Ryoga: Yeah, no sweat.

Ryoga: I’d much rather have the jelly since the platter doesn’t even have any oranges.

Kintarou: It’s a deal then! Thank you, Koshimae’s big bro! You’re a really nice guy!

Ryoma: How’d it come to this…?

Ryoga: Man, the orange jelly here really is the best!

Kintarou: And this fruit platter’s incredible! I can’t get enough of it!

Ryoma: Well… whatever…

[Improvement Level 5 - Episode 2]

Ryoga: Alrighty… Stuffed my face and now I think it’s time for a nap on the roof.

Jirou: Ah… hi there~.

Ryoga: Hi, were you gonna take a nap too?

Jirou: Welll… you said you were gonna go to the roof for a nap…

Jirou: But right now, a bunch of people who like dancing are up there… and they’re all dancing around…

Jirou: So it’s really noisy… It wouldn’t be the best place for a nap… *yawn*…

Ryoga: Ah, well that’s unfortunate.

Jirou: Nah, for realsies…

Jirou: I’m forced to wake up early every day at this training camp…

Jirou: So my naps are ne“C”essary.

Ryoga: R-Right…

Ryoga: I like napping too, but I can’t imagine being constantly tired while I’m awake…

Jirou: Well it’s break time, so that means it’s okay to relax and sleep… *yawn*…

Jirou: Anyway, I’m gonna go find another spot to nap in…

Jirou: I wouldn’t bother going to the rooftop during lunch if I were you…

Ryoga: Got it. Thanks for the heads up.

Jirou: No biggie… Welp, I’ll be on my way… *yawn*…

Ryoga: Mmm…

Ryoga: Maybe it’d be better for me to look for a different napping spot too…

Ryoga: …But once I heard the word “dance,” my body just automatically started tingling.

Ryoga: Sooo… I think I’ll skip the napping for today and go do some dancing.

[Improvement Level 5 - Episode 3]

Byoudouin: Perish…!

*BOOM!*

Ryoga: Heh… You’ve got a ways to go.

*BOOM!*

—

Ryoma: Wow…

—

Byoudouin: You bastard…! How far will you go to follow me!?

*BOOM!*

Ryoga: I’ll follow you wherever till you throw in the towel!

*BOOM!*

—

Oni: Oh, great… I thought I heard some racket…

Ryoma: It’s cool, isn’t it?

Oni: What’s so cool about them hitting “Destruction” shots back and forth?

Oni: Just look. The court’s getting destroyed ‘cause of them.

—

Byoudouin: Hmph!

*BOOM!*

Ryoga: Hah!

*BOOM!*

—

Oni: Jesus… Try to have some sympathy for the people who’ll have to clean up this mess.

Ryoma: You don’t really have room to talk, though.

Oni: What’d you just say?

Ryoma: Nothing.

Oni: Echizen… do you want to be like them?

Ryoma: Of course.

Oni: Hmph…

Oni: Well, it would be too reckless for you right now.

Oni: But… I guess it’s only a matter of time before you’re among their ranks.

Ryoma: Alright, then I’m gonna join in tomorrow.

Oni: Tch… Well, aren’t you cocky.

—

Ryoga: Orah!

*BOOM!*

Byoudouin: Kuh…!?

Ryoga: Heh… Told you, didn’t I?

Ryoga: There’s a ways to go.

Byoudouin: Bastard…!

Ryoga: Hm? Oh, it’s Chibisuke!

Ryoga: Whatcha doin’ over there? Cheering me on?

Ryoga: You’re probably bored just watching us, huh? Wanna join in?

—

Ryoma: Or I’ll join in now.

Oni: …

[Improvement Level 6 - Episode 1]

Ochi: …May we sit here?

Ryoga: Mm? Sure, go ahead.

Mouri: Alright, thank you.

Ryoga: So, what do you want from me?

Mouri: Huh? Well, Tsuki-san wanted to sit here…

Ryoga: There’s other seats open.

Ryoga: You specifically came over here ‘cause you want something from me, isn’t that right?

Ochi: …The Red vs. White competition.

Ryoga: Yeah… That was pretty interesting, wasn’t it.

Mouri: Oh, yeah? We did panic a little since someone from somewhere had targeted us.

Ryoga: Wow, really?

Mouri: I thought it was random at first, but those chestnuts were definitely aimed at us.

Mouri: Right, Tsuki-san?

Ochi: …

Ryoga: Well, that’s not good.

Ochi: …It was you, wasn’t it. Ryoga Echizen.

Ryoga: Huh, what makes you say that?

Ochi: Cut the clueless act.

Ochi: The weight of those shots… It’s obvious that no middle schooler could’ve hit them.

Ochi: Therefore, that ultimately means they were hit by a high schooler.

Ryoga: Huh, it’s kind of irrational to accuse me just because of that, isn’t it?

Ochi: I have another reason.

Mouri: And what reason would that be, Tsuki-san…?

Ochi: I saw him smirking after it happened.

Mouri: Smirking… Right, now that you mention it!

Ochi: You enjoyed seeing our reactions, didn’t you? Ryoga Echizen.

Ryoga: Kakaka! You got me.

Mouri: What… this isn’t something to laugh over…

Mouri: Why did you do that?

Ryoga: Oh come on, you didn’t hear them say we weren’t allowed to go for the black balloons, did you?

Ryoga: Plus, it’s more fun when something unexpected happens, isn’t it?

Mouri: Uh no, and it wasn’t fun or anything like that, we—

Ochi: …Yes, you’re right.

Mouri: Wha—you’re agreeing with him, Tsuki-san!?

Ochi: Those shots had created a sense of tension amongst the high schoolers.

Ochi: It had showed us that we needed to pay attention to each of the attacks, not just the middle schoolers and eagles.

Mouri: Well, yeah, sure…

Ochi: I thought it was good practice.

Mouri: If you say so, Tsuki-san…

Ryoga: Heh… Well, I’d like to do it with just the high schoolers someday.

Ochi: Yes… That would be a good opportunity.

Mouri: Well, that… would be a lot to handle…

[Improvement Level 6 - Episode 2]

Ryoga: Ugh, man… There’s no way I’m going outside with this rain.

Ryoga: Well, I guess walking around inside the camp isn’t so bad.

Ryoga: Hm? That’s…

—

Tokugawa: Hah… hah…

Ryoga: …

Tokugawa: Hah… whewww…

Ryoga: …

Tokugawa: …

Tokugawa: Um…

Ryoga: Mm?

Tokugawa: What are you doing?

Ryoga: Watching.

Tokugawa: What are you watching?

Ryoga: You training.

Tokugawa: For what purpose?

Ryoga: Because I have time to.

Tokugawa: …Is that not strange?

Ryoga: Is it?

Tokugawa: If you have all of this free time, then why don’t you train as well?

Ryoga: Because I don’t want to.

Ryoga: Besides, we have today off. And I don’t train on my days off.

Tokugawa: Then why are you here?

Ryoga: Because I was taking a walk and then saw you training.

Tokugawa: Are you toying with me?

Ryoga: Nope, just watching.

Tokugawa: …There’s other places you could go, are there not?

Ryoga: It’s raining outside. I don’t like rain.

Tokugawa: There’s other places indoors you could go, are there not?

Ryoga: Yeah, I guess.

Tokugawa: Then why don’t you go there?

Ryoga: Why do you want me to leave?

Tokugawa: You are toying with me, aren’t you?

Ryoga: What do you think?

Tokugawa: I’ll be blunt then. Leave.

Ryoga: Hey, hey, that really hurts. I’m actually a lot more delicate than I look, you know?

Tokugawa: If you were “delicate,” you wouldn’t be interrupting someone else’s training in this manner.

Ryoga: Wahaha, true.

Ryoga: Well, don’t worry about me, you can keep going.

Tokugawa: And I am telling you I’m unable to continue because you’re disrupting me…

Tokugawa: (Is this person really Echizen-kun’s older brother…)

Tokugawa: (I wonder what Echizen-kun thinks of him…?)

[Improvement Level 6 - Episode 3]

Ryoma: Hey.

Ryoga: Mm? Oh, you’re here Chibisuke?

Ryoma: You got free time? Then come practice with me.

Ryoga: Sorry, I’m busy right now.

Tokugawa: You told me you had time earlier, did you not?

Ryoga: Hey, don’t rat me out.

Tokugawa: I didn’t need to.

Ryoga: Oh, come on… You know I don’t train on my days off…

Ryoma: It’s not a problem if it’s training with me, right? You can just keep me company.

Ryoga: Hm… Well, that’s one way to go about it.

Ryoga: Oh alright, your kind older brother will help you out!

Tokugawa: Good grief… finally peace and quiet…

—

Ryoga: Hey, Chibisuke.

Ryoma: What?

Ryoga: What were you up to today?

Ryoma: Something better than dealing with you.

Ryoga: Oh? You weren’t bothering anyone, were you?

Ryoma: You projecting now?

Ryoga: Wahaha, did you see how annoyed Tokugawa looked?

Ryoma: So you knew what you were doing.

Ryoga: Well, the dude’s just a little too serious.

Ryoga: I think people like him need to ease up a little so they don’t self-destruct.

Ryoma: Why don’t you just tell him that then…!

Ryoga: ‘Cause it’s not my place to be telling him that~

Ryoga: Oop, there’s an opening!

Ryoma: …Ngh!!

Ryoma: …!!

Ryoma: Tch…

Ryoga: Heh… You’ve got a ways to go.

—

Ryoga: Alright, it should be stopping by now.

Ryoga: Mm? What’s this… the rain passed before I even realized.

Ryoma: Would seem so.

Ryoga: Huh… I can’t believe I…

Ryoga: (I was so absorbed in playing with Chibisuke that I didn’t even notice the rain had stopped…)

Ryoga: (I haven’t had this happen since I was a kid…)

Ryoga: …

Ryoma: Hey… What’s wrong?

Ryoma: Should I bail since you’re gonna keep spacing out?

Ryoga: You little…

Ryoga: You and that smart mouth of yours, that does it~!

Ryoma: Wh—What the…!?

Ryoga: Wahahaha! You’re my baby bro, but you sure are cocky!

Ryoma: Th—That huwwts, big bw—

Ryoga: Huh? What was that?

Ryoma: !! …I didn’t say anything.

Ryoga: Heh, yeah, sure you didn’t.

Ryoga: (I hate the rain, but… if I can have fun during it, maybe it’s not so bad once in a while.)

So, about that last part where Ryoga didn’t realize the rain had stopped and him saying he hadn’t experienced that since he was a child. There are some things to take from it:

It could possibly be in reference to him being able to spend time with Ryoma without being concerned over any outside factors. He was able to spend as much time with Ryoma as he wanted when they were children, but after he was taken and they eventually reunited at the camp, he has not been able to spend proper time with him or they get interrupted.

Rain is a very popular metaphor for sadness/bad memories (rain rhymes with pain). So in this context, it may symbolize that he was able to forget about his sadness from being able to spend time with Ryoma. Which he hasn’t been able to experience since he was a child due to them being separated.

Him saying he hates rain but is okay if he can have fun (with Ryoma). Again, this ties back to the rain metaphor, and it likely symbolizes he’s okay with experiencing sadness/bad memories as long as he can still make good memories and/or be with his brother.

Also does anyone else feel that Ryoga likes dancing more than tennis? Because that’s also what I got from this.

[nonbinarypirat]

A rare post not about Iruma kun (yall im so stressed with finals and end of the semester, I haven’t even caught up with the newest chapters because I can’t focus on an on going story rn. Does that make sense? Sometimes when I’m stressed I can’t read or watch a story that hasn’t been finished yet. But I’ll be excited to finish then after the break.)

But anyway, I’m watching Tanaka is Always Listless and I’m enjoying it so far. Im almost done, only two episodes to go. I may make a an anime tier list soonish and this would go in B tier. Solid, not much happens (though it’s intentional) but cute characters. BUT what I don’t like is that Echizen is not canonically queer and in love with Miyano? (Spoilers for the anime going forward.) When she was first introduced, it’s subtly through Miyano. Miyano talks about her feelings on someone she’s in love with and that’s why she wants to be mature woman. And then later we meet Echizen and she’s like, idk why Miyano would want to be like you she’s perfect the way she is (to Tanaka). And then Miyano finally tells the characters (and the audience) that the person she loves is Echizen. And they both hug, fawn over each other, it’s adorable. So I was like, oh I love this cute relationship! What I liked was that it was simple but realistic. They just really like each other. And while not the main focus, the way it was addressed didn’t make a big deal out of it.

So this whole time I thought they were lesbians and dating afterwards. Just off screen. And we saw them separately or together since then and it only confirmed this for me since they often talked about the other. But then came episode 9 I think? Or 8? And Echizen thinks Ohta or Tanaka likes her. And she gets nervous about it. Which I was like, eh makes sense they are her two friends (?). And even after she gushes about it I was like, ok well they are both cute guys. Nothing wrong with feeling yourself and how attractive you are to have two people like you. Maybe she’s a bi queen. But then she starts imagining dating them and such and I was like… wait did I read the room wrong?? Because her and Miyano have so much chemistry and queer vibes for each other. They both want to impress or do/give cute things for each other. They always talk about the other. Overall, it’s super cute. So the crush on either boy felt so weird and out of place? I was really blindsided because I didn’t pick up on that energy (but then again I’m autistic so maybe I missed it?)

And now I’m in episode 10 and there’s the weird reminiscing about the past and Echizen being blushing and shy about Ohta and I’m just now realizing, oh no. It’s them giving the two main male characters a relationship. Because of course they must be dating someone, specifically a girl. Idk, kind of put me off and now I’m not liking it as much. It’s not that I think all stories need a queer couple (if only though) but it feels so weird to have it now when there hasn’t been a ton of scenes with them besides us knowing they are childhood friends.

Not to mention that I am just tired and annoyed with the trope that all leads must have a partner or romantic interest or potential romance (🙄) by the end of a show. Is this just me? But I see it over and over, the series feeling like it must have a lead character(s) date someone and I just don’t get it. Maybe this is the autism (the answer is always autism) or me being on the aromatic spectrum, but I don’t understand compulsorily romance. It feels like media is always so scared to just let a lead not date someone even at the expense of ruining a character, story, or even making sense. I don’t need the two leads to be dating someone, it’s fine if they don’t! I see this all the time (more so with girl or women main characters) and it’s so frustrating to see.

With all that being said, I know that the show is based on the manga and mangas typically can have more character depth, character lore, and stories than an anime adaptation. So maybe the couple makes more sense in the actual mangas. Just for me who only watched the anime, it’s so weird seeing her get paired with him when I didn’t get that feeling from her besides being embarrassed he knew her before she was “cool.” But I have two more episodes so maybe I was being to presumptuous? Or maybe they’ll find a way to explain it (idk how but it’s possible). So I may give more thoughts after I finish it. Idk, if y’all have read the manga do you recommend it and should I read it? Will it give me more context on the relationship between them? I’m not against the two dating, I just thought she was gay or wlw and liked her best friend. But if the manga can sell me of the ship, let me know and maybe I’ll read it (if , ya know, you don’t think the ending of the anime will make me think that by itself)

[arlzuteni]

Let's make dango for moon-gazing! (parts 9/10 translation)

The kids divide up into teams and compete over who can make the best dango for moon-gazing. Now that the weather has cleared up, the competition is on its way. Read part 8 here!

Disclaimer: Actual translation, not a shitpost.

Echizen: I heard it was Shitenhouji's turn next... but they're late, huh.

Syusuke: I wonder if they had some trouble?

Toyama: Made you wait! It took some time to bring it here!

Zaizen: I'm ready to go anytime, Shihan.

Ishida: Thank you. Kintaro, we're done with the preparations.

Toyama: Then here I go! This is Shitenhouji-style moon-gazing!

Toyama: Ta-da! Moon-gazing special takoyaki! We made plenty, so everyone eat!

Kenya: We brought them fresh from the camp, so they're still warm and tasty.

Konjiki: Everyone, be careful not to burn your tongues...! If you ask me nicely, I'll blow on them for you, ufun♡

Hitouji: Stop taking advantage of the moment! Are you cheating on me, Koharu~!

Zaizen: Senpai, please drop it and help us handing them out.

Toyama: Line up here if you don't have any yet!

Syusuke: That's a surprise. Who would have thought they'd make moon-gazing takoyaki instead of dango.

Echizen: But it's exactly the kinda thing Shintenhouji would do.

Syusuke: You're right. They did not only care about the taste, but they made it interesting, too. That's something only they could do.

Syusuke: But I don't intend to lose.

Toyama: Next up is big bro's team! I wanna see what they made!

Ishida: Let's see what they got.

Syusuke: Fufu... these are the dango we made.

Toyama: Hm, wha? These dango are shaped like raindrops.

Syusuke: Krauser-kun suggested we make the dango as they are usually served in Nagoya.

Krauser: It was a great opportunity to learn about dango, so I did a lot of research.

Syusuke: And there's one more thing, please enjoy these together.

Ishida: Oh, tea with chrysanthemum petals? How very poetic.

Syusuke: Because there's also the chrysanthemum festival where people pray for good health. They decorate with chrysanthemum flowers and have drinks with petals in them, so we tried to incorporate that.

Zaizen: Heh, so that's the meaning behind it. I got a good story for my blog.

Echizen: Moon-gazing dango from Nagoya... it's not bad to have some variety.

Syusuke: It's interesting to see the difference between regions.

Echizen: Yeah. It kinda made me want to find out about other places, too.

--- (part 10 below)

Mukahi: The last presentation is Echizen's group.

Akutagawa: So it's the last one already. I'm excited!

Toyama: I wanna see the dango Koshimae made!

Echizen: Well then, here I go now. These are the dango we made.

Toyama: ...huh? They kinda look really plain.

Syusuke: Traditional moon-gazing dango from the Kanto region. I wonder if there's something more to it?

Echizen: You'll know when you try them.

Syusuke: Mh? This is... there's something sweet inside.

Mukahi: He's right. Is it... pumpkin?

Echizen: Yep. We made a sweet pumpkin paste and put it inside.

Mukahi: I see... pumpkin and dango go well together.

Akutagawa: But why did you choose pumpkin?

Echizen: For American moon-gazing... for thanksgiving day pumpkin pie is a staple, so we tried to combine them.

Echizen: And when everyone's reactions were really favourable, we made this our groups dish.

Syusuke: I see. So these dango are a fusion of Japanese and American culture.

Toyama: As expected of Koshimae! You got me!

Echizen: Right, there was a competition. So do we all agree our dango are number one?

Syusuke: Don't be so hasty. It's true your team's dango were delicious, but I think number one should be our team.

Mukahi: No way, it has to be us! You were all excited about the Usainu-dango!

Toyama: Nuh-uh, our takoyaki dango was best!

Echizen: Hah. At this rate, we'll never know who won.

Echizen: Ah.

Toyama: What is it?

Echizen: It's nothing, I just thought the moon looked a little like a rabbit from here.

Toyama: What, really? Where, where?

Echizen: Uhm, like there?

Akutagawa: Hmm, I can't see it---

Syusuke: But now that we're looking at it, it's a really beautiful full moon, isn't it?

Mukahi: Yeah. It'd be a pity to miss it, so let's postpone the competition and watch the moon.

Toyama: You're right! Moon-gazing is more important!

Toyama: I'll get power from the moon and become even stronger in tennis!

Echizen: Yeah.

[naradivision]

What a coincidence! At the beginning of spring, it wasn’t only the birthday of a particular errand boy but also a certain wagashi artist from Nara! And of course that meant a present has made its way into Harumatsuya! This present in particular was a medium box of green foil wrappings held shut by a back ribbon with a spider web pattern on, and for the contents…

It’s a plushie of a caterpillar, how cute!

And about that box, there’s a black note of white writing attached to it.

“Happy birthday, Asa-chan!!!

Kekeke! They weren’t lying when they said we’re a lot like twins! Anywayyyy with the start of spring some of the plushies in this shop I came across with were on sale and I thought you’d like this one :3c

—☂️

“Tada~☆ Look at this baby I found at my doorstep this morning! At long last, Kinako-chan and Kuromitsu-kun are finally having a new friend!”

With Asahi’s overly enthusiastic voice, the green caterpillar plushie was suddenly shoved right in front of his red-haired bestie who was now seeming to be busy pondering over the menu attached on the table.

Yeah, right now they were hanging out at the karaoke box nearby.

“Oh, isn’t the sender Meguno-san from Echizen?” guessed Yuuya as he was done ordering some drinks and snacks.

A ‘Caterpillar’ hmm? That kinda reminded him of someone a certain ‘Cat’ has introduced to him lately…

“Yup~ I must make sure to add him more extra kohakutou or some new candies when he stops at my shop next time —And there was also one novelist from Kōfu who came here to give me homemade cookies!”

“Sounds like your birthday has gone a lot merrier than before, that’s a good thing …Gosh, somehow it feels like my gift has become pale in comparison with theirs.”

“Hah??? What’re you talking about? Hey, how could I not be happy with your wonderful gift since you’ve tried to find me a new charm that I lost weeks ago?”

Asahi proudly raised his phone up to show his friend the dangling phone straps that he had just received from him.

“And not to forget that you’re the one who helped me adjust my mixtape until the finalization! This much already makes me pretty touched, you know~”

“Wha—” Yuuya stared at him in disbelief a bit since he had never told his bestie about his intention before.

“*laughs* Glad to know you like it. Still, I think it would be better if I could find something that looks just like your old one.”

“Nah. This new one is super cute and there’s no need to cry over spilled milk. I’ll just remember to be more careful from now on~”

Asahi replied as he was looking for the song they will sing and just then, the karaoke’s staff had just entered the room.

The drinks and snacks they ordered had just arrived; one bowl of potato chips, one pink lemonade for Yuuya, and the Spring’s limited edition parfait for himself. 

Asahi whistled a little at the sight of his fancy dessert.

“But by the way, do you have anything you want to talk with me today hmm~ YuuYu?”

Despite his bubbly and a bit airy outlook, Asahi was surprisingly sharp when it came to sensing his friend’s worries. Since his buddy decided to invite him out for a hangout somewhere else rather than just talking things over the dinner at Saigo-san’s house like usual, thus it meant there was something he didn’t want the old man to know just yet…

“Ah, riiight~ Actually, lots of stuffs have kept coming up to me lately…”

Yuuya wore a troubled smile on his face as the sunset colors in his eyes knowingly met his friend’s blossom pink and green.

At first what he wanted to tell his friend was only about his soon graduation in this spring, but with a series of weird encounters that happened to him within these past months, he was wound up feeling like it wasn’t just something he could keep silent about.

…Haaa. So, which one should he tell him first then?

[cute-girls-from-vns-anime-manga]

because of that anon you got the other day i looked into tanaka kun and am enjoying it. one thing i found interesting is how much work Shiraishi puts into her appearance and public persona, frankly she's not really unattractive in her regular appearance, just not as classy or stylish i guess.

I was always more attracted to Echizen honestly found Shiraishi kind of boring! Glad you picked it up tho love that show and Im due for a re-watch of it its been far too long since I saw Miyano happily jumping around

But yeah no Echizen best girl!

[uenodivision]

Hypnosis Mic Shuffle Team, Vol. 3 (Part 4) (Cont.)

Shizuoka's Voice

Reika "Belladonna" Aichi

Kito "Renegade" Sakura

From Nothing to Something (By Any Means Necessary)

The Carefree

Suzuki "Cupid" Kirara

Kohaku "KANDATA-KUN" Meguno

Yuuya "ARROW" Kanata

Let's Just Relax

The Beach Boys

Rashaad "Straight Up" Young

Kyō "NEPTUNE" Sakuma

Eden "Ember" Yamamura

Yudai "KILLA W." Toya

Good Day at the Beach

Team Fabolous!

Yeong "9-Dan" Hajoon

Aoba "Guinevere" Yamamura

Evelyn "SPIRIT" Rose

Lookin' Good (All Day, Everyday)

Project Limelight

Umi "Doll.Me" Kobayashi

Miyazaki "FASHIONISTA" Aimi

Miku "Hex 13" Shirazuki

Megumi "Royal Rouge" Kagawa

Fulfillment

The Patriots

Ace "MC Patriot" Douglas

Kyler "Pierce" Aaron

Evelyn "SPIRIT" Rose

Sound of America

The "New" Yozakura

Aranai "Ride or Die" Norikoru

Sumire "Diabla" Shinomiya

Kureha "Eclipse" Koizumi

Kaoru "Arachne" Shinozaki

Kanra "D. Vil" Akemi

Yozakura Wanted! (ALL POINTS BULLETIN)

The "New" Yozakura (Reserve Units)

Mizuki "Sweet Devil" Minami

Mine "E.R.O.S." Mizushima

Shian "Ready or Not" Meizono

Ririko "MC 2cute" Akihara

Ageha "A.D.A." Shinozaki

We Just Bad Girls! (Yozakura Theme Song)

Fire Lovers

Luis "El Dorado" Kōkyū

Aoba "Guinevere" Yamamura

Talk Long Overdue (Heart-to-Heart)

Chōten Brothers

Tomi "High Class" Chōten

Kunio "James Moriarty" Chōten

The Prelude (Calm Before the Storm)

@shizuokadivision @urayasu-division @echizen-division @naradivision @okinawa-division @naha-division @enoshima-division @megurodivision @kumamoto-division @odaibadivision @minato-division03 @sagadivision @kanazawa-division @shinagawa-division @saitama-division @edogawa-division @akihabara-division03 @nakanodivision @hamamatsu-divison

[smilingangel582]

For fun, btw... I wanna heal myself...

Spoilers for prince of tennis both old and new one.

Just for a laugh

Freshmen hang out. The word itself seems too alien for Ryoma Echizen. He was called out by Dan Taichi to meet at the courts of Rokkaku Jr High. Basically hinting that the over-zealous guy Aoi Kentaro would be present as well.

He certainly didn't expect Kintaro Toyama to be making an entrance as well. Sipping his ponta with a slight concern for his peace, he mentally and psychologically prepared for the worst case scenario of three similar idiots with the same mindset.

Horio, Kachirou, and Katsu were invited too to help and watch their meet-up. The senpais insisted they had their own time right after the nationals.

"Amazing Echizen-kun! You've beaten the child of God!" From Aoi.

"Right!! I can't seem to catch up, desu(Note that Dan's habit of saying desu is a Japanese polite form... he uses it to imply more politeness than average)

"Koshimae! You promised we'll have a match together!" (Kintaro is a cutie who can't read Echizen's kanji name... so that's why it's reversed ... though i think he's intentionally saying it wrong now)

Exactly as he predicted. Ryoma sighed, now lowering his cap. "Jeez, you guys are like three siblings working together to torment me"

Aoi grabbed his wrist with excitement, gleaming over his large dark eyes. "Matte (wait), did we torment the indomitable Echizen-kun?"

"That's insane kentaro-kun!" Dan grabbed his other hand to stop him from finishing his drink. Matches barely began, Kintaro was whining that he wanted to settle the one point match with him. Of course, he's got no room to breathe as he pulled his wrists free. Sighing, he rolled his shoulder. "Alright, mada mada dane, how about a warm-up?"

"Good idea desu!" Dan got up and soon prepared the courts with the freshmen trio.

Horio said now, picking the baskets of balls over to the super freshmen rookies of Seigaku and Rokkaku. "ne, Echizen seems too stiff, as always..."

Katsu and kachiro exchanged similar sad expressions, and hearing this, Kintaro folded his arms above his head, looking up with wondering thoughts "now... Has Koshimae ever laughed? I never saw that side of him before"

Dan pondered too "me neither..."

From Horio "Though he's in my class, all he does is sleep... nothing special"

While Aoi and Ryoma warm up, it made Kintaro run after too, who left out of boredom to practice. Dan clapped when an idea popped to his head, "How about we make him laugh, desu

Katsu smiled now. "Hmm? That's a nice idea, but will it be easy?"

They knew it won't... nothing will crack the cold stoic Ryoma-kun. At least, that's what they believed.

Telling this plan to Kintaro and Aoi, who agreed with bright grins, it was an OK plan. Less did they know Ryoma was suspicious about their private conversations they had without him.

He ignored as always, though he had a lingering doubt, if it would be his own inconvenience.

First, it was Dan who constantly pretended to slip when his bandana fell over his eyes. It was without a doubt funny, but Ryoma's too slow. He turned to the fallen kid now frowning. "What's wrong?"

Embarrassed, he looks away "nothing desu, i slipped!"

Horio and the other two worked hard to do Dan's comic falls and trips, but all they got was a cold Ryoma saying, "Stop screwing around,"

Katsu groaned in defeat. "He's tough..."

Kachirou had a weak smile, now picking up the balls they dropped "Well we got time... don't worry"

After hours passing the afternoon swiftly, they still couldn't do so. Echizen seemed to intentionally have avoided it as he had vaguely noticed a plan being proceeded, though he didn't know the subject matter.

Finally, Aoi cleared his throat after his power served and dared to say, "What do you call a fake pasta?"

Ryoma, startled by this he made a weak lob to digest what Aoi suddenly said. "H-huh... what do you mean?"

"The answer..." he smashed, and Ryoma hits it back with a drive B that Aoi couldn't return.

"I don't know," patting the racket at the lame attempt of a joke. Aoi frozen by the amazing move stammered as he missed his ball "A-ah its an impasta!"

He laughed nervously now, receiving one of his own powerfully controlled serves, defeated. Utterly.

"I shouldn't have listened to davide-senpai..."

"Oh no," Echizen said with a hint of a smile. "His jokes were worse than yours... but it's not like I don't enjoy them"

"Wait, you enjoy them?" Aoi was surprised now, still, he was barely conscious that Ryoma was winning two games from him now.

"Kidding..." Sticking his tongue, he took his sets, leaving four games to six. He won.

"So mean Echizen-kun! You will pay for that, " he glared playfully. Still, they still couldn't make him laugh. He had a small smile, however... seeing how he didn't seem to mind their company anymore, he allowed it to slide.

Dan sighed, "Well, it was a good effort, Aoi-kun..."

Kintaro was next now tossing up and causing crazy moves, which Ryoma was able to predict even without the mugo no kyochi. Kachirou widened his eyes now. "Ryoma-kun had a hard time with him before the finals, but now he's gotten used to that insane irregular speed"

Aoi gave a wry smile, wiping his brow. "He's another monster too, huh?"

Ryoma missed another set though, seeing how kintaro was equal to four games with him.

"Hooooo!" Kintaro yelled as he was sent spinning up like a top from the courts. This was the move... and Ryoma kept his stance. "Superr ultra great delicious mountain-"

He stopped himself abruptly, suddenly losing his balance and falling face first on the dirt and laughing at himself for his stupid fall. Ryoma's eyes widened in puzzlement and pulled away from the stance "O-Oi... what is wrong with all of you?"

Kintaro still face down, was pretty funny and the rest snickered softly at that. Maybe they got to laugh but not Ryoma. Kintaro got up with a frowny dirty face "Aww guess Koharu and Yuji did it better, i might need to learn tricks!"

Using his racket's handle to irritably rub his temple, he asked. Now, finally, losing his patience. "Seriously... what's going on? I'm not stupid to notice you've been acting weird since the discussion this noon till now"

Everyone watched him, as if they were children who were being scolded by a teacher. Sighing, they gave up. All of them seemed to be in on this.

Dan said this, very apologetically "sumimasen, desu,(sorry) It was my idea... you've been a little rigid, and we've never seen you laugh before"

Ryoma looked at him thoughtfully, then thought a little longer and sighed exaperatedly. "Hmm... is that's what this is about? Why do you care whether i laugh or not?"

Aoi broke in emotionally, reaching for his hand with a tight, hopeful clasp. "But Echizen-kun's smile fits him perfectly, i cant imagine it any longer!!"

Awkward, he couldn't get away from the strong hold at all. The idiots strength is formiddable, thought Ryoma. This time, Kintaro grabbed his other hand with sparkly eyes,"Koshimae! You don't look like you enjoy my matches... so why don't you laugh out a bit once in a while"

"Please Echizen-kun?" Dan

"Yes, Ryoma-kun..." katsu

"Can you do it for us Ryoma-kun?" Kachirou

Again, Ryoma didn't understand what was happening. He totally can't force a laugh when nothing is funny and nothing is happening around him. Has he never laughed before? Well, apart from challenging Atobe with a maniacle laugh, he probably sees where they're coming from.

"Well, you will eventually hear it... Toyama, let's continue" he turned away breaking their hearts instantly.

"Normally, I'd be happy, but Koshimae is being mean," Kintaro pouted.

Ryoma stiffened now, wondering the hell he should do to stop weird ideas coming to them.

Aoi was seeing how a warfare of thoughts happening in ryoma's head.

True, they can't force it out... but then again... he got another idea to crack him... problem is if it's effective.

"Echizen-kun, what's that...?" He pointed at the side past Kintaro, who both looked back as well.

"Where -oof!"

A temporary moment of distraction, Aoi tackled him to the ground. His tall frame was a big of a wall for Echizen to cross over. Shock was all he had in his eyes but a horrified looks was when he felt fingers dig into his sides.

"What are you -hngh!"

Clapping a hand to his mouth, he knew exactly what Aoi was doing, and he didn't like it one bit. They wouldn't dare... no, they would, in fact! They had devilish grins that sent shivers down his spine.

"Of course, I forgot the most obvious method of all..." Aoi grinned even wider still trying to force out laughs from a restraining Echizen.

"Ehh, so someone like Echizen can be ticklish?" Horio said with amusement.

The latter on the ground curled to the side, squeaking out sounds he regretted letting out, "S-stop that!"

"He looks surpsingly cute," Dan said with bewilderment. The trio agreed with giggles.

Kintaro sneered and wiggled his fingers before descending with Aoi, "koshimaee~ wants some more? Here ya go!" With that, he grabbed his knees, which was accidental, yet it made Ryoma kick violently, narrowly missing his jaw, "Gah! Wahait... stohop it!"

That was a bad spot. Echizen panicked, he could handle anywhere but there! And there!

Shit! He swore, this was all messed up, he's suddenly cracking.

"Do I hear giggles from the stoic Echizen-kun?" Aoi's sunshine smile glistened over him, how Ryoma wished to step on his face.

"Nohoho yohou dihihid not hehehear ahahahanythihihing! Leheheave mehehe behehehe!" Ryoma curled back now trying to escape the touches, but then again, it's two against one. Hence, except in tennis, he can't win against that unfair combination.

"Yes, Aoi-kun, Echizen-kun's adorably giggling! I want to join too, desu!" Dan stepped in as well to grab one of his arms and help tackle his ribs while Aoi went to his slender waist.

It's too much. He can't believe they'd resort to something stupid... why do they even care? Questions aroused his mind, and soon, his face had an adorable flush of embarrassment.

"Ne, ne..." Dan said, coming over to his head now, "Have you heard that laughter is the best medicine, Ryoma?"

"Ehehehenough yohohou guhuhuys! Ihihihi mehehehean ihihit!"

"No, no... mada mada dane? Right Echizen kun?" Aoi teased him with his own catchphrase, and that made him lower his head back in helpless titters.

It was rather rare to hear him laugh genuinely. Everyone was more dazed than determined. His laugh was contagious, soft, and mellow... almost sweet like a child's.

"To think an uncute guy like koshimaee can be mega cute!" Kintaro was vigorously using methods like scribbling under the calf muscles which nobody knew that were sensitive.

"Shiraishi said sportsmen have sensitive knees, calf muscles, and ankles... now I know he's telling the truth"

"Ihihihi ahahaham nohohot! Oohohoi! Stohohop ihihit!"

Dan couldn't help shower gentle tickles over his neck, and Aoi was more focused on getting his ribs.

"Wait... you're defensive here..." Aoi said, now aiming for the spot below his armpits. It was the last straw. His giggles raised an octave and much louder. "OHOHOK Cuhuhuhut it out nohohohow! IHIHIHI SWEHEHEHEAR ihihit!"

"Ken-chan found the gold mine yippiii!" Kintaro giggled now, pinning his failing ankles down.

"Plehehehaseee!" Ryoma widened his eyes when he heard himself begging and then shuts his words.

This made everyone look at each other with surprise but then contorted to menacing grins. Kintaro taunted now. "Oyaa? Koshimae begging...? That's pretty intense... he's so weak to such a little thing?"

"OHOHO SHUHUT UP! IHIHIHI CAHAHANT STAHAHAND YOU! IHIHIHI DIHID IT BY AHAHAHCCIDENT!"

Rolling his eyes, Aoi presses harder to the death spot "Of course, not to injure your pride, Ryoma... but we all know you begged just now... want to do it again?"

"YEHEHEAH NOHOHOT IHIHIN A MIHIHILLION YEAAARS! GAHAHAHA!" He turned away now trying to pushing away the annoying nimble fingers tormenting his worst spot.

"You heard him. Let's defeat him from a one-sided tickle fight... ne?"

Ryoma Echizen was at their mercy.

Meanwhile, from a distance, the senpais had arrived. The seigaku, rokkaku, and shitenhoji and even Jin Akutsu accompanied them for Dan's sake. All these schools arrived to see their freshmen's little hangout. Surpsingly, what they heard was lovely laughter on the far distance by the courts.

"Are they really not training?" Shiraishi sighed in sudden confusion, "honestly I thought Echizen would be more responsible over them"

Fuji said warmly. "Even i thought so to... well he's not the type to care..."

"I wonder who's laughing... It's certainly not Kin-chan,"

Akutsu scoffed coldly. "Not even Taichi..."

"Aoi's got a much louder one that's annoying," Saeki said with a smile..

"Well, it could be seigaku definitely..." Chitose said with fondness.

The said-school exchanges startled looks, Inui folded his arms "Based on the tone, I think it's not Kachiro though he fits close to that sound... so that means... its Echizen"

"Uso! (No way), i wanna see Ochibi (cutie) right now!" Eji was the first one to run through the path and into the courts to see for himself. He had a bright grin when Oishi followed.

Of course, the senpais saw it with their own eyes. Startled and in love with the sweet sounds. Aoi was definitely breaking him along with Dan and Kintaro ... those merciless devils.

"To think he can have such a side, interesting... even i want to break him like that..." Fuji's sadism triggered as he was giving an aura that made Shiraishi sigh in familairty."Seigaku, save that freshman from this man"

Fuji smiled with sweetness. "Whatever do you mean dear Saeki?"

They approached the freshmen, and Aoi was the first to stop, and then Dan.... they all shyly giggled at the funny display. Kintaro was having a blast that he failed to notice anyone and still didnt let poor Ryoma free. Nobody stopped the red head while he tried to push him off to stop it.

Aoi stuck his tongue in appology for the silliness, "Ahhh, senpai! Sorry, we were practising, but... Echizen was being a stick in the mud... so we gotta lighten him up, " he pointed out with a fond smile."So we thought to make him laugh..."

"Bahahastard! Ahahaha! CUhuhuUHUHUT IHIHIHIT OHOHOUT!"He tried to threaten Aoi but failed when Kintaro was strong and persistent to get him even more, as he scavenged for the sweet spot that Aoi found. He found it at last.

Momoshiro suddenly seemed thrilled as he cracked his knuckles, "How about you let the senpais deal him now, Toyama..."

Kintaro looked up now, a well-deserved break from Ryoma's prior torment. He grinned now, stopping for real, "Ehh? OK then, he got a bad spot under his arms but above the top ribs... get him there... its cute when he snorts!"

"IHI dohoho nohohot -!"

Ryoma sensed the worst conclusion being drawn immediately as he interrupted himself, trying to escape. He was slowly turning to his stomach.

"Running away? I don't think so! Momo, get him right there!" Eji pounced first by grabbing his waist, and soon new resumed laughter was heard, Dan exchanged glances with the other freshmen as the Seigaku senpai handle their freshmen with care and tickles.

It was a beautiful evening that's being folded. Dan was glad he set up this hangout with the freshmen.

[alex12agudelo]

Happy birthday Echizen from Tanaka-kun Is Always Listless, and Rikka Hishikawa aka Rachel aka Cure Diamond aka Glitter Diamond from DokiDoki! PreCure who both share the same birthday you guys are the best.

#echizen #tanakakunisalwayslistless #tanakakunwaitsumokedaruge #rikkahishikawa #rachel #curediamond #glitterdiamond #dokidokiprecure #dokidokipurikyua

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