Whump!
Thud!
Clatter!
"..."
Watching Shirogane repeatedly attempt to serve, only to keep smacking himself in the head, Rinji started to feel the severity of the situation.
Realistically, no matter how bad someone's coordination was, this level of bodily betrayal defied biology. Who hits the back of their own head during a serve? Even if you tried, you wouldn't generate any power that way.
And yet, Shirogane managed it—flawlessly.
Truly, he had "mystical bone structure."
"President, if you keep practicing like this, it'll only get worse."
Rinji sighed and helped him up off the floor again.
"So it really is that bad..."
"Let me put it this way. Thanks to all your part-time jobs and biking to school every day, your stamina isn't an issue. What's lacking is coordination—and that takes long-term training."
"Can I improve enough before next week's PE class?"
"If you just rely on practice, probably not." Rinji frowned. "And I'm not a professional volleyball coach. If I coach you blindly, I might actually mess you up long term... Hold on, let me see if I can find someone."
He stepped aside and pulled out his phone.
After a few minutes, he returned.
"I just contacted a friend. He said he might be able to get the head coach of Japan's men's volleyball team to train you. How's that?"
"…N-No need to go that far!" Shirogane waved his hands, embarrassed. "I just need to not embarrass myself in class..."
Rinji's connections still surprised him. He had no idea how deep Rinji's network went, but clearly the ceiling was very high.
"So you're in a rush to get this done before next week's class, huh?"
"Yeah... it's because all the second-years are together for that class. Including Shinomiya... She's the one person I really don't want to look pathetic in front of."
"Ah, the Shinomiya heiress. Got it."
Rinji smiled.
"Don't worry. Leave it to me."
"Thank you, Rinji. I really appreciate it."
Shirogane was sincerely grateful that Rinji was always willing to help.
"But President, your coordination issue is serious. To improve quickly, aside from professional coaching, we'll also need some kind of support system. And with just a week to work with..."
His eyes suddenly lit up.
"I've got it."
---
"Wh-Where are we?"
"This is where I work now. I had to leave my previous part-time job, so I'm stationed here."
Takamine Rinji led Shirogane out of the gym and over to a massive company building.
A large sign hung out front, reading: AIZAC Future Science & Technology Co., Ltd.
"This is a scientific research institution. Coincidentally, there's a product under development inside that might be able to help you."
"Eh?"
"Come on."
Without giving him a chance to refuse, Rinji dragged Shirogane through the entrance.
This institute, disguised as an ordinary joint-stock company, was actually the IW Research Organization. It used to focus on military applications, but in recent years had gradually transitioned to civilian technology.
Inside, people in white lab coats walked about in a steady flow. When they saw Rinji—still wearing his black school uniform—they greeted him respectfully.
"Good to see you, Advisor."
"Mm."
Rinji nodded, then pointed to the confused Shirogane beside him and said, "This is my school's student council president. He's having some difficulties. Bring out that experimental exoskeleton and prep the test site."
"Understood."
As the researcher walked off, several others began making preparations as well.
Before long, Rinji brought Shirogane to a cleared open space where many precision instruments and several digital control panels had been set up.
"Rinji, what is this place...?"
"I'm getting you some assistance equipment."
A group of masked technicians carried over a large metal frame and stood beside Shirogane. They began attaching the joints of the exoskeleton to his limbs and torso.
Before long, Shirogane was encased in a layer of metal scaffolding.
"What's this?"
"A civilian-use exoskeleton developed by the company. It was shelved due to lack of market demand, but now that you're in a bind, it's the perfect opportunity to repurpose it."
Rinji made an "OK" gesture toward a group of researchers monitoring the screen.
They nodded and flipped the switches on the console.
Beep~
Lights blinked on across the exoskeleton now attached to Shirogane.
Rinji picked up a volleyball from nearby and tossed it to him. "Try serving."
"Alright."
Though the exoskeleton looked heavy, it was made from titanium alloy and surprisingly light. Shirogane tossed the ball into the air and jumped, swinging his arm down hard—
Whack!
He missed the ball entirely and slapped himself in the face.
"...What's the assessment?"
"Consultant, based on our readings, I'd say this subject has no future in sports."
One of the researchers pointed at a 3D motion model on the screen. "Just look at this motion trajectory. If I hadn't seen it myself, I'd think it was made by a third-year animation student."
"So... can the exoskeleton compensate for that?"
"Well, Consultant, the powered exoskeleton is designed to enhance the user. If the user has no skill to begin with..."
"Then recalibrate the exoskeleton. I've been thinking—this prototype might work as a support tool for people with poor coordination."
"That could work, but we'd need to make major modifications."
"Then do it. Analyze pro athletes' movements and input them as data for the exoskeleton."
"Understood."
With the order given, the researchers busied themselves modifying and recalibrating the device.
"Say, Advisor—about your friend using the product for testing..."
"Obviously. Why else would I bring him here?"
"What I mean is... this would make him the first human test subject. And since he's got poor coordination, we'd want to collect a large amount of data."
"Oh..."
After a quiet discussion, Rinji nodded and walked over to Shirogane, who was still awkwardly trying to get used to the equipment.
"President, the staff needs to make some adjustments. And since you need the help anyway, they want to know—are you willing to be a long-term test subject?"
"Being a test subject…? If it'll really help me, then I don't mind."
"You won't be doing it for free. The pay is 10,000 yen per hour."
"..."
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