Did Oikawa Tooru want to join the national training camp?
Of course he did.
It wasn't so much about the training itself, he just couldn't stand the idea of losing to Ushijima Wakatoshi.
For years, having lost repeatedly to Shiratorizawa, Oikawa's performance had been overlooked by the national training camp scouts. But now that they'd made it to Nationals, unless the coaches were blind, they were bound to recognize his talent.
Unfortunately, the training camp had an age limit. Each year, only underclassmen were invited, third-year players never made the list.
When he heard the news, Oikawa, who had been trying to keep a straight face, could feel his composure starting to crack.
"Is the invitation mandatory?" It was Akashi Asuka who spoke up suddenly.
The question caught Sadayuki Mizoguchi off guard. "The national training camp invitation isn't exactly mandatory... but I mean, no one really turns it down…"
"Then turn it down for me."
"Alright, I'll, wait, what?"
Before Mizoguchi could finish, Asuka cut him off. At first, he replied instinctively, but then he froze as the words sank in.
"Huh??"
"Asuka, did you just say no? You're turning down the national youth training camp invitation?"
Mizoguchi's eyes widened in disbelief, and the others stared at Asuka like he'd grown another head.
"What's the problem? Is that not allowed?"
"N-no, that's not it at all! But this is the national training camp! Only the top young talents in the country get invited! Why would you reject that?"
"Why?" Asuka rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment.
"I guess... because it doesn't really mean anything to me."
Asuka had read up on the national training camp in the past. Typically, after the Spring Inter-High qualifiers, a select group of promising players would be invited to participate in a week-long joint training camp.
On the surface, it was promoted as an opportunity for elite players to learn from each other. In reality, it was more about prestige, a badge of honor more than anything else.
After all, the entire camp lasted just one week.
And to think any real growth could come from a week of training? That'd be a joke.
Sure, for rising stars with little exposure, the camp might broaden their horizons. But for Asuka, who had already faced most of the country's top players at Nationals, there was no one he hadn't seen. Anyone he hadn't played yet, he would face soon enough.
There was simply no need to waste an entire week on something so hollow.
The room fell silent.
Asuka's answer left Mizoguchi and the others completely speechless.
Many in Aoba Johsai's volleyball club had at least a basic understanding of the youth camp. Even if they hadn't experienced it themselves, they knew enough to grasp the purpose, it wasn't about training per se, but about talent scouting.
Still, who the hell turns it down?
Everyone knew it was the honor of being invited that mattered more than the camp itself.
"So... should I really send the rejection?" Even though it felt like a waste, Mizoguchi and Coach Irihata decided to respect Asuka's decision. Still, Mizoguchi couldn't help making one last attempt.
"You're sure you don't want to reconsider?"
Asuka shook his head.
"No need. Besides, I don't have the time. An old friend invited us to train with a professional team. I think that'll be much more meaningful."
"Huh? A professional team?"
The moment those words left Asuka's mouth, every player in the room immediately forgot about the training camp and turned to him with wide eyes.
"Seriously? Why would a professional team want to train with us?"
"Well, it's not exactly formal training. It just so happens that this is the off-season for pros. My friend's older brother plays for a V2 League team. During this break, he formed a temporary training group and was looking for solid sparring partners. I asked my friend to recommend Aoba Johsai."
The "old friend" Asuka mentioned was none other than Miki Oda from Karasuno.
Originally, this opportunity was meant for Karasuno, had they beaten Aoba Johsai and advanced to Nationals.
But they didn't.
Now, with Karasuno's third-years, Daichi Sawamura, Asahi Azumane, and Sugawara Koushi, retiring, the team no longer had the strength to be useful sparring partners for a pro team.
Besides, Karasuno would be focused on training their new lineup to replace the seniors.
So, rather than wasting a week sightseeing at some glorified camp, Asuka believed it would be far more beneficial for Aoba Johsai to experience what it was like to play against professionals.
"Whoa, seriously!?"
"We're really going to train with actual pro players?"
"Hell yeah, Asuka!"
"This is awesome. We're taking Nationals this year for sure!"
The moment Asuka confirmed the news, not just the players, but even Coach Irihata cracked a rare smile.
After all, there was still plenty of time before the Spring Nationals officially kicked off. If Aoba Johsai could spend that time training with professionals, they were bound to level up even further before the tournament.
Even Oikawa was raring to go. Sure, it was a V2 League team, not the top-tier V1, but still, these were professional athletes.
Maybe one day he'd surpass V2 players, but at the high school level, every V2 athlete was equivalent to the nation's best.
While the rest of the team was celebrating, Hajime Iwaizumi and Oikawa quietly approached Asuka.
"Thanks, Asuka," Iwaizumi said. "You gave up such a great opportunity for the sake of the team."
"Uhh… Iwaizumi-senpai, I think there's been a misunderstanding." Asuka blinked. "I really wasn't planning on going. Even if I went, it'd just be a bunch of guys I've already played against. There's no point in going all the way there for that. Honestly? Even a dog wouldn't want to go."
Oikawa, trying his best not to look disappointed despite very much wanting to go.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria