"Alright, let's begin our training session," I announced, preparing myself for what I knew would be an intense one-on-one workout.
Splash! Splash!
Two athletic figures plunged into the water in quick succession, immediately transforming the peaceful pool into a battlefield.
What followed was an intricate dance of competition: scrambling for position, intercepting passes, defensive maneuvers, and precision shooting attempts.
Sosuke Ginjo and Lisa Shiraishi became completely entangled in their aquatic combat, the intensity of their confrontation far exceeding anything the team had displayed during their earlier scrimmage.
During every one-on-one training session, I made sure never to underestimate her abilities, because I'd learned from experience that even the slightest moment of relaxation would give Lisa the opening she needed to exploit my weaknesses.
Simultaneously, I was carefully searching for vulnerabilities in every one of her defensive positions, because her movements were typically so airtight that only patient observation could reveal opportunities to drive straight toward the goal.
Water continuously splashed throughout the swimming pool as time gradually passed by, our competitive intensity never diminishing.
Soon it was six o'clock in the evening. For an early summer day, the sky remained bright and the temperature was still pleasantly warm.
We finally concluded our session and settled down together on the poolside benches, both of us breathing heavily from our exertions.
Lisa Shiraishi handed me a bottle of water with the thoughtful gesture of someone who understood the importance of proper hydration.
The evening breeze drifted gently across the pool area, as if wanting to share this small moment of contentment with anyone who happened to pass by.
"We have our practice match this weekend against Makino University. Are they considered a strong team?" I asked Lisa, who was sitting close enough that I could catch the subtle scent of chlorine and something uniquely her.
"Yes, they're a nationally recognized water polo powerhouse that has dominated the county championships for many consecutive years," she replied with a gravity that immediately caught my attention.
"Takagi Yuko—that's the name of the captain of Makino University's women's water polo club. She was the one who contacted me directly to arrange this practice match."
"She's incredibly strong, and I've been following her performance ever since I started getting serious about water polo."
"Her team hasn't lost a single official match since she entered university."
A rare expression of envy appeared in Lisa Shiraishi's eyes—something I'd never seen from her before.
The truth was, I had experience with many different sports and regularly attended various competitions. Football, basketball, baseball, track and field—after watching for even a short time, I could usually identify the standout performers.
Among all the athletes I'd observed, Lisa Shiraishi's performance was particularly outstanding, even without considering our personal relationship.
Her excellence was unquestionable and immediately apparent to any observer.
If someone as supremely talented as Lisa Shiraishi could feel genuine envy toward this Takagi Yuko, then our opponent must truly be extraordinary.
"Then you must have developed some kind of strategy to counter her abilities, right, Shiraishi-senpai?" I suggested, reading between the lines of her expression.
But Lisa simply shook her head with obvious helplessness.
"To be completely honest, I really haven't found any effective solution yet," she admitted with refreshing candor.
"Yuko Takagi genuinely impressed me. I think her abilities are sufficient to make us look completely outclassed."
Noticing my uncertain reaction, a weak smile appeared on her face as she continued her explanation.
"From what I understand, she started competitive swimming in elementary school. Not only is she exceptionally tall, but her speed is also phenomenal."
"She transitioned to water polo during junior high school. Because of her strong natural athletic talent combined with years of advanced swimming technique, she quickly distinguished herself in competition."
"So it seems that competing against a team she leads isn't something that can be handled simply through hard work and determination."
"Actually, I've been trying to think of various approaches, and I regularly attend her games to study her style. She noticed my presence, which led to her extending this invitation."
Lisa frowned in concentration, clearly lost in strategic thought.
"No wonder Shiraishi-senpai seemed extra motivated during today's training," I observed.
"But don't worry—no matter how strong our opponent might be, she's still just a college student. There's always going to be some way to deal with the situation. I'll help you analyze her weaknesses."
When Lisa heard me say this, her entire demeanor shifted and she broke into genuine laughter.
"You're absolutely right. I think I'm overthinking this. If I start worrying before the match even begins, I'll definitely lose without putting up a fight."
"With Ginjo-san supporting me, I feel like our chances just improved dramatically."
"That's the spirit! We're going to defeat her in this practice match. What undefeated record? Records exist to be broken," I declared with the kind of bravado that either inspires victory or spectacular failure.
"Yeah! Ginjo-san is absolutely right!"
Under my enthusiastic pep talk, Lisa finally regained her competitive spirit.
"Perhaps her excellent track record will make her overconfident and careless," I suggested, shifting into tactical analysis mode.
"People who've been winning for extended periods often develop arrogant attitudes. That could become our key breakthrough point."
After our initial excitement, I continued with calmer strategic analysis.
"You're completely right. Ginjo-san is really talented at this—you're acting more and more like a professional coach," Lisa observed with obvious appreciation.
She looked at me sitting beside her, taking in what she probably saw as the gentle, confident smile on my face that radiated positive energy.
I hope I look as composed as she thinks I do.
Every time I see him, I can't help but think that a guy like Ginjo would easily capture any girl's heart.
Wait—is she...?
Lisa Shiraishi began studying me more carefully, her gaze becoming noticeably more... thorough.
In addition to what she generously described as my charming looks, she was also apparently taking note of my athletic physique—the result of consistent training and natural genetics.
It was probably the first time she'd ever examined a man's body with such obvious interest.
Her eyes lingered on my broad shoulders and strong back, which I supposed gave off what she might consider a very masculine impression. My skin, kept healthy by regular swimming and exercise, apparently had an appealing elasticity.
Lisa Shiraishi seemed completely transfixed by something.
Oh. She's staring at my abs.
Why does Ginjo have such an ideal abdominal definition?
She couldn't seem to take her eyes off my well-defined core muscles.
That firmness looks like it would have incredible hardness...
Lisa's imagination was apparently beginning to wander into territory that had very little to do with water polo strategy.