The Conniving Crow

Chapter 128: Making More Friends

In the midst of another invigorating training session at the rookie training camp, (y/n) found herself captivated by the infectious energy radiating from Hinata. Today, his enthusiasm seemed to soar to new heights, transcending the ordinary bounds of dedication. From the meticulous task of cleaning the well-trodden floors to the spirited pursuit of wayward volleyballs, Hinata's boundless energy infused the training grounds with an undeniable vibrancy.

As (y/n) observed from the sidelines, it became evident that Hinata's fervor extended beyond the confines of routine exercises. His every movement, marked by an unwavering determination, painted a vivid picture of a player wholly committed to honing his skills. The court wasn't merely a stage for practice; it was a canvas upon which Hinata splashed strokes of dedication, creating an inspiring masterpiece of relentless effort.

The gymnasium buzzed with the rhythmic cadence of athletic endeavors, and amidst the organized chaos, Hinata stood out like a beacon of unbridled passion. Whether engaging in the mundane act of sweeping or sprinting tirelessly after stray balls, he approached each task with an infectious zeal that inspired those around him. The very air seemed charged with the palpable energy he exuded, transforming an ordinary training day into a spectacle of unwavering commitment and boundless enthusiasm.

As the ball careened into the stands, propelled by an unexpectedly forceful spike, Hinata, ever the embodiment of agility, darted towards the airborne projectile with an instinctual grace. (Y/n), perched in the stands, couldn't help but marvel at Hinata's quick reflexes, a testament to his ceaseless dedication to the sport.

From her vantage point, (y/n) noticed Hinata's focused gaze directed not towards the soaring ball but toward the group of rookies on the court, with particular attention given to Kunimi. A pensive expression adorned Hinata's features, suggesting a deeper contemplation beyond the mere pursuit of the stray ball.

Intrigued, (y/n) speculated that Hinata might be recognizing Kunimi's strategic approach, his ability to reserve energy for crucial moments in a match. However, the disappointed furrow in Hinata's brow betrayed a different narrative, one that hinted at a misconception rather than an acknowledgment of Kunimi's efficiency. Unbeknownst to Hinata, Kunimi's deliberate pace wasn't a manifestation of laziness but a calculated strategy, a fact (y/n) keenly grasped.

The ripple effect of this observation extended beyond Hinata. Koganegawa, equally perplexed by Kunimi's measured approach, couldn't resist voicing his bewilderment, a spontaneous commentary on Kunimi's seemingly reserved style of play. The air crackled with a subtle tension as Koganegawa called for Kunimi to go "all out."

Caught in the crossfire of scrutiny, Kunimi's irritation manifested visibly, a fleeting yet perceptible disturbance in his normally composed demeanor. Kindaichi, his ever-watchful teammate, registered concern on his features, the dynamics of their trio undergoing a subtle shift.

Seizing the moment, (y/n) found amusement in the unfolding drama, a quiet chuckle escaping her lips. Kindaichi, sensing the need to reassure Koganegawa, stepped into the fray with a calm demeanor. "Kunimi knows how to pace himself," he explained, attempting to assuage Koganegawa's concerns. "You can count on him when it really matters."

Empowered by Kindaichi's endorsement, (y/n) decided to contribute her perspective, reminiscing about Kunimi's stellar performance in their past encounter during the preliminaries for nationals. "He might not show it in every moment, but Kunimi plays at his absolute best when the stakes are high," she remarked with a knowing smile.

The unexpected attention seemed to fluster Kunimi, his usually composed exterior momentarily shaken. Subtly distancing himself, he navigated the social currents with practiced ease, leaving behind a group now engrossed in conversation.

Meanwhile, Hinata, having absorbed the nuances of the exchange, made a mental note to further observe Kunimi. Intrigued by (y/n)'s insights, he enlisted Koganegawa as a companion in his quest to unravel the mystery behind Kunimi's playing style. The trio, now bound by a shared curiosity, ventured into the next phase of their training camp journey, leaving the echoes of conversation lingering in the air.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the training grounds, the time arrived for the eagerly anticipated 2-on-2 practices. Among the athletes, the towering figure of Hyakuzawa stood somewhat isolated, an unintentional outcast due to his struggles with the basics. An unspoken reluctance pervaded the air as no one seemed eager to pair up with him.

The matches unfolded with a mix of intensity and frustration. Hinata, ever the keen observer, focused on dissecting Kunimi's moves, deciphering the intricate dance of tactics that defined his playing style. Koganegawa, on the other hand, found himself ensnared in the web of Kunimi's strategic prowess, growing increasingly frustrated with each failed attempt to outmaneuver his opponent.

In the midst of the competitive fervor, a palpable dejection settled upon Hyakuzawa. Seizing the opportunity to uplift a fellow athlete, (y/n) approached him with a supportive smile, determined to break through the clouds of disappointment. Simultaneously, Hinata, recognizing the need for encouragement, extended a water bottle to Hyakuzawa.

The gentle gesture triggered a moment of vulnerability as Hyakuzawa expressed his belief that Hinata deserved the camp invitation more than he did. In response, Hinata dismissed the notion, adamantly asserting that both of them deserved to be there. (Y/n) added her voice to the chorus of reassurance, emphasizing that the training camp was Hyakuzawa's opportunity for growth.

Emboldened by the collective support and motivational words from Hinata and (y/n), Hyakuzawa's spirits lifted. A renewed determination gleamed in his eyes as he re-entered the fray with newfound confidence.

With (y/n) and Hinata's advice echoing in his mind, Hyakuzawa managed to score a point, a momentous achievement that filled him with pride. The triumphant athlete eagerly approached (y/n) and Hinata, exchanging high-fives as a tangible symbol of his accomplishment.

In the aftermath of Hyakuzawa's success, Hinata returned to his role as a silent spectator, once again fixated on Kunimi's movements. With the absence of an ongoing match, Koganegawa joined Hinata in his observation, their collective interest piqued by the enigmatic player on the court.

Noticing the lingering frustration etched on Kunimi's face, (y/n) decided to inject a playful note into the atmosphere. Sauntering over, she teased Kunimi about his apparent fanclub, a mischievous glint in her eye. Kindaichi, always attuned to the subtle dynamics, immediately joined in the banter, creating a lighthearted moment amidst the intensity of the training session.

As the day wound down, the final whistle signaled the end of the training session. A camaraderie forged through sweat and shared challenges lingered in the air as everyone pitched in to clean up the training grounds. Conversations buzzed with a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction, cementing the bonds formed during this eventful day of practice and camaraderie.