RP Log

[tezuka0]

Who: Tezuka Kunimitsu and Sanada Genichirou
When: July 11th
What: A chat, discussing Fuji and discussing their situation
Where: By the edge of the woods
Rating: PG

Tezuka sat in a thoughtful seiza at the edge of the forest. As always, he arrived five minutes early.

He was fairly sure Sanada knew why he requested this meeting. When the man arrived, they could get right to the issue. Now, more than ever, he appreciated Sanada's direct nature.

Sanada pulled at his hat as he saw Tezuka in the clearing. “Tezuka,” he greeted curtly, as he too settled into seiza. He could sit in seiza for a whole day if he needed to. The benefits of having a strict grandfather. “You wished to talk about Fuji?” he asked, getting right to the heart of the matter. Usually, he’d at least attempt a little bit of small talk, since Seiichi and Renji absolutely insisted, but with Tezuka, he didn’t bother.

Tezuka inclined his head in silent greeting, and waited for Sanada to get as comfortable as he pleased.

"Aa," Tezuka confirmed. "I deeply apologize for his behavior," he bowed low in apology. Though he was mortified by Fuji's actions, that didn't make Fuji any less his in the way that his teammates belonged to him.

And he belonged to his teammates.

Sanada merely raised an eyebrow. Why was Tezuka apologizing for the actions of someone else? Sure Fuji was Tezuka’s teammate, but nobody in Rikkai had gone around apologizing for Niou’s or Akaya’s actions. That was left up to the culprits themselves.

...Perhaps it was something other schools felt was necessary to do. “There isn’t any need to apologize.” he said. “Since Fuji isn’t sorry for them and will never feel sorry for them, it’s rather useless.” he said, curtly. Then he sighed. Sure, he liked Tezuka far more than he liked Atobe, but it was still difficult to put his pride aside. “I fact, I should be thanking you. The only reason he has been even this manageable is your influence.” Which irritated Sanada a lot, because it made his abilities of leadership to be useless, but unfortunately, it was true.

"My teammates behavior is an extension of myself, as their captain," Tezuka stated plainly, sitting up from his bow to look Sanada in the eyes. "I'm the only reason he's still on your team...so you would not be having these troubles with him if not for me."

Tezuka didn’t know which was better for Sanada, but he knew which was better for Fuji.
Sanada rolled his eyes. “It is hardly your fault that your teammate is more insolent than Niou on a bad day.” he said, sternly. “And it’s not a trouble. Fuji’s a talented player for all of his playing around. He just needs a push from someone who isn’t his friend. He evolves the most when he is playing seriously.”

He didn’t need to say that he would do his best to make that potential spring to light. You encouraged every player that was under your influence to grow.

Tezuka remained quiet for a moment, both processing Sanada's words and putting together his own thoughts.

"Fuji isn't to be pushed in words," he said finally. "Be careful in what you say. It's better to show."

Sanada had already made a mistake in telling Fuji that he had no potential.

Sanada nodded, taking the advice into account. It hurt his pride a little sometimes, to have to listen to others because he wasn’t mature enough, but he quelled that voice, because that voice was pride and one of man’s worst enemies, according to his grandfather. “I shall keep that in mind. I am not much of one for speech, anyway.” he said, gravely. He preferred to listen to others and let his actions speak for themselves.

Tezuka wasn't giving this advice because he felt Sanada lacked maturity. He was giving it because he lacked experience in dealing with Fuji.

"Neither am I," Tezuka pointed out. "He will twist my words however he wishes to hear them. He has that skill. But actions are more difficult to misinterpret."

Fuji's mistranslations of Tezuka were usually for the sake of amusement, since Fuji held Tezuka in high esteem.

Sanada frowned. Really, Fuji was starting to sound a lot like Niou. Except a little less receptive to authority. After all, Fuji lacked the stabilizing balance of Yagyuu, to at least ask Niou to pretend to mind the rules. Twisting words sounded very similar to the trickster of the courts. “I see. I shall be sure to make my words as plain as I can make them.” he said, dryly. Back to his original state, where he didn’t hide behind formality.

Tezuka thought that would certainly help Sanada in dealing with Fuji. Now, for the thing that would help the genius.

"Have you played a match with him?"

“I’m planning to once my numerous detentions are over.” said Sanada darkly. “But I’ve seen him at practise and I’m not so enamoured with his slightly careless attitude. His main moves are flashy which often distract the opponent, but he could stand to work on his basic power and strength beyond his counters, which can sometimes fail him.” He paused slightly. It was weird to be telling Tezuka things that he must already know, but he plowed on nonetheless. “He’s also a mainly defensive player. I wish to make him attack for once, which is difficult, since he lets the opponent set the pace of the match.” He already had a few exercises planned out to improve the basic skills in Fuji, but pulling out aggression was another matter altogether. Fuji had to feel threatened for that to truly happen.

It didn’t matter what Tezuka knew of Fuji’s playstyle. Sanada’s observations were more important in this case, so he listened carefully.

He decided he would correct one thing. “Fuji is not careless. When he slacks off, it’s with intention,” which is why he dealt out such harsh punishments to the tensai. “...To get him to attack, you must put him in a situation where he has no other choice.”

And even then, Fuji would occasionally find a way to avoid meeting head on. “No words, no punishment, no drill, will accomplish that.”

Sanada paused and nodded pensively. That was...irritating to find out. That Fuji was neglecting his training and potential. Sanada had never understood people like that, but...he’d have to try now. “I will keep that in mind, then.” he said, “I will try to push him to his limits in a game, then.” he mused as he adjusted his cap in thought.

He looked up as a thought occurred to him. “How is your team doing?” he asked, “Any trouble on your end?”

Tezuka nodded. Perhaps, to Sanada, it felt like giving into a bully. However, Tezuka knew that would be the fastest way to get Fuji to cooperate.

“My team has given me no trouble,” Tezuka answered truthfully. “I am looking forward to the tournament. In regard to the tournament, I do have a favor to ask of you.”

It didn’t feel like giving in to a bully, but it was definitely irritating, to have to change his leadership style because of one person who refused to cooperate. Sanada hated giving preferential treatment in any way. It’s why he too wanted to be punished when he lost, as he’d punished others when they lost. But if it was necessary for success, it was necessary.
Sanada looked up. “Oh? Is it in terms of organising the roster?” he asked as he flexed his ankle. He hadn’t sat in seiza for a while. He was getting out of practise. He’d have to start meditating in the mornings for longer in seiza. “And that’s good to hear. I think Atobe’s team is doing well also, so it shall be interesting to see the outcome of the tournament.”

"Aa," Tezuka confirmed, as his eye caught on Sanada's shifting. He hoped the other captain didn't feel inclined to sit in seiza just because of Tezuka. Just in case, he shifted to sit with his legs crossed. "You're under no obligation, of course, but I think it would be best for all involved if I were Fuji's opponent in the tournament."

It would also give Sanada something to hold over Fuji. "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's hard work show in the tournament."

Sanada noticed Tezuka’s shift in position and almost smiled. Tezuka was rather considerate. It was something that he’d like about the other boy. Still, he had to practise seiza. It was a traditional punishment and the way he’d been acting to test the waters, he would certainly be assigned it at some point. “Singles 2?” he asked, “Or singles 1?”

Sanada nodded. “It will certainly be fascinating to see how the different team dynamics affect the play. Especially since former teammates now face off.”

“Singles Two,” Tezuka replied. He didn’t notice any sort of change of expression on Sanada’s face. It would not be fair to ask Sanada to put himself in anything less than Singles One, especially when Tezuka needed the favor. “I think facing our former teammates and working with different people will help us grow as players, and as a team.”

Tezuka didn’t think people would lose the bonds the had with their teams, merely gain new friendships. After all, distance made the heart grow fonder. He missed his team dearly, even when he had so many of the same members.

“Hn. I’ll see if it is possible, as the tournament draws closer.” said Sanada, nodding. He wasn’t sure how that would change, depending on how the team dynamic worked out, but if he could keep Fuji in singles, he’d try to.

“Which other clubs did you join Tezuka? Apart from tennis and judo?” He had no doubt that Tezuka would have joined judo, just as Sanada had joined kendo without hesitation. Familial duty and simple enjoyment was important. And Sanada was a little curious. He knew that he and Atobe had overloaded themselves as they were both over-achievers, but despite the long acquaintance with Tezuka due to their grandfathers’ rivalry, he didn’t know him very well.

“I am grateful,” Tezuka stated, and bowed his head. It was the best answer that he could hope for from a good captain. He did not expect any promises from Sanada.

Sanada was correct; he had joined both clubs. “I am also considering the student council,” he neglected to mention that Atobe had asked him to join. “How about yourself?”

Neither Tezuka nor Sanada could be considered garrulous by any stretch of the imagination. It wasn’t too surprising that they didn’t know each other well.

Sanada’s eyebrows rose. He’d never once run for student council, simply because Yukimura or Yanagi usually went for it, and the three of them preferred to spread out their bases all throughout the school to gain the most influence and power. Also, Sanada wasn’t the most charismatic person that had ever existed. “Ah. Vice president or president?” he asked, feeling a little curious.

“I joined kendo, tennis, shogi, english conversation and tea ceremony. I was also considering setting up a swimming club but decided against it.” he said, with a small smile. He liked to keep himself busy. He loathed having free time, because his grandfather had always said that idle hands led to idle minds, which was the last thing that Sanada wanted or needed. He was also proud of being the captain of both the kendo and tennis teams, but Sanada didn’t boast about such accomplishments. That better left to others.

Sanada was really keeping himself busy. Though Tezuka kept up with his many obligations smoothly at Seigaku, he decided that he would rather leave himself more free time to explore this place. The situation was perplexing and frustrating, but also intriguing. If he left himself with no time to consider and take it all in, he felt like he would be letting his guard down.

“You could always set up some casual swimming times,” Tezuka suggested. There was no reason why there had to be a club for everything. “As for the student council, I intend to apply for secretary.” He neglected to mention that he had been president at Seigaku.

Sanada nodded at Tezuka’s advice. “That’s what I’ve been mostly doing anyway...” he trailed off. He just found it a little empty compared to Rikkai’s pool, which was usually always full, come summer time; either with the swim team or with students not wanting to pay to go to the pool in the town.

“Secretary, huh?” he asked, feeling a little surprised that Tezuka wasn’t running for the main positions, but he didn’t comment. He knew that Yagyuu was running for vice president...and he had little doubt about which position Atobe would be applying for. At least this guaranteed Tezuka a spot. “I wish you the best of luck, Tezuka.” Not that he’d need it. Tezuka was very organized.

“Aa,” Tezuka answered plainly. “Thank you. Regardless of club, or team, the most important thing in this situation is to stay together. We do not need to cause struggle amongst ourselves,” Tezuka’s pride in rank would certainly not cause any divides. “An unofficial club might be more to our benefit,” That way, they could discuss privately things that they learned.
Sanada nodded. “I have wondered, whether the tennis teams were set up to form rivalry, to prevent our being able to collaborate successfully as a team to escape the island....” he trailed off. He’d been thinking a lot about exactly why they’d allowed clubs like tennis, and the main reason he’d come up with was to set people at ease, or to keep them busy, to keep their eyes diverted from what was happening behind the scenes....

“Ahh, it is why I set up the informal study club.” said Sanada, with a small nod. “I hoped to be able discuss what new information we gained about the school away from prying eyes.”
Sanada stated Tezuka’s suspicions exactly. He nodded curtly to show his agreement, and said, “You can expect my attendance. The meetings should never occur at the same time.”

Sanada nodded. The timings hadn’t occurred to him. It was a good thing he’d discussed it with Tezuka. “I’ll be sure to.” he said, coolly, but not without a touch of gratefulness tinging his tone.

They lapsed into a comfortable silence and Sanada relaxed a little, and the aching of his thighs in seiza almost vanished in the cool breeze that ran through the air. After some time, Sanada spoke up. “I admit...I am concerned by their purpose in holding us here.”

It was very easy like this, sitting on the edge of the quiet wood with Sanada. Perhaps they had even more in common than he thought.

“You are right to be,” Tezuka stated. “Too many people are not exercising enough caution,” he could not understand total acceptance of this situation.

“They’re growing complacent.” said Sanada with a frown. “Giving up on attempting to find a way out of here, because it’s not immediately apparent.” he said, tapping his fingers on his knee with a frown. “It irks me a little, I suppose.” More than a little. It made him want to slap some of them. They were on an island that they’d been kidnapped to. You weren’t supposed to get comfortable with that fact, you were supposed to fight it.

Inclining his chin in agreement, Tezuka continued, “They’re trying to create complacency in making this a comfortable place to go to school. The challenges that they offer create distraction.”

Tezuka had ideas of actions to take, but those actions would be without meaning unless everyone did them together.

Sanada nodded. Admittedly, had they not been kidnapped and only allowed a limited access to the outside world, Sanada would have admired this school a lot. It was academically and physically rigorous, even more so than Rikkai. “Distraction from what, is what I’d like to know.” he said, cautiously. “The secrets grate at me.”

Sanada had plenty of ideas as to how to uncover those secrets, but they seemed increasingly difficult considering the resources they had. And he wished to get as few people involved in his quest to get free as possible. For one, the possibility of information leaking increased with every person. For another, he was worried about the punishments offered here and wouldn’t wish those punishments upon too many.

Tezuka had rather the opposite perspective. Not that he was eager to have so many injured, but this matter concerned all of them. If enough people bought into this school life, it would render the effects of those trying to get away useless. But, if everyone should band together under the cause, the school had less power over them.

Though he admired Sanada’s strength, vigilante heroism didn’t appeal to him.
“Everyone will have to keep their own secrets well,” Tezuka stated. “If some of us fall, all of us will.”

Tezuka didn’t know what information or strength these people sought; they had all been kidnapped for a reason. “I understand you are conducting movements privately. While I trust your strength and intentions, I wish to remind you there is safety in greater knowledge, if not numbers.”

For certain missions, small numbers were good. But if they could keep many informed and create a sort of undercover think-tank, better ideas would come forth for these missions.

Sanada nodded at Tezuka’s words. He trusted most of the people in the tennis circuit...but he was admittedly more hesitant about the people whose moral codes and values he wasn’t aware of. He...was bad at trusting others. He knew it. “Perhaps so...” Sanada said, “But they seem to treat it like a normal school. Only the miscreants are punished. The fewer people fall, the better.”

Sanada didn’t see himself as a vigilante hero, but he did believe that secrecy was better where possible.... “I will try to keep as many people in the loop as possible.” he said, calmly. He made no promises, for who knew what the future will bring? But he appreciated Tezuka’s advice, as always.

Tezuka did not see a need for people to fall at all. If there could be a greater unity of action, then their numbers would be too great to severely punish. Smaller numbers were more vulnerable.

“I can only hope that things begin to change,” Tezuka stated, knowing that he could not say anything to change Sanada’s mind. “In the meantime, please let me know if I can be of any help.”

He refused to stand by and just watch anyone fall. Not while he could do something about it.
Sanada nodded and stood up again. He would consider Tezuka’s offer. He knew the quiet boy was someone he could easily trust. The sun was starting to get hotter, however. “Change for the better, in any case.” he said grimly, as he offered Tezuka a hand back up. “It’s getting close to lunch.”

Tezuka nodded and took Sanada’s hand to bring himself up. Together, the two boys left the shade and shelter of the forest and made for the dining hall.

Change for the better, indeed, that was exactly the inflection he intended. He did not want to imagine a change for the worse.