Prince of Tennis: Rikkai Raw Material 1
Oct. 9th, 2005 02:30 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
branchandrootThis page covers issues 1-215. Next page issues 216-300.
Page numbers given in parentheses indicate tankoubon pages. Page numbers without parentheses are pages for that particular issue.
15 (vol 2 p152): First mention of Kirihara (the other middle schooler who can use the single-foot split step).
19: Kirihara the opportunist. Having wound up at Seigaku by accident he immediately sets out to find Tezuka. Introduces himself with cheery arrogance when discovered and asks Tezuka for a match as soon as he spots him.
--(v 2, p54): Notes that his senpai are very impressed with Tezuka and Tezuka was the only one who could defeat 'our senpai' in the last Prefectural. Note: it's unclear who Tezuka defeated. Speculation: If Tezuka was not using Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami it seems unlikely that he defeated Yukimura or Sanada; suspect it was one of last year's third-years.
--(p55-9): Upon being told to take a hike Kirihara cajols Tezuka and teases him about tiring his face by frowning all the time. Gets serious for a moment as he catches Arai's ball and tells him to butt out. Goes back promptly to wheedling Tezuka. Serious again as he says he'll defeat Tezuka. Cutesy again as he says he's just kidding. Commence showing off and ensuing chaos.
--(64): Kirihara's first encounter with Echizen; shows some interest in Echizen fielding the ball. Note: The way Echizen catches Kirihara's ball, and the way Kirihara caught Arai's are framed very similarly.
Incidentally, this is an interesting issue for watching Tezuka's responses, too. I see Tezuka as initially being mildly annoyed to be interrupted by this Random Outsider. And then I think he's completely nonplussed by being /teased/, of all things. Then, as Kirihara shows flickers of that dangerousness, Tezuka focuses on him (kind of the way Sanada focuses on interesting opponenets, actually). And, as chaos erupts and Kirihara beats a hasty retreat, I see him as ruefully philosophical about it. Not amused, but not really pissed off either. Almost like it's what he expects, either of Kirihara particularly (which would suggest Sanada has been telling tales about his star kouhai) or by the erratic behavior of tennis geniuses in general.
40 (v 5 p108-9): Kirihara shakes down Inoue for news of Seigaku and Tezuka in particular; finds out they are said to have had a hard time at Districts.
--(110): Sanada, joining in, translates this as Seigaku not using their full strength. Kirihara: rather impish smile as his senpai come up behind him.
--(111): Sanada asks Inoue to tell Tezuka what he said. Speculation: Sanada wants to make sure Tezuka plays with his full strength and no messing around when they meet; he doesn't seem to think much of the notion of restraint or holding back, which ties in well with his (hypothetical) encouraging Yukimura to go for the surgery. Yet another parallel with Kirihara, and a possible reason he never restrains Kirihara.
119.6-12: Inoue/Shiba visit Rikkai's practice. Sanada has just beaten a senpai from last year's Regulars (Expression: serious but matter-of-fact), and Kirihara is on his eighth HS-age opponent (Expression: smiling and engaged, but not manic). Sanada observes that Kirihara has an amazing natural talent for concentration and focus (Expression: relaxed, possibly pleased). Shiba asks whether Kirihara can beat him and is told of course not; then notices that all Kirihara's opponenets are lefthanded. Kirihara's expression on that last page: edging into the dangerous smile. Note: Sanada speaks bluntly to Nishiki and the journalists, but not exactly rudely. Speculation: Kirihara's being prepared to face Tezuka, as the most challenging opponent available outside his own team.
143 (p59-60): Rikkai show up for Tezuka v Atobe. Sanada: focused; Yanagi: calm: Kirihara: grinning and bright-eyed.
--(61): Tezuka looks up and takes notice of Sanada, particularly.
144 (p71): Re Atobe's cheer-directing. Kirihara: a bit startled; Sanada: unmoved (not frowning, though).
145 (p100-1): Watching the Tezuka Zone. Sanada: unsurprised; Kirihara: smiling, just about grinning.
148 (p150): Yanagi noting the lack of Hametsue no Rondo, Sanada agreeing. Sanada: lighter, possibly a bit amused. Speculation: everyone knows and tolerates this quirk in Atobe, of playing ruthlessly and drawing it out, which indicates a certain amount of respect for the talent he can back it up with (this going nicely with that fist-tap between Atobe and Tezuka on the cheering page).
--(153): Flashback to them watching Atobe use that move. Sanada: focused.
--(156): Sanada present day again, silent and perhaps waiting.
--(158): Kirihara surprised and Sanada very interested by Atobe holding off from Hametsue. Speculation: Kirihara doesn't have a very strong analytical awareness yet and doesn't see right away what Atobe's doing; Sanada, however, does.
149 (p181): Everyone realizing that Tezuka won't back down just because he's straining his arm. Kirihara: taken aback/amazed/possibly even awed. Sanada; focused and serious.
151 (p31): Discussing the flare up of Tezuka's shoulder. Renji thinks he can't play Atobe evenly any more; Kirihara think's he's going to lose and is sighing, if smiling too, over not being the first to defeat Tezuka; Sanada says it isn't decided yet. It's pretty clear by this point that Sanada is familiar with Tezuka's strength and also his determination and depth of potential.
154 (p91-2): Tezuka's lost and Hiyoshi's up. Sanada says Tezuka was slacking off, once again demonstrating he's familiar with Tezuka's full strength and the moves he hasn't pulled out yet. Kirihara notes Sanada must have wanted to beat Tezuka himself (pot and kettle moment), implying that Sanada's in a snit because someone else got there first, and is hushed by Yanagi--implying Yanagi agrees. Kirihara cutely claims not to remember playing Hiyoshi at Newcomers, which Sanada doesn't believe for a moment.
--(104-5): Echizen pulls out the drop shot, and Kirihara looks fascinated and delighted. "There was another one in Seigaku." Speculation: another one worth defeating, another one of Tezuka's stature. I don't think Kirihara has a full appreciation of either Tezuka's or Echizen's strength yet.
155 (p109): Kirihara remembers Echizen from their encounter in 19. Expression: more focused and serious.
156 (p132): Sanada observing this is the competition of the next generation of powerful players. Expression: unusually open--surprised? appreciative? impressed? Yanagi notes it feels good to watch. Kirihara makes a smart remark about watching 'like that' (with closed eyes, presumably) and gets thwapped.
157 (p156): Yanagi thinks Seigaku and Hyoutei both played good games but... Speculation: But they aren't up to Rikkai's level.
--(157): Upon Yanagi mentioning Echizen to Kirihara, Kirihara suggests that he needs to be crushed right away. Expression: focused, tiny smile--dangerous. Sanada: looking on coolly.
165.17: People noting who's advancing to the final four. Frame for Rikkai shows Sanada (watchful) and Kirihara (grinning).
181.17: End of the Fudoumine-Rikkai matches. Kirihara facing Tachibana over the net as it's announced. Expression: even and serious.
--18-9: Score of 6-1. Kirihara's expression: pleased and dangerous.
182.2-3: Rikkai walking away after match, hands in pockets. Yagyuu and Kirihara tapping fists. Sanada's expression: even.
--4: Closeup of Sanada and Kirihara's expressions: both even and unsmiling and rather scary around the eyes. Rikkai walks past Echizen; no acknowledgement on either side.
--5: Rikkai's backs, following Sanada. Echizen is shaking, hand clenched. Expression: possibly alarmed, possibly angry.
184.01: Seigaku watches video of Fudoumine v Rikkai.
--2: Kamio-Ibu v Yanagi-Sanada; Yanagi calm and not sweating.
--3: Ishida-Sakurai v Jacka-Yagyuu; Yagyuu with drop shot and holding his racquet high in triumph. Expression: small smile.
--7-8: Kirihara v Tachibana; Kirihara smiling and focused, putting a shot past Tachibana.
--9: Kirihara hitting a return straight to Tachibana's head. Expression: focused and blank. Really, a little alarming.
--10: Again that last view of Kirihara's expression, pleased and taunting as the score is announced.
185.11: Fuji noting that Yanagi and Sanada played doubles as though they were playing singles. That Kirihara is the most dangerous one. Again the last view of Kirihara's expression on tape. Speculation: Either Sanada plays bad enough doubles that Yanagi can't compensate, or they play the way Fuji and Kikumaru do, or it was a psychological tactic to demoralize the opponents by winning without using/needing a tight combination.
--14: Kirihara and Jackal walking, Kirihara complaining that Tezuka is gone. Jackal smiling as he asks if it was a shock that someone else already defeated him. Kirihara looking jaundiced as he says the rest are small fry, and then focused as he says only Tezuka could play true tennis.
--17: Echizen, of course offers to show him true tennis, and Kirihara says it comes with a high price. Expression: fey and focused and smiling dangerously.
186.2: Kirihara remembers Echizen. Looks very interested, most likely in the opportunity to crush Echizen, as he said at the TvA match.
--7: Kirihara lets Echizen have the serve and Jackal chuckles. Speculation: Sanada, Yanagi and Kirihara did not mention Echizen specifically to the rest of the team, and Jackal doesn't know how good he is.
--11: Kirihara judges the speed of the Twist Serve has increased; he seems to have a good eye.
--12-4: He still loses his racquet to it and gets clocked one.
--18: Kirihara laughs at Echizen's "mada mada dane", and they exchange looks. Kirihara: eyes narrower and starting to be dangerous. Echizen: alarmingly focused and smiling.
--19: Kirihara says he'll destroy Echizen.
187.02: Kirihara smiling, engaged, excited.
--3-7: He and Echizen gauging each other correctly, still talking cheerfully.
--8-9: Echizen pulls mid-air drop shot. Jackal: concerned for the first time.
--12-13: Kirihara suggests Echizen take off his weights; Echizen returns the suggestion. Kirihara hearts at him as he agrees. Both remove weights.
18-19: Kirihara takes note of Echizen touching his return at all; Echizen snarks at him for being impressed by a failed shot ('yarou' I imagine). Expressions: still smiling but more focused for both. Jackal notes time and thinks Akaya is being too cautious. Definitely not reading Echizen's level.
188.05: Flashback to Fudoumine match. Kirihara being cute as he notes Tachibana was one of Kyuushuu's top two.
--6: Tells Tachibana he'll beat him in 13 min. Expression: dangerous, small smirk.
--7: Sanada watching Kirihara lose the first game. Expression: waiting? small frown?
--10: Tachibana return-taunt about the 13 min. A little startled as Kirihara turns with a smile.
--11: And red eyes. Expression: rather vicious smile.
--12: Kirihara's expression is blank as he goest to hit the ball.
--15: Rikkai's reactions to Kirihara going berserker on Tachibana. Sanada-no reaction; Yagyuu-no reaction; Jackal-appalled; Yanagi-slightly alarmed. Note: the match took 14 min and almost-2 sec.
--17-9: Present again. Jackal sees Kirihara's eyes turning red, at 8min 13sec. Speculation: this is a measure of the intensity of the game, and perhaps of Kirihara's temper.
189.04: After the knee shot. Echizen: serious glare. Kirihara: predatory and faintly crazed.
--5: Jackal thinks Echizen should refrain from doing anything "stupid, like provoking his pride".
--6: Kirihara casually acknowledges he was going for a disabling shot and compliments Echizen for avoiding the worst of it.
--8: Jackal is upset to see the Knuckle Serve. Says it's three days to the tournament, wonders if Kirihara truly means to destroy Echizen. Speculation: so far when Kirihara says he'll destroy someone, and beats on them with the ball, he hasn't caused any lasting damage.
--19: Jackal states Kirihara really is going to destroy Echizen's knee. Kirihara's expression: flat.
190.01-11: Kirihara systematically targets Echizen's knee, and Echizen refuses to back down even when the spectators attempt to intervene. Jackal does not attempt to intervene. Speculation: after watching Kirihara being let to do this in a tournament match, he doesn't think viciousness is considered an acceptable reason to end a match; especially since it looks like the paramount value, winning, will be fulfilled.
--16: When Echizen goes muga and returns the finishing shot, Kirihara is shocked.
--17: Incidentally, Echizen looks pretty blank, too, in muga.
191.05: Even in red-eye mode, we have a cute-style moment of Kirihara not understanding Echizen speaking English.
--06-8: Kirihara showing expression again. Serious, a little puzzled, startled by Echizen's speed. Back to the smirk but only for a moment before startled again by the speed. Jackal is pleased by the moment when Kirihara catches the first Drive B. Speculation: he's most comfortable with the proper challenge of a good game, and relieved that Kirihara isn't seeking to injure Echizen any more.
--12: Another moment of scowling irritation over the English. Speculation: our sympathy is being turned toward Kirihara.
192.01: Yukimura and Sanada on hospital roof, and mention of breaking a promise. Using family names. Sanada's expression: animated, smiling; Yukimura: solemn. Speculation: Given the context (discussing moving on to take Nationals) I suspect the promise was that Yukimura would be with them to win Nationals (three years in a row, Sanada says), and that they have been discussing the possibility of his surgery, which might allow him to play again that soon, and that Yukimura is hesitating about it.
--2: Yukimura tapping fists with, it looks like, Marui.
--3: Yukimura apologizing for being trouble. Family names. Yukimura's expression: smiling. Speculation: If they have been talking about the surgery and Yukimura's reluctance, even in face of his promise to take the third National title with them, then he is apologizing for burdening Sanada with his fears and reassuring him that Yukimura will pull himself together and make the right decision (to go for it).
--4-9: Kirihara still in red-eye mode, but his expressions are consistently shocked and increasingly desperate.
--12-3: Feels that the limit of his current mode of tennis has been reached and crossed. His eyes clear. Expression: not shocked exactly, but wide-eyed and introspective.
--17: Having heard Kirihara's eyes went red, Sanada stands at the gate. Expression: serious.
193.05: Regarding collapsed Echizen, Yagyuu suggests a hospital, apparently assuming Echizen is injured. Niou says to "look more closely", that he's only asleep. Note: that phrase will be repeated often; Niou's perception is consistently emphasized.
-- 6: Sanada coming into the aftermath of Kirihara's game with Echizen. Expression: pissed off. This even before he finds out that Kirihara lost. Shot of Kirihara's mouth, slightly quirked. Jackal, entering court, apologizes to Sanada. Expression: sober. Speculation: In the previous chapter (p16) they have been mentioning that it's right before finals, and what does Kirihara think he's doing. Outside matches before tournaments, with one's opponent-to-be, appear to be frowned upon.
--7: Sanada backhands Jackal very hard. Asks why he didn't intervene.
--8: Sanada crosses to Kirihara, who is totally unresponsive and has a rather odd smile.
--9: Even when shouted at. Sanada sees the scoreboard, 4-6. Stares, eyes wide. Kirihara, no longer smiling, says he lost.
--10: Sanada backhands Kirihara, also quite hard. No particular expression, but his eyes are suddenly extremely intense. Shot of Kirihara, on ground, and Sanada, still standing with his hand out in the air. First shot of Kirihara's eyes we see this issue, as he looks up. Note: this is the one occassion we see Sanada truly lose his temper, to the point of acting out.
--11: Team responses to Kirihara's loss. They are both scolding and matter-of-fact--not particularly angry (as Sanada was). Speculation: Punishment has already been dealt out; they don't want to yell at him, merely make him aware the the whole team agrees that the match was out of line and, having started the match, losing was totally unacceptable.
--12: Frame of Yukimura, in what looks like the hospital shirt, with a gentle expression, with Sanada's words 'you must not lose'; frame of Sanada stating that this is the 'law of rikkai'. Expression even again. Speculation: either they are fighting for Yukimura in his absence, over and above this natural law, or the dictum that Rikkai cannot lose is Yukimura's own. Since Yukimura is shown in terms of his current debilitation, rather than as the captain or with his on-the-court face, I suspect it is the former.
--15: Sanada at cutting practice. Note: gi stitched in diamond pattern, a child's kendo gi. Note: the first thing shown is a wall-scroll of a tiger, and, under it, a figurine of what looks like a bear and leaping fish. It closely resembles the bear-and-salmon that is a motif in Ainu art.
--16-7: Cuts; interesting that he's wearing his wrist weights. Eyes widened, intense, focused. "Tezuka, you've left behind something very interesting." Tiny smile. Note: Tezuka's absence is known to Sanada.
195.07-8: Introducing Rikkai with nicknames. Marui: focused; Jackal: serious; Niou: I-know-something-you-don't-know smile; Yagyuu: faint smile; Kirihara: slightly mischevious smile; Yanagi: even; Sanada: set and focused.
--9-10: Amusing moment of Rikkai all looking at Echizen and looking away in unison when he notices.
--14-5: Sanada distinctly nonplussed by Ooishi's declaration that Seigaku will win followed by flusterment, leaving Sanada with his hand hanging in the air.
196.04: Jackal asks how Echizen's doing. Before he can say why he knows of Echizen's injury, though, Marui interrupts with cheery comments about showing his genius. Speculation: Marui is unwilling to give away any moral or psychological advantage; possibly more ruthless than Jackal.
--6: Jackal and Marui surprised Momo spotted the wrist weights. Marui grins.
--7: Says to try and make them take the weights off. Expression: lazy smile, confident.
--11-2: Marui taken by surprise by the Jack Knife.
--13-9: He seems to see at once the feint Momo sets up, though, and doesn't return through to Kaidou. Speculation: Marui is a fast analyzer.
197.01-3: Marui is expressive and smiling and hearts even while he's giving Seigaku the thumbs down.
--5-6: When the Ichinen say the BSnake would have taken the initiative, Marui says he'll let Kaidou hit it, but it will be returned. Expression at last statement: serious. Speculation: Marui has a taste for flamboyant gestures and equally enjoys setting up a decisive psychological blow.
--7: Swings back to cute as Marui finishes "by Jackal" and Jackal wants to know why he's being volunteered for the return. Note: Rikkai gets a lot of cute moments. Speculation: the readers are supposed to like and sympathize with them, even when they're being tricky and/or scary.
--11: Momo's suspicion they already know about the BSnake is confirmed by Yanagi giving odds of it going in (92).
--13: Jackal confirms it was Yanagi who told Rikkai of that shot.
--15: Yanagi gives odds on Jackal's BSnake going in (100).
--16-7: Jackal hits it and smiles. Speculation: He does like putting one over on an opponent.
--19: Marui notes that Momo saw it all coming. Expression: observant smile. Adds they aren't close to taking off the weights yet. Expression: he and Jackal smiling at each other. Speculation: Marui is an observer.
198.01: Yukimura being called for (presumably) surgery, as noted on his calendar, along with Finals. He's looking at the calendar as scene opens. Expression: level, solemn.
--4: Score called 4-0. Jackal smiling. Marui little quirk to lips.
--5: Rikkai watching. Sanada on bench, legs crossed. Yagyuu, Yanagi and Kirihara standing behind him. Yagyuu and Kirihara: satisfied expressions. Sanada: level, watching. Calls Yanagi by given name. Note: Niou sitting off to one side.
--6: Yanagi silent, very little expression. Niou looking at him: little quirk of mouth, eyes half lidded. Speculation: Niou likes watching Yanagi work. Speculation: Niou and Yagyuu may be switched already, and this be Yagyuu's perception of Niou's interest. Suspect it's actually Niou, though, and this a demonstration of his taste for strategy.
--7: Either Inui or Ooishi states that Rikkai is "neither prideful nor careless", apropos of their current strategy.
--16: Jackal and Marui point out doubles is for two people, one half the statement each.
199.04: Jackal notes Kaidou's recovery. Marui is unimpressed.
--7: Marui wonders what they're up to. Expression: small smile. Seems interested.
--9: Taken a bit aback by the Short Snake, though Jackal picks it up well.
--10: Jackal startled by the SSnake again.
--11: Seems to understand at once what Kaidou's doing, though. Expression: alert, focused, determined.
--14: Sanada still even and focused. "Interesting".
--16-7: Jackal annoyed, breaks off Snake duel with lob.
--18-9: Jackal and Marui shocked as Momo puts in the resulting Dunk.
200.01: Marui and Jackal both serious.
--3: Marui, in response to Momo saying they should take the weights off, reiterates "Try and make us". Expression: focused, attentive. Also spinning his racquet on his fingers. Thinks again Momo is the sneaky one. Expression: unsmiling.
--5: Jackal very focused on Kaidou for their resuming Snake duel.
--6: Jackal slips, has to lob again. Quite irritated.
--7: Kirihara huffs a sigh, not frowning but unsmiling, wondering why Jackal and Marui are going at the opponents' pace. Yagyuu, serious, pointing out Jackal's pride is responding to a challenge to his endurance. Note: Kirihara seems able to be objective about other people's matches, but also appears oblivious to the recent times he's done exactly what Jackal is doing (Tachibana, Echizen). Speculation: Niou and Yaguu may be switched already, and this be either Niou's own analysis or Niou's perception of Yagyuu's sympathy/empathy/understanding for Jackal. Suspect it's Yagyuu, though, which indicates that he does empathize with Jackal's pride.
--9: Marui blowing bubbles and smiling as he waits for his chance, declining to fall into Momo's strategy.
--12: Kaidou slips. Marui faint smile as he grabs it. Declares his genius, much to the annoyance of Momo and Kaidou.
--18-9: Marui and Jackal shocked again by the Reverse Snake.
201.01: Jackal shocked. Marui notes the Reverse was set up deliberately by Kaidou. Speculation: Marui is the analyst.
--4: Jackal frustrated. "Don't you guys have a limit?" Returns the RSnake himself, though.
--7-8: Marui going to catch Momo's Smash. Expression: intensely focused.
--9: Even fierce. Team watching silently.
--11: Marui yelling at his ball to go in. A bit more unreserved and doubtful than we've seen so far.
--12: Yanagi perfectly calmly declares it's in. It goes in. Marui: gleeful. Note: the contrast heightens the rather cute humor of the moment.
--13: Marui and Jackal stunned that Momo and Kaidou both go to attempt a return.
--14: Marui heads to the front. He appears to believe it's possible the ball will be returned.
--17: Which it is. Sanada: still and watchful.
--18: Marui is in place, focused, and appears taken aback or jarred when the ball hits the net. He was drawn deep into the match.
--20: They take off the wrist weights. After they've won, but it's a gesture of respect none the less.
202.04: Sanada, still legs crossed and arms folded. Orders the weights off so everyone plays at full power. Speculation: D2 kept the weights as a calibration test, to measure whether Seigaku was strong enough to call for full power. Despite the fact that they couldn't make Marui and Jackal take the weights off during actual play, the answer was yes. Indeed, not stupidly prideful.
--5: Sanada prompts 'Niou' again to take them off. 'Niou' say's he'll decide when to do so. Expression: rather distant. Note: eyes do not look the same as in the frame of Niou looking at Yanagi. Speculation: somehow they switched just before the match. Note: 'Niou' holds his racquet in his left hand, as 'Yagyuu' held his in his right on the previous page; that is, both are using their off hands to match what the other normally does.
--8-9: Net meeting. 'Niou' standing rather hipshot, 'Yagyuu' straight.
--15: At the Moon Volley, 'Niou' says "Oh my", and 'Yagyuu' notes it really does land right on the line, as he catches it. Note: the phrase is more typical of Yagyuu's manners, while the analytical note is more typical of Niou's tennis.
--16: 'Niou' blocking Kikumaru's view. Expression: rather taunting smile.
--17: 'Niou' surprised by Kikumaru's doubling step, eyes wide, lips parted.
203.01: Note: it's the side-text that tells us it's Niou's trap Kikumaru has fallen into, taking Yagyuu's ball to the face. Speculation: this may be double-edged, encouraging us to think that 'Niou' is Niou, and at the same time suggesting that the real Niou, 'Yagyuu', was the one who dictated the trap.
--4: Players at Kikumaru's side. 'Yagyuu' kneeling and 'Niou' standing.
--5: As they lift Kikumaru, 'Niou' quotes his tagline "zannen, munen, mata raishuu". Expression: lips quirked, eyes scary.
204.01: Upon Kikumaru's revival, 'Yagyuu', smiling, says he's glad nothing serious resulted, and 'Niou', back turned, agrees, saying the true terror is just starting.
--3: Upon Kikumaru saying he won't be tricked again, 'Niou's' mouth quirks. He slips aside from the path of the ball, holding a hand to his ear and saying "eh?" Note: This scene makes is clearer that 'Niou' is setting Eiji in front of the ball.
--4: 'Niou' is startled when the ball passes through Kikumaru's afterimage.
--6: 'Niou' annoyed that Kikumaru escapes. Watches the feet and calls it to the right, smiling, eyes scary again.
--7: Ooishi gets the ball by him while he's concentrating on Kikumuru. 'Niou' distinctly pissed off.
--8: 'Yagyuu', hands on hips, tells 'Niou' he's playing around too much. 'Niou' makes an annoyed sound. Speculation: This is, in fact, Niou's opinion that Yagyuu is letting himself get too caught up in nailing Kikumaru; and also Yagyuu's own anger at having been had and, perhaps, not being able to return it as viciously as he'd like.
--10: 'Niou' comes to the front and takes a shot, looking very angry.
--11: Surprised that Kikumaru catches it, even with difficulty.
--14-5: Laser blows past Kikumaru and Ooishi. We see a bit of 'Yagyuu's' serious mouth.
--16: 'Niou' nods, eyes a bit narrower, expression satisfied. 'Yagyuu' says he wants 'Niou' to start playing seriously.
--17: Adds that playtime is over. Undoing collar. Note: side text says the "noble king's" shot ripped Seigaku apart--that is how one reads the kanji of Niou's name. Speculation: this is Niou calling for ending the switch and revealing the trick, possibly on his judgement that disrupting the Golden Pair mentally is key and neccessary.
205.03: 'Yagyuu', collar turned up, smiling faintly as he tells the GP they play good tennis.
--9: 'Yagyuu' notes that Ooishi kept trying to catch the Laser so Kikumaru could guage the speed, and that Ooishi is frightening. Expression: serious. Note: it's Niou, the analytical player, who is thinking this.
--10: 'Yagyuu' looks a touch annoyed at Seigaku's assumption they've got the Laser beat, and tells them to return the shot before they celebrate.
--11: Looks shocked/upset/angry when Kikumaru does catch it.
--14: 'Yagyuu' frowning as he returns the next serve.
--15: The stands note Ooishi has read Yagyuu and Niou's moves. Kirihara observes that some shots, even if readable, aren't returnable. We see one eye, a little narrowed or perhaps lazy. Kirihara adds "Right, Yagyuu-senpai", smiling. Note: At some point, Kirihara has caught on to the switch.
--16: 'Niou', having just hit the Laser. Expression: even and calm. Note: 'Niou' is now holding the racquet right handed.
--18-9: 'Yagyuu' mussing his hair as he calls 'Niou' Yagyuu. Removes glasses to show scary eyes and a taunting smile.
206.01: Niou with his hand on Yagyuu's shoulder. They look very much alike, indeed, except that Yagyuu's expression is a bit calmer and Niou's a bit quirkier around the mouth.
--2: Yagyuu grabs the glasses away saying "That's enough". Seems rather annoyed. They fix their appearances. Rikkai watching, Kirihara and Yanagi now flanked by Jackal and Marui. Kirihara observes that Niou is as scary as one might expect, but that Yagyuu is pretty scary too. And that he's understood all the GP's weaknesses. Shot of Niou with a rather vicious smile. Speculation: Either Yagyuu is annoyed at how revealing the switch revealed that he's capable of breaking his gentlemanly front and willing to do it, or he's annoyed that he has to come back from being scary, or he's annoyed because being scary was uncomfortable for him. Speculation: thought it's not clear in translation, the shot of Niou immediately following the statement that "he" has understood the GP's weaknesses suggests that this statement refers to Niou.
--3: Yagyuu, now the one with his collar up, sighs. Niou, sharp-eyed, says to check the looks on the GP's faces (stunned).
--4: Kirihara, calmly observing, says they won't be able to stop two Lasers. Note: brushing a finger under his nose, which seems to be a characteristic habit of Kirihara's.
--5: Niou still with the quirked smile.
--6: Incidentally, Momo seems a bit taken with Niou, and observes he's something special to be able to use someone else's special shot at such a high level.
--11: Yagyuu says they should end the game, and then starts (at the unshaken determination of the GP).
--14: Yagyuu notes that Niou has also seen it. Niou's aura is flaring up. Note: Yagyuu refers to him as Niou-kun, even in his thoughts.
--15: Yagyuu thinks it's fine that the GP are on the ball, that he'll serve with all he has, and they should answer likewise. Wonders what the answer will be.
207.01: Yagyuu startled as GP swap places in formation.
--6-7: Niou wide eyed as he notes something about the formation.
--8-9: voiceover tells us this formation lets the gamemaker up front to observe closely and maximises his opportunities. Speculation: this is what Niou saw.
--13: Yagyuu thinks Ooishi has sealed his Laser, but... Niou looks back and nods. Still the faint smile and scary eyes.
--14: Niou fixes Kikumaru with The Eyes, and Kikumaru lobs it to avoid him.
--15: Yagyuu says they haven't been able to touch his Laser, and Niou states that shot will change the flow of the match.
--16: So of course Yagyuu hits a drop shot. Note: that kind of head-game, agreed on and set up with just a nod, does indicate their combination is very tight.
--17: Niou shocked that Kikumaru catches the resulting Laser.
208.02: Return hits the net. Niou barely seems to notice, still focused on Kikumaru.
--4: Stands celebrate Rikkai's victory. Yagyuu and Niou are silent.
--5: Sanada observes that Seigaku is harder to beat than he expected, and that he's going to contact Yukimura.
--8: Sanada on the phone. Says they will, of course, win and advance. Expression: focused, though not tense.
--9: Yukimura in hospital. Saying he will have the surgery. Frame of silence. Says he is no longer hesitant. Speculation: This is as much to give Sanada reciprocal encouragement as to raise his own spirits; since being with his team for Nationals is the reason for risking the surgery, it is reasonable that these things are joined in both their minds. One of them says good luck. Sanada says they will present him with the championship before his surgery.
--12: Sanada tells Echizen the next match will give Rikkai the victory. Expression: calm. Has his back to Echizen (who spoke to him from behind).
--13: Serious as he asks Echizen if he really won against Akaya. Note: Sanada seems to seriously wonder whether Kirihara really lost. Speculation: He didn't believe Kirihara would lose to Echizen, even after seeing Echizen play. Perhaps, like Kirihara himself, Sanada doesn't believe Kirihara could lose to anyone outside of Rikkai, unless he was fooling around or being careless; this might explain how very angry he was about that match.
--14: Sanada's eyes sharpen as he understands Echizen was playing straight from his reflexes. Says it's a shame he'll have to humble Echizen (or possibly Seigaku). Note: off the court itself Sanada seems to have assurance rather than arrogance. Speculation: he doesn't actually have much social grace; he's just quiet when he's observing and confident, at this point, of victory.
209.01: Kirihara perched on the back of coach's bench saying they should hurry up and win. Smiling, not concerned.
--2: Jackal notes they're winning, but it's taking more time than expected. Akaya looks a little petulant and accuses his senpai of drawing the matches out for drama. Niou and Marui twitch, Yagyuu frowns. Everyone pummels Akaya for cheekiness. Note: Niou and Yagyuu are back to their normal hair colors.
--3: Yanagi, coming onto the courts, anticipates Inui's words. Expression: sober. Inui takes note, is possibly startled.
--6: Inui returns the favor re Yanagi fixing shoelaces.
--7: Yanagi takes note in return. Somewhat pummeled Kirihara is interested/impressed by this. Shift to cute-break as Sanada appears behind him looming a bit and yells at him for having his shoes on the bench.
--8: Yanagi warns Inui not to expect compassion just because they're old friends. Note: he uses Inui's given name.
--9: Ooishi explains they were a leading doubles pair in Elementary. Picture of Inui and Yanagi with medals, clasping hands and both smiling.
--11: Yanagi anticipates Inui's declaration of victory. Expression: low-key and serious.
--13: Shots of eyes, both hidden. Yanagi still calm despite just having hit a net ball.
--16: Yanagi appears a bit surprised that Inui predicts his shots so accurately. Speculation: he's faking this.
--18-9: Kaidou notes Inui is a singles player; this will be repeated by Yanagi later.
210.03: Flashback. Young Inui and Yanagi after practice, pleased with their training and combination. Call each other Kyouju and Hakase. Note: Where Inui laughs, Yanagi smiles. Speculation: either Yanagi is naturally more reserved, or this was the effect of knowing he would be leaving soon.
--4: Yanagi suggests they play each other, which they've never done. Expression: serious, focused.
--7: Yanagi mouth sad as he starts to say he can't promise to finish their match.
--8: Doesn't speak after all, says goodby with a smile.
--11: Present again. Inui having taken two games, Yanagi falls back to recieve. Expression: faint smile.
--13: Rikkai all in postures of exasperation (Yagyuu, Marui, Jackal standing behind Sanada, Niou and Kirihara sitting to the sides). Jackal says it's cruel, mouth quirked; Marui is laughing; Niou smiling as he says their strategist is a scary person.
--14-5: Yanagi truly focused expression, a bit dangerous. Returns with a new shot.
--16: Yanagi anticipates Inui's analysis of the shot. Expression now calm/aloof/inquiring. Takes Inui's silent reaction as confirmation.
--19: Anticipates the next one, too. Eyes open; manner amused; expression again that slightly taunting inquiry. Again takes the silence as confirmation, looking calm.
211.02: Inui puzzled. Yanagi calm, says he's seen through Inui's tennis. Inui frowns.
--3: Inui thinks there can't have been a mistake in his data. Speculation: he has confidence in his knowledge of Yanagi, particularly.
--5: Inui's ball having been unexpectedly returned, Yanagi suggests he's wondering why and asks "Am I wrong... Sadaharu?". Speculation: that 'am I wrong' questioning, increasing the pressure from inquiring looks to questions out loud, could be an indication that Yanagi does feel he was wrong in his perceptions of something.
--6: Fuji suggests Yanagi is trying to destroy Inui's data tennis.
--8: Shot of Yanagi, sober and focused, eyes open. Oshitari (yet another analytical player) notes that Yanagi, Sanada and Yukimura have been taking their team to Nationals since their first year.
--9: Yanagi turns away, seems exasperated, brows drawn down a little. Tells Inui he has grasped all Yanagi's data, but that's what's holding him back. Asks who taught Inui data tennis. Implication: it was Yanagi who first evolved this style. Speculation: Yanagi is implying there is a level of data tennis beyond statistical prediction, and that he has it while Inui doesn't.
--11: Dripping Inui laughs. Says Yanagi seems to have been telling the truth; calls him Kyouju. Yanagi's expression: very still.
--14-5: Inui abandons his data but Yanagi catches the ball anyway. Says no one who abandons his style can win. Inui: determined? teeth bared. Sanada thinks the match is decided.
--18-9: Inui's shot blows Yanagi's racquet out of his hands. Yanagi: faint frown but does not seem impressed. Inui proclaims he will transcend the past; eyes shown. Note: showing their eyes seems to function as a marker of intensity/sincerity/conviction in this match.
212.02: Fuji says that Inui is abandoning his data tennis.
--5: Jackal pleased with a good shot from Yanagi. Seems more involved in the game now Inui is playing so hard. Speculation: Jackal is a passionate player, himself.
--13: Inui takes the lead. Yanagi not troubled, but possibly a bit surprised. Sanada watching, arms folded.
--14: Sanada says Inui is playing on his animal-instincts, rather than his data, and that such absurd tennis will be defeated by Rikkai. Expression: mildly contemputuous, quite calm. Speculation: Sanada values self-aware play.
--15-17: Yanagi increases his speed and power, giving rising percentages on his own victory at each step. Asks if this is Inui's result after the time they've developed apart.
--18-9: Asks "Sadaharu" not to disappoint him. Note: The use of Inui's given name highlights a certain kind of intimacy, but Yanagi refuses to call him Hakase. Speculation: Yanagi is emphasizing his close knowledge of Inui, but refusing the playful and confiding intimacy of their friendship, even after Inui has offered it back by calling him Kyouju.
213.02: Yanagi thinks Inui's wild game is unsightly.
--4: Adds that the moment Inui abandoned his style he lost his chance at victory. Note: Pointing out the way Inui's data was holding him back, earlier, was not, apparently, a statement that Inui couldn't win with data tennis.
--5: Yanagi watches calmly as Inui's ball hits the net and turns away. Expression: relaxed?
--7: Crowd chanting Rikkai is invincible. Yagyuu in background striking fist into hand? Yanagi calm. Sanada states it's decided. Expression: focused. Yanagi nods agreement or acknowledgement.
--9: Rikkai watching. Kirihara, chin on hands, saying it seems he won't get to play. Jackal says he thought Seigaku would fight harder. Marui waves it off, says he's overestimating them. Niou watching rather sharply. Yagyuu silent. Sanada calm. Note: Jackal seems to be the most normally expressive of them; Yagyuu is physically expressive but verbally silent for the most part.
--11: Yanagi prepares for the last game, tells Inui to be prepared. Inui says he definitely won't lose.
--12: Yanagi's eyes flare open. Remembers that their last match was at just this point. Stares at the ball in his hand, expression suddenly softer and uncertain.
--13: Yanagi notes the game scores developed in the same order as that last game. States that Inui purposely...
--14-5: Inui says this was where they left off. Yanagi startled. Yagyuu has a hand to his mouth, thoughtful, the only one of Rikkai to have moved.
--16: Inui asks if Yanagi was thinking he abandoned his data. Manner a bit taunting now. Yanagi, voice raised, asks whether Inui allowed him to score to match the pattern of the last game. Inui doesn't answer directly but says all that comes to and end now. Yanagi's head comes down. Note: Earlier Inui's own thoughts are that he must forsake his data. Speculation: Either he only ignored the data pertaining to what he thought Yanagi's limits were, or else his current suggestion that it was all a set up is a ruse to unsettle Yanagi. If so, Inui thought very fast to take advantage of the coincidence of scores. Either way, it's a very effective move, and return to the way Yanagi held back earlier.
--17: Inui says there is no data beyond this point, and they should finish this. Yanagi says he'll make Inui eat those words. Both using given names. Both now fully engaged and revved up.
214.05: Yanagi wonders where Inui finds the strength to keep playing.
--7: Yanagi notes that Inui's tennis continues to develop, and wonders how far he'll evolve. Thinks he won't let the game end like this, though.
--9: 6-6 and neither player is looking at the other.
--13: Marui and Jackal both leaning forward, engaged by the tiebreak match. Yagyuu wonders if the match will ever end. Niou watching closely, silent. Kirihara tosses his head with a hmph. Sanada silent, watching, expressionless.
--14: Both players dripping with sweat, expressions intense.
--15: Flashback to last game. Yanagi says it's as he suspected, Hakase is a singles player. Inui wonders if Kyouju moved without telling him because...
--16: Yanagi? says he wants to play once against Inui until until his heart is content. Inui? agrees. Yanagi? wonders who, between them, is stronger. Inui? says he doesn't know. But this match... Note: These voiceovers are formatted as thoughts, but they are in dialogue with each other. They are set over a past-flashback, but the dialogue runs seamlessly into the present. Speculation: The implication, here, is that Yanagi and Inui are so close/familiar with each other that they do know what the other is thinking. Given that these are set as dialogue, Inui's thought about why Yanagi didn't tell him he was moving connects to Yanagi's thought that Inui is a singles player. The implication of that is that Yanagi pushed Inui away to break their doubles combination and push Inui toward his true play style, singles.
--17-8: Present day again, Inui continues, there's no way he's going to lose. Last point goes in.
--19: Yanagi seems slightly bewildered by his loss. Inui says it was chance, that the chances of either winning were 50-50. Next time it might be Yanagi.
--20: Yanagi says Inui has increased his data. Inui says the same goes for Yanagi. Yanagi has a tiny smile. They clasp hands. Note: they stand close enough to indicate intimacy, and the net is not drawn between them but behind them.
215.04: Rikkai preparing for next match. Kirihara pulling out his racquet. Yagyuu has a hand over his face, possibly exasperated or troubled by Yanagi's loss.
--5: Yagyuu notes the captain's surgery begins soon. Niou and Kirihara both silent. Marui wonders if they'll make it in time, and then adds, more importantly this loss... Jackal finishes, that yes, this loss can't be easily overlooked. Yanagi stands in front of the still-seated Sanada, hands clasped behind him.
--6: Moment of comic relief as the first-year trio loudly exclaims that "the cocky guy in the black cap" isn't Rikkai's captain and Sanada twitches. Shot of Sanada, Yanagi and Yukimura as Inui, presumably, explains they've been Regulars since their first year, forming the core of an undefeated team. But that Yukimura fell ill during the winter. Note: interesting positioning in the shot, with Yukimura standing square in the middle, Sanada turned a bit toward him a little in the front and Yanagi a step behind them both and turned nearly in profile toward them.
--7: Flashback. Rikkai at the hospital in winter uniforms, Yagyuu giving a rundown of Guillain-Barre. Shot of Yukimura, eyes closed.
--8: Marui, Kirihara, Yagyuu and Jackal, all shocked on hearing recovery could take a year. Yukimura wheeled quickly past them on a bed by masked ordierlies. Yanagi, looking very serious.
--9: Sanada, eyes a little wild, calling that they will wait for Yukimura's return undefeated. Receding bed. Sanada standing, head bowed, in the closing doors. Note: uses family name. Speculation: Sanada is not terribly comfortable expressing intimacy of any kind.
--10: Back to present. Inui or perhaps Ooishi states that the law of the champions of Rikkai is losing is not permitted.
--11: Sanada, eyes narrow, stating this was not a match Yanagi could not have won, and that he let his personal feelings get in the way. Yanagi apologizes for breaking their promise to Seiichi. Tells Sanada to strike him (Yatte kure!) to set an example to the rest of the club. Yanagi nods. Shot of Sanada's eyes, no longer as narrow. Note: Yanagi uses given names. Note: Sanada's expression is far more sober and less enraged than it was during the aftermath of the Kirihara-Echizen match. Speculation: His response is typically harsh, but more measured than it was then.
--12-3: Tableau-Yanagi with his head turned aside to take the blow, Sanada with the back of his hand stopped by a racquet, Kirihara between them holding the racquet. Shot of Yanagi looking at the racquet and hand, rather nonplussed. Shot of Sanada's eyes, rather sharp. Shot of club wondering what the hell Akaya is doing. Shot of Kirihara skipping out from between them, leaving Sanada with his hand still raised. Jackal startled, Marui has a hand to his head. Note: His yearmates seem to call Kirihara by given name the same way his senpai do. Note: leaving Sanada with his hand up echos the scene with Ooishi at the start of the matches. Speculation: while this is clearly for comic relief, it also implies that Sanada is not neccessarily quick to adapt to abrupt changes in circumstances.
--14: Kirihara trotting up to the net, saying it's no big deal. The result will be the same, they'll take their National title. Looking up from under his bangs with a small smile. He'll win his match in 13 minutes and they'll be to Yukimura-buchou's surgery on time. Note: That is the same time Kirihara set for his match with Tachibana, though he went over it. Speculation: Kirihara is setting himself training goals, always aiming for a lower time in matches that promise to be a challenge. Note: Kirihara does not seem at all supressed or frightened by the violence of Sanada's reprimand the previous day and carries on with what seems to be his typical combination of brass nerve and winsome cuteness. Speculation: Kirihara is confident of a fair degree of respect and leeway from his senpai, and especially Sanada, even though they pummel him over the small things; his acceptance of Sanada's reprimand does not mean he won't challenge Sanada over team issues, when he thinks it right. This indicates either a fair amount of intimacy and understanding between them or, possibly, that Kirihara is being deliberately groomed as the next captain.
--15: Fuji states he'll oblige a fast match. Kirihara focuses on him. Yells that he should quit talking, then, so they can hurry up and finish this.
--16-7: Fuji points out Kirihara might not be the winner. Kirihara, smiling, quite confident, says so that's how it is.
Next page issues 216-300.
Page numbers given in parentheses indicate tankoubon pages. Page numbers without parentheses are pages for that particular issue.
Early hints
15 (vol 2 p152): First mention of Kirihara (the other middle schooler who can use the single-foot split step).
19: Kirihara the opportunist. Having wound up at Seigaku by accident he immediately sets out to find Tezuka. Introduces himself with cheery arrogance when discovered and asks Tezuka for a match as soon as he spots him.
--(v 2, p54): Notes that his senpai are very impressed with Tezuka and Tezuka was the only one who could defeat 'our senpai' in the last Prefectural. Note: it's unclear who Tezuka defeated. Speculation: If Tezuka was not using Hyakuren Jitoku no Kiwami it seems unlikely that he defeated Yukimura or Sanada; suspect it was one of last year's third-years.
--(p55-9): Upon being told to take a hike Kirihara cajols Tezuka and teases him about tiring his face by frowning all the time. Gets serious for a moment as he catches Arai's ball and tells him to butt out. Goes back promptly to wheedling Tezuka. Serious again as he says he'll defeat Tezuka. Cutesy again as he says he's just kidding. Commence showing off and ensuing chaos.
--(64): Kirihara's first encounter with Echizen; shows some interest in Echizen fielding the ball. Note: The way Echizen catches Kirihara's ball, and the way Kirihara caught Arai's are framed very similarly.
Incidentally, this is an interesting issue for watching Tezuka's responses, too. I see Tezuka as initially being mildly annoyed to be interrupted by this Random Outsider. And then I think he's completely nonplussed by being /teased/, of all things. Then, as Kirihara shows flickers of that dangerousness, Tezuka focuses on him (kind of the way Sanada focuses on interesting opponenets, actually). And, as chaos erupts and Kirihara beats a hasty retreat, I see him as ruefully philosophical about it. Not amused, but not really pissed off either. Almost like it's what he expects, either of Kirihara particularly (which would suggest Sanada has been telling tales about his star kouhai) or by the erratic behavior of tennis geniuses in general.
40 (v 5 p108-9): Kirihara shakes down Inoue for news of Seigaku and Tezuka in particular; finds out they are said to have had a hard time at Districts.
--(110): Sanada, joining in, translates this as Seigaku not using their full strength. Kirihara: rather impish smile as his senpai come up behind him.
--(111): Sanada asks Inoue to tell Tezuka what he said. Speculation: Sanada wants to make sure Tezuka plays with his full strength and no messing around when they meet; he doesn't seem to think much of the notion of restraint or holding back, which ties in well with his (hypothetical) encouraging Yukimura to go for the surgery. Yet another parallel with Kirihara, and a possible reason he never restrains Kirihara.
119.6-12: Inoue/Shiba visit Rikkai's practice. Sanada has just beaten a senpai from last year's Regulars (Expression: serious but matter-of-fact), and Kirihara is on his eighth HS-age opponent (Expression: smiling and engaged, but not manic). Sanada observes that Kirihara has an amazing natural talent for concentration and focus (Expression: relaxed, possibly pleased). Shiba asks whether Kirihara can beat him and is told of course not; then notices that all Kirihara's opponenets are lefthanded. Kirihara's expression on that last page: edging into the dangerous smile. Note: Sanada speaks bluntly to Nishiki and the journalists, but not exactly rudely. Speculation: Kirihara's being prepared to face Tezuka, as the most challenging opponent available outside his own team.
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Regionals
Early Rounds
Seigaku v Hyoutei
143 (p59-60): Rikkai show up for Tezuka v Atobe. Sanada: focused; Yanagi: calm: Kirihara: grinning and bright-eyed.
--(61): Tezuka looks up and takes notice of Sanada, particularly.
144 (p71): Re Atobe's cheer-directing. Kirihara: a bit startled; Sanada: unmoved (not frowning, though).
145 (p100-1): Watching the Tezuka Zone. Sanada: unsurprised; Kirihara: smiling, just about grinning.
148 (p150): Yanagi noting the lack of Hametsue no Rondo, Sanada agreeing. Sanada: lighter, possibly a bit amused. Speculation: everyone knows and tolerates this quirk in Atobe, of playing ruthlessly and drawing it out, which indicates a certain amount of respect for the talent he can back it up with (this going nicely with that fist-tap between Atobe and Tezuka on the cheering page).
--(153): Flashback to them watching Atobe use that move. Sanada: focused.
--(156): Sanada present day again, silent and perhaps waiting.
--(158): Kirihara surprised and Sanada very interested by Atobe holding off from Hametsue. Speculation: Kirihara doesn't have a very strong analytical awareness yet and doesn't see right away what Atobe's doing; Sanada, however, does.
149 (p181): Everyone realizing that Tezuka won't back down just because he's straining his arm. Kirihara: taken aback/amazed/possibly even awed. Sanada; focused and serious.
151 (p31): Discussing the flare up of Tezuka's shoulder. Renji thinks he can't play Atobe evenly any more; Kirihara think's he's going to lose and is sighing, if smiling too, over not being the first to defeat Tezuka; Sanada says it isn't decided yet. It's pretty clear by this point that Sanada is familiar with Tezuka's strength and also his determination and depth of potential.
154 (p91-2): Tezuka's lost and Hiyoshi's up. Sanada says Tezuka was slacking off, once again demonstrating he's familiar with Tezuka's full strength and the moves he hasn't pulled out yet. Kirihara notes Sanada must have wanted to beat Tezuka himself (pot and kettle moment), implying that Sanada's in a snit because someone else got there first, and is hushed by Yanagi--implying Yanagi agrees. Kirihara cutely claims not to remember playing Hiyoshi at Newcomers, which Sanada doesn't believe for a moment.
--(104-5): Echizen pulls out the drop shot, and Kirihara looks fascinated and delighted. "There was another one in Seigaku." Speculation: another one worth defeating, another one of Tezuka's stature. I don't think Kirihara has a full appreciation of either Tezuka's or Echizen's strength yet.
155 (p109): Kirihara remembers Echizen from their encounter in 19. Expression: more focused and serious.
156 (p132): Sanada observing this is the competition of the next generation of powerful players. Expression: unusually open--surprised? appreciative? impressed? Yanagi notes it feels good to watch. Kirihara makes a smart remark about watching 'like that' (with closed eyes, presumably) and gets thwapped.
157 (p156): Yanagi thinks Seigaku and Hyoutei both played good games but... Speculation: But they aren't up to Rikkai's level.
--(157): Upon Yanagi mentioning Echizen to Kirihara, Kirihara suggests that he needs to be crushed right away. Expression: focused, tiny smile--dangerous. Sanada: looking on coolly.
165.17: People noting who's advancing to the final four. Frame for Rikkai shows Sanada (watchful) and Kirihara (grinning).
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Rikkai v Fudoumine
181.17: End of the Fudoumine-Rikkai matches. Kirihara facing Tachibana over the net as it's announced. Expression: even and serious.
--18-9: Score of 6-1. Kirihara's expression: pleased and dangerous.
182.2-3: Rikkai walking away after match, hands in pockets. Yagyuu and Kirihara tapping fists. Sanada's expression: even.
--4: Closeup of Sanada and Kirihara's expressions: both even and unsmiling and rather scary around the eyes. Rikkai walks past Echizen; no acknowledgement on either side.
--5: Rikkai's backs, following Sanada. Echizen is shaking, hand clenched. Expression: possibly alarmed, possibly angry.
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Pre-Finals
Echizen v Kirihara
184.01: Seigaku watches video of Fudoumine v Rikkai.
--2: Kamio-Ibu v Yanagi-Sanada; Yanagi calm and not sweating.
--3: Ishida-Sakurai v Jacka-Yagyuu; Yagyuu with drop shot and holding his racquet high in triumph. Expression: small smile.
--7-8: Kirihara v Tachibana; Kirihara smiling and focused, putting a shot past Tachibana.
--9: Kirihara hitting a return straight to Tachibana's head. Expression: focused and blank. Really, a little alarming.
--10: Again that last view of Kirihara's expression, pleased and taunting as the score is announced.
185.11: Fuji noting that Yanagi and Sanada played doubles as though they were playing singles. That Kirihara is the most dangerous one. Again the last view of Kirihara's expression on tape. Speculation: Either Sanada plays bad enough doubles that Yanagi can't compensate, or they play the way Fuji and Kikumaru do, or it was a psychological tactic to demoralize the opponents by winning without using/needing a tight combination.
--14: Kirihara and Jackal walking, Kirihara complaining that Tezuka is gone. Jackal smiling as he asks if it was a shock that someone else already defeated him. Kirihara looking jaundiced as he says the rest are small fry, and then focused as he says only Tezuka could play true tennis.
--17: Echizen, of course offers to show him true tennis, and Kirihara says it comes with a high price. Expression: fey and focused and smiling dangerously.
186.2: Kirihara remembers Echizen. Looks very interested, most likely in the opportunity to crush Echizen, as he said at the TvA match.
--7: Kirihara lets Echizen have the serve and Jackal chuckles. Speculation: Sanada, Yanagi and Kirihara did not mention Echizen specifically to the rest of the team, and Jackal doesn't know how good he is.
--11: Kirihara judges the speed of the Twist Serve has increased; he seems to have a good eye.
--12-4: He still loses his racquet to it and gets clocked one.
--18: Kirihara laughs at Echizen's "mada mada dane", and they exchange looks. Kirihara: eyes narrower and starting to be dangerous. Echizen: alarmingly focused and smiling.
--19: Kirihara says he'll destroy Echizen.
187.02: Kirihara smiling, engaged, excited.
--3-7: He and Echizen gauging each other correctly, still talking cheerfully.
--8-9: Echizen pulls mid-air drop shot. Jackal: concerned for the first time.
--12-13: Kirihara suggests Echizen take off his weights; Echizen returns the suggestion. Kirihara hearts at him as he agrees. Both remove weights.
18-19: Kirihara takes note of Echizen touching his return at all; Echizen snarks at him for being impressed by a failed shot ('yarou' I imagine). Expressions: still smiling but more focused for both. Jackal notes time and thinks Akaya is being too cautious. Definitely not reading Echizen's level.
188.05: Flashback to Fudoumine match. Kirihara being cute as he notes Tachibana was one of Kyuushuu's top two.
--6: Tells Tachibana he'll beat him in 13 min. Expression: dangerous, small smirk.
--7: Sanada watching Kirihara lose the first game. Expression: waiting? small frown?
--10: Tachibana return-taunt about the 13 min. A little startled as Kirihara turns with a smile.
--11: And red eyes. Expression: rather vicious smile.
--12: Kirihara's expression is blank as he goest to hit the ball.
--15: Rikkai's reactions to Kirihara going berserker on Tachibana. Sanada-no reaction; Yagyuu-no reaction; Jackal-appalled; Yanagi-slightly alarmed. Note: the match took 14 min and almost-2 sec.
--17-9: Present again. Jackal sees Kirihara's eyes turning red, at 8min 13sec. Speculation: this is a measure of the intensity of the game, and perhaps of Kirihara's temper.
189.04: After the knee shot. Echizen: serious glare. Kirihara: predatory and faintly crazed.
--5: Jackal thinks Echizen should refrain from doing anything "stupid, like provoking his pride".
--6: Kirihara casually acknowledges he was going for a disabling shot and compliments Echizen for avoiding the worst of it.
--8: Jackal is upset to see the Knuckle Serve. Says it's three days to the tournament, wonders if Kirihara truly means to destroy Echizen. Speculation: so far when Kirihara says he'll destroy someone, and beats on them with the ball, he hasn't caused any lasting damage.
--19: Jackal states Kirihara really is going to destroy Echizen's knee. Kirihara's expression: flat.
190.01-11: Kirihara systematically targets Echizen's knee, and Echizen refuses to back down even when the spectators attempt to intervene. Jackal does not attempt to intervene. Speculation: after watching Kirihara being let to do this in a tournament match, he doesn't think viciousness is considered an acceptable reason to end a match; especially since it looks like the paramount value, winning, will be fulfilled.
--16: When Echizen goes muga and returns the finishing shot, Kirihara is shocked.
--17: Incidentally, Echizen looks pretty blank, too, in muga.
191.05: Even in red-eye mode, we have a cute-style moment of Kirihara not understanding Echizen speaking English.
--06-8: Kirihara showing expression again. Serious, a little puzzled, startled by Echizen's speed. Back to the smirk but only for a moment before startled again by the speed. Jackal is pleased by the moment when Kirihara catches the first Drive B. Speculation: he's most comfortable with the proper challenge of a good game, and relieved that Kirihara isn't seeking to injure Echizen any more.
--12: Another moment of scowling irritation over the English. Speculation: our sympathy is being turned toward Kirihara.
192.01: Yukimura and Sanada on hospital roof, and mention of breaking a promise. Using family names. Sanada's expression: animated, smiling; Yukimura: solemn. Speculation: Given the context (discussing moving on to take Nationals) I suspect the promise was that Yukimura would be with them to win Nationals (three years in a row, Sanada says), and that they have been discussing the possibility of his surgery, which might allow him to play again that soon, and that Yukimura is hesitating about it.
--2: Yukimura tapping fists with, it looks like, Marui.
--3: Yukimura apologizing for being trouble. Family names. Yukimura's expression: smiling. Speculation: If they have been talking about the surgery and Yukimura's reluctance, even in face of his promise to take the third National title with them, then he is apologizing for burdening Sanada with his fears and reassuring him that Yukimura will pull himself together and make the right decision (to go for it).
--4-9: Kirihara still in red-eye mode, but his expressions are consistently shocked and increasingly desperate.
--12-3: Feels that the limit of his current mode of tennis has been reached and crossed. His eyes clear. Expression: not shocked exactly, but wide-eyed and introspective.
--17: Having heard Kirihara's eyes went red, Sanada stands at the gate. Expression: serious.
193.05: Regarding collapsed Echizen, Yagyuu suggests a hospital, apparently assuming Echizen is injured. Niou says to "look more closely", that he's only asleep. Note: that phrase will be repeated often; Niou's perception is consistently emphasized.
-- 6: Sanada coming into the aftermath of Kirihara's game with Echizen. Expression: pissed off. This even before he finds out that Kirihara lost. Shot of Kirihara's mouth, slightly quirked. Jackal, entering court, apologizes to Sanada. Expression: sober. Speculation: In the previous chapter (p16) they have been mentioning that it's right before finals, and what does Kirihara think he's doing. Outside matches before tournaments, with one's opponent-to-be, appear to be frowned upon.
--7: Sanada backhands Jackal very hard. Asks why he didn't intervene.
--8: Sanada crosses to Kirihara, who is totally unresponsive and has a rather odd smile.
--9: Even when shouted at. Sanada sees the scoreboard, 4-6. Stares, eyes wide. Kirihara, no longer smiling, says he lost.
--10: Sanada backhands Kirihara, also quite hard. No particular expression, but his eyes are suddenly extremely intense. Shot of Kirihara, on ground, and Sanada, still standing with his hand out in the air. First shot of Kirihara's eyes we see this issue, as he looks up. Note: this is the one occassion we see Sanada truly lose his temper, to the point of acting out.
--11: Team responses to Kirihara's loss. They are both scolding and matter-of-fact--not particularly angry (as Sanada was). Speculation: Punishment has already been dealt out; they don't want to yell at him, merely make him aware the the whole team agrees that the match was out of line and, having started the match, losing was totally unacceptable.
--12: Frame of Yukimura, in what looks like the hospital shirt, with a gentle expression, with Sanada's words 'you must not lose'; frame of Sanada stating that this is the 'law of rikkai'. Expression even again. Speculation: either they are fighting for Yukimura in his absence, over and above this natural law, or the dictum that Rikkai cannot lose is Yukimura's own. Since Yukimura is shown in terms of his current debilitation, rather than as the captain or with his on-the-court face, I suspect it is the former.
--15: Sanada at cutting practice. Note: gi stitched in diamond pattern, a child's kendo gi. Note: the first thing shown is a wall-scroll of a tiger, and, under it, a figurine of what looks like a bear and leaping fish. It closely resembles the bear-and-salmon that is a motif in Ainu art.
--16-7: Cuts; interesting that he's wearing his wrist weights. Eyes widened, intense, focused. "Tezuka, you've left behind something very interesting." Tiny smile. Note: Tezuka's absence is known to Sanada.
.
Regional Finals
Marui-Jackal v Momo-Kaidou
195.07-8: Introducing Rikkai with nicknames. Marui: focused; Jackal: serious; Niou: I-know-something-you-don't-know smile; Yagyuu: faint smile; Kirihara: slightly mischevious smile; Yanagi: even; Sanada: set and focused.
--9-10: Amusing moment of Rikkai all looking at Echizen and looking away in unison when he notices.
--14-5: Sanada distinctly nonplussed by Ooishi's declaration that Seigaku will win followed by flusterment, leaving Sanada with his hand hanging in the air.
196.04: Jackal asks how Echizen's doing. Before he can say why he knows of Echizen's injury, though, Marui interrupts with cheery comments about showing his genius. Speculation: Marui is unwilling to give away any moral or psychological advantage; possibly more ruthless than Jackal.
--6: Jackal and Marui surprised Momo spotted the wrist weights. Marui grins.
--7: Says to try and make them take the weights off. Expression: lazy smile, confident.
--11-2: Marui taken by surprise by the Jack Knife.
--13-9: He seems to see at once the feint Momo sets up, though, and doesn't return through to Kaidou. Speculation: Marui is a fast analyzer.
197.01-3: Marui is expressive and smiling and hearts even while he's giving Seigaku the thumbs down.
--5-6: When the Ichinen say the BSnake would have taken the initiative, Marui says he'll let Kaidou hit it, but it will be returned. Expression at last statement: serious. Speculation: Marui has a taste for flamboyant gestures and equally enjoys setting up a decisive psychological blow.
--7: Swings back to cute as Marui finishes "by Jackal" and Jackal wants to know why he's being volunteered for the return. Note: Rikkai gets a lot of cute moments. Speculation: the readers are supposed to like and sympathize with them, even when they're being tricky and/or scary.
--11: Momo's suspicion they already know about the BSnake is confirmed by Yanagi giving odds of it going in (92).
--13: Jackal confirms it was Yanagi who told Rikkai of that shot.
--15: Yanagi gives odds on Jackal's BSnake going in (100).
--16-7: Jackal hits it and smiles. Speculation: He does like putting one over on an opponent.
--19: Marui notes that Momo saw it all coming. Expression: observant smile. Adds they aren't close to taking off the weights yet. Expression: he and Jackal smiling at each other. Speculation: Marui is an observer.
198.01: Yukimura being called for (presumably) surgery, as noted on his calendar, along with Finals. He's looking at the calendar as scene opens. Expression: level, solemn.
--4: Score called 4-0. Jackal smiling. Marui little quirk to lips.
--5: Rikkai watching. Sanada on bench, legs crossed. Yagyuu, Yanagi and Kirihara standing behind him. Yagyuu and Kirihara: satisfied expressions. Sanada: level, watching. Calls Yanagi by given name. Note: Niou sitting off to one side.
--6: Yanagi silent, very little expression. Niou looking at him: little quirk of mouth, eyes half lidded. Speculation: Niou likes watching Yanagi work. Speculation: Niou and Yagyuu may be switched already, and this be Yagyuu's perception of Niou's interest. Suspect it's actually Niou, though, and this a demonstration of his taste for strategy.
--7: Either Inui or Ooishi states that Rikkai is "neither prideful nor careless", apropos of their current strategy.
--16: Jackal and Marui point out doubles is for two people, one half the statement each.
199.04: Jackal notes Kaidou's recovery. Marui is unimpressed.
--7: Marui wonders what they're up to. Expression: small smile. Seems interested.
--9: Taken a bit aback by the Short Snake, though Jackal picks it up well.
--10: Jackal startled by the SSnake again.
--11: Seems to understand at once what Kaidou's doing, though. Expression: alert, focused, determined.
--14: Sanada still even and focused. "Interesting".
--16-7: Jackal annoyed, breaks off Snake duel with lob.
--18-9: Jackal and Marui shocked as Momo puts in the resulting Dunk.
200.01: Marui and Jackal both serious.
--3: Marui, in response to Momo saying they should take the weights off, reiterates "Try and make us". Expression: focused, attentive. Also spinning his racquet on his fingers. Thinks again Momo is the sneaky one. Expression: unsmiling.
--5: Jackal very focused on Kaidou for their resuming Snake duel.
--6: Jackal slips, has to lob again. Quite irritated.
--7: Kirihara huffs a sigh, not frowning but unsmiling, wondering why Jackal and Marui are going at the opponents' pace. Yagyuu, serious, pointing out Jackal's pride is responding to a challenge to his endurance. Note: Kirihara seems able to be objective about other people's matches, but also appears oblivious to the recent times he's done exactly what Jackal is doing (Tachibana, Echizen). Speculation: Niou and Yaguu may be switched already, and this be either Niou's own analysis or Niou's perception of Yagyuu's sympathy/empathy/understanding for Jackal. Suspect it's Yagyuu, though, which indicates that he does empathize with Jackal's pride.
--9: Marui blowing bubbles and smiling as he waits for his chance, declining to fall into Momo's strategy.
--12: Kaidou slips. Marui faint smile as he grabs it. Declares his genius, much to the annoyance of Momo and Kaidou.
--18-9: Marui and Jackal shocked again by the Reverse Snake.
201.01: Jackal shocked. Marui notes the Reverse was set up deliberately by Kaidou. Speculation: Marui is the analyst.
--4: Jackal frustrated. "Don't you guys have a limit?" Returns the RSnake himself, though.
--7-8: Marui going to catch Momo's Smash. Expression: intensely focused.
--9: Even fierce. Team watching silently.
--11: Marui yelling at his ball to go in. A bit more unreserved and doubtful than we've seen so far.
--12: Yanagi perfectly calmly declares it's in. It goes in. Marui: gleeful. Note: the contrast heightens the rather cute humor of the moment.
--13: Marui and Jackal stunned that Momo and Kaidou both go to attempt a return.
--14: Marui heads to the front. He appears to believe it's possible the ball will be returned.
--17: Which it is. Sanada: still and watchful.
--18: Marui is in place, focused, and appears taken aback or jarred when the ball hits the net. He was drawn deep into the match.
--20: They take off the wrist weights. After they've won, but it's a gesture of respect none the less.
.
Niou-Yagyuu v Ooishi-Kikumaru
202.04: Sanada, still legs crossed and arms folded. Orders the weights off so everyone plays at full power. Speculation: D2 kept the weights as a calibration test, to measure whether Seigaku was strong enough to call for full power. Despite the fact that they couldn't make Marui and Jackal take the weights off during actual play, the answer was yes. Indeed, not stupidly prideful.
--5: Sanada prompts 'Niou' again to take them off. 'Niou' say's he'll decide when to do so. Expression: rather distant. Note: eyes do not look the same as in the frame of Niou looking at Yanagi. Speculation: somehow they switched just before the match. Note: 'Niou' holds his racquet in his left hand, as 'Yagyuu' held his in his right on the previous page; that is, both are using their off hands to match what the other normally does.
--8-9: Net meeting. 'Niou' standing rather hipshot, 'Yagyuu' straight.
--15: At the Moon Volley, 'Niou' says "Oh my", and 'Yagyuu' notes it really does land right on the line, as he catches it. Note: the phrase is more typical of Yagyuu's manners, while the analytical note is more typical of Niou's tennis.
--16: 'Niou' blocking Kikumaru's view. Expression: rather taunting smile.
--17: 'Niou' surprised by Kikumaru's doubling step, eyes wide, lips parted.
203.01: Note: it's the side-text that tells us it's Niou's trap Kikumaru has fallen into, taking Yagyuu's ball to the face. Speculation: this may be double-edged, encouraging us to think that 'Niou' is Niou, and at the same time suggesting that the real Niou, 'Yagyuu', was the one who dictated the trap.
--4: Players at Kikumaru's side. 'Yagyuu' kneeling and 'Niou' standing.
--5: As they lift Kikumaru, 'Niou' quotes his tagline "zannen, munen, mata raishuu". Expression: lips quirked, eyes scary.
204.01: Upon Kikumaru's revival, 'Yagyuu', smiling, says he's glad nothing serious resulted, and 'Niou', back turned, agrees, saying the true terror is just starting.
--3: Upon Kikumaru saying he won't be tricked again, 'Niou's' mouth quirks. He slips aside from the path of the ball, holding a hand to his ear and saying "eh?" Note: This scene makes is clearer that 'Niou' is setting Eiji in front of the ball.
--4: 'Niou' is startled when the ball passes through Kikumaru's afterimage.
--6: 'Niou' annoyed that Kikumaru escapes. Watches the feet and calls it to the right, smiling, eyes scary again.
--7: Ooishi gets the ball by him while he's concentrating on Kikumuru. 'Niou' distinctly pissed off.
--8: 'Yagyuu', hands on hips, tells 'Niou' he's playing around too much. 'Niou' makes an annoyed sound. Speculation: This is, in fact, Niou's opinion that Yagyuu is letting himself get too caught up in nailing Kikumaru; and also Yagyuu's own anger at having been had and, perhaps, not being able to return it as viciously as he'd like.
--10: 'Niou' comes to the front and takes a shot, looking very angry.
--11: Surprised that Kikumaru catches it, even with difficulty.
--14-5: Laser blows past Kikumaru and Ooishi. We see a bit of 'Yagyuu's' serious mouth.
--16: 'Niou' nods, eyes a bit narrower, expression satisfied. 'Yagyuu' says he wants 'Niou' to start playing seriously.
--17: Adds that playtime is over. Undoing collar. Note: side text says the "noble king's" shot ripped Seigaku apart--that is how one reads the kanji of Niou's name. Speculation: this is Niou calling for ending the switch and revealing the trick, possibly on his judgement that disrupting the Golden Pair mentally is key and neccessary.
205.03: 'Yagyuu', collar turned up, smiling faintly as he tells the GP they play good tennis.
--9: 'Yagyuu' notes that Ooishi kept trying to catch the Laser so Kikumaru could guage the speed, and that Ooishi is frightening. Expression: serious. Note: it's Niou, the analytical player, who is thinking this.
--10: 'Yagyuu' looks a touch annoyed at Seigaku's assumption they've got the Laser beat, and tells them to return the shot before they celebrate.
--11: Looks shocked/upset/angry when Kikumaru does catch it.
--14: 'Yagyuu' frowning as he returns the next serve.
--15: The stands note Ooishi has read Yagyuu and Niou's moves. Kirihara observes that some shots, even if readable, aren't returnable. We see one eye, a little narrowed or perhaps lazy. Kirihara adds "Right, Yagyuu-senpai", smiling. Note: At some point, Kirihara has caught on to the switch.
--16: 'Niou', having just hit the Laser. Expression: even and calm. Note: 'Niou' is now holding the racquet right handed.
--18-9: 'Yagyuu' mussing his hair as he calls 'Niou' Yagyuu. Removes glasses to show scary eyes and a taunting smile.
206.01: Niou with his hand on Yagyuu's shoulder. They look very much alike, indeed, except that Yagyuu's expression is a bit calmer and Niou's a bit quirkier around the mouth.
--2: Yagyuu grabs the glasses away saying "That's enough". Seems rather annoyed. They fix their appearances. Rikkai watching, Kirihara and Yanagi now flanked by Jackal and Marui. Kirihara observes that Niou is as scary as one might expect, but that Yagyuu is pretty scary too. And that he's understood all the GP's weaknesses. Shot of Niou with a rather vicious smile. Speculation: Either Yagyuu is annoyed at how revealing the switch revealed that he's capable of breaking his gentlemanly front and willing to do it, or he's annoyed that he has to come back from being scary, or he's annoyed because being scary was uncomfortable for him. Speculation: thought it's not clear in translation, the shot of Niou immediately following the statement that "he" has understood the GP's weaknesses suggests that this statement refers to Niou.
--3: Yagyuu, now the one with his collar up, sighs. Niou, sharp-eyed, says to check the looks on the GP's faces (stunned).
--4: Kirihara, calmly observing, says they won't be able to stop two Lasers. Note: brushing a finger under his nose, which seems to be a characteristic habit of Kirihara's.
--5: Niou still with the quirked smile.
--6: Incidentally, Momo seems a bit taken with Niou, and observes he's something special to be able to use someone else's special shot at such a high level.
--11: Yagyuu says they should end the game, and then starts (at the unshaken determination of the GP).
--14: Yagyuu notes that Niou has also seen it. Niou's aura is flaring up. Note: Yagyuu refers to him as Niou-kun, even in his thoughts.
--15: Yagyuu thinks it's fine that the GP are on the ball, that he'll serve with all he has, and they should answer likewise. Wonders what the answer will be.
207.01: Yagyuu startled as GP swap places in formation.
--6-7: Niou wide eyed as he notes something about the formation.
--8-9: voiceover tells us this formation lets the gamemaker up front to observe closely and maximises his opportunities. Speculation: this is what Niou saw.
--13: Yagyuu thinks Ooishi has sealed his Laser, but... Niou looks back and nods. Still the faint smile and scary eyes.
--14: Niou fixes Kikumaru with The Eyes, and Kikumaru lobs it to avoid him.
--15: Yagyuu says they haven't been able to touch his Laser, and Niou states that shot will change the flow of the match.
--16: So of course Yagyuu hits a drop shot. Note: that kind of head-game, agreed on and set up with just a nod, does indicate their combination is very tight.
--17: Niou shocked that Kikumaru catches the resulting Laser.
208.02: Return hits the net. Niou barely seems to notice, still focused on Kikumaru.
--4: Stands celebrate Rikkai's victory. Yagyuu and Niou are silent.
--5: Sanada observes that Seigaku is harder to beat than he expected, and that he's going to contact Yukimura.
--8: Sanada on the phone. Says they will, of course, win and advance. Expression: focused, though not tense.
--9: Yukimura in hospital. Saying he will have the surgery. Frame of silence. Says he is no longer hesitant. Speculation: This is as much to give Sanada reciprocal encouragement as to raise his own spirits; since being with his team for Nationals is the reason for risking the surgery, it is reasonable that these things are joined in both their minds. One of them says good luck. Sanada says they will present him with the championship before his surgery.
--12: Sanada tells Echizen the next match will give Rikkai the victory. Expression: calm. Has his back to Echizen (who spoke to him from behind).
--13: Serious as he asks Echizen if he really won against Akaya. Note: Sanada seems to seriously wonder whether Kirihara really lost. Speculation: He didn't believe Kirihara would lose to Echizen, even after seeing Echizen play. Perhaps, like Kirihara himself, Sanada doesn't believe Kirihara could lose to anyone outside of Rikkai, unless he was fooling around or being careless; this might explain how very angry he was about that match.
--14: Sanada's eyes sharpen as he understands Echizen was playing straight from his reflexes. Says it's a shame he'll have to humble Echizen (or possibly Seigaku). Note: off the court itself Sanada seems to have assurance rather than arrogance. Speculation: he doesn't actually have much social grace; he's just quiet when he's observing and confident, at this point, of victory.
.
Yanagi v Inui
209.01: Kirihara perched on the back of coach's bench saying they should hurry up and win. Smiling, not concerned.
--2: Jackal notes they're winning, but it's taking more time than expected. Akaya looks a little petulant and accuses his senpai of drawing the matches out for drama. Niou and Marui twitch, Yagyuu frowns. Everyone pummels Akaya for cheekiness. Note: Niou and Yagyuu are back to their normal hair colors.
--3: Yanagi, coming onto the courts, anticipates Inui's words. Expression: sober. Inui takes note, is possibly startled.
--6: Inui returns the favor re Yanagi fixing shoelaces.
--7: Yanagi takes note in return. Somewhat pummeled Kirihara is interested/impressed by this. Shift to cute-break as Sanada appears behind him looming a bit and yells at him for having his shoes on the bench.
--8: Yanagi warns Inui not to expect compassion just because they're old friends. Note: he uses Inui's given name.
--9: Ooishi explains they were a leading doubles pair in Elementary. Picture of Inui and Yanagi with medals, clasping hands and both smiling.
--11: Yanagi anticipates Inui's declaration of victory. Expression: low-key and serious.
--13: Shots of eyes, both hidden. Yanagi still calm despite just having hit a net ball.
--16: Yanagi appears a bit surprised that Inui predicts his shots so accurately. Speculation: he's faking this.
--18-9: Kaidou notes Inui is a singles player; this will be repeated by Yanagi later.
210.03: Flashback. Young Inui and Yanagi after practice, pleased with their training and combination. Call each other Kyouju and Hakase. Note: Where Inui laughs, Yanagi smiles. Speculation: either Yanagi is naturally more reserved, or this was the effect of knowing he would be leaving soon.
--4: Yanagi suggests they play each other, which they've never done. Expression: serious, focused.
--7: Yanagi mouth sad as he starts to say he can't promise to finish their match.
--8: Doesn't speak after all, says goodby with a smile.
--11: Present again. Inui having taken two games, Yanagi falls back to recieve. Expression: faint smile.
--13: Rikkai all in postures of exasperation (Yagyuu, Marui, Jackal standing behind Sanada, Niou and Kirihara sitting to the sides). Jackal says it's cruel, mouth quirked; Marui is laughing; Niou smiling as he says their strategist is a scary person.
--14-5: Yanagi truly focused expression, a bit dangerous. Returns with a new shot.
--16: Yanagi anticipates Inui's analysis of the shot. Expression now calm/aloof/inquiring. Takes Inui's silent reaction as confirmation.
--19: Anticipates the next one, too. Eyes open; manner amused; expression again that slightly taunting inquiry. Again takes the silence as confirmation, looking calm.
211.02: Inui puzzled. Yanagi calm, says he's seen through Inui's tennis. Inui frowns.
--3: Inui thinks there can't have been a mistake in his data. Speculation: he has confidence in his knowledge of Yanagi, particularly.
--5: Inui's ball having been unexpectedly returned, Yanagi suggests he's wondering why and asks "Am I wrong... Sadaharu?". Speculation: that 'am I wrong' questioning, increasing the pressure from inquiring looks to questions out loud, could be an indication that Yanagi does feel he was wrong in his perceptions of something.
--6: Fuji suggests Yanagi is trying to destroy Inui's data tennis.
--8: Shot of Yanagi, sober and focused, eyes open. Oshitari (yet another analytical player) notes that Yanagi, Sanada and Yukimura have been taking their team to Nationals since their first year.
--9: Yanagi turns away, seems exasperated, brows drawn down a little. Tells Inui he has grasped all Yanagi's data, but that's what's holding him back. Asks who taught Inui data tennis. Implication: it was Yanagi who first evolved this style. Speculation: Yanagi is implying there is a level of data tennis beyond statistical prediction, and that he has it while Inui doesn't.
--11: Dripping Inui laughs. Says Yanagi seems to have been telling the truth; calls him Kyouju. Yanagi's expression: very still.
--14-5: Inui abandons his data but Yanagi catches the ball anyway. Says no one who abandons his style can win. Inui: determined? teeth bared. Sanada thinks the match is decided.
--18-9: Inui's shot blows Yanagi's racquet out of his hands. Yanagi: faint frown but does not seem impressed. Inui proclaims he will transcend the past; eyes shown. Note: showing their eyes seems to function as a marker of intensity/sincerity/conviction in this match.
212.02: Fuji says that Inui is abandoning his data tennis.
--5: Jackal pleased with a good shot from Yanagi. Seems more involved in the game now Inui is playing so hard. Speculation: Jackal is a passionate player, himself.
--13: Inui takes the lead. Yanagi not troubled, but possibly a bit surprised. Sanada watching, arms folded.
--14: Sanada says Inui is playing on his animal-instincts, rather than his data, and that such absurd tennis will be defeated by Rikkai. Expression: mildly contemputuous, quite calm. Speculation: Sanada values self-aware play.
--15-17: Yanagi increases his speed and power, giving rising percentages on his own victory at each step. Asks if this is Inui's result after the time they've developed apart.
--18-9: Asks "Sadaharu" not to disappoint him. Note: The use of Inui's given name highlights a certain kind of intimacy, but Yanagi refuses to call him Hakase. Speculation: Yanagi is emphasizing his close knowledge of Inui, but refusing the playful and confiding intimacy of their friendship, even after Inui has offered it back by calling him Kyouju.
213.02: Yanagi thinks Inui's wild game is unsightly.
--4: Adds that the moment Inui abandoned his style he lost his chance at victory. Note: Pointing out the way Inui's data was holding him back, earlier, was not, apparently, a statement that Inui couldn't win with data tennis.
--5: Yanagi watches calmly as Inui's ball hits the net and turns away. Expression: relaxed?
--7: Crowd chanting Rikkai is invincible. Yagyuu in background striking fist into hand? Yanagi calm. Sanada states it's decided. Expression: focused. Yanagi nods agreement or acknowledgement.
--9: Rikkai watching. Kirihara, chin on hands, saying it seems he won't get to play. Jackal says he thought Seigaku would fight harder. Marui waves it off, says he's overestimating them. Niou watching rather sharply. Yagyuu silent. Sanada calm. Note: Jackal seems to be the most normally expressive of them; Yagyuu is physically expressive but verbally silent for the most part.
--11: Yanagi prepares for the last game, tells Inui to be prepared. Inui says he definitely won't lose.
--12: Yanagi's eyes flare open. Remembers that their last match was at just this point. Stares at the ball in his hand, expression suddenly softer and uncertain.
--13: Yanagi notes the game scores developed in the same order as that last game. States that Inui purposely...
--14-5: Inui says this was where they left off. Yanagi startled. Yagyuu has a hand to his mouth, thoughtful, the only one of Rikkai to have moved.
--16: Inui asks if Yanagi was thinking he abandoned his data. Manner a bit taunting now. Yanagi, voice raised, asks whether Inui allowed him to score to match the pattern of the last game. Inui doesn't answer directly but says all that comes to and end now. Yanagi's head comes down. Note: Earlier Inui's own thoughts are that he must forsake his data. Speculation: Either he only ignored the data pertaining to what he thought Yanagi's limits were, or else his current suggestion that it was all a set up is a ruse to unsettle Yanagi. If so, Inui thought very fast to take advantage of the coincidence of scores. Either way, it's a very effective move, and return to the way Yanagi held back earlier.
--17: Inui says there is no data beyond this point, and they should finish this. Yanagi says he'll make Inui eat those words. Both using given names. Both now fully engaged and revved up.
214.05: Yanagi wonders where Inui finds the strength to keep playing.
--7: Yanagi notes that Inui's tennis continues to develop, and wonders how far he'll evolve. Thinks he won't let the game end like this, though.
--9: 6-6 and neither player is looking at the other.
--13: Marui and Jackal both leaning forward, engaged by the tiebreak match. Yagyuu wonders if the match will ever end. Niou watching closely, silent. Kirihara tosses his head with a hmph. Sanada silent, watching, expressionless.
--14: Both players dripping with sweat, expressions intense.
--15: Flashback to last game. Yanagi says it's as he suspected, Hakase is a singles player. Inui wonders if Kyouju moved without telling him because...
--16: Yanagi? says he wants to play once against Inui until until his heart is content. Inui? agrees. Yanagi? wonders who, between them, is stronger. Inui? says he doesn't know. But this match... Note: These voiceovers are formatted as thoughts, but they are in dialogue with each other. They are set over a past-flashback, but the dialogue runs seamlessly into the present. Speculation: The implication, here, is that Yanagi and Inui are so close/familiar with each other that they do know what the other is thinking. Given that these are set as dialogue, Inui's thought about why Yanagi didn't tell him he was moving connects to Yanagi's thought that Inui is a singles player. The implication of that is that Yanagi pushed Inui away to break their doubles combination and push Inui toward his true play style, singles.
--17-8: Present day again, Inui continues, there's no way he's going to lose. Last point goes in.
--19: Yanagi seems slightly bewildered by his loss. Inui says it was chance, that the chances of either winning were 50-50. Next time it might be Yanagi.
--20: Yanagi says Inui has increased his data. Inui says the same goes for Yanagi. Yanagi has a tiny smile. They clasp hands. Note: they stand close enough to indicate intimacy, and the net is not drawn between them but behind them.
215.04: Rikkai preparing for next match. Kirihara pulling out his racquet. Yagyuu has a hand over his face, possibly exasperated or troubled by Yanagi's loss.
--5: Yagyuu notes the captain's surgery begins soon. Niou and Kirihara both silent. Marui wonders if they'll make it in time, and then adds, more importantly this loss... Jackal finishes, that yes, this loss can't be easily overlooked. Yanagi stands in front of the still-seated Sanada, hands clasped behind him.
--6: Moment of comic relief as the first-year trio loudly exclaims that "the cocky guy in the black cap" isn't Rikkai's captain and Sanada twitches. Shot of Sanada, Yanagi and Yukimura as Inui, presumably, explains they've been Regulars since their first year, forming the core of an undefeated team. But that Yukimura fell ill during the winter. Note: interesting positioning in the shot, with Yukimura standing square in the middle, Sanada turned a bit toward him a little in the front and Yanagi a step behind them both and turned nearly in profile toward them.
--7: Flashback. Rikkai at the hospital in winter uniforms, Yagyuu giving a rundown of Guillain-Barre. Shot of Yukimura, eyes closed.
--8: Marui, Kirihara, Yagyuu and Jackal, all shocked on hearing recovery could take a year. Yukimura wheeled quickly past them on a bed by masked ordierlies. Yanagi, looking very serious.
--9: Sanada, eyes a little wild, calling that they will wait for Yukimura's return undefeated. Receding bed. Sanada standing, head bowed, in the closing doors. Note: uses family name. Speculation: Sanada is not terribly comfortable expressing intimacy of any kind.
--10: Back to present. Inui or perhaps Ooishi states that the law of the champions of Rikkai is losing is not permitted.
--11: Sanada, eyes narrow, stating this was not a match Yanagi could not have won, and that he let his personal feelings get in the way. Yanagi apologizes for breaking their promise to Seiichi. Tells Sanada to strike him (Yatte kure!) to set an example to the rest of the club. Yanagi nods. Shot of Sanada's eyes, no longer as narrow. Note: Yanagi uses given names. Note: Sanada's expression is far more sober and less enraged than it was during the aftermath of the Kirihara-Echizen match. Speculation: His response is typically harsh, but more measured than it was then.
--12-3: Tableau-Yanagi with his head turned aside to take the blow, Sanada with the back of his hand stopped by a racquet, Kirihara between them holding the racquet. Shot of Yanagi looking at the racquet and hand, rather nonplussed. Shot of Sanada's eyes, rather sharp. Shot of club wondering what the hell Akaya is doing. Shot of Kirihara skipping out from between them, leaving Sanada with his hand still raised. Jackal startled, Marui has a hand to his head. Note: His yearmates seem to call Kirihara by given name the same way his senpai do. Note: leaving Sanada with his hand up echos the scene with Ooishi at the start of the matches. Speculation: while this is clearly for comic relief, it also implies that Sanada is not neccessarily quick to adapt to abrupt changes in circumstances.
--14: Kirihara trotting up to the net, saying it's no big deal. The result will be the same, they'll take their National title. Looking up from under his bangs with a small smile. He'll win his match in 13 minutes and they'll be to Yukimura-buchou's surgery on time. Note: That is the same time Kirihara set for his match with Tachibana, though he went over it. Speculation: Kirihara is setting himself training goals, always aiming for a lower time in matches that promise to be a challenge. Note: Kirihara does not seem at all supressed or frightened by the violence of Sanada's reprimand the previous day and carries on with what seems to be his typical combination of brass nerve and winsome cuteness. Speculation: Kirihara is confident of a fair degree of respect and leeway from his senpai, and especially Sanada, even though they pummel him over the small things; his acceptance of Sanada's reprimand does not mean he won't challenge Sanada over team issues, when he thinks it right. This indicates either a fair amount of intimacy and understanding between them or, possibly, that Kirihara is being deliberately groomed as the next captain.
--15: Fuji states he'll oblige a fast match. Kirihara focuses on him. Yells that he should quit talking, then, so they can hurry up and finish this.
--16-7: Fuji points out Kirihara might not be the winner. Kirihara, smiling, quite confident, says so that's how it is.
Next page issues 216-300.
