'Samu and I jogged over to the lockers to get ready for our second tournament today. In just an hour we're set to face Hayashi. They were from a prestigious school, a rich one. All I knew is that whatever shoes or any sort of equipment they had was nothing but the best. This also meant students had the money to buy their way into intensive training camps, which was a huge advantage.
However, contrary to any of my concerns, we plowed through the team, taking it in two easy sets. This time, 'Samu and I came meaning business. We really worked hard this time. We even had our mom drive thirty minutes out from our hotel so we could practice on Christmas; and I love Christmas.
We have a ton of new tricks up our sleeves, and I can't wait for the world to see them. What I couldn't help but notice was the change in our crowd. There were people chanting for me. The Miya twins were a big thing now, and I was almost exactly where I wanted to be. The crowd would respond with the team, and it really felt like they were one of us. Whenever I would serve, the crowd would go the most silent, though this time, at both of our matches so far, there were kids chanting 'ready.... go!' during my serves. Not a fan.
I also noticed that the crowd would go silent at our command, well, more like the coaches command, and I couldn't help but wonder if I could silence them myself. Though that was for another day. Either way, people recognized me, and people knew my name.
I didn't first see Sakusa-kun until today, the second day of the tournament. By now, our team has already made it to quarter-finals, which we're going into in about 2 hours. For now, the team was about to head off to lunch.
The staff took measures to enclose an entrance and specific halls and bathrooms just for teammates. There were an overwhelming amount of people here so I saw the reason behind it. I went towards the same exit I always did, we had about 15 minutes until we got onto the shuttle.
Then, I saw him.
As I made my way past the courts I noticed one was still playing. I noticed a few familiar players in both the stands and on the rails. When I looked back, I read clearly; 'ITACHIYAMA'. I whipped my head back around to the court, quickly finding the ace I've been so ready to see. They were on the second match, and were just about to take the other team in two sets. I pushed my way onto the rail and leant over, watching Sakusa-kun play.
