(Author's Note: The "Gate to the Realm of Gods" is my original addition, but it ties back to a key moment in the original series—where Nanjirou trained Ryoma in a unique way, shaping him into his ultimate rival. While many characters in the series had greater innate talent than Ryoma, Nanjirou's expectations for him were the highest. Beyond familial bias, this implies Ryoma possessed a special qualification—something I've interpreted as the potential to reach the "Realm of the Tennis God." In the original, when QP achieved "Ultimate Quality," Borg himself stated QP would become "the closest existence to the God of Tennis." Thus, I've conceptualized this realm as a "gate," setting the stage for a final divine showdown against Nanjirou.)
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Joanna Longman hadn't expected Yoru's perspective to be so mature.
While his answer wasn't what she'd hoped for, it wasn't the worst outcome either. Before leaving, she transferred £1 million to him—a move that nearly cracked Yoru's composure.
Money really does make everything easier.
With this windfall, Yoru treated the team to an extravagant post-victory feast at the best yakiniku restaurant. Even after stuffing themselves, the bill was a drop in the bucket.
Now, with his pockets full, even the ride home felt sweeter.
On the train, Yoru turned to QP. "You're heading back soon, aren't you?"
QP hesitated, then nodded.
"Yeah, figured."
Yoru wasn't surprised. Despite QP growing closer to Seigaku, his ambitions were unwavering. To him, everything else was just scenery on his climb to the summit.
But QP's next words stunned him.
"I'll return to Germany for now, but I'll come back next semester."
"…Huh?"
Yoru blinked, then gaped. "You're coming back?"
"Yes." QP's tone was firm. "My growth here has accelerated far beyond what Germany offers. The competition is stronger, and my progress is undeniable. I need to settle matters with Leitner and the club first."
Yoru rubbed his nose awkwardly.
Next year, Byoudouin and the others will have graduated. The remaining players won't be on QP's level—even if Tezuka and the new first-years arrive.
But he kept that to himself.
Having QP around was beneficial:
1. Training Runes, Yoru as a sparring partner, and even free coaching from Nanjirou.
2. QP could mentor Tezuka's generation, paving the way for a three-peat Nationals win—and whatever insane rewards that might unlock.
The thought alone was thrilling.
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By the time they returned home, it was late. QP headed straight for his nightly routine, while Yoru found Nanjirou in the living room, tea in one hand and a risqué magazine in the other.
Where does this old man even get his secret stash?
Yoru sat cross-legged opposite him. "Old man, we need to talk."
He recounted the day's events with Joanna Longman. Nanjirou's expression darkened initially, but softened when Yoru vowed never to leave the Echizen household.
The hand holding Nanjirou's cigarette trembled slightly.
A decade of living together had woven Yoru into the family's core. To Nanjirou, his expectations for Yoru even surpassed those for Ryoma or Ryoga.
"Relax, old man," Yoru smirked. "I'm not going anywhere until I beat you."
"Hah! As if you could!" Nanjirou scoffed, though his eyes glistened faintly.
Their conversation meandered through shared memories until Yoru dropped a bombshell:
"Oh yeah, I've entered the Asura Shindou."
"I know."
"…Wait, what?"
Nanjirou ignored his surprise. "I watched your match today."
"Ah, so you did kiss Coach Ryuzaki."
"PFFT—!"
Tea sprayed everywhere as Nanjirou's face turned crimson. "THAT HAG FORCED HERSELF ON ME! UGH!"
He looked traumatized, as if only a marathon of Teletubbies could cleanse his soul.
After composing himself, Nanjirou's tone turned grave. "The reason I wanted you to tell me about Asura Shindou… is because of the Gate."
"The Gate?"
Yoru recalled Byoudouin's flashback—the metaphorical door to Asura Shindou. But he'd already crossed that threshold.
Nanjirou smirked. "That was just a side entrance. I'm talking about the true Gate—the one to the Realm of Gods."
He leaned forward. "How strong do you think I am?"
"Peerless."
The answer came instantly. Even the current world No. 1 (a retiring legend with a 19-star rating in matches, 20-star at peak) paled next to Nanjirou's baseline 20-star prowess.
"Good answer." Nanjirou's grin faded. "I retired not just for you brats, but because after crossing that Gate… I had no rivals left. That 'champion' you see on TV? He's only halfway through. That's why he'll never beat me."
Yoru's pulse quickened. So Nanjirou really is the final boss.
"How to explain it…" Nanjirou scratched his head. "Beyond the Five Penances, Asura, or any other path lies the Realm of Gods. Crossing it transforms your very essence. I grasped a technique there that made me untouchable."
"QP's path—'Ultimate Quality'—is the easiest to reach the Gate. But it lacks depth. Even if he crosses it, he won't be interesting."
"The more (depth) you have, the harder it is to enter… but once you do, the change is profound. With your 'Ten Realms' talent, your surpasses mine when I crossed over. Your challenge will be unprecedented."
Nanjirou's eyes burned with intensity.
"Kid… I want you to cross that Gate too. It's lonely being the only one on the other side."
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belamy20