"What?"
Next to Echizen Nanjiro.
A young boy wearing a baseball cap looked at his Old Man with some surprise.
"Rin-nii… left Seigaku!? What happened, Old Man? Isn't that the school you always talk about?"
He had amber eyes and dark green short hair, looking a bit childish, but his face already showed a unique arrogance and a hint of wildness.
At this moment, he was visibly annoyed and displeased, flailing his arms, trying to snatch Echizen Nanjiro's phone, but Echizen Nanjiro suppressed him with one hand.
—He was Echizen Ryoma!
However, at this time, Echizen Ryoma was only a little over ten years old!
"Old Man, let go of me! You stinky Old Man!!"
Echizen Ryoma pressed on, his expression urgent and annoyed.
Due to Matsuoka Rin's arrival, his childhood was largely filled with the figures of Matsuoka Rin and Echizen Ryoga.
In fact, Matsuoka Rin's talent was simply too immense.
He only needed to see any tennis technique once to learn it, and he could even extrapolate from it.
This made Echizen Ryoma somewhat unwilling.
But in his heart, he still secretly admired and looked up to this older brother who was only a year and a half older than him.
Therefore, at this moment, Echizen Ryoma was extremely concerned about Matsuoka Rin's situation!
Of course, part of the reason was that he also cared about Seigaku; after all, it was the Old Man's alma mater, and the beginning of the Old Man's legendary name!!
"You brat, what's the rush!"
Echizen Nanjiro shot Echizen Ryoma an irritated look, but his expression also became serious.
"Rin, don't worry about this Old Man, just tell me directly what happened!"
He understood Matsuoka Rin's character; since he had already agreed to him, something unexpected must have happened.
...
On the other side, Matsuoka Rin was silent for a moment, then slowly recounted the events.
From how Ryuzaki Sumire had suppressed first-year players and indulged older students over the years.
And this time, even though it was clear that Takei Kenji was more at fault, she still sided with him.
"I'm sorry, Old Man, I really can't stay at Seigaku anymore."
Matsuoka Rin finally said in a deep voice, "Now, I've already withdrawn from the club and transferred from Seigaku; there should be a result tomorrow."
He, of course, knew some of Echizen Nanjiro's hopes for him to go to Seigaku.
At this moment, Matsuoka Rin's feelings were truly a bit complex.
After all, the other party was his teacher!
If not for that, he wouldn't have agreed to go to Seigaku.
"So that's how it is..."
On the other end, after a long silence, Echizen Nanjiro's voice finally came through.
At this moment, the middle-aged man, who had always been full of vigor, actually showed a hint of daze and confusion.
So, after so many years of not returning to Japan, not returning to Seigaku, Seigaku… had already become like this!?
"I'm sorry, Rin, Seigaku disappointed you."
A moment later, a heavy sigh finally sounded: "When you initially hid your relationship with this Old Man and didn't let this Old Man directly recommend you to Seigaku, was it for this reason?"
Initially, after recommending Matsuoka Rin to Seigaku.
He had planned to send a signal to Ryuzaki Sumire, telling her that his only disciple was coming and to take good care of him.
But Matsuoka Rin adamantly refused, determined to see Seigaku for himself.
The reforms Matsuoka Rin had diligently pursued at Seigaku in the past month were also never mentioned to him; he likely wanted to see if Seigaku still had any chance.
But this last chance was still, ultimately, ruined by Ryuzaki Sumire!!
At this time, Echizen Nanjiro was truly filled with mixed emotions; he had never imagined that Matsuoka Rin would receive such treatment after going to Seigaku.
This left him confused, helpless, regretful, and most of all, angry!
Yes, it was anger!
Of course, this anger was not directed at Matsuoka Rin, but at himself and Seigaku!
With Matsuoka Rin's talent, he would definitely be valued anywhere, even becoming a core member!
But now, because of him, Matsuoka Rin joined Seigaku, and the result, the answer Seigaku gave him and Matsuoka Rin, was actually like this?
The coach and captain were unmoved, indulging older students and not valuing talented individuals.
And due to his request, Matsuoka Rin even encountered such things, which made him extremely angry!!
"Rin, say no more; as for the current Seigaku, if you've left, then you've left!"
Echizen Nanjiro's tone was decisive, without any hesitation or doubt: "Don't have any psychological burden; I just hope Ryuzaki Sumire won't regret it in the future!"
He wouldn't plead, nor would he want to make things difficult for Matsuoka Rin over such matters!
"Have you decided where you'll go next?"
"If you haven't, this Old Man here has other places… you could also go to Ryoga's place… Oh, about this matter…"
"Cough cough… That won't be necessary!!"
Matsuoka Rin raised an eyebrow and interrupted, "Don't worry, Teacher, I know."
"As for what's next, I also have some plans; if nothing unexpected happens, I will join Hyotei."
Matsuoka Rin said, his tone carrying some deliberation and determination.
In fact, he had initially planned to join Hyotei, because Hyotei surpassed other schools by a notch in terms of facilities, education, resources, and so on!
Of course, there was another reason, and that was…
Hyotei had been pestering him for a long time.
Yes, they had been pestering him for a long time!
The reason was simple.
He and a certain captain of the current Hyotei were childhood friends.
As soon as he learned that he was also going to Japan, he had already invited him to join Hyotei.
However, at that time, Matsuoka Rin had already promised Echizen Nanjiro first.
"Have you made up your mind? That's fine too…"
Echizen Nanjiro sighed with some emotion.
He hoped the Old Woman truly wouldn't regret it.
However, the possibility was very small.
After all, when she eventually realized what a genius she had missed, Ryuzaki Sumire would inevitably be filled with deep regret.
"Old Woman, you're so foolish!"
Although he felt emotional, Echizen Nanjiro had no intention of persuading Matsuoka Rin.
He was truly very angry!!
His own recognized disciple was treated this way; how could he not be angry?
Therefore, Echizen Nanjiro also decided not to give Ryuzaki Sumire any hints!
And he wouldn't feel any guilt.
His fame had boosted Seigaku and Ryuzaki Sumire's reputation.
Moreover, he had even pushed Matsuoka Rin towards Seigaku; it was simply Ryuzaki Sumire's own mistake!
Additionally…
"I can try to contact that old geezer."
Echizen Nanjiro sighed, that guy was getting off easy.
And…
"Ryoga will be very angry if he finds out, won't he…"
Echizen Nanjiro rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.