Clash of Strings and Rackets

Chapter 5: Unplanned Plans

The Seigaku tennis courts buzzed with murmurs as the team gathered around Tezuka, who stood stoic as ever. Beside him were Coach Ryuzaki and Inui, his ever-reliable data analyst. A serious air hung over the group, though Momoshiro and Kikumaru were already exchanging conspiratorial glances.

Tezuka adjusted his glasses. "Starting this Friday, we'll have a weekend training camp. Pack light. No equipment—just your shoes and tracksuits."

A ripple of groans and whispers spread through the team. Momoshiro immediately raised his hand with an exaggerated sigh.

"Uh, Captain," he began, his voice a perfect mix of innocence and feigned regret. "I just remembered—I promised my grandma I'd help her clean out the attic this weekend. She's been complaining about the dust triggering her allergies."

Kikumaru chimed in, trying to bolster the excuse. "Yeah, and I promised to help Momo's grandma too! You know, teamwork, right? We're a team on and off the court!"

Tezuka's expression remained unreadable. He turned his gaze toward Inui, who was already scribbling in his notebook.

"Momoshiro's grandmother lives in an apartment," Inui announced, his monotone voice betraying no humour. "And based on the recent weather patterns, it's unlikely there's any significant dust accumulation in such a space."

Momoshiro gawked. "How do you even know that?!"

"Data never lies," Inui said, adjusting his glasses.

Before Momo could argue further, Tezuka cut him off. "The training camp is mandatory. No excuses."

Kikumaru attempted a last-ditch effort. "But Captain, I think I'm coming down with something!" He coughed dramatically, clutching his throat. "I feel a fever coming on..."

Tezuka's gaze didn't waver. "Then you'll have plenty of time to rest in between the activities."

Kikumaru slumped in defeat.

Meanwhile, Fuji, his ever-calm demeanour intact, raised a hand. "I was planning to practice on my own this weekend. Some techniques I wanted to refine."

Riyoma, standing beside him, smirked. "Same here. Practice plans."

Tezuka's gaze hardened. "Then you'll have the perfect opportunity to refine your techniques during the camp. Both of you will attend."

Fuji's smile widened slightly, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Understood."

Before anyone else could complain, Coach Ryuzaki stepped forward. "Enough, everyone. This is your captain's decision, and you will follow it. No one is excused."

The team collectively groaned but knew there was no use arguing further. Momoshiro muttered under his breath to Kikumaru, "Guess we're stuck."

Kikumaru nodded gloomily. "Grandma's gonna have to clean her attic."

At the music room...

Ritsu sat quietly at her drum kit, staring at her sticks with an uncharacteristically serious expression. She had spent the past week focusing harder than ever, but something felt off. Each beat she played sounded rigid, almost mechanical. The joy she once felt while drumming seemed to have evaporated.

Nearby, Azusa glanced at her friend, guilt tugging at her. Ever since her outburst, Ritsu had taken her words to heart—but not in the way Azusa had hoped. The energy and spontaneity Ritsu brought to their band were gone, replaced by a strained sense of discipline that was dragging the music down.

Later that afternoon, Azusa approached their teacher, Ms. Hoshino, the band's in-charge. "Sensei, I'm worried about Ritsu. I think I was too harsh on her the other day. She's been so serious since then... but it's not working. Her drumming doesn't feel fun anymore."

Ms. Hoshino nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Ritsu has always been a free spirit. It's what makes her such a great drummer. Discipline is important, Azusa, but sometimes, the best leaders are the ones who know how to inspire rather than control."

Azusa frowned. "I just wanted her to focus more... but now she seems lost in thought all the time. Did I ruin her confidence?"

"No," Ms. Hoshino said gently. "But you may have unintentionally put too much pressure on her. Leadership isn't about changing who someone is—it's about bringing out the best in them."

Azusa's shoulders slumped as the words sank in. She realized she needed to fix this, but how?

Ms. Hoshino tapped her chin thoughtfully before her face lit up. "Perhaps a change of scenery would help."

Azusa blinked. "A change of scenery?"

"Yes. What if we had a weekend training camp near the sea? It might help Ritsu reconnect with her love for music. I also heard the Seigaku tennis team will be there for their training. Watching them focus and work hard could inspire all of you—Ritsu included."

Azusa hesitated, but the idea had merit. "That... could work. I think Ritsu would like that. She's always been one to thrive in new environments."

"I'll arrange it," Ms. Hoshino said with a warm smile. "But remember, Azusa, this isn't just about Ritsu. It's about all of you finding balance as a team."

Azusa nodded, a small glimmer of hope sparking within her. She just hoped Ritsu would be open to the idea—and that the sea breeze could work its magic.