[LOG] Discussing the Future
Who: Sanada Genichirou, Yanagi Renji
Where: Dorms
When: Monday 12th, 8am
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Sanada catches Yanagi's arrival, and they discuss their mutual hatred of being useless, with resolves to do better.
Sanada glared a little at Saeki’s retreating back. Honestly. A beach party. They didn’t have the time for that. There was else something to worry about, especially with the wave of new students. After Marui’s arrival, Sanada had stayed up during the night to see if any other new students had arrived, but he hadn’t seen anything. Maybe they were spacing it out a little more. Sanada yawned a little as he walked along the corridor, down to make breakfast. He was hungry...
Renji had taken the time to get himself as up to date as possible on what had been occurring. It wasn’t half as much information as he really wished for, but it would have to do. The journal system was at least good for gathering some sort of intelligence on the group that had arrived well before him. Some of it, eyebrow raising, if he had the capacity to even be surprised. However, he had to leave the room at some point and join polite society.
He still needed to learn the lay of the land. Perhaps he could find clues as to why this was happening and how to get back home. But first...his stomach grumbled, reminding him that his last meal had been nearly 24 hours before. He supposed he should have said something about his arrival, but he had not. Not yet. A part of him considered that it was to keep hope alive for those who thought him still at large in Japan.
Quietly shuffling down the hallway, he considered how best to go about it. Perhaps too late. He recognized the teen coming his way. There was nothing for it now. “Genichirou.”
Sanada paused in his path to breakfast upon seeing a very familiar face. “No...” he whispered. “Renji, not you too?” he almost begged. Damnit! How...how had he missed him, though? He’d been watching from behind his curtain of nearly all of the dorms. He should have seen Renji being kidnapped! He should have seen Renji and Renji’s stuff coming in...
“Renji, this is really important, which room did you wake up in?” he asked, as he quickly calculated his vantage point. Could...could he have really missed it?
Sanada was distraught. He could tell that right away. Perhaps, he should have stayed hidden. But logic said that he’d have to surface eventually. It was best to do it sooner instead of later. He approached and reached out to gently place a calming hand upon the stronger male. “Calm.” He murmured. “I awoke in H111. I was given a classroom as well, though I have not attended yet.” He was certain when he did, he would know more about all the subjects taught than most the teachers.
Sanada gaped and his fists clenched together, until they were almost white. Then he punched the wall, not caring if he hurt himself even more. Fuck! They were mocking him! They were laughing at his attempts to catch them out! H111 and H112 were the only blind spots he’d had! And....they’d not even seen his watching as a threat! They’d known that Sanada was there judging by the room that Renji had been given, and then they coolly disregarded him, not even bothering to knock him out! They’d just carried on as if he hadn’t been there!
“I’m so sorry, Renji.” he said, as he pulled his cap down over his face. “You were kidnapped for nothing. I couldn’t even figure out how they were doing it.” he said, heaving a sigh. He knew that he should have asked Atobe for help.
Cooly unflappable, he stood and watched the destruction through narrowed eyes. Once Sanada seemed finished with property damage, he reached out again to take his fist and look it over. It would need bandaged and the wall would need replaced.
“No. If anyone should be struck it should be myself and not the wall. The fault is mine. I knew there were disappearances. I knew something was happening. I knew all of this, yet it still happened. I...” He hated to say it out loud. But the drive to make his friend stop blaming himself was stronger than his pride. “I miscalculated. I was caught unaware and unguarded.” And it drove him slightly insane to know that someone had gotten around his predictions, his data. “So, the fault here is mine and I will accept that.” He let go of the hand and sighed. “And now that I am here, I can help more than if I was there. I might have miscalculated, but they have more. They made a large mistake by bringing me here. You know how I love unraveling a mystery.”
Sanada tossed a look to Renji as he gripped his hand. Okay, so he really shouldn’t have done that...but he was so angry that he’d been useless again. Besides, he wasn’t going to be able to play tennis anyway. And the property destruction...was worth it. “I’m not hitting you for getting kidnapped.” he said, flatly, “They got Atobe who probably has a security team for him alone, and they got me, when I had my shinai under the bed. They’re powerful.” he said, looking away. Too powerful. It scared him more than he could admit. Made him feel as helpless as he had when Seiichi had been in hospital.
At the mention of the people in charge, making a mistake, Sanada smirked. “The three of us are together on one island. We’ll definitely sort it out.” But it was more bravado than anything else. He was getting more and more uncertain as to whether they’d ever make it off the island. “There are bandages in my room.” he said, as he glanced down at his hand. “But I want breakfast more. It doesn’t really hurt.”
No excuses. That was what he wanted to say. To Renji, there simply was no excuses for him to be caught unaware. He, who was used to knowing things almost before they happened because of his ability to observe and analyze, had been dragged away. It was humiliating. How bad it must be for Genichirou, who was a fighter.
“We will. I am certain of it.” If Sanada couldn’t be strong, he would be. He would be the stability that was needed. The calm at the eye of the storm. “And don’t give me that.” He paused and gave Sanada a sharp, scolding look. “breakfast can wait. You must take care of injuries as soon as they happen.If not, they might fester and grow worse. I will need you healthy.” He might be the weaker of the two physically, but Renji would bully the man into submission if it was necessary. “So, take me to your room. I will be quick.”
Sanada smiled slightly at Renji’s confidence. He was grateful for it. He needed both Seiichi and Renji to be confident so he could get back to his usual calm. He relied on both of them, so very much. At Renji’s look, he rolled his eyes. “Fine,” he said, leading him back. “I can do it myself, but I’d be grateful for the help.” He was slightly nervous as to what Renji would say upon seeing the large array of knee braces, salves and pain-killers that was currently filling his dresser, but...it would be better than Yukimura’s silent (and sometimes not-so-silent) disapproval.
He opened the door, grateful that Oshitari had already left for Atobe’s team’s morning practise. It made things easier, without his curious roommate around. He rummaged in the drawers for the bandages, as he manoeuvred his way around a new stack of books. He must have been rearranging. “Take a seat, Renji.” he said, as he looked for the micropore tape.
His eyes slipped around the room and he frowned. He thought he had noticed that Sanada’s walking motion had been slightly more stiff. Now, he had explanation. He didn’t chose to say anything. Disapproval wouldn’t help and since he didn’t know the complete diagnosis, he could not offer much in the way of assistance either. He could only collect the information until such time as he could come to a logical conclusion. He was certain his silence spoke for itself. The jury is still out on this
Sitting elegantly upon the bed, he folded his hands in his lap.
Sanada was grateful for Renji’s silence. And not so grateful. Because it was hard to misinterpret words, especially when Renji usually put them in a straightforward manner. But at the same time...silence meant that you could ignore the disapproval, by pretending that it didn’t exist. Still, silence was something of a commodity nowadays. The only time he usually got it was during his study sessions with Tezuka
He handed the bandages to Renji with a sigh and held out his right hand with a sigh. Thank god, he didn’t have lessons. Or he’d never be able to take notes in class. It had been a thoughtless action...but Sanada was good at that. “Tell me honestly, what are our chances of winning Nationals with only Niou and Jackal to keep the team in line?” he asked, one of the other problems that had been running through his head for a while.
Renji took the hand and diligently started to work. He was actually very skilled at this. Cool, calm fingers wrapping the bandage tightly, but not so much that circulation would be lost. As he did, he applied gentle pressure, making certain nothing was broken. Honestly!
He sighed softly. “Bottom line?” He looked up at the larger boy, face utterly serious. “Less than a 10th of a percent. Even if I had managed to remain, the chance would only increase to .5%. I am not Seiichi. I am not you. I don’t have the charisma or the passion necessary to control a team, especially that one.” To Renji, Sanada was fire, burning hot and wild and Seiichi was like the wind. A gentle breeze one moment and a cutting torrential storm the next. However, he was water. Calm and cool, still unless acted upon.
“I am sorry.” He meant that. He was sorry he couldn’t be stronger.
Sanada smiled gratefully as Renji bandaged it. He could almost feel the slight pain, ebb away to nothing. He’d make a good doctor, should he ever choose that path. But Sanada doubted it. Renji didn’t suit the role.
He winced however at Renji’s words. “So I suspected...” he murmured. “But it’s...good? Good to have it confirmed.” Marui had told him to have more faith in their second years, but Sanada had more faith in their opponents. Rokkaku, Higa and Fudomine wouldn’t leave a chance like this alone. “I wouldn’t blame yourself though.” he said, as he pulled his hand away and applied the pain slave to his knee, which had just twinged, sharply. “You may not be as good a leader, but we’ll never be able to beat you when it comes to classwork or a calm composure.” he said, with a rueful smile. The second point was still a little sore. The only subject where Sanada won, was history.
Renji considered telling Sanada to sit down. He could massage that knee. A little acupressure might help a great deal. However, he wouldn’t force the man. Instead, he watched and he calculated. “Of course not. We all have to be good at something.” Even if a part of him wished he could be better at the former role. But in history, there was the daimyo, the samurai and the advisor. He knew better than anyone where he landed in that hierarchy.
“I am already not looking forward to classes here. I am certain I will have the teachers crying for mercy within days.” Especially if he actually applied himself to doing just that. If he wanted, he could be the teaching’s staff worse nightmare. Well, no, that would be Niou, but he would be an academic version of the petenshi.
“I am a bit...curious...though...” That was a dangerous word to hear from a dataman of any standing. “I’ve read quite a bit. Journals are an interesting thing. I am curious where I will fall in. I am not certain I wish to play tennis.” Mostly because Renji had only one captain and one vice captain, just as he, secretly, only had one true doubles partner, regardless of how well he played with anyone else. He put that to Sanada because he trusted the man to be direct and honest in his reaction to the thoughts.
“But of course.” said Sanada as he stretched out his knee and beckoned Renji to follow him. It was already eight and he hadn’t eaten yet. He was famished. He usually ate at five in the morning. At Renji’s comment about the teachers, he barked with laughter. “The classes here are slightly tougher than at Rikkai, so it might not be so much of a joke. But the teachers are more easily intimidated. Tezuka’s already got his class teachers terrified any time he stands up.” he said, with a grin. That never failed to amuse him. Adults were supposed to be stronger, not weaker than children.
The lack of tennis was interesting, but Sanada didn’t contest it. He wasn’t Seiichi. He understood that there were more important things. “I believe there are many places you could fall in. I for one, would appreciate if you joined me with Shogi. The other players are a joke. I even defeated the teacher on a daily basis.” he said, frowning. “There’s also a few other clubs, such as study club, tea ceremony, english conversation, archery and the sort which you could take part in. But...if we’re to sit down and really think of a way to get us out of here...it might be worth it to take a few less clubs and spend more time exploring the island.” he said, as he worked out through his thoughts. He hadn’t followed his advice, he’d taken many clubs to try and figure out what was going on and to keep himself busy without either of his close friends.
“Shogi? You just want to lose terribly.” He teased softly, following after his friend. Honestly, Genichirou was one of the few who were actually a challenge. The less of a challenge, the more of a handicap he gave himself in order to be challenged. The fact that his handicap for Sanada was only two pieces was very telling of the other man’s skill. “Tea ceremony would be nice. I’ve earned all my certificates.” He had become a master in the ceremony, something difficult to do at his age. “And archery might be helpful. I am not a fighter and if there is to be violence, then I will need to prepare myself for such.” He hoped escaping would not come to that. And while he did find Kendo truly fascinating and beautiful to watch, especially when Sanada played, he knew deep in his soul he was no swordsman. He was the tactician. He was better in a long range support capacity.
“So...if I leave tennis for my other passions, there will be no ill will. And of course you can consider me your ally in the Going Home Club.” Of course, he’d still have to talk to Seiichi about that. The water was helpless against the force of a hurricane.
Sanada laughed shortly. “You remove those two handicaps soon, Renji.” he said, easily. “I was watching my grandfather a lot before we were abruptly removed from home. He had some interesting tactics that might just break you yet.” He was pretty sure that it wouldn’t be as much help as he’d like...but he did want to play Renji evenly, even if it meant more of an assurance that he’d lose. It did so rankle upon his pride that Renji needed to handicap himself to play with Sanada.
Sanada threw a look to Renji. He’d known that Renji had been studying the tea ceremony very adeptly, but all of the certificates already? Sanada had only achieved around half. But he’d been preoccupied, and had focused more upon calligraphy than upon the tea ceremony. The calm that came from the tea ceremony came from the person. Calligraphy gave calm to a person. Sanada knew which one he needed more. “I would suggest archery...” he said, hesitantly, “There have been thoughts passed around about our being forced into a Battle Royale situation. If it does arise, every advantage would be necessary. Seiichi’s already taking judo....”
Sanada nodded at Renji’s last question. “Not from me, in any case.” he said, quietly. “I’ll be leaving tennis after high school, and I will not be able to play this whole month. It would be hypocrisy on my behalf.”
“So, you’ll make me return my generals to the board, will you? I think I might be up for that. I want to see how good you’ve gotten.” And if he still destroyed the man in under 25 moves, the generals would be off limits to him again until Sanada was truly ready.
He did not miss the look thrown his way. He only shrugged as if to say “why are you even surprised by this”. It was soon followed by a sharply studying gaze. Was there something he detected in the way Sanada said their mutual friend’s name? Interesting. Interesting indeed. “I will sign up immediately. I refuse to be taken unaware again.” The cold flame in his eyes, just barely visible from lowered lashes was enough to show just how badly his pride had been hurt. Just how much he would need to recover from this, even if on the outside, he seemed so utterly serene.
He nodded. “Your knees.” It was not a question. “And your familial responsibilities.” He wasn’t accusing at all. He understood. Not everyone could go Pro and for some of them, there was another life waiting for them, outside the court. “It’s purely logical that such an event was likely.
Sanada smirked as they entered the kitchen. He reached up for the radish from the vegetable shelf and went to the fridge for eggs. “Tamagoyaki sound good?” he asked, as he went for some bowls. “And perhaps we should play once we’ve eaten. I’m curious myself.”
Sanada caught the calculating look from Renji...but he had to say, he couldn’t understand what he’d said. Battle Royale? Perhaps it was a little morbid for him...but he had read it before. No, it was something else that Sanada had missed. “We won’t be.” said Sanada fiercely. He knew that for the two of them especially, this sort of laxness was unforgivable. They both had a strong pride that would never be content with accepting their loss or their defeat.
“Ah.” he answered in response. “I only wish that Seiichi thought the same way...” he muttered. He loved Seiichi dearly...and had once dreamed that they could have played on the green fields of Wimbledon or the red clay of Roland Garros...but they were only dreams for Sanada. Nothing more. He had to grow up and leave them behind. Be content with only being able to support Seiichi.
“It sounds perfect. 24 hours is a long time not to have eaten.” He admitted before pulling up a stool to watch Sanada. And there is was again. He found himself smiling slyly. “Genichirou...is this when I should be offering up my congratulations to you?”
Sanada frowned. “24 hours? But your mother isn’t the type to neglect feeding yo-” he paused and frowned. Renji had said that he’d read the journals. That took time, especially with the amount of students using them.... “How long have you been here for, Renji?” he asked, as he cracked the eggs with rather more force than he needed to. Thank god that cooking omelettes required a lot of physical strength. what with whisking and flipping and chopping the radishes and chives for the sides.
At the next words from Renji however, he flushed and looked away. “You don’t need to offer anything.” he muttered. “It’s nothing special. We’re just dating.” He should have known that it wouldn’t have escaped Renji’s notice. But...he’d kind of wanted to keep it out for now. If only...because...well, he didn’t want Renji to ever feel like the third wheel between he and Seiichi. The three of them depended on each other and...Sanada didn’t want to stop that closeness. But...Seiichi hadn’t either. He’d just wanted them to act naturally...if with a little more kissing and closeness.
It was his turn to look away, something that was only truly noticeable if one knew Renji well. He supposed he could lie to make Sanada feel better, but that would amount to nothing. He would never lie to his friend. Ever. “Since Sunday actually.” He’d been here already an entire day and a half before emerging from his room, ready to face this as armed as he could be. He moved on trying to gloss that over quickly.
“But it is. My two best friends have finally gotten a clue. This is worthy of congratulations. I am pleased.” He was. He understood how Sanada was about Yukimura. He understood it very well. He never had felt like he was in the way of that. He even silently encouraged it. Perhaps, it was to live vicariously through them; but he hadn’t quite analyzed his reasons for it yet, so he wasn’t certain. All he knew was that he wanted his friends to be happy. His smile was evident. “I really am happy for you both Genichirou and if it makes you feel more comfortable, I can certainly play dumb about it.”
Sanada took in a deep breath. He...he wasn’t happy about that, in the slightest. But it made him feel a little less incompetent. He hadn’t been watching on Saturday night. He’d been too busy worrying about what to make Seiichi for their date and about the kendo club uniforms that had just arrived. “You should have come and gotten some food, even if you weren’t ready to talk to people yet.” said Sanada, icily. Not looking after basic needs was just stupid. He added a third egg to the omelette. Lord knew that Renji would need the sustenance.
He softened slightly. “Thank you, I suppose.” he said, as he set the flame up on the stove and started to chop the radishes. “But you don’t need to pretend anything. I haven’t told anyone else, other than my roommate who forced me into confessing, but it’s simply because of convenience. Screaming out to the world that we’re dating, isn’t my style. There’s nothing to hide, however.” he explained, as he added butter and searched through the cabinets for some cardamom and poppy seeds.
He could feel the cold fire from where he was sitting. He deserved the scolding. He knew he did. “It wasn’t that I was being antisocial.” He focused on calm. Calmness. A soothing balm to paint over nerves. “I was suddenly thrust into a situation that I had no knowledge of. I could not allow myself out of that room until I was somewhat informed on the goings on.” Sanada had joined clubs...Renji took his first day to gather intelligence, as much as he could. “I understand that this was foolish of me, but I will not walk blindly in anything this way.” Be prepared.
“And you are correct, it isn’t your style. Still, I will keep my mouth shut. It’s between you and Seiichi until such time as you two wish to make it known publicly. And until such time, I will support you both.” Just as he always had. Nothing had changed. Nothing at all. Not for him, at least.
Sanada sighed as he turned around and met Renji’s gaze. “You were reading journals, yes? You should have asked me to come and bring you food. I would have done it.” he said, frowning. “You wouldn’t have had to leave then.” His gaze raked over Renji’s already thin figure. Even Seiichi had more muscle. “You can’t keep doing this.” he said, finally, leaving it at that. It was up to Renji, in the end. He couldn’t force Renji to eat.
Sanada nodded, gratefully. He’d not wanted to become friends with Renji when they’d first met in Junior High. He couldn’t fathom why, now. Renji was one of his most understanding friends. He poured two-thirds of the egg mixture into the pan and quickly made the omelette and fried the radish. It was an easy meal, and something he usually made for Sasuke and his mother in the mornings. His father and grandfather usually stuck with miso soup. He finished and handed the plate to Renji. “Careful, it’s hot.” he warned, as he made his meal. “Should I make some tea, as well?”
He nodded in confirmation. He had. And he supposed he could have asked, but at the same time, he hadn’t wanted to alarm any of his friends. A sudden request for food out of nowhere was not a great way for the others to know of his arrival. He was even more aware of the other’s gaze. He didn’t state that he hadn’t been eating much because he had been worried about friends and frantically trying to find a way to bring them back, or as frantically as he could; being who he was. “I understand, Genichirou. It was a one time thing. It will not happen again.” Only he knew himself and his habits. It would. He would get distracted and it would be tea and senbei as per usual.
The egg smelled amazing though and he heard his stomach roar in appreciation of the scents coming from the stove. It looked even more amazing in front of him. “Thank you.” He took the plate with care but did not immediately dig in. Hungry as he might be, he was also ridiculously polite. He would not eat until Sanada did. It was only right. “I think I would love to know what this school passes off as tea.” He made no secret that he was a bit of a tea snob.
Sanada threw Renji a skeptical look. “One-off. Sure.” he said, his voice flat and unyielding. He knew Renji. That sort of figure didn’t come from skipping a few meals by accident. It was from a repeated diet. “You know, when you’re playing as intensive a sport as tennis or archery, you can’t survive on air.” he said, sternly. “You should know this. Is it so difficult to put into practise?” He didn’t understand how Renji could know so much about the world, yet lack the basic knowledge of how to sufficiently feed himself. It baffled him.
Sanada flipped his own meal and set it down upon the table where Renji was eating as well. He stabbed his chopsticks in and tried a small part, before motioning that Renji should eat as well. Lord knew that he needed it! The tamagoyaki was better than he’d thought. Clearly the ingredients here were superior, or he was getting even better at this. “Their tea isn’t so bad. Even Atobe and Shiraishi drink it, so it can’t be dreadful.” Tea was tea. They all really tasted the same to Sanada. He reached for the kettle and the leaves from another shelf and started brewing. “...I’m not glad that you’re here.” said Sanada with a sigh. “But I missed you.”
Sometimes, Renji thought that of the three of them, Sanada was the worst mother hen. He might fuss about injuries, but only Sanada would scold him for things like not eating regularly. “Yes yes.’ He agreed, if only because he knew what battles to fight. This was not one of them. It was just best that he let Sanada think he won. “You have my word. That should be enough.”
He only started once Sanada did. It was good. It was more than good and that had nothing to do with the fact that he was so hungry. Sanada was a surprisingly good chef. However, manners dictated that he savor each bite slowly instead of wolfing it down. Even the way he eat was calmly elegant.
Smiling from around a morsel, he allowed himself to feel the warmth of friendship. “I understand the former sentiment and I agree with the latter. I missed you as well. As more and more kept disappearing, I had started to fear the worse. I made attempts every day to contact you.” He had actually been frantic at points. Something he would never admit to out loud. “I hate that it must be like this, but I am relieved that you are well. I had started to fear the worst.”
Sanada only threw Renji a look. He knew that tone of voice. He’d have to make sure that Renji kept eating. Maybe he could recruit Seiichi to keep an eye on him as well. He couldn’t do everything. As the tea finally boiled, he poured the tea into two cups carefully. It was no tea ceremony certainly, but it was eight in the morning and between two old friends. There were times when tradition had to be upheld and times when it could be tossed aside.
“Here.” he said, handing Renji a cup cautiously, before slowly eating the omelette. He still wasn’t all that hungry, from his general lack of physical activity lately. All he could do was swim. But he usually forced something down every meal, for the sake of keeping his body energy up. He placed his cup of tea down. “I admit...” he said, pensively, “I grow less and less convinced of our leaving this island the longer that I am here. They seem to outwit us at every turn.” And if he couldn’t do anything from the inside...
“What exactly does the outside world think about this? I was talking with Akaya when he arrived, and he said that you guys had visited mine, Yagyuu’s and Seiichi’s houses for clues and saw nothing beyond some general rough-housing. But what do people think happened to us?”
He accepted the cup and sipped the tea. It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t good, but it wasn’t terrible. Carefully, he put it down in order to speak frankly to Sanada. Because the man deserved to know. “At first, they thought it was run aways. Eloping. But then more vanished. Kidnapping, but there was no ransom notice. Some religious nuts thought you’d been spirited away. Eventually, as more vanished, the first were considered dead. I never believed it. I always knew that you were alive.” He had never given up hope.
Sanada frowned, spirited away by God? It sounded stupid....but for all they knew about their kidnappers, they might as well have been. Or aliens, like Hiyoshi had skeptically suggested at practise, one day. “I snuck into their administration office during the first week, with Atobe’s help, but I didn’t find anything useful there either, except those infernal letters that they seem to be giving to our families, that explain absolutely nothing except the fact that we’re considered gifted in some way.” he said, as he took another pensive bite. “But eloping? Really? Even with the elementary students?” he asked, feeling rather baffled by how the world seemed to be operating on the thought wave-length. It had already taken him this long to summon the courage to act...he wasn’t quite sure what made people think that elementary or junior high students were there yet.
He chuckled a little and murmured, “Some people are stupid.” Most people, actually, when he really sat down and thought about it. “I suppose they tell themselves what they need to in order to cope with the fact that their children are gone.” He finally finished off his egg and focused solely on Sanada. “Gifted?” He supposed in a way, they were. Normal children and teenagers didn’t normally have the tennis skill they possessed. Then there were their personal skills, such as Renji’s intelligence and Sanada’s physical power. “Interesting. I suppose that I will have to do some investigating as well.” He smiled slyly and then nodded to Sanada.
“Your family never gave up either. I believe your grandfather said that where ever you were, you were making who took you make them wish they hadn’t.”
Sanada nodded. He couldn’t disagree with that astute analysis. People must have been devastated. “And yes, gifted...though I beleive it seems to be more towards the physicality than mentally gifted...” he murmured. “There are people here that I would sincerely doubt were selected for their brains.” Not to be cruel to Kirihara or Marui, but they weren’t gifted in that sense. “Which has led to the conclusion that we may be used as child soldiers, in the future. A guess perhaps, but...” he trailed off. He didn’t need to speak about his belief in their ruthlessness.
He looked away then, pausing in his food consumption as he covered his mouth with his hand and shut his eyes with sheer relief and pride. Kirihara had already confirmed that nobody was in hysterics in his household...but to hear those words... “Thank you for telling me, Renji.” he said, his voice low and cracking slightly. He cleared his throat, no time to get emotional. “He was correct. I’ve been doing my best to try and cause as much trouble as possible.” he said, with a smirk. It wasn’t his style...but extenuating circumstances called for unnatural actions. “Punishment for misbehaving at the worse end is at worst, detentions of cleaning or writing lines. Even Rikkai did worse. They’re determined to keep up the mirage of being a school for now.” It had been difficult to override his instincts to follow the rules, but he’d managed.
At Sanada’s guess, Renji frowned. He understood some of the choices. Activating Akaya’s DevilMode, despite what it might do to Rikkai’s baby, would be very frightfully effective in a war zone, for instance. However, if that was the case, then why was he there? He was certainly not a soldier by any stretch of the imagination. “Perhaps,” he whispered to himself, ‘that is why they took so long to take me.” Because he was rather useless unless it was tactical genius.
He noted the reaction and reached out to lightly place his hand over Sanada’s bandaged one. He understood what that meant to this man, to hear those words. He was happy to have been able to tell him then. “Channeling your inner Niou, I see. Who knew you had it in you.” He teased softly. He knew Sanada could be a handful when he wanted to be. “And writing lines. How dreadful.” The sarcasm was palatable. “But we must be on guard. All mirages lift eventually.” He told himself that this time, he would be more prepared for anything. Plus, he had Genichirou and Seiichi now. He had two people he could trust.
Sanada tossed Renji a look. He’d heard that. “More likely they were afraid that you’d outsmart them.” he said, quite calmly. Renji was so much smarter than him in many ways. Less prone to making stupid mistakes as well.
Sanada snorted, not shifting his hand away from Renji’s. He...was so grateful. He loved his family so much and to know that they still thought of him with hope and pride, despite his shameful kidnapping... that made him feel ecstatic. “Yes, I just sat in the classroom, listened to the teacher and thought ‘What Would Niou Do?’ and even ‘What Would Niou Think Of Doing?’ It wasn’t as hard as I had thought.” he said, lying through his teeth. Thinking them up had been easy...but actually putting them into practise had taken courage, especially since he’d been certain of some cruel, awful punishment.
“Quite.” said Sanada, pensively, “But as I was telling Seiichi earlier yesterday, I’m fairly certain that they will not punish us cruelly just yet. The illusion, I suspect, will remain until the last of the tennis tournaments are over.” he said, tapping his fingers on his knees as he finished the tamagoyaki. “Which is why I wish to do as much as I can before the doubles tournaments end...”
He nodded a little. He had come too late to be in any sort of tournament. He wondered if that was also part of the calculations of the mystery kidnappers. He made a thoughtful sound and nodded. “I can see that.” His gaze drifted to Sanada’s knee, but it wasn’t accusing at all. He knew. He understood. He got Genichirou. “Then, consider myself at your disposal. We have a limited time table, it seems. So, please use me as necessary in the time we do have.” He would hack or analyze or even create creative disturbances to take attention away from Sanada if that was necessary. It would be like shogi, only this time, he would be playing with all his pieces.
Sanada settled his chin upon both of his hands, as he laced them together. “I think I have a perfect opportunity to do something.” he said, pensively. “Saeki-kun’s planning a beach party. I already told him that it was a bad idea...but he’ll be continuing with it.” he explained. “But most of the high school division will probably go....and the teachers with them. Not all of them, of course, but a fair amount as supervisors. That leaves the school more vulnerable.” he said. It was what he hoped, anyway. “It seems that they don’t keep anything in paper....so perhaps, you would help me try to hack the school system?” he asked.
He wasn’t good with computers. It had taken a long time for him to be comfortable with using a computer...even to this day, he was still unsure about what he was doing. Hacking...was beyond him. Perhaps Niou, or Renji would be able to crack the school system, but it wasn’t his strength. He could barely use those infernal html formatting tag things.
Renji took a long moment to collect his thoughts. He was obviously doing calculations in his head. Balancing the risk with the rewards. If he was caught, he might the first casualty to a harsher regime. If he was caught, Genichirou would also be in danger. But if he succeeded...if he could get into the system... He was certain he could give it a try. There was a high chance of failure but even with that, that small sliver of success was enough to decide him. He had already made him promise. He would help Sanada.
For a brief moment, his eyes opened fully, gaze full of freezing cold steel. He had strength too and he would show these people just what sort of power the Master of Rikkai held. He needed no sword. His blade was his mind and it was deadly sharp. “I will do it. I will need time. In that time, I will be unguarded. I will have to rely on you to have my back. Once I start no one can catch me or it will be my head.You will be my shield in this. ” He lowered his lashes again, once more serene. “But I will do what I can. I will start poking around the networks, to see where I can gain easiest access.”
Sanada kept his eyes peeled on Renji’s countenance. He wasn’t as good at reading people as Renji and Seiichi were...but he could read the Rikkai Team quite well. He didn’t want to force Renji into doing something he was reluctant to do. But, there was nothing but a fierce determination when his eyes snapped open, a look that made Sanada smirk ferociously in response. Good. The calm waters of Renji’s mind had been turned into a torrent or a flood. It was what he needed.
“I would be honoured to act as a shield or further distraction.” he said, “It is the least that I can do when I am asking you to put your neck on the line for me.” he said, easily, as he finished his tea. “Use me as you will, once you feel ready to act. I know nothing of what will be needed to keep you out of trouble.”
He nodded. Already, his mind was in motion, a tsunami of thought. There would be much in the way of preparation and he had to be quiet about it. They could not get discovered before. Though...he paused and wondered if the kidnappers had bugged them. His lips curled in a sardonic grin. It was fine if they did. Let them listen. Let them know. It would stop nothing. Rikkai was on the move, stand aside or be crushed.
“I believe it will mostly consist of you standing outside of whatever door I’m behind and redirecting traffic.” He nodded to the man. “And while they play at the beach then. I will be prepared by then.” Even if he had to skip a few meals and some sleep. This was war and some sacrifices had to be made. “I thank you for letting me join your crusade.”
Sanada nodded, with more than a hint of relief. He could do that easily. Nothing computer related, much to his pleasure. “I’ll ask Seiichi to run interference at the beach party itself, if he can.” he said, as he mused the best way to get people to stay away from Renji’s room without making it look suspicious. “You came from 111, right? You’re rooming with Oshitari Kenya....who’ll more than likely be at the party, so no interference on that front....” he said, as he kept thinking. He snorted at Renji’s gratitude. “You think I’d ever leave you out? I should be thanking you for listening to me. After the first week, most people gave up on trying to get out.”
He nodded. That would help immensely. He nodded again and then shook his head. “It will be another room. I want this as far away from where we sleep as possible. Perhaps, if we can get into a teacher’s office and onto their computer...” If not, he would just take over the traditional tea room and do his hacking from there. No one would ever question Yanagi Renji spending copious amounts of time in such a traditional setting. Only he wouldn’t be making tea. He’d be setting up for his foray into the highly illegal but totally necessary
His smile turned grim. “Genichirou...I will promise this to you now.” He never made promises he could not keep. “I will never give up. I may bend and I may flow, but I will never break. As long as there is even the slightest chance...even if it’s only .001 percent, I will fight. Failure is not an option and neither is complacency or cowardice.” He would hold himself to that vow until they were home again or he was put into the cold hard ground. He might outwardly appear to be one of the hopeless masses but inside, the raging flood would continue, unhindered.
Sanada shook his head. “The doors are locked to teacher’s offices and they can’t be unlocked by a simple lockpick.” He looked away. Yes, he did know how to pick locks. “It’s likely to be a combination lock as well as a key, but all of my detentions took place in classrooms, so I can’t be sure.” he said, as frowned.
Sanada tossed him an equally grim but grateful look, as he squeezed Renji’s shoulder. “I’m afraid I may hold you to that.” he said, as he got up to wash the dishes. “Because I will not break in the face of their rule, either. Even if it may result in my own death...if it can get someone out of here, I will not hesitate, and I may drag you into that.” he said, as he ran the water over the dishes.
Quietly, he stood to take a place next to the larger male, in order to dry, as if it was the most natural action in the world for him. “I’ve already resigned myself, Genichirou.” Water could douse fire, but with a fire such as Sanada’s, water tended to boil. Besides, he’d already been dragged in Sanada’s wake before. He could easily follow again. At least the path to hell would be a pleasant one due to the company along the way. “So, I will not blame you. Instead, we will get as many out as we can.” Even if that meant they would be the last two there...even if that meant an untimely visit to the ancestors... “we use the tools we must towards that end.” He held out a hand, towards Sanada. Offering it. It was a gesture that said everything he already had.
Sanada’s eyes flickered to Renji at his side. He was grateful for his support. He took Renji’s hand without hesitation. “Seiichi will probably kill me should he hear this...but if we can choose who we can get out...I’d want it to be him or you.” he said, turning back to the dishes as if they hadn’t just pledged to give their lives should it come down to it. “But yes...as many as we can.” he said, a rueful smile playing on his lips, as he scrubbed at the dishes. He felt simultaneously too young and too old for this. But...if this was the path that Kami had chosen for him, he’d take it. Die a samurai’s honourable death, if he must. Just yesterday he’d been talking with Seiichi about futures with the three of them together, helping him take over the tennis world. It seemed like an eternity away, now that he had a plan to try and fight back.
He squeezed the hand and went to drying. “Then he will not find out from me.” He meant it too. If anyone could keep a secret, it was Renji. He only told people the bare minimum of information and even then, what he thought that needed to hear at the time. “It will be him.” Renji would stay. He was in it for the long haul. Sanada would have to force him to leave before their task was completed. He would rebut any argument. He then faded into contemplative silence at the man’s side. There would soon be much to do.
Sanada nodded. “It’ll be Seiichi.” That much he was sure of. The wind could continue to blow, even without the fire and the water, but the water and the fire were nothing without the wind. He let the silence rule. He had a lot to think about. A decision like this wasn’t made lightly. They would have to be supremely careful.
Where: Dorms
When: Monday 12th, 8am
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Sanada catches Yanagi's arrival, and they discuss their mutual hatred of being useless, with resolves to do better.
Sanada glared a little at Saeki’s retreating back. Honestly. A beach party. They didn’t have the time for that. There was else something to worry about, especially with the wave of new students. After Marui’s arrival, Sanada had stayed up during the night to see if any other new students had arrived, but he hadn’t seen anything. Maybe they were spacing it out a little more. Sanada yawned a little as he walked along the corridor, down to make breakfast. He was hungry...
Renji had taken the time to get himself as up to date as possible on what had been occurring. It wasn’t half as much information as he really wished for, but it would have to do. The journal system was at least good for gathering some sort of intelligence on the group that had arrived well before him. Some of it, eyebrow raising, if he had the capacity to even be surprised. However, he had to leave the room at some point and join polite society.
He still needed to learn the lay of the land. Perhaps he could find clues as to why this was happening and how to get back home. But first...his stomach grumbled, reminding him that his last meal had been nearly 24 hours before. He supposed he should have said something about his arrival, but he had not. Not yet. A part of him considered that it was to keep hope alive for those who thought him still at large in Japan.
Quietly shuffling down the hallway, he considered how best to go about it. Perhaps too late. He recognized the teen coming his way. There was nothing for it now. “Genichirou.”
Sanada paused in his path to breakfast upon seeing a very familiar face. “No...” he whispered. “Renji, not you too?” he almost begged. Damnit! How...how had he missed him, though? He’d been watching from behind his curtain of nearly all of the dorms. He should have seen Renji being kidnapped! He should have seen Renji and Renji’s stuff coming in...
“Renji, this is really important, which room did you wake up in?” he asked, as he quickly calculated his vantage point. Could...could he have really missed it?
Sanada was distraught. He could tell that right away. Perhaps, he should have stayed hidden. But logic said that he’d have to surface eventually. It was best to do it sooner instead of later. He approached and reached out to gently place a calming hand upon the stronger male. “Calm.” He murmured. “I awoke in H111. I was given a classroom as well, though I have not attended yet.” He was certain when he did, he would know more about all the subjects taught than most the teachers.
Sanada gaped and his fists clenched together, until they were almost white. Then he punched the wall, not caring if he hurt himself even more. Fuck! They were mocking him! They were laughing at his attempts to catch them out! H111 and H112 were the only blind spots he’d had! And....they’d not even seen his watching as a threat! They’d known that Sanada was there judging by the room that Renji had been given, and then they coolly disregarded him, not even bothering to knock him out! They’d just carried on as if he hadn’t been there!
“I’m so sorry, Renji.” he said, as he pulled his cap down over his face. “You were kidnapped for nothing. I couldn’t even figure out how they were doing it.” he said, heaving a sigh. He knew that he should have asked Atobe for help.
Cooly unflappable, he stood and watched the destruction through narrowed eyes. Once Sanada seemed finished with property damage, he reached out again to take his fist and look it over. It would need bandaged and the wall would need replaced.
“No. If anyone should be struck it should be myself and not the wall. The fault is mine. I knew there were disappearances. I knew something was happening. I knew all of this, yet it still happened. I...” He hated to say it out loud. But the drive to make his friend stop blaming himself was stronger than his pride. “I miscalculated. I was caught unaware and unguarded.” And it drove him slightly insane to know that someone had gotten around his predictions, his data. “So, the fault here is mine and I will accept that.” He let go of the hand and sighed. “And now that I am here, I can help more than if I was there. I might have miscalculated, but they have more. They made a large mistake by bringing me here. You know how I love unraveling a mystery.”
Sanada tossed a look to Renji as he gripped his hand. Okay, so he really shouldn’t have done that...but he was so angry that he’d been useless again. Besides, he wasn’t going to be able to play tennis anyway. And the property destruction...was worth it. “I’m not hitting you for getting kidnapped.” he said, flatly, “They got Atobe who probably has a security team for him alone, and they got me, when I had my shinai under the bed. They’re powerful.” he said, looking away. Too powerful. It scared him more than he could admit. Made him feel as helpless as he had when Seiichi had been in hospital.
At the mention of the people in charge, making a mistake, Sanada smirked. “The three of us are together on one island. We’ll definitely sort it out.” But it was more bravado than anything else. He was getting more and more uncertain as to whether they’d ever make it off the island. “There are bandages in my room.” he said, as he glanced down at his hand. “But I want breakfast more. It doesn’t really hurt.”
No excuses. That was what he wanted to say. To Renji, there simply was no excuses for him to be caught unaware. He, who was used to knowing things almost before they happened because of his ability to observe and analyze, had been dragged away. It was humiliating. How bad it must be for Genichirou, who was a fighter.
“We will. I am certain of it.” If Sanada couldn’t be strong, he would be. He would be the stability that was needed. The calm at the eye of the storm. “And don’t give me that.” He paused and gave Sanada a sharp, scolding look. “breakfast can wait. You must take care of injuries as soon as they happen.If not, they might fester and grow worse. I will need you healthy.” He might be the weaker of the two physically, but Renji would bully the man into submission if it was necessary. “So, take me to your room. I will be quick.”
Sanada smiled slightly at Renji’s confidence. He was grateful for it. He needed both Seiichi and Renji to be confident so he could get back to his usual calm. He relied on both of them, so very much. At Renji’s look, he rolled his eyes. “Fine,” he said, leading him back. “I can do it myself, but I’d be grateful for the help.” He was slightly nervous as to what Renji would say upon seeing the large array of knee braces, salves and pain-killers that was currently filling his dresser, but...it would be better than Yukimura’s silent (and sometimes not-so-silent) disapproval.
He opened the door, grateful that Oshitari had already left for Atobe’s team’s morning practise. It made things easier, without his curious roommate around. He rummaged in the drawers for the bandages, as he manoeuvred his way around a new stack of books. He must have been rearranging. “Take a seat, Renji.” he said, as he looked for the micropore tape.
His eyes slipped around the room and he frowned. He thought he had noticed that Sanada’s walking motion had been slightly more stiff. Now, he had explanation. He didn’t chose to say anything. Disapproval wouldn’t help and since he didn’t know the complete diagnosis, he could not offer much in the way of assistance either. He could only collect the information until such time as he could come to a logical conclusion. He was certain his silence spoke for itself. The jury is still out on this
Sitting elegantly upon the bed, he folded his hands in his lap.
Sanada was grateful for Renji’s silence. And not so grateful. Because it was hard to misinterpret words, especially when Renji usually put them in a straightforward manner. But at the same time...silence meant that you could ignore the disapproval, by pretending that it didn’t exist. Still, silence was something of a commodity nowadays. The only time he usually got it was during his study sessions with Tezuka
He handed the bandages to Renji with a sigh and held out his right hand with a sigh. Thank god, he didn’t have lessons. Or he’d never be able to take notes in class. It had been a thoughtless action...but Sanada was good at that. “Tell me honestly, what are our chances of winning Nationals with only Niou and Jackal to keep the team in line?” he asked, one of the other problems that had been running through his head for a while.
Renji took the hand and diligently started to work. He was actually very skilled at this. Cool, calm fingers wrapping the bandage tightly, but not so much that circulation would be lost. As he did, he applied gentle pressure, making certain nothing was broken. Honestly!
He sighed softly. “Bottom line?” He looked up at the larger boy, face utterly serious. “Less than a 10th of a percent. Even if I had managed to remain, the chance would only increase to .5%. I am not Seiichi. I am not you. I don’t have the charisma or the passion necessary to control a team, especially that one.” To Renji, Sanada was fire, burning hot and wild and Seiichi was like the wind. A gentle breeze one moment and a cutting torrential storm the next. However, he was water. Calm and cool, still unless acted upon.
“I am sorry.” He meant that. He was sorry he couldn’t be stronger.
Sanada smiled gratefully as Renji bandaged it. He could almost feel the slight pain, ebb away to nothing. He’d make a good doctor, should he ever choose that path. But Sanada doubted it. Renji didn’t suit the role.
He winced however at Renji’s words. “So I suspected...” he murmured. “But it’s...good? Good to have it confirmed.” Marui had told him to have more faith in their second years, but Sanada had more faith in their opponents. Rokkaku, Higa and Fudomine wouldn’t leave a chance like this alone. “I wouldn’t blame yourself though.” he said, as he pulled his hand away and applied the pain slave to his knee, which had just twinged, sharply. “You may not be as good a leader, but we’ll never be able to beat you when it comes to classwork or a calm composure.” he said, with a rueful smile. The second point was still a little sore. The only subject where Sanada won, was history.
Renji considered telling Sanada to sit down. He could massage that knee. A little acupressure might help a great deal. However, he wouldn’t force the man. Instead, he watched and he calculated. “Of course not. We all have to be good at something.” Even if a part of him wished he could be better at the former role. But in history, there was the daimyo, the samurai and the advisor. He knew better than anyone where he landed in that hierarchy.
“I am already not looking forward to classes here. I am certain I will have the teachers crying for mercy within days.” Especially if he actually applied himself to doing just that. If he wanted, he could be the teaching’s staff worse nightmare. Well, no, that would be Niou, but he would be an academic version of the petenshi.
“I am a bit...curious...though...” That was a dangerous word to hear from a dataman of any standing. “I’ve read quite a bit. Journals are an interesting thing. I am curious where I will fall in. I am not certain I wish to play tennis.” Mostly because Renji had only one captain and one vice captain, just as he, secretly, only had one true doubles partner, regardless of how well he played with anyone else. He put that to Sanada because he trusted the man to be direct and honest in his reaction to the thoughts.
“But of course.” said Sanada as he stretched out his knee and beckoned Renji to follow him. It was already eight and he hadn’t eaten yet. He was famished. He usually ate at five in the morning. At Renji’s comment about the teachers, he barked with laughter. “The classes here are slightly tougher than at Rikkai, so it might not be so much of a joke. But the teachers are more easily intimidated. Tezuka’s already got his class teachers terrified any time he stands up.” he said, with a grin. That never failed to amuse him. Adults were supposed to be stronger, not weaker than children.
The lack of tennis was interesting, but Sanada didn’t contest it. He wasn’t Seiichi. He understood that there were more important things. “I believe there are many places you could fall in. I for one, would appreciate if you joined me with Shogi. The other players are a joke. I even defeated the teacher on a daily basis.” he said, frowning. “There’s also a few other clubs, such as study club, tea ceremony, english conversation, archery and the sort which you could take part in. But...if we’re to sit down and really think of a way to get us out of here...it might be worth it to take a few less clubs and spend more time exploring the island.” he said, as he worked out through his thoughts. He hadn’t followed his advice, he’d taken many clubs to try and figure out what was going on and to keep himself busy without either of his close friends.
“Shogi? You just want to lose terribly.” He teased softly, following after his friend. Honestly, Genichirou was one of the few who were actually a challenge. The less of a challenge, the more of a handicap he gave himself in order to be challenged. The fact that his handicap for Sanada was only two pieces was very telling of the other man’s skill. “Tea ceremony would be nice. I’ve earned all my certificates.” He had become a master in the ceremony, something difficult to do at his age. “And archery might be helpful. I am not a fighter and if there is to be violence, then I will need to prepare myself for such.” He hoped escaping would not come to that. And while he did find Kendo truly fascinating and beautiful to watch, especially when Sanada played, he knew deep in his soul he was no swordsman. He was the tactician. He was better in a long range support capacity.
“So...if I leave tennis for my other passions, there will be no ill will. And of course you can consider me your ally in the Going Home Club.” Of course, he’d still have to talk to Seiichi about that. The water was helpless against the force of a hurricane.
Sanada laughed shortly. “You remove those two handicaps soon, Renji.” he said, easily. “I was watching my grandfather a lot before we were abruptly removed from home. He had some interesting tactics that might just break you yet.” He was pretty sure that it wouldn’t be as much help as he’d like...but he did want to play Renji evenly, even if it meant more of an assurance that he’d lose. It did so rankle upon his pride that Renji needed to handicap himself to play with Sanada.
Sanada threw a look to Renji. He’d known that Renji had been studying the tea ceremony very adeptly, but all of the certificates already? Sanada had only achieved around half. But he’d been preoccupied, and had focused more upon calligraphy than upon the tea ceremony. The calm that came from the tea ceremony came from the person. Calligraphy gave calm to a person. Sanada knew which one he needed more. “I would suggest archery...” he said, hesitantly, “There have been thoughts passed around about our being forced into a Battle Royale situation. If it does arise, every advantage would be necessary. Seiichi’s already taking judo....”
Sanada nodded at Renji’s last question. “Not from me, in any case.” he said, quietly. “I’ll be leaving tennis after high school, and I will not be able to play this whole month. It would be hypocrisy on my behalf.”
“So, you’ll make me return my generals to the board, will you? I think I might be up for that. I want to see how good you’ve gotten.” And if he still destroyed the man in under 25 moves, the generals would be off limits to him again until Sanada was truly ready.
He did not miss the look thrown his way. He only shrugged as if to say “why are you even surprised by this”. It was soon followed by a sharply studying gaze. Was there something he detected in the way Sanada said their mutual friend’s name? Interesting. Interesting indeed. “I will sign up immediately. I refuse to be taken unaware again.” The cold flame in his eyes, just barely visible from lowered lashes was enough to show just how badly his pride had been hurt. Just how much he would need to recover from this, even if on the outside, he seemed so utterly serene.
He nodded. “Your knees.” It was not a question. “And your familial responsibilities.” He wasn’t accusing at all. He understood. Not everyone could go Pro and for some of them, there was another life waiting for them, outside the court. “It’s purely logical that such an event was likely.
Sanada smirked as they entered the kitchen. He reached up for the radish from the vegetable shelf and went to the fridge for eggs. “Tamagoyaki sound good?” he asked, as he went for some bowls. “And perhaps we should play once we’ve eaten. I’m curious myself.”
Sanada caught the calculating look from Renji...but he had to say, he couldn’t understand what he’d said. Battle Royale? Perhaps it was a little morbid for him...but he had read it before. No, it was something else that Sanada had missed. “We won’t be.” said Sanada fiercely. He knew that for the two of them especially, this sort of laxness was unforgivable. They both had a strong pride that would never be content with accepting their loss or their defeat.
“Ah.” he answered in response. “I only wish that Seiichi thought the same way...” he muttered. He loved Seiichi dearly...and had once dreamed that they could have played on the green fields of Wimbledon or the red clay of Roland Garros...but they were only dreams for Sanada. Nothing more. He had to grow up and leave them behind. Be content with only being able to support Seiichi.
“It sounds perfect. 24 hours is a long time not to have eaten.” He admitted before pulling up a stool to watch Sanada. And there is was again. He found himself smiling slyly. “Genichirou...is this when I should be offering up my congratulations to you?”
Sanada frowned. “24 hours? But your mother isn’t the type to neglect feeding yo-” he paused and frowned. Renji had said that he’d read the journals. That took time, especially with the amount of students using them.... “How long have you been here for, Renji?” he asked, as he cracked the eggs with rather more force than he needed to. Thank god that cooking omelettes required a lot of physical strength. what with whisking and flipping and chopping the radishes and chives for the sides.
At the next words from Renji however, he flushed and looked away. “You don’t need to offer anything.” he muttered. “It’s nothing special. We’re just dating.” He should have known that it wouldn’t have escaped Renji’s notice. But...he’d kind of wanted to keep it out for now. If only...because...well, he didn’t want Renji to ever feel like the third wheel between he and Seiichi. The three of them depended on each other and...Sanada didn’t want to stop that closeness. But...Seiichi hadn’t either. He’d just wanted them to act naturally...if with a little more kissing and closeness.
It was his turn to look away, something that was only truly noticeable if one knew Renji well. He supposed he could lie to make Sanada feel better, but that would amount to nothing. He would never lie to his friend. Ever. “Since Sunday actually.” He’d been here already an entire day and a half before emerging from his room, ready to face this as armed as he could be. He moved on trying to gloss that over quickly.
“But it is. My two best friends have finally gotten a clue. This is worthy of congratulations. I am pleased.” He was. He understood how Sanada was about Yukimura. He understood it very well. He never had felt like he was in the way of that. He even silently encouraged it. Perhaps, it was to live vicariously through them; but he hadn’t quite analyzed his reasons for it yet, so he wasn’t certain. All he knew was that he wanted his friends to be happy. His smile was evident. “I really am happy for you both Genichirou and if it makes you feel more comfortable, I can certainly play dumb about it.”
Sanada took in a deep breath. He...he wasn’t happy about that, in the slightest. But it made him feel a little less incompetent. He hadn’t been watching on Saturday night. He’d been too busy worrying about what to make Seiichi for their date and about the kendo club uniforms that had just arrived. “You should have come and gotten some food, even if you weren’t ready to talk to people yet.” said Sanada, icily. Not looking after basic needs was just stupid. He added a third egg to the omelette. Lord knew that Renji would need the sustenance.
He softened slightly. “Thank you, I suppose.” he said, as he set the flame up on the stove and started to chop the radishes. “But you don’t need to pretend anything. I haven’t told anyone else, other than my roommate who forced me into confessing, but it’s simply because of convenience. Screaming out to the world that we’re dating, isn’t my style. There’s nothing to hide, however.” he explained, as he added butter and searched through the cabinets for some cardamom and poppy seeds.
He could feel the cold fire from where he was sitting. He deserved the scolding. He knew he did. “It wasn’t that I was being antisocial.” He focused on calm. Calmness. A soothing balm to paint over nerves. “I was suddenly thrust into a situation that I had no knowledge of. I could not allow myself out of that room until I was somewhat informed on the goings on.” Sanada had joined clubs...Renji took his first day to gather intelligence, as much as he could. “I understand that this was foolish of me, but I will not walk blindly in anything this way.” Be prepared.
“And you are correct, it isn’t your style. Still, I will keep my mouth shut. It’s between you and Seiichi until such time as you two wish to make it known publicly. And until such time, I will support you both.” Just as he always had. Nothing had changed. Nothing at all. Not for him, at least.
Sanada sighed as he turned around and met Renji’s gaze. “You were reading journals, yes? You should have asked me to come and bring you food. I would have done it.” he said, frowning. “You wouldn’t have had to leave then.” His gaze raked over Renji’s already thin figure. Even Seiichi had more muscle. “You can’t keep doing this.” he said, finally, leaving it at that. It was up to Renji, in the end. He couldn’t force Renji to eat.
Sanada nodded, gratefully. He’d not wanted to become friends with Renji when they’d first met in Junior High. He couldn’t fathom why, now. Renji was one of his most understanding friends. He poured two-thirds of the egg mixture into the pan and quickly made the omelette and fried the radish. It was an easy meal, and something he usually made for Sasuke and his mother in the mornings. His father and grandfather usually stuck with miso soup. He finished and handed the plate to Renji. “Careful, it’s hot.” he warned, as he made his meal. “Should I make some tea, as well?”
He nodded in confirmation. He had. And he supposed he could have asked, but at the same time, he hadn’t wanted to alarm any of his friends. A sudden request for food out of nowhere was not a great way for the others to know of his arrival. He was even more aware of the other’s gaze. He didn’t state that he hadn’t been eating much because he had been worried about friends and frantically trying to find a way to bring them back, or as frantically as he could; being who he was. “I understand, Genichirou. It was a one time thing. It will not happen again.” Only he knew himself and his habits. It would. He would get distracted and it would be tea and senbei as per usual.
The egg smelled amazing though and he heard his stomach roar in appreciation of the scents coming from the stove. It looked even more amazing in front of him. “Thank you.” He took the plate with care but did not immediately dig in. Hungry as he might be, he was also ridiculously polite. He would not eat until Sanada did. It was only right. “I think I would love to know what this school passes off as tea.” He made no secret that he was a bit of a tea snob.
Sanada threw Renji a skeptical look. “One-off. Sure.” he said, his voice flat and unyielding. He knew Renji. That sort of figure didn’t come from skipping a few meals by accident. It was from a repeated diet. “You know, when you’re playing as intensive a sport as tennis or archery, you can’t survive on air.” he said, sternly. “You should know this. Is it so difficult to put into practise?” He didn’t understand how Renji could know so much about the world, yet lack the basic knowledge of how to sufficiently feed himself. It baffled him.
Sanada flipped his own meal and set it down upon the table where Renji was eating as well. He stabbed his chopsticks in and tried a small part, before motioning that Renji should eat as well. Lord knew that he needed it! The tamagoyaki was better than he’d thought. Clearly the ingredients here were superior, or he was getting even better at this. “Their tea isn’t so bad. Even Atobe and Shiraishi drink it, so it can’t be dreadful.” Tea was tea. They all really tasted the same to Sanada. He reached for the kettle and the leaves from another shelf and started brewing. “...I’m not glad that you’re here.” said Sanada with a sigh. “But I missed you.”
Sometimes, Renji thought that of the three of them, Sanada was the worst mother hen. He might fuss about injuries, but only Sanada would scold him for things like not eating regularly. “Yes yes.’ He agreed, if only because he knew what battles to fight. This was not one of them. It was just best that he let Sanada think he won. “You have my word. That should be enough.”
He only started once Sanada did. It was good. It was more than good and that had nothing to do with the fact that he was so hungry. Sanada was a surprisingly good chef. However, manners dictated that he savor each bite slowly instead of wolfing it down. Even the way he eat was calmly elegant.
Smiling from around a morsel, he allowed himself to feel the warmth of friendship. “I understand the former sentiment and I agree with the latter. I missed you as well. As more and more kept disappearing, I had started to fear the worse. I made attempts every day to contact you.” He had actually been frantic at points. Something he would never admit to out loud. “I hate that it must be like this, but I am relieved that you are well. I had started to fear the worst.”
Sanada only threw Renji a look. He knew that tone of voice. He’d have to make sure that Renji kept eating. Maybe he could recruit Seiichi to keep an eye on him as well. He couldn’t do everything. As the tea finally boiled, he poured the tea into two cups carefully. It was no tea ceremony certainly, but it was eight in the morning and between two old friends. There were times when tradition had to be upheld and times when it could be tossed aside.
“Here.” he said, handing Renji a cup cautiously, before slowly eating the omelette. He still wasn’t all that hungry, from his general lack of physical activity lately. All he could do was swim. But he usually forced something down every meal, for the sake of keeping his body energy up. He placed his cup of tea down. “I admit...” he said, pensively, “I grow less and less convinced of our leaving this island the longer that I am here. They seem to outwit us at every turn.” And if he couldn’t do anything from the inside...
“What exactly does the outside world think about this? I was talking with Akaya when he arrived, and he said that you guys had visited mine, Yagyuu’s and Seiichi’s houses for clues and saw nothing beyond some general rough-housing. But what do people think happened to us?”
He accepted the cup and sipped the tea. It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t good, but it wasn’t terrible. Carefully, he put it down in order to speak frankly to Sanada. Because the man deserved to know. “At first, they thought it was run aways. Eloping. But then more vanished. Kidnapping, but there was no ransom notice. Some religious nuts thought you’d been spirited away. Eventually, as more vanished, the first were considered dead. I never believed it. I always knew that you were alive.” He had never given up hope.
Sanada frowned, spirited away by God? It sounded stupid....but for all they knew about their kidnappers, they might as well have been. Or aliens, like Hiyoshi had skeptically suggested at practise, one day. “I snuck into their administration office during the first week, with Atobe’s help, but I didn’t find anything useful there either, except those infernal letters that they seem to be giving to our families, that explain absolutely nothing except the fact that we’re considered gifted in some way.” he said, as he took another pensive bite. “But eloping? Really? Even with the elementary students?” he asked, feeling rather baffled by how the world seemed to be operating on the thought wave-length. It had already taken him this long to summon the courage to act...he wasn’t quite sure what made people think that elementary or junior high students were there yet.
He chuckled a little and murmured, “Some people are stupid.” Most people, actually, when he really sat down and thought about it. “I suppose they tell themselves what they need to in order to cope with the fact that their children are gone.” He finally finished off his egg and focused solely on Sanada. “Gifted?” He supposed in a way, they were. Normal children and teenagers didn’t normally have the tennis skill they possessed. Then there were their personal skills, such as Renji’s intelligence and Sanada’s physical power. “Interesting. I suppose that I will have to do some investigating as well.” He smiled slyly and then nodded to Sanada.
“Your family never gave up either. I believe your grandfather said that where ever you were, you were making who took you make them wish they hadn’t.”
Sanada nodded. He couldn’t disagree with that astute analysis. People must have been devastated. “And yes, gifted...though I beleive it seems to be more towards the physicality than mentally gifted...” he murmured. “There are people here that I would sincerely doubt were selected for their brains.” Not to be cruel to Kirihara or Marui, but they weren’t gifted in that sense. “Which has led to the conclusion that we may be used as child soldiers, in the future. A guess perhaps, but...” he trailed off. He didn’t need to speak about his belief in their ruthlessness.
He looked away then, pausing in his food consumption as he covered his mouth with his hand and shut his eyes with sheer relief and pride. Kirihara had already confirmed that nobody was in hysterics in his household...but to hear those words... “Thank you for telling me, Renji.” he said, his voice low and cracking slightly. He cleared his throat, no time to get emotional. “He was correct. I’ve been doing my best to try and cause as much trouble as possible.” he said, with a smirk. It wasn’t his style...but extenuating circumstances called for unnatural actions. “Punishment for misbehaving at the worse end is at worst, detentions of cleaning or writing lines. Even Rikkai did worse. They’re determined to keep up the mirage of being a school for now.” It had been difficult to override his instincts to follow the rules, but he’d managed.
At Sanada’s guess, Renji frowned. He understood some of the choices. Activating Akaya’s DevilMode, despite what it might do to Rikkai’s baby, would be very frightfully effective in a war zone, for instance. However, if that was the case, then why was he there? He was certainly not a soldier by any stretch of the imagination. “Perhaps,” he whispered to himself, ‘that is why they took so long to take me.” Because he was rather useless unless it was tactical genius.
He noted the reaction and reached out to lightly place his hand over Sanada’s bandaged one. He understood what that meant to this man, to hear those words. He was happy to have been able to tell him then. “Channeling your inner Niou, I see. Who knew you had it in you.” He teased softly. He knew Sanada could be a handful when he wanted to be. “And writing lines. How dreadful.” The sarcasm was palatable. “But we must be on guard. All mirages lift eventually.” He told himself that this time, he would be more prepared for anything. Plus, he had Genichirou and Seiichi now. He had two people he could trust.
Sanada tossed Renji a look. He’d heard that. “More likely they were afraid that you’d outsmart them.” he said, quite calmly. Renji was so much smarter than him in many ways. Less prone to making stupid mistakes as well.
Sanada snorted, not shifting his hand away from Renji’s. He...was so grateful. He loved his family so much and to know that they still thought of him with hope and pride, despite his shameful kidnapping... that made him feel ecstatic. “Yes, I just sat in the classroom, listened to the teacher and thought ‘What Would Niou Do?’ and even ‘What Would Niou Think Of Doing?’ It wasn’t as hard as I had thought.” he said, lying through his teeth. Thinking them up had been easy...but actually putting them into practise had taken courage, especially since he’d been certain of some cruel, awful punishment.
“Quite.” said Sanada, pensively, “But as I was telling Seiichi earlier yesterday, I’m fairly certain that they will not punish us cruelly just yet. The illusion, I suspect, will remain until the last of the tennis tournaments are over.” he said, tapping his fingers on his knees as he finished the tamagoyaki. “Which is why I wish to do as much as I can before the doubles tournaments end...”
He nodded a little. He had come too late to be in any sort of tournament. He wondered if that was also part of the calculations of the mystery kidnappers. He made a thoughtful sound and nodded. “I can see that.” His gaze drifted to Sanada’s knee, but it wasn’t accusing at all. He knew. He understood. He got Genichirou. “Then, consider myself at your disposal. We have a limited time table, it seems. So, please use me as necessary in the time we do have.” He would hack or analyze or even create creative disturbances to take attention away from Sanada if that was necessary. It would be like shogi, only this time, he would be playing with all his pieces.
Sanada settled his chin upon both of his hands, as he laced them together. “I think I have a perfect opportunity to do something.” he said, pensively. “Saeki-kun’s planning a beach party. I already told him that it was a bad idea...but he’ll be continuing with it.” he explained. “But most of the high school division will probably go....and the teachers with them. Not all of them, of course, but a fair amount as supervisors. That leaves the school more vulnerable.” he said. It was what he hoped, anyway. “It seems that they don’t keep anything in paper....so perhaps, you would help me try to hack the school system?” he asked.
He wasn’t good with computers. It had taken a long time for him to be comfortable with using a computer...even to this day, he was still unsure about what he was doing. Hacking...was beyond him. Perhaps Niou, or Renji would be able to crack the school system, but it wasn’t his strength. He could barely use those infernal html formatting tag things.
Renji took a long moment to collect his thoughts. He was obviously doing calculations in his head. Balancing the risk with the rewards. If he was caught, he might the first casualty to a harsher regime. If he was caught, Genichirou would also be in danger. But if he succeeded...if he could get into the system... He was certain he could give it a try. There was a high chance of failure but even with that, that small sliver of success was enough to decide him. He had already made him promise. He would help Sanada.
For a brief moment, his eyes opened fully, gaze full of freezing cold steel. He had strength too and he would show these people just what sort of power the Master of Rikkai held. He needed no sword. His blade was his mind and it was deadly sharp. “I will do it. I will need time. In that time, I will be unguarded. I will have to rely on you to have my back. Once I start no one can catch me or it will be my head.You will be my shield in this. ” He lowered his lashes again, once more serene. “But I will do what I can. I will start poking around the networks, to see where I can gain easiest access.”
Sanada kept his eyes peeled on Renji’s countenance. He wasn’t as good at reading people as Renji and Seiichi were...but he could read the Rikkai Team quite well. He didn’t want to force Renji into doing something he was reluctant to do. But, there was nothing but a fierce determination when his eyes snapped open, a look that made Sanada smirk ferociously in response. Good. The calm waters of Renji’s mind had been turned into a torrent or a flood. It was what he needed.
“I would be honoured to act as a shield or further distraction.” he said, “It is the least that I can do when I am asking you to put your neck on the line for me.” he said, easily, as he finished his tea. “Use me as you will, once you feel ready to act. I know nothing of what will be needed to keep you out of trouble.”
He nodded. Already, his mind was in motion, a tsunami of thought. There would be much in the way of preparation and he had to be quiet about it. They could not get discovered before. Though...he paused and wondered if the kidnappers had bugged them. His lips curled in a sardonic grin. It was fine if they did. Let them listen. Let them know. It would stop nothing. Rikkai was on the move, stand aside or be crushed.
“I believe it will mostly consist of you standing outside of whatever door I’m behind and redirecting traffic.” He nodded to the man. “And while they play at the beach then. I will be prepared by then.” Even if he had to skip a few meals and some sleep. This was war and some sacrifices had to be made. “I thank you for letting me join your crusade.”
Sanada nodded, with more than a hint of relief. He could do that easily. Nothing computer related, much to his pleasure. “I’ll ask Seiichi to run interference at the beach party itself, if he can.” he said, as he mused the best way to get people to stay away from Renji’s room without making it look suspicious. “You came from 111, right? You’re rooming with Oshitari Kenya....who’ll more than likely be at the party, so no interference on that front....” he said, as he kept thinking. He snorted at Renji’s gratitude. “You think I’d ever leave you out? I should be thanking you for listening to me. After the first week, most people gave up on trying to get out.”
He nodded. That would help immensely. He nodded again and then shook his head. “It will be another room. I want this as far away from where we sleep as possible. Perhaps, if we can get into a teacher’s office and onto their computer...” If not, he would just take over the traditional tea room and do his hacking from there. No one would ever question Yanagi Renji spending copious amounts of time in such a traditional setting. Only he wouldn’t be making tea. He’d be setting up for his foray into the highly illegal but totally necessary
His smile turned grim. “Genichirou...I will promise this to you now.” He never made promises he could not keep. “I will never give up. I may bend and I may flow, but I will never break. As long as there is even the slightest chance...even if it’s only .001 percent, I will fight. Failure is not an option and neither is complacency or cowardice.” He would hold himself to that vow until they were home again or he was put into the cold hard ground. He might outwardly appear to be one of the hopeless masses but inside, the raging flood would continue, unhindered.
Sanada shook his head. “The doors are locked to teacher’s offices and they can’t be unlocked by a simple lockpick.” He looked away. Yes, he did know how to pick locks. “It’s likely to be a combination lock as well as a key, but all of my detentions took place in classrooms, so I can’t be sure.” he said, as frowned.
Sanada tossed him an equally grim but grateful look, as he squeezed Renji’s shoulder. “I’m afraid I may hold you to that.” he said, as he got up to wash the dishes. “Because I will not break in the face of their rule, either. Even if it may result in my own death...if it can get someone out of here, I will not hesitate, and I may drag you into that.” he said, as he ran the water over the dishes.
Quietly, he stood to take a place next to the larger male, in order to dry, as if it was the most natural action in the world for him. “I’ve already resigned myself, Genichirou.” Water could douse fire, but with a fire such as Sanada’s, water tended to boil. Besides, he’d already been dragged in Sanada’s wake before. He could easily follow again. At least the path to hell would be a pleasant one due to the company along the way. “So, I will not blame you. Instead, we will get as many out as we can.” Even if that meant they would be the last two there...even if that meant an untimely visit to the ancestors... “we use the tools we must towards that end.” He held out a hand, towards Sanada. Offering it. It was a gesture that said everything he already had.
Sanada’s eyes flickered to Renji at his side. He was grateful for his support. He took Renji’s hand without hesitation. “Seiichi will probably kill me should he hear this...but if we can choose who we can get out...I’d want it to be him or you.” he said, turning back to the dishes as if they hadn’t just pledged to give their lives should it come down to it. “But yes...as many as we can.” he said, a rueful smile playing on his lips, as he scrubbed at the dishes. He felt simultaneously too young and too old for this. But...if this was the path that Kami had chosen for him, he’d take it. Die a samurai’s honourable death, if he must. Just yesterday he’d been talking with Seiichi about futures with the three of them together, helping him take over the tennis world. It seemed like an eternity away, now that he had a plan to try and fight back.
He squeezed the hand and went to drying. “Then he will not find out from me.” He meant it too. If anyone could keep a secret, it was Renji. He only told people the bare minimum of information and even then, what he thought that needed to hear at the time. “It will be him.” Renji would stay. He was in it for the long haul. Sanada would have to force him to leave before their task was completed. He would rebut any argument. He then faded into contemplative silence at the man’s side. There would soon be much to do.
Sanada nodded. “It’ll be Seiichi.” That much he was sure of. The wind could continue to blow, even without the fire and the water, but the water and the fire were nothing without the wind. He let the silence rule. He had a lot to think about. A decision like this wasn’t made lightly. They would have to be supremely careful.