Cherreads

Chapter 9 - [9] Building Blocks

The sun had begun its descent in the sky as the training session at the volleyball club came to an end. Members of the club, young and eager, gradually departed from the club property, heading home one after another.

Walking side by side along the path leading to the gate, Izumi and Riku shared a sense of accomplishment from the day's intense matches.

"That match was insane, wasn't it?" Riku remarked, his eyes still reflecting the excitement of the game.

Izumi nodded enthusiastically, his spirits high. "Yeah, both sets were so close! It felt like we could have gone either way."

Their animated conversation continued as they neared the exit. Riku's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "Hey, Izumi, how are you getting back home?"

Izumi grinned, knowing that his mother would be picking him up. "My mom's coming to get me," he replied. "She said she'd be here around this time."

Riku, who was known for his independence, shared his method of transportation with a hint of pride. "I use my bicycle to get here. It's pretty convenient!"

Just then, a familiar red car pulled up near the club's gate, and Izumi's face lit up with recognition.

"Looks like my mom's here!" he exclaimed with a cheerful tone. Turning to Riku, he added, "See you later, Riku!"

Riku waved goodbye with a friendly smile. "See ya tomorrow, Miyamura!"

With that, Izumi headed towards the waiting car, ready to share the exciting details of his day with his mother as they drove back home.

As Izumi entered the car, he settled into his seat, ready for the ride home. His mother, Iori, glanced at him with a warm smile, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"How was your day, Izumi?" she inquired, her voice filled with genuine interest. "Did you make any friends at the club?"

Izumi's face brightened, and he eagerly replied, "The day was great, Mom!" Then, pondering her second question, he admitted, "I met a guy named Riku Yagami. We practiced together, but I'm not sure if we're friends yet."

Iori chuckled softly and couldn't resist probing further. "Tell me more about your day," she urged.

With enthusiasm, Izumi shared, "We learned the basics of receiving, and then we had a 6v6 match. Our team won!"

Iori's eyes sparkled with interest. "Well, congratulations on the win," she praised. "But it sounds like there's more to the story. What else happened?"

Izumi hesitated for a moment, then revealed, "I found out about a summer tournament that the club takes part in."

Iori wore a knowing smile, and her voice held a hint of amusement. "Interesting," she remarked. "So, now you want to make the squad for the tournament?"

Izumi's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Iori chuckled once again and playfully tousled his hair. "I'm your mom, Izumi. I know you better than you might think."

Their conversation continued as the car carried them back home,"Anyway I really want to make it to the squad that represents the club!"

Iori regarded her son with a mixture of pride and encouragement. "That's a fantastic goal, Izumi," she remarked. "I have no doubt that with your determination and passion, you can achieve it."

Izumi beamed at his mother's words. Her unwavering support meant the world to him. "Thanks, Mom," he said sincerely. "I'll work really hard to get better and make it to the tournament."

Iori leaned in and ruffled Izumi's hair affectionately. "I know you will, sweetheart," she assured him. "And I'll be here to support you every step of the way."

Their conversation continued, filled with dreams and aspirations.Together, they discussed how Izumi would need to attend club practices regularly to improve his skills and increase his chances of making the tournament squad.

As they wrapped up their talk, Iori had one more idea to discuss. "Izumi," she began, "since you'll be going to the club almost every day, how about we get you a bicycle? It'll make it easier for you to commute."

Izumi's eyes widened with excitement at the prospect. "A bicycle? That would be awesome, Mom!" he exclaimed.

"It'll be much faster than walking."Iori nodded, her own enthusiasm matching her son's.

"Great! We can go pick one out together soon," she promised.

After Izumi's exciting day at the volleyball club and during his discussion with his mother, Iori, about his aspirations to make the squad for the upcoming summer tournament, the coaches of the club had their own conversation about their young prodigy.

Coach Micha and Coach Endou were sitting in Coach Micha's office, reviewing the day's training sessions and the performance of their players. Izumi, with his exceptional skills and rapid improvement, was a topic they couldn't ignore.

Coach Micha leaned back in his chair and remarked, "Izumi Miyamura is quite a remarkable player, Endou. I mean, his game sense is uncanny, especially considering he's just started playing volleyball."

Coach Endou nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Micha. It's like he has a natural talent for this sport. His adaptability and quick thinking are impressive."

Micha continued, "I'm thinking about the summer tournament. If Izumi continues to progress at this rate, he could become a valuable addition to the squad."

Endou considered this thoughtfully. "You're right, Micha. But we should also consider the physical aspect. He's young, and he has room for growth in that area."

Coach Micha nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. His ability to read the game and adapt on the fly is truly exceptional. We need to nurture his talent and guide his development in that department as well"

Endou nodded. "Agreed. We'll need to put him on a training plan that focuses on both his skills and physical development. If we can harness his potential, he might even become a trump card for the tournament."

Endou smiled, feeling optimistic. "I like the sound of that. Let's start by creating a customized training program for Izumi. We'll work on his strengths and address his weaknesses. With dedication and the right guidance, he could become a formidable player."

"That's a great idea, Endou. Let's start with his receiving skills. He's shown promise, but he can improve even further."

They discussed the details of Izumi's training plan, outlining specific drills and exercises to enhance his receiving technique. Coach Micha emphasized the importance of consistent practice and fine-tuning his fundamentals.

"Once his receiving is rock solid," Coach Micha continued, "we can move on to his setting skills. Miyamura's deceptive sets could become a powerful weapon."

Coach Endou agreed, recognizing that Izumi's creativity on the court could be harnessed to its full potential. "We'll focus on refining his setting, precision, and decision-making. It's all about maximizing his strengths."

As they delved deeper into their discussion, the coaches brainstormed various training scenarios and strategies to challenge Izumi and help him grow. They believed that providing a nurturing yet challenging environment would be key to his development.

Coach Micha finally leaned forward, a determined look in his eyes. "Endou, I believe we have the building blocks of a future star here. With the right guidance and effort, Izumi Miyamura could become a force to be reckoned with"

Coach Endou smiled, sharing Micha's enthusiasm. "I couldn't agree more. Let's work together to help him reach his full potential."

With their training plan outlined and their determination renewed, the coaches knew that they had an exciting journey ahead with Izumi. The young boy had not only found his passion but had also captured the attention and admiration of those who saw his potential.

And so, within the walls of the volleyball club, the foundation was laid for Izumi Miyamura's promising future in the sport.

[A/N— still traveling, got bored of listening music so wrote anathor chapter :)]

More Chapters