Hyotei's Empress - KNB x POT

6 - The Empress Trains

Kuroko looked down at the ground. "I... I no longer understand. There is a difference between the team then and the team now."

Tennis balls flew around the court as the girls practiced their swings, reaction time, and aim. Sayori watched over the group, tennis racket leaning on the fence beside her as she had her arms crossed. Standing beside her was a first year girl that had a notebook and pencil in her hands.

"Are you getting all this down, Sugita-chan?" Sayori questioned, glancing at the girl from the corner of her eye.

"Yes Akashi-senpai," the new manager of the team replied. She was a short girl, not even standing as high as 5 feet tall. She had curly dirty blonde hair and bangs that covered her impressive gray eyes.

Yes, the reason why she recruited this girl was for her impressive eyes. Those eyes that could see things others could not. Such a shame that a person with Hawk Eyes did not want to play tennis. It was a useful ability, better than the Eagle Eyes, but would never be stronger than Sayori's eyes.

How lucky of her to discover Sugita Mai's abilities so early on. Within a few years she could be one of the most desired managers for high school teams.

'Just like Satsuki-chan,' she mused to herself, eyes gleaming in pride. "Perfect. I will see to it that you continue to do these activities throughout the entire year. Understood?"

"I understand Akashi-senpai," Sugita answered, sounding monotone. "I will do my best."

"Good, because I only accept the best of the best," Sayori replied, staying true to her word as she did only accept the best on her, the Hyotei girls, new tennis team.

The regulars were as such:

Akashi Sayori, captain and singles player who could do doubles as well.

Asai Kyou, singles player two.

Suzuki Riri, singles player three.

Kokori Yuna, vice captain and doubles player.

Tashiro Naomi, doubles player.

Tsutsumi Tsukiko, doubles player.

Kuwahara Yoshie, doubles player.

Yanagi Ayaka, a singles reserve player.

This was the hand chosen team Sayori had created for the roster. It was a team that she had trust in to become the very best and be able to achieve her standards.

If they didn't meet her standards then... No, Sayori would be kind, she would give them two chances. If they fail her expectations then she would not be kind and let them prove themselves again.

They would be off the regulars line up and she would hand pick a new player to replace them.

"By the way, Akashi-senpai," Sugita spoke up, still sounding quiet. "Is it true we are going to have a training camp with the boys at Rikkai?"

"Yes, they want us to prepare for the District Preliminaries on April 27th," the redhead answered. "As much as I dislike practicing with other schools, I do not mind this time."

Sugita looked at her and wanted to question why, but did not. She had a general idea as to why Sayori was fine with practicing with Rikkai. 'Probably wants me to gather data and make a statement to the top girl's team.'

"Hyotei will prove themselves to be the best," Sayori stated. "No team shall defeat us, we will win. That is my order."

"Excuse me... Akashi-san," a boyish voice called out and the girl turned to see an unknown male. "The principal wants to have a word with you and Atobe-san..."