The second morning of camp began not with the usual whistle but silence.
The players gathered on the court, waiting, uneasy. The mountain wind swept through the trees, cool and sharp, and every sound the bounce of a loose ball, the rustle of sneakers felt amplified.
When Hikari finally entered, she wasn't carrying her clipboard.
Only a whistle hung around her neck, and her eyes were harder than ever.
Arisa followed quietly behind, a black notebook in her hands.
"Good morning," Hikari said, voice calm but razor-sharp. "I hope you all slept well. Because today, I'm going to break every one of you."
The words hit like thunder.
No one moved.
Rei forced a nervous chuckle. "Break us? That's dramatic, even for you, Coach."
Hikari didn't even blink. "You'll understand soon. Arisa list them."
Arisa opened her notebook. "Each of you will face your weakest skill today. Individually. Under supervision. No breaks until you either fix it or collapse."
