essay: Tezuka Kunimitsu
Tezuka Kunimitsu- Defreezing the 'Ice King'
Character: Tezuka Kunimitsu
Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Author: thesundaywriter
Spoilers: based on the anime arc
Warnings: might be graphic intensive depending on your comp
Introduction - The Stoic, Untouchable Captain of Seigaku
The story starts when Echizen Ryoma, a promising tennis player, joins Seigaku Junior High as a freshman. Seishun Gakuen boasts a tennis club with a team of outstanding regulars, headed by their captain, Tezuka Kunimitsu, a third year student.
The first glance we ever get of Tezuka in the anime is a vague one. His face is not shown, and he is looking down from a higher-level window in the school, as the others are on the ground level, talking about the new freshman that’s apparently good at tennis, at the school gate. From the start, he is already separated from the rest, and elevated. Also Horio makes a comment about Tezuka being invincible and daydreams about playing against him, saying “ perhaps I might even win a point off him,” creating that undefeatable image of Tezuka. The air of mystery and tension built up around introducing Tezuka’s character just draws you into wondering: who is this guy? At least that’s what it did for me; especially after in the first two episodes, Ryoma seemed to have sort of established himself in my mind, as the ‘best’, since he’s the main character.
The first few episodes pretty much portray Tezuka as a serious, unfeeling character, who many people have described of having “a stick up his ass”, as well as being a drill sergeant like taskmaster who is constantly dishing out laps to the members of the tennis club. In the first scene in which Tezuka makes his presence known; he orders Ryoma to “run 20 laps” for playing an unauthorized match with Arai, although it was the 2nd year who instigated the match and tried to bully Ryoma by giving him and old worn racquet to use. Not to mention, he is the only one other than Fuji who can drink Inui’s potent “juice” concoctions without reacting.
The mystery continues to build as the various characters constantly reaffirm Tezuka’s undefeatable status in tennis, but we never get to see him exert his full power.
Strengths; To be Seigaku’s Pillar of Support!
As the series progresses, while we still do not see Tezuka play in a proper match, we see other aspects of Tezuka that show he is more than capable player. For instance, there are his uncanny skills of observation. For example, during the match Ryoma has against Fudomine’s Ibu Shinji, he is the first of the team to notice that the freshman’s skills are practically an exact copy of the legendary Echizen Nanjiroh, who also happens to be Ryoma’s father. Now Tezuka is well aware of Ryoma’s great potential, and from what we see, he has been already sort of considering getting the latter to be Seigaku’s future “pillar of support”. However, in order to do this, has to make Echizen unleash his true capabilities before he can fulfill his goal. To him, “playing tennis for the sake of defeating someone” is not a good enough reason as after that opponent is defeated, then where and what will it leave you? It shows no real dedication or love for the sport itself.
Probably the most that is shown of Tezuka’s character is when he is matched against Atobe Keigo, the captain of the Hyoutei team. Here, we are shown Tezuka in his freshman year, and how he has already established himself as a formidable player even at this early stage. Oishi comments “ Tezuka was already better than many of the senior members,” even the then captain, Yamato. The flashbacks show how determined and driven Tezuka already is for the sport, as he tells Oishi that they will definitely lead Seigaku into the Nationals when their time came. And when Yamato tells Tezuka that he wants the first year to be Seigaku’s pillar of support, Tezuka embraces the captain’s wish and if anything, it makes him even more driven to lead Seigaku to the nationals. Yamato may not be the best player around but he has a genuine passion for tennis and tries his best; this is why Tezuka looks up to, and respects Yamato buchou (this is mentioned during the wilderness training camp).
The determination and passion Tezuka displays in the match against Atobe certainly makes him seems less cold and unfeeling that he is previously portrayed to be. It is also the first time we see his real tennis skills. He manages to break Atobe’s special skill, The Rondo towards destruction and with almost inhumane perseverance, gets into an intense tiebreaker round with the latter, and this after over an hour of playing, despite being burdened by his injured shoulder. The promises he made to Oishi and Yamato, as well as his determination to show Ryoma what real tennis is keep him fighting till the end, till his shoulder really wears out.
This brings another of his strong points- while he may have a cool, intimidating attitude, Tezuka somehow has this mysterious air of charisma that surrounds him. Now if someone were to bust their shoulder by doing what he did, people would think they’re foolish, maybe even mad to do so. But Tezuka is so admired and respected that his sacrifice makes him even more ‘idolized’ (for lack of better word), and made people look in awe at his dedication and passion.
He may have lost, but he fell with his dignity intact.
Cracks in the Pillar; Weaknesses
Every one has their weak points (for no one is perfect afterall), and Tezuka is no exception. Probably his main drawback (which I think is why some people do not really like his character), aside from his lack of emotion, is his hero-complex.
He sort of heaps many responsibilities upon himself without being asked to do so.
For example- He must be the one to lead Seigaku to the nationals at all costs. He must make Echizen grow and mature so that the freshman can become Seigaku’s future pillar of support. And he does not care that he has to sacrifice his shoulder just so he can achieve all this.
And it seems that whenever things do not go his way he wants them to, he gets upset. He’s also a stickler for rules and often deals laps out to people who he finds have broken the rules. As a freshman, he already has his ideals on how a proper tennis player should behave, and when his sempai attacks his elbow for deceiving them (by playing with his right hand when he is really a left hander), he is so furious decides to leave the tennis club (although Yamato makes him do otherwise).
During the match he has with Fuji, Ryuuzaki sensei comments from the sideline that Tezuka played “for victory and himself,” which I found quite an adept statement to describe his attitude to tennis.
Tezuka is a rather complex, and in some respect, contradictory character. His strengths are also his weaknesses. His determination and passion in tennis are what make him earn the admiration and respect of those around him, yet it is also this stubborn determination that made him bust his shoulder again. His cool, serious attitude and charisma makes him a good captain, but this coldness also makes people sort of fear him, and therefore he does not have many friends aside from the team who know him on a closer level. He attracts, compels one to wonder what sort of person lies underneath, then he gives you one of those deadly glares and you back away.
Also, there’s this other thing I can’t find a word to describe. He plays using his right hand against his sempais to let them retain some pride, but in the end, it only serves to shatter their pride when they find out, as they felt cheated. Perhaps you could say he assumes people will understand his actions?
The boy behind the captain; His Relationship with other characters.
Family
In the anime, we don’t see any of Tezuka’s family at all. We only hear his mother’s voice when Ryoma goes to ‘beg’ him to play in the Japan vs US match. He is an only child and lives with his parents and grandfather, who’s a judo instructor for the police and from very brief glimpses; his home appears to be the neat and traditional sort.
Perhaps his being an only child attributes to him being used to having things his own way? But I’m just speculating here.
Friends and Rivals
Oishi
The vice captain is probably the closest that Tezuka has to a best friend. It is clear he trusts Oishi alot, leaving him in charge of the team when he goes to recuperate in Germany, and it is Oishi who is the only one to know of the true status of Tezuka’s elbow and shoulder. Even Fuji thinks that Tezuka just goes to the doctor for “ just a routine checkup” in the episode they match against each other.
Inui
Inui is someone who clearly admires Tezuka and has spent his entire time in the tennis club collecting “data” on Tezuka, with hopes to best him one day. However, Tezuka constantly goes beyond his expectations. I don’t think Tezuka sees Inui as much as a threat as much as Inui sees Tezuka as his ultimate rival. To Tezuka, Inui is just his teammate and schoolmate.
Fuji
It is with no doubt the both Fuji and Tezuka are aware of, and respect each other’s skills, but as Fuji says, they’re “friends and teammates.” Quoting an lj comment I read sometime ago (please tell me if you wrote it so I can credit you properly!), they’re like “chalk and cheese.” Their personalities and even reasons for playing tennis are very different. Tezuka is serious and stoic, while Fuji seems easygoing and is always smiling. Tezuka plays for “victory and himself,” and Fuji plays for the thrill of the game and only gets serious when he is taking ‘revenge’ on those who have hurt people he cares about (i.e. the matches against Mizuki and Kirihara).
Fuji is also the only other person besides Atobe and Ryoma who is capable of posing a threat to Tezuka when they match. I find it interesting that while Tezuka admits he has wanted to have a game with Fuji since they were freshmen, it still did not make them into rivals like say, Momo and Kaidoh. Instead, when they do finally have the long awaited match in the end, he realized that the reason he wanted to play with Fuji was to improve his own skills.
Perhaps their ‘compatibility’ despite being quite opposites is what makes them such a popular (one of the biggest in fact) pairing in fanon. Although I don’t think they’d suit each other that way, I do agree that they understand each other on a certain level that perhaps the other characters don’t.
Ryoma
I think that one of the main reasons that drew Tezuka to the freshman prodigy was that Echizen reminded him of himself. Tezuka too, was a rather proud and stubborn freshman and learnt his lesson when his sempai injured his elbow. Perhaps he doesn’t want Ryoma to accidentally wind up with a similar situation.
And I don’t know if I’m reading into this too much but it appears to me that while Tezuka does want to train Ryoma to be the next “Pillar of Seigaku,” I feel that he has become sort of attached to that title and part of him doesn’t want to give it up, although he will when the time comes.
I feel that Tezuka does not see Ryoma as his rival, more that he just assigned himself the task to be like a mentor figure for the younger boy.
Atobe
The general relationship between Tezuka and Atobe is a fascinating one. While they obviously see each other as formidable rivals (both being at national level and all), they’re not exactly like Momo and Kaidoh either. They aren’t jealous of each other.
I’d like to point out that Atobe said near the beginning of the match, that he did not just play for the sake of winning, but he says something about wanting Tezuka to be his “dance partner for at least 2 hours.” Now some people might say it’s an evil tactic to strain and destroy Tezuka’s arm completely, but the word ‘dance’, makes me think of passion, and their expressions in the ending show like they’ve just had one of the best experiences of their lives- basking in the aftermath of finally having a worthy challenger whose skills they could appreciate. If I’m not wrong, Oshitari makes an observation along the lines of Atobe smiling as if he was enjoying himself.
Another interesting thing is that Tezuka does not seem to harbor any grudge against Atobe for being the cause of straining his shoulder (it got him what he wanted anyway), and while they’re not exactly friends, Tezuka trusts and relies on Atobe enough for helping him do little things like getting Atobe to help him train Echizen in the survival camp, since he is in Germany and unable to.
Also, may I point out that they are both single children? (Though I have no idea if it has much significance). The two captains certainly have a connection to a certain degree in more ways then one, and I think that this is what also makes them an increasingly popular non canon pairing in the fanon.
Yukimura
The only time we ever see Tezuka and Yukimura interact is during the very last episode, in which their teams are at the opening ceremony for the nationals. Yukimura in the anime has never been showed playing in a proper match, and if anything, his character is even more unknown than Tezuka’s, as he has spent much of his time in the hospital (an interesting parallel to Tezuka’s own situation). However, he is supposedly very strong and it is said that he might even be able beat Tezuka- although we have no idea how true that is. Needless to say, many fans fantasize of a match between these two.
Conclusion- The Enigma; Why Defend Tezuka?
Tezuka is more than a cold stone pillar. While it is rare that he shows his emotions (like at the end of his matches with Fuji and Echizen in the last few episodes), he displays his concerns and feelings in other ways. He praises them when they deserve it (for example, Kaidoh, when he pushes himself to the limits when playing against Kamio), and helps them (we see him lending Fuji a dictionary in one ep), and even his limiting Ryoma to finishing his match with Shinji in ten minutes (otherwise forfeit), show that he does care about his teammates. Even Oishi wonders if Tezuka against their sempais using his right hand because he cared about letting them retain their pride (note: I’m not entirely sure about this, but that’s how my subtitled version interpreted it). Also, if he didn’t care, then he certainly wouldn’t have spent so much time and effort on training Ryoma (not only to be the future pillar of seigaku, but also, to tone down his arrogance). Not to mention also, the rather amusing scenes during the bowling episode where he wakes up for no apparent reason when Inui unleashes his 'Aozu' on his teammates back home and Tezuka is all the way in Germany.
Tezuka is a very complex figure. And because not much of Tezuka’s private life and other aspects of his personality are shown, he is pretty much an open canvass for many fans to interpret to their own reading. But I think it’s the enigma (we think he’s like this but yet there’s the possibility of him being like that) of Tezuka that makes him such a fascinating character.
(final wordcount: 2600+)
_____________________________________________
Endnotes: I know I didn't refer the manga arc, but that's because I've never read the manga version... but I hope you've enjoyed reading this anyway. I tried my best to make it sound as essay-ish as possible
General Information:
Tezuka Kunimitsu
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 58 kg
Blood Type: O
Zodiac: Libra
Birth Place: Japan
Hand: Left
Plays Type: All rounder
Technique: Zeroshiki Drop Shot, Tezuka Zone
Favorite Food: Unacha
Favourite Subject: World History
Hobbies: Hiking, Camping, Fishing
Links:
Unparalelled: a tezuka fanlisting - has a pretty comprehensive basic information on Tezuka and what has happened to him through the course of the anime. There's a section that summaries his match with Atobe pretty well, along with a part on Tezuka's relatioships with the other memebers of his team. It's a pretty new (and WIP) site, but it certainly looks promising.
Recommended Reads; Fanfiction: (because it's hard to write him without going OOC)
Frostbite by two_if_by_sea
This just captures Tezuka's mentality towards tennis really well for a short drabble.
Coming Back by simply_kim
This takes place when Tezuka comes back to subsitute Ryuuzaki sensei as a Senbatsu coach. I think it's wonderful characterisation on his inner conflicts at coming back, and wondering how the others would welcome him. It's rare you see such a 'vulnerable' side of him. Plus that last scene with Atobe is quite different from what you normally get in TezuAto fics.
Control by lizstarsky
Fuji and Tezuka's friendship through Fuji's eyes, from his first impressions of Tezuka. I love this as it is the most similar take I've found so far, on what I feel the dynamics of their 'relationship' is about.
20 random facts meme by ilanabean42
I found this potrayal of Tezuka a witty and wicked read, especially in giving him a hidden sort of 'sadistic' streak.
Character: Tezuka Kunimitsu
Fandom: Prince of Tennis
Author: thesundaywriter
Spoilers: based on the anime arc
Warnings: might be graphic intensive depending on your comp
Introduction - The Stoic, Untouchable Captain of Seigaku
The story starts when Echizen Ryoma, a promising tennis player, joins Seigaku Junior High as a freshman. Seishun Gakuen boasts a tennis club with a team of outstanding regulars, headed by their captain, Tezuka Kunimitsu, a third year student.
The first glance we ever get of Tezuka in the anime is a vague one. His face is not shown, and he is looking down from a higher-level window in the school, as the others are on the ground level, talking about the new freshman that’s apparently good at tennis, at the school gate. From the start, he is already separated from the rest, and elevated. Also Horio makes a comment about Tezuka being invincible and daydreams about playing against him, saying “ perhaps I might even win a point off him,” creating that undefeatable image of Tezuka. The air of mystery and tension built up around introducing Tezuka’s character just draws you into wondering: who is this guy? At least that’s what it did for me; especially after in the first two episodes, Ryoma seemed to have sort of established himself in my mind, as the ‘best’, since he’s the main character.
The first few episodes pretty much portray Tezuka as a serious, unfeeling character, who many people have described of having “a stick up his ass”, as well as being a drill sergeant like taskmaster who is constantly dishing out laps to the members of the tennis club. In the first scene in which Tezuka makes his presence known; he orders Ryoma to “run 20 laps” for playing an unauthorized match with Arai, although it was the 2nd year who instigated the match and tried to bully Ryoma by giving him and old worn racquet to use. Not to mention, he is the only one other than Fuji who can drink Inui’s potent “juice” concoctions without reacting.
The mystery continues to build as the various characters constantly reaffirm Tezuka’s undefeatable status in tennis, but we never get to see him exert his full power.
Strengths; To be Seigaku’s Pillar of Support!
As the series progresses, while we still do not see Tezuka play in a proper match, we see other aspects of Tezuka that show he is more than capable player. For instance, there are his uncanny skills of observation. For example, during the match Ryoma has against Fudomine’s Ibu Shinji, he is the first of the team to notice that the freshman’s skills are practically an exact copy of the legendary Echizen Nanjiroh, who also happens to be Ryoma’s father. Now Tezuka is well aware of Ryoma’s great potential, and from what we see, he has been already sort of considering getting the latter to be Seigaku’s future “pillar of support”. However, in order to do this, has to make Echizen unleash his true capabilities before he can fulfill his goal. To him, “playing tennis for the sake of defeating someone” is not a good enough reason as after that opponent is defeated, then where and what will it leave you? It shows no real dedication or love for the sport itself.
Probably the most that is shown of Tezuka’s character is when he is matched against Atobe Keigo, the captain of the Hyoutei team. Here, we are shown Tezuka in his freshman year, and how he has already established himself as a formidable player even at this early stage. Oishi comments “ Tezuka was already better than many of the senior members,” even the then captain, Yamato. The flashbacks show how determined and driven Tezuka already is for the sport, as he tells Oishi that they will definitely lead Seigaku into the Nationals when their time came. And when Yamato tells Tezuka that he wants the first year to be Seigaku’s pillar of support, Tezuka embraces the captain’s wish and if anything, it makes him even more driven to lead Seigaku to the nationals. Yamato may not be the best player around but he has a genuine passion for tennis and tries his best; this is why Tezuka looks up to, and respects Yamato buchou (this is mentioned during the wilderness training camp).
The determination and passion Tezuka displays in the match against Atobe certainly makes him seems less cold and unfeeling that he is previously portrayed to be. It is also the first time we see his real tennis skills. He manages to break Atobe’s special skill, The Rondo towards destruction and with almost inhumane perseverance, gets into an intense tiebreaker round with the latter, and this after over an hour of playing, despite being burdened by his injured shoulder. The promises he made to Oishi and Yamato, as well as his determination to show Ryoma what real tennis is keep him fighting till the end, till his shoulder really wears out.
This brings another of his strong points- while he may have a cool, intimidating attitude, Tezuka somehow has this mysterious air of charisma that surrounds him. Now if someone were to bust their shoulder by doing what he did, people would think they’re foolish, maybe even mad to do so. But Tezuka is so admired and respected that his sacrifice makes him even more ‘idolized’ (for lack of better word), and made people look in awe at his dedication and passion.
He may have lost, but he fell with his dignity intact.
Cracks in the Pillar; Weaknesses
Every one has their weak points (for no one is perfect afterall), and Tezuka is no exception. Probably his main drawback (which I think is why some people do not really like his character), aside from his lack of emotion, is his hero-complex.
He sort of heaps many responsibilities upon himself without being asked to do so.
For example- He must be the one to lead Seigaku to the nationals at all costs. He must make Echizen grow and mature so that the freshman can become Seigaku’s future pillar of support. And he does not care that he has to sacrifice his shoulder just so he can achieve all this.
And it seems that whenever things do not go his way he wants them to, he gets upset. He’s also a stickler for rules and often deals laps out to people who he finds have broken the rules. As a freshman, he already has his ideals on how a proper tennis player should behave, and when his sempai attacks his elbow for deceiving them (by playing with his right hand when he is really a left hander), he is so furious decides to leave the tennis club (although Yamato makes him do otherwise).
During the match he has with Fuji, Ryuuzaki sensei comments from the sideline that Tezuka played “for victory and himself,” which I found quite an adept statement to describe his attitude to tennis.
Tezuka is a rather complex, and in some respect, contradictory character. His strengths are also his weaknesses. His determination and passion in tennis are what make him earn the admiration and respect of those around him, yet it is also this stubborn determination that made him bust his shoulder again. His cool, serious attitude and charisma makes him a good captain, but this coldness also makes people sort of fear him, and therefore he does not have many friends aside from the team who know him on a closer level. He attracts, compels one to wonder what sort of person lies underneath, then he gives you one of those deadly glares and you back away.
Also, there’s this other thing I can’t find a word to describe. He plays using his right hand against his sempais to let them retain some pride, but in the end, it only serves to shatter their pride when they find out, as they felt cheated. Perhaps you could say he assumes people will understand his actions?
The boy behind the captain; His Relationship with other characters.
Family
In the anime, we don’t see any of Tezuka’s family at all. We only hear his mother’s voice when Ryoma goes to ‘beg’ him to play in the Japan vs US match. He is an only child and lives with his parents and grandfather, who’s a judo instructor for the police and from very brief glimpses; his home appears to be the neat and traditional sort.
Perhaps his being an only child attributes to him being used to having things his own way? But I’m just speculating here.
Friends and Rivals
Oishi
The vice captain is probably the closest that Tezuka has to a best friend. It is clear he trusts Oishi alot, leaving him in charge of the team when he goes to recuperate in Germany, and it is Oishi who is the only one to know of the true status of Tezuka’s elbow and shoulder. Even Fuji thinks that Tezuka just goes to the doctor for “ just a routine checkup” in the episode they match against each other.
Inui
Inui is someone who clearly admires Tezuka and has spent his entire time in the tennis club collecting “data” on Tezuka, with hopes to best him one day. However, Tezuka constantly goes beyond his expectations. I don’t think Tezuka sees Inui as much as a threat as much as Inui sees Tezuka as his ultimate rival. To Tezuka, Inui is just his teammate and schoolmate.
Fuji
It is with no doubt the both Fuji and Tezuka are aware of, and respect each other’s skills, but as Fuji says, they’re “friends and teammates.” Quoting an lj comment I read sometime ago (please tell me if you wrote it so I can credit you properly!), they’re like “chalk and cheese.” Their personalities and even reasons for playing tennis are very different. Tezuka is serious and stoic, while Fuji seems easygoing and is always smiling. Tezuka plays for “victory and himself,” and Fuji plays for the thrill of the game and only gets serious when he is taking ‘revenge’ on those who have hurt people he cares about (i.e. the matches against Mizuki and Kirihara).
Fuji is also the only other person besides Atobe and Ryoma who is capable of posing a threat to Tezuka when they match. I find it interesting that while Tezuka admits he has wanted to have a game with Fuji since they were freshmen, it still did not make them into rivals like say, Momo and Kaidoh. Instead, when they do finally have the long awaited match in the end, he realized that the reason he wanted to play with Fuji was to improve his own skills.
Perhaps their ‘compatibility’ despite being quite opposites is what makes them such a popular (one of the biggest in fact) pairing in fanon. Although I don’t think they’d suit each other that way, I do agree that they understand each other on a certain level that perhaps the other characters don’t.
Ryoma
I think that one of the main reasons that drew Tezuka to the freshman prodigy was that Echizen reminded him of himself. Tezuka too, was a rather proud and stubborn freshman and learnt his lesson when his sempai injured his elbow. Perhaps he doesn’t want Ryoma to accidentally wind up with a similar situation.
And I don’t know if I’m reading into this too much but it appears to me that while Tezuka does want to train Ryoma to be the next “Pillar of Seigaku,” I feel that he has become sort of attached to that title and part of him doesn’t want to give it up, although he will when the time comes.
I feel that Tezuka does not see Ryoma as his rival, more that he just assigned himself the task to be like a mentor figure for the younger boy.
Atobe
The general relationship between Tezuka and Atobe is a fascinating one. While they obviously see each other as formidable rivals (both being at national level and all), they’re not exactly like Momo and Kaidoh either. They aren’t jealous of each other.
I’d like to point out that Atobe said near the beginning of the match, that he did not just play for the sake of winning, but he says something about wanting Tezuka to be his “dance partner for at least 2 hours.” Now some people might say it’s an evil tactic to strain and destroy Tezuka’s arm completely, but the word ‘dance’, makes me think of passion, and their expressions in the ending show like they’ve just had one of the best experiences of their lives- basking in the aftermath of finally having a worthy challenger whose skills they could appreciate. If I’m not wrong, Oshitari makes an observation along the lines of Atobe smiling as if he was enjoying himself.
Another interesting thing is that Tezuka does not seem to harbor any grudge against Atobe for being the cause of straining his shoulder (it got him what he wanted anyway), and while they’re not exactly friends, Tezuka trusts and relies on Atobe enough for helping him do little things like getting Atobe to help him train Echizen in the survival camp, since he is in Germany and unable to.
Also, may I point out that they are both single children? (Though I have no idea if it has much significance). The two captains certainly have a connection to a certain degree in more ways then one, and I think that this is what also makes them an increasingly popular non canon pairing in the fanon.
Yukimura
The only time we ever see Tezuka and Yukimura interact is during the very last episode, in which their teams are at the opening ceremony for the nationals. Yukimura in the anime has never been showed playing in a proper match, and if anything, his character is even more unknown than Tezuka’s, as he has spent much of his time in the hospital (an interesting parallel to Tezuka’s own situation). However, he is supposedly very strong and it is said that he might even be able beat Tezuka- although we have no idea how true that is. Needless to say, many fans fantasize of a match between these two.
Conclusion- The Enigma; Why Defend Tezuka?
Tezuka is more than a cold stone pillar. While it is rare that he shows his emotions (like at the end of his matches with Fuji and Echizen in the last few episodes), he displays his concerns and feelings in other ways. He praises them when they deserve it (for example, Kaidoh, when he pushes himself to the limits when playing against Kamio), and helps them (we see him lending Fuji a dictionary in one ep), and even his limiting Ryoma to finishing his match with Shinji in ten minutes (otherwise forfeit), show that he does care about his teammates. Even Oishi wonders if Tezuka against their sempais using his right hand because he cared about letting them retain their pride (note: I’m not entirely sure about this, but that’s how my subtitled version interpreted it). Also, if he didn’t care, then he certainly wouldn’t have spent so much time and effort on training Ryoma (not only to be the future pillar of seigaku, but also, to tone down his arrogance). Not to mention also, the rather amusing scenes during the bowling episode where he wakes up for no apparent reason when Inui unleashes his 'Aozu' on his teammates back home and Tezuka is all the way in Germany.
Tezuka is a very complex figure. And because not much of Tezuka’s private life and other aspects of his personality are shown, he is pretty much an open canvass for many fans to interpret to their own reading. But I think it’s the enigma (we think he’s like this but yet there’s the possibility of him being like that) of Tezuka that makes him such a fascinating character.
(final wordcount: 2600+)
_____________________________________________
Endnotes: I know I didn't refer the manga arc, but that's because I've never read the manga version... but I hope you've enjoyed reading this anyway. I tried my best to make it sound as essay-ish as possible
General Information:
Tezuka Kunimitsu
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 58 kg
Blood Type: O
Zodiac: Libra
Birth Place: Japan
Hand: Left
Plays Type: All rounder
Technique: Zeroshiki Drop Shot, Tezuka Zone
Favorite Food: Unacha
Favourite Subject: World History
Hobbies: Hiking, Camping, Fishing
Links:
Unparalelled: a tezuka fanlisting - has a pretty comprehensive basic information on Tezuka and what has happened to him through the course of the anime. There's a section that summaries his match with Atobe pretty well, along with a part on Tezuka's relatioships with the other memebers of his team. It's a pretty new (and WIP) site, but it certainly looks promising.
Recommended Reads; Fanfiction: (because it's hard to write him without going OOC)
Frostbite by two_if_by_sea
This just captures Tezuka's mentality towards tennis really well for a short drabble.
Coming Back by simply_kim
This takes place when Tezuka comes back to subsitute Ryuuzaki sensei as a Senbatsu coach. I think it's wonderful characterisation on his inner conflicts at coming back, and wondering how the others would welcome him. It's rare you see such a 'vulnerable' side of him. Plus that last scene with Atobe is quite different from what you normally get in TezuAto fics.
Control by lizstarsky
Fuji and Tezuka's friendship through Fuji's eyes, from his first impressions of Tezuka. I love this as it is the most similar take I've found so far, on what I feel the dynamics of their 'relationship' is about.
20 random facts meme by ilanabean42
I found this potrayal of Tezuka a witty and wicked read, especially in giving him a hidden sort of 'sadistic' streak.