Youthful Days (Book 1)

5. Popularity

In the next few days, Momoko became an official mentor to Ayuna. She took the initiative to introduce her to other members and buddied up with her for each practice drill. In this way, Momoko became the bridge connecting Ayuna to the team and helped her to transition.

Besides training, the older girl made it clear that knowing the badminton team wasn't enough. Whenever they had a break between mock matches, she would take Ayuna to the windows facing the tennis courts and lay out a blueprint of the tennis team. One by one, she profiled Seigaku's roster of players.

Amongst the juniors, there was Kaido Kaoru, who had a vicious temper and was notorious for his tricky "snake" shots, and Momoshiro Takeshi, who was the team's power player with an insatiable appetite, presumably to refuel his astronomical energy expenditure.

Going up the rankings, they came to the seniors, who on average had more advanced skills and expertise.

First up was Inui Sadaharu, who was never seen without his signature thick-framed, square glasses. Prior to being beaten by Ryoma, he was labeled as the data guru and the team's brain. It was rumored that the senior had extensive data not just on every and any rival schools in the Kanto region, he also took notes on every single one of his team members.

Kawamura Takashi was the senior power player and someone highly unpredictable. He had an infamous split personality, meaning he was normally collected and gentle, but immediately turned violent as soon as he touched a tennis racket.

Kikumaru Eiji was Seigaku's acclaimed doubles player, known for his incredible dexterity that allowed him to adopt an acrobatic playstyle, practiced by few others in the region. He was one-half to the team's national-caliber doubles pair—"the Golden Pair"—with his partner being the vice-captain, Oishi Shuichiro.

"Not to mention, he's also our fast-attacking player Kikumaru Rei's cousin," Momoko motioned to the senior, who was listening in on the team overview.

"That's right," Rei nodded. She regarded Eiji, who shared the same curly auburn hair and easygoing demeanor. "We were born on the same day. Our moms even shared the same hospital room when they went into labor! Maybe that's why we're so similar, and I feel closer to him than my siblings."

"Huh," Momoko said, "I learned something new today, I guess..."

"There are still a few team members left—the more critical ones, in my opinion." Rei nudged Momoko, "Keep going!"

"I'm getting to it, just hold on!" Momoko swatted the senior away and turned back to Ayuna. "As I was saying before Rei-senpai cut in... Oishi Shuichiro is the vice-captain. He's the captain's right arm man and also the mother figure in the team. Although not especially known for his tennis skills, the vice-captain has an important place in everyone's hearts because he cares for the team's wellbeing. And of course, the other half of the Golden Pair."

Pausing dramatically, Momoko rubbed two hands together. "Now, the remaining two people are the true stars of the team—and Seigaku altogether."

Rei chuckled. "That's Momoko speak for 'the object of every girl's desire, herself included'!"

"Rei-senpai, please!" Momoko sighed in exasperation. "Save your teasings for another time. I'm trying to pass on important knowledge to our youngster here!"

"Sorry, sorry." Rei held two hands up in mock surrender, "Please go on to the captain and his best friend. I won't interrupt again."

"Right, the tennis club captain," Momoko nodded. "Tezuka Kunimitsu is the most respected student in the entire school, and maybe even in the prefecture. Technical skills-wise, he's undoubtedly a national-level player with some unparalleled techniques."