Cruel and Inhuman

"Okay, let's go put our things away first. We still have time later."

Although the magnificent architecture overwhelmed Oishi, the lack of time and physical exhaustion made it impossible for him to keep up.

To ensure everyone is in top condition for training this afternoon, even the most enchanting scenery has to be overlooked.

"Captain, I think I'll skip the training this afternoon. We're not familiar with the surrounding area, so I'd like to take a walk around."

If we find a place that can be used for training, then our trip will have been worthwhile.

In the restaurant, Horio had just gotten his food, sat down in front of Tezuka.

"No problem, there shouldn't be any danger here, just go ahead. We can discuss the training plan with Gan tonight."

Upon hearing Horio's words, Tezuka did not refuse. After all, he had spent some time with Horio in the forest and naturally understood Horio's thoughts.

So after a short lunch, Horio didn't go back to the dormitory to rest with the others, but went straight into the woods surrounding the manor.

Despite it being summer, the dense forest blocked out most of the sunlight, making it feel completely cool.

Walking through the woods where there were no obvious paths, Horio observed everything around him.

Listening to the sounds of the wind, birdsong, and stream around him, Horio unconsciously unleashed his nascent Genesis Domain.

A purple aura enveloped his entire body, and Horio closed his eyes, sensing everything around him.

Some time had passed since his last training session, and Horio, whose body had grown once again, felt that his Genesis Domain was becoming increasingly mature.

Perhaps after this special training, the Genesis Domain will be basically formed.

"An inexhaustible source of vitality—that is the most precious thing nature has left to humankind."

An hour later, the purple aura around Horio disappeared, and his tightly closed eyes opened.

As if he had made some new discovery in that hour, he opened his eyes and exclaimed.

After retracting his Genesis Domain, Horio began to move again, exploring his surroundings.

"Everyone's enthusiasm during this afternoon's training was significantly higher than at school. It seems this special training has gotten off to a good start."

After dinner, in Tezuka and Horio's room, Tezuka and Horio listened to Horio's report on the afternoon's training.

"This is to be expected; our purpose in coming here is to become stronger."

Horio, how did your afternoon scouting go? Were there any suitable training spots?

Tezuka was also present to supervise the afternoon training Tezuka and noticed the changes in everyone's performance.

Therefore, he was not surprised by everyone's training in the afternoon; what he was concerned about was Horio's progress that afternoon.

"Not bad, I found a few places where I can practice, and they're the kind of places where I can practice more specifically for myself."

I'll put together a detailed training plan when I get home tonight, so we can go straight to the mountains for tomorrow morning's run.

Hearing Horio's confident words, Tezuka and Miki were both pleased.

Last time, Horio only pointed out the direction to everyone, and afterwards, the overall strength of the Seigaku team increased significantly.

Although Horio was involved in the development of those training programs, the vast majority of them were based on personal data.

This time, Horio himself made the training plan, so Tezuka and Miki were both looking forward to it.

"Then I'll have to trouble you to go out alone during the day and make training plans at night."

"It's okay, I'm not doing this just for everyone."

Horio was used to hearing Tezuka's concern, after all, Tezuka was a very upright person.

After resolving the training plan issue, Horio left Tezuka's room.

Although I already had a training plan in mind, I still had to write it down.

This will take time, so Horio has to rush.

"After yesterday afternoon's training, everyone should have gotten used to it by now. Today's training will officially begin."

On the lawn of the manor, the sun had just risen when the Seigaku students had already gathered.

"The warm-up routine remains the same: Horio lead the way, and everyone will run into the mountains."

And so, the eleven regulars from Seigaku, along with Katsuro and Katsuo, ran into the mountains.

However, unlike in school, everyone is now close to nature.

Forest bathing brings them mental comfort, which is what truly constitutes aerobic exercise.

After going uphill for quite a while, the running group stopped at a small flat area.

"Alright, this is it. Today's training will take place here."

Horio turned around and addressed the crowd.

"What kind of special training can be done here? Isn't it just like school?"

Kikumaru was puzzled to see an empty space in front of him without any equipment or props.

"Yes, this is the place. Since Kikumaru- Senpai has spoken, you and Oishi- Senpai can practice first."

Kikumaru's act of sticking his neck out successfully dragged Oishi into the mess, and the Golden Pair became the first to undergo special training.

"Your training involves tying one of your hands together, and then the rest of us surround you."

During training, we will throw tennis balls at you randomly; your task is to dodge them perfectly.

"I thought it was something terrible. It doesn't sound too difficult, right, Oishi?"

Horio's words clearly didn't frighten Kikumaru, but Oishi's expression was somewhat strained.

Although the two had excellent teamwork, they would eventually have to tie one of their hands together.

This will not only reduce the level of teamwork, but also affect the coordination of movements.

"Since you're so confident, let's cut to the chase and get started."

Oh, and this training also has requirements for the person who loses the ball.

When they heard that only Oishi and Kikumaru were training, and that the others only needed to throw the ball, a few people secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Hearing Horio say that the person who conceded the goal also had a request, a bad feeling returned to him.

"Senpai Kaitou, you need to hit the ball 30 times in each round. If you don't meet the target, you'll be considered unqualified and need to practice more when you get back."

Kawamura- Senpai, when you throw, you need to wear a training wristband, add five lead weights to each hand, and throw fifty balls each round, but you don't have to hit them.

Fuji and Senpai, your requirement is that Ryoma each round you must keep running within the designated area and then look for opportunities to strike, hitting the target more than twenty times.

As for Senior Senpai, you can only throw thirty balls per round, but you need to achieve a hit rate of twenty balls.

After hearing Horio's words, everyone, including Tezuka, frowned.

"Oishi -Senpai and Kikumaru- Senpai, if you successfully dodge the ball less than 15 times and the number of rounds you are hit by the ball does not reach more than five by the end of today's training, you will also be considered to have failed."

For others, if they don't meet the requirements I just mentioned more than twenty times, they are considered to have failed, and those who fail will go back and practice more together.

Katsuro and Katsuo, you two are responsible for keeping an eye on Kaitou -Senpai and Kawamura- Senpai. As for Kan- Senpai, Tezuka-sensei is Captain Tezuka. As for Fuji- Senpai and Ryoma, I'll take care of them.

Katsuro and Katsuo, this is also training for you two. I'll be keeping an eye on you both. If you don't calculate correctly, you'll have to go back and practice more.