Cherry blossoms.
The Echizen household.
Formerly a devout Buddhist, Echizen Nanjirou had taken up the task of overseeing a private temple for a friend after retiring. He had comfortably settled into the place, where the deep tolls of the temple bell could often be heard.
Inside the main hall, several figures were seated. The most striking among them was Nanjirou himself, his hair tied up in a spiky ponytail, with a small boy around five or six years old standing beside him.
Across from them stood a beautiful woman holding a three-year-old child.
Echizen Rinko frowned slightly as she looked at the boy next to Nanjirou. "Nanjirou, is this...?"
Nanjirou ruffled the boy's hair, his expression somber. "Yeah. My trip was to bring him back. Rin... passed away from illness."
"According to Rin will, he wanted me to take the boy in. Old Man Rin health isn't great either, so he didn't object."
Rinko sighed deeply. "So Rin really didn't make it... Little one, what's your name?"
The boy answered in a childish voice, "I'm Yoru."
"Yoru?"
Hearing the name, Rinko visibly stiffened before glancing at Nanjirou.
Nanjirou didn't respond, only nodding slightly.
Seeing their reactions, Yoru fell into thought—far deeper than expected for a child his age.
Because Yoru was a reincarnator.
Just a few days ago, he had crossed over into this world. Before he could even figure out where he was, his father had passed away, and Echizen Nanjirou had appeared to complete the adoption process.
Seeing a younger version of Nanjirou, Yoru finally realized where he was—the world of The Prince of Tennis!
Also known as the world of killer tennis.
He didn't feel much grief over his father's death, having just arrived in this world. But according to Nanjirou, Yoru did have a mother—one who had abandoned them shortly after his birth. Where she went was still unknown.
As for how his father knew Nanjirou?
Yoru's father had been Nanjirou's manager during his pro tennis days. The two were close, which was why he entrusted Yoru to Nanjirou on his deathbed.
Seeing Yoru lost in thought, Nanjirou assumed he was still reeling from the loss. "Kid, from now on, we're your foster parents. And this is your little brother, Echizen Ryoma."
"Ryoma, say hello. Starting today, he's your older brother. Call him 'Yoru-nii'!"
The child in Rinko's arms hopped down and shyly muttered, "Yoru-nii, hello."
Messy green hair, the same sharp eyes as Nanjirou—this version of Ryoma was nothing like his brash, confident future self. Instead, he seemed reserved.
Rinko stood up and said gently, "Take Yoru to wash up first. I'll prepare his room."
After some bustling around, Yoru had his own room in the Echizen household.
Staring at the unfamiliar yet familiar Japanese-style room, he couldn't quite adjust yet.
He sat beneath the eaves.
A light rain fell, the gloomy sky pressing down oppressively.
Yoru was lost in thought.
Just days ago, he had been a young office worker celebrating a promotion.
Who would've thought that after passing out from overwork, he'd wake up in an anime world?
Not that he minded.
The Prince of Tennis was one of his favorite series.
Even with a busy job, he'd eagerly check for manga updates whenever possible.
But liking the series was one thing—actually being in it was another.
After a long silence, Yoru sighed. "Well, at least it's just Prince of Tennis. Could've been Attack on Titan or Naruto."
But what was he supposed to do in this world?
Play tennis?
He didn't think he had the talent. Back in his past life, he'd been hopeless at sports.
Tap, tap, tap—
Light footsteps approached.
Turning, he saw Ryoma peeking at him from around the corner.
Instinctively, Yoru called out, "Ryoma."
Hearing his name, Ryoma seemed less shy, cautiously stepping closer.
"Yoru-nii... do you know how to play tennis?"
"Hm?"
Meanwhile, in the main hall...
Nanjirou and Rinko sat facing each other.
After a long pause, Rinko finally spoke. "Does Ran know...?"
Nanjirou shook his head. "She does. When Rin said he was chasing after her, I thought he was joking. Never expected him to actually succeed. But..."
"I never thought she'd be so heartless. After giving birth to Yoru, she just... left to keep playing pro tennis. She won her Grand Slam three years ago, didn't she? Back then, Yoru was only two."
Rinko's expression darkened. "With her personality, this isn't surprising."
Silence fell over the hall again.
Neither spoke for a long time.
Their silence wasn't about the burden of raising another child.
Given their relationship with Yoru's father, they would've taken him in regardless.
Besides, Nanjirou was far from poor.
His prize money and endorsements from his pro days had left him financially set.
Frankly, Echizen Nanjirou was one of the wealthiest former athletes in Japan.
Eventually, Rinko asked, "What are your plans for Yoru?"
Nanjirou leaned back lazily. "What else? Teach the kid tennis. He's a little older than ideal, but not by much."
The ages of 3 to 7 were the golden years for building a foundation.
At that stage, kids developed motor skills through tennis while having fun with the sport.
It was also the period when everyone was naturally closest to the Samurai's Aura—making learning far more efficient.
"I'm curious if the kid's got any talent. His old man was a total klutz when it came to sports."
At that, Nanjirou smirked, as if remembering something amusing.
Though Yoru's father had managed pro athletes across tennis, basketball, and soccer, he himself was hopelessly unathletic—despite his love for tennis.
Nanjirou continued, "Even if he's got no talent, it's fine. He can just play for fun. Once he's grown, he can return to Daixia and inherit his dad's estate. A healthy, comfortable life—that's the least I can do for Rin."
Rinko nodded. "I'll prepare dinner. Comfort Yoru—his mood seems off."
Nanjirou shrugged. "He just lost his father. Of course he's not okay."
"But I'll get him into tennis. Nothing brings joy faster. He'll move on soon enough~"