"Going by the timing, once the National Tournament is over, that drunk Mifune will gather these middle schoolers, right?"
Horio figured that since the U-17 training camp was making an exception and allowing middle schoolers to join the tryouts after the National Tournament, he might be able to make contact with that drunk ahead of time.
"But how am I supposed to find him...? There's no way to get in touch with him..."
The thought of how he had no idea how to contact anyone from U-17 gave Horio a headache.
"Hey, Katsuro, Katsuo, that's enough for now. Let's go eat."
Out in the clearing, Katsuro and Katsuo had pushed their basic drills to their physical limits, so Horio called a timely halt.
When Horio said they could rest, the two, drenched in sweat, looked as if they'd been granted a pardon.
They stopped practicing at once and collapsed onto the ground, utterly exhausted.
"It's finally over. Even basic drills are this tiring. Horio must train even harder than we do on a regular basis."
"Yeah. We really can't compare to Horio."
Lying on the ground, the two gasped for breath and lamented their lack of talent, while also taking the opportunity to praise Horio.
Horio had already gotten to his feet. Seeing them like that, he found it both funny and exasperating.
Comparing themselves to the regulars would've been more realistic. Comparing themselves to him was just a pipe dream.
"Come on, don't keep lying there. Otherwise, your muscles will hurt so much tomorrow you won't be able to stand it."
At Horio's words, the two fought through their mental exhaustion and physical fatigue. After gathering their things, the three left the park.
"I'm stuffed. It feels so good to refuel after practice."
"Katsuro, honestly, eating that many