𝚃𝙾𝙱𝙸𝙾'𝚂 𝙱𝚁𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁

Chapter 13*

"Alright," Coach Goro said, pacing back and forth, clipboard in hand. "For today's morning practice session, we'll be focusing purely on strength training."

"Strength training, Coach?"

"Yes, Arima, strength training! No ifs, ands, or buts."

He ignored the groans of objection from the team and continued talking. "No time for slacking off, gentlemen! We've got games to win and some of you could use some improvement on your performance. So, take what you need and on to the weight room you go."

He stood there, expecting his players to follow his instructions. But, nobody seemed to move. He sighed and folded his arms over his chest. "If you're the last one to make it there, you'll be penalized with 20 extra laps and 15 extra sit-up--"

As soon as those words left the coach's mouth, they all raced off in search of the weight room. "That's what I thought."

Once he was sure that he had what he needed with him, Coach Goro left the gym. On the way, he was joined by the faculty advisor and the two managers. Ms. Kurokami had helped them refill the water bottles and offered to help carry them.

"Are the boys all at the facility now?

"Yes! And they'll be in there for a while. Some of those boys could use a little more strength training to toughen them up."

Meanwhile, in the weight room...

"Whoa... It's a lot bigger than I thought..." one of the second-years said, looking around.

"More than a room... It's a facility."

Y/N turned to the doorway when he heard approaching footsteps. Multiple, at that, crossing out the possibility of it having been their coach. He was proven right when the doors opened. In stepped the Shiratorizawa team. Some, along with their coach and (faculty advisor) seemed surprised.

"Oh!" a certain (red-head) said, peeking out from beside another certain captain. "(Nickname)'s here~ What a surprise...!"

Ushiwaka and Y/N didn't have to exchange words. With one look, they understood each other. Satori looked between them. "Telepathy, huh?"

Shiratorizawa's coach then laughed. "Goro doesn't miss an opportunity, does he?"

Just then, another voice let out a hearty laugh. In stepped Matsubara's coach and the rest. "Well, well, if it isn't Irihata."

Both coaches shook hands. Though they were grinning from ear to ear, they were gripping each other's hand as if trying to crush it. "Always trying to be a step ahead, huh?"

"Well, I just can't let my guard down, can I?"

"It's perfectly fine to relax once in a while, Goro."

"No way in hell."

Eventually, they let go. They then led their teams to different sides of the facility and got started. Just then, Coach Goro caught the sound of the doors being opened quietly. He smirked, noticing it was one of his own players. It seemed as though they were trying to sneak over without being caught. Coach Goro played along until he reached the group.

"Fujiwara! Twenty laps and fifteen sit-ups extra!"

"Gah! Coach, why?!"

It was hard to get things done comfortably in the beginning because of the intense air and vibe that had formed over the entire room. However, after some time, both sides got absorbed in their own things. While some got started, Coach Goro was busy guiding the rest individually through their own specific regimen.

--

By the time lunch hour had come around, the majority of the Matsubara team was feeling the after-effects of earlier. Once F/N sat down, he sank down in his seat. "I hope we don't have afternoon practice after this..."