Clawed & Flawed: A Nekoma Story

Chapter 4

Saturday – 7 P. M.

"Are you really fine with staying back for my individual practice?" he handed the tablet back.

"No,I have no other choice."

'This kid! He gives off the impression that he's not fond of the sport and disregards people's opinion and feelings, but he still follows instructions without fail. Somehow, I'm more intrigued and impressed than offended,' Kuroo gritted his teeth as he walked over to the court to begin his practice.

"But I wouldn't mind doing an individual assessment on you either. I can collect more accurate data for the team as well," the teen sat back down on the bench. "Try to stabilize your jump serves, make it a reliable weapon."

"Heh, you don't have to tell me, kid. But do explain why you named me 'Pillow Senpai' in your file?"

"Hmm... You look like you can and will sleep anywhere. Maybe I was sleepy when I wrote that too."

Kuroo sighed, 'This kid is really unpredictably blunt. And how did he know that I was going to practice my jump serves?'

"Out. You've been hitting the ball out of bound three times out of ten. That's pretty concerning and almost unacceptable. What are you overthinking about?" the bystander commented.

'Damn it. There's really no escaping his watch, huh? I guess he is truly Coach's grandson. What a read of character.'

"You know, Tora will be very disappointed to hear that his dream of having a beautiful manager is crushed," Kuroo tried to change the subject.

"Unless that has anything to do with your performance, I suggest you stop veering from the subject matter," the new manager finally stood up, picked up five balls, and walked over to the other side of the net.

'This kid. You' re starting to creep me out with the accuracy of your conviction.'

"Here, try to aim your serves towards these five balls. Being tall compensates for the lack of the height of your jump. Focus on controlling the ball to hit the targets before increasing the power of each serve. Start with 70 percent."

"Aren't the targets too close to the line? Three of them are on the back and one on each side. How's that supposed to increase my accuracy? It'll just be easier to hit it out."

"Are you saying that you don't trust my judgement? I don't give suggestions just by looking at the players, but I also use my instinct. Oh well, if you really think that you can't hit those five then my bad. I guess you're merely a captain because of your height and age."

"Say what, you punk!" he threw the ball in the air.

Kuroo watched the ball spin in the air, ran up to it, arched his back, and swung his right hand.

Bam!

His hand made contact with the ball perfectly and it travelled straight at one of the balls at the back row. He landed on the floor and watched the ball bump the other as he regained composure.

Thump

The ball would have landed in the court before rolling away.

"See... What did I tell you? That could've been a no touch ace. The opponent would mostly likely call an out without even putting much effort into receiving it. But next time stick to 70 percent."

'That rebound could have hit me on the second floor. What was that about?' the manager gave a sigh of relief.

"Shiro, you asshole! That was one of the best jump serves I've ever done!" he pumped his fist to the air.