The newspaper club then made their way to the Robotics Club to conduct an interview.
"You're one of the newest members, right? Tell me, how has the club been doing so far?"
"The Robotics Club has been fortunate to receive great minds—individuals with creativity and imagination. We have the trophies to prove it. Since the club was founded, we've made it to the finals eighteen times and won eleven. Our rivals are quite persistent, and their robots are splendid, so winning hasn't been easy for us recently. Of course, the team is working on a new robot as we speak. It will be completed in time for the next competition, and we will take back our title," said the boy.
"I see. The Robotics Club is quite amazing. Can we come back again for another interview? We'll also be at the competition cheering you on," said Kanae.
"Say cheese!" said Airi as she took a picture of the first-year student.
"Sure thing! Thanks for the support," he said, waving goodbye to Kanae.
"Looks like the Robotics Club is in the clear. She didn't cast her wrath upon them," Airi and Yuri thought to themselves.
The next club they visited was the baseball team. However, they were not as compliant as the others.
"We don't have time for any stupid interviews. We're preparing for the tournament, so if you'll excuse me," said the captain, walking away.
"Did that bastard just call our club stupid? This won't be the last time he hears from me!" said Kanae angrily as she stormed off.
After the baseball team, they went to the track team.
"I'm sorry, ladies, but we've reached the most vital part of our training, and the athletes need to focus. The track meet is right around the corner. You girls can observe from over there, but I can't allow an interview right now," said the track coach.
"That's okay. We'll come back later. Thank you for your time, sir," said Yuri.
"Yes, thank you," said Kanae.
After that, they visited the Karate Club.
"I'm sorry, but now isn't a good time. You'll have to come back another day. Things are quite heated in here," said a member.
"Okay, we'll come by tomorrow then."
"Damn, why are all the clubs turning down our interviews?" asked Kanae angrily.
"They probably already experienced it from a certain someone last year," Yuri said sarcastically.
"Okay, then how many clubs are left?" asked Kanae.
"Rie, which club should we visit next?" asked Yuri.
"Um… the last club left is the basketball team," said Rie.
"Wait… isn't Katsuragi on the basketball team? Now I'm definitely going to be a nervous wreck," Rie thought to herself.
"Alright, this one should be good. Let's go," said Kanae.
Upon arriving at the basketball gym, Airi took a picture of the flowers blooming at the entrance.
"These flowers are so beautiful… and the breeze feels so nice," she said to herself, closing her eyes and enjoying the fresh air.
"Okay, everyone, we're here," said Kanae as she pushed open the gym doors.
Inside, they saw Hayato dribbling the basketball quickly across the court and settling into position.
"That's right! You guys, cut into space. Set a screen on the left to free up Tetsuo—Takahiro!" shouted Nanaho.
"Right!" responded Takahiro as he set the screen for Tetsuo, who cut into the key and found himself open in the corner.
Hayato passed the ball to Yukio, who drove to the rim and attempted a dunk. However, at the last moment, he switched up in midair and passed the ball to Tetsuo, who shot a three-pointer that swished through the net.
"Good work sticking with the play, everyone. And nice shot, Tetsuo. A perfect shot as usual! The opposing team will definitely be overwhelmed by this guy," said Hayato, catching his breath.
"I'm honestly glad we have someone who can shoot three-pointers on our team. He's going to make things a whole lot easier for us," Takahiro thought to himself.
"Tetsuo, having you on the team will truly make a difference. I can't thank you enough for joining us," said Yukio, patting Tetsuo on the shoulder.
"No, if anything, I should be the one thanking you," said Tetsuo.
"I can't help but feel excited for this season! I love how everything is coming together," said Nanaho happily. "Let's run that same play one more time."
"Alright, get back into formation and run it again," said Yukio. The others nodded in agreement.
In the corner of the gym, Noboru passed the basketball to Shino, who passed it right back. Noboru returned the ball again, and Shino repeated the action. The two continued passing the ball back and forth.
"Damn, why am I stuck passing the ball to this amateur? I should be out there with everyone else on the court. This is so boring," thought Noboru as he tossed the ball back.
"Damn you, Fukazawa. I know you did this on purpose because of what happened the other day. I will never forgive you for putting someone with my talent in the corner to play catch with this no-good ama—"
His thoughts were cut off as the ball hit him square in the face.
"OUCH!! What the hell is your problem?!" shouted Noboru, holding his nose in pain.
"I'm so sorry!" said Shino sincerely.
"It's called a chest pass for a reason! Why did you throw it at my face?! Why you—!" Noboru clenched his fist, ready to start a fight.
"Cut that out, Takemoto! That's enough," said Nanaho. "We both know you were spacing out, so quit blaming him. That's what you get for not paying attention, I guess."
"I was not spacing out! And what do you mean, 'I deserve it'?! I'm tired of passing the ball to this loser! A pro player like me shouldn't even be stuck here doing this!" Noboru complained.
"We've been over this for a week now," said Nanaho. "You need the basic fundamentals of basketball to function on the court. And for the record, you won't just be passing all day. You'll also be dribbling and possibly running drills."
"Oh no, I won't be dribbling that damn ball again! I've been doing that for almost a week now!"
"Well, you're passing the ball now, which means you're making progress. Passing in a game is vital. I need you to pass well to prevent steals and turnovers. So, if you don't shut up and do what you're told, I'll have no choice but to bench you for the entire season," said Nanaho firmly.
"Fine… I won't complain anymore," Noboru grumbled.
"See? That's a good start," said Nanaho with a smile.
"Good afternoon, everyone. It's quite lively in here," said Kanae.
"Yamaoka… What brings you here? Wait—don't tell me. You're here to write something about us in your article, aren't you?"
"Well, yes. Would it be okay if I borrowed some of your players for a quick interview? I know you're busy preparing for the tournament, but I'd like to have a word with them," said Kanae.
"Sure, go right ahead. I was about to let them have a five-minute break anyway," said Nanaho.
"Okay, girls, go ahead and interview whoever you want. I'll be speaking with the captain," said Kanae to the newspaper club.