Chapter 14

## Chapter Chronology

**“Is It So Hard to Say Thank You?”** (ちゃんとありがとう言 (い) わんかい, *Chanto arigatou iwankai?*) is the fourteenth chapter of the *Kill Blue* manga series, written and illustrated by Tadatoshi Fujimaki.

## Summary

While on the field, Tenma's partner couldn't help but contemplate a common misconception. Many people assumed that Tenma didn't give his all because he enjoyed toying with his opponents, despite his frequent claims of dominating three sports leagues he was deeply committed to. In reality, Tenma's primary focus was on honing his own skills. He had a strong aversion to overwhelming his opponents to the point where they would concede defeat. Tenma had a tendency to lower his performance to match his opponents' abilities. He even went to the extent of creating rules for himself, limiting certain plays or restricting his movement. This self-imposed limitation was driven by his personal aspirations. Tenma's partner believed that his opponents should take pride in this approach as he could count on one hand the instances when he had seen Tenma unleash his full potential and play with the sole aim of winning.

With all fierce, Tenma switched to serious mode. He swiftly moved past the three defenders blocking his path. He easily got past Kito, then Shin, and finally, even Juzo had no chance to even attempt to block him due to Tenma's overwhelming speed. This resulted in Tenma's team scoring the first goal, taking the lead 1-0.

This impressive feat left the members of the Home Economics Club tense, while the spectators in the gym erupted in cheers. It marked the end of the first half of the match. The club members couldn't help but be amazed, particularly by how Tenma had won over the crowd with just a single play, giving off a superstar vibe. They observed their three players on the field and contemplated that three players might not be enough.

On the bench, where the players were resting, Juzo made a surprising request to take on Tenma directly. This request shocked Kito and others nearby, but Juzo reassured them, expressing his belief that they should trust him with this challenge.

The second half began with the initial cheers fading into confusion as Juzo decided to go head-to-head with Tenma. Tenma attempted to outmaneuver Juzo using his speed and ball-handling skills, aiming for the second goal. However, he quickly realized that he couldn't shake Juzo and became bewildered. Even his partner, who watched from nearby, was puzzled by how Juzo was able to hold his own against Tenma.

Noren, observing from the audience bench, couldn't help but notice the enjoyment on Juzo's face during the match. In their direct confrontation, Juzo openly admitted that he didn't have a specific plan; he simply hated losing, a mindset he had held onto since childhood. He explained that as he grew up (currently inhabiting his younger self's body while being an actual 39-year-old adult), he had stopped competing and lost excitement for most things. In his line of work, consistency had become the sole focus. However, this match with Tenma rekindled his passion, reminding him of the intensity and drive he had felt in the past. He thanked Tenma for reigniting those feelings.

In response to Juzo's words, Tenma couldn't help but point out that Juzo sounded like an adult, especially when he mentioned "back in the day." Juzo realized that he had gotten a bit carried away with his excitement. Nonetheless, Tenma simply brushed it off and agreed that he too felt the thrill, and that the game should be just like this. They continued exchanging the ball, igniting excitement in the audience as the two of them dominated the field.

Up until recently, Tenma's partner, who had been closely watching Tenma and Juzo, had observed that Juzo appeared to be putting in considerable effort to keep up with Tenma's pace. However, a shift occurred as Tenma began to hesitate, questioning whether Juzo had already anticipated his moves.

Shin, who was also observing the field as one of the players, noticed that Juzo had already analyzed Tenma's breathing. Whether in sports, everyday life, or even the criminal underworld, the fundamental principle of one-on-one combat remained the same: it was all about sensing the opponent's actions early enough to respond effectively.

As the ball soared through the air, the audience couldn't contain their excitement. Both Juzo and Tenma were preparing to kick it simultaneously. Tenma confidently asserted that he already had the game figured out. However, Juzo responded by emphasizing that they were not on equal footing and that he had already discerned Tenma's moves. This statement left Tenma perplexed. Juzo continued, suggesting that Tenma should refrain from mocking the Home Economics Club and instead reflect on their efforts. He stressed the importance of genuine appreciation, rather than mere half-hearted gestures. Juzo aimed his kick at the ball, sending it soaring away from Tenma.

## Quick References

### Chapter Notes

* Tenma's partner dispels the misconception that Tenma toys with opponents and explains his focus on personal skill development.
* Tenma scores the first goal with overwhelming speed, impressing spectators and making the Home Economics Club tense.
* Juzo requests to take on Tenma directly, surprising others but expressing confidence.
	+ In the second half, Juzo goes head-to-head with Tenma, leaving Tenma bewildered by Juzo's ability to keep up.
* Juzo openly admits his hatred of losing and how this match with Tenma has reignited his passion for competition.
* Tenma's partner observes Juzo putting in considerable effort and then notices Tenma's hesitation.
* Shin recognizes Juzo's ability to analyze Tenma's breathing, emphasizing the importance of sensing opponents' actions.
* Both Juzo and Tenma prepare to kick the ball simultaneously, with Juzo claiming to have discerned Tenma's moves.
	+ Juzo advises Tenma to refrain from mocking the Home Economics Club and emphasizes genuine appreciation over half-hearted gestures.

### Characters in Order of Appearance

**Ryohei**3rd Appearance
**Tenma Tendo**
**Juzo Ogami**
**Shin Kohazame**
**Kito**
**Noren Mitsuoka**
**Chisato Shiraishi**6th Appearance
**Baba**
**Takada**
**Ryo Shiraishi**
**Nishimura**
**Yamaoka**