A Saiyan's Journey

Akagi was sent back to continue training with the soccer club members, and before long, Yukinoshita Yukino returned to Shin's side.

"How did it go? Did you find anything out?"

Shin was somewhat skeptical about whether Yukinoshita Yukino could gather useful information. After all, from what he knew of her character, Yukinoshita tended to be rather cold.

Although Shin was aware that she was warm on the inside despite her aloof exterior, it wouldn't be far-fetched to say that she had communication issues. Even acquaintances could find it hard to keep up with her pace and easily get flustered.

However, from what he saw earlier, the girl she had been talking to seemed to get along quite well with Yukinoshita, suggesting she was the type who could keep up with Yukinoshita's rhythm.

To put it simply, the girl wasn't too self-centered and was good at going along with what others said. If she were also someone who spoke bluntly, she probably would have ended up arguing with Yukinoshita.

"Of course."

Yukinoshita raised an eyebrow and even had a small notebook in her hand—it seemed she not only gathered information but also took notes.

This surprised Shin, as he didn't recall seeing Yukinoshita holding a notebook during the conversation. He had no idea when she wrote anything down.

But that was probably because he hadn't been paying close attention to her. Otherwise, with his ability to sense "Ki," nothing Yukino did would escape his notice.

"Tamiya Shion, a student in Class 1-C. Her father was a soccer player, and her older brother also loves soccer, which made her fond of watching boys play soccer from a young age."

Yukinoshita opened the notebook and read out the information she had collected, sounding as if she were reciting a textbook.

"She seems interested in becoming the soccer club manager but is too shy to submit the application, so she just watches the soccer club's training from the sidelines, imagining how she would handle things if she were the manager."

"So, she's watching the soccer team not because she's interested in any boy but because she's interested in soccer?"

Shin scratched his head, unsure whether this was good or bad news for Akagi.

The good news was that this girl, Tamiya Shion, wasn't interested in any of the soccer club members.

The bad news was that she wasn't interested in Akagi either; her focus was on the sport and the club itself.

"That's right, so I accepted Tamiya Shion's request and decided to help her join the soccer club as the manager."

Yukinoshita nodded in satisfaction and quickly closed her notebook, announcing her new decision.

"So, you picked up a new request while gathering information?"

Shin looked at Yukinoshita in disbelief—she really was eager to help people. Akagi's request hadn't even been completed yet, and here she was, taking on another one.

"The requests from Akagi and Tamiya don't conflict; in fact, they complement each other."

Yukinoshita explained her reasoning seriously—she was always this thorough and didn't accept Tamiya's request on a whim.

"Helping Tamiya join the soccer club as the manager will also create opportunities for Akagi to interact with her. Don't you think it's a win-win situation?"

"That's true, but I still think even if they are in the same club, they might not have many chances to interact."

Shin admitted Yukino had a point but shared his concerns.

"As you said, Tamiya is too shy to even submit the application, and Akagi always hesitates at crucial moments, never daring to speak to her… Are you sure they'll be able to connect?"

"Indeed, their personalities pose a problem. Even if we put them together, they may not talk to each other. If some other soccer club member steps in, the plan could fail."

Yukinoshita pondered for a moment, realizing the challenge.

"Tamiya's issues can be addressed. I've already gotten her contact information, so I can privately meet with her to help her work on her shyness."

"You even got her contact information?"

Shin's view of Yukinoshita shifted—if she weren't a girl, she'd probably be a master at picking up women. She managed to get the contact information of a girl she'd just met.

Then again, if Yukinoshita weren't a girl, Tamiya Shion probably wouldn't have lowered her guard so easily.

"But it's not as easy with Akagi, since he's a guy. I don't really understand boys' personalities."

While Yukinoshita could coach Tamiya Shion, she felt at a loss when it came to helping Akagi, so she turned her gaze toward Shin.

"…Why are you looking at me? I'm not a member of the Service Club."

Seeing Yukinoshita's gaze, Shin quickly responded—her eyes made him feel like a recruit being drafted.

"Shin, Akagi is your friend. When your friend is in trouble, shouldn't you help?"

Yukinoshita sighed, seeing Shin's expression as though he were facing a wild beast.

"I don't think Akagi needs me to step in… Even if he hesitates, he'll eventually take the initiative."

Shin shook his head. Having spent some time with Akagi, he understood him enough to know that even if this romantic opportunity slipped away, it wouldn't faze him much.

"But that would mean the Service Club's request remains incomplete."

Yukinoshita wasn't satisfied with that outcome. As the founder of the Service Club, she wanted to fulfill their classmates' requests as thoroughly as possible.

"Okay, then, what's your plan if I agree to help?"

Shin considered it for a moment. Although he wasn't obligated to assist Yukinoshita, since this involved his friend, he didn't mind helping this time.

He certainly wasn't willing to become a regular helper for the Service Club, but assisting Akagi once wouldn't be a problem.

"It's simple. If you're worried that they won't interact smoothly after Tamiya joins the soccer club, then create a situation where they can talk alone."

Seeing Shin's apparent agreement, Yukinoshita relaxed and explained her plan.

"This weekend, I'll arrange a meeting with Tamiya, and you'll invite Akagi. Then, we'll leave, letting them spend time together."

After hearing Yukinoshita's plan, Shin fell silent—it seemed a bit too simplistic.

Even if they left them alone, there was no guarantee Tamiya and Akagi wouldn't part ways immediately. And even if they didn't, would Tamiya really become interested in Akagi?

Based on Yukinoshita's earlier report, Tamiya didn't seem to have any intention of pursuing romance.

However, seeing Yukinoshita's confident expression, Shin understood.

—In the end, Yukinoshita was just a naïve schemer with no real experience in love.

To be continued…