Tetsuo dribbled the basketball down the court during transition, the dull thump of the ball echoing across the hardwood. His sneakers gripped the gym floor with short squeaks as he passed it off to Takahiro, who was quickly met by Yukio.
"Damn, Yukio's defense is tough," Takahiro muttered as he stepped back, pivoted, and returned the ball to Tetsuo.
Hayato stepped up to challenge him, positioning himself just beyond the arc. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple as he raised his arms and narrowed his eyes.
"If shooting threes is all you can do, then you won't make it very far in this sport," Hayato said, pressing forward and keeping low.
Tetsuo didn't flinch. He adjusted his grip, kept his dribble low, and took a calm step back to face Hayato. The muscles in his legs tensed as he analyzed the spacing, reading the defender's center of gravity. With a sharp crossover to the right, he tried to create an opening. Hayato followed, sliding his feet in time.
Tetsuo planted his right foot, spun quickly to the left—his back brushing past Hayato's hip—and drove forward. His left foot landed first, followed by a clean step into the paint. He jumped, extended his right arm, and banked the layup off the glass. The ball dropped through the net with a light swish.
From the sidelines, Nanaho's eyes tracked every movement. Her fingers unconsciously clenched the edge of her clipboard.
He baited Hayato with just a hint of his right side, then spun left at the perfect moment. That wasn't luck—that was control. Her lips parted slightly before curving into a grin. Yukio was right about this one.
"I guess you're more than just a shooter," Hayato said with a smirk, jogging backward.
"This is Tetsuo's first day on the team, so why is he over there training with the captain while I'm stuck doing dribbling drills? This sucks," Noboru grumbled, bouncing the ball with noticeably less energy. His arms drooped between each bounce.
"We've been at this for hours, and my arms feel like they're going to fall off. Is she seriously that obsessed with basketball? She's so locked in she forgot about us," he whined.
"My arms are getting tired. How much longer do I have to do this, Fukazawa?" he asked, shoulders sagging.
Nanaho blinked and looked up from her notes. "Oh, right. Training has ended for the day, so all of you can stop now."
"Finally," Hayato muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow and stretching his neck side to side. "Phew, that was quite the workout."
"If you think today was a challenge, just wait for tomorrow's training," said Takahiro with a tired laugh.
"What do you mean by that?" asked Hayato, cocking an eyebrow.
"Nanaho might not look it, but she's a great strategist. Her observation skills are insane. Today was just to gauge our fundamentals and endurance. Tomorrow is when she really starts pushing us," said Yukio, kneeling to retie his shoelaces.
Noboru collapsed flat on the court, arms sprawled out, his shirt soaked in sweat and clinging to his back. His chest rose and fell rapidly.
"Stop being so dramatic. It's not like you were actually moving that much," Nanaho said as she looked down at him.
"I'm telling you, I can't feel my arms anymore," Noboru groaned.
"Well, that's a good sign, I guess," Nanaho replied, unfazed.
"What's that supposed to mean?! You made me dribble for hours! I deserve better than this!" Noboru shouted, voice echoing faintly in the emptying gym.
"For the last time, you need the basic skills to function on the basketball court."
"Basic skills? A pro like me doesn't need the basics! As long as I can score and make us win, that's all that matters!"
Nanaho's eyes narrowed. "I've had it with you. You better come prepared for tomorrow."
Noboru blinked. "Wait… was that a threat? She just threatened me, didn't she?!"
Shino stood near the baseline, one hand resting on his knee as he caught his breath. His shirt stuck to his chest, and his legs wobbled slightly from fatigue. His eyes, however, remained fixed on Tetsuo.
Look at him… he doesn't even look tired. The whole practice, he's just been a step ahead of the rest of us. His shooting, his dribbling, even his passing… He gave the captain trouble, and it's his first day. How the hell am I supposed to catch up to someone like him?
His jaw clenched slightly, but he said nothing, just breathing in and out slowly.
"This was quite the training session. Reminds me of the old days," Yukio said, stretching his back with a satisfied sigh.
"Wait, Yukio, we're not that old yet," Takahiro replied, half laughing.
"Yeah, but everyone always mistakes you for a middle-aged dude anyway," Yukio added with a grin.
"…Why did I even bother opening my mouth…" Takahiro mumbled.
Nanaho clapped her hands once. "Thanks, everyone, for putting in the effort today. I feel better knowing we actually have a team now. Let's clean up and head home."
"I'm heading this way. See you tomorrow," said Hayato as he grabbed his bag and waved casually.
"Um, I'm also going that way! Wait up, Nakajima! It's really dark out here!" Shino called out, jogging to catch up.
"Travel safe, guys," Yukio said, lifting a hand.
Later, the train doors slid open with a mechanical hiss. The overhead lights in the cabin flickered slightly as the station name chimed.
"See you at school tomorrow, Takahiro and Kawaguchi," said Nanaho, standing near the exit.
"Yeah, I look forward to it," Takahiro replied.
"Take care, guys," Yukio added with a wave.
As the train pulled away and disappeared down the tracks, Nanaho and Yukio walked side by side under the station's overhead lights, which buzzed faintly above them.
"Today was great, wasn't it?" Nanaho said, adjusting the strap of her bag. "It turned out even better than I imagined."
"Yeah. The best part was Tetsuo deciding to join. He'll help us a lot moving forward," Yukio replied.
"I was surprised too," Nanaho admitted. "He was pretty firm about not joining. But now that he has, I feel like we've got a real shot."
"Yeah. I'm certain we can make it to the Inter-High this year."
Nanaho nodded. "We may only have six members now, and the tournament requires seven, but I'm not worried. We'll find another. Besides, with you as captain, Hayato at point guard, and Tetsuo as an all-around weapon…"
She smiled with conviction. "We've got what it takes."
Yukio chuckled lightly. "I hope so. It's my last year. I want to go out strong."
"You better," Nanaho said with a teasing grin. "I've got high hopes for you, captain."
"Now you're making me nervous. That's a lot of pressure to carry."
"Too bad. Deal with it," she said, walking ahead.
"I'm heading this way," Nanaho added, turning at the crosswalk. "See you tomorrow. And don't think I'll go easy on your 'new team.' I'm working them half to death starting first period."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you," Yukio said, shaking his head with a smile as he watched her go. "Time to head home."