Chapter 6: Sports Festival: Red Team Wins

Sen Metropolitan National High School

School Ground

"Alright! We're going to start with the games!", Luffy shouted as he ties the red band on his head. "Sorry, Luffy but I can go all out, right?", Zoro smirked as he tightens his white band. "Ghrr! Why should I be in the same group as you!!!", Sanji complained.

Nami and Airi are both standing on the shades. "Will you be fine this year? If I recall, last year-", Nami was interrupted by Airi's cough. "I'll be fine. I won't allow this team to lose", Airi assured. "That's not what I'm talking about", Nami sighed. "Just don't push too hard", Nami patted her back. "I'll be competing in the swimming relay. I heard there's a monetary prize for it", Nami winked. Airi nodded and walked the opposite way.

"What game will you join this year?", Tashigi suddenly appeared. "Karuta (Japanese Card Game", Airi answered. "I can see you winning that easily", Tashigi gave a thumbs up. "You shouldn't be cheering on an opponent", Airi looked at her white band. Tashigi stopped walking. "Isobe", Tashigi called out her name. Airi turned to face her. "I'm glad you're joining games. Let's enjoy this year again", Tashigi smiled and then run away.

What's that all about?

Tashigi met with Shirahoshi. "Is that Airi?", Shirahoshi asked. "She said she'll be playing Karuta", Tashigi informed. "Oh, my brother will join as well. I bet he'll come crying after his loss", Shirahoshi chuckled. Tashigi also laughed with her. "You know what, I went to the same middle-high school with Isobe. During those days-", Tashigi was hesitant to say something that might put Airi's reputation down. "I know. Airi's such a cold person, right?", Shirahoshi skipped. "I'm surprised you guys were acquainted", Tashigi nervously commented.

"I had always been sick so I spent time at the hospital. It was some years ago when I was admitted for almost the whole year, her mother occasionally brings her for consultations. She will not talk to anyone else in the pediatrician's room. No one dared to talk to her because of the thick wall she surrounded herself with. But you know, she would often make a caring expression whenever a child cries", Shirahoshi smiled. "So, from that time on. Even when she rejects my offer, I will stay and force her to play with me", Shirahoshi narrated.

"You're amazing, Shira. You always see something good in a person", Tashigi praised. The pink hair flushed and shook her head.

"I guess someone truly amazing pushed Airi to become a better person", Shirahoshi commented as soon as she heard Luffy laughing while joining the "meat-eating competition".

Oval

Airi just finished winning the game. She decided to check on the scoreboard. There's a close score between the red and white teams. One of the most awaited games is the relay between all of the club representatives. She saw Luffy pouting on the side while eating dried fish.

"We can't help it. The school principal doesn't want the student council to join this game", Airi stood next to him. "But Zoro and Sanji are running!", Luffy pointed at the two gritting teeth. They need to team up to win the game. "Zoro is the president of Kendo Club and Sanji is for the Cooking club", Airi reminded. "Coby is even running!", Luffy spotted the pink-haired man trembling in excitement. "He's a representative of their club if I'm not mistaken... Disciplinary Club extension of the Student Council", Airi twitched her eye while saying the club name.

"Oh, is that my face on his shirt?!", Luffy pointed at the green head. "Oh, it's Bartolomeo-san. He's the leader of your fan club. I'm not sure how their club is official", Airi said with a straight face. "I wonder if he'll let me join his club", Luffy hummed. "He'll probably die", Airi noticed how sparkly Bartolomeo become when he saw Luffy looking at him.

"I'll win for you Luffy-senpai!!!", he shouted.

"He's older than you. He's a senior", Airi informed. Airi and Luffy joined the rest of the Student Council.

The white team won the relay but the total still goes to the red team.

Gym

Almost all of the students are inside the huge gym. There's also a huge monitor focused on the court. Franky is showing off his newly invented shoes for better jumping. Rayleigh is waving at the students. Shanks is having a conversation with Luffy. Bon clay is showing off his dancing skill. Robin and Boa are cheerleaders for the opposite team"Yohoho~ I feel like we are just side characters", Brook fixed his basketball shoes. "Guh! They just haven't seen my moves", Buggy clicked his tongue.

"Kyah! Trafalgar-sensei", the girls cheered while Trafalgar is stretching on the side.

"Why does he have to get the cheer when he's just new and not doing anything at all?!", Galdino complained. "Now, now~ Can we just finish this? I'm sleepy", Aokiji stood up and towered above most of the teachers. "I won't let you win this", Akainu raised his chin. The shooting warm-up began.

"I'm glad I just need to be a reserve", Jimbei sighed. "Don't you like to join the fun?", Kuma asked while reading a book. The whole room was filled with excitement. Every student prepared their phone to capture their teacher's most embarrassing moments or even just keep a photo of the teachers they admire the most.

"Tra-guy!!!", Luffy shouted as he pointed at the man. "Geez. I got found out", Trafalgar sighed. "I didn't know you were here! How come?!", Luffy asked excitingly. Airi looked at Luffy's wide smile.

"You mentioned him before. I haven't gotten the time to ask", Airi looked at Nami who was beside her. "Well, they're good friends. For some reason, Luffy likes him a lot", Nami answered. "Nami, don't forget our bet", Ussop joined the conversation. "Me too!", Carrot and Chopper joined. "I'll pass. I need to do something else", Airi excused. "Airi, thank you for coming up with this idea. Because of this, no one is thinking about their previous wins and losses", Nami smiled. Airi felt shy and just nodded. "I just don't want to hear complains and all", Airi walked away.

"Shy girl", Nami chuckled as she watches her go.

"Can I say something?", Ussop raised his hand.

"Tra-guy is now kicking a soccer ball. This is basketball, right?", Ussop tilted his head. "Yes, they're playing basketball but without using hands", Chopper pointed out. "That's a crazy twist", Carrot chuckled.

Night Time

School Ground

Traditionally, the sports fest ends with a bonfire. Luffy wanted to be extra so they prepared a banquet. It'll end the semester.

"Luffy, can you dance...with me?", Boa invited. "Sure. Let me eat my meat first", Luffy nodded. Boa felt like melting. She'll be holding Luffy's hand.

Brook played the violin Rebecca on the piano. "Mademoiselle, would you have the honor of dancing with me?", Sanji asked for Nami's approval. Airi, who was standing next to Nami could feel jealousy oozing from somewhere. She saw Pudding gritting her teeth in front of them. "Where's the wine? I can't see any", Zoro looked around. "We're still on the school ground", Tashigi lectured about the danger of being intoxicated.

"Oh, Chopper try this candy. It's not too sweet but it melts in your mouth", Carrot stuffed it in his mouth.

Soon, everyone is happily dancing around the fire.

"Tch, I need to waste my precious time on this nonsense", Airi heard someone behind. She thought of the same thing before. "It's not nonsense", Airi knew who was talking but didn't bother to look at him.

I was always on the side.

I was always like the audience of the fun that is happening in front of me.

I was always cast out.

"Airi, come on. You need to feel the warmth of the tree we brutally burned", Luffy grabbed her hand. The three of them held hands as they just run around the fire. "A rival", Boa glared at Airi. "I'm your student, sensei", Airi sighed.

But then, he allowed me to take my part on the stage.

He allowed me just to exist.

A year ago,

Faculty Room

"I understand that your middle-high school teachers allowed it but you also need to expand your horizon, Isobe", Shanks nodded.

"Are you sick?", Shanks asked. "I'm not!", Airi slightly raised her voice. "Then, why don't you try just joining any game", Shanks smiled.

Outside the Room

"Oh, I'll win every game!", a loud voice woke Airi back to reality. She was thinking about how to convince her mother to pull her out of the games.

"Yes~ Yes. That's if your father allows", Nami had a sly smile. "What? Did you tell him something again?!", Luffy held onto her shoulders and shook her. "It's not like it'll add up to your grades", Airi said her thoughts out loud. The group looked at her. Luffy walked towards her and motioned his hand pointing to him.

"I'll win every game and prove that I am worth it to become the School Student Council President!!!", he announced. "The current student council president has a good reputation. Why do you have to waste effort when it's obvious that you're going to lose?", Airi , for the first time, was drawn to speak up.

"Because... If I don't take risks, I can't create a future!", Luffy answered her loud and clear.

"So you! Isobe Airi, you'd be my Vice President when I steal that seat", Luffy smiled widely.

Luffy turned his back and continued walking with the group. "I was supposed to get that position but well, I can be the co-president", Ussop nodded.

And when I looked at his back, it reminded me of someone else

Chapter end.