abstract
| - [QP] (about Fuji): “The data we got from Japan was completely different. Even if it’s an improvement after we finished collecting data, it’s still too strange. It’s like they changed the person. What on earth happened to that player?” Flashback Fuji is serving again and again wildly, and Eiji tries to tell him to stop, but Fuji doesn’t.
* Eiji: “Fuji…he was definitely…always watching…Tezuka.”
* Fuji’s thoughts: “Up to today, you were always my aim. Because there was you, there was my growth until today. You always guided me on the path I should take.” He continues thinking about how Tezuka has gone to Germany for his dream, and “In my heart, I used to not have any desire to play tennis. And now, I’m even about to lose my goal (Tezuka’s leaving)! In the beginning, I wanted to lose terribly to you, to let myself hate tennis, and yet you will not let me give it up!” This reveals why Tezuka left their match halfway. Suddenly, Fuji sees a vision of Tezuka in front of him about to swing his racket, and the vision says: “A goal must be cultivated by yourself.” Fuji’s thoughts (while still serving and serving and serving, over and over): “So that’s why you forfeited our match—you reject becoming my goal?! That is the sort of warmth you’re showing me, the me who has always relied on you, isn’t it. I’ve lost to you, Tezuka. You… wherever it is, you’re always a step ahead of me. Then! I will move forward even more!” Fuji is finally exhausted, lying on the floor. He says: “The end of the match, the victor… is Fuji Shuusuke.” He stands, picks up his racket, walks towards Eiji. “Thank you, Tezuka.”
|