"What?!"
Beside Nanjiro Echizen stood a young boy wearing a baseball cap, staring at his old man in disbelief.
"Rin-nii… quit Seigaku?!" The boy's amber eyes widened, his short, dark green hair catching the light. Despite his youthful appearance, his face already carried a hint of defiance and arrogance."What's going on, old man? Isn't that the school you're always talking about?"
This was Ryoma Echizen, barely over ten years old.
Right now, he looked frustrated, his irritation clear as he lunged for Nanjiro's phone, only to be effortlessly restrained by his father's single hand.
"Hey, old man, let me go! You stinking geezer!"
Ryoma demanded, his expression a mix of urgency and annoyance.
Thanks to Rin Matsuoka's presence, Ryoma's childhood had been filled with memories of Rin and his older brother, Ryoga.
Rin's talent was overwhelming—any technique he saw, he could master instantly, even improving upon it.
Though Ryoma was reluctant to admit it, he secretly admired and looked up to this brother figure, who was only a year and a half older.
That's why Ryoma cared so deeply about Rin's situation.
And, of course, Seigaku mattered to him too—it was his old man's alma mater, the starting point of Nanjiro's legendary career.
"Brat, what's the rush?"
Nanjiro shot Ryoma an exasperated glance, though his own expression grew serious.
"Rin, don't hold back. Tell me what happened."
He knew Rin's personality well. If Rin had made this decision, something unexpected must have happened.
...
On the other end of the line, Rin paused before explaining everything.
He detailed how, over the years, Coach Ryuzaki had suppressed first-year players while indulging the upperclassmen.
This time, despite knowing that Muto Takeshi was more at fault, she had turned a blind eye.
"I'm sorry, Sensei," Rin said, his voice low and resolute."I can't stay at Seigaku anymore. I've already processed my withdrawal from the club and requested a school transfer. It should be finalized by tomorrow."
Rin was well aware of Nanjiro's hopes for him to attend Seigaku.
At this moment, his feelings were complicated.
After all, Nanjiro was his mentor.
If not for him, Rin would never have considered Seigaku in the first place.
"I see…"
Nanjiro's voice finally came through after a long silence.
For a moment, the usually confident middle-aged man seemed lost, even dazed.
So, after all these years away from Japan, away from Seigaku… this is what the school had become?
"I'm sorry, Rin. Seigaku let you down,"
Nanjiro said after a heavy sigh."Back then, you hid our connection and refused to let me recommend you directly. Was this why?"
When Nanjiro had first suggested Rin attend Seigaku, he'd planned to give Coach Ryuzaki a heads-up, letting her know his one and only disciple was joining and should be looked after.
But Rin had firmly refused, insisting on experiencing Seigaku for himself.
Over the past month, Rin had worked tirelessly to reform the tennis club without mentioning a word to Nanjiro. He'd likely wanted to see if Seigaku still had any hope left.
But that final chance had been squandered by Ryuzaki herself.
Nanjiro's emotions were a tangled mess—confusion, helplessness, guilt, and above all, anger.
Yes, anger.
Not at Rin, but at himself and Seigaku.
With Rin's talent, he would've been valued anywhere, even made the centerpiece of any team.
Yet, because of Nanjiro's insistence, Rin had joined Seigaku, only to be met with this kind of treatment.
A coach and captain who ignored talent, indulged upperclassmen, and dismissed the gifted.
Nanjiro's request had led Rin to this mess, and it infuriated him.
"Rin, enough," Nanjiro said, his tone firm and unwavering."If Seigaku's like this, then leaving is the right call. Don't feel any burden. I only hope Ryuzaki doesn't regret this later."
He wouldn't beg or make things harder for Rin over this.
"Have you decided where to go next?"
Nanjiro asked."If you haven't, I can suggest some places… You could join Ryoga, maybe. Speaking of which—"
"No need for that!"
Rin interrupted, raising an eyebrow."Don't worry, Sensei. I've got it handled."
"As for what's next, I've got some plans. If all goes well, I'll join Hyotei."
Rin's voice carried a mix of contemplation and resolve.
Truthfully, Hyotei had been his first choice from the start. Its facilities, education, and resources were a cut above other schools.
And there was another reason—
Hyotei had been pursuing him for a while.
The reason was simple:
Rin and Hyotei's current tennis club captain were childhood friends.
When the captain learned Rin was returning to Japan, he'd immediately invited him to join Hyotei.
But at the time, Rin had already promised Nanjiro to try Seigaku.
"You've made up your mind, then? That works…"
Nanjiro sighed, a touch of wistfulness in his voice.
He hoped Ryuzaki wouldn't regret this, though he doubted she'd escape it.
Once she realized what kind of genius she'd let slip through her fingers, regret would be inevitable.
"That old hag's lost her mind," Nanjiro muttered.
Despite his frustration, he had no intention of persuading Rin to stay.
He was genuinely furious.
His chosen disciple had been treated this way—how could he not be?
So, Nanjiro decided he wouldn't give Ryuzaki any hints or warnings.
He felt no guilt.
His fame had elevated Seigaku and Ryuzaki's reputation.
He'd even sent Rin to them, only for her to fumble the opportunity.
"Guess I could reach out to that old geezer,"
Nanjiro murmured, sighing. He'd be doing that guy a favor.
"And if Ryoga finds out…" Nanjiro rubbed his temples, already dreading the headache."He's gonna be pissed."
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