111. Slice-of-Life Chapter: The Badminton Prince

Behind the Evergreen Academy campus lay the sports field where several students were kicking around a soccer ball. Among them was Kumakiri Shibayama, now a second-year non-regular player. This elective course wasn’t just for first years; it included second and third years as well. The principal’s aim was for everyone to develop comprehensively—in morals, intellect, physique, aesthetics, and labor—so physical exercise was naturally open to all grades.

Wearing the number 10 jersey, Kumakiri was a devoted soccer enthusiast. Though he couldn’t perform dazzling moves like the bicycle kick, it didn’t stop this passionate teenager from nurturing his fiery dreams.

“This elective offers quite a variety: soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, baseball, and even sand football...” Fuyuka Oda murmured softly as she read the notice board outside the large gymnasium.

“But each person can only choose an activity outside their existing club’s sport. I wonder what the regular members of the boys’ tennis team have picked,” Yuna Iwamura said, placing a finger to her lips thoughtfully.

“Whatever they choose, they’ll probably excel. After all, their physical fitness is top-notch,” Fuyuka smiled warmly at her friend.

“Let’s go check out the basketball gym first,” Yuna suggested, pulling Fuyuka along as they turned away.

Inside the basketball gym, the sharp screech of shoes sliding on the polished floor echoed frequently, punctuated by the rhythmic thuds of basketballs bouncing. The vibrations were perceptible even to those walking nearby.

“Oh? I didn’t expect Akutsu and Shishido, the former number two doubles pair, to be in the basketball gym!” Fuyuka exclaimed, spotting the two clad in their blue and white shorts and shirts, energetically communicating on the court.

“I heard from the sand football hall manager that very few signed up for that class. Many who did have dropped it, including Shishido, who switched to basketball, just like Akutsu,” Yuna recalled.

“You really seem to know a lot!” Fuyuka teased, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

“I’m just curious about what the boys’ tennis club members are up to, so I did a little digging,” Yuna chuckled nervously, pushing Fuyuka gently away as she leaned in.

Judging by the intensity of their play, Yuna guessed Akutsu preferred playing as a small forward in singles, while Shishido was... a point guard?

Akutsu consistently positioned himself near the free-throw line, engaging in low-post singles moves—a clear sign of his role. But when Yuna’s gaze followed the ball to Shishido, she was surprised.

“Shishido’s organizing the team well; he seems to have natural leadership skills,” Fuyuka observed with a gentle smile.

“Akutsu!” Shishido called out from the top of the arc, seeing Akutsu cut swiftly inside. With a sharp pass, the ball flew directly to him.

“Bring it on!” Akutsu’s eyes gleamed with fierce determination as he leapt to catch the pass and slammed the ball down with force.

“Bang!”

“Two to zero!” the referee shouted.

“Wow... that alley-oop was amazing!” The students, whether teammates or opponents, watched in awe.

“Trying to guard me at your height?” Akutsu taunted, holding the ball at the arc. Ignoring his teammate’s outstretched hand, he faced a defender nearly a head shorter. With a powerful twist of his waist, Akutsu jumped, and the defender followed. Mid-air, Akutsu smiled slyly and wrapped his long, pale arm around his opponent.

“Swish!” The ball traced a beautiful arc through the air, brushing the rim as a sharp buzzer sounded.

“Three-point foul! One free throw to follow!” the referee signaled.

“No way... to keep balance and sink a three-pointer under those conditions...” someone gasped.

“That Akutsu... his physical abilities are insane,” another murmured.

“Damn... I shouldn’t have reached in!” Akutsu smirked coldly as he stepped to the free-throw line and sank the shot.

“As expected of Akutsu—maintaining balance mid-air, aiming precisely, and using contact to draw a foul...” Fuyuka wiped a bead of sweat from her cheek in astonishment.

“Yeah, and his movements were smooth. You can tell he planned that while going up,” Yuna nodded.

“Hey, Akutsu, you’re supposed to high-five your teammates after the free throw,” one of his teammates said, but Akutsu ignored him, inciting the shooting guard’s irritation.

“You ordering me around?” Akutsu stopped and glared coldly at the shooting guard, his wide eyes practically piercing.

“Alright, Akutsu, don’t cause trouble,” Shishido, the point guard, intercepted a pass from the center and stepped between them.

“Hmph.” Akutsu snorted and jogged back to the opposite half.

---

In the badminton hall, Nari Matsubara sat tying his shoelaces. Pulling out his racket from the bag, he habitually spread his fingers, then lightly ran his nails along the strings, savoring the crisp, melodious sound—a richer tone than tennis strings. The boy grinned.

After playing tennis for so long, badminton rackets felt almost sponge-like in his hands. Gently flicking his wrist, he listened to the racket’s soft whistle through the air and nodded in satisfaction.

“Hey, aren’t you Nari Matsubara from the tennis club? You’re here for badminton too?” a male voice called out.

“Yeah, that’s me. And you are...?” Nari looked up at the slightly stocky young man before him and nodded.

“I’m Koda Hiroshi, a third-year regular badminton club member. Your name’s well-known in the tennis club—I really enjoy watching your matches,” the man said, extending his hand.

“Nice to meet you,” Nari responded with a slight nod and shook his hand.

“Tch, I always knew badminton was the most boring sport—light, flimsy balls and fragile rackets. It’s a game for girls, definitely not for me!” a muscular boy stomped over from the badminton court, angrily tossing his racket and shuttlecock to the floor.

“Don’t say that, Taylor. You’re pretty good at it,” a thinner boy tried to calm him down, offering praise.

“Taylor...” Nari murmured, hearing the biting tone.

“He’s Nobii Taylor, a third-year. Half-blood, really strong, but as you can see, not someone to mess with,” Koda explained.

“You know him well?” Nari asked, turning to Koda.

“Not exactly. The thin boy is his classmate and convinced Taylor to join today’s badminton elective,” Koda said.

“What are you staring at, kid?” Nobii Taylor noticed Nari’s gaze and scowled.

“Nothing,” Nari said quietly, averting his eyes.

“Don’t tell me you’re upset about what I said earlier?” Taylor sneered, stepping closer.

“Taylor, don’t go too far with your antics here,” Koda intervened.

“Oh? Isn’t that Koda? What’s he to you, that you’d stand up for him?” Taylor grinned widely, showing his teeth.

“I’m just telling you this is the badminton club. You’re not a member here, so don’t get too cocky,” Koda said sternly.

“Hmph, I don’t care who you are. If you dare interfere with me, you’ll regret it!” Taylor shoved Koda aside. As Koda stumbled, an unexpectedly small hand caught him firmly, and Koda was surprised by the strength behind it.

“So, you look down on badminton, huh?” Nari stepped out from behind Koda, smiling.

Catching someone as big as Koda took him by surprise.

“Whatever...” Taylor sneered, now scrutinizing Nari. “I recognize you—you’re Nari Matsubara from the tennis club, that arrogant little runt.”

“He’s the one who won 6-0 at the Kanto tournament...” Taylor’s friends whispered, aware of the tennis club’s first breakthrough in the regional championship.

“I like competing with those in power sports. Since you’re from tennis, how about a match?” Taylor looked down on Nari, smirking contemptuously.

“I’m fine with that. Are you really ready?” Nari met his gaze, smiling confidently.

“Of course. I’m ready to beat you anytime,” Taylor responded arrogantly.

“You’re facing me, Nobii,” Koda said, stepping between them.

“Others, step aside. Don’t get in my way,” Nobii shot him a disinterested look.

“If you beat me, you can act however you want here. If not... get out,” Koda stood his ground.

“Fine, I’ll let you off for now, Nari Matsubara. After I deal with this guy, I’ll make sure to humiliate you properly,” Taylor said with a twisted smile, picking up his racket and shuttlecock as he stepped onto the court.

“You don’t have to fight him. I can handle this,” Nari said, watching Koda prepare.

“No, as a regular member of the badminton club, I can’t let that guy ruin everyone’s experience. And even if you’re great at tennis, that doesn’t mean you’ll excel at badminton. Don’t worry, he hasn’t played much badminton—I won’t lose,” Koda said firmly, casting Nari a reassuring glance before stepping forward.

—Purple Pen Literature—