The newspaper club then made their way to the Robotics Club to conduct an interview.
"You're one of the newest members, right? Tell me, how has the club been doing so far?"
"The Robotics Club has been fortunate to receive great minds—individuals with creativity and imagination. We have the trophies to prove it. Since the club was founded, we've made it to the finals eighteen times and won eleven. Our rivals are quite persistent, and their robots are splendid, so winning hasn't been easy for us recently. Of course, the team is working on a new robot as we speak. It will be completed in time for the next competition, and we will take back our title," said the boy confidently.
"I see. The Robotics Club is quite amazing. Can we come back again for another interview? We'll also be at the competition cheering you on," said Kanae.
"Say cheese!" Airi chimed as she snapped a picture of the first-year student.
"Sure thing! Thanks for the support," he said with a bright smile, waving goodbye to Kanae.
"Looks like the Robotics Club is in the clear. She didn't cast her wrath upon them," Airi and Yuri thought to themselves with quiet relief.
The next club they visited was the baseball team. However, they weren't nearly as cooperative.
"We don't have time for any stupid interviews. We're preparing for the tournament, so if you'll excuse me," said the captain, his tone curt as he turned and walked away without so much as a glance.
"Did that bastard just call our club stupid? This won't be the last time he hears from me!" Kanae snapped, storming off, her footsteps sharp and furious.
After the baseball team, they approached the track team. The afternoon sun glared overhead as athletes sprinted across the field, sweat glistening on their foreheads.
"I'm sorry, ladies, but we've reached the most vital part of our training, and the athletes need to focus. The track meet is right around the corner. You girls can observe from over there, but I can't allow an interview right now," said the track coach, adjusting his stopwatch.
"That's okay. We'll come back later. Thank you for your time, sir," said Yuri.
"Yes, thank you," added Kanae, managing a restrained smile.
Their next destination was the Karate Club. The clamor of strikes and disciplined shouts echoed from the dojo.
"I'm sorry, but now isn't a good time. You'll have to come back another day. Things are quite heated in here," said a member, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Okay, we'll come by tomorrow then," Airi nodded.
"Damn, why are all the clubs turning down our interviews?" Kanae muttered with growing irritation.
"They probably already experienced it from a certain someone last year," Yuri said with a sly smirk.
"Okay, then how many clubs are left?" Kanae asked.
"Rie, which club should we visit next?" asked Yuri.
"Um… the last club left is the basketball team," Rie replied nervously.
"Wait… isn't Katsuragi on the basketball team? Now I'm definitely going to be a nervous wreck," Rie thought to herself, clutching her notepad a little tighter.
"Alright, this one should be good. Let's go," said Kanae with renewed determination.
Upon arriving at the basketball gym, Airi paused at the entrance. Delicate flowers lined the edge of the building, swaying gently in the breeze.
"These flowers are so beautiful… and the breeze feels so nice," she whispered to herself, closing her eyes to savor the moment. The scent of fresh grass and distant sweat drifted in the air.
"Okay, everyone, we're here," said Kanae, pushing open the gym doors with both hands.
A wave of sound hit them—sneakers squeaking, the rhythmic thud of the ball echoing off polished wood, coaches shouting, and the occasional slap of palm against skin as players clapped encouragement.
Inside, Hayato was dribbling quickly across the court, weaving past invisible defenders. Sweat shimmered on his forehead as he planted his foot and called out, "That's right! You guys, cut into space. Set a screen on the left to free up Tetsuo—Takahiro!"
"Right!" Takahiro shouted, springing into position and setting the screen.
Tetsuo moved fluidly, slipping into the corner just as Yukio received the pass and surged toward the basket. The gym filled with the squeal of sneakers and the holler of teammates.
At the last moment, Yukio rose up—then twisted in midair, flicking the ball to Tetsuo.
Without hesitation, Tetsuo launched the shot. The swish echoed, crisp and satisfying.
"Good work sticking with the play, everyone. And nice shot, Tetsuo. A perfect shot as usual! The opposing team will definitely be overwhelmed by this guy," Hayato said, breathing heavily.
"I'm honestly glad we have someone who can shoot three-pointers on our team. He's going to make things a whole lot easier for us," Takahiro thought, his eyes on Tetsuo.
"Tetsuo, having you on the team will truly make a difference. I can't thank you enough for joining us," Yukio said, clapping him on the shoulder.
"No, if anything, I should be the one thanking you," Tetsuo replied, his voice quiet but sincere.
"I can't help but feel excited for this season! I love how everything is coming together," Nanaho grinned. "Let's run that same play one more time."
"Alright, get back into formation and run it again," said Yukio. Everyone nodded and moved with purpose.
In the corner of the gym, Noboru and Shino passed the ball back and forth. The bounce of the ball was duller here, away from the energy of the main scrimmage.
"Damn, why am I stuck passing the ball to this amateur? I should be out there with everyone else on the court. This is so boring," Noboru thought, rolling his eyes as he lobbed the ball lazily.
"Damn you, Fukazawa. I know you did this on purpose because of what happened the other day. I will never forgive you for putting someone with my talent in the corner to play catch with this no-good ama—"
His thoughts shattered as the ball slammed into his face.
"OUCH!! What the hell is your problem?!" Noboru clutched his nose.
"I'm so sorry!" Shino cried, bowing deeply.
"It's called a chest pass for a reason! Why did you throw it at my face?! Why you—!"
"Cut that out, Takemoto! That's enough," said Nanaho sharply. "We both know you were spacing out, so quit blaming him. That's what you get for not paying attention."
"I was not spacing out! And what do you mean, 'I deserve it'?! I'm tired of passing the ball to this loser! A pro player like me shouldn't even be stuck here doing this!" Noboru snapped.
"We've been over this for a week now," Nanaho replied, arms crossed. "You need the basic fundamentals to function on the court. And for the record, you won't just be passing all day. You'll also be dribbling and possibly running drills."
"Oh no, I won't be dribbling that damn ball again! I've been doing that for almost a week now!"
"Well, you're passing now, which means you're making progress. Passing in a game is vital. I need you to pass well to prevent steals and turnovers. So, if you don't shut up and do what you're told, I'll bench you the entire season," Nanaho finished with a calm finality.
"Fine… I won't complain anymore," Noboru grumbled, looking away.
"See? That's a good start," Nanaho smiled lightly.
"Good afternoon, everyone. It's quite lively in here," Kanae announced, walking in with the others.
Nanaho turned. "Yamaoka… What brings you here? Wait—don't tell me. You're here to write something about us in your article, aren't you?"
"Well, yes. Would it be okay if I borrowed some of your players for a quick interview? I know you're busy preparing for the tournament, but I'd like to have a word with them," said Kanae.
"Sure, go right ahead. I was about to let them have a five-minute break anyway," Nanaho replied.
"Okay, girls, go ahead and interview whoever you want. I'll be speaking with the captain," said Kanae, her voice composed as she gestured for Airi, Yuri, and Rie to go on.