<SCOOP! A Promising Newcomer Appears? ~The Vice President’s Recommended Player Is… a Boy!?~>

In the end, the wall newspaper Wakaba made settled on a title that wasn’t romance-related. The article content only listed facts and even concealed Kurato’s name. Kurato let out a sigh of relief, feeling it was a very well-written and appreciated article.

The reason it was appreciated was because, thanks to that article, the stares from the female students who seemed to be part of the Yasutsuna fan club had softened at least somewhat. Before the article came out, there were times when he genuinely felt killing intent and stares strong enough to make him think he might actually be killed. Of course, no real attack happened.

Thanks to that, Kurato has been able to devote himself to Phalanx Club practice.

During practice, his muscle strength still hasn’t improved, so he falls behind quite a bit during strength training time. However, in other areas, he’s improved a lot. By understanding the flow of basic drills and getting used to them, he can now keep up with the seniors during sprint training.

That said, it just means he’s no longer being lapped. In terms of ranking, he’s still near the back.

As for applied practice, the content changes daily, making it very enjoyable. Even just shield-role practice includes step-focused drills, tightly packed shield deployment drills, quick shield deployment drills and shield bash practice. There’s a wide variety just listing them. On top of that, there are coordination drills with other roles, so it’s exciting to see what kind of applied practice there will be each day.

At the end of practice, there’s a mini-game, but he still isn’t allowed to participate. During that time, Kurato studies by watching matches and going through rulebooks and past match records.

Even the mini-games aren’t just simple competitions. They recreate various situations such as extreme role distribution imbalances, one side having significantly fewer points or frequent position changes.

The club captain explained that these setups are intentionally altered to replicate past matches. The captain often stands next to Kurato and explains the situations during mini-games. For example, concentrating shield roles is a tactic favored by Tomichi Academy and frequent position switching is often used by Ise’s Iwato Middle School. Since it’s Ise, that would be Mie Prefecture.

“In a situation like this, what do you think should be done?”

The captain points at the field and asks Kurato.

From time to time, the captain gives him these kinds of questions to deepen his understanding.

Right now, part of the front line has been broken through and two enemy close-range players have invaded their territory. Nearby allies are two shield roles and one long-range. Since there’s distance from the front line, reinforcements from there can’t be expected.

‘Let’s see…’

“I think the shield roles should stall with close combat while calling reinforcements from the remaining long-range and pillar roles. Meanwhile, the allied front line should wear down the enemy front line as much as possible and once they gain enough advantage, send several players into enemy territory to aim for a touch… How about that?”

After nodding, the captain raises a finger again.

“But with just shield roles and long-range, you might not be able to defeat the intruders. And if they slip through the shields, you could lose the first touch.”

The captain sharply points that out. Despite her tone, she’s smiling. She’s testing him.

“The goal against the invasion is just to buy time. If long-range attacks come from the side of the shields, they won’t break through easily. Getting picked off after breaking through and triggering a bailout would be something they want to avoid. If we stall long enough, they’ll likely retreat. If they get a yellow card early, it’ll make them harder to move later.”

As Kurato answers, she nods with satisfaction.

“Well, that’s a passing mark. Next, you need to think about what to do when things don’t go as expected, in other words, the worst-case scenario. Like if the front line becomes disadvantaged or if further invasion occurs. A coach needs to consider substitutions with reserve players as well, not just the current players.”

‘Is she trying to make me a coach?’

Kurato feels a bit uneasy and at the same time a question comes to mind.

“By the way, what about the advisor… the supervising teacher?”

This is already the fourth day of practice. It’s strange not to have seen the advisor even once.

There’s no such thing as a club without an advisor. With so many clubs, some teachers might handle multiple clubs, but this is the Phalanx Club, a flagship ability club. Even if it’s shared, not showing up at all seems odd.

When he asks, the answer is simple.

“The advisor is pregnant. She still comes to school, but she’ll soon be on maternity leave, so she can’t attend club activities.”

‘I see.’

Incidentally, 90% of the teachers at this school are women. There are male staff, but they’re medical staff rather than teachers. There’s also one elderly male teacher, but he doesn’t manage a class. He’s in charge of the tea ceremony club.

“During maternity leave, there might be a temporary teacher acting as a substitute advisor, but even if they come, don’t expect them to function as a coach.”

So that’s why the captain wants Kurato to reach a level where he can act as a coach too. Not just players, but support members need to understand tactics to react quickly.

“Of course, if a substitute advisor does come, I’ll train them thoroughly.”

Saying that, the captain smiles. It was… reassuring.

* * *

The next day during lunch break.

“Hey, has everyone decided which club to join?”

As everyone opens their lunchboxes, Nishikaze casually brings it up.

The first to raise her hand is Wakaba, her sparkling eyes reflecting intellectual curiosity, the very image of a journalist.

“Yes! Of course I have! I—”

“The newspaper club, right? The whole class knows. Honestly, probably the whole grade.”

Honda cuts her off mercilessly.

“C’mon… let me finish…”

Wakaba collapses.

‘It’s okay. I’ll carry on your will.’

Next, Kurato raises his hand.

“I’m in the Ph—”

“The Phalanx Club, right? Thanks to some reporter, the whole school probably knows.”

Honda strikes again instantly.

“That was a ridiculously fast comeback…”

Kurato slumps onto his desk.

‘Sorry, Wakaba. I couldn’t carry your will…’

He glances at Wakaba, who gives a thumbs up.

He returns it.

“What are you even doing…”

Honda shakes her head in exasperation.

As they chat during breaks, the group has become much more casual and friendly.

“Anyway, what about everyone else? Honda, what are you thinking?”

Ignoring Kurato and Wakaba, Nishikaze moves the conversation forward.

“Maybe tennis or volleyball. Since it’s allowed to use psychokinesis to change the ball’s trajectory.”

Honda tilts her head thoughtfully.

In this world, ball sports allow abilities.

However, the rules are strict. Psychokinesis can only affect the ball’s trajectory. Interfering with opponents or harming them is prohibited. Boost abilities are also restricted depending on the sport. Rules are constantly updated to balance abilities.

“Ball sports sound nice…”

As Nishikaze looks enviously, Shirai raises her hand.

“I’m joining the skating club.”

“Oh, there’s a club like that?”

Kurato is surprised and Shirai nods proudly.

“You can’t join anymore. It’s full.”

“Wait, it’s that popular!?”

Wakaba explains.

“It wasn’t that big, but Makishima Raito joined this year. Applications exceeded 400.”

400… more than the number of new students.

In the end, only five people joined, including Raito.

Shirai uses cryokinesis and the others use aquakinesis, which gives them an advantage.

“Raito went there…”

Kurato feels nostalgic.

He used to follow him around, but now avoids attention due to overwhelming attention from girls.

“Are you lonely?”

Honda asks gently.

“Yeah… I wanted to fight together again as brothers.”

Phalanx allows cooperation beyond rank.

“But… he has it tough too. So I support his choice.”

“Nice… brotherly love.”

It was Hayashi who muttered that.

“Oh, do you have siblings?”

“Eh… not right now.”

“Eh?”

Kurato is confused.

But she quickly corrects herself.

“I mean, I’m an only child. My mom isn’t pregnant.”

Relieved, Kurato wipes his sweat.

But something still feels off.

“Then what did you mean by ‘not right now’?”

Wakaba presses further.

“Just a slip of the tongue, right?”

Kurato steps in to defuse it.

“Yes, that’s right. Sorry.”

She bows.

“No worries. Sorry for putting you on the spot.”

Wakaba drops it.

“So, have you decided your club?”

“Not yet… I’m considering brass band or handicrafts.”

“That’s surprising. Those clubs have a lot of boys. You’re not aiming for that, right?”

“No! Actually, that’s why I’m worried…”

She looks troubled.

Wakaba answers.

“It’s fine. Do what you want.”

Her confident words lift Hayashi’s face.

“I see… then trumpet…”

“Nice! Tell me when you perform!”

Kurato adds,

“I’d love to hear it at a Phalanx match.”

She smiles.

“I’m not even in yet…”

Nishikaze groans.

“I’m the only one who hasn’t decided!”

“There’s still time though.”

“But ability clubs are already full…”

“Then come check out the Phalanx Club.”

But Nishikaze frowns.

“I did! You weren’t there!”

“I’ve already joined practice.”

“What!? Already?”

“I’ve done most of the training except the mini-games.”

“I… I’ll go again.”

Nishikaze smiles brightly.

“I’ll go to the Phalanx Club again!”