The kiddo looks annoyed. Marui finds it cute. He serves again, pleased to see this one get returned, and with more power than Echizen had been showing so far. It's a clean, smart shot, too, perfectly aimed to the back corner again. This one he saves—only to find Echizen returning to the other back corner. It's a low, deep shot that makes him run the maximum distance to save, and doesn't give him the chance to go to the net. He's figured out his strategy nice and quick there, hasn't he? Smart. He really does intend to try and make him.

Marui answers with a soft lob this time to buy himself the time to get to the net. Sorry kid, it was a good idea...!

--And there goes another high-spin lob back to the corner, well over his head. Point to Echizen.

"Play seriously!" He protests.

"You're one to talk," a low, gravelly voice cut in from the sidelines. Marui immediately recognizes it as Niou's. Echizen shoots a grumpy stare at the dark amusement focused on him. For a moment, there's a real tension in the air coming from him.

"I know your secret," is all Niou adds, then turns and goes back to his own practicing. Well, well, well. Sounds like Echizen is holding back a few tricks of his own. Honestly, Marui would have been disappointed if he weren't.

"That's a good spirit," Marui grants him. Yukimura would approve; Echizen is proud. He cares about proving his strength, and he has good skill and tennis strategy. He believes in playing hard and playing to win. Yanagi doesn't seem pleased about Akaya's encouragement, but Marui likes his thinking.

"All right. We're not allowed to take the weights off, but if you want a serious match, I'll deliver. Don't cry when you lose."