I lost to Seigaku as well, don't you forget that. You won your match at Nationals against Tezuka. And yes, you underestimated Echizen, but didn't we all? Didn't I? You aren't a natural leader Genichirou, but what you did, standing up to the role, in my place, was awfully courageous. You could have made better decisions, but we were 14 and 15. No one makes perfect decisions at that age! Not even me, I'm afraid to say.

I'll always need you, Genichirou. You're my one of my best friends and oldest friends and ultimately, you're like my brother. You'll never be replaced in my heart either....Look at me, I'm crying now. I'm such a sap.

And I'm still assertive now....I should try to change that. New Years Resolution perhaps?