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[counselorssoapbox]

Polishing the manuscript.

Polishing the manuscript,Photo courtesy of Pixabay.com Polishing the manuscript. By David Joel Miller, writer, blogger, and mental health professional. My journey from writing something to making it readable. It’s a long process with many steps to transform that finished manuscript into a book that’s published and available for purchase. Each one of these steps has a learning curve. I’m learning…

[stove-top96]

Wicked Game

Ch. 02

Y Batfam x Gn Reader

Featuring Platonic: Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, Tim Drake, Damian Al-Ghul Wayne

3.9k words

Ch. 01 <- Ch. 02 -> Ch. 03

Class schedule

1st period - Art

2nd Period - Maths

12:00 - 1:00: Lunch

3rd Period - Biology

4th Period - English

(5:00 -> Basketball game)

The thought of Biology class and working with Tim is already giving you a headache and there’s still 10 minutes till class starts.

You showed up a little early like you always do, and sat in the same seat as yesterday. Tim will probably sit beside you. Today is the only class you’ll get to work on the poster, and Mrs. Young's expectations for it are kinda insane.

She’s not even offering supplies. No poster paper, hardly any markers. Is this not the ‘best’ school in Gotham? you're not spending any of your hard earned money on a bio project.

Tim can get it.

He has like a gazillion dollars so there’s no reason for him to complain.

You scroll through your socials, but there’s still no sign of Tim. Shouldn’t he be here by now? There’s only a few more minutes to tell class.

<Tim>

So sorry y/n. There was an emergency last night, I can’t make it to class today.

You roll your eyes— great. You want to ask him how he got your number, but what were you supposed to say?

‘I know you didn’t get my number from Brandi. How’d you get it?’

It’s not normal, it’s so creepy. You feel the pit in your stomach grow— Jesus, you can’t be dealing with this on game day.

No one's gonna reprimand Tim Drake. Not the principal, not the teachers, In fact you might be the one to get in trouble. Defamation of character or something.

You sigh. You’ll just block him after Monday, get through this project and never talk to him again.

<y/n>

Ok I’ll do what I can. We can meet up on the weekend or smth.

Can u get the supplies?

<Tim>

Yeah we’ll make something work. It’ll be done for Monday

I should have some stuff laying around somewhere.

You scoff. Quickly shutting your phone off as the bell rings.

Mrs. Young starts talking, reminding everyone how this will be the only class period to work on the project that’s due Monday.

You stare at the empty desk. Your leg starts bouncing and your palms get shaky.

Focus. Just focus on something. Anything.

You can’t. Your mind just drifts to the game, how everything could go wrong.

You shift in your seat. Trying to focus on Mrs. Young’s voice.

Just get through class.

Before you know it you’re in the locker room. Staring at yourself in the mirror, you quickly splash cold water on your face. God— you look like a mess.

“Come on y/n, we gotta warm up in like 10 minutes” your teammate Cameron yells.

“Yeah I’ll be ready in a sec” you yell. Drying your face, you give yourself one last look in the mirror. The pit in your stomach grows bigger.

You’ve worked harder than most people to get here, just trust in your training. You’re the best shooting guard there on the team, there’s a reason this school wants you here.

You pep talk does little to ease your nerves, but there’s not much else you can do now.

You catch up with Cameron in the gym, and watch the other team warmup. “They’re not bad… But we’re better”. Their confidence is nice, but Cameron isn’t playing with the stakes you are.

“Yeah, We’ll be fine” you whisper, you don't know if you’re talking to Cameron or yourself.

You and your warm up. Running laps around doing shooting drills. Your muscle memory takes over.

Your breathing steadies, your mind is clear.

You shoot.

The swish of the net is like music to your ears.

slowly start gaining your confidence back. Warming up your 3 pointers and haven’t missed one yet.

Normally you’re a starter but Coach decided to bench you at the start. He wants you to get a feel for the opposing team.

“These games aren’t like the ones you’re used to playing” he says. His eyes never leave the court.

“They take training camps over the summer, their parents invest good money into them” he continues. It’s not hard to believe, their technique is unreal.

“But you have something they don’t” he pauses and you look up at him “you're strong, and you have raw talent… I can probably guess what was going through your head today. I just want you to know no matter what you're going to stay on my team.”

Everything disappeared at that moment. All your stress, nerves, regret, it was flooded out with a wave of relief and adrenaline.

Nothing mattered now all you had to do was play your favourite game.

The whistle blew and you switched places with E.J. “Show ‘em what you got Y/n” they patted you on the back.

you’ve never played harder. scoring shot after shot. You were in the zone.

You were having fun.

Gotham prep wins, 68 to 25.

The Subway home is short, nothing like the one you took this morning. You ride the high of winning, a small smile never leaving your face as you recall your best plays of the game. Your mind is filled with excitement and anticipation for your next game.

By the time you reach your apartment you’re exhausted, but as you go to unlock the door the key stops short. It’s already unlocked. That’s weird, mom was always triple checking the locks?

a shiver runs down your spine as you slowly push open the door.

The living room light is dim, The curtains are stapled closed. The T.V plays some static filled re-run, and you see her.

Your mom sits on the couch, hands clenched in her lap muttering something to herself.

You swallow “Hey mom I’m back from my game.” She doesn’t move.

You shut the door, making sure to lock it. “We won, I even got MVP”

Still nothing.

A pit forms in your stomach. You sigh as you drop your bag and slide off your sneakers. You slowly make your way to sit beside her. Your shoulders are touching. She doesn’t move, she doesn’t even acknowledge you.

you hate it.

“I was pretty nervous about playing” you continue, softer now. You know talking to her is futile, but maybe just maybe you could bring her back even for a second. “But coach said no matter what I’ll always be on his team” you say, your head drops onto her shoulder leaning closer into her.

She goes quiet and stares into the wall. Your eyes follow her gaze, nothing’s there. You look at the outdated wallpaper, peeling at the edges.

A lump forms in your throat, and the pit in your stomach grows bigger.

She loves Basketball. She taught you everything you know.

She’d always tell you stories about her games, how she was the best Center at Gotham public. You remember seeing her at every middle school game you had, and would always cheer the loudest. She’d ruffle your hair after every game and say “good job baby I’m so proud of you” You used to get so embarrassed about it.

Now she’s barely here.

The doctors said she would get better with the proper help and time, how she was ‘Luckier than most’.

But she’s not.

and there’s nothing you can do about it.

You know she needs more help than what the government is offering. Group meetings for fear toxin victims aren’t enough. She needs professional help, but insurance won't cover it and you can’t afford it with only a minimum wage job and her disability checks.

you clench your fists nails digging into your palms. It’s not fair. But nothing is ever fair in Gotham.

“I’m gonna make dinner mom” you get up slowly. Looking back at her, still nothing.

You’ll help her. You go to Gotham prep, almost any college will accept you just for that. You’ll build a good life for you and her.

But for now, all you can do is make sure she eats.

+++++

<Tim>

How’d the game go?

Tim exhaled sharply, glaring at Dick “You just gonna stare at my phone until they respond?”

”why else would I be here?” Dick lounged on the couch, a cocky grin plastered on his face. He tried to play it off but he was excited.

The living room was quiet with everyone doing their ‘own thing’— Bruce reading the paper, Cass pretending to read a book, Steph scrolling on her phone, Jason and Damian cleaning weapons— But no one was focused.

They were waiting.

The family knew how you did. All of them watched the live stream. They saw every shot you scored, every pass you made, everything.

They were proud.

“I still believe it’s insulting that the coach decided to bench them for the 1st period” Damian scoffed. “Their talent is wasted due to incompetence”.

”they won.” Jason said without locking up

”That’s not the point Todd”. Damian rolled his eyes, “they would’ve won either way.” Damian muttered. Truthfully he was disappointed he didn’t get to see you more.

Tims phone buzzed.

The sound made everyone’s attention snap to him.

<Y/N>

It was good we won and I got MVP

Dick read the text out loud. Tim snatched the phone back before anything else could happen.

“They're starting to share more, that’s good.” Bruce stated, Cass nodded her lips twitch into a small smile.

“Invite her over for tomorrow, I wanna be here when they come” Dick said smugly, a smirk still present on his face.

Tim stayed quiet typing a response.

”I doubt Grayson would go back to Blüdhaven if they chose to come over Sunday” Damian Huffed.

Tim ignored them and hit send.

<Tim>

That’s good!

When are you free on the weekend?

<Y/n>

I work during the day I’m free after 6 tho

the library doesn’t close tell 9

Dick leaned over reading the text aloud. “You're not going to the library,” Jason scoffed. “Yeah, no” Dick said playfully. Tim rolled his eyes “yeah I know” he scoffed, they were too quick to jealousy.

he quickly typed a response.

<Tim>

I’m not really able to go anywhere, that’s why I wasn’t at school today

<Y/n>

wdym

<Tim>

I got my family to keep it out of the news, but I was attacked last night.

They wanted to take me for ransom.

Dick read the messages aloud. There was a moment of silence before he started laughing at Tims lame excuse. Jason and Steph couldn’t help but snicker to themselves, even Damian had a small grin.

Bruce just nodded in approval. You couldn’t know some thug shot him.

<Y/n>

Are you okay?

Tim’s face had a ghost of a smirk. You were worried about him.

<Tim>

yeah I’m fine

I can’t really leave my house until they catch the guys so would you be able to come over tomorrow at 6:30?

Silence filled the room. No one moved.

Everyone was waiting for your response. Growing more and more impatient. But it didn’t come.

Everyone held their breath. It felt like they were staring at the messages for an eternity.

Dick inhaled sharply. “they’re typing”

<Y/N>

yeah sure

<Tim>

great I’ll send you the address

The atmosphere of the room shifted. Everyone had a dark and calculated look as thoughts of tomorrow's plan raced through their mind.

“Everything prepared for tomorrow?” Asked Bruce his expression unreadable.

Damian Nodded “of course”

”Oh, this is gonna be fun,” Dick said playfully, but his eyes gleamed darker.

+++++

Work was more draining than usual.

The Batburger joint you worked at left much to be desired. Two of your coworkers came in high, and some lady yelled at you for forgetting to ‘jokerize’ her fry’s. you want nothing more than to be bedrotting at home.

instead you're here.

You made your way to Wayne Manor. Tim gave you the address, but it was just a formality. Everyone knows where they live.

There was a pit in your stomach as you walked. Your mind couldn’t help but drift— how did he get your number?

you thought of casual ways you might be able to ask him. Maybe bringing up the fact that Brandi didn’t know you were partners might prompt an explanation? Maybe a joke? The thought made you shiver.

As you ponder different ways to approach the situation, and possible escape plans in case things go south. You stopped.

you're here.

the front gate of Wayne Manor loomed over you. The gothic mansion looked even more scary as the sun was setting.

You shouldn’t be here.

But you were.

You pulled out your phone to check Tim’s message.

<Tim>

when you get there just hit the buzzer and someone will open the gate.

You look to the left to see a pin pad, and the buzzer. You reach to press it, but your finger hesitates.

You pause.

A cold sweat envelops you. You feel heavy. The weight of your uniform clings to your skin. The smell of oil and grease fills your nose.

Should you really do this?

You pull your hand back, it’s shaking.

Spinning on your heels to head home. You’ll text Tim, saying you had to go over time or something.

As you're walking back you think.

Bruce Wayne is a ‘billionaire playboy’, he’s kinda a ditzy guy, a philanthropist with too much money. He builds hospitals, funds schools and other good things.

There’s no way anything bad would happen with him there.

you huff turning around.

Back at the gate, your finger hovers over the buzzer again.

”you can do this” you mumble.

Just do it.

You press the button.

“Hello, How may I help you”

a posh voice asks through the speakers.

“Hi, uh. I’m here to see Tim we’re supposed to work on a project together. I don't know if he told you?” You answer meekly. You want to curl into a ball and hide.

“Ah, yes please come in y/n”

the intercom cut off.

your stomach tightened.

The metal clinked and rattled as the gates opened. He knows your name, guess Tim did tell everyone you were coming.

Once the gate is fully open it hits you. You’re at Wayne Manor. There’s a weight in your chest, your legs feel like lead.

Even so you carry on. One foot in front of the other, at least until you reach the front door.

You debate if you should knock again. The posh man did invite you in, but would it be rude if you just walked in?

Raising your fist about to knock. you hear something inside, as if someone is rushing to the door.

The door swings open, startling you just a little. You stare at the man in front of you. It’s Dick Grayson. He’s handsome Mid to late 20’s, messy hair, bright blue eyes and a boyish grin. you’ve seen him everywhere, T.V, magazines, and newspapers.

“You’re Y/n right?” He smiles— practiced, You’ve seen that smile hundreds of times.

“Uh, yeah” you answer. Once again, your voice is quieter than you’d like.

He didn’t seem to mind, he opened the door wider, welcoming you in. The faintest smirk plastered on his face.

”I’m Dick Grayson by the way” his introduction is like Tim’s, only for formality. He knows you know who he is. You slide your shoes off and look up at him.

“Nice to meet you” you smile, your voice more confident this time.

He pauses, then smiles back. It’s a different smile— it reaches his eyes.

“You as well… follow me I’ll show you Tim’s room” he starts walking, you’re quick to follow.

“So Tim said you’re on the basketball team” he asks. He leads you through the manor. It’s warmer than you’d imagine, family portraits and pictures hanging on the wall.

It takes you a second to realize he’s asking you a question. Looks like he wants to make small talk “uh.. yeah it’s pretty nice”

”That's good” he glances over his shoulder. “I’m pretty sure Tim told you but suppers at 7:15 tonight” Dick said casually.

You stumble.

Tim definitely did not mention that.

“I think he forgot to tell me…” you awkwardly laugh.

“He did!? I’ll yell at him later for it, don't worry” Dick laughs. That’s not what you were worried about.

A shiver ran up your spine. This changed everything, you were going to meet everyone.

You want to leave, to turn around and go home. Pretend everything is fine and this never happened.

He pauses in front of a door. “Anyways this is Tim’s room, I’ll see you for supper” and with that he continues walking down the hall.

It’s quiet. You could leave. Just walk away.

Your hand hovers over the door.

You got this, if anything goes wrong you’ll just run home. But nothings going to go wrong.

You knock. It’s silent for a moment.

“Come in”

The door creaked as you opened it, you cringe at the noise. You quickly scan the room before stepping in.

His room was neat almost too neat. Books stacked on a shelf with surgical precision. His desk was arranged like it was never used. There’s a few movie posters on the wall, generic ones, like they were placed to make the room look lived in.

Tim shutoff his laptop as soon as you stepped in.

the bandages wrapped around his waist are visible under his t-shirt. You try not to stare.

“Make yourself at home y/n, sorry I forgot to tell you about dinner” he chuckles sheepishly, but there’s a dark glint in his eyes.

“Yeah, don’t worry about it” you mumbled, you were quick to set up your stuff. You wanted to finish this before dinner.

Tim watched as you fumbled through your bag before handing him a rough draft of the poster. “I got a little bit done in class, we just have to write some of the stages and make the poster”

“Okay, this won't take long, maybe an hour or two” he said, reading through a rough draft of your plan.

“Cool.” you sit at his desk and start writing. “I’ll finish up the stages if you start drawing a diagram”.

Tim smirks, but his eyes don’t leave your notes “sounds good to me”

The next 45 minutes go by fast, it’s silent except the odd sound of papers shuffling. Neither of you make conversation,

you’d catch Tim staring at you every now and then, but you chose not to say anything, it’s easier.

“Dinner will be ready soon” Tim closed his notebook, you froze.

“We should start heading down now” His voice was light, his smile seemed playful— too playful, like he was a kid about to get some candy.

“Okay..” you mumble, getting up from your seat. You follow him downstairs.

you can't turn back now.

The dining room is beautiful. The warm lighting, pretty paintings, decorated table that could fit a dozen people. it looked perfect, but it only made you feel small.

You don't belong here.

You look down at your batburger uniform, suddenly feeling a little self conscious.

Tim guides you to the seat beside him.

It’s just you two at the table right now, you wonder if he can see how nervous you are right now? If he does he doesn’t say anything about it.

“You’re in for a treat, Alfred's cooking is the best” Tim exclaims as he sets his napkin on his lap.

You’re quick to copy him ”I’m sure”.

you’re lost in your thoughts—Did your mom eat? Did she leave the door unlocked again?

A presence snaps you back to reality. A younger boy is sitting across from you.

You didn’t even hear him coming. He doesn’t say anything, just stares at you then glares at Tim.

“I’m Damian” his voice is almost professional. “it’s nice to meet you y/n”

“You as well Damian.” You stutter.

Dick walks in, he’s talking with a girl. You’re pretty sure it’s Cassandra Cain, she stays out of the media so you’re not sure.

They keep talking as they find their seats to the left of Damian, but they keep glancing at you.

You swallowed.

“Y/n this is Cass” Dick introduces you.

You look up and force a smile “Hi Cass it’s nice to meet you”

”you too” she responds, before resuming her conversation with Dick, but her eyes never seem to fully leave you.

Great.

Sitting in silence you stare down at the empty plate and polished silverware.

Then Bruce Wayne walks in,

You stiffen, and fix your posture.

He sits at the head of the table. Whispering something to Damian, before looking towards you.

“It’s nice to finally meet you Y/n” he says flashing his famous smile.

“It’s nice to meet you as well Mr. Wayne” faux confidence in your voice.

“Please Call me Bruce” he chuckles

”Alright” you answer, voice wavering slightly.

Before either of you can say anything else, an old man dressed in a butler's uniform walks in.

he begins to set plates in front of everyone. Once he sets yours down, it smells heavenly.

“Thank you Mr…”

”Alfred” he answers, the same posh accent you heard at the gate.

You feel eyes on you as you take your first few bites. Some tried hiding it. Others didn’t bother.

“So Y/n, I heard you had a Basketball game yesterday. How did that go?” Bruce asked, his voice was light.

“It went well, we won 68 to 25” you answered, taking another bite.

Dick Smirked. “What about you? Did you get any playtime?” He asked playfully.

“Yeah I got to play for most of it, I got MVP” you answered. Grabbing your glass of water.

there was a beat of silence.

“Impressive” Damian stated, watching closely as you took another bite.

“Your parents must be proud” Bruce stated, there was that same glint in his eyes. The one Dick and Tim had earlier.

“Yeah… My mom’s really happy, since she taught me to play and all that” you lied.

Dick scraped his fork on the plate. It was grating deliberate.

The noise made you cringe.

“Is that so?” Bruce mumbled, taking another bite of his meal.

Dinner went by without any other questions. Dick carried most of the conversation, with Tim and Damian chiming in when necessary and Bruce and Cass nodding along.

You should be thankful.

But you just felt watched.

It’s been about 30 minutes since you finished eating with everyone, you were back in Tim’s room working on writing the information for the poster.

At least you were trying to.

Tim seemed to be taking his sweet time with just a simple diagram.

You were almost finished with the notes. Glancing down at your writing the words seemed to blur together, Before snapping into focus again.

all you had left was to glue it onto the poster.

“How much longer for the diagram?” You asked, your voice sounded more tired than you expected.

He smirked “Not much, you tired?”

You yawn. Why were you tired? You’ve worked long days before, you should be used to this. You just want to go home.

“A little but I’ll be fine”

Tim stops writing, you can feel him look over at you. It’s like he’s analyzing everything you do, every minuscule expression you make.

Like he’s waiting for something.

“If you say so” he says as he gets back to work, smiling softly to himself.

A heaviness took over your body. Your movements slowed, it was getting harder and harder to keep your eyes open.

your vision swayed, eyes getting heavier.

You blinked slowly.

just a little longer than you can leave.

Maybe if you rest your eyes, just for a moment.

Tim wouldn’t mind?

++++++++++

Can you tell I wrote this in 1 sitting? I feel like it downgraded in quality the longer I wrote lol. I’ll edit any mistakes tomorrow but I really wanna post it so Imma just do that. Comment if you wanna be added to the tag-lists. I also said id explain why batfam is obsessed this chapter but I decided to slowly reveal it (I couldn’t figure out how to fit the flashback scene in the chapter) also I lowkey forgot reader was GN and made the basketball team all girls, than had to go back and change it. I googled gender neutral names and chose the ones I liked please dont come at me!! Also its super late so I hope I kept reader Gn if not Ill change it right away!!

Also if you have any request for some random YBatfam oneshot or somth send in an ask I wanna write more oneshots but I have no ideas lol.

Taglist: @jjsmeowthie @crazycaoticsimp @lilyalone @shycreatorreview @caged-birdies-blog @shirp-collector-of-fixations @wizzerreblogs @c4xcocoa @cxcilla

[fumiscripts]

🃁 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

fic masterlist . next chapter

You love the attention. You basked in it.

The ball slammed into the net, and people cheered. Cheered for you. It was another match where you hogged the spotlight, keeping everyone’s eyes on you. The adrenaline’s still pumped through your veins, and through the ring of all the acknowledgement, you catch the sound of the final whistle blowing, signaling the end of the game.

Your afterglow from that victory was too short for your liking. How disappointing. Then again, the opponents really weren’t all that.

Seeing the 6-1 in your favor was satisfying, though. All your goals. You expected nothing less from yourself.

That match was the regionals for the little tournament your team was in, and because of you, they’re making it to nationals. They should be glad you’re on their team. You, as their striker, practically carried them. In your opinion, the club would’ve been down the dumps if it weren’t for your presence. You found yourself hardly caring, despite it. As long as they continued their job of solely following you in the field, you’d gladly play the role of their savior.

After recollecting yourself, you trudged off the field. Everything that came after was a positive haze, a routine you’ve gotten used to, but can never get tired of. The praise from your teammates, coach, friends— to the present reporters pulling you aside to monopolize your time. Of course, you were ecstatic about the attention.

Microphones were shoved in front of you, recording every answer you gave out from their questions. Cameras flashed, and you gave your award-winning smile at every click of a photo. Amongst the blinding lights, you catch a pair of eyes staring at you. Of course, you knew there were always people staring at you— but this was different. She was assessing you. Perhaps a scout?

Whatever that look was for, you were sure it wasn't just a bystander staring.

You were right. It wasn't just a bystander staring.

〈 YOU’VE BEEN SELECTED FOR A SPECIAL PLAYER TRAINING PROGRAM.

– Japan Football Union 〉

The letter you received sure was interesting— why was it a letter, anyway? Couldn't it have just been an email?

But besides that, it was interesting. It was short and concise, with a brief explanation, a time, and a place in its contents. Very shady, but boredom really made you want to take it. It could be an opportunity for you to shine in an even brighter spotlight, an upgrade from a third-rate platform to the main stage. The location was very familiar to you, anyway, so this should be an official message.

You found yourself in the address given in the paper— a rather worn down building, but it was a place you grew semi-accustomed to— and entered the property. The halls were as plain as ever, you noted, as you stood in front of a set of dark double-doors. Opening it, you were greeted by what seems like an entire batch of people. Significantly more teenage boys in a single room than you can count.

Despite wanting to, you didn’t comment on it. You instantly felt their stares turn to you the moment you stepped into the room, and you remained unyielding under the pressure of the multiple gazes. In fact, you felt good that your presence was being seen, even more so when a good handful of them seemed to recognize who you were. You could say the vibes you gave off demanded attention.

“–Test. One, two,”

You heard a whisper through the speakers from who knows where, making you scan across the room to find where it came from. The moment you found it, though, you tried not to walk out the door right then and there.

“Congratulations, you unpolished gems,” the voice boomed through the room. Right at the same time, the lights closed, and a spotlight pointed towards the source: a lanky man who sported a bowl cut and rectangular glasses, Jinpachi Ego. Who, to you, was a very familiar face. “All you under 18 strikers have been chosen solely based on my criteria and biases to be here today. All 300 of you.”

You watched in silence as he introduced himself— really, you only watched, not listened— zoned out with most of his words going in one ear and out the other. He was saying something about making Japan capable of winning the world cup. Japan, winning, and World Cup in the same sentence was something you never thought you'd hear from someone like him. Is he being for real? Maybe you should actually start listening.

“I'll put it into simple terms,” it was then that you caught the projection behind him, showing the Japan flag. “Japan only requires one thing to become the strongest powerhouse in soccer,” he stated, bringing his arms out, in what you think is for adding dramatic effect. “And that is the creation of a revolutionary striker. From you three hundred players gathered here today, I will forge the best striker in the world through a certain project.”

He really talks a lot, you note. “Look here,” Ego prompted, stretching a finger up, “For this purpose, we have built a facility…” the projection behind him switched to a photo of a pentagonal-shaped infrastructure. “Called Blue Lock,” it was composed of what you could guess was five separate buildings, with a stadium in the middle of it. Above the image, ‘Blue Lock’ was a bolded text. A whole facility for this?

You tuned out most of the rest of whatever he was saying— something about living within the building, not being able to go home, and considering your football careers over— you didn't need much of those details, anyway. “If you manage to survive Blue Lock, and defeat the other two hundred ninety-nine players around you…”

Oh? That sentence made you stop tuning his words out. A last-man standing, huh?

“You, the last player standing… will have become the best striker in the world.”

Now, that got you interested.

“That is all for the details,” he remarked, stuffing his hands in his pockets and hunching over. “Nice meeting you all,” he concluded, ready to end it with that. That was, until someone within the crowd raised his hand, retorting his speech.

“Hey! Sorry, but,” he put his hand down. The boy had blond hair, eyebrows stitched together into a frown. You notice that he seemed to have a friend beside him, a guy with black hair and blue eyes. “I can't agree with what you said just now,” he says. He tells of how he can't accept the terms, likely because of the nationals. You can't blame them— if some sketchy man you didn't recognize put you together in a room with hundreds of others, all the while spouting some rant about making the best striker— you'd be skeptical to go forward with it, too.

His words seem to put the crowd on his side. That wasn't surprising, he had a valid point. You watched as they raised their own thoughts too, before turning your gaze towards Ego, who scratched his head, before casually saying they were all fucked in the head, telling them to get lost.

Him and the blond guy had a back and forth. It resembled a heated debate on twitter, to you. Maybe your brain is just weird. Ego then proceeds to say how horrible the Japan football team is, to which you think he has a point. Compared to other countries, it is shit. Mister bowl cut then gave examples of exceptional players, linking them all with the same trait: ego.

The man almost looked like a lunatic— like he was someone who was absolutely insane.

You liked that look. It was something right up your alley.

“You will not become the greatest strikers in the world,” he prompted, an expression that seemed to cut right through all of you plastered on his face. “—unless you have the ego to match.”

Wow, you liked this vibe already.

“My purpose here, is to create such a player in Japan,” he added, lowering his head. “From the corpses of 299 players…” Ego brought a finger up as a gesture to his next words. “One hero will rise in all his glory,” he declared.

“Alright, you unpolished gems. Let me ask you one last question,” the noiret tapped on his temple, pointing to his brain. “Imagine this: you are at the very finals of the world cup,” he started. “Playing under the eyes of 80,000 spectators in the stadium… you are on that very field. The score? 0-0,” Ego added the details, and you noticed how most of everyone followed along with his words. “It’s the stoppage time of the second half. The very last play.”

“A teammate has managed to pass the ball to you. It’s a one-on-one with the goal-keeper,” the vision played in your brain, using the best of your imagination. “There’s a teammate six meters to your right. If you pass it to him, you’ll probably score that goal. The hopes of all of Japan lie on your shoulders. You are at a turning point at the world cup finals…” in your mind, you could see yourself kicking it in without reluctance.

You wouldn’t dare pass when the chance of scoring a goal was right in front of you.

“Without hesitation, you shoot.”

Of course you’d do.

Ego moves to turn his body, facing to the side. “If you desire that rebellious ‘egoism’...” the doors behind him opened, filling the room with light from what’s on the other side. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his free hand behind his back. “Then step through the gate,” a crazed grin stretched along his face. “I’ll say it once more, loud and clear.”

“Football is a sport to develop you all as strikers. Think of literally everyone else on the field as supporting you,” he pointed to the crowd in order to emphasize his point. “When you’re on the field, you are the star.”

Damn right you are.

“Your greatest joy is scoring points, and nothing else,” he said. “You live for the excitement of that very moment,” his grin got eerily wider, his eyes swirling with some sort of drive.

He was right with that. The sake of your goals are the only thing that gets your blood pumping in a game. Whatever drugs Ego’s on, you were starting to crave it, too. Even if you never thought you’d admit that to yourself. Maybe your past self was too judgy. He can be relatable, occasionally.

“Now that’s a striker, don’t you think?”

Suddenly, someone from the crowd steps out, rushing towards the gate— it was that boy next to the other guy that debated with Ego. He seemed to have enabled a chain reaction, as one after another, people rushed forward as well, before everyone was running towards the entrance, uncoordinated.

You knew better than to run along with the crowd and possibly bump into people, so you waited until most of them were a good distance away from you. And you say most, as in the corner of your eye, you spot someone walking the other way, towards the exit, with somebody else chasing after him. You ignored them.

Calmly, you strided over to the gate. You had no need to rush. As you passed by Ego, he spoke up, making you halt in your steps.

“I see you actually made it, [Name],” he remarked, making you glance at him. He was slouching, as always. Head looking down with his horrible posture. “Long time, no see.”

“Still the same as ever, huh, Ego-san?” you reply, adjusting the strap of your carry-on. You turn your head, fully looking at him. “You really gonna do allat?” you ask, referring to his earlier speech about making the best striker. It was a very ambitious goal, but since it was Ego, you could tell it might be possible. A lot less far-fetched if it would be you who remains the last one standing.

Ego nods. “Of course,” he answered. He leans back, looking at the ceiling above before heading to another topic. “You're here to be what the players aim to beat,” the man stated. You weren't sure whether you should be happy about the fact that he acknowledged that you're good enough to be the ideal model in this project, or be offended that he doesn't seem to consider you a contestant worthy of participating to be the best striker.

“Am I just here to set a standard for you?” you scoff, tearing your gaze away from him. You look back forward, walking towards the gates once again. “I’ll beat them all,” you state, confidence lacing your tone. “You know I will.”

He hums, muttering something incoherent under his breath. He tilts his head up, watching you move towards the door. “We’ll see,” he replies to your statement. “Prove yourself worthy of a main role, [name].”

You turn around, catching a glimpse of him looking at you with expectation. You raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging on your face.

“Don’t I already do?”

(a/n) tofumi is here with another fic. no, i'm not okay. I wrote this slop half asleep so mb for any mistakes.

I have plans for this fic TRUST. if you noticed, mc is a bit like gojo. I lowk wanted to try to do a cocky, extroverted mc because most of my mcs are introverted hhh

​​​​​​anw enough yap 👅 next chapter will be next year cause I still have more prep to do

thank you for reading!! 

taglist:: @atlas-atlantic, @shidousprincess, @lakeside-paradise, @shrii-kk

@neversam, @motchilyn, @tired-xyra-urstruly

© fumiscripts 2024. don't steal, repost, translate or modify my works without my permission.

[puckpocketed]

“wouldn’t it be cute if you formatted all your gif descriptions the same way” -> I’m breaking down the doors of the california digital newspaper collection with my teeth to find the broadcast date for this documentary -> omg irbe mention <3 -> THEYRE BEATING HIS ASS IN THE PAPERS pipeline is so real and true and beautiful. to me. I love how san jose sharks reportage has never once been regular !!!

highlight from "Irbe struggles, Sharks bomb: double-headed goalkeeper falls flat" By Mark Kreidler for McClatchy News Service. Originally published in The Santa Cruz Sentinel, Volume 137, Page 14, 9 May 1994.

In bold text are my favourite parts. And for future reference, I truly hope Askarov tortures us the same way Irbe did to Sharks Fans of Yore <3

The San Jose Sharks are one man, goalie Arturs Irbe. Arturs Irbe is two players, the courageous, risk-taking shotstopper and the loon In the teal jersey whose neck keeps snapping backward as hockey pucks fly past. Tough combo, the Irbe-Irbe split. And there is your Sharks season, in a wildly frustrating capsule. He was at it again at the San Jose Arena on Sunday, Irbe the evil twin, the sequel. Two days after posting an efficient 5-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs to give the Sharks a 2-1 lead in the teams' National Hockey League second-round playoff series, the Latvian with the generous heart didn't make it out of the second period alive in a mortifying 8-3 defeat. Pucks flew past with a shocking frequency, and they came from everywhere, and they went everywhere, but mostly in. At the end of the second 20-minute set, Toronto had a 6-1 lead, and only a fan base as enthusiastic as the Sharks' would have stayed to the bitter finish, a loss that had "midseason throwaway" smeared all over it.

Even Irbe didn't stick around. Pulled by Coach Kevin Constantine in favor of Jimmy Waite at the start of the third, the goalie had had plenty of time to review the carnage by the time he emerged from a long, long shower. Verdict? "We lose, we lose bad." Ever so true. In playoff life, the Sharks are precisely as they represented through a 33-35-16 regular season: Up and down like the employees' elevator at work, and about as much fun to watch on the downside. And while the routine played decently through the first round, with a seven-game decision against Detroit, the Maple Leafs are nobody's idea of the collapsible Red Wings. Enter Irbe, who knows he is going to have to raise his game to keep San Jose in this playoff. Detroit was one thing, the Red Wings sputtering and misfiring just often enough to give the Sharks and their goalie second life, to say nothing of third and fourth life.

The Leafs? Call them somewhat less forgiving. They took control Sunday by beating up Irbe's teammates, crowding the net, blocking Irbe's view on at least three of the six goals they hung on him. Doug Gilmour just ate them up all the long day. All in all, noncompetitive. "All in all," said Sharks center Todd Elik, "awful." "You can't blame it on Artie," teammate Jamie Baker said. "He didn't have a whole lot of help in front of him. It was a group effort, us getting blown out." But the Sharks are Irbe, for better and, occasionally, for demonstrably worse. He certainly got no help on this day, but then Irbe is the kind of player who rarely helps himself. Seldom has a goalie put so much pressure on himself by leaving the net with such maddening frequency. Irbe's tendency to roam after loose pucks behind the net, out to challenge an oncoming shooter always runs the risk of costing the Sharks a cheap goal, and so it was in Game 4.

A 1-0 Toronto lead in the opening period became 2-0 at least partly because Irbe, regarded as one of the better-skating goalies in the league, left his goal during a wild scramble on one shot and then was prevented by the alert Leafs from getting back into position in time to stop Mike Eastwood's chipper. Two became three a couple of minutes later on a Dave Andreychuk slap shot, a total San Jose defensive breakdown; and after that, Constantine said, "the field of the game was changed." Translation: "We had to open up our offense," Elik said, "and we're just no good at it." That is how games become routs, and how goalies become goats. Irbe, hailed all season as the man who kept the Sharks competitive on nights they otherwise might not be, had no defense against the Toronto attack. He wasn't even close. "Way too many goals for me to say it was all lucky bounces," Irbe said. "I'm fine now. I'm relaxed, calmed down from it … But I have never been happy with my play in the playoffs. I cannot be satisfied with this." This message brought to you by Irbe the Evil. Come Tuesday, Game 5, the other fellow, the -one so depended upon, could fit in quite nicely with a San Jose plan to stay competitive because, as everybody following this team knows by now, there is never any telling what tomorrow brings.

[pravatchemistry]

Why Pravat Chemistry Is the Best Choice for BSc Chemistry Coaching in Bhubaneswar

In today’s competitive academic world, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry opens doors to various scientific careers and research opportunities. But to truly master the subject and score well in university exams, quality coaching is essential. If you’re a science student in Odisha looking for the right support, BSc Chemistry Coaching in Bhubaneswar at Pravat Chemistry is your best bet. With an experienced faculty, student-friendly approach, and a strong track record of results, Pravat Chemistry has become the go-to destination for chemistry aspirants across the city.

Why Opt for BSc Chemistry Coaching?

BSc Chemistry isn’t just about learning reactions and formulas. It’s a detailed exploration of matter, its properties, how substances interact, and the theories behind chemical changes. The syllabus is broad, encompassing:

Physical Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Industrial Chemistry

Understanding each of these areas requires conceptual clarity and continuous practice. Coaching bridges the gap between classroom teaching and self-study by providing:

Structured learning plans

Conceptual explanations

Doubt-clearing sessions

Regular assessments

Personalized guidance

Whether you're preparing for semester exams, university papers, or competitive postgraduate entrances like IIT-JAM or CSIR-NET, having the right mentor can transform your learning experience.

Why Choose Pravat Chemistry?

Located in the heart of Bhubaneswar, Pravat Chemistry has carved a niche as one of the most reputed coaching centers for BSc Chemistry. Here’s why students trust Pravat Chemistry with their academic journey:

1. Experienced and Passionate Faculty

At the core of Pravat Chemistry’s success is Mr. Pravat Ranjan Swain, a passionate educator with years of teaching experience. His ability to simplify complex topics, relate theoretical concepts to real-world examples, and his dedication to student success makes him stand out.

His teaching method goes beyond rote learning; he focuses on developing the analytical and problem-solving abilities of his students—skills essential for cracking exams and building a career in chemistry.

2. Comprehensive Syllabus Coverage

Pravat Chemistry offers full coverage of the BSc Chemistry curriculum as prescribed by Utkal University and other state universities. Every topic is broken down into easily digestible modules, making learning less overwhelming and more effective.

The course structure is planned semester-wise, ensuring students are always in sync with their college curriculum.

3. Conceptual Learning and Practical Application

Chemistry is both theoretical and practical. Pravat Chemistry integrates laboratory knowledge with theory so that students not only understand what is happening in a reaction but why it’s happening.

This approach deepens comprehension and helps students perform better in viva exams, practicals, and real-world applications.

4. Regular Tests and Performance Tracking

Weekly and monthly tests are conducted to track student progress. These tests are patterned after university exams to prepare students for the actual test environment.

After each test, students receive feedback on their strengths and weaknesses, allowing for focused improvement.

5. One-on-One Mentorship

Each student is unique, and their learning pace varies. Pravat Chemistry recognizes this and offers one-on-one doubt-clearing sessions. This personalized guidance ensures that no student is left behind and that individual challenges are addressed promptly.

6. Affordable Fee Structure

High-quality coaching often comes at a steep price, but Pravat Chemistry maintains an affordable fee structure to ensure that quality education is accessible to all deserving students, regardless of their financial background.

7. Support for Competitive Exams

For students aiming higher—like pursuing M.Sc. from prestigious institutions or cracking exams like IIT-JAM, GATE, or CSIR-NET—Pravat Chemistry also provides focused preparation, study material, and guidance for competitive exams.

Student Testimonials

Here’s what some of the students have to say:

“I was struggling with organic chemistry during my first year. After joining Pravat Chemistry, the concepts became so clear. Scored highest in my batch!” – Rashmita, BSc 2nd Year

“The way Pravat Sir teaches is phenomenal. I understood electrochemistry for the first time, thanks to him.” – Debasis, BSc Final Year

“Not just college exams, Sir also guided me for IIT-JAM. Today, I’m pursuing M.Sc. at IIT Madras!” – Sushree, Alumni

These testimonials reflect the quality, dedication, and student-focused approach of the coaching center.

Flexible Learning Options

Pravat Chemistry offers both offline and online classes. With online platforms, students who live outside Bhubaneswar or have schedule constraints can also benefit from the expertise of Pravat Sir.

The online program includes:

Live interactive classes

Recorded lectures for revision

Digital study materials

Online assessments and feedback

This hybrid learning model makes it easier for students to learn at their own pace while still staying connected with the faculty.

A Strong Community of Learners

Joining Pravat Chemistry is more than enrolling in a coaching program—it's about becoming a part of a learning community. Students regularly collaborate, discuss doubts, share study resources, and encourage each other to do better. This environment of healthy academic competition and support pushes students to achieve more than they thought possible.

Final Thoughts

If you're a science student looking to build a strong foundation in chemistry and secure excellent grades in your BSc program, choosing the right coaching center is crucial. BSc Chemistry Coaching in Bhubaneswar at Pravat Chemistry provides a holistic, student-centered, and results-driven learning experience.

With expert mentorship, structured guidance, and an encouraging academic environment, Pravat Chemistry is truly a gateway to your academic and professional success in the field of chemistry. Don’t leave your future to chance—join Pravat Chemistry today and make your chemistry journey a powerful one.

[cutepg]

UGC NET Previous Year Question Paper With Answers

[pavand5444]

Boost your IIT JAM 2026 Physics preparation with IIT JAM Physics Previous Year Question Papers. These papers help you understand the exam pattern, question trends, and difficulty level. Practicing them regularly strengthens your concepts and improves time management. Download IIT JAM Physics Previous Year Question Papers now and take your preparation to the next level.

[angeledunext]

How Can I Book an IELTS Test?

If you’re planning to go abroad for education, work, or immigration, taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test is often a must. It checks your English skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. But before anything else, you need to book your IELTS test.

If you’re planning to take the IELTS exam in Ahmedabad, you have many options for test centers and coaching support to help you through the booking and preparation process. This blog will guide you through each step—whether you're taking the test on paper or computer. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Guide to Book an IELTS Test

Step 1: Choose Your IELTS Test Type

There are two main types of IELTS tests:

IELTS Academic – for studying at a university or college.

IELTS General Training – for work, migration, or training programs.

Make sure you choose the right one depending on your purpose.

Step 2: Decide the Format – Computer-based or Paper-based

You can take the IELTS in two formats:

Computer-delivered IELTS – You read, write, and listen on a computer. Speaking is still face-to-face with an examiner.

Paper-based IELTS – You use pen and paper for Reading, Writing, and Listening. Speaking is face-to-face.

Choose whichever format you are more comfortable with.

Step 3: Find a Test Location Near You

Go to the official IELTS websites:

IDP IELTS India

British Council IELTS

Search for the nearest test center in your city. For example, if you're planning to take the IELTS exam in Ahmedabad, there are multiple centers offering both computer and paper-based options.

Step 4: Check Available Test Dates

After selecting your test location, check the available test dates. Some test centers offer multiple dates in a month, especially for the computer-delivered format.

Choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare and revise.

Step 5: Register and Fill in Your Details

You’ll need to:

Create an account on the test booking website (IDP or British Council).

Fill in your personal details like name, date of birth, and ID document number.

Upload a scanned copy of your valid passport (this is required for booking and identification at the center).

Step 6: Pay the IELTS Test Fee

The IELTS exam fee in India is around INR 16,250 (as of 2024). You can pay using:

Debit/Credit card

Net banking

UPI or wallets (on some platforms)

After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your test details.

Step 7: Get Your Confirmation Email

Once your payment is successful, you’ll get:

Confirmation of test date and time

Location and address of the test center

Speaking test schedule (sometimes done separately)

Save this email carefully. You’ll need it on the test day.

Bonus Tip: Get Help from Coaching Centers

If you're unsure about the booking process, many IELTS coaching centers can help you with:

Registration support

Test center selection

Choosing the right test type

For example, if you're preparing for the IELTS exam in Ahmedabad, joining a trusted IELTS coaching institute can make both your preparation and registration process easier.

Conclusion

Booking your IELTS test is a simple process if you follow the right steps. First, understand your test type, choose your format, and then register online through official portals like IDP or British Council. Make sure your passport is valid and ready, and pick a test date that gives you time to prepare.

If you’re confused or want expert guidance, contact a local IELTS coaching institute near you. They can walk you through the entire process and even help with preparation. Now that you know how to book your IELTS test, it’s time to start practicing and aim for a high score!

FAQs

1. What documents do I need to book the IELTS test? You need a valid passport as ID proof for both registration and on test day.

2. Can I book the IELTS test offline? Yes, you can visit a nearby IELTS test center and register in person.

3. How early should I book the IELTS test? It’s best to book at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially if you need a specific test date.

4. Can I reschedule or cancel my test after booking? Yes, you can reschedule or cancel, but charges may apply. Always check the test provider’s cancellation policy.5. Is coaching necessary before booking the IELTS? It’s not required, but it’s highly recommended. Enrolling in IELTS coaching improves your chances of scoring higher.

[gyansagarinstitute121]

UGC NET 2025: Prepare with Precision at the Best UGC NET Coaching in Chandigarh

Are you preparing for the UGC NET 2025 exam and looking for a trusted institute that ensures results? In the growing world of competitive exams, choosing the right coaching center is the first step to success. Gyan Sagar Institute stands out as a leader in UGCNET coaching in Chandigarh, known for its high-quality teaching, updated study material, and consistent track record of success.

[mantramstudygroup-blog]

UGC NET Paper 1 Online Course

Enroll in Mantram Study Group’s UGC NET Paper 1 online course to access high-quality lectures, study materials, and mock tests. Our well-structured program is designed to help you master key topics and perform well in the exam. Start your preparation with us today!

[ugcnetstudy]

UGC NET Coaching in Noida – The Ultimate Guide to Cracking the Exam 

The UGC NET (University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test) is one of the most prestigious examinations in India for aspiring professors and researchers. To excel in this highly competitive exam, aspirants must undergo structured preparation under expert guidance. If you are looking for the best UGC NET coaching in Noida, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision. 

Why Choose UGC NET Coaching in Noida? 

Noida has emerged as a prominent hub for education, offering top-notch coaching centers with expert faculty, well-structured courses, and advanced study materials. The best UGC NET coaching in Noida ensures aspirants receive personalized attention, extensive practice, and up-to-date strategies to maximize their chances of success. 

Key Features of the Best UGC NET Coaching Centers in Noida 

1. Experienced and Qualified Faculty 

A coaching institute’s success heavily depends on the quality of its faculty. The best UGC NET coaching centers in Noida have experienced educators, many of whom have cleared the exam themselves. They provide in-depth subject knowledge, conceptual clarity, and practical tips for answering complex questions. 

2. Comprehensive and Updated Study Material 

Aspirants need access to well-researched and up-to-date study materials to stay ahead of the competition. Top institutes provide comprehensive study guides, notes, reference books, and digital resources that align with the latest UGC NET syllabus and exam pattern. 

3. Structured Curriculum and Regular Mock Tests 

A structured study plan helps students cover all topics effectively. Reputed coaching centers conduct regular mock tests and UGC NET previous year question paper discussions, allowing students to evaluate their performance and refine their exam strategies. 

4. Personalized Guidance and Doubt Clearing Sessions 

Top coaching institutes in Noida provide one-on-one mentoring, where students can seek clarification on challenging topics. Personalized guidance helps in boosting confidence and improving performance. 

5. Online and Offline Learning Options 

Many aspirants prefer online UGC NET coaching in Noida due to flexibility and accessibility. The best institutes offer both classroom-based learning and online courses, ensuring students can prepare effectively from anywhere. 

6. Affordable Fee Structure with Scholarship Options 

Cost is a significant factor when choosing a coaching center. Noida’s top institutes offer competitive pricing, and some even provide scholarships for meritorious students. 

Best UGC NET Coaching Institutes in Noida 

1. Astral Education 

A leader in UGC NET coaching, Astral Education provides specialized training for Paper 1 and Paper 2 subjects. 

Highly experienced faculty 

Comprehensive study material 

Online and offline classes 

Regular doubt-clearing sessions 

2. Career Endeavour 

One of the top-ranked UGC NET coaching institutes in Noida, offering a structured curriculum and detailed test series. 

Subject-specific expert coaching 

Intensive mock test series 

Personalized mentoring 

3. Global Academy for UGC NET 

Known for its high success rate, this coaching center provides a well-researched study plan. 

Updated syllabus coverage 

Live and recorded lectures 

Experienced faculty 

4. Pearson Academy 

A reputed name in the coaching industry, offering quality training for UGC NET aspirants. 

In-depth conceptual training 

Interactive doubt-solving sessions 

Flexible batch timings 

How to Choose the Right UGC NET Coaching in Noida? 

Selecting the right coaching institute requires careful evaluation. Consider the following factors: 

Success Rate: Check past results and success stories. 

Faculty Credentials: Look for experienced and qualified instructors. 

Study Material Quality: Ensure comprehensive and updated materials. 

Infrastructure & Learning Environment: Visit the institute and assess the facilities. 

Fee Structure & Flexibility: Compare costs and available payment plans. 

Student Reviews & Testimonials: Read online reviews and get feedback from former students. 

Tips to Crack UGC NET with Coaching Support 

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus 

Familiarize yourself with the UGC NET exam pattern, which consists of two papers – Paper 1 (General Aptitude) and Paper 2 (Subject-Specific). Coaching centers in Noida provide structured study plans to cover each section systematically. 

2. Follow a Disciplined Study Schedule 

Aspirants should dedicate at least 6-8 hours daily for preparation, dividing time between theory, revision, and mock tests. 

3. Practice Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests 

Attempting past year question papers and regular mock tests helps identify strong and weak areas. This practice improves time management and accuracy. 

4. Take Notes and Revise Regularly 

Making concise notes of key topics aids in quick revision before the exam. Institutes in Noida emphasize smart revision strategies for retention. 

5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs 

For Paper 1, candidates must stay updated with the latest events in education, research policies, and technological advancements. 

6. Stay Motivated and Manage Stress 

Regular meditation, a healthy diet, and short breaks can help maintain focus and reduce exam stress. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right UGC NET coaching in Noida can significantly impact your preparation and success. Institutes like Astral Education, Career Endeavour, and Global Academy provide top-notch guidance, ensuring a structured approach to cracking the exam. By following the right strategies, staying consistent, and utilizing expert coaching support, you can achieve your dream of qualifying for UGC NET. 

[knick-nudiex]

Philip Hampson Knight (born February 24, 1938) is an American billionaire businessman and philanthropist who is the co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc., a global sports equipment and apparel company. He was previously its chairman and CEO. As of January 2025, Forbes estimated his net worth at $33 billion. He is also the owner of the stop motion film production company Laika. Knight is a graduate of the University of Oregon and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He was part of the track and field club under coach Bill Bowerman at the University of Oregon with whom he would later co-found Nike.

Knight has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to each of his alma maters, as well as Oregon Health & Science University. He has donated over $2 billion to these three institutions.

Early life and education

Knight (second from right) running track in 1958

Phil Hampson Knight was born on February 24, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, to Bill Knight, a lawyer turned newspaper publisher, and his wife, Lota Cloy (née Hatfield) Knight. He grew up in the Portland neighborhood of Eastmoreland, and attended Cleveland High School. According to one source, "When his father refused to give him a summer job at his newspaper [the now defunct Oregon Journal], believing that his son should find work on his own," Knight "went to the rival Oregonian, where he worked the morning shift tabulating sports scores and every morning ran home the full 7 miles (11 km)."

Knight continued his education at the University of Oregon in Eugene, where he ran for the famed Oregon track and field program, was a sports reporter for the Oregon Daily Emerald and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Knight earned a business degree (B.B.A.) in 1959 in just three years. That same year, Knight also received his Army Reserve Commission and was a "Distinguished Military Graduate".

As a middle-distance runner at Oregon, his personal best was 1 mile (1.6 km) in 4 minutes, 13 seconds, and he won varsity letters for his track performances in 1957, 1958, and 1959. In 1977, together with Bowerman and Geoff Hollister, Knight founded an American running team called Athletics West.

Career

Early career

Before Blue Ribbon Sports—later Nike—flourished, Knight worked as a Certified Public Accountant, first with Coopers & Lybrand, and then Price Waterhouse. Knight then became an accounting professor at Portland State University.

Nike Inc.

Immediately after graduating from the University of Oregon, Knight enlisted in the Army and served one year on active duty and seven years in the Army Reserve. He next enrolled at Stanford Graduate School of Business, where, for his small business class, Knight produced a paper, "Can Japanese Sports Shoes Do to German Sports Shoes What Japanese Cameras Did to German Cameras?", that essentially foretold his eventual foray into selling running shoes. His ambition was to import high-quality and low-cost running shoes from Japan into the American market. He graduated with a master's degree in business administration from Stanford in 1962.

Knight set out on a trip around the world after graduation, during which he made a stop in Kobe, Japan, in November 1962. It was there that he discovered Tiger brand running shoes, manufactured in Kobe by the Onitsuka Co., now known as Asics. Impressed by the quality and low cost of the shoes, Knight called Mr. Onitsuka, who agreed to meet with him. By the end of the meeting, Knight had secured Tiger distribution rights for the western United States.

The first Tiger samples would take more than a year to be shipped to Knight; during that time he found a job as an accountant in Portland. When Knight finally received the shoe samples, he mailed two pairs to Bowerman at the University of Oregon, hoping to gain both a sale and an influential endorsement. To Knight's surprise, Bowerman not only ordered the Tiger shoes, but also offered to become a partner with Knight and provide product design ideas. The two men agreed to a partnership by handshake on January 25, 1964, the birth date of Blue Ribbon Sports, the company that would later become Nike.

Knight's first sales, were made out of a now storied green Plymouth Valiant automobile at track meets across the Pacific Northwest. By 1969, these early sales allowed Knight to leave his accountant job and work full-time for Blue Ribbon Sports.

Jeff Johnson, Nike's first employee, suggested calling the firm "Nike," named after the Greek winged goddess of victory, and Blue Ribbon Sports was subsequently renamed Nike in 1971.

Nike's "swoosh" logo, now considered one of the most valuable logos in the world, was commissioned for $35 from graphic design student Carolyn Davidson in 1971. According to Nike's website, Knight said at the time: "I don't love it, but it will grow on me." In September 1983, Davidson was given an undisclosed amount of Nike stock for her contribution to the company's brand. On the Oprah television program in April 2011, Knight said he gave Davidson "a few hundred shares" when the company went public.

At Nike, Knight developed personal relationships with some of the world's most recognizable athletes, including Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

Vinton Studios becomes Laika

Following mainstream success in the late 1990s, Will Vinton Studios animation company sought external investors due to rapid growth. Knight assumed a 15 percent stake in the company in 1998, and his son Travis—who had graduated from Portland State following an unsuccessful attempt at a rap music career—went to work at the studio as an animator.

Citing mismanagement, Knight eventually purchased Will Vinton Studios and assumed control of the company's board with the cooperation of Nike executives. In late 2003, Knight appointed his son to the board and, after Vinton had stepped down—prior to leaving the company with a severance package—Knight rebranded the company Laika. He then invested $180 million into Laika, and the studio released its first feature film, Coraline, in stop motion, in 2009. Coraline was a financial success and Travis Knight was then promoted into the roles of Laika CEO and president.

Death of Matthew Knight

In May 2004, two years after Knight bought Vinton, his son Matthew, aged 34 years, traveled to El Salvador to film a fund-raising video for Christian Children of the World, a Portland nonprofit organization. However, while scuba diving with his colleagues Vincenzo Iannuzzelli and Robert McDonell in Lake Ilopango, near San Salvador, he died from a heart attack 150 feet (50 m) underwater due to an undetected congenital heart defect. Knight and Travis traveled to El Salvador to return Matthew's body to the US. Laika Studio's 2005 short film Moongirl was dedicated to Matthew's memory.

Knight resigned as Nike CEO on November 18, 2004, several months after Matthew's funeral  but retained the position of chairman of the board. Knight's replacement was William Perez, former CEO of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., who was eventually replaced by Mark Parker in 2006.

In 2011, the Matthew Knight Arena at the University of Oregon was named in his honor.

Post-Nike CEO role

During the 2009–2010 period, Knight was the largest single contributor to the campaign to defeat Oregon Ballot Measures 66 and 67, which, once passed, increased income tax on some corporations and high-income individuals.

In June 2015, Knight and Nike announced that he would step down as the company's chairman, with president and CEO Mark Parker to succeed him. Knight's retirement from the Nike board took effect at the end of June 2016. In September 2017, Knight decided to come out of retirement to put black back in the UNC jerseys for the Phil Knight Classic in Portland, Oregon.

Memoir

Knight's memoir, Shoe Dog, was released on April 26, 2016, by Simon & Schuster, was rated fifth on The New York Times Best Seller list for business books in July 2018, and details the building of the Nike brand, from importing Japanese shoes to being part of a federal investigation.

Philanthropy

As of July 2021, Knight has a net worth of $60.8 billion. In 1990, Knight founded the Philip H. Knight Charitable Foundation Trust. As of 2016, according to Portland Business Journal, "Knight is the most generous philanthropist in Oregon history. His lifetime gifts now approach $2 billion." In 2023, Knight was America's second largest donor with $1.2 billion in giving.

Stanford University

In 2006, Knight donated US$105 million to the Stanford Graduate School of Business, which, at the time, was the largest ever individual donation to a U.S. business school. The campus was named "The Knight Management Center," in honor of Knight's philanthropic service to the school.

In 2016, it was announced that Knight contributed $400 million to start the Knight-Hennessy Scholars graduate-level education program inspired by the Rhodes Scholarship. Graduates are charged to tackle global challenges, such as climate change and poverty. The first class of 51 scholars from 21 countries was scheduled to arrive at Stanford in the fall of 2018.

In May 2022, it was announced that Phil and Penny Knight gifted Stanford $75 million to establish the Phil and Penny Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience. The initiative will be housed at Stanford's Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and is set to study the cognitive decline and degenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

University of Oregon

See also: Nike and the University of Oregon

As of 2023, Knight has donated over one billion dollars to the University of Oregon. It is believed that Knight made his first major contribution in the late 1980s. By 2000 Knight had already contributed over $50 million to UO. He was UO's 2018–19 honorary degree recipient.

UO Academics

Major gifts include funds supporting the renovation of the Knight Library and construction of the Knight Law Center. Contrary to press reports, which claim that Knight financed the whole library renovation project, Knight only financed a portion of the library's renovation. Knight also established endowed chairs across the campus. In the fall of 2016, it was announced that Knight will donate $500 million to UO for a new three-building laboratory and research science complex. This donation was part of a series of large higher-education gifts.

UO Athletic Department (Oregon Ducks)

Knight contributed towards the Moshofsky Center, which opened in 1998.Exterior of Autzen Stadium, University of Oregon

In August 2007, Knight announced that he and his wife would be donating US$100 million to found the UO Athletics Legacy Fund to help support all athletic programs at the university. In response, athletic director Pat Kilkenny said: "This extraordinary gift will set Oregon athletics on a course toward certain self sufficiency and create the flexibility and financial capacity for the university to move forward with the new athletic arena." At the time, the donation was the largest philanthropic gift in the history of the university.

The 2010 construction of the UO basketball team's Matthew Knight Arena was the result of a partnership between Knight and former Oregon athletic director Pat Kilkenny. Although Knight didn't pay for the project directly, he established a $100 million "Athletic Legacy Fund." The fund supports the athletic department. Named after Knight's deceased son, the venue replaced the McArthur Court building and cost over US$200 million to build. The facility was built using bonds backed by the State of Oregon.

Knight was responsible for financing the UO's US$68 million 145,000 square-foot gridiron football facility that was officially opened in late July 2013. Knight's personal locker in the team's locker room displays the title "Uncle Phil", and other features include a gym with Brazilian hardwood floors, Apple iPhone chargers in each of the players' lockers, various auditoriums and meeting rooms, a games room for the players that includes flat-screen televisions and foosball machines, and a cafeteria.

In November 2015, it was announced that Knight and his wife would be donating $19.2 million towards a new sports complex project at the University of Oregon. The plans for the 29,000 square foot complex was announced in September. Construction started in January 2016 and ended in September 2016. The sports complex was named the Marcus Mariota Sports Performance Center and includes motion capture systems, neurocognitive assessment tools, 40-yard dash track, and steam machines made by Nike to help athletes break into their footwear more quickly.

In 2021, Knight helped to fund the renovation of Hayward Field, a track and field stadium at the university. The project was estimated to cost $270 million, although Knight's total contribution remained private.

Controversy

Knight's contributions to the athletic department at UO have also led to controversy. In April 2000, student leaders began organizing an anti-sweatshop and fair labor practices campaign, and called for Dave Frohnmayer, president of the school, to support the Workers Rights Consortium (WRC). On April 4, 2000, students began a sit-in at Johnson Hall, the UO's administrative center. In early April, an open meeting of students further demanded that the organization Fair Labor Association (FLA) would receive no consideration from the university, as it was perceived as a group founded, funded and backed by Nike and other corporations, and had also been criticized by worker rights advocates as an exercise in dishonest public relations.

University President Dave Frohnmayer subsequently signed a one-year contract with the WRC; Knight then withdrew a US$30 million commitment toward the Autzen Stadium expansion project and offered no further donations to the university. In a public statement, Knight criticized the WRC for having unrealistic provisions and called it misguided, while praising the FLA for being "balanced" in its approach. In the face of ongoing conflict with students, Frohnmayer sided with Knight's assertion that the WRC was providing unbalanced representation, and in October 2000 the Eugene Weekly reported Frohnmayer stating that:

... he would refuse to pay dues to the WRC based on a legal opinion from UO General Counsel Melinda Grier arguing that to do so would be illegal and open the university to liability. Grier claimed the WRC had not yet incorporated, had not yet filed as a non-profit, and served no public purpose justifying a dues payment.

On February 16, 2001, the Oregon University System enacted a mandate that all institutions within the system choose business partners from a politically neutral standpoint, barring all universities in Oregon from joining either the WRC or the FLA. Following the dissolved relationship between the university and the WRC, Knight reinstated the donation and increased the amount to over US$50 million.

Also controversial was Knight's success in lobbying for former insurance executive Pat Kilkenny to be named as athletic director at the university. Kilkenny had neither a college degree nor any prior experience in athletics administration. He attended but did not graduate from UO, as he left the school with several credit hours still owing. Prior to his appointment at UO, Kilkenny had been the chairman and chief executive officer of the San Diego–based Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, and grew the business into a nationwide organization, with written premiums of nearly US$1 billion when he sold the company in 2006.

Other projects

Knight's personal hangar at Hillsboro Airport

In October 2008, Knight and his wife pledged US$100 million to the OHSU Cancer Institute, the largest gift in the history of Oregon Health & Science University. In recognition, the university renamed the organization the "OHSU Knight Cancer Institute."

In October 2010, Knight donated several million dollars to the Catlin Gabel School to establish a scholarship for incoming freshmen students. Knight's Green, a lawn named after Knight at Marylhurst University in Marylhurst, Oregon

On May 18, 2012, Knight contributed US$65,000 to a higher education Political Action Committee (PAC) formed by Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle. According to Boyle, the PAC will help facilitate an increase in the autonomy of schools in the Oregon University System.

On September 27, 2013, Knight announced to the audience at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute's biennial gala, when he announced his intention to donate US$500 million for research if OHSU could match it over the subsequent two years. On June 25, 2015, OHSU met that $500 million goal, and Knight announced his upcoming $500 million donation, to bring the total to $1 billion raised.

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