The next morning at Sakura University, the campus seemed normal—quiet paths, the occasional chirping bird, and students rushing to class. But for the Worst Squad, today felt different. A new presence had arrived, one that immediately made their hearts race.
"They're here," Riku muttered, eyes narrowing.
Kai looked around nervously. "Who… who's here?"
From across the courtyard strutted the Elite Eagles, a squad of perfect, polished, ultra-competitive students. Their uniforms were pristine, their hair flawless, and their synchronized walking looked like something straight out of an anime opening sequence.
The leader, a tall boy with jet-black hair and piercing green eyes, smirked as he scanned the Worst Squad. "So… you call yourselves a team?" he said coolly. "This is going to be… interesting."
Mika crossed her arms, puffing up proudly. "Interesting? We're the Worst Squad! Chaos is our specialty!"
The Elite Eagles laughed—light, precise, slightly mocking—but their eyes were sharp. Sora whispered to Kai, "They're strong. Very strong. But maybe… we can learn from them."
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The Challenge
A notice appeared on the campus board: Inter-Squad Sports Challenge! Volleyball, relay races, and obstacle courses.
Mika turned to the Worst Squad. "It's time. Today, we show them what real teamwork looks like. And by 'real,' I mean… messy, chaotic, unstoppable teamwork!"
Kai swallowed nervously. "I don't even know if we can win…"
Riku slapped him on the back. "Win? We don't need to win. We just need to survive… and have fun!"
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Volleyball Disaster
The volleyball match began. The Elite Eagles moved like a well-oiled machine, spikes hitting with perfect timing, teamwork flawless. The Worst Squad… not so much.
Haru ran in the wrong direction.
Mika dove dramatically for a ball and landed in a puddle.
Kai tried to serve… and the ball ricocheted off Riku's head into the net.
Spectators gasped. Then laughed. And the Worst Squad laughed too.
"Nice try!" the Elite Eagles' leader said, smirking. "You're… entertaining."
Kai realized something. Losing didn't feel as bad when he had friends who laughed with him, not at him.
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Relay Chaos
Next was the relay race, an obstacle course with rope swings, wobbling bridges, and "lava pits" (aka red mats).
Riku tripped on the first swing, sending Kai flying.
Haru got stuck in the "lava pit," waving his arms like a trapped anime character.
Mika performed an over-the-top somersault, landing perfectly on her feet, only to knock over Kai mid-jump.
By the end, the Worst Squad finished last… again. But they were laughing so hard, even the Elite Eagles couldn't hide small smiles.
Sora patted Kai's shoulder. "Sometimes, it's not about the victory. It's about giving your all… and enjoying every second."
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Aftermath
After the challenge, the Elite Eagles approached them.
"You're… chaotic," the leader said. "But there's something impressive about your spirit. Don't lose it."
Mika grinned, pink hair glowing in the sunset. "Spirit? That's what we do best!"
Kai felt a surge of pride. For the first time, he understood that being different, messy, and imperfect didn't make him weak—it made their squad strong in its own unique way.
As the Worst Squad walked back to their clubhouse, laughing, sticky with sweat and mud, Kai whispered to himself, "I can do this. We can do this. Together."
And somewhere deep inside, he knew: the Rival Squad wasn't an enemy—they were just a challenge to make them even stronger.
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