Clawed & Flawed: A Nekoma Story

Chapter 3

Saturday – 6 P. M.

Nekoma won the last set against Kazuya. And with that, the practice match had been concluded for the day. They managed to secure eight out of the ten sets they played. The players lined up on each side of the court and bowed.

"Thank you for the game!" they exclaimed.

The coaches shook hands as their respective students cleaned up the gym. The host team was responsible for storing the balls and net, and the guest team moped and collected the bibs. The stranger who had been watching the match from the second-floor balcony decided to join Coach Nekomata on the bench.

"I know that you think that their forms could've been better, but that's exactly why you're here," the man in the red ensemble scanned the scenery of the gym.

"No, I think they have the potential to go to Nationals this year. They are fast learners. Here, have a look at the notes I made," the observer handed the tablet.

"Hahaha... As expected, you are as observant as always," he smiled before smacking the rookie on the back with full strength.

"Agh! What was that for? Don't put a full force serve on my back, you old man," the receiver dry heaved.

Kuroo walked in on Tora spying on the conversation between the unlikely pair in the storage room as he was about to store the net.

"What are you looking at?" he whispered into the junior's ear.

"Ah!" the mohawked wing spiker jumped. "Don't creep up on me like that."

"Sorry. So, why are you stalking them like a pervert? What am I missing?"

"U-uhm, I don't really like that new kid. I mean, I know that it was my fault that he got hit by that ball, but he really has no rights to talk to our coach like that. What kind of player is he exactly anyway? I bet he can't even do an underhand serve."

"Hahaha... Talk about going on a rant."

"S-sorry, that's just what I think. How about you, captain? What do you think of him?"

"Hmm... What do I think?" he put his hand to his chin before grinning widely. "I don't really know myself."

"Eh?"

"But whatever type of player he is, it's my duty to maintain the balance of this team. Once I'm gone, someone else would have to deal with his antics. So, I think I need to tame him first. I really think that we can make it to the nationals as a team this year... That includes him."

"Wow, Kuroo-san. You can really sound charismatic sometimes," the junior's eyes twinkled with admiration.

"He doesn't actually know what to do about it though," Kenma mumbled as he passed by.

"Kenma, you pudding head! You better practice on your stamina too," the senior scolded.

"Whatever, I'm going home early today."

"I need to help my sister and mom, sorry Kuroo-san," Tora followed Kenma out.

Kuroo sighed and muttered to himself, "I guess I will be practicing alone tonight."

Their guests had finally left after helping out with the clearing the nets and balls as well as mopping the floor. They had intentionally left one net untouched for the captain's extra practice. Most of the Nekoma members had packed up and got changed in the club room; leaving the captain, the coach, and the stranger in the gym.

"Bye. See you on Monday, Kuroo-san."

"See you, captain."

"Bye coach. Thank you for today."

They shut the gym door to prevent the cold night air in. The coach stood up and showed the tablet to the captain. His eyes widened as he scrolled through the document.

"T-this... This is the analysis of our game and practice. It even has comments on what we need to improve on and the opponents' strengths and weaknesses. Everything is written in such great detail. You did this?" he shifted his gaze at the newbie.

'Although he named the players based on their numbers and gave us weird nicknames based on our personality and appearance. Can this be considered as bullying? He even had time to doodle our faces,' the tall middle blocker tried to hide his smile and the sense of bewilderment.

"Yeah, I figured I might as well do something useful while I'm here," the student averted eye contact and hid their face under the black cap.

"I want you to be the first to know and welcome the newest member of the Nekoma Volleyball Club, Shiro Nekomata," the old man smiled and extended his hand to the tall player's shoulder. "I'll leave you two to it. Lock up after you're done. Don't overwork yourself."

"Y-yes, coach."

'Huh? What did I just hear?' Kuroo's eyes trembled before shooting an intense gaze at his companion.

The man left the two students in the gym as the atmosphere fell silent. It was one of the rare occasions where Kuroo was tongue tied by a situation; unable to do or say anything, moreless react to the revelation. He looked down at the quiet member and opened his mouth.

"So, the family member that you were supposed to keep an eye on is..."

"Yeah, my grandpa."

Kuroo hit his junior on the head, "That's an even worse case to treat him like that, you brat!"

"Ow! That hurt," they rubbed their head. "I already said I'm sorry, okay? I'll try better. It's not like he showers me with hugs and kisses anyway. He likes to start an argument with me too. I'm not used to interacting with people like this. You people are weird."

"I guess he can be eccentric at times. I'm a good senpai after all."

"Eccentric. Sheesh..." the shorter of the two scoffed.

"You have a problem?" he put a hand on his hip.

The student shook their head and looked down; hiding their face under the shadow of the cap once more.

"Shiro-kun, I don't particularly care that the coach is your grandpa. So, let me just get this off my chest. Unlike your appearance, your name doesn't suit your personality." he expressed it condescendingly.

< Shiro means "White" in Japanese. It is also more commonly used when naming a pet. Kuroo is referring to Shiro as a white puppy >

"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess your personality is the perfect embodiment of your name. Now, can we just move on from the subject? What do you think of the report?"

< Kuroo means "Black" in Japanese >

"Hahaha... Okay, okay. I didn't think I would get such a feisty member this year. Lev was much more tamed even though he could be an eager ball of energy sometimes," he wiped away a tear from laughing too hard. "The data you collected, and the suggestions were impeccable. I can see the meticulous work you put into it. You do have his eyes."

< Lev means "Lion" in Russian >

"But?"

"But we are not superhumans. Me and the team alike. Don't expect such a speedy change. It is true that most of the members have so much to improve on, but we can't force it upon them to achieve it in such a short time."

"Understandable, I will make a thorough training plan suited for each of them. It should help us achieve them in a more realistic way. I'll have it done by Monday. Is that acceptable?"

'Acceptable? Is he a robot? Who raised this monster?' he thought but decided to keep it to himself this time.

"Yes, that's more than perfect. With our assistant coach out of the picture, your contribution is very much appreciated. So, I take it that you will be our new manager? You really didn't have any intention of playing from the start, did you?" the captain confronted.

"Yeah. As I've suspected, you are the aloof but cunning type. I will give my best to support everyone from outside of the court."

'Cunning? This boy really has no filter. He's even worse than Bokuto and Akaashi' he grumbled internally.