Hiyoshi Wakashi always played to the best of his abilities, and even if he was to lose, he never gave up. That is the quality that had made him the buchou of Hyoutei Gakuen's tennis team in his final year. He had managed to surpass all others to become the great Atobe Keigo's successor.

It made him angry that he would always be frowned down upon, and compared to Atobe. Hiyoshi would never be the kind of leader Atobe was; he just simply did not have the sheer confidence that his predecessor had in his own words 'been blessed with'. Sure Hiyoshi had confidence, but he did not exude it in quite the same way as Atobe, mostly because he was not a talkative person, and he frowned upon the kind of showy presence Atobe liked to make. He would use his skill to prove that he was superior. He didn't need to announce it with every stride he made.

Conducting practice was difficult sometimes, because there was always the doubt he would see in the other regulars' eyes. They had lost most of their prominent team mates at the end of the previous year, and everyone was worried that they would not stand a chance to get to the nationals that year; considering that they had only made it in on a technicality the previous year, with all of their superior players. Hiyoshi felt that they were fools for negating the fact that most of their competitors had also lost most of their stronger players, especially Seigaku. Only three of their regulars from the previous year remained, not unlike Hyotei.

He, Ohtori, and Kabaji had been the only regulars to remain at Hyotei in their last year, and it was hard to find a team strong enough to compete. Hyotei had a huge tennis club, but none of the ichinen from the previous year showed much potential, and they were not able to make a team as strong as the one previous.

Ohtori as fukou buchou was a natural choice. He was much better at motivating than Hiyoshi, and sometimes Hiyoshi wondered if the correct decision had been made in making him buchou, but it never lasted more than a moment. He had worked hard, and he deserved what he had received.

Hiyoshi said a few words to the team, and then allowed Ohtori to take over, as the club members seemed to relate to him more effectively. Hiyoshi sighed as he moved to take a seat on the bench, and jumped suddenly after realizing he was sitting on something, or rather someone.

"Hey! I came for a visit and this is the thanks I get?"

"Jiroh-senpai!" Ohtori yelled from across the court as he ran over to their former team mate.

"Hey Ohtori-kun! Is practice going well?" Jiroh asked as he stretched himself out of sleep. Ohtori looked away slightly and Hiyoshi threw a scowl his way.

"Why don't you tell him the truth Ohtori-kun? The regulars are weak, and they have no confidence in their leadership." Jiroh paused in his stretching for a moment, before relaxing again. He stood, walked over to the courts, and all of the regulars stopped their games to greet him.

"Hey guys! It's nice to see you all, but why did you stop practicing? Hiyoshi-kun never said it was okay." There was a unanimous look of distaste on their faces directed at Hiyoshi.

"You know guys, Hiyoshi-kun was a regular last year. Do you know what that means? He worked hard and was given the position because he is strong. Were any of you regulars last year?" The group looked between themselves and then back to Jiroh.

"Hiyoshi-kun is the strongest among you. He should be respected, otherwise Atobe- kun's recommendation to your kantoku last year would be belittled, and Atobe-kun would not have that. Neither will I for that matter." Jiroh gave a very serious look to the others before yawning slightly, and turning away.

"See ya guys!" Jiroh waved while walking off the court, leaving everyone there somewhat speechless for a moment before Hiyoshi spoke.

"You heard him! I never said you could stop practice, so get back to work! This year the nationals will be ours!" The other regulars gave a cheer and ran back to the courts.

Hiyoshi caught a glimpse of Jiroh winking at him from the corner of his eye, and he stifled a smile.

The End

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