Down in the practice area, Echizen sets his bag down against the perimeter fence where it will be out of the way, then moves to stand near the front and center of the gathering first years, most of whom are chatting with excitement and awe to one another. Echizen is yet to so much as make eye contact with any of them, let alone speak. He didn't come here to socialize.

His attention is solely on the front, waiting for one of the more senior members of the club to call the meeting to order. He wants to become stronger. Now.