Tennis practice was usually a pretty boring place, but not on the day Atobe Keigo had a match against Akutagawa Jiroh. The entire club surrounded the court where the two regulars were facing off, at Atobe's request, because he could never resist an audience.

Hiyoshi Wakashi watched from a corner away from the crowds, wondering what a match between those two would bring.

The match was long and both players showed their best game, pulling out all of the stops to show the other team members how it was done.

Hiyoshi smirked. Atobe was using the match as an attempt to boost spirits, and give the team more confidence before nationals.

Atobe knew exactly what he was doing. He wanted to reassure the team that he was a strong enough leader to deliver a victory to Hyoutei Gakuen.

Hiyoshi watched as the ball whipped from one side of the court to the other. It was quite clear who the victor would be, but Jiroh put up a good fight, matching Atobe shot for shot, until Atobe burst ahead, taking the match 6-4.

Hiyoshi saw slight disappointment in Jiroh's eyes as he exclaimed about what a good match it had been.

He turned to get back to practice when he heard a voice behind him.

"Did you see that Hiyoshi-kun?" Hiyoshi turned and gave a slightly puzzled look to his senpai.

"Uh yeah."

"Atobe just showed us all how it's done." Jiroh took a sip of water from a bottle, and walked past Hiyoshi before speaking again.

"He's miles ahead, Hiyoshi-kun. All we can do is follow, hoping to catch him..."

"One day I will." Hiyoshi said with determination. Jiroh laughed as he waved goodbye.

"Good luck Hiyoshi-kun." Hiyoshi scowled in Jiroh's direction.

He didn't need luck, because he had skill, and one day he would surpass all of his senpai, and Jiroh's words only added fuel to his fire.

He would be the best he could be, and one day he would be the one miles ahead...

The End

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