The team sits around Russ as they all seem prepared to continue their winning streak.
"Well, guys… it's time we make an appearance at Nationals" everyone shouts in agreement.
"Our first match representing Kentucky is up against Louisiana… and we shouldn't underestimate them" Dougal pays attention as Russ plays a short video of them making it to the Finals of Nationals.
"They're a major contender… but there's a crack we can intercept… Kurai" Kurai looks up.
"Your strategy to rip Mason County at their foundation so they can't keep playing, didn't work against an all rounded team like Mason County… But WILL work against the powerhouse school representing Louisiana… Louisiana State Boys Volleyball Team… LSBVT… they're our first opponents in nationals…" Kurai looks confused.
"What do you mean my strategy will work against them, unlike against Mason?" Russ smirks.
"Their team isn't a court of monsters… like a murder of crows… but instead they're an average team with an overwhelmingly strong ace… like a wolf pack with a really strong leader" Kurai realizes.
"If we can shut him down, then it turns into your everyday Volleyball match!" Russ stops Kurai from continuing.
"But like I said… that won't be easy… we're talking about the 3rd best high school spiker in the US right now… He has experience… and knows how to avoid getting tooled by blocks" Dougal glares up with an aura.
"Then I can test my skills against the best of the best…" Russ nods slowly.
"As for the training camp mentioned during the Mason County match, it was taken down… The school didn't have enough funds… But Kurai… Kaneko… Dougal… Ajax" Kurai, Kaneko, Dougal, and Ajax look up at him.
"You've been selected for a High school training camp for the best of the best, held by the coach and recruiter for team USA… he says he sees insane potential in you" They're all shocked as Kurai chuckles a bit.
"No thanks… I need some time to focus on nationals… I'll figure out what I'll do about National level Volleyball when I get there… If they want me that bad… then they can wait… then I'll show up stronger than they ever expected!" Russ nods, lookign at all of them.
"You egoists are something else"
Kurai takes a breath and tosses the ball high. Running forward as his knee stings. Slightly hopping and sending the ball straight into the net. Lucas and Ajax are shocked as Kurai lands.
"You okay, Kurai?" Kurai nods slowly.
"My knee stings a bit today…" Lucas sighs.
"How long has it been since you went to the doctor last?" Kurai rubs his chin.
"Last… December I think" Kaneko looks over.
"I think it's time you go get your knee checked out, Kurai" Kurai turns away and grabs another ball, feeling light on his feet.
"I'll be fine… I'll just take some meds before the game… it should last-" Lucas shouts.
"Kurai… you know the coach prefers your physical welbeing over volleyball, and I think he's right… It'll only be hard to play with your knee constantly hurting you like it is'' Kurai grits his teeth and tosses the ball. Jumping up and slamming it over the net. Lucas reached over and barely got it up, losing all momentum and hitting the court. Lucas and Kurai were shocked.
"What did you just do, Kurai...?" Kurai looks at his hand and sees his burn scar.
"I… don't know… actually…" There was silence.
"Kaneko." Kaneko jumps a bit and slowly turns around as Kurai glares at him.
"You forgot to jump warm-ups again, didn't you?" Kaneko drops the ball and runs. Kurai throws the ball and hits him back in the head.
"Get to the weight room and start your warm-ups for once!" Kaneko stumbles forward.
"Okay, okay… jeez"
Kaneko reluctantly walks into the weight room and notices Xavier and Nate.
"What are you two doing in here?" Nate turns around still running on the treadmill.
"Actually training… unlike the person we're talking to…" Kaneko shouts playfully.
"Hey, I'm in here now aren't I!?" Xavier laughs. Kaneko walking over.
"I thought you quit the team after Kurai quit, Nate… why did you come back…?" Nate looks down silently and turns off the treadmill.
"I'm heading home…" Kaneko smiles.
"I'll let Coach Russ know you left practice early-'' Nate glares at Kaneko.
"Don't say anything… I'm not coming back to volleyball… and telling Lucas will only hurt him more…" Nate walks out of the building with his bag. Looking at Xavier.
"What?" Kaneko sighs.
"Can I… warm up with you?" Xavier smirks.
"Are you gonna be able to keep up with my workout routine?" Kaneko smirks back.
"Yeah!"