Épisode 4 : Team Spirit

The next morning, after a tough workout. Aoba Johsai's gymnasium had a calm but electric air. The players were recovering from the previous day's efforts, stretching or doing lighter exercises to recover. Ren Takeshi was in the corner of the field, looking lost in thought, a little tired but satisfied with his progress.

Ren (thinking while stretching): " I'm starting to understand. It's not just a question of shining alone... That's the true meaning of team play. But it's not easy, there are still adjustments to be made. "

Oikawa, still smiling, approached him carrying a bottle of water.

Oikawa: "Well, I see you seem calmer today. You're less extreme, huh?"

Ren (smiling): "Yeah, I guess. I understood that it's not just about being a good striker, but also playing with the team. I'm trying to adapt."

Iwaizumi, who was a few steps away, gave a look that was meant to be serious but was tinged with a slight smile.

Iwaizumi: "You did a good job yesterday, but keep working. It's not just about raw power, like Oikawa always says."

Ren (giving him a teasing look): "Ah, Oikawa… he likes to repeat his little phrases like a book of quotes."

Oikawa: "It's not my quotes that are in question here, but the way you attack everyone with your star striker look. You better impress me even more today, Ren ."

Hanamaki, who had just finished stretching, entered the conversation with a playful smile.

Hanamaki: "Okay, guys, we have a real conductor here, but I think Ren is still going to have to prove himself. How many times has he told us he's adapting already?"

Ren (laughing): "That's why I love you guys. You always know how to motivate me."

The four headed to the substitutes' bench for a well-deserved break. The other players, a little further away, continued to train, but the atmosphere seemed relaxed between these four. The coach had moved away to chat with another group of players, and all seemed quiet for a moment.

----

The four settled down, each helping themselves to some water and relaxing after the effort. Ren took a large sip of water and leaned back on the bench, observing his teammates.

Ren (smiling, while observing Oikawa): "I admit that I have always dreamed of having an attitude as relaxed as yours. But I imagine that it takes a lot of self-confidence to do that."

Oikawa: "Oh, it's not just a matter of confidence. It's an art to show others that you know what you're doing, even when you screw up."

Iwaizumi (giving him a piercing look): "You mean you messed up for a whole month when you got here, right?"

Oikawa (with a smirk): "That's true, but it was a… very subtle art. I fell back on my strength."

Ren (laughing): "It's not just an art, it's a survival technique!"

The three laughed together, and Hanamaki, sitting next to them, added:

Hanamaki: "In any case, Ren, you have a lot of potential. You have this 'natural' side that impresses. But wait... you mean you haven't made your own 'bad jokes' yet? "

Ren (with a mischievous smile): "Ah, you want to talk about Oikawa's 'jokes', huh?"

Oikawa (rolling his eyes): "It's not like everyone here is as funny as me. No, really, my humor has levels you can't understand."

Iwaizumi: "Yeah, like when you tried to make a joke with your serve in the last match against Seijoh. It almost killed me, it was so bad."

Ren (laughing): "I think Oikawa is still coming to terms with Seijoh's defeat. I'm sure he's still finding an excuse to justify his 'brilliant' performance."

Oikawa (starting to laugh): "What? It's my fault if the opposing team gave everything, huh! I didn't get my chance to shine like I wanted."

Ren (grinding his teeth exaggeratedly): "Kind of like last night, huh? In practice, you look like an angel, but as soon as the competition starts, you're a demon on the field. "

Oikawa (mocking): "It's not my fault that you all have trouble keeping up with my incredible passes."

Iwaizumi (rolling his eyes): "That's it, keep believing that."

The laughter burst forth again, and good humor settled among the four players. Even though the training was demanding and the competition was always present, these moments of relaxation were what brought them closest, forming strong bonds in this team.

----

As the boys got up to return to practice, Oikawa placed a hand on Ren's shoulder.

Oikawa: "Come on, today we're challenging you. We'll have to see if you can do better than that. And if you succeed, we'll give you a little place in our private circle of comedians."

Ren (laughing): "I'll do my best. But don't expect me to become as funny as you, especially you, Oikawa."

Hanamaki: "Come on, here we go. Show us what you can do."

The four boys took to the field, ready to give everything they had. But this time, one thing was certain: despite the competition, they were a united team, ready to face whatever came their way.