The Sun and the Moon

Chapter 28

Dennis' POV

Never put a cat and a dog in the same cage

To win, you don't always need an entirely fresh strategy with complexities just because your previous plan didn't work out. All you need to do is tweak it.

That's what Sheldon and I did when we continued with the second round. By accumulating our observations of Spencer's and Obito's patterns - and adding in our skills, experiences and some helpful advice, we managed to turn the tables.

Maya gave a resounding slap on my back as congratulations while Jamie sighed. "I can't wait for this to be over. It's too suspenseful and exciting for my nerves."

"Aw, don't worry, Cuzzie dearie, we'll be done with this before you even know." I winked.

"Hopefully the third round goes as smoothly as possible." Neil said, passing me the water bottle.

"Yeah, hopefully, it won't be as intense as the Chunin exams arc." I nodded. For one second, I had felt like Rock Lee who was fighting up against Gaara.

Thankfully, Obito can't create sand but nor can I do taijutsu.

During the water break, all three coaches - Coach Midoriya, Coach Fred and that alpha-coach-whose-name-I-still-can't-get were looking through papers and discussing thoughtfully.

Harsh, Kiba, Angelina and the other house team captains were relaxing. Nearly half of the stands were empty since it was late afternoon.

Those who were staying were probably the participants' friends like us or people who were pretty much jobless.

Then Coach Fred cleared his throat. "Since I see everyone has taken their well-deserved break I feel we need to share something." All heads perked up. "Firstly, you guys have been showing great enthusiasm and energy up till now which must be appreciated. Secondly, no matter whether you guys get selected or not, remember, great things are never achieved by just one person, it's by a group of people. A team. Unless you prioritize group effort over individualism you cannot achieve it."

With that Mr. 'Alpha Coach' announced. "And now for the surprise we've all been waiting for." A nervous chuckle went through the crowd.

"For the third and final round, all participants will be divided into teams and will play against each other in a traditional basketball match!!"

Murmurs broke amongst the players. "So the first round was about dribbling, the second of offense and defense and the third is an all in one?" Maya summarized. "They'll test everything from your skills to your teamwork."

"True." Jamie agreed. "But they'll add in a twist."

As if on cue, Coach Midoriya began calling out the players of each team. Surprisingly, no team was differentiated on the basis of grade, house or gender. You could have a 7th grader Jaguar alpha in the same team as an Orca 6th grader omega.

"Goodness! I just hope you don't end up with a bunch of losers." Maya glanced at me.

"So do I." A female voice spoke.

I turned towards the source of the voice and broke into a grin. "Hey, Rin!" I felt guilty for forgetting Rin there but I was stuck in a tight spot a while ago.

"You and Sheldon too did well." She smiled.

"Thanks! You were great too."

By then Coach Midoriya started announcing the names. "The next team consists of Spencer, Akasha, Tenten, Sally and Shino. And the next one is Henry, Jessica, Obito, Rin and Dennis."