Tetsuo dribbled down the court, each bounce echoing across the hardwood. His sneakers squeaked against the polished floor as he cut through the lane and passed the ball to Takahiro.
But Yukio was already moving, sliding in front of him to block his path.
Takahiro pulled the ball away from Yukio's outstretched hand and stepped back.
Can't get past him...
He pivoted, bounced the ball once, then sent a pass back to Tetsuo.
The moment Tetsuo caught it, Hayato stepped forward and planted himself just beyond the three-point line. Sweat gathered along his brow, a bead slipping beneath his headband as he raised his arms and locked his eyes on Tetsuo.
"Let's see if shooting threes is all you can do."
Hayato crouched low as he raised his hands, shifting them from side to side to block Tetsuo's path.
Tetsuo lowered his stance, keeping the ball close to the floor. He eased back a step.
Then he crossed to the right.
BAM!
The ball snapped against the floor as Hayato slid across to cut him off.
But Tetsuo planted his right foot and spun left, his shoulder brushing against Hayato's hip as he slipped past. His left foot hit the floor, followed by a quick step into the paint.
He sprang toward the basket, extending his right arm.
Yukio leaped behind Tetsuo, swinging his arm down toward the ball.
Tetsuo's eyes flicked toward him.
At the last second, he pulled the ball into both hands and glided beneath the rim. Twisting in midair, he brought the ball around to his left side and flicked it toward the backboard.
THUNK!
The ball struck the glass, rolled over the rim, and dropped through the net.
Swish.
Yukio and Tetsuo landed on the hardwood.
Yukio smiled.
"Nice shot!"
Tetsuo gave him a nod.
On the sidelines, Nanaho followed their movements, her eyes tracking Tetsuo as he stepped away from the basket.
He sold Hayato on the right, then cut left before he could react. And even when Yukio came in to block him, he switched to a reverse layup midair!
The corner of her mouth curled upward.
He's not just good at shooting. He's got serious court vision, too.
Hayato jogged backward, his eyes still fixed on Tetsuo.
I couldn't even react to that spin...!
This is Kawaguchi's first day on the team, so why is he already training with the captain while I'm stuck doing dribbling drills?!
A vein throbbed at Noboru's temple as he dribbled, the ball pounding against the hardwood.
We've been doing this for hours! My arms are about to fall off!
He shot a glare toward Nanaho, who was still watching Tetsuo and Yukio.
Seriously?! Is she that obsessed with basketball? She's so busy watching those two that she's completely forgotten about us!
Sweat trickled down Shino's neck, his shirt clinging to his back.
He winced and rubbed his forearms.
"Um... Fukazawa-senpai? My arms are getting tired. How much longer do I have to keep doing this?"
Nanaho blinked and glanced at her watch.
"Oh, right! That's enough for today!"
She raised her whistle to her lips and blew.
"Training's over! I've got all the data I need."
"Finally..." Hayato muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. He let out a long sigh. "Phew! That was quite the workout."
"If you think today's training was tough, just wait until tomorrow," Takahiro said with a tired chuckle. His shoulders slumped as he lowered himself to the floor and stretched his legs.
Hayato raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean by that?"
Yukio knelt to retie his shoelaces.
"Nanaho might not look like it, but she's a great strategist. Her eye for detail is second to none. Today's training was just to see what we're capable of and how much we can handle. Tomorrow, she'll really put us through our paces."
Noboru collapsed onto the court, his arms and legs sprawled out. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath.
"Oh, stop being so dramatic. It's not like you were moving that much."
Nanaho looked down at him, her clipboard resting against her hip.
"I'm telling you, I can't feel my arms anymore!" Noboru groaned.
"Well, I guess that's a good sign."
Nanaho's expression didn't change.
"What's that supposed to mean?!" Noboru shouted, abruptly sitting up. "You made me dribble for hours! I deserve better than this!"
"For the last time, you need to master the basics if you want to function on the basketball court!"
"Basics? Ha!"
Noboru smirked, tossing the ball from one hand to the other.
"A pro like me doesn't need that stuff! As long as I can score and lead us to victory, that's all that matters!"
"Ugh! I've had it with you!" Nanaho snapped. "You'd better come prepared for tomorrow!"
She turned on her heel and walked away.
Noboru blinked rapidly.
Wait... Was that a threat? She just threatened me, didn't she?!
Yukio, Hayato, and Takahiro burst out laughing.
Meanwhile, Shino stood near the baseline, one hand braced against his knee as he struggled to catch his breath.
Look at him... He doesn't even look tired.
His gaze drifted toward Tetsuo.
This whole practice, he's been a step ahead of the rest of us. His shooting, his dribbling, even his passing... He gave the captain a run for his money, and it's only his first day.
Shino's lips trembled.
How am I supposed to catch up to someone like him?
" Today reminds me of the old days," Yukio said, stretching his back.
"Wait, Yukio, we're not that old yet," Takahiro replied with a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah, but people mistake you for a middle-aged dude all the time."
Yukio's expression remained perfectly straight.
"...Why did I even bother opening my mouth?" Takahiro muttered, turning away.
"Seriously, you should get that crooked beard shaved off."
Nanaho clapped her hands once.
"Thanks, everyone, for giving it your all today! It's a relief to know we finally have a proper team. Now, let's clean up and head home!"
"Yes, Coach!" they replied in unison.
The team walked through the school gates together.
"I'm heading this way. See you tomorrow!"
Hayato slung his bag over one shoulder and waved before turning down the road.
"Um, I'm going that way, too! Wait up, Nakajima-senpai! It's really dark out here!"
Shino hurried after him, his bag bouncing against his back.
"Travel safe, guys!" Yukio called, raising a hand as the others headed off beneath the buzzing streetlights.
"Please stand clear of the tracks."
The train doors slid open with a mechanical hiss. The station name chimed over the speakers as the overhead lights flickered briefly.
Passengers stepped onto the platform while those waiting filed into the train.
"See you at school tomorrow, Takahiro, Kawaguchi!"
Nanaho waved.
The train pulled away from the platform, its rumbling wheels fading into the distance.
Nanaho and Yukio walked side by side beneath the station's overhead lights.
"Today was great, wasn't it?" Nanaho said, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. "It turned out even better than I imagined."
"Yeah. Tetsuo deciding to join was the best part. He'll be a huge help moving forward."
"I was surprised, too." Nanaho glanced at him. "He seemed pretty serious about not joining."
Her shoulders sank slightly.
"To be honest, I was worried we'd get knocked out in the first round. But now that he's here, I feel like we've got a real shot."
She shook her head, a smile spreading across her face.
"No... I'm certain we'll make it to the Inter-High this year!"
"We may only have six members right now, and we need seven for the tournament, but I'm not worried. We'll find another player. Besides, with you as captain, Hayato at point guard, and Tetsuo..."
Yukio chuckled.
"We've got what it takes."
"I hope so. It's my last year, after all. I want to go out strong."
"You'd better."
Nanaho glanced at him, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face.
"I've got high hopes for you, Captain."
"Now you're making me nervous. That's a lot of pressure to put on me."
"Too bad. Deal with it!"
Nanaho broke into a run, leaving Yukio a few steps behind.
She stopped at the crosswalk and turned back toward him.
"I'm heading this way. See you tomorrow! And don't think I'll go easy on your new team. I'm working you guys half to death starting first period!"
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
Yukio shook his head with a smile as Nanaho headed off.
He turned his gaze toward the night sky.
I wonder what Seiji would think...
He slipped his hands into his pockets and started walking.
"Time to head home."