Special Training

Three days later...

"That's all I wanted to say. Because of the strong requests from the Coach and the school, we were given seven days of special field training."

In an empty classroom, the regular members of Seigaku were having a meeting.

"It's said that the location is a private estate, but because the owner has left it vacant for a long time, they specially lent it to us for training."

So after practice today, everyone go back and pack your things. We're going to have a week of special training.

"Really!? That's great! Training at school every day is getting really boring."

"But are you sure it's okay? Training in an unfamiliar environment all of a sudden, especially in the wild."

After Coach Ryuzaki applied to the school, they finally received good news.

The Seigaku members were very happy to hear this, except for Oishi was the most worried about the team.

"No problem, although that place is close to the wilderness, it's very safe."

This special training session was designed to help everyone relax and get closer to nature, which is also beneficial for the training results.

Coach Ryuzaki clearly took these factors into consideration, which is why he specifically chose this location.

"Alright, now that things are settled, everyone should get ready."

I'll strive for maximum improvement in the coming week, and work hard for the National Tournament.

At this moment, Tezuka stepped forward, giving the others no time to hesitate.

Hearing that Tezuka, as the Captain, had said so, the company members had no choice but to obey.

"Thank you for your hard work. If there's anything that needs improvement or addition, please let me know."

After everyone else had left, Tezuka spoke to Kane.

Coach Ryuzaki has basically made all the arrangements, but we might need to bring a few more people to help us.

Although their rest and meal arrangements have been taken care of over there, we ourselves still need to be responsible for regular training.

"Well, let's bring those two first-years along too. I didn't expect Coach Ryuzaki to have taken care of everything in just a few days. I feel a little ashamed, considering she's still in the hospital."

"Yes, that's why we need to work even harder and not waste Coach Ryuzaki's good intentions."

"Great, I can breathe fresh air again."

On campus, the elected members, whose meeting had just ended, walked along the road.

Horio was delighted to learn that his idea could actually come true.

I didn't expect the school to actually agree. With so many clubs in the school, it's surprising that Coach Ryuzaki would specifically approve funding for one club. It seems like he put a lot of thought into it.

"The kid's right, I feel like I'm going to go crazy from being stuck at school every day."

"It's not that exaggerated, Eiji. Don't you always look energetic during training?"

Hearing Kikumaru's complaints, Oishi found it somewhat amusing.

"Hey Oishi, haven't you noticed that your training hasn't been as good as before lately?"

Lately, I feel like no matter how much I practice, something's missing.

"Now that you mention it, it's true... I also feel like my progress is getting slower and slower. I thought it was because the National Tournament is coming up soon, and I'm getting a little nervous."

Kikumaru's words resonated not only with Oishi, but also with Fuji.

"It seems we're all the same."

"I'm alright, but the thought of having to drink my Senpai's special beverage every day during training makes me feel weak."

Ryoma was following behind the group, brought up the dried juice again, and everyone's expression changed upon hearing this.

"Don't worry, Senior Senpai definitely won't be bringing out those weird drinks during this special training trip."

Hearing Horio's confident words, everyone's expressions improved, but Horio's next sentence made them change back to normal.

"However, the kind I used to drink regularly will definitely be available."

Except for Fuji, everyone else's faces darkened again when they heard Horio say those words.

"Satoshi, are you going out again? Why do you always go to such dangerous places?"

At the Horio family home, Horio's mother, who was tidying up his things, complained somewhat.

"Oh my god, this time I'm going with other Senpai, and it was specially arranged by the school, so there won't be any danger."

"Honestly, I spent the whole summer training and wasn't home at all, both the older and the younger ones."

Hearing that her mother couldn't get the upper hand with her, she turned her anger towards her brother.

"Oh, by the way, someone called you when you went out today. It seemed to be about a tennis match, and they wanted you to call back when you had time."

"Okay, okay, I'll let you know in advance next time we go out for training... Wait... Mom, what did you just say?"

Horio assumed his mother was still nagging him and replied without thinking.

However, Horio, a bit slow on the uptake, heard a phone call for him and his curiosity was piqued.

I told you I received a call today and I need you to call back when you have time.

However, the person sounded very serious, almost like a bureaucrat.

"Oh? Never mind then, they're probably just trying to scam me."

Hearing his mother say that, Horio thought the other person definitely wouldn't get along, so the person who was still waiting for Horio to call back never expected to be rejected for such a reason.

The next day, a group of students carrying large and small bags slowly gathered at the main gate of Seigaku.

"It's almost time, is everyone here?"

Tezuka checked the time and then turned his gaze to the others.

"Our special training this time is in a place closer to the south, because there are no people assigned to assist us with training there, so we specially added two first-year students."

As for the specific accommodations, someone will arrange them once we arrive. Let's set off now.

After giving everyone a few instructions, Tezuka led them onto the bus parked nearby.

Because Coach Ryuzaki was hospitalized and needed care, and Tomoka was asked by her parents to take care of her younger siblings, the only support staff this time were Katsuro and Katsuo.

Since Oishi's wrist has fully recovered, Momoshiro, who previously replaced Oishi in matches, is not on the special training roster.

So, the main team plus logistics personnel, a total of eleven people, began this field training.

"Alright, we've arrived. Everyone, please put your luggage away first, then head to the cafeteria for lunch. We'll officially begin training this afternoon."

Two hours later, Tezuka woke everyone up.

Because it was a rather long journey, everyone from Seigaku on the bus had fallen asleep.

"Wow, it's so beautiful! I never imagined there would be such a luxurious estate in the mountains."

"Really? And there's even a dedicated gym."

"It seems the school really went all out for this special training."

Everyone who got off the bus was stunned by the sight before them. Looking at the vast expanse of European-style buildings, it felt as if they had arrived in a foreign country.