Chapter 15

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Gulu stretched out its claw with only three fingers and clawed a clump of black energy from Yukimura’s back. The substance, like petroleum but jelly-like, bounced with a "duang duang duang" sound, looking quite appetizing. It glanced at it, then tossed it into its mouth, chewing and swallowing. Ruriko opened her eyes in surprise, her amber pupils trembling slightly. "Is that edible?" Higure Tsukiyo hesitated, "It should be fine. It’s not stupid; if there were a problem, why would it put it in its mouth... wait, it does seem a bit dumb." "No... no... Gulu..." It spoke haltingly, growing anxious and began to gurgle again. Tsukiyo, the cosmic cat-headed being, thought deeply, then a light bulb lit above his head: "It’s not human, so it’s okay." Ruriko reluctantly accepted this explanation. She then turned her gaze to the violet-haired youth. "Yukimura, how do you feel?" "Very well," Yukimura smiled sincerely. The oppressive weight that had constantly pressed on his heart since the onset of his illness had been swept away. The faint numbness in his fingertips disappeared, and he clearly felt the return of strength. Except for some lingering weakness, his body was no different from before. He had never shared his pain with others, and now was no exception. Ruriko didn’t press further, simply nodded, and then sent a message to Sanada. Gulu reluctantly came back. Tsukiyo scolded, "Though your actions were unintentional, you still hurt Yukimura-kun and made him stay in the hospital for months. So besides working for me, you also need to be Yukimura-kun’s little servant, understand?" Well then, the ox and horse were utterly transformed into a little servant. The little monster’s vertical pupils were full of guilt. With its croaky voice, it said, "Kno... know... I will... try..." Ruriko averted his eyes, unwilling to watch this brainwashing scene. Yukimura accepted it easily and cheerfully asked, "Really? Then can Gulu help me water the flowers?" The green-headed creature nodded and looked toward the cornflowers on the windowsill. Tsukiyo sensed trouble but hadn’t time to stop it before the kappa dashed over, opening its tiny beak. Then it tilted its head back and spat out a small glob of water. But, well, that was saliva. Yukimura, who had been calm since his curse was lifted, changed expression drastically: "No!" Tsukiyo swiftly stepped forward just in time to snatch the helpless little potted plant, saving the cornflowers’ purity. Yukimura was both relieved and frightened, taking the pot and speaking slowly and clearly, "Thank you, Higure-kun." "You’re welcome," Tsukiyo replied. After the handover, he rolled up his sleeves and gave a series of righteous slaps, "Spitting again! Who taught you to spit? Isn’t that filthy?!" Gulu covered its face and slowly squatted down, "Do... don’t... hit... me..." Ruriko was not the type to remain indifferent to such violence and advised, "Tsukiyo, enough. It meant well." Tsukiyo, like a parent heartbroken by a mischievous child, said, "Ruriko, you don’t know, it spat at the senior before. Repeatedly disobedient, it’s so infuriating!" After learning about its past misbehavior, Ruriko closed his mouth and stepped back. But then again, who hasn’t been scolded or hit as a child? Parents educating their kids is best left alone. "Higure-kun, maybe you should stop," Yukimura said with a warm smile and gentle voice. "If you keep hitting, your hands will hurt." Tsukiyo agreed and ceased. After a while, the kappa, curled into a ball, cautiously peeked at its new owner. Seeing no further intention to beat it, it heartlessly nestled beside him. Tsukiyo, seeing this, couldn’t stay angry and said earnestly, "Gulu, except when facing enemies, you’re not allowed to spit. Understand?"

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Ruriko’s face twisted for a moment: No, you can’t spit at enemies either, Tsukiyo, you’re teaching it wrong! Gulu said, "Un...derstand..." "Good, I’m glad you understand." Tsukiyo wasn’t entirely confident and waved his fists threateningly, "If there’s a next time, you’ll get hit again." Reflexively, it hugged its head, excitedly saying, "Don’t... dare... disobey!" Yukimura commented, "Tsukiyo is quite talented at teaching children." Tsukiyo humbly replied, "Oh, it’s nothing~." Ruriko eyed them coldly, thinking, “Birds of a feather.” After chatting a while longer, Sanada and the others arrived at the hospital. "Yukimura..." Sanada couldn’t finish his sentence because he saw the little green-skinned monster in the ward, and his mind was shaken profoundly. Gulu was uncomfortable with so many people, weakly saying, "Wh...at... are you... looking at... Gulu..." Marui asked puzzled, "Sanada, why are you blocking the door?" "Vice Captain, please move!" the rebellious junior scolded dismissively but surprisingly didn’t get yelled at by the senior. Sanada, dazed, stepped aside. Akaya Kirihara cheerfully said, "Minister Yukimura, we came to see you..." His gaze shifted to the kappa beside him, his face instantly turning pale, and he was so frightened his words jumbled, "Wah—#@$%￥!" One after another, the youths from Rikkaidai entered. This time, not only were they startled, but Gulu, trembling, jumped into the shadows for cover. After all, at their age, they believed anything. They soon accepted the fact that kappa truly existed in the world. Marui happily said, "Minister, are you really okay?" "Yes, I’m fine now," Yukimura said with a helpless smile. "Weren’t you supposed to train properly? Why did you all come here?" Akaya admitted honestly, "It was Vice Captain Sanada. As soon as he saw the message from Senior Ruriko, he hurried over, and we couldn’t stop him!" Nio squinted slightly, "Puri, that’s true." "It’s all Sanada’s fault!" Marui agreed. Only the honest Juro and gentlemanly Yagyu stayed silent, not joining in the accusations. The "betrayed" Sanada said nothing, adjusted his cap, and said, "You’re too lax. How could you not stop them?!" Weren’t they all eager to come together anyway? "Eh?" Nio skillfully turned the blame around, "Vice Captain, you’re too serious." Yukimura chuckled, "Alright, stop bullying Genichiro. I know you’re all just worried about me." His straightforward words made the boys blush. This was Yukimura’s first recovery from serious illness. They didn’t disturb him much, exchanged a few words, then left. Though no longer seriously ill, he couldn’t be discharged immediately; there was still paperwork and procedures to complete, a medical miracle to perform, and to reassure his family. On Monday, during club activities, the regular members noticed the tennis club’s atmosphere was different. When asked, they learned that Minister Yukimura was returning. Seniors in second and third year were delighted; first-year freshmen were both curious and excited. When they joined the tennis club, Yukimura had already been hospitalized, so most had never met him. But all tennis players had heard the legendary title “Child of God.” Soon, they would meet this iconic minister, and their spirits stirred. For a time, the Rikkaidai tennis club brimmed with vitality, loosening everyone’s overly tense nerves.

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Yukimura was the minister, responsible, capable, and much loved. His absence was not like a pebble thrown into a lake that caused no ripple. Even Sanada was deeply affected and became stricter in daily management. Everyone just didn’t want to show it. At the selection meeting after training, Ruriko voiced Yukimura’s thoughts. After a moment of silence, Marui exclaimed, "What? Let him lead the team?!" Akaya Kirihara also exclaimed, "What? Let me lead the team?!" Ruriko calmly replied, "Yes." Akaya, unusually self-aware, asked, "Can I really do it?" He was confident in his tennis skill, but he knew leadership required more than talent. There were many trivial matters, all handled by seniors before; now that it was his responsibility, he felt uncertain. "Akaya!" Sanada scolded, "Don’t be so defeatist. You’ll have to do these things sooner or later, and we’re here to help. What are you afraid of?!" Akaya was stunned for several seconds, then his cat-like eyes turned into eggs, "Wow, Vice Captain Sanada! I didn’t know you believed in me so much. I won’t badmouth you behind your back anymore!" Sanada’s temple vein twitched, "Too lax, Akaya Kirihara!" "Pfft hahahaha—" And that was that. Considering it was Akaya’s first time managing these tasks, Ruriko prepared a detailed plan. Yagyu, as the second chosen player, would assist when needed. Kelp-kun busied himself for several days, gathering the prospective starters for a meeting and finally finalized the competition roster. The players were confirmed, but the specific lineup was up to Akaya. Fortunately, he had competed against them in school rankings and daily training, so he knew their strengths well. With a few days’ preparation, he could produce a barely passable list. Ruriko saw the list but said nothing, though inwardly he was full of feelings. Finally, he only said, "Akaya is still too cautious." Tsukiyo asked, "How so?" "He placed himself and Yagyu at third and second singles positions, likely to maximize Rikkaidai’s chances of winning." Ruriko was moved—this once arrogant and proud junior was now thoughtful. It was like watching one’s child grow up, stirring mixed emotions. Tsukiyo sharply commented, "Ruriko, you look so world-weary." Like a humble, seasoned father. Ruriko’s pride and melancholy were broken by his childhood friend’s punch, who looked at him with a hint of helplessness. Tsukiyo forced a smile and changed the topic, "Isn’t Akaya doing well? Being cautious is how you stay undefeated." "Not necessary," Ruriko stated, "Rikkaidai’s lineup would win no matter how it’s arranged." Wow, so you’re the arrogant one. Wait, what about all Kelp-kun’s hard work? "Tsukiyo, why don’t you go see for yourself?" Ruriko chuckled. "You don’t seem to have a clear idea of our strength." Tsukiyo thought for a moment and said, "Alright."