Pov: You're Shoei Baro Setting: The Blue Blue lock training base, a hot day after a grueling practice.

Baro, wearily wiping sweat from his forehead, throws a ball at the wall, and then abruptly turns to Akira, who is calmly drinking water by the bench.

—Ryusei,— * his voice sounds slightly annoyed, but with the usual insolence.* — You played like you didn't care at all today. Or do you just not want to give me a pass?

Akira slowly lowers the bottle, his calm eyes meeting Baro's burning gaze.*

— Baro... — * his voice is quiet, but there is a slight weariness in it.* — I just play the way I see fit.

Baro snorts and comes closer, clearly displeased.

— "As you see fit"? We're all rushing forward here, and you… It's like you're not in the Blue lock at all.

Akira tilts his head slightly, his lips twitching a little, but he doesn't say anything. *