Cross-Court Connections【 Echizen Ryoma 】

04.0 Trial on Court Pt. 1

The following morning, Asuka's determination to pursue her badminton aspirations surged within her. Despite warnings from others that freshmen were prohibited from participating in ranking matches, she resolved to defy the odds and sign up.

Ryoma's resolute words from their previous encounter echoed in her mind, infusing her with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. Inspired by his unwavering commitment to overcoming challenges, Asuka embraced the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and strive for excellence.

And so, during the morning practice session, she boldly wrote her name on the registration sheet. 

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the figure of the very same senior who warned her the day before; her red hair just as vibrant as it was the day before. This time, she was sporting a Seigaku jersey.

"You again," Satou Homura growled.

"Good morning, senpai," Asuka responded politely, offering a respectful bow.

"Are you deaf or just incapable of understanding basic Japanese?" the redhead asked sarcastically, completely ignoring her greetings.

Her voice grew increasingly loud with each word and thus drawing the attention of the surrounding crowd; including Mio, who was anxiously watching.

Undeterred by the mounting attention, Asuka remained composed. She believed in the righteousness of her cause. The notion that freshmen were denied the chance to prove themselves as regular members struck her as fundamentally unfair. With a calm demeanor, she challenged the senior's authority.

"Don't worry. I heard you loud and clear," Asuka replied calmly.

"Then what are you doing, disregarding a senpai's advice?" Satou demanded.

"I just think the rule you have here is ridiculous," Asuka expressed defiantly.

"What did you say?" Satou questioned, her eyes flashing with anger as she advanced toward Asuka.

Asuka met Satou's glare head-on.

"You heard me," she declared, confronting her senior directly. "You're holding us freshmen back from showcasing our abilities, denying the team of potential talent. Why?"

As the tension escalated, Satou's frustration reached a boiling point. "Doesn't matter why!!" she roared explosively, "Rules are rules, and I'm about to show everyone here why they need to be obeyed!!" 

Determined to assert her dominance and uphold the club's regulations, she seized Asuka by the shirt collar and lifted her off the ground.

!!!!!

The suddenness of the action sent a ripple of shock through the crowd, who collectively gasped in disbelief.

Asuka's facade of composure barely concealed the tremble in her limbs and the flutter of fear in her chest. She fought to maintain her steely expression, but the tightening grip around her collar sent a shiver down her spine.

Her heart raced as she felt the taller girl's grip tighten around her collar. In a moment of panic, she glanced up, only to see Satou's fist clenched; poised to strike. Fear surged through her veins as she shut her eyes, bracing herself for the upcoming impact.

All of a sudden, a commanding voice sliced through the tension like a blade.

"That's enough." The voice resonated with authority, its timbre commanding attention and respect.

Satou froze, her fist hovering mid-air.

"Drop her, Satou." the voice continued, its tone unwavering.