It was about three years ago when it all began—my first day attending Musashi Junior and Senior High School. At the time, I wasn't great at the sport, but I knew the basics and had a good eye for it since I started, said Makoto. The players were practicing their defensive slides, and their shoes were rubbing against the court, making a squeaky noise.
"Pick up the slack, everyone, and keep in formation! Get into a lower stance!" shouted the coach.
"Yes, Coach!" replied all of the players.
"Hidesuke, you're breaking formation. I won't tolerate any screw-ups!" said Coach Izanagi.
"What do you mean by I'm breaking formation? I'm doing the right thing!" replied Hidesuke.
"Are you the one watching from courtside? Shut up and do what I say!" shouted the coach.
"I'm out of here. I'm done with this bullshit," said Hidesuke as he walked away.
"You guys can move from our defense and trap tactics and practice some shooting and layups. I'll be right back," said Coach Izanagi as he left the court.
"Stop this instant, young man!" shouted the coach. Hidesuke reacted to the coach's words, stopped, and turned around.
"What is it, Dad? What do you want from me?" he asked.
"I'm sorry for how I handled you back there. I didn't want them to think I'm giving you special treatment because you're my son. I have to stage an act and be strict with you so that they don't think I'm picking favorites," said Coach Izanagi.
"Not to worry, son. Your spot as a regular and starter on the team is secured. You'll just have to put in the hard work so they can't say you don't deserve it. And please, do not walk out like that again because next time, there will be no turning back. Now, come on with me. Let's go back to training."
"Fine, you win this time, Coach," said Hidesuke as he smiled.
As Coach Izanagi and Hidesuke were walking back to the court, Daichi passed the basketball to Basara, and he dribbled to the rim, shooting a layup that swooshed through the net. Immediately after, a member of the team passed the ball to Takumi, who caught it, jumped into the air, and dunked the ball.
"Is this guy really a junior high school student?" asked Daichi as the ball bounced on the floor.
"I'm so glad he transferred here. He's truly a prodigy, and only in his second year at that," said Basara to himself.
"So, this is the great Musashi Junior High School basketball team, rumored to be the best defensive team and ranked in the top seven of the best teams," said Makoto to himself as he observed his seniors.
"Looks like the first years are here. Perfect timing," said Basara.
"Coach Izanagi, Captain, the first years are all geared up and ready," said Daichi.
"That's good. I was expecting a few more, but ten will do," replied the coach.
"Everyone, line up and introduce yourself, your data, and whether you've played basketball or not," said Coach Izanagi.
"My name is Yasuhiro Nakano. I'm one hundred and seventy-five centimeters and weigh one hundred and fifty-eight pounds. I have no experience with the sport, but I am willing and eager to learn how to play," said Yasuhiro.
"My name is Ko Yamazaki, one hundred and seventy centimeters, one hundred and fifty pounds. I played a little basketball with my older friends, so I've caught the gist of it to some extent," said Ko.
"Makoto Kurai, I'm one hundred and sixty-two centimeters, one hundred and forty pounds. I gained all my experience from streetball and some guys who taught me. I'm not here for games, and I really want to win and be known. I don't want anyone holding me back, especially my seniors," said Makoto.
"You sound pretty confident. You'll get to prove yourself in due time. And lastly?" said Coach Izanagi.
"U... um, m... my na... name is Shino Kat... Katsuragi. I'm one hundred and sixty-seven centimeters and one hundred and forty-four pounds. I have no prior experience with the sport, but I really want to learn. I think it's cool," said Shino nervously, stuttering and mumbling over his words.
"Hahaha, is this some kind of joke? Look at him. He's so timid and shy. He stands no chance of making it in this sport," said Daichi.
"Just do yourself a favor and give up on this sport. Go ahead and join a different sport more suited for losers like you. Tennis is perfect," said Basara.
"No! I really want to play this sport. I'll play hard and train hard until I'm good enough," replied Shino.
"Listen, kid, I don't have time to waste on people who are soft. I'm training strong-minded people to compete, not some shy crybaby. The door is there, so please leave," said Coach Izanagi.
"This coach is really as harsh as they come. Just listen to him and leave," said Makoto to himself.
"I won't leave. I love basketball too much to just give up on my dreams. I'll train hard, and one day I'll become a good player," said Shino.
"Suit yourself, but don't come crying to me when you don't get any play time for the rest of the three years you're here. Basara, Daichi, teach these eight players how to dribble and let them all do it. Well, seven of them. You can just give this one a ball and put him in a corner. I don't have time to waste on him," said Coach Izanagi.
"Hidesuke and Takumi, you'll be playing two-on-two against Makoto and Ko."
"But that's unfair! They are way better than us," said Ko.
"I decide if it's fair or not. Plus, Makoto here is really overconfident. Let's see if he can back his words," said Coach Izanagi.
"I don't know what my dad is trying to prove by making us play against these kids," said Hidesuke to himself.
"Man, this sucks. More bugs to squash. I'll mark Ko," said Takumi as he walked over to Ko.
"The game is to seven. You can begin when you're ready," said the coach.
"Since you are first years, I'll give you the ball first. I'm a generous person, aren't I?" asked Hidesuke as he passed the ball to Makoto.