Where the Paths Take Me [COMPLETED]

Chapter 21 ~ Training Camp II ~

"You call that difficult?" Aomine boasted when they managed to run up and down the mountain before noon. The whole team was soaked with sweat. Droplets of sweat were rolling down there foreheads and dripping down their chins.

"I don't mean to be rude but, Aominecchi is kinda right.." Kise said between his pants.

"Are you alright, Tetsu-kun?" Momoi held out a towel to him. He has the weakest physical strength in the team so he was the one who felt tired the most.

"I'm alright. Thank you, Momoi-san.." Kuroko acctepted the towel from Momoi. She gave him a hug before continuing to hand out towel to the others.

"That was just a warm up," Souma said bluntly.

"Hah?" Both Aomine and Kise jawdropped.

"As I expected," Akashi said to himself as he wiped the sweat off his forehead .

"Mirai," Souma called and Megumi walked over to them with a few kids - probably in middle school - trailing behind her. They were carrying some weights.

"Next, you will be running up the mountain and back while wearing weights. Satsuki-san already calculated the proper weights to be worn by each individual," Megumi explained.

"That doesn't seem too bad," Aomine smirked.

"Careful with your words, Aomine-kun. The forest likes to drag those who brag into a void of darkness," Hokuto said from behind him in an eerie tone.

"Gah! Demon-sensei!" Aomine jumped from where he was standing.

"It's harder than it looks actually," Souma raised a challenging eyebrow at them.

"You will be using a different track from the one you used just now. Plus, you will have to catch me in order to pass," Megumi revealed, taking off her hoodie. She was already wearing a vest that was heavier than it looks.

"What?" Kise's eyes widened at the statement.

"I will give you all a head start then, I'll try to overtake and from that point, you have to catch me or reach the top and back before I do.." Megumi added some more explanation. "If you get left behind, the trail is marked with some tape so that it's easy to find."

"Put the weights on them, kids.." Souma ordered the kids that came with Megumi.

The team were all geared with weights on both their wrists and legs. Megumi was also given extra weight on those parts of her body. The weights were well designed to allow easy movements even while wearing them. That being said, it was still pretty hard to run in them.

"Is everyone ready?" Megumi asked when they were all geared up.

"Hai."

"Well then, let's begi-"

"Wait." Megumi looked at Aomine who interupted.

"What is it, Aomine-kun?"

"I know this is training and stuff but, you're making this harder on yourself, you know."

"What does that mean, Aominecchi?" Kise asked, looking back and fort from Megumi and Aomine.

"The head start. Why don't we give it to you instead of us?" Aomine smirked. He's been very boastful today. Maybe even more than usual.

"That is not for you alone to decide, Aomine.." Akashi cut in.

"It's alright, Akashi-kun. If you don't want the head start, then I will accept it."

The members all looked at each other questioningly. Momoi just observed the situation from the sidelines.

At last, Akashi gave a small sigh.