you're an ace, kid

[Improvement Level 1 - Episode 1]

Koharu: Hm, hm-hm, hmm~♪

Koharu: One, two… one, two… Last, right… then turn!

Koharu: And… pose☆ That—was—per-fect♡

Ryoga: Whoa! Not too bad.

Koharu: Hm… who’s there?

Ryoga: I wasn’t trying to sneak a peek, but I was napping on that bench over there and ended up—

Koharu: It’s you…

Koharu: Big brother♡

Ryoga: I’m not your big brother.

Koharu: Oh, you make a good straight man♡

Koharu: What about Echizen-kun? Oh, but then people would get it confused with Seigaku’s Echizen-kun…

Koharu: How about Ryoga-kun?

Ryoga: Call me whatever you want. Anyway, what was that dance just now?

Koharu: It’s from this new song by an idol group I saw on TV yesterday… The choreography I did was by the girl in the center.

Ryoga: Wow… So you memorized that dance just by watching it once on TV?

Koharu: Once I see an idol perform, I can perfectly copy their dances… It’s a special skill of mine♡

Ryoga: Kakaka! You’re pretty interesting. I like that.

Koharu: Oho, I’m so happy to hear that. And I like me a handsome fellow like you, Ryoga-kun♡

Ryoga: I think you got the wrong idea… Well, whatever.

Ryoga: Since you can move that well, you should be able to do other dances, right?

Koharu: You think so? I haven’t tried any other dances before.

Ryoga: How about you try this on for size? Like this.

Koharu: Whoa, breakdancing!?

Ryoga: It’s just a quick rundown.

Koharu: A-ma-zing♡ I’m falling in love.

Ryoga: Now it’s your turn. Show me what you got.

Koharu: Like this…?

Ryoga: See, I knew you could do it. You’re definitely talented.

Koharu: T-Y-S-M♡

Ryoga: Whaddya think? Wanna try another dance?

Ryoga: There’s this place where the people who like dancing go to practice. Let’s head over there.

Koharu: If I’m with you Ryoga-kun, wherever you go, I’ll follow♡

[Improvement Level 1 - Episode 2]

Ryoga: Here we are. One of the guys who likes dancing should be practicing over here.

Jackal: Oh, what’s going on? Senpai and Konjiki, never thought I’d see you guys together.

Koharu: Rikkai’s Kuwahara-kun. Do you dance too?

Jackal: Yeah, I do a little hip hop. Wait a sec, don’t tell me you like to dance too, Konjiki!?

Koharu: For me, I like doing idol dances.

Jackal: Idol dances…?

Koharu: One, two… one, two… Last, right… then turn!

Koharu: And… pose☆ What do you think?

Jackal: W-Wow… not bad.

Ryoga: Wahaha, right?

Ryoga: This guy’s pretty good, so I wanted him to try other dances.

Ryoga: If you’re up to it, how about teaching him your hip hop moves?

Jackal: Sure, that’s fine. I was just waiting for someone, so I have the time.

Jackal: Okay then, let’s start off small. First, I’ll do the basic steps—

Koharu: Ah! Ha! Ho! Ho! Hey yo! Man!

Jackal: (Wait, are you serious… He can copy my moves that well after just watching me one time!?)

Ryoga: Heh, he’s something isn’t he. Okay, lemme join you…

Koharu: Come on, Ryoga!

Ryoga: Yeah! Here we go!

Jackal: (E-Even senpai is… Well, of course, since breakdancing’s his thing…)

Jackal: (Konjiki and him are so freaking cool! Man, I really wanna dance now too!)

Koharu: Come on, Jackal!

Ryoga: Are you ready?

Jackal: Yeah! Let’s hip hop!

[Improvement Level 1 - Episode 3]

Kamio: Sorry, Kuwahara-san. I hope you weren’t waiting too long—

Jackal: Say yo!

Ryoga: Yo! Yo!

Jackal: Say ho!

Koharu: Ho! Ho!

Kamio: Uh… what’s going on…?

Jackal: Oh, you’re here, Kamio.

Kamio: Well of course I’m here. Why are you all hip hop dancing?

Jackal: These two asked me to teach them.

Jackal: Oh yeah. Maybe you can teach them tap dancing too.

Kamio: Huh? Why would I do that…

Ryoga: Because it’d be cool.

Ryoga: So, you gonna show us?

Koharu: I would love to learn it from you♡

Kamio: But, I had something I was gonna do with Kuwahara-san—

Jackal: This is how you’ll make up for being late. Now quit your griping and teach Konjiki.

Kamio: …Alright, fine. If you say so, Kuwahara-san.

Koharu: Be easy on me, okay? Please—and—thank—you♡

Kamio: …*sigh*

Kamio: …Okay, so you’re gonna get into the rhythm like this—

Koharu: Like this?

Kamio: Wha…!? N-No way… You know how to do it already…!?

Koharu: I’m riding the rhythm♡

Ryoga: Wahaha, pretty good, huh?

Jackal: Tch, I can’t even believe it, I think he’s got us beat when it comes to dancing…

Koharu: Trying out all these different dances is a lot of fun.

Koharu: But for me, the one I love doing the most are idol dances.

Koharu: Plus, any choreography of the girl in the center position is perfect for me.

Koharu: So now, it’s my turn to teach you all how to dance like idols.

Koharu: Let’s all be idols together♡

Jackal: W-Well, that’s, uh…

Kamio: I’d rather not…

Ryoga: Have us all become idols, huh. You really are a pretty interesting guy! Kakaka!

[Improvement Level 2 - Episode 1]

Ryoga: Orange Ponta is the best, isn’t it?

Ryoma: Grape is.

Ryoga: You mean orange.

Ryoma: Grape only.

Ryoga: You’re stubborn, you know that.

Ryoma: So are you.

Ryoga: Heh… I think we can hold off on this for today, don’t you.

Ryoma: Yeah. We did come all this way to look for it.

Ryoga: The new Ponta flavor being sold for a limited time only in Japan… “Persimmon” flavor!

Ryoga: Apparently people have been saying it’s pretty good…

Ryoma: Are they really selling it here? I haven’t seen it at all.

Ryoga: Just be patient. They said a vending machine at the corner of the district has it—

Ryoga: Oop, bingo. Look, Chibisuke. There’s the persimmon flavor.

Ryoma: Hmm, so they do have it.

Ryoga: Here, let your kind older brother get it for you.

Ryoma: Uh-huh, thanks.

—

Ryoga: Here.

Ryoma: Thank you.

Ryoma: Okay…

Ryoga: Bottoms up!

Ryoma: …

Ryoga: …

Ryoga: …Well?

Ryoma: …What about you?

Ryoga: Uhm, yeah… It’s definitely persimmon flavor… Yep…

Ryoma: They overhyped it.

Ryoga: Jeez… You didn’t even hesitate.

Ryoma: Well yeah, the one I like to drink always tastes better.

Ryoma: Here, this one’s on me. Orange for you, right?

Ryoga: Oh… are you sure?

Ryoma: I don’t care… Now we’re even.

Ryoga: Heh, oh really. Then thank you for doing this for me.

Ryoga: Ahhh! Yeah, that’s the one!

Ryoma: Right.

Ryoga: There are some things you just can’t replace. Better keep that in mind, Chibisuke.

Ryoma: What do you even mean by that.

—

Ryoga: Hm? Hey, come take a look at this, Chibisuke.

Ryoma: What?

Ryoga: Check out this poster.

Ryoma: …An antique market?

Ryoga: Looks like they’re doing it over at the shrine.

Ryoga: I don’t have anything planned after this, so why don’t we swing by?

Ryoma: Oh, that’s a surprise… You’re into that kind of stuff?

Ryoga: It’s just something to help pass the time, so let’s go.

Ryoma: Ah! Wait…!

[Improvement Level 2 - Episode 2]

Ryoga: Hey, aren’t those guys over there from your school, Chibisuke?

Ryoma: …Momo-senpai and Kaidoh-senpai.

Ryoma: It’s rare to see those two together.

Momoshiro: Why are you walking next to me!

Kaidoh: Because we’re heading back in the same direction, obviously!

Ryoga: Sounds like they got beef…

Ryoma: They’re always like that when they’re around each other.

Ryoga: Oh, really? Must be nice to have that kind of energy.

Momoshiro: Hm? Oh, hey!

Ryoma: What’re you guys doing here?

Momoshiro: We’re heading home from our shopping trip.

Ryoma: …The both of you?

Kaidoh: It’s nothing like that…!

Momoshiro: We ran into each other at the store, and we ended up leaving at the same time~…

Kaidoh: Not that I wanted that to happen…

Ryoga: Heh, you must be pretty good friends.

Momoshiro & Kaidoh: Excuse me!

Ryoga: That was some good unison…

Momoshiro: Well, anyway, why are you guys here?

Ryoma: Well…

Ryoga: We both wanted to try the persimmon-flavored Ponta…

Kaidoh: …Persimmon-flavored?

Ryoma: You don’t need to tell them everything.

Ryoga: What, are you embarrassed? Kakaka!

Ryoma: No, I’m not.

Ryoga: You get embarrassed when someone you know sees you with your family, don’t you. Classic.

Ryoma: I’m telling you I’m not…!

Momoshiro: Haha, you got him out of character!

Ryoma: …We’re on our way to that antique market.

Ryoga: There’s a poster for it on that wall if you wanna check?

Momoshiro: Whoa, so they’re holding an antique market at the shrine.

Kaidoh: …!

Momoshiro: What’s up?

Kaidoh: N-No… it’s nothing…

Ryoga: Did that cat figurine on the poster catch your eye?

Kaidoh: Nuh-no…!?

Momoshiro: It did, you like cats.

Kaidoh: Shut up, Momoshiro… When did I ever say I like cats!?

Ryoma: We already know. You love cats, Kaidoh-senpai.

Kaidoh: What—huh…!?

Ryoga: Wahaha, hey, nothing wrong with that.

Ryoga: Anyway, if it’s something you guys are interested in, then you should come with us!

Momoshiro: Right, let’s go!

Kaidoh: (People already know I love cats… No… it can’t be…)

[Improvement Level 2 - Episode 3]

Ryoga: Whoa, talk about a crowd!

Ryoma: There’s a lot more people than I expected.

Momoshiro: Whoa!?

Ryoga: What?

Momoshiro: Th-There’s this… huge person…

Kaidoh: He’s a head… no, at least two heads taller than everyone.

Ryoma: That’s…

Ryoga: Oh, it’s him.

Ryoga: Yo, Ochi.

Ochi: …Echizen.

Ryoga: What a coincidence we’d run into you here. You like antiques?

Ochi: I’m not interested.

Ryoga: Oh, then why are you here?

Ochi: I’m just stopping by on my walk.

Ryoga: Alright then. But y’know you kinda stick out like a sore thumb, right?

Ochi: …

Kaidoh: I wouldn’t go that far…

Ochi: …Right.

Ryoga: Nah, I would say so…

Ryoga: See, there’s an old lady over there facing towards you with her hands together.

Ochi: I’m not a god.

Ryoga: Well, yeah, but…

Ryoga: Here, why don’t you come look around with us so people don’t get thrown off by you?

Ochi: I’ve no interest in associating with you.

Ryoga: Oof, okay… He left.

Momoshiro: But at least with his height, we’ll always be able to find him…

Kaidoh: It’s obvious he wanted to hang with us even though he said he didn’t.

Ryoga: Well, I’ll try asking him again later.

Ryoga: Alrighty, let’s get a move on too.

Ryoga: You’re all free to go from here. Go ahead and look around wherever.

Ryoga: We’ll meet back here in an hour. Okay?

Ryoma: I won’t need that much free time…

—

Ryoga: Oh, you’re finally back, Chibisuke.

Ryoga: You sure took your sweet time picking out what you wanted, what happened to you not needing that much time?

Ryoma: …They were selling the back issues of “TENNIS LIFE.”

Ryoma: So, yeah…

Momoshiro: I got some used clothes! …And you got a cat figurine, didn’t you?

Kaidoh: Wha!? How’d you know that!?

Ryoma: ‘Cause it’s obvious.

Kaidoh: Wh… Are you kidding me…!?

Ryoga: Wahaha, well it’s good that you all got something you like!

Ryoma: So what’d you get?

Ryoga: Me?

Ryoga: Ah… I actually got sleepy during the middle of it. So they let me take a nap in the main shrine. Kakaka!

Ryoma: I hope the gods smite you…

—

Ryoga: Yo, Ochi. What’d you buy?

Ochi: …I bought a nice, miniature pot for bonsai. I’m satisfied.

Ryoga: Classy…

Momoshiro: So what now?

Ryoga: Well… I’m thinking it’d be good to go grab a bite to eat and then head back…

Ryoma: Tennis.

Ryoga: Mm?

Ryoma: Let’s play tennis.

Ryoma: We’ll get out of shape if we just head back after this… right?

Ryoga: Heh, this guy…

Ryoga: Okay then. Instead of returning to the camp, we’ll return each other’s shots!

Momoshiro: Count me in! Are you joining in too?

Kaidoh: Heh… obviously.

Ryoga: Hoo boy, I won’t be able to handle all this by myself. Gimme a hand, Ochi.

Ochi: …Very well.

Ryoga: Alrighty, let’s head on over to the courts!

[Improvement Level 3 - Episode 1]

Ryoga: …Zzz… zzz…

Ryoga: Mm… Wha?

Ryoga: Is that… a saxophone?

~♪

Ryoga: Kanata Irie… So it was you…

Ryoga: I knew he sometimes practiced at night, but I guess he does it during the day, too.

~♪

Ryoga: He knows I’m here, right?

Ryoga: Well, either way, it’d be rude to bother him.

~♪

Ryoga: Heh, alright then.

Ryoga: Taking a nap under this blue sky with a saxophone playing in the background wouldn’t be too bad now and again.

Ryoga: It kinda reminds me of the US…

Ryoga: …

~♪

Ryoga: …Zzz… zzz…

Ryoga: …Zzz… zzz…

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Whoa!?

Ryoga: Wh-What the…!? It suddenly got louder…!?

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Hold up… is he doing that on purpose ‘cause he knows I’m trying to sleep?

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Nah… It looks like he hasn’t even acknowledged me.

Ryoga: Maybe he’s getting louder ‘cause he’s getting into the groove of it…

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Ugh, jeez… I give up…

Ryoga: I’m not gonna be able to take a decent nap with this racket…

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Maybe I should just let him know I’m here?

Ryoga: No, wait… I probably shouldn’t.

Ryoga: It’s not like I can just go up to him and tell him he’s interrupting my nap.

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Looks like I’ll just have to be patient then.

Ryoga: Okay, I guess I’ll stay awake for a while till he’s done practicing.

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Uh… So, when’s that gonna be…?

[Improvement Level 3 - Episode 2]

~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Oh my god… Seriously, when is it gonna end?

~♪♪♪ ~♪♪♪

Ryoga: It looks like Irie’s getting even more into it…

~♪♪♪ ~♪♪♪

Ryoga: Lord have mercy…

Ryoga: There’s other people that are gonna complain about this, right?

—

Zaizen: …Oh. So you’re here, Irie-san.

Irie: …Hm?

—

Ryoga: Hough… Finally, someone else came to stop him.

—

Irie: Zaizen-kun. Is there something you need from me?

Zaizen: Hold that thought, are you good if I take a couple pictures?

Irie: Huh?

Zaizen: Well, you were looking really cool just now.

Irie: R-Really? I’m a little embarrassed now that you’ve said that.

Irie: Uhm… What kind of pose should I do?

Zaizen: Oh, just play the sax like you normally would please.

Zaizen: How you look as is is meh, but you do look cool when you’re playing the sax.

Irie: …I see. Yeah, I suppose you’re right.

—

Ryoga: Um wow, that was pretty rude, wasn’t it? He should learn to say things a little nicer…

—

Irie: Well then…

~♪

Zaizen: Yeah, just like that.

~♪

Zaizen: I’m really digging this!

~♪♪♪ ~♪♪♪

—

Ryoga: And now it’s freaking loud.

—

Irie: Phew… How was that?

Zaizen: Great. I got some good pictures thanks to you.

Zaizen: Oh, you cool if I post them on my blog?

Irie: No, I don’t mind at all.

Zaizen: Take a look at this one, there’s a shadow covering your face so I don’t need to censor it, plus it looks pretty cool.

Irie: …Right.

—

Ryoga: That’s pretty harsh…

—

Irie: A-Anyway… is there something you needed from me…?

Zaizen: Oh, yeah. Ootori was looking for you.

Irie: Ootori-kun? What for?

Zaizen: I’m texting him right now, so you can ask him about it.

Irie: All right.

—

Ryoga: Now someone else is coming?

Ryoga: Oh, brother… Well, there goes any chance of me getting a nap…

[Improvement Level 3 - Episode 3]

Choutarou: Great work today, Irie-san!

Irie: Hey, Ootori-kun.

Irie: So, you needed something from me, Ootori-kun?

Choutarou: Well actually… I’ve been wanting to discuss music with you for a while now, Irie-san.

Irie: Discuss music?

Choutarou: You play the saxophone don’t you, Irie-san?

Choutarou: I also play a little piano and violin…

Irie: Oh, is that so?

Choutarou: Well to be honest, I do it more as a hobby though…

Zaizen: Even though it’s a hobby, he’s still pretty good at it. Apparently he has perfect pitch.

Irie: That’s incredible.

Choutarou: I know you sometimes practice your saxophone at night, Irie-san.

Choutarou: Hearing you play late at night is amazing!

Zaizen: But one wrong note and then everyone kisses their good sleep goodbye.

Choutarou: Z-Zaizen!?

—

Ryoga: Well, he’s not wrong.

—

Choutarou: A-Anyway Irie-san, I would like to discuss—

Irie: Ootori-kun… Any chance you could hurry and get your violin?

Choutarou: Huh? Oh… Yes, I could, but…

Irie: Then why don’t you and I have a music session together?

Choutarou: Wha… A music session!?

Irie: The best way to have a conversation between musicians is to have a session, right?

Choutarou: Y-Yeah… I’ll go get it right away!

—

Ryoga: Wow… A saxophone and violin session, eh. This’ll be interesting.

—

Irie: Well then, shall we begin?

Choutarou: Y-Yes…!

Irie: One, two…

~♪♪♪ ~♪♪♪

—

Ryoga: Ooh, that’s nice!

—

Zaizen: This is really hype!

Irie: Not bad, Ootori-kun.

Choutarou: Thank you very much, Irie-san!

—

Ryoga: Heh, not catching any Z’s is fine if I get to listen to this, I suppose.

Ryoga: Guess I’ll enjoy the entertainment for a while.

—

Irie: Whew… I was completely immersed in it.

Choutarou: Ah… What time is it now…?

Ryoga: Yo, great job.

Choutarou: Huh…

Zaizen: Huh… Since when did you get here?

Ryoga: Since the very beginning.

Irie: Really? I didn’t notice you at all.

Ryoga: Oh, don’t give me that. You knew the whole time, didn’t you?

Ryoga: Being all loud, interrupting my nap and now you’re trying to lie about it.

Irie: Fufu, well, maybe so?

Irie: More importantly, what did you think of our performance?

Ryoga: It was pretty good, I’m actually fine that I wasn’t able to sleep.

Irie: I’m glad to hear it.

Choutarou: Thank you very much!

Ryoga: But you should probably stop doing it at night, y’know? People might start filing complaints for messing with their sleep. Kakaka!

[Improvement Level 4 - Episode 1]

Mitsuya: …Ryoga Echizen.

Mitsuya: Birthday: December 23rd, Capricorn. Height: 180cm. Weight: 67kg.

Mitsuya: Blood type: O. Vision is 1.4 in both eyes.

Mitsuya: Right-handed. Playing style is all-rounder. Special move: Destruction.

Mitsuya: Hobby is napping. Special skill is breakdancing.

Mitsuya: His stats are… unknown.

Mitsuya: How unfortunate… there’s still very little we know about him.

Mitsuya: While I do have his basic data down, I am unable to measure him based on that alone.

Mitsuya: It is clearly evident that he’s skilled. I would even say he’s one of the best out of the U-17 Japanese Representatives…

Mitsuya: However, the full picture of that man remains a mystery.

Mitsuya: First and foremost, he’s never even shown anyone how he practices.

Mitsuya: I was fortunate enough to be able to watch him practice today, but I do not believe those were his true capabilities.

—

Ryoga: Hah!

Ryoga: …Hm?

Ryoga: Guess that’s about it for today~. Alright, I’m gonna go find a place to take a nap.

Ryoga: Oh, it’s Chibisuke. Heyy, Chibisuke~!

—

Mitsuya: He wasn’t cutting any corners. But he also wasn’t giving it his all…

Mitsuya: That man is still hiding his true power. And the reason for that is unclear…

Mitsuya: How very interesting. He’s a man truly worth collecting data on.

Mitsuya: In any case, I must gather more data on him. Anything, no matter how trivial.

Mitsuya: That man… I must know more about this Ryoga Echizen.

Mitsuya: But, there are limits on what I’m able to do on my own… So in that case…

Mitsuya: I’ll go consult the others a bit as well. The more data I have, the better.

[Improvement Level 4 - Episode 2]

Mitsuya: …And that is why I specifically asked you three to come here.

Mitsuya: Ryoga Echizen… I would like each of you to share and exchange the data you have on that man.

Mitsuya: And of course, I’ll share my data as well.

Mitsuya: What do you think? I think it’d be a good idea.

Inui: I’m not against it, Akuto-senpai.

Yanagi: I as well, Akuto-niisan.

Mizuki: Mmm… It is true that there’s a lack of data on him.

Mizuki: I will cooperate with you, Mitsuya-san.

Mitsuya: Thank you, everyone. I appreciate it.

Inui: That being said, I’m pretty sure the data we all have on him is mostly the same…

Yanagi: We still don’t have a the full details on him. We’re essentially in the same boat as you, Akuto-niisan.

Mitsuya: Even the most trivial piece of info will suffice. It could even be something uncertain like a rumor. Right now I just need any data I can muster.

Mizuki: Mmm… Then, how about this piece of info?

Mizuki: Ryoga Echizen is quite fond of oranges…

Mizuki: It’s said that he’s traveled across the globe in search of the most delicious oranges.

Inui: Wha… Just for oranges!? Who in their right mind would do something like that…

Yanagi: Well… I believe it may be true, Sadaharu. I’ve heard rumors similar to that as well.

Yanagi: Depending on which country you visit, you may not be able to understand the language at all.

Yanagi: It is said that during times like that, Ryoga Echizen would arrange dance battles and utilize his special skill: breakdancing.

Inui: D-Dance battles…!?

Yanagi: Supposedly he would win the battles and use them as a means to break the ice with others.

Inui: So you’re saying he communicated through dancing…?

Yanagi: That’s just a rumor, though.

Mitsuya: Excellent, Renji. Thank you for the info too, Mizuki. That’s exactly what I wanted.

Mitsuya: That drive to travel the world for your favorite food… and using a different means of communication to compensate for language barriers…

Mitsuya: Both are compelling pieces of data that align with his abilities.

Mitsuya: How about you, Inui? Is there anything you’ve heard about him?

Inui: W-Well, since you asked, I have heard something…

Inui: Apparently, here at this training camp, Ryoga Echizen had borrowed a comb from Duke-senpai…

Inui: But, he has yet to return it…!

Mitsuya: That’s…

Inui: H-Huh…?

Yanagi: Sadaharu… That’s not what he meant.

Inui: Actually, I believe it shows a part of his personality and that he surprisingly has a lazy side to him…

Mitsuya: I’ll ask him to return it next time I see him…

Mitsuya: Is there anything else…

Mizuki: Mm… Come to think of it, I often see him rallying with Echizen-kun.

Mizuki: Ryoga Echizen’s behavior is unclear and somewhat elusive I’d say…

Mizuki: So if we were to follow Echizen-kun, it may make it easier to understand Ryoga Echizen’s behavior.

Mitsuya: I see, that’s a good idea!

Mitsuya: Fundamentally, the basis of data acquisition is observation, it’s just as you said. Let’s scope out Echizen, shall we?

—

Ryoga: Oh, please…

[Improvement Level 4 - Episode 3]

Ryoga: Hey hey, what’s wrong, Chibisuke!? Is that all you got?

Ryoma: …Right back at you, you’ve got a ways to go.

Ryoga: If you say so! Kakaka!

—

Mitsuya: Right on target, now we’re able to observe him through following Echizen.

Mitsuya: Echizen is one of the most talented amongst the middle schoolers…

Mitsuya: With him as an opponent, even he wouldn’t be able to keep his abilities concealed if he tried.

Inui: Ngh! Ryoga Echizen’s backhand just now had a different speed and angle compared to the previous data!

Inui: That backhand has not been recorded in my data…

Yanagi: And it appears that his Twist Serve is more powerful than before…

Yanagi: Has he been hiding it this whole time? Or perhaps… he has no choice but to be serious since his opponent is Echizen?

Mizuki: Mmm… And just now with his movement by the net, he moved forward at a different timing than before.

Mizuki: This is valuable data.

Mitsuya: Marvelous…

Mitsuya: With this data we’re receiving, little by little Ryoga Echizen’s true power will eventually be revealed!

Mitsuya: This is truly marvelous!

Mitsuya: More… Show me more, Ryoga Echizen!

Inui: Hmm!? What was that movement!?

Inui: It’s a unique movement I’ve never seen before…

Yanagi: There is a precise rhythm to it, however… almost like dancing…

Inui: Like he’s dancing… Dancing…?

Mizuki: Mm… Yes, akin to breakdancing even.

Mitsuya: Breakdancing…!?

Mitsuya: No, is he really… He’s incorporating breakdancing moves into his tennis…!?

Mizuki: No… It appears he’s simply playing around with them…

Inui: S-So in other words… he’s aware we’re watching him and he’s doing it intentionally…?

Yanagi: So this data we’ve collected is false…?

Mizuki: Mmm… I’m afraid so.

Mitsuya: He’s clever… You are something else, Ryoga Echizen.

—

Ryoga: Heh…

Ryoga: How naïve of them to think they can figure me out just by watching me.

Ryoga: If they wanted my data so bad they could’ve just came up to me and asked. Right, Chibisuke?

Ryoma: Hey, can you stop looking over there and get serious?

Ryoga: Wahaha, me looking over there is actually making it more fair for you.

Ryoma: Seriously…

Ryoga: If you ask me, they got a ways to go and so do you! Kakaka!

[Improvement Level 5 - Episode 1]

Kintarou: Gimme a bite of your meat, Koshimae!

Ryoma: Not so fast.

Kintarou: Oh c’mon, just one bite. Don’t be stingy.

Kintarou: I’ll give you my broccoli in return.

Ryoma: Why would I trade my meat for broccoli…

Ryoga: Wow, a full house.

Kintarou: It’s Koshimae’s big bro!

Ryoga: Chibisuke, can I sit here?

Ryoma: Go ahead.

Ryoga: Aw, what a bummer. I was gonna have orange jelly for dessert, but they were all out of it.

Ryoga: I’m a big fan of the orange jelly here since they use a lot of pulp for it, but…

Kintarou: Mm? Is this the orange jelly you’re talking about, Koshimae’s big bro?

Ryoga: Ah, yeah, it is! Wait, so you…

Kintarou: I took the last one.

Ryoga: So you did… Well, you grabbed it, so it’s yours.

Kintarou: Did you really wanna eat it that bad? In that case, you can have it big bro!

Ryoga: Huh? No, it’s yours…

Kintarou: It’s fine, I only grabbed it ‘cause I like the color orange.

Kintarou: But you like orange flavor, don’t you big bro? So you should eat it!

Ryoga: You’re… a good kid…

Ryoga: Okay, then let’s trade! I’ll give you my dessert for your jelly!

Kintarou: Whoa! But that’s that limited edition fruit platter!

Kintarou: You’ll really give that to me!?

Ryoga: Yeah, no sweat.

Ryoga: I’d much rather have the jelly since the platter doesn’t even have any oranges.

Kintarou: It’s a deal then! Thank you, Koshimae’s big bro! You’re a really nice guy!

Ryoma: How’d it come to this…?

Ryoga: Man, the orange jelly here really is the best!

Kintarou: And this fruit platter’s incredible! I can’t get enough of it!

Ryoma: Well… whatever…

[Improvement Level 5 - Episode 2]

Ryoga: Alrighty… Stuffed my face and now I think it’s time for a nap on the roof.

Jirou: Ah… hi there~.

Ryoga: Hi, were you gonna take a nap too?

Jirou: Welll… you said you were gonna go to the roof for a nap…

Jirou: But right now, a bunch of people who like dancing are up there… and they’re all dancing around…

Jirou: So it’s really noisy… It wouldn’t be the best place for a nap… *yawn*…

Ryoga: Ah, well that’s unfortunate.

Jirou: Nah, for realsies…

Jirou: I’m forced to wake up early every day at this training camp…

Jirou: So napping is ne“C”essary for me.

Ryoga: R-Right…

Ryoga: I like napping too, but I can’t imagine being constantly tired while I’m awake…

Jirou: Well it’s break time, so that means it’s okay to relax and sleep… *yawn*…

Jirou: Anyway, I’m gonna go find another spot to nap in…

Jirou: I wouldn’t bother going to the rooftop during lunch if I were you…

Ryoga: Got it. Thanks for the heads up.

Jirou: No biggie… Welp, I’ll be on my way… *yawn*…

Ryoga: Mmm…

Ryoga: Maybe it’d be better for me to look for a different napping spot too…

Ryoga: …But once I heard the word “dance”, my body just automatically started tingling.

Ryoga: Sooo… I think I’ll skip the napping for today and go do some dancing.

[Improvement Level 5 - Episode 3]

Byoudouin: Perish…!

*boom!*

Ryoga: Heh… You’ve got a ways to go.

*boom!*

—

Ryoma: Wow…

—

Byoudouin: You bastard…! How far will you go to follow me!?

*boom!*

Ryoga: I’ll follow you wherever till you throw in the towel!

*boom!*

—

Oni: Oh great… I thought I heard some racket…

Ryoma: It’s cool, isn’t it.

Oni: What’s so cool about them hitting “Destruction” shots back and forth?

Oni: Just look. The court’s getting destroyed because of them.

—

Byoudouin: Hmph!

*boom!*

Ryoga: Hah!

*boom!*

—

Oni: Jesus… Have some sympathy for the people who will have to clean up this mess.

Ryoma: You don’t really have room to talk, though.

Oni: What’d you just say?

Ryoma: Nothing.

Oni: Echizen… do you want to be like them?

Ryoma: Of course.

Oni: Hmph…

Oni: Well, it would be too reckless for you right now.

Oni: But… I guess it’s only a matter of time before you’re among their ranks.

Ryoma: Alright, then I’m gonna join in tomorrow.

Oni: Tch… Well aren’t you cocky.

—

Ryoga: Orah!

*boom!*

Byoudouin: Kuh…!?

Ryoga: Heh… Told you, didn’t I?

Ryoga: There’s a ways to go.

Byoudouin: Bastard…!

Ryoga: Hm? Oh, it’s Chibisuke!

Ryoga: Whatcha doin’ over there? Cheering me on?

Ryoga: You’re probably bored just watching us, huh? Wanna join in?

—

Ryoma: Or I’ll join in now.

Oni: …

[Improvement Level 6 - Episode 1]

Ochi: …May we sit here?

Ryoga: Mm? Sure, go ahead.

Mouri: Alright, thank you.

Ryoga: So, what do you want from me?

Mouri: Huh? Well, Tsuki-san wanted to sit here…

Ryoga: There’s other seats open.

Ryoga: You specifically came over here ‘cause you want something from me, isn’t that right?

Ochi: …The Red vs. White competition.

Ryoga: Yeah… That was pretty interesting, wasn’t it.

Mouri: Oh, yeah? We did panic a little since someone from somewhere had targeted us.

Ryoga: Wow, really?

Mouri: I thought it was random at first, but those chestnuts were definitely aimed at us.

Mouri: Right, Tsuki-san?

Ochi: …

Ryoga: Well, that’s not good.

Ochi: …It was you, wasn’t it. Ryoga Echizen.

Ryoga: Huh, what makes you say that?

Ochi: Cut the clueless act.

Ochi: The weight of those shots… It’s obvious that no middle schooler could’ve hit them.

Ochi: Therefore, that ultimately means they were hit by a high schooler.

Ryoga: Huh, it’s kind of irrational to accuse me just because of that, isn’t it?

Ochi: I have another reason.

Mouri: And what reason would that be, Tsuki-san…?

Ochi: I saw him smirking after it happened.

Mouri: Smirking… Right, now that you mention it!

Ochi: You enjoyed seeing our reactions, didn’t you? Ryoga Echizen.

Ryoga: Kakaka! You got me.

Mouri: What… this isn’t something to laugh over…

Mouri: Why did you do that?

Ryoga: Oh come on, you didn’t hear them say we weren’t allowed to go for the black balloons, did you?

Ryoga: Plus, it’s more fun when something unexpected happens, isn’t it?

Mouri: Uh no, and it wasn’t fun or anything like that, we—

Ochi: …Yes, you’re right.

Mouri: Wha—you’re agreeing with him, Tsuki-san!?

Ochi: Those shots had created a sense of tension amongst the high schoolers.

Ochi: It had showed us that we needed to pay attention to each of the attacks, not just the middle schoolers and eagles.

Mouri: Well, yeah, sure…

Ochi: I thought it was good practice.

Mouri: If you say so, Tsuki-san…

Ryoga: Heh… Well, I’d like to do it with just the high schoolers someday.

Ochi: Yes… That would be a good opportunity.

Mouri: Well, that… would be a lot to handle…

[Improvement Level 6 - Episode 2]

Ryoga: Ugh, man… There’s no way I’m going outside with this rain.

Ryoga: Well, I guess walking around in the camp isn’t so bad.

Ryoga: Hm? That’s…

—

Tokugawa: Hah… hah…

Ryoga: …

Tokugawa: Hah… whewww…

Ryoga: …

Tokugawa: …

Tokugawa: Um…

Ryoga: Mm?

Tokugawa: What are you doing?

Ryoga: Watching.

Tokugawa: What are you watching?

Ryoga: You training.

Tokugawa: For what purpose?

Ryoga: Because I have time to.

Tokugawa: …Is that not strange?

Ryoga: Is it?

Tokugawa: If you have all this free time, why don’t you train as well?

Ryoga: Because I don’t want to.

Ryoga: Besides, today’s an off day. And I don’t train on my off days.

Tokugawa: Then why are you here?

Ryoga: Because I was taking a walk and then saw you training.

Tokugawa: Are you toying with me?

Ryoga: Nope, just watching.

Tokugawa: …There’s other places you could go, are there not?

Ryoga: It’s raining outside. I don’t like rain.

Tokugawa: There’s other places indoors you could go, are there not?

Ryoga: Yeah, I guess.

Tokugawa: Then why don’t you go there?

Ryoga: Why do you want me to leave?

Tokugawa: You are toying with me, aren’t you?

Ryoga: What do you think?

Tokugawa: I’ll be blunt then. Leave.

Ryoga: Hey, hey, that really hurts. I’m actually a lot more delicate than I look, you know?

Tokugawa: If you were “delicate”, you wouldn’t have interrupted someone else’s training in that manner.

Ryoga: Wahaha, true.

Ryoga: Well, don’t worry about me, you can keep going.

Tokugawa: And I am telling you I’m unable to continue because you’re disrupting me…

Tokugawa: (Is this person really Echizen-kun’s older brother…)

Tokugawa: (I wonder what Echizen-kun thinks of him…?)

[Improvement Level 6 - Episode 3]

Ryoma: Hey.

Ryoga: Mm? Oh, you’re here Chibisuke?

Ryoma: You got free time? Then come practice with me.

Ryoga: Sorry, I’m busy right now.

Tokugawa: You told me you had time earlier, did you not?

Ryoga: Hey, don’t rat me out.

Tokugawa: I didn’t need to.

Ryoga: Oh, come on… You know I don’t train on my off days…

Ryoma: It’s not a problem if it’s training with me, right? You can just keep me company.

Ryoga: Hm… Well, that’s one way to go about it.

Ryoga: Oh alright, your kind older brother will help you out!

Tokugawa: Good grief… finally peace and quiet…

—

Ryoga: Hey, Chibisuke.

Ryoma: What?

Ryoga: What’d you do today?

Ryoma: Something better than dealing with you.

Ryoga: Oh? You weren’t bothering anyone, were you?

Ryoma: You talking about yourself?

Ryoga: Wahaha, did you see how annoyed Tokugawa looked?

Ryoma: So you knew what you were doing.

Ryoga: Well, the dude’s just a little too serious.

Ryoga: I think people like him need to ease up at least a little so they don’t self-destruct.

Ryoma: Why don’t you just tell him that then…!

Ryoga: Because that’s none of his business, m’kay~

Ryoga: Oop, there’s an opening!

Ryoma: …Ngh!!

Ryoma: …!!

Ryoma: Tch…

Ryoga: Heh… You’ve got a ways to go.

—

Ryoga: Alright, it should be stopping by now.

Ryoga: Mm? What’s this… the rain passed before I even realized.

Ryoma: Would seem so.

Ryoga: Huh… I can’t believe I…

Ryoga: (I was so absorbed in playing with Chibisuke that I didn’t even notice the rain had stopped…)

Ryoga: (I haven’t had this happen since I was a kid…)

Ryoga: …

Ryoma: Hey… What’s wrong?

Ryoma: Should I bail since you’re gonna keep spacing out?

Ryoga: You little…

Ryoga: You and that smart mouth of yours, that does it~!

Ryoma: Wh… What the…!?

Ryoga: Wahahaha! You’re my baby bro, but you sure are cocky!

Ryoma: Th… That huwwts, big bw—

Ryoga: Huh? What was that?

Ryoma: !! …I didn’t say anything.

Ryoga: Heh, yeah, sure you didn’t.

Ryoga: (I hate the rain, but… if I can have fun during it, maybe it’s not so bad once in a while.)

So, about that last part where Ryoga didn’t realize the rain had stopped and him saying he hadn’t experienced that since he was a child. There are some things to take from it:

It could possibly be in reference to him being able to spend time with Ryoma without being concerned over any outside factors. He was able to spend as much time with Ryoma as he wanted when they were children, but after he was taken and they eventually reunited at the camp, he has not been able to spend proper time with him or they get interrupted.

Rain is a very popular metaphor for sadness/bad memories (rain rhymes with pain). So in this context, it may symbolize that he was able to forget about his sadness from being able to spend time with Ryoma. Which he hasn’t been able to experience since he was a child due to them being separated.

Him saying he hates rain but is okay if he can have fun (with Ryoma). Again, this ties back to the rain metaphor, and it likely symbolizes he’s okay with experiencing sadness/bad memories as long as he can still make good memories and/or be with his brother.

[PROFILE]

Birthday: December 24th (Capricorn)

Blood Type: O

Birthplace: Los Angeles

Relatives: Father (Nanjirou Echizen), Mother (Rinko Echizen), Cousin (Nanako Meino), Cat (Karupin)

Father’s Occupation: Temple Priest (local)

Elementary School: Los Angeles Saint Youth Elementary School

Middle School: Seishun Academy Junior High School

Grade & Class: First Year | Class 1-2 | Seat 3

Club: Tennis Club - Regular

Committee: Library Committee

Strong Subjects: English, Chemistry

Weak Subjects: Science Experiments, Japanese

Frequently Visited Spot at School: Under the big tree behind the school building

World Cup Team: U-17 World Cup USA Representatives ➜ U-17 World Cup Japanese Representatives

Favorite Motto: “All or Nothing.”

Daily Routines: Playing with Karupin

Hobbies: Bathing with bath salts from Japan’s famous hot springs ➜ Clearing games he’s borrowed, watching cat videos [23.5]

Favorite Color: Silver

Favorite Music: J-Pop

Favorite Movie: Any kind of Hollywood film

Favorite Book: Monthly Pro Tennis ➜ TENNIS LIFE (an American tennis magazine) [23.5]

Favorite Food: Grilled fish (with little bones), chawanmushi, local confections [23.5], shrimp senbei (plum and kimchi flavor) [removed]

Favorite Anniversary: Any day he can play tennis

Preferred Type: A girl that looks good with a ponytail

Ideal Date Spot: Santa Montica Third Street Promenade ➜ Santa Monica Pier Pacific Park [23.5]

His Gift for a Special Person: “Just tell me what you want.”

Where He Wants to Travel: A snow-view hot spring

Thing He Wants Most Right Now: Nintendo DS ➜ Nintendo 3DS [10.5 II] ➜ A smart watch [23.5]

Dislikes: Waking up early, cleaning the temple floors [removed], paparazzi [23.5]

Skills Outside of Tennis: Animals take a liking to him for some reason, can cleanly peel fruit [23.5], horse-back riding(?) [TP]

Spends Allowance On: Fanta/Ponta

Routine During the World Cup: Soaking in an open-air bath

[DATA]

Height: 151cm ➜ 152.5cm [23.5]

Weight: 50kg ➜ 47kg [23.5]

Shoe Size: 24cm

Dominant Arm: Left

Vision: 1.5 Left & Right

Play Style: All-Rounder

Signature Moves: Twist Serve, Drive A, Drive B, Drive C, Drive D, Cool Drive, Selfless State, Pinnacle of Perfection, Samurai Drive, Hope [23.5]

Time He Wakes Up: 6:30am

Time He Goes to Sleep: 11:00pm

Number of Times Foreigners Come to Visit Him: 7.8 times a month

Favorite Brands:

Hats: FILA

Clothing: FILA

Racquet: BRIDGESTONE (DYNABEAM GRANDEA)

Shoes: FILA (Mark Philippoussis Mid)

Fitness Test Results:

Side Steps: 71

Shuttle Run: 119

Back Strength: 102kg

Grip Strength: 42.3kg (left)

Backbend: 59.5cm

Seated Forward Bend: 39cm

50m Run: 6.1 seconds

Standing Long Jump: 237cm

Handball Throw: 28m

Endurance Run (1500m): 4:46

Overall Rating: Speed: 4 / Power: 3 / Stamina: 4 / Mental: 5 / Technique: 5 / Total: 21

Kurobe Memo: “Even though many areas already have a high degree of perfection, I suspect it’s highly likely he’ll continue to grow and improve. I would like to see him work on building his body without sacrificing balance.” [RB]

[POSSESSIONS]

What’s in His Bedroom [10.5]:

Trophies from past competitions // They’re randomly placed since he doesn’t really care for them

Alarm clock on his bed // The alarm doesn’t necessarily wake him up…

TV and game consoles // He has several types of game consoles but keeps the one he uses the most (Nintendo 64) connected to the TV

Closet // Where his school uniforms are stored. His mother will put them away if they’re left out

His pajamas he’s left out // He’s always in a rush when he gets ready for school

Karupin’s favorite cat toy // A cat tail toy

What’s in His Bag [10.5]:

A beginner’s guide to doubles // He bought it after playing doubles with Momoshiro. He forgot it was in there

Notebook // His math notebook he forgot to take out

Photos of Karupin // He insists that he didn’t put them in there

Notepad // He’s written down emergency phone numbers since he’s always late

Pen case

Game Boy Advance // Bought for him as a starting school gift, he plays it during his free time

Senbei // He drinks Fanta/Ponta when eating senbei

What’s in His Locker at the U-17 Training Camp [10.5 II]

Game console // A PSP. He is absorbed in video games when he’s not playing tennis and has recently been playing a tennis game

Photo of Karupin // It’s one of his favorites

Fanta/Ponta // His favorite is grape flavor

Senbei // Having Fanta and senbei together is a must

[TRIVIA]

The Prince of Tennis 10.5 Fanbook | Release Date: 11/02/2001

Although he’s lived in the US, he still prefers Japanese food and isn’t fond of Western food

People tend to be aggravated by him due to his abrasive personality, but he means no ill-intent by it

He gained his arrogant and abrasive personality from growing up in the US

He will speak his mind regardless of how it sounds as he believes it’s a way of being kind

His first name is written in katakana rather than kanji. It’s alluded that it may be due to his mother being another nationality besides Japanese

Konomi had Ryoma wear a hat since he thought it was cool, and wanted people to associate his FILA hat with him

He is called “Shorty” by Kikumaru but does not mind it since he says height doesn’t matter in tennis

He likes grape-flavored Fanta/Ponta

He keeps everything he needs for school in his tennis bag, hence why he gets confused when some items are still in it

His personality is described as pessimistic, but shy and gentle and is always striving for improvement

Konomi originally did not intend for him to be the protagonist. The role was originally going to be given to Kintarou, with Ryoma being his rival. He initially thought Ryoma would be difficult to portray as a protagonist, be better as a sub character and that making him the protagonist would dampen the mood of the series. He eventually decided on Ryoma and built the other characters around him