The morning stretched in a succession of recovery and reflection for Nash and the whole team.

Hours passed in lazy naps, light training sessions, and tense strategy huddles.

Later, the teams scattered, prepping for the evening clash.

By nightfall, the district's glow intensified, the artificial lights over the arena ramping up to full blast, turning the skyline into a jagged line of pinks, blues, and greens.

The Neon Nexus Arena was at the heart of the district, a massive dome of glass and steel packed tight for the game.

Baby Boom's popularity had turned the place into a zoo.

Fans from every corner crammed the stands shoulder to shoulder, a mix of die-hards, casuals, and curious types buzzing with the hype.

Tonight was a great night, for a match of Baby-Boom, it was pretty common.

Everyone loved to see their favorite idols sweating and fighting in this kind of environment.

Popcorn, sweat, beer and cologne. All the ingredients for a wonderful night were reunited.

In the commentary booth, Razz and Vex leaned into their mics.

"Yo, Underground, buckle up, this is gonna be fire!" Razz yelled, his blue mohawk shaking under the lights. "Blacklist's got that raw street edge, but Baby-Boom? They're the darlings right now, packing arenas with their beauty and finesse. Who's the wildcard for Baby-Boom, Vex?"

Vex leaned in.

"Gotta be Kai. The girl's athleticism is insane, like a lightning bolt on the court. She darts through defenses and leaves guards in the dust. But don't sleep on Rei; she's the control tower here. We should keep an eye on Aiko, too. She reads are sharp too, could swing things big. What about you, Razz? Blacklist's got depth, but who's carrying?"

Razz chuckled, leaning forward.

"Blacklist? All eyes on Nash Blaze at point guard. His opening game performance is still trending everywhere. That speed, those passes, was it a one-night stand or the real D? Fans are dying to see if he can pull it off again. Drex's shooting could be key, but if Nash falters, it's anyone's game!"

Vex nodded.

"Nash is their spark, no doubt. But Blacklist's got Jaz as a tank. She's the tallest on the court today, and everyone wants to see a giantess tear apart some beauties! If they gel, Baby-Boom's in trouble. This ain't just a match, it's a grudge, folks. Court's gonna burn!"

Down in the Blacklist locker room, the mood was way different. The team was scattered across the benches, some lacing up sneakers, others staring at the floor.

Nash sat calmly on the edge of a bench, his long fingers deftly tying the laces of his black sneakers.

In opposite to the tense mood, Jaz bounced on her heels across from him, her energy the only spark in the gloom.

She was the happiest here, last night's party having amplified her joy into something almost manic.

"We're smashin' these girls, yeah?"

Her voice was bright, cutting through the silence like a ray of sun. Her eyes flicked to Nash, waiting for his approval.

Jinzo glared at her from his spot beside her, but this time, she ignored him completely, like he wasn't there at all; a first for her, usually quick with a shy glance or a sorrowful nod to check his mood.

Did something else happen between them during the day? It was the first time she completely forgot her reflex of checking his reaction after being too honest, but even Jinzo was strange.

Besides the glare, he didn't react, his blond hair falling into his eyes, fists clenched on his knees.

He held back, because he was more and more giving up on her to focus on Aiko, his last light of hope, and, who knows, maybe reaching out to another girl would wake Jaz up from whatever spell Nash had cast?

Mac and Drex were sprawled on another bench, their glares fixed on the floor, shoulders slumped.

Another game, another chance for Nash to shine while they'd grind.

Daliah, with her notebook at hand, leaned toward Victoria.

"The team's energy is worse than usual, even after last night's recreation."

Victoria shrugged, impassive as she scanned the room.

"They can hate each other for what I care, as long as they win, I don't give a damn."

She clapped her hands sharply, the sound echoing off the lockers.

"Alright, geniuses, listen up."

The team stilled, eyes lifting reluctant, the clatter dying to a hush.

"The strategy's simple: Nash is the game. Follow Nash. Don't think, just execute Nash's will. Become good pawns to serve Nash. That's all."

The boys stayed silent, arms crossed, glares burning holes in the floor.

Victoria turned to Nash, a wry smile tugging her lips.

"Any suggestions, oh doer of rain and sunlight? Or are we just winging it on your divine inspiration?"

Nash sighed, pushing off the wall where he'd been leaning.

Was it sarcasm? As much as she was honest, she had this annoying edge... But it all played in his favor anyway.

He thought for a moment, the original plan was a 4-man core with Jaz for physical edge, Nia's charms were useless against an all-girls team.

But last night's gave him an interesting information.

"Put Nia on the team to mark Rei."

The room froze.

Everyone was aware of the power he had in this locker, but this... This was beyond madness.

Jinzo's head snapped up, eyes twitching in disbelief.

"Nia?"

Nia herself pointed at her chest, face lighting up with confusion, glancing at Jaz who could only raise her shoulders in confusion.

Mac twitched, muttering.

"What the..."

Drex's jaw dropped.

"The hell?"

Even Alicia was confused.

Alright, Nash was always right, but this... This was beyond logical.

Victoria raised an eyebrow, arms crossing tighter.

"Hmm... You want to send Nia to deal with them? What's the angle here, Blaze?"

Nash met her gaze, undeterred.

"Yes, and depending on how it turns out, Alicia subs her later."

This time, the reactions hit harder, Alicia pointed at herself in shock.

"Wait... Me too?" her hangover-fogged eyes widening.

This was the confirmation the boys awaited. Nash was pushing all the girls in the team to shine with him.

Some murmurs rose.

"He's doing it again... pushing his favorites." Drex nodded, fists clenching on his knees. Jinzo's face darkened further, a vein pulsing in his temple.

Daliah murmured.

"Hm... seems like team's synergy won't be a topic anymore."

Jaz tilted her head.

"Nash, you sure?"

Victoria held up a hand, silencing the murmurs. She fixed Nash for a moment, crossing her arms.

Then, she pushed a slight sigh.

"I agreed to let you do your do, Nash, but I could use some explanations. The whole point of Nia's play style is destabilizing boys with her sex-appeal. How does it work against a squad of girls? Give me something solid—why her over, say, Larry for raw power?"

Nash crossed his arms.

"Just an intuition, believe in me. I know it's weird but... let me try it for the beginning."

The team exchanged looks, murmurs rising.

What were they supposed to understand here? Just an intuition?

Nash decided to not reveal clearly what he had found about Rei, and in fact, he didn't really need.

Having being with her for a night, Alicia and Nia started to put the pieces together and realized what was just a feeling till now.

"Oh... My... God." Nia's eyes widened.

Both looked at each other, sharing a gaze confirming the horror their mission would be.

Yet, the fact that Nash had pushed them again on the light was quite satisfying.

They weren't just nobodies, they were the arms of the King.

They clustered near him, Nia slinging an arm around his shoulders.

"Ma'am, why are you hesitating? Nash knows what he's doing."

Alicia pressed close on his other side, grinning.

"Yeah, glad he's seeing our potential, finally someone who gets it. Have faith in us."

Just the perfect speeches to break the mood further more.

The boys' glares sharpened, a collective simmer of resentment, Jinzo's eyes like daggers, Mac and Drex exchanging pissed-off nods.

Victoria tapped her foot, considering.

"Fine... Nia starts, Alicia subs. But who we bench to make room? Any victim of your tyranny in head?"

Nash grinned, walking a little toward the group, his finger already tracing the air like he was playing a game.

"Let's see... who am I gonna put on the bench..."

He dragged it out, his finger scanning the room slowly, over Alicia, who raised an eyebrow; over Nia, who smirked; over Mac and Drex, who tensed.

"Eeny, meeny… you."

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