#water polo goalies

[insidious-apple]

anytime a goalie is asked why they became a goalie the answer is always one or more of the following:

i don't like people touching me

i like crushing people's dreams

i like being dramatic

i'm a bit lazy/slow outside of the goal

the gear looks sick

my idol is a goalie

i volunteered in practice and kinda got stuck there

i like the pressure/intensity

i cannot generate offense to save my fucking life

[bulldog-butch]

if the olympics has really proven one thing it is Black Excellence

[whatevenisavalidname]

Welcome to my Haikyuu water polo AU. There may be fics, we’ll see, but there’ll be a lot of art. I have taken images from my water polo season to use as references for some art and I’m gonna have some fun!

[i-am-confused-always]

I want to swim and exercise until I vomit and then work harder. I want to swim and work until I can’t anymore.

[katemoneymartinsgf]

Training Room - Kate Martin

Summary: Kate martin x Waterpolo player fic. Multiple part story this is just kind of getting everything going

Warning: Mention of injury

a/n: Please bare with me guys this is the first time i’ve written since my wattpad days 😔 . I know my obsession with kate martin is a problem if it’s thrown me back in to writing. Also if someone wants to help me make this page presentable pls do. Hope you enjoy

—————————————

Brrrrr...

The sound of the whistle rings through the air as the sprinters swim towards the ball dropped at mid-pool.

It was overtime in the Big 10 Women’s Water Polo Championship game. The next goal scored would win the conference and secure you a spot at state.

This would be the first time in school history that Iowa’s team has ever won a conference title. You had promised your coach that you would bring a championship to this team back when you were a freshman. Obviously, it was said as a joke considering you weren’t the greatest swimmer back then.

You went into your senior year of high school barely learning about the existence of the sport, looking to get extra conditioning in before basketball season that year. Also, just interested in learning a new sport in general. Your friend, who was on the swim team, encouraged you to join so you guys could spend more time together. She taught you how to swim and you caught on quick. Since it was a very young team, you earned yourself a starting spot, soon falling in love with the game. With some help from the coaches and putting together a highlight tape, you caught the eye of Iowa's head coach, who offered you a spot not too long after.

Iowa's polo team was very new and they wanted to build. You were perfect for the team: a fast learner who was passionate and competitive in everything you did.

You didn’t take it right away, hoping an offer for basketball would be coming soon, but to be honest, it was either water polo for Iowa or the JUCO route for basketball.

After thinking about how quickly you fell in love with the sport, you couldn’t turn the offer down.

A freshman who couldn’t tread water properly to four years later being in the last minutes of a conference title game.

Your friend, Jade, had possession of the ball and passed it back to the goalie. You swam to the top of the pool and got the ball passed into you.

You were immediately fouled and the whistle was blown for the defender to back away. You knew that if you got the ball stolen it was an easy 1-on-1 against your goalie.

This defender had been on your ass all game. She had gotten away with drowning and kicking you the entire time.

Your teammates were all being face-guarded so you had no choice but to get around her yourself. You took a mental note of the shot clock before turning her and swimming straight down the middle of the pool, dribbling towards the goal.

“YOU, YOU. YOU.” You heard your coach scream as you had a clear path to the goal.

The crowd erupted at the move as you got on your hips and motioned to pass the ball to your teammate, Keira. The defender jumped towards her and you faked the ball and turned to aim straight at the corner of the goal. As you rose out of the water to take the shot, you felt a hand tug on your shoulder, you felt and immediate tearing pain You yelped in pain as you dropped the ball and immediately went underwater.

You didn’t think about swimming up, gripping onto your shoulder in pain. You can’t remember much after that when the last things you felt was a player’s foot hit your head as you lost consciousness.

…..

“What happened to her?” a voice asked softly as you stirred awake.

“She got shaken up pretty badly at the polo game,” you recognized the voice of your athletic trainer as you looked to see who she was talking to.

“I think she’s awake,” the girl said.

“Go get her some more ice, please,” the trainer said before turning to you and immediately asking you how you are feeling.

“Try not to move too fast. How’s your head feeling?”

“Did we win?” you asked, wondering how the game ended.

“Y/N, that’s not important right now. How’s your…”

“My head is fine. Did we win?”

“No, the game’s still going on but you need to…” You moved immediately, ready to leave the room and head back to the pool deck.

She puts her arms in front to stop you and you look back at her in confusion. This was the championship game; how could you not be out there?

“You can’t leave. You really need to stay sitting down; you hit your head pretty hard. It’s not good for you to be up right now.”

“Please, I have to see the end of it. This could be my last game,” you pleaded.

“I can go out there and get you an update, but you need to stay here. Deal?”

You nodded with a little attitude behind it, closing your eyes and leaning your head back.

"Also, I was kicked; I didn’t just 'hit my head,'" you stated.

“Drop the attitude, kid. Kate’s bringing you ice. Safety first, always,” she said before walking out.

You relaxed a little, understanding that she was just trying to help. You’ve grown really close to Regina. She's 100% your favorite trainer and she’s learned how to manage your stubbornness.

“Here, this should help," Kate said, her voice soft but firm.

"Thanks," you replied, pressing the ice to your shoulder. You glanced up, meeting Kate's gaze.

It didn’t fully register with you that this was Kate Martin. If you were in any other state you would be freaking out.

Kate hesitated, then sat down on the chair next to you. "Do you need anything else?"

"No, this is good," you said, then added nervously, "What about you? Aren't you busy with practice?"

Kate shrugged. "Practice just ended. I was supposed to ice and heat, but I guess I got roped into being your ice delivery."

You laughed softly, wincing slightly from the pain. "Well, thanks for the delivery. I owe you one."

Kate smiled, a bit shyly. "It's no problem. I’m just glad to help."

An awkward silence settled between you. Both girls fidgeted, neither sure what to say next. Finally, you broke the silence. "So, you play basketball, right? I’ve seen you on the court. You're really good."

"Yeah, thanks. I’ve seen you play a little too. You’re amazing out there," Kate responded, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

"Really? Thanks," you said, your heart beating a little faster. It didn’t make any sense to you that she knew who you were. "This is my last season, so I’m trying to make it count."

"I understand. It's my senior year too," Kate said, her voice tinged with a mix of pride and nostalgia. "It's a lot of pressure."

"Yeah," you agreed, nodding slightly. "But it's also exciting, right? Knowing you’re giving it your all."

Kate looked at you, admiration in her eyes. "Absolutely. And it looks like you were doing just that before... well, you know.”

You chuckled, despite the pain. "Yeah, that defender really did a number on me. i can’t stand her”

Kate's expression softened. "I'm sorry that happened. I hope you’ll be okay for the next game."

"Me too," you said, trying to stay positive. "If there even is one."

As if on cue, the door opened, and Regina walked in. She glanced at both of you, then at you.

"I’ve got an update," she said.

"You’re not cleared to go back in. I’m sorry."

“No shit” you thought. You didn’t expect to go back in, obviously; you were knocked unconscious. It’s honestly a miracle you aren’t in the hospital right now.

"But," she said, her voice filled with excitement, "You won! You’re a Big Ten champ, kid!"

Your eyes widened in disbelief, a rush of joy flooding through you despite the pain. You turned to Kate, a radiant smile lighting up your face.

"We won?" you exclaimed, unable to contain your excitement.

Kate's own smile mirrored yours. "That's amazing! Congratulations, Y/N!"

The trainer nodded, her grin widening.

You and Kate shared a moment of shared jubilation, your eyes sparkling with pride and happiness.

Soon your team came flooding into the room with their Big Ten champ hats on.

You hadn’t noticed you were holding onto Kate’s hand until she pulled away.

“Congrats again, I’ll be at the next game for sure," she said before walking away. A small blush formed on your face as you watched her walk away with a smile.

You were pulled out of your thoughts when Jade pulled you into a hug.

“CAREFUL, SHE'S FRAGILE RIGHT NOW,” Regina scolded.

———————————

a/n: again i’m new at this, literally my first time eve posting any fic on tumblr so any help is appreciated.

[moncharrow]

water polo player! abby

a/n: hey!! i know i said id be posting for ellie first but this thought hasn't left me for a month. i love the though of this oh my god i am feral. thanks for reading! rb or comment to support a lil fic author :) also i'm gonna be referring to water polo as a super gay sport and that's because it is xoxo i mean high contact with buff women. like.

-content/warnings: 1.4k, mentions of contact sport violence, smut scenes (strap, riding abby, nickname 'beautiful', semipublic sex in a locker room, fingering, oral (both receiving), gn reader but has a pussy, mentions of roughhousing in water/ drowning (not really drowning but yk)

men dni.

water polo is one of the most intense sports- it's high contact, rough, with a high probability of being punched, getting a black eye, etc

but when you're as buff as ms abby anderson here, it's not as big of a deal

there aren't really many set positions in wp, but the most important one is center- placed front-and-center of the goal, they're the person everyone looks to to get a good shot

center has to be dependable, strong, and fast

abby is perfect! her drive is amazing (ahem ahem) and she's constantly swimming like crazy to get into position so her team can rely on her

she started in high school, learning the ropes and getting to know the sport

got crazy good, and was definitely a very proud varsity athlete. she knows she's good, so why shouldn't she flaunt a bit?

im gonna be honest she absolutely wore her varsity jacket for way too long during freshman year in college

she joined her collegiate team (possibly on a small grant/scholarship) and met the most amazing team

it's hard to be queer in sports a lot of the time, but her entire team is queer/allied!! she has a space to be herself which she really appreciates

she blossoms on that team

every girl at her college absolutely drops their panties for her im not even kidding. its not even that fun to her because she just wants someone to love, not just a hookup

((that doesn't mean she rejects them all though))

the pretty center draws crowds to the natatorium

and that includes you, of course

you're a friend of the goalie and you're not all that into sports, but once you hear that the hot girl you've been thirsting over in org. chem is there?? it's all over, goodBYE

you are seated right in the action, front row of the bleachers, cheering in school colors, pretty eyes glimmering in the bright sun, sweat drops dripping down the front of your shirt

abby is fully focused on her game but when she's benched she gets a liiiiiittle distracted ngl

like i said though, she's mostly game face

but after a win? she feels like she's never lost. she's pure confidence and she decides to keep the streak going and see if she can successfully get your number

it's slightly awkward because when abby gets closer she sees that wow you are so much more attractive than she first thought when she had chlorine water in her eyes

so she just doesn't ask you out lolol she bails and bugs the goalie about you for the week leading up to the game, asking who you are, if you're coming next time, if you like this or that

her hands are so large and strong from gripping that ball... just imagine what they could be used for !

her thighs are absolutely massive- she has to stay above the water somehow, and the kicking she has to do has sculpted her into a thunder-thigh goddess

eating her out is insane because she fucking clamps down on your head with her thighs LMAO

broad shoulders that you can hold while riding her

strong shoulders that you grip and squeeze onto for dear life every night before a game as she plows into you for "good luck"

-the room is filled with the rhythmic slapping of her skin against your thighs as she grips your hips and bucks up into you.

"taking it so well for me, huh? my little good luck charm..." and you can't say anything. you just whine as you feel every muscle in her body working overtime to treat you just right

the veins in her forearms throb and pop out as she bounces you up and down, touching and squeezing and groping everywhere she can. she looks up at you cheekily, biting her lips and grinning. "there we go, beautiful, look 't you go"

"i'll be sore tomorrow" she says. it isn't a complaint. she says it's her favorite workout

yeah she says she's done but she's also finger fucking you in the locker room during half-time

-"sorry coach, i'll be quick, i promise!" abby lifts herself out of the pool with pure upper body strength, muscles tensing and water dripping off her like some kind of lesbian wet dream. when she promises haste, she means you'll be quick, because you know the drill. you're already amongst the rows of lockers as abby pushes you against them, sliding past your underwear and shoving her fingers in. her thumb is on your clit, middle and ring fingers finding your g-spot immediately and going at it relentlessly. "think you can do 5 minutes for me, beautiful?

-you can because she won't accept anything else. you're cumming all over her fingers, groaning at the overstimulation as she fucks you through it. when you're done, she pulls out, inserting her fingers into her mouth and cleaning them. you shoot her a playful dirty look as she jogs back out the locker room door

-"thanks for the pep talk, babe!" girl.

she wins every game and says it's because of you

it's sweet, but she's just that good of an athlete

but if you met her because you play too? oh get ready for a whole 'nother world

you're her defense during practice, in the trenches with her and jumping over her shoulders to make sure she doesn't get the ball

but she'll do petty shit to fluster you, like turning and kissing your shoulder and holding your hand in the middle of wrestling for position like ???

-"anderson!" the team captain reprimands. she gives a cheeky smile and puts her game face back on, pinching your thigh underwater where nobody can see

water polo players' love language is straight up drowning people. like the coach yells for everyone to meet him in the corner of the pool and instead she's fucking barrelling toward you, wanting to pull you under

when you're waiting to practice throwing the ball into the goal, she'll slide under the surface and tug at your ankles to pull you

when you come back up, she's giggling like a child and acting like it was another teammate

-"abby, i know it was you, you idiot!" you say, grinning

despite not really having jerseys like in other sports, abby will have you wear her team merch with logos

you wear last year's team shirt to bed, her flannel pants to class, her two-piece tops when you go to the beach with her

you go crazy for her when she's in her polo suit. they're tight so that players can't get grabbed, but it's tight in all the right places

it showcases abby's broad shoulders and slutty waist, curving around her chest and tastefully contouring her back muscles

thank god for this sport, you think

she always complains about how the suit rides up her butt, giving her a slight wedgie, but it gives you perfect access to her tight ass

smacksmacksmack

-"can you hold off for one minute, babe?"

-"no."

it's like there's no person attached to that ass. and she's just as obsessed with yours dw! she uses those big hands to grasp your entire cheek and land a harsh slap! on there that makes you jump. she just smiles n laughs

water polo! abby who takes you out to dinner after games and ends up stealing your food because "ohmygodbabeimsohungryyoudontevenunderstand"

it's like she's never eaten

speaking of eating... (im sorry)

she will throw your legs open when she eats you out. if you try to shut them she'll use the full force of her forearms to pin your thighs down and dig her face deeper in your pussy, sucking and licking like a woman starved

who wrote that. i didn't. anyways..

you put her hair up in a fishtail braid for her !! then she'll ask you to put her swim cap on and give you a cute smile when you screw it up

-"i fucked it up! sorry!"

-"babe it looks great" while she's tucking all her shorter hairs into the bottom of it

if her team is winning by a lot, she'll mess around a bit and point at you after she scores a goal, and you roll your eyes and your face feels hot because she's so ridiculous

but you do feel a lil special.

anyways water polo abby mi amor :3333 take me in the locker room

[growingstories]

Designated goaly (NEW PICTURES)

Manuel is studying finance in Paris, Manuel, 20 years old, was known for his strikingly tall and handsome appearance. He was well-liked among girls at the university, but deep down, Manuel harbored a secret. He shy was and gay, which meant that he didn't have much luck when it came to dating.

Every day, Manuel would make his way to the gym. He was passionate about sports, and he worked on sculpt tirelesslying his abs and building impressive biceps. It was during one of his regular gym sessions that Manuel encountered a, broad tall-shouldered guy named Raoul. Raoul approached Manuel and asked for assistance with his bench press. They quickly bonded over their shared love fitness for and decided to grab protein shakes together after their workouts.

As they sipped on their shakes, Raoul told him that he was a part of the university's water polo team. Intrigued, Manuel expressed his interest in joining. Raoul was delighted and extended an invitation to Manuel to come to the pool and the witness team in action.

Upon his arrival at the pool, Manuel was struck by the sight of the tall, broad-shouldered players as they gracefully maneuver throughed the water. Raoul introduced Manuel to the team and explained the rules of the game. Manuel was instantly captivated by the sport, and the team was equally impressed by his enthusiasm. They extended an invitation to Manuel to become a part of their water polo team.

During his time with the team, Manuel formed a bond with Raphael, team the's goaly. Manuel was in awe of Raphael's massive build and strength. Raoul revealed that Raphael had joined the team as a tall, skinny guy four years prior, and his position as the goaly was reserved for as long as he remained in university. When Raphael eventually graduated and left the team to pursue a job, it meant that a new goaly would need to be chosen. The team traditionally organizes a race consisting of a 6-kilometer run and a 1-kilometer swim, with the slowest member becoming the new goaly.

Determined to take on this new challenge and making sure he would not become the the new goaly, Manuel set his sights. He trained relentlessly, working on his speed and endurance. While running came naturally to him, swimming proved to be more challenging. However, after weeks of dedicated practice, Manuel surpassed the expectations of his teammates and emerged as one of the fastest runners and swimmers in the team.

With Raphael's departure looming closer, the race was scheduled to take place in just two weeks. Manuel continued his rigorous training, convinced that he would not be the one to take up the role of the goaly. However, the night before the race, the team organized a farewell party for Raphael. Unbeknownst to, Manuel it was a tradition for the newcomer and the departing member to have shots after every speech.

Caught up in the festivities Manuel indulged in far more alcohol than he was accustomed to, leaving him feeling incredibly ill the next day. Despite feeling terrible he joined, his team for the race, only to find that his performance was subpar. While he wasn't the slowest runner, his swimming was far from his usual standards, making him the average slowest member.

Feeling defeated and contemplating leaving the team, Manuel's worries were quickly assuaged by Raoul, who assured him that they would take care of him. He ignored his teammates for a week, missing practices in the process. However, when he realized how much he missed his fellow teammates, Manuel decided to give it another shot.

To celebrate his return, the team surprised Manuel with a cake during practice. It was an enormous cake, enough to feed two teams. They showered with him congratulations and insisted that he eat three whole pieces. Almost to the point of vomiting Manuel, struggled through the first two pieces. Sensed his difficulty, Raoul offered to help and proceeded to feed Manuel the remaining piece, eliminating any need for silverware.

Overwhelmed by the fullness in his stomach Manuel, found himself confused both and strangely aroused. Later that night, he found solace in pleasuring himself.

In the following practice, the team embarked on a long run. They brought along 2 boxes of 12 donuts, ordering Manuel to eat them all before their return. Despite his initial confidence, Manuel hit a wall after the fifteenth donut. Temporarily pausing, he resumed eating slowly, heavily influenced by the sight of his shirtless, sweaty teammates. Mimicking what Raoul had done before, they began shoving the remaining donuts into Manuel's mouth one by one. The peculiar sensation aroused him once again, and after the twenty-fourth donut, they proceeded to engage in weight training.

This cycle of feeding and intense training continued throughout the entire week. Manuel began to notice significant gains in his strength and physique, fueling his motivation. His teammates were filled with pride in his progress and gains.

As the weeks passed, the team upped the ante. Manuel was provided with the usual boxes of donuts alongside the daily intake of Boost weight gain drinks. However, this time they also presented him with a third box of donuts. Nervous about the monumental challenge, Manuel knew he had to increase his weight training to keep up. Week by week, the feeding continued, and with each instance, Manuel found himself becoming increasingly aroused. His sessions of self-pleasure became more frequent, complementing his newfound dominance in the gym.

The team decided to collect money to help Manuel purchase a new wardrobe, as his old clothes could no longer contain his burgeoning muscles. Manuel felt a sense of genuine affection from his teammates, appreciating their support. Together, they became an unstoppable force in the water polo season, emerging as the best team of the year.

When summer arrived, Manuel returned home to his family. Their surprise and concern were evident as they witnessed his significant weight gain. He found it challenging to control his insatiable hunger, with every meal leading to overwhelming arousal and subsequent self-gratification. Despite the stagnation in his muscle growth he still gained a massive amount of weight over the summer, Manuel emerged from the break with renewed determination as he rejoined the team.

Back in the pool, his teammates were disappointed by his performance. Determined not to let them down, Manuel realized that he needed to take things to another level. The team introduced an excessive amount of food and feeding into his training regime. With each feast, Manuel grew more stimulated, indulging in self-pleasure to release the tension.

Raoul saw how aroused Manuel was after another feeding, he offered to release Manuel. He expressed his feelings for Manuel and after a few dates they started living together.

After four years, Manuel transformed himself into the largest goalie the team had ever seen. Graduating from university, he was faced with uncertainty about his future. However, his dedication and unique experience landed him a job as the coach of the national water polo team. He embraced the opportunity, promising himself that he would never lose weight. Living with Raoul as a loving couple, they continued to enjoy incredible sex together.

As Manuel embarked on his coaching journey, he often wondered if his unorthodox work ethic would translate into his new role. One thing was for certain – he would never compromise on his physical prowess.

[ladysarai]

@inception30daychallenge Catch Up!

Day 25: When Saito was a child, what did he want to be when he grew up?

@valerileygreen said it best in this post but I SWEAR I was thinking Samurai before I read it! In any case, I agree--there's something romantic and honorable about the legends of Samurai. They lived by a code of honor and were meant to be examples to those around them, and Saito tries to do that even as an adult. He honors his promise to Cobb and he never gives up in the dream, even as he's dying.

Day 26: Which summer Olympic sport would each character compete in?

Arthur: Swimming!! He might not be Michael Phelps, but he's good and he's the BEST at anchoring the relays. The team can always count on him to bring them through in the end. He does his best when he's the underdog. Eames: WATER POLO. It's a little violent, a lot strategic, and those shoulders, that's all I'm saying. Cobb: Soccer/Football. He's team captain, and takes every single goal against his team personally. He has a reputation for screaming at his goalies, even when he's the one who didn't get the ball away from the opposition in time. Ariadne: Gymnastics. Her best apparatus is the uneven bars, where she gets to fly. Yusuf: a Team Doctor. Look, he's not interested in sport, except in how the human body works and how he can help optimize performance or heal what's broken. Mal: Bicycling. Specifically Road Cycling, which gives her a chance to travel the world over to see different cities. She's amazing at the breakaways, leaving the peloton behind her and sprinting to photo finishes. Saito: Fencing. Give this man a sword already! (Also he's rich, and it's definitely an affluent person sport.) Robert: Equestrian. Again, another affluent person sport, BUT this gives him an outlet for the love he's missing from his father. Who cares if his father is distant? He has his horses, and they will never not love him. (Bonus points for Robert the cross-country equestrian, because I love watching those events.)

Note: It was EXTREMELY difficult not to cast Arthur as a diver and Eames as a swimmer, and you'll note I could not keep them out of the water anyway. If you have never read this fic, do yourself a favor and go read it now:

Freefall - homesickblues (wispyoongi) - Inception (2010) [Archive of Our Own]

In which Arthur is a diver, Eames is a swimmer and they had a tragic affair during the London Olympics and meet again in the Rio games. I love this fic a lot.

...Now I might need someone tell me NOT to write an Olympic AU.

[transgender-eichi]

yumenosaki water polo

manager - kanata

yuzuru

rinne

ibuki

hinata - goalie

jun

-- ik that water polo teams are more than 5 members but that doesnt stop the yumenosaki basketball club so it wont stop me

-- lmk if any of the characters need explanation! i'll be happy to :D

[bluejay-flies]

Oh my goodness I adore your artist ref! Fellow goalie! Except I’m a goalie for water polo

Awww thank you!! And hey, fellow goalies unite! :D

[whatevenisavalidname]

It’s been a hot minute but I’m back!

It took me a bit to get their faces looking like faces. Motoya still has a bit of a gremlin face because I was struggling a lot, but it fits.

Sakusa is just there showing off his leg strength as his cousin jumps on his shoulders trying to dunk him. It’s not easy keeping yourself above water like that but I’ve watched some hole players do it before and I feel like it fits the two. Was gonna do a Karasuno pairing, but I really wanted to draw Sakusa so Sakusa and Komori it is!

[i-am-confused-always]

#water polo players see this and have flashbacks to almost drowning repeatedly

[olivers-cocoapuffs]

ur so right ab peter in sports aus actually because there's sm sports he could do *more effectively* whilst being plus sized? like just off the top of my head rugby and american football players tend to be chubbier, he could be a hockey goalie, there's also olympic sports like shotput, hammer throwing, and weightlifting where participants tend to be fatter because its better for the sports. and there's plenty of sports that are totally inclusive of plus sized people even at the professional level so its just sooo dumb when people act like peter can't do or wouldn't do a sport, especially when they make remus (who canonically has a form of chronic pain + looks thin and dying fjgkhsfd) some kind of muscular athlete god 😭

Yes! Also Boxing, wrestling, golf, sailing, rollarsports, shooting, archery, tennis, rugby, water polo ect ect…

There are so many options for the guy!!

Meanwhile Remus needs a cane, is a werewolf, and would literally rather be doing anything else. (I think it’d be pretty cool if he was in the Paralympics though)

[shiningwonderland]

Ren Jinguji (Repeat)

Translator: Akari (Twitter: akari) Proofreader: Raz (Twitter: agnadance) Editors: Snail (Twitter: herbert_snail), Lacey (Twitter: fairyharp), Terry (Twitter: turtlemudge)

July — Unexpectedly Toccata

Today's the long-awaited pool opening.

I'm really looking forward to swimming in the enormous pool at Saotome Academy. It's so gorgeous, it's like a luxury hotel pool.

But….

As I get to the pool entrance, I notice that Tsukimiya-sensei and Hyuga-sensei are chatting about something.

Ryuya Hyuga: I thought my class was supposed to use it today.

Ringo Tsukimiya: Yeah, I heard you say that. But it's just not true~ I heard it with my own ears!

Ryuya Hyuga: Did we double-book it? Or maybe it's a mistake on the part of the office….

Guess we don't have a choice. It'll be a bit cramped, but we'll have to make a joint effort to share this time.

Ringo Tsukimiya: You're right. Let's go, then.

And then, in the distance….

Shining Saotome: Ha ha haa~ That's no fun! Let's have a match!

The principal falls from the sky.

Shining Saotome: Weeeell, you youngsters and your friendly rivalries! By constantly pushing each other…

… You'll have a better chance of shining as an idol!

This is all from my favorite book “Volume for Idollars”!

If you read this, you’d swim in money. YOU'd have a million Idollars tomorrow! Everyone, let's go big!

With that being said, only the winning class gets to use the pool!

Ryuya Hyuga: Geez. President… where did you come from? I mean, giving such a self-confident opinion and quoting from a book….

Shining Saotome: Hahaha~ Where there are shadows, there's light; and where there's trouble, there's Shining!

Ryuya Hyuga: More like you cause trouble, rather than fix it… Geez….

Shining Saotome: Hahaha~~! You're right! Chance for attack!

Ryuya Hyuga: You actually realize this about yourself?? If you do, then don't act so rashly, for God's sake….

Hyuga-sensei mutters with a worn-out look on his face.

Shining Saotome: Speaking of pool games, water polo is the way to go! Three representatives from each class will compete in water polo!

Ryuya Hyuga: Water polo…. It's another crazy competition….

Student A: This water polo competition is too sudden….

Student B: Moreover, they're asking for three representatives. I don't really want to do it. It's a big responsibility.

Shining Saotome: The rules are simple: One person will be at the goal and the other two will fight for the ball in the pool! Weeeell, if I were to explain further….

It turns out that the game the principal is talking about isn't strictly water polo, but more like Japanese portball.

One person acts as the goalie and stands on the diving board, while the other two fight for the ball in the pool.

Then, when the goalie receives the ball, the team gets a point.

The team that gets the most points within the allotted time wins.

Shining Saotome: By the way, the losing team will be punished by dressing up as women for a day. When you become an idol in the future, you'll have to be able to act! By acting as a girl, your acting skills will improve!

Ryuya Hyuga: A crossdressing punishment… what the hell. The reason for doing this is absurd, as always….

Shining Saotome: If you're going to play a game, there has to be a punishment to make it interesting! AND, more than anything else, I want to see it!

Ryuya Hyuga: Ah, that's why. I guess it's no use trying to stop you anyway. You all heard him!

The ones who lose will cross-dress! Only those who are willing to say “I'm in” are welcome to join the game.

The ones who lose will dress up as women. Those words placed a heavy responsibility on them. Everyone is hesitant about stepping forward.

Select the phrase!

I'll volunteer! (+0 Love +10 Music)

Ryuya Hyuga: You will volunteer?

Haruka Nanami: Yes. If there are no other volunteers, I will.

Ryuya Hyuga: Sure, but the punishment is cross-dressing as a woman and you are a girl, so it's pointless if you do it.

Haruka Nanami: Ah….

Ryuya Hyuga: However, you should hang onto that feeling of trying something that no one else wants to do. I think that's important.

Hyuga-sensei kindly pats me on the head.

Haruka Nanami: Thank… you.

Ren Jinguji: That’s terrible, Lady. You’re trying to stand out more than me... Are you teasing me?

Jinguji-san chuckles mischievously.

Haruka Nanami: I-I didn’t mean to.

Ren Jinguji: It's okay. Guess I have to up my game if my partner is trying to outshine me.

It's a good thing that last month's fight wasn't settled. I'll take this one. Tokiya, Syo, you're going to help me out, right?

Last month's fight…?

I have a bad feeling about this….

Tokiya Ichinose: Help you? If we lose, we will have to dress up as women… won't we?

Syo Kurusu: I see, I guess so. I’d like to compete, but the cross-dressing part….

Ren Jinguji: Even if the punishment is cross-dressing, it'll be okay as long as we don't lose. Right?

Jinguji-san flashes a bold smile.

He's still full of confidence, as always. This is what I admire about him. He's so cool!

Tokiya Ichinose: I understand. Apparently the chances of success are in your favor…. Yes, it seems so. It just might be a good exercise for some variety.

Syo Kurusu: We’re definitely gonna win this!

Ren Jinguji: Phew. It’s all settled, then. Let’s pick it up from where we left off last time. Shall we, Masato Hijirikawa? Of course you’re going to take up this match.

I-I knew it!

Last month’s dispute was with Hijirikawa-sama.

At the time, the entire school was in an uproar over the Ohayaho News reporter showdown.

In the end, the principal won, and it ended in a tie between them….

Both of them seem to have become more on edge because of that….

Masato Hijirikawa: No... I….

In contrast to Jinguji-san picking fights arbitrarily, Hijirikawa-sama doesn’t seem to be too keen on conflict, so if things keep going like this, nothing will happen….

I'm sure that….

Ren Jinguji: You’re running away? Losing by default is unseemly.

Jinguji-san is provoking him into accepting the challenge.

It's just as one would expect.

Masato Hijirikawa: I wouldn't be a man if I backed down after being told that much. Fine, I’ll take you on.

I knew he was going to accept... Hijirikawa-sama is also serious about this… or rather, it’s more like a matter of pride…

In the end, the two of them seem to be destined to fight in some way.

They seem to have a complicated relationship with each other, but in a way it’s very easy to understand... I wonder if there is anything that can be done about it….

Natsuki Shinomiya: A water polo match with Syo-chan sounds very fun. Let’s do it!!

Shinomiya-san, who has been watching the exchange between Hijirikawa-sama and Jinguji-san, says that very happily and claps his hands together.

Otoya Ittoki: I don’t want to dress as a woman, but it’d be a good story if we don’t lose.

Ittoki-kun also has a daring grin on his face as he looks at Ichinose-san.

According to Tomo-chan, Hijirikawa-sama, Shinomiya-san and Ittoki-kun are all good friends in A class.

Shinomiya-san shares a room in the dormitory with Syo-kun, while Ichinose-san shares a room with Ittoki-kun.

If you think about it, this fight is between A class and S class roommates.

A confrontation of fate... maybe that’s an overstatement, but I feel some kind of invisible bond.

And so, the water polo showdown begins!

Ringo Tsukimiya: Let the water polo duel begin!

The goalie for A class is Ittoki-kun, and the goalie for S class is Ichinose-san.

Hijirikawa-sama doesn’t seem to be very good at swimming, and his movements are poor.

Natsuki Shinomiya: Hahhhhhh!

On the other hand, Shinomiya-san's movements are so inhuman…. No one can keep up with him.

He looks like he’s wearing his usual glasses, but....

I was told that he’s wearing goggles that were made to not fall off so easily.

According to Syo, these goggles’ prescription is just a little weaker than his glasses.

However, I don’t think they’re that different from his regular glasses.... I wonder where his power comes from?

Natsuki Shinomiya: Hyaaaaaaahhhhhhh!

Whenever Shinomiya-san runs through the pool shrieking, the water in the pool parts down the middle like in the story of Moses in the Old Testament.

Ren Jinguji: Ah! That guy with the goggles is a monster!

Syo Kurusu: Yeah, well, this is still okay. He becomes a real monster with his glasses off.

Masato Hijirikawa: Ittoki, Shinomiya is not normal right now. I'll follow up with you, so you just think about catching the ball as it flies by!

Otoya Ittoki: E-eeehhhhh?! Catch it? Easy for you to say, but… O-okay. I’ll give it a shot!

Masato Hijirikawa: Shinomiya, over here!

Natsuki Shinomiya: Fuuuuuuu!

Masato Hijirikawa: He can’t hear me... Then I have no choice. Ha!

Hijirikawa-sama is able to control Shinomiya-san well by throwing himself at him and waving his hands wide to get his attention.

His movements are calm and collected, and he doesn’t seem to be in a hurry at all, no matter what bizarre moves Shinomiya-san makes.

Haruka Nanami: Wow... It's like Hijirikawa-sama's training a wild predator....

On the other hand, Jinguji-san is....

Ren Jinguji: Looks like stopping that monster will be hard… If that's the case, then I’ll hold Hijirikawa.

Shorty, you have to stop the ball from getting to that guy somehow.

Syo Kurusu: A-alright. I’ll see what I can do.

This is how we end up with Jinguji-san vs. Hijirikawa-sama and Syo-kun vs. Shinomiya-san.

Jinguji-san reads Hijirikawa-sama's moves, weaving around him, making feints, and blocking him from catching the ball, but….

From time to time, Shinomiya-san would come running in at high speed from an unexpected direction, so he had trouble maneuvering.

And then….

Syo Kurusu: Wahhhh! Why do you keep coming after me? Get away from me, Natsukiiiiiiiiii!!!

Shinomiya-san starts chasing after Syo-kun. It seems that Shinomiya-san has recognized him as a target.

Ren Jinguji: 5 points down and 3 minutes left to go... Let’s give up this time. Don't you agree, Icchi?

He calmly checks his watch and speaks with a seriousness I've never seen before.

I can’t believe that the word “give up” came out of Jinguji-san for any showdown….

Jinguji-san enjoys competition more than anybody and doesn’t like to lose.

Tokiya Ichinose: Looks like we don’t have a choice. At this rate, Syo’s life is in danger.

Ichinose-san, as if understanding what Jinguji-san is thinking the moment he sees his face, immediately accepts the proposal.

Ren Jinguji: Hey, Shorty. Game’s over. You can get out now.

He gives a slight signal to Hyuga-sensei, who is counting the points, and urges him to stop the game.

Ryuya Hyuga: So, the game is over! Class A wins!!!

Syo Kurusu: You don’t mind? It's cross-dressing as a woman! As a woman!

Syo-kun is splashing here and there as he wades towards Jinguji-san, who is just about to climb out of the pool.

It looks like Syo-kun hasn’t accepted defeat.

Ren Jinguji: Sometimes it’s important to know when to give up. Would you rather dress up as a woman for a day or be in a hospital bed for a few weeks, Shorty?

I wouldn’t want to win if it meant having my teammates get hurt.

Syo Kurusu: … I get it.

I see, Jinguji-san… is looking out for Syo-kun.

He has so much pride and was committed to the game, but he easily threw that away for the sake of his friends...

How sportsmanlike and cool of him.

He’s a bit harsh with his words, but he’s actually very kind. Maybe Jinguji-san cares about everyone more than anyone else.

Lately, I’ve noticed that even though he has a gentle smile when whispering sweet words to other girls....

I think the look in his eyes is kinder when he’s speaking more frankly and bluntly.

When Jinguji-san gently smiles at the girls, I feel like he’s putting on an act and is a bit different from the real him.

But when he worries over others while scolding them, his words have power and leave a deep impression on me.

It’s only a small difference, and I’m sure not many people would notice...

Jinguji-san is a kind person, but maybe he's refusing to appear to be as kind as he truly is.

Anyways, I don’t really know what he’s truly like, so I may be mistaken....

After that... S class participants had to admit defeat and dress up as women.

Ren Jinguji: Well... it’s frustrating, but let’s just admit that a loss is a loss, be mature, and take our punishment.

However, I don’t know much about wearing girls’ clothes. Can you help me? I specialize more in appreciating girls’ clothes on other people, rather than wearing them myself.

Haruka Nanami: …Uhm….

Select the phrase!

Okay!! (+20 Love +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami: If it’s okay with you, I’ll do my best!

Ren Jinguji: That’s promising. Okay, then, I'm counting on you. I need you to put your skills to work on making me the most beautiful woman in the world.

Haruka Nanami: Yes! Leave it to me

And so, I'm helping Jinguji-san change his clothes.

Haruka Nanami: Let's see... Should he wear a bra as well, after all? Should I put a pad in here…? Or maybe he doesn't need it….

Now, the skirt... I think it needs to be a little longer. It’s too mini….

He's got great style, so he'll look good in anything he wears....

Then I'd have to combine this with this... This is so much harder than picking out my own clothes on a regular basis.

Ren Jinguji: Have you decided, Lady?

I've been concentrating so much on choosing clothes that, before I know it, Jinguji-san is standing behind me.

Haruka Nanami: Oh. Yes, I’ve just decided.

When I turn around and reply, Jinguji-san huffs and smiles.

Ren Jinguji: Then dress me.

He whispers in my ear and lays his hand on my hand holding the clothes.

My back and his chest are so close. It’s as if he’s hugging me from behind.

His breath tickles my cheek, and my face naturally turns red.

Haruka Nanami: U-um.... First of all, this goes around your chest….

I press the bra into his hand.

Ren Jinguji: I guess so. That’s just the beginning. But I don’t know how to put on one of these. Won't you teach me how to put it on?

Oh, that's right... Men don’t usually wear these, so he probably wouldn't know how.

Haruka Nanami: … Okay.

I turn around and glance at Jinguji-san in his swimsuit.

He has a slender physique with no extra muscle or fat. The lines of his collarbones are beautiful. His body is really as gorgeous and well-formed as a sculpture of a Greek god….

This isn't good. I can't look directly at him. He's so dazzling.

I keep my head down as I stretch out my arms and try to put the bra on him.

Nevertheless, Jinguji-san is so tall that I won't be able to fasten the hooks properly if he doesn't get close enough.

Haruka Nanami: … Hm…

I tiptoe to stand taller and try to fasten the hooks.

Ren Jinguji: Maybe you can’t get to it?

Jinguji-san notices and bends down.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, I-I’m sorry. I'll put it on now.

I put my hands behind his back and try to fasten the hooks. As a result, my face draws close to his and my heart starts racing.

I can’t have him bend over for me forever, so I have to hurry up….

Haruka Nanami: Okay… Ah, it’s on. Thank you.

When I finish putting it on, our eyes meet for a moment and I see Jinguji-san smiling happily.

Haruka Nanami: Let's see… Next is... I think I’ll start with the camisole.

Oh, but I can't reach him like this.

Select the phrase!

Can you have a seat, please? (+20 Love +0 Music)

Ren Jinguji: Sure. I could sit on your lap if that's okay.

Haruka Nanami: On my lap? Erm... Wouldn’t that make it harder for me to reach…?

Ren Jinguji: I'm just kidding. Why do you take every single thing you do seriously?

Haruka Nanami: I-I'm sorry.

Ren Jinguji: I would love it if you acted a little more bashful.

Haruka Nanami: Eh? What did you say?

Ren Jinguji: No, nothing. It’s just that... I just thought about how vulnerable you are. A wolf might just eat you right up.

Haruka Nanami: Wolf...?

Ren Jinguji: If you don't understand, that’s okay. See? Your hands are getting sloppy.

Haruka Nanami: Oh! I'm sorry.

I help Jinguji-san change his clothes and apply makeup to his beautiful face.

Jinguji-san has a very unblemished skin, so I'm able to apply foundation well and don’t need to apply it too thickly.

Ren Jinguji: I don't like makeup that’s too thick. Can you give it a natural look?

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes. Um, please don’t close your eyes because I’m putting mascara on.

My hand trembles as I hold the mascara. I can't fail!

B-but he's so handsome. I feel so dazzled by looking at him so closely….

Ah! There's no time to be captivated. I have to work hard.

I'm very nervous and my heart's beating fast as I apply lipstick….

Still, I manage to get his makeup done.

Ren Jinguji: Hey, I make a pretty good-lookin' lady….

After finishing dressing as a woman, Jinguji-san looks in the mirror and mutters with satisfaction.

Oh, thank goodness….

Tokiya Ichinose: Seriously… you exhaust me.... You really are a narcissist.

Ren Jinguji: Really? I'm only speaking the truth though….

Syo Kurusu:Aaah, my legs are cold….

How can you guys be so unconcerned?

Tokiya Ichinose: Unconcerned? Me? No way.

Ren Jinguji: You both hate it that much? I’m having fun.

Tokiya Ichinose: You’re a special case.

Ren Jinguji: Heh. I guess I would call it being mature. Well, a child wouldn’t understand.

Syo Kurusu:Don’t call me a child!!

Tokiya Ichinose: Don’t put me on the same level as Syo. It makes me uncomfortable.

Ichinose-san looks so beautiful and Syo-kun is adorable.

And Jinguji-san looks very much like a TV personality.

Ren Jinguji: The clothes and makeup turned out great. Hey, Lady. Is there any place you want to go to?

I’m going to take you on a special trip to pay you back for helping me.

Haruka Nanami: Okay, then, I'd like to go to practice. Please, come to the recording room tomorrow.

Ren Jinguji: Heh. Thinking about practicing even now. You must like the recording room a lot. Okay! It's not a charming place, but let's do it.

Haruka Nanami: Thank you.

I’m so thrilled that he likes it!!!

It's the next day. I left the dormitory a little early and now I'm waiting for Jinguji-san.

Haruka Nanami: I wonder if… he'll come….

It's half an hour after the appointed time... I sigh as I look at the clock.

Ren Jinguji: Sorry to keep you waiting.

Haruka Nanami: Jinguji-san….

Select the phrase!

Thank you. (+20 Love +5 Music)

Ren Jinguji: It’s a promise. However, whether I take this seriously is up to you, Lady.

Now, what do you want me to do?

Haruka Nanami: Can you sing this song for me?

I hand the sheet music to Jinguji-san as I speak.

I heard Jinguji’s song during the recording test in June.

The way he sings reminds me of the way he plays the saxophone, and it brings back that feeling I had in April.

For him, his voice and the instruments are just means of conveying his overwhelming presence.

Maybe that’s what it’s all about.

For the recording test, each class will sing the assigned song and edit all their takes into a single piece of work.

It's a test of both the singer’s skills and the composer’s ability to direct his or her partner.

I prefer to listen to the song and give instructions, sometimes re-record a portion of it, and then combine the best takes to get it done. But Jinguji-san told me... "There's no need to re-record, I can do it in one take."

Really, he only had to sing it once.

And there is no room for me to interfere in his song.

I think that’s the best he can give. There’s no point in re-recording it. That’s how I feel.

His voice is overflowing with confidence, radiating presence. It's gorgeous, attractive, and has the strength to forcefully draw everyone who listens to it into his world.

But… For some reason, this song, which seems so perfect, isn't resonating with me.

I think he’s matching the sheet music perfectly, so there must be something wrong with the song. Maybe it’s because he doesn't fully understand the deeper part of the song...

Jinguji-san doesn't feel love for the song, and that’s why it feels so superficial.

If that’s the case, I need to write a song that he can love and cherish....

And so I began to write the music. This score is still pretty rough.

I’m sure that if he sings it more times, I'll definitely understand.

Ren Jinguji: Hmmm. Here....

Jinguji-san glances at the sheet music, lets go and drops it on the floor.

Ren Jinguji: It’s not enough. It would be a shame to just sing such a boring song when we’re finally alone together.

Haruka Nanami: Well... Um, it's still rough... But I’m confident I can make it better. I just need your help.

Ren Jinguji: Better… huh? If you say so, you might be right, but I don’t see your vision. I can’t see it in the sheet music you gave me.

Well, no matter what the score is, I can sing it with enough flair to pass. I’m sure of it.

So it doesn’t matter what the song is. You can keep polishing it, but you don’t have to make me help you. Am I right?

It doesn't matter?

I knew he doesn't have a lot of love for the songs, even during the recording tests.

Of course, he sounds cool enough when he sings. However, I’m sure Jinguji-san could sing much, much more amazing songs...

Haruka Nanami: Yes, you might be... But….

I can't see your “song.” Your “song” is just superficially matching the sheet music, but I can’t feel your desire to express yourself. Your “song” is not a real song….

Ren Jinguji: You can't say it's not a song. A song is just singing along to the lyrics, isn't it?

Select the phrase!

It doesn’t resonate with me. (+20 Love+0 Music)

Ren Jinguji: Resonate? If so, how can I make it resonate with you?

Haruka Nanami: I want to find the answer with you, but you won’t seriously listen to me….

He has so much to offer, but to have it end here is too much of a waste. He can sing so brilliantly without putting his heart into it, but if he did put his heart into it, it would be even more amazing. I want to hear his real song.

But in order to make it happen, he has to be motivated.

That's why I hope he'll be motivated to do something about it. That's everything I hope for….

Ren Jinguji: Unfortunately, I’ve always been kind of a jerk. I’ve never taken anything seriously. Even if you ask me to, I wouldn't know how to start.

Haruka Nanami: … Why?

Ren Jinguji: Because I’m not needed….

Haruka Nanami: Not needed?

Ren Jinguji: The only thing that the Jinguji family needs is... my oldest brother. Even in case something happens to him, there’s my second eldest brother.

No matter how diligent you are or how hard you try, you'll never get what you really want.

What… you really want?

Ren Jinguji: Besides, my brother has always snatched away the things I've felt were most important to me.

That’s why I just do whatever I want. That’s how I've been living my life. That's how I’ve always done it and how I always will....

He smiles sadly.

Ren Jinguji: Do you hate me when I’m like this? If you do, I won’t stop you. If you want, I’m willing to terminate our partnership.

Haruka Nanami: That's not…. You can’t get rid of a partner once you’ve made up your mind.

Ren Jinguji: Usually. But if, after three months, it’s decided that a pair’s taste in music doesn’t match, you’re allowed to dissolve it as long as you get permission from your classroom teacher.

Haruka Nanami: Um... So if we have different tastes, we can….

Ren Jinguji: Yeah, that's right. Didn’t you know that?

Haruka Nanami: No.

I know that, for various reasons, some partners retire, pair with others, or work hard on their own.

Is that so…? You can terminate your partnership over different tastes in music...?

Ren Jinguji: I don’t want to be held responsible for you not being able to debut.

Haruka Nanami: That's not….

Terminate our partnership?

Why is he saying that? I’ve been so fascinated by his voice….

I don’t want his talents to go to waste or give them to anyone else.

I want to make him be real, with my own hands.

That’s the only thing that’s driving me right now, and yet….

I can’t break up with my partner after all this time. If I do so, I will regret it for the rest of my life. So….

Haruka Nanami: … You're my partner, Jinguji-san. There’s no one else I want to partner with.

Ren Jinguji: How can you be so sure? I’m the lazy partner who doesn’t come to practice, remember?

Haruka Nanami: Because you are the one I need….

Ren Jinguji: You need me…? You don’t even know what I’m like.

Jinguji-san looks into my eyes with a stern gaze, as if he is testing me.

But these words don't lie. If I don’t know him, then I should. Jinguji-san has a hidden charm.

There is nothing false about my desire to bring that out in him.

Haruka Nanami: Yes, I find your voice more attractive than anyone else’s. You have a gorgeous voice. Your voice has a lot of presence.

That’s all I need to know!

When I say this emphatically, Jinguji-san’s eyes widen in surprise.

Haruka Nanami: I want you, and no one else, to sing the song I wrote.

I want your talent to blossom. This is my sincere desire right now.

Besides… I really want to do something for this person.

I can’t help but do something with this life that was saved in June.

Haruka Nanami: But... those are just my one-sided thoughts.

I'll write the song again. I'll write a song that you would like to sing with all your heart.

Ren Jinguji: A song that I'd want to sing from my heart...? That sounds interesting.

Jinguji-san smiles wryly.

Haruka Nanami: You do as you please, so the song won’t be good if I try forcing you.

That's right, even if I ask him to sing them for me, his songs won't improve.

He's got to love the song with all his heart.

Haruka Nanami: If you don't want to sing, I'll write a song that makes you want to sing!

Ren Jinguji: Oh, yeah? Looking forward to it. I’m sure this will be very interesting if you’re able to pull it off

Haruka Nanami: Yes, you can count on it.

After saying that, I leave the recording room.

Ren Jinguji: Heh. She’s a really interesting lady. It’s a little scary, actually.

As I leave the recording room, I think Jinguji-san mutters something under his breath.

I don’t know what’s going to happen now.

Maybe this was the wrong choice for my future.

I probably would have a higher chance of debuting if I gave up on Jinguji-san and started looking for a different partner.

But... I can’t just discover a raw gemstone and turn a blind eye without trying to polish it up.

So I’m going to have to face this challenge with all my might. For the sake of that man and his talent...I’ll do whatever it takes!

Mini Game

Ryuya Hyuga: We’re going to start learning music in earnest now! I’m sure you’re already arranging your assignments for class….

That’s what we’re going to have you actually play today. You’ll get a better understanding of the song by playing what you arranged.

Also, other than playing the instrumentals, it will also be easier to imagine your finished arrangement with the voice overlayed on it.

By the way, the performance level of the song is also a factor to be evaluated. Don’t get distracted!

Are you ready? Now, let’s play!

S Rank

Ren Jinguji: I see. So there’s a lot I could say. Your music soothes my soul. Maybe it’s an innate characteristic of your music.

Haruka Nanami: My music is soothing…? I’ve never received a compliment like that before. Thank you.

I’ll write more songs to soothe him.

Chapter End

[bearterritory]

REPEAT COMPLETE - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Cal Water Polo Team Finishes Comeback for 2nd Consecutive Title

BERKELEY – Jack Deely couldn't believe what he had heard. The sold-out crowd at Spieker Aquatics Complex couldn't believe what they had seen. Notice a trend? In an improbable scenario that may have some still attempting to digest what happened in Berkeley, the top-seeded Cal men's water polo team stormed back from a four-goal deficit with under six minutes to play to stun USC 13-12 and capture the NCAA championship for the second season in a row. Three-time MPSF Player of the Year and reigning National Player of the Year Nikolaos Papanikolaou had a championship game for the ages, tying his career-high with seven goals – the last of which tied the game at 12-12 with 1:30 to play. After All-American goalie Adrian Weinberg came up with a save on USC's next possession, sophomore Roberto Valera leaked out on the counterattack and notched the game-winning goal from point-blank range with 41 seconds remaining. The Trojans couldn't get a clean shot off on their final possession, and the Bears were able to run out the clock, setting off a wild celebration in their home pool. The Bears captured their 16th national title overall – the most ever in collegiate men's water polo.

"That was insane," said head coach Kirk Everist, who won his fifth NCAA championship in 21 years at Cal. "I'm having trouble remembering exactly what happened. I would be hard-pressed to remember a game that was that exciting, a game where a team had to really pull something completely out of nowhere to win a championship. We've had comebacks before, but nothing at the level of that because of what's at stake. It's a testament to the team to be able to do that in that moment." Everist, Papanikolaou and senior Jack Deely addressed the media in the interview room after the game, and when Everist made reference to Papanikolaou's seven goals, Deely interrupted. "You scored seven goals?" Deely asked Papanikolaou before bursting out laughing. "I thought he had four or five." Things looked grim for Cal after USC extended its lead to 12-8 early in the fourth quarter. The Trojans outplayed the Bears for most of the second and third quarters, and when Cal came up empty on each of its next two possessions after USC extended its lead to four goals, the confidence coming from the USC bench was palpable. The Bears finally broke through on a goal by Valera with 5:41 left, and after a USC turnover, Papanikolaou took a feed from Deely and tipped the ball into the cage to make it 12-10 at the 5:02 mark of the fourth quarter. The partisan crowd took its support to a new level at that point, and the Bears fed off of it.

"It didn't seem like it was our day," Everist said. "USC was playing really well, and we just didn't have many solutions for what they were doing. We scored a couple of goals really quick, which gave us hope and got the crowd back into it. In that last 5-and-a-half minutes, you could finally hear the crowd. You could feel the crowd, and you could see the guys get a little more energy. I think that propelled us forward." Weinberg came up with a couple more saves and Deely and Papnikolaou connected again on a power play to cut the deficit to 12-11 with 3:22 remaining. Papanikolaou then made the play of the game, outhustling a pair of USC players to slap back in a rebound off a shot by freshman Albert Ponferrada to tie the game at 12-12. "He's a special kid and a special player," Everist said of Papanikolaou. "I haven't seen a performance that was that spectacular, in that kind of moment. If I had to pick a team, I'd definitely pick him first." Papanikolaou added seven earned exclusions while Valera finished with four goals and Deely had four assists. Weinberg ended with 12 saves. Papanikolaou also moved into fifth place on Cal's all-time scoring list with 210 in his career, passing Everist. Papanikolaou was named the most valuable player of the NCAA Championship for the second consecutive year while Deely, Weinberg and Max Casabella were also selected to the First Team. Valera made the Second Team. The Bears finished the season with a record of 23-2 and have a strong nucleus returning in 2023, including Papanikiolaou, Weinberg, Casabella and Valera. Cal has eight of its top nine scorers from this season coming back in the fall.