The newspaper club made their way to the Robotics Club.
A faint mechanical hum filled the room. Half-assembled robots sat across the workbenches, their exposed wires dangling between metal frames. Tools clinked as club members worked, and the sharp smell of solder lingered in the air.
"You're one of the newest members, right? Tell me, how's the club been doing so far?"
Kanae asked, holding her pen above her notebook.
The boy straightened in his seat.
"R-right..."
"The Robotics Club has been fortunate to attract talented people with creativity and imagination. We have the trophies to prove it."
He gestured toward a glass case in the corner. Rows of golden trophies and plaques gleamed beneath the lights.
"Since the club was founded, we've reached the finals eighteen times and won eleven. Our rivals are persistent, and their robots are impressive, so winning hasn't been easy lately. Of course, we're already working on a new robot. It'll be ready for the next competition, and we'll take back our title!"
Wow, this club is actually pretty good.
Yuri glanced at Kanae.
Her eyes widened as Kanae bit her nails, her gaze fixed on the trophy case.
Why is she upset?
Yuri sighed.
Kanae lowered her hand and forced a smile.
"Congratulations to your club! Would it be alright if we came back for another interview? We'll be at the competition cheering you on, too."
"Say cheese!"
Airi raised her camera. The shutter clicked, capturing the boy's nervous grin.
"Sure thing! Thanks for the support," he said, waving at Kanae.
Airi lowered her camera with a satisfied smile. Yuri exhaled softly.
Looks like the Robotics Club is in the clear. At least she didn't unleash her wrath on them.
Their next stop was the baseball team.
"We don't have time for stupid interviews. We're preparing for the league, so if you'll excuse me," the captain said.
He turned and strode away without a second glance.
Kanae froze.
"Excuse me?! Did that jerk seriously just call our interviews stupid?!"
She clenched her notepad and stormed after the captain.
"Hey! Get back here! I'm not done talking to you!"
Yuri watched her go, a wry smile tugging at her lips.
"Well, there she goes again..."
Next, they approached the track team.
"I'm sorry, ladies," the track coach said, keeping his eyes on his stopwatch as it beeped.
"We're entering the most important stage of our training, and the athletes need to focus. The track meet is right around the corner. You can observe from over there, but I can't allow any interviews right now."
"That's okay. We'll come back later. Thank you for your time, sir."
Yuri bowed.
Their next destination was the Karate Club. As they approached the dojo, the sharp smack of fists striking pads rang through the air, followed by a chorus of forceful shouts.
"I'm sorry, but now isn't a good time," a flushed club member said from the doorway. His gi clung to his damp shoulders.
"You'll have to come back another day. Things are pretty heated in here."
"Okay, we'll come by tomorrow, then. Take care!"
Airi nodded before turning away.
Kanae let out a sharp breath through her nose.
"Seriously?! What's with all these clubs turning us down?!"
Rie flinched.
Oh no...That's our third rejection already.
"They probably remember what happened last year, thanks to a certain someone," Yuri said.
Kanae slowly turned toward her.
"Okay, then how many clubs do we have left?"
"Rie, which club should we visit next?"
Yuri asked.
Rie tightened her grip on her notebook.
"Um... the only club left is the basketball team."
Her eyes widened, and heat crept into her cheeks.
Wait... Isn't Katsuragi on the basketball team?!
"Alright! This one's gotta be good. Let's go!"
Kanae strode ahead.
"Okay, everyone, we're here!"
Kanae pushed open the gym doors with both hands.
Sneakers squeaked against the polished floor as basketballs thudded across the court. Players darted between one another, passing the ball and calling out plays.
Hayato dribbled the ball up the court, his sneakers squeaking against the polished wood.
Nanaho cupped her hands around her mouth.
"That's it, everyone! Keep moving! Tetsuo, cut to the corner! Takahiro, set a screen on the left and give him some room!"
"Got it!"
Takahiro sprinted into position and planted his feet, turning sideways.
Tetsuo slipped into the corner as Yukio caught the ball and drove toward the basket.
At the last second, Yukio leaped, twisting in midair before flicking a pass toward the corner.
Tetsuo caught it without breaking stride.
He rose and released the shot.
Swish!
"Nice work sticking with the play, everyone! And great shot, Tetsuo!" Hayato called.
Takahiro wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Man, I'm glad he's on our side. He's gonna make this season a whole lot easier for us."
I can't help but get excited for this season. Everything's finally coming together.
Nanaho chuckled to herself.
"Alright, let's run that play one more time!" she called.
"Alright, everyone! Back into formation! Let's run it again!" Yukio called.
"Right!"
The team quickly returned to their positions.
In the corner of the gym, Noboru and Shino continued passing the ball back and forth.
Seriously?! Why am I stuck playing catch with this amateur?!
Noboru gritted his teeth as the ball sailed toward him.
I should be out there on the court with everyone else! This is such a waste of my talent!
Damn you, Fukazawa! I know you stuck me over here on purpose because of what happened the other day. I'll never forgive you for making me sit in a corner and pass the ball around with this no-good—
THWACK!
The ball slammed straight into Noboru's face.
"OWW!"
He doubled over, clutching his nose as blood trickled between his fingers.
"Whoa! I'm sorry! Are you okay?!"
Shino rushed over to him.
"What the hell is your problem?!" Noboru snapped.
"I'm so sorry!" Shino cried, bowing repeatedly.
"It's called a CHEST PASS for a reason! Why'd you throw it at my face?! You absolute—!"
"That's enough, Takemoto!" Nanaho cut in sharply as she stepped toward them. "We both know you weren't paying attention, so quit taking it out on him! Maybe if you'd actually watched the ball, this wouldn't have happened!"
"I WAS paying attention!" Noboru shot back. I'm sick of wasting my time passing the ball to this loser! A pro player like me shouldn't even be stuck doing something this pathetic!"
"We've been over this for a week now," Nanaho said, crossing her arms. "You need to master the basics if you want to function on the court. And for the record, you're not gonna spend all day passing. You'll be dribbling and running drills, too."
"No way in hell am I dribbling again! I've been doing that for almost a week!"
"Yeah? And now you're working on your passing. That's called making progress."
Noboru froze, his mouth falling slightly open.
"But—"
"Passing is a huge part of the game. You need to learn how to make clean passes if you want to avoid turnovers and stop the other team from stealing the ball." Nanaho leaned closer, a smirk tugging at her lips. "So, unless you wanna spend the entire season warming the bench, I'd suggest you quit complaining and do as you're told."
Noboru's eyes widened.
"Fine... I'll stop complaining," he muttered, looking away with his jaw clenched.
"See? Now we're getting somewhere."
Nanaho patted him on the shoulder.
"Good afternoon, everyone! My, my. Looks like things are lively in here."
Kanae glanced around the gym.
Crap... She's back again this year.
Takahiro thought.
Nanaho turned toward her, her eyes widening before a smile spread across her face.
"Yamaoka?! What are you doing here? Wait a minute..." She narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me you're here to write an article about us!"
Kanae raised her notebook, tapping her pen against it.
"Would you mind if I borrowed a few of your players for a quick interview? I know you've got your hands full preparing for the tournament, but I promise I won't keep them long."
"Sure! Knock yourself out. I was just about to give them a five-minute break anyway!"
Nanaho gave her a cheerful thumbs-up.
COACH! HOW COULD YOU?!
Hayato, Takahiro, and Yukio thought.
Sorry, boys. You're on your own this time.
Nanaho's smile remained firmly in place, but a hint of irritation flickered in her eyes.
"All right, girls! Go ahead and interview whoever you want. As for me..." Her gaze settled on the Yukio. "I've got a little business to take care of."
Kanae approached Nanaho.
Takahiro pressed a fist against his mouth, barely containing his laughter.
"So much for being captain. You're on your own, buddy."
He whispered.
Yukio shook his head.
"Relax. I'm sure it'll be fine."
Hopefully...