Chapter 88 : Training Camp?

"Selection?"

Hinata was slightly surprised.

"Haven't their tryouts started yet?"

"The trials in Tokyo are not like ours. They're spread out over several weekends rather than done all at once," Ukai explained, shaking his head.

"They'll probably start their first preliminary round this weekend."

"But that's not what we need to focus on right now. What's important is to keep training and prepare for the upcoming national tournament this summer!"

"Yes!"

...

The next day, at Akira's home.

Akira and Kiyoko had moved two chairs and were sitting opposite each other.

Between them was a tall wooden table with a Go board on top.

Black and white stones were arranged across the board.

Under the table was a large basin of steaming water where both of them had their feet soaking.

According to Kiyoko, she had added medicinal herbs to the hot water to relieve fatigue.

"Alright! Kiyoko!"

As the situation on the board worsened for Akira, he could only admit defeat with a reluctant smile.

"Hee-hee!"

Seeing Akira's frustrated expression, Kiyoko giggled behind her hand.

"You're so good at video games, but when it comes to Go, you're like a total beginner!"

"You're amazing," Akira said as he leaned back, hands behind his head.

"I'm not a beginner," Kiyoko replied playfully.

She leaned forward with her elbows on the table, grinning teasingly.

"Hmph! I finally found something you're not good at! Just wait—I'm going to keep beating you!"

A light breeze rustled through the tree nearby, blowing her hair gently.

Perhaps it was the warmth of the water or the cozy atmosphere, but a soft blush appeared on Kiyoko's cheeks.

Akira's heart stirred slightly.

Sploosh…

The water stirred underfoot.

A pair of larger feet overlapped with Kiyoko's soft, pale ones.

Her cheeks deepened in color.

"I definitely can't beat you at Go," Akira said, pushing the table aside and pulling Kiyoko into his arms.

Their summer clothes were thin, and the closeness was unmistakable.

"You…"

Kiyoko's breath quickened.

She lifted her flushed face, eyes darting away as she tried to change the subject.

"Are you going to have trouble adapting in Tokyo during the summer tournament? Different climate and all that?"

"Discomfort from the change in soil and water?"

Akira blinked.

"Probably not... If nothing unexpected happens, we'll be in Tokyo for quite a while."

"How long?" Kiyoko asked, surprised.

"Aren't we coming back right after the tournament?"

"Nope."

Akira shook his head and rested his chin lightly on Kiyoko's head.

"Nekomata-sensei called again last night. He was thrilled we passed the qualifiers and will represent Miyagi."

"He wants to invite us to a training camp with a school alliance. It should coincide with the national tournament."

"What? A school alliance training camp?"

Kiyoko looked up in astonishment.

"I heard it's a group formed by strong schools in Tokyo. They hold this joint training camp every year."

"But this year, Coach Nekomata arranged for us to join."

"In two days, Coach Ukai and the others should get the official word."

As Akira spoke, he slid his hand around Kiyoko's waist.

"Ahhh… You…"

Kiyoko's face reddened and she squirmed in his arms.

"Hey, hey! Save the questions for later!"

Two days later, at the Karasuno gym.

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With a sharp whistle, Karasuno's intra-squad scrimmage came to an end.

Just then, Takeda suddenly burst into the gym, excitement all over his face.

Everyone gathered quickly—Takeda-sensei didn't usually act like this unless something important had happened.

"Ahem!"

Taking a sip of water to compose himself, he addressed the team:

"Coach Nekomata invited us again!"

"Everyone, we're going!"

"Huh?"

"Nekoma?"

The room was filled with surprise.

The memory of their last match against Nekoma was still fresh in everyone's minds.

Hinata's eyes lit up as he asked excitedly:

"Wow! Are we going to play another training match with Nekoma?"

"Are we going to Tokyo?"

"That's right," Takeda nodded.

"But this time, it's not just Nekoma."

"It's the entire Fukurodani Academy Group!"

"Fukurodani Academy… Group?"

It was a name unfamiliar to most.

Ukai, more informed, furrowed his brow in thought.

"The Fukurodani Group is an alliance of several strong Kanto schools like Nekoma."

"They frequently hold training matches with each other."

"It's an informal group, mostly based on personal relationships and trust."

"Getting invited in is rare."

Takeda nodded and smiled.

"Exactly. We really owe Coach Nekomata for this. Thanks to him, we have this chance to train with them."

The team buzzed with renewed energy.

"Finally… I get to see that kind of tricky set again…"

Kageyama muttered, remembering the deceptive tactics used by Kenma in their previous match.

"I'm going to take down the big-city guys!"

Tanaka stood up, fists clenched, voice booming.

"This time, we're going to beat them!"

New surroundings. New opponents.

And top-tier schools from Tokyo no less.

The excitement was palpable.

Ukai turned to Takeda with a concerned expression.

"Takeda-sensei… This won't interfere with the national tournament, right?"

Takeda blinked, then nodded quickly as if remembering something.

"Ah! Right, right!"

"Everyone calm down! We can't head out just yet! The other teams are still playing through their national qualifiers."

"And we still need permits and paperwork sorted out. At the earliest, we'll go after final exams next month—during summer vacation."

"Summer vacation… in a month…"

The room finally quieted down.

Tokyo training. The national tournament. It was going to be a packed summer.

Seeing the team settle, Takeda continued:

"That means we'll head there as soon as summer vacation starts."

"We'll begin intensive training, adapt to the Tokyo climate and environment."

"Then, once the national tournament begins, we'll already be in Tokyo to compete."

"And after it ends, we'll keep training there a bit longer to maximize our growth."

"So… everyone, start preparing now—for our Tokyo journey!!"