Hikigaya's Route to Senior High Is Not Normal, As Expected

End of Volume 1

Hikigaya's Route to Senior High Is Not Normal, As I Expected

"Just believe in yourself. Even if you don't, pretend that you do and, at some point, you will" – Venus Williams

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Hachiman's POV

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Hachiman sighed in relief and a bit of tenseness. He was tired, sweat rolling down his face.

It had been so long since he had last been pushed this much since Aoki had trained him for his first professional martial arts tournament. Sure, he didn't win, but the training Aoki gave him and the willing and improvements Hachiman made, in the eyes of Aoki, was marvelous progress in Hachiman's physical abilities.

Hachiman was just coming back from another physical torture, or sparring session with Manabu. The senior seeming very interested in having Hachiman spar with him.

Since midterm exams had ended, Manabu found now to be the appropriate time to actually get him to spar with them.

And again, sure Hachiman barely could keep up with Manabu, he was improving.

For Hachiman, it reminded him of Aoki, strangely enough. The main difference was that Manabu should have the personality of Aoki after he had lost everything, and because of Hachiman's own failure. It was strange to see the resemblance, yet differences between the two as Hachiman was forced to spar Manabu.

Hachiman checked his balance, seeing that he had around 850,000 private points. It was a lot, and he would continue to get more as time went on.

Some he got from the job, Manabu, Kakeru, and the likes, Hachiman had been able to take care of it all.

Plus, he now had a surplus in private points. Therefore, he had a decent and good stance at the moment. Sure, he majority of the class likely hated and had a negative view on Hachiman, but it was something he didn't care for.

Suzune and Kiyotaka seemed intrigued by him, but they never approached him, likely because they can rarely find him.

And the idiot trio, Hachiman nodded as he realized he did promise to play basketball with Sudou.

Considering this occurred right after Manabu's sparring session, Hachiman was already tired when Sudou had approached him.

Of course, Hachiman was bound by the deal, and so even when he was tired, he agreed, the next day.

Sudou was fine with that.

"Hey Hikigaya, I wanted to thank you again for the help." Sudou smiled. Hachiman didn't think much of it.

In the end, Sudou hadn't been able to get two 75 on any subjects, meaning Hachiman was not needing to be involved in the basketball team.

However, Sudou had gotten a relatively higher than usual average for someone like Sudou, and thus he agreed to play basketball with the athlete.

"No problem, I will play basketball with you tomorrow and the deal will be complete." Hachiman reassured Sudou who nodded.

"Yeah, a shame, but I will take what I can get." Sudou smiled. "Thanks again!" Sudou responded before he began to run out.

Hachiman just looked at him running off before he shrugged. He though very little about it.

Hachiman was completely tired from his sparring sessions from Manabu, who would always give him advice to improve his skills and current prowess.

"Your shoulders are too clenched. While it is admirable when blocking, when striking, keeping your shoulders relaxed will actually benefit you even if you get hit there." Manabu had explained to Hachiman who nodded.