The Conniving Crow

Chapter 121: Let The Training Camp Begin

The dawn of the Miyagi district rookie training camp bathed Shiratorizawa Academy in a soft golden glow. (Y/n) arrived ahead of schedule, accompanied by her loyal companion Kenta. Their steps echoed in the quiet corridors as they navigated through the bustling activity, the sounds of morning practice serving as a backdrop to their journey.

The crisp morning air heightened the sense of excitement as (y/n) and Kenta made their way to the coaching offices. The academy's grandeur loomed large, but the prospect of contributing to the growth of Miyagi's young talents overshadowed any sense of intimidation. The symphony of bouncing volleyballs and dedicated conversations between players painted a vibrant picture of the training camp's commencement.

Having reached the coaching offices, (y/n) greeted the instructors with a warm smile, Kenta wagging his tail in cheerful harmony. The meeting that ensued delved into the intricate details of the upcoming training camp. Conversations about strategies, schedules, and mentorship possibilities set the stage for an enriching experience for both rookies and mentors. Kenta, ever the supportive companion, sat contentedly by (y/n)'s side, occasionally garnering pats from the coaches.

The blend of anticipation, dedication, and the rhythmic sound of bouncing volleyballs continued to shape the atmosphere. As (y/n) stepped back into the main hallways, Kenta by her side, she couldn't help but feel that these upcoming days held the potential to not only shape the futures of the young talents but also strengthen the bond between her and her ever-faithful canine companion.

As the roster of rookie players finally assembled, (y/n) scanned the crowd, and to her delight, she recognized many familiar faces from various schools. The sight of these budding talents, each with their unique strengths and aspirations, brought a genuine smile to her face. It was a moment of reunion and the promise of new connections.

In the midst of the forming groups, Kenta, ever the social pup, darted forward with a burst of energy. His target? None other than Kindaichi, whose leg received an unexpected canine assault. The tall teen, though initially surprised, soon found himself with a bundle of fur in his arms. Kenta's enthusiastic display of affection was met with a chuckle from his new companion, who couldn't help but be won over by the charming pup.

Kindaichi, now cradling Kenta, exchanged greetings with (y/n). "Looks like he missed me," he remarked, scratching behind Kenta's ears as the pup showered him with grateful kisses. The small, impromptu scene became a heartwarming spectacle, a prelude to the camaraderie that would unfold during the training camp.

As the players settled into a line, the air buzzed with a mix of excitement and determination. (Y/n) felt a sense of pride seeing the familiar faces interspersed with new ones. The promise of shared experiences, growth, and the exchange of volleyball wisdom lay ahead, and with Kenta at her side, she was ready to embark on this coaching adventure.

As Kenta continued his enthusiastic display of affection towards Kindaichi, with Kunimi sporting an exaggeratedly disgusted expression, the atmosphere took an unexpectedly amusing turn. Laughter bubbled up among them, creating a light-hearted ambiance at the training camp.

However, amidst the shared amusement, (y/n) found her attention drawn to an unexpected guest—Hinata. Despite not being officially invited, the vibrant orange-haired teen stood there, his enthusiasm undeterred. His mere presence injected an extra dose of energy into the gathering.

As the Johzenji coach remarked on Hinata's uninvited status, (y/n) couldn't help but marvel at the sheer joy radiating from him. His happiness was infectious, and even in a situation that might have seemed awkward, Hinata's unbridled excitement managed to transform it into something oddly charming.

Suppressing her laughter, (y/n) observed Hinata with a mix of amusement and curiosity. The dynamics of the group seemed to shift subtly, incorporating this unexpected element into the mix. The contrast between the planned structure of the camp and Hinata's spontaneous inclusion created an intriguing blend that hinted at the unpredictable yet spirited days that lay ahead.

In the midst of Hinata's earnest explanation for crashing the party, Tsukishima, the embodiment of exasperation, finally lost his temper. The gymnasium echoed with a tirade of Tsukishima's sharp retorts, each one punctuated by creative variations of "stupid idiot." It was a spectacle that, against all odds, succeeded in cracking the stony facade of Tsukishima's usual composure. As Tsukishima's outburst continued, (y/n) found herself caught in a fit of uncontrollable laughter, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Observing this spectacle, Kunimi couldn't resist a comment on Tsukishima's apparently limited vocabulary, a sly remark delivered with his trademark nonchalance. On the other hand, Kindaichi looked genuinely shocked at witnessing Tsukishima lose his temper, as if he had just witnessed a rare cosmic event. (Y/n), still chuckling, joined in their conversation, adding her two cents.

Amid the banter, she explained to them that, despite Tsukishima's usual cool demeanor, Hinata possessed a unique ability to unravel even the most composed individuals. It was a testament to Hinata's infectious energy and, perhaps, Tsukishima's thinly veiled exasperation at being constantly subjected to it. As the laughter gradually subsided, there lingered an air of camaraderie, solidifying the quirky dynamics of the group as they prepared to dive into the training camp's challenges.

The Johzenji coach, visibly concerned about the escalating situation, suggested calling Coach Ukai to report Hinata's unscheduled appearance. However, ever the mediator, (Y/n) intercepted the idea, assuring them that she would handle the situation with her brother. She reasoned that it might soften the blow if Keishin heard it from her first.

As she made the call, (Y/n) carefully explained the predicament to her brother, emphasizing the need for a touch of understanding. Keishin, in his typical calm yet stern demeanor, requested to speak directly to Hinata. The exchange that followed was far from what Hinata had anticipated. The phone became a conduit for a torrent of raised voices, as both Keishin and Takeda expressed their displeasure with Hinata's impulsive decision. The Johzenji coach, caught in the crossfire, wore an expression of genuine shock.

However, just as tension reached its peak, the Shiratorizawa coach, Washijo, unexpectedly joined the conversation. His suggestion that they could use an extra ball boy for the training camp injected a surprising twist. It was a lifeline for Hinata, a chance at redemption amid the storm of reprimands.

In the midst of the intense drama unfolding, Kindaichi, Goshiki, and Koganegawa, seemingly swept away by the emotional currents, spontaneously found themselves rallying fervently behind the spirited Hinata. The palpable energy they exuded created a captivating spectacle, infusing the atmosphere with a dynamic vibrancy that drew everyone's attention. (Y/n), an astute observer, couldn't help but be captivated by the infectious enthusiasm displayed by the trio, as they fervently supported their teammate.

As the chaotic phone call finally neared its end, Hinata, his spirit slightly crushed by the reprimands, took the opportunity to apologize to everyone present. In a light-hearted attempt to salvage the situation, he introduced himself as the newly appointed ball boy, injecting a touch of humor into an otherwise tense moment.