Chapter 196: Yukino's Breath-Holding Training
With the familiar greeting of "Yahallo!" echoing through the air, Yui swung open the clubroom door, accompanied by Saika.
"Good afternoon, Hikki, Yukino-chan," she energetically greeted them, the usual enthusiasm evident in her voice.
Saika offered a more reserved, "Hello."
Yui, with the excitement of a puppy seeking praise, exclaimed, "How about it, Yukino-chan? As a club member, I've brought a request!"
Hachiman, unable to resist, interjected, "Silly you, dumpling. You're not a member of this club."
"Come on, stinky Hikki, why can't I be a member of the Service Club? And what's with the dumpling thing?" Yui retorted, displeased with his address.
"You literally have a dumpling on your head," Hachiman replied silently, noting there were actually two.
"Ugh... Stinky Hikki, don't give me such a weird nickname," Yui protested, her face pouting.
Yukino chimed in, "Yui, what he said is correct. You're not a member because I haven't received your application."
"Eh, I'll write it, I'll write it. No matter how many times, I'll write it. Yukino-chan, please let me join, okay?" Yui's face showed a panicked expression as she pleaded pitifully.
Observing Yui's amusing appearance, Hachiman and Yukino exchanged a subtle smile.
After playfully teasing Yui, the duo locked eyes and transitioned to the main agenda.
"Let's set aside the application talk for now. You must be Saika Totsuka," Yukino, with her usual assertiveness, addressed the still-silent Saika.
"Yes."
Nervously, Saika nodded in acknowledgment.
"Please, have a seat. Hachiman, fetch a chair," Yukino instructed, gesturing for Saika to sit.
"Actually, I came here today..."
Seated, Saika began explaining his request.
"Ah, I see. So, we just need to help you improve your tennis skills," Yukino nodded in comprehension.
"Yes, initially, I just wanted Hachiman to practice with me. I feel a bit embarrassed to trouble you all," Saika admitted with a sheepish scratch of his face.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about. The Service Club was established to assist others—a volunteer organization. This is within the scope of our club activities," Yukino assured in a calm tone.
Handing over her completed membership application, Yui chimed in, "Here you go, Yukino-chan." Then, she turned to Saika.
"That's right, that's right. Our club activities involve helping others. And having only Hikki assist you seems a bit unreliable," Yui remarked, earning a raised eyebrow from Hachiman.
Am I being indirectly criticized here? Well, it's fine. I'll just add another position to my little notebook later.
However, Saika waved his hands repeatedly, speaking kindly about Hachiman.
"No way, Hachiman's tennis skills are excellent. I've seen it with my own eyes."
"Really? It's a bit hard to believe," Yui looked at Hachiman skeptically, and even Yukino shared the same expression.
Noticing their gaze, Hachiman tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Totsuka-san, we've accepted your request," Yukino, in her role as the club president, declared.
Saika's face lit up with a happy smile, and he offered a slight bow, expressing his gratitude, "Thank you so much, Yukinoshita-san."
However, Hachiman seized the moment to interject, "So, how do you plan to assist Saika?"
Yukino's lips curved into a somewhat ominous smile in response to his question.
"Run until breathless, swing the racket until breathless. In short, practice until breathless."
"There's no shortcut to getting stronger, only diligent practice."
"..."
"Are you serious?" Hachiman raised the corner of his mouth in skepticism.
"Of course. If you want to get stronger, rigorous training is essential," Yukino calmly stated, then turned her gaze to Saika.
"How about it, Totsuka-san? Are you willing to accept my training?"
Saika, displaying no signs of backing down, spoke with a serious expression.
"Don't worry, Yukinoshita-san. I will definitely work hard under your supervision."
"As long as my skills can improve, I believe everyone in the tennis club will also strive together."
Hearing this, Yukino nodded.
"In that case, let's commence practicing right away."
Soon, under Yukino's guidance, the group gathered at the practice court.
"To endure rigorous training, good physical stamina is essential. So, Totsuka-san, your first task is to enhance your fitness," Yukino instructed as they changed into their sportswear.
"And for tennis, having power in your swings is crucial. Therefore, we need to focus on strengthening upper body training."
"Let's begin with push-ups."
"Okay."
Upon hearing her words, Saika nodded and promptly started doing push-ups on the ground.
"I'll join you, Saika."
Yui, standing nearby, also got down on the ground.
However, after a few repetitions, she complained.
"Ugh... it's so heavy."
The differences between Yui and Saika were apparent.
Two well-rounded spheres obediently followed Newton's law of universal gravitation, hanging down like droplets.
Additionally, due to the low pull of the zipper in front, a deep cleavage was exposed.
This observation intrigued Yukino.
So... big. They can actually hang down.
Touching her own flat chest, Yukino's face displayed a resentful expression.
Observing this scene, Hachiman found it somewhat amusing.
Indeed, the chest is forever a sore point for Yukino.
After completing a few sets of push-ups, Yukino remarked, "Very good. Now, let's move on to stamina training. Start with a 1,000-meter run."
Watching the two stand up again, Yukino nodded.
"Eh... Yukino-chan, can I take a short break? My arms are so sore," Yui pleaded, feigning weakness.
However, Yukino was unforgiving, "Didn't you just say you wanted to train with Totsuka-san? Besides, running primarily uses the legs, not the arms."
"Fine... okay." Failing at her act, Yui obediently went off to run.
"Go for it, Yui."
Amused by Yui's plight, Hachiman found himself entertained until Yukino shot him a glare.
"What are you looking at? You're also a member of the Service Club. Run with us."
This left Hachiman momentarily speechless. He glanced at the stern-faced girl and cautiously asked, "Are you joining too?"
"Of course. As the president, I have to set an example." Yukino nodded decisively.
This left him with nothing to say. Though unwilling, he had to run along.