After the "outsider incident," Nango wasn't sure what Coach Anzai did behind the scenes, but the result was clear—Mitsui Hisashi showed up the very next day with his long hair chopped off, reporting obediently to the basketball team.
Nango couldn't help thinking Mitsui had a screw loose. A normal guy would've felt guilty after stirring up so much trouble. But Mitsui? He strutted in like nothing happened.
Of course, Mitsui had his own logic. To him, Nango had led the team to beat him and his gang bloody, then even turned them in to the school. Why should he feel ashamed? If anything, it was already merciful that Nango didn't send them the medical bills.
As for his delinquent buddies, Mitsui had no idea how he'd face them now.
"Brothers, sorry for dragging you into this. You got beaten for nothing because of me."
Yeah, no way he could say that aloud—Tetsuo and the others would murder him on the spot. Better to just cut ties and turn over a new leaf.
That afternoon, Coach Anzai showed up at the gym, his mood uncharacteristically bright. The return of Miyagi and Mitsui had clearly lifted his spirits.
"Nango, come here a moment."
"Yes, Coach!"
Nango jogged over, puzzled.
Adjusting his glasses, Coach Anzai spoke seriously. "Nango, you handled yesterday's matter very well. You kept everyone safe and prevented things from getting worse."
Nango blinked. Was that… praise? He scratched his head awkwardly, smiling.
"However," Coach Anzai continued, "fighting is still wrong. Be more careful in the future."
Ah, so that was the real lesson.
"Yes, Coach. I won't go looking for trouble," Nango replied.
"Good." The White-Haired Buddha nodded. "Now focus on training. The Prefectural Tournament is coming soon. Perform well."
"Understood."
Watching the old coach, Nango couldn't help admiring him. A man of Anzai's stature humbling himself to guide high schoolers… it was clear he cared about shaping both their basketball and their character. Truly respectable.
After speaking to Nango, Coach Anzai also took time to talk privately with every player who had been involved the day before. Only then did practice officially begin.
With Miyagi and Mitsui added to the roster, training shifted toward team chemistry, mixing basic drills with scrimmages to help them integrate.
For Nango and Rukawa, such simple exercises were dull. But they had a routine—finish first, then duel one-on-one at full intensity. Short but brutal, these daily clashes sharpened them both. Rukawa adapted better to the pace of high school basketball, while Nango honed his body control and explosiveness.
Both believed that when they faced Ryonan again, they would shock them.
At the end of practice, Akagi gathered everyone.
"This weekend, we'll play a practice match against Takezono. Meeting time is…"
"Takezono?!" Sakuragi blurted out.
Akagi frowned. "Is there a problem?"
"N-No problem…" Sakuragi forced a laugh. Damn it! Does this mean I'll have to see Oda again?!
Nango gave him a knowing look and sighed dramatically. "This is fate, Sakuragi."
Meanwhile, Miyagi and Mitsui exchanged glances. Both knew the truth—this game would decide the final starting spot.
Shohoku's lineup had been shuffled repeatedly in training, but only three positions were locked: Akagi at center, Rukawa at small forward, and Nango floating between point guard and power forward. Sakuragi, despite his inexperience, had secured a role thanks to his rebounding and defense. That left just one guard position—Miyagi and Mitsui would battle for it.
No one wanted to sit on the bench.
As practice ended, Nango stopped Sakuragi at the exit.
"Why are you blocking me?" Sakuragi asked suspiciously.
"Sakuragi, your performance lately has been pretty good." Nango started with flattery—he knew Sakuragi's weakness.
Sakuragi puffed up immediately, grinning smugly. "Hmph! Of course! I'm the genius basketball player, Sakuragi Hanamichi!"
Hooked already, Nango thought. He continued, "But… while your defense is solid, your offense still needs work."
"That's just because you guys don't give me the ball!" Sakuragi snapped back, seizing the chance to demand more touches.
"Uh… sure," Nango said smoothly. "But even if we pass to you, you've got to be able to finish."
"What did you say?!" Sakuragi bristled.
Nango raised his hands. "Calm down. I have a method that'll let you shine on offense—faster than what you're learning from Miyagi. Interested?"
Sakuragi hesitated. He wanted to know, but his pride made him reluctant to admit it. Still, Miyagi's teachings felt too slow, and the gap between him and Rukawa gnawed at him daily.
Sensing his struggle, Nango chuckled. "Remember what I told you before? When the ball's in the air, you can catch it and dunk it?"
Sakuragi still looked confused, so Nango grabbed a basketball and handed it to him. "Watch closely. Just toss it toward the hoop."
Nango positioned himself near the three-point line. "Okay, go!"
Sakuragi flung the ball way too high. Nango sighed, Did he do that on purpose? But he still sprinted, leapt, snagged the ball midair, and hammered it through the rim.
Boom!
Landing lightly, he held the ball out. "See? That's called…"
"Hahahaha! I get it!" Sakuragi's eyes sparkled. "So simple, so flashy—perfect for me!"
Watching him celebrate, Nango smiled but quickly warned, "Don't get too excited. It's not that easy to pull off. Defenders won't just let you jump freely. To really make it work, you'll need another move—and a little tactic."
Sakuragi leaned closer, trying to act casual. "Hmph… no harm in listening."
But inside, he was already burning with anticipation. He couldn't wait to try this move in the Takezono game.
Rukawa, Oda—you two better watch carefully. And Haruko, just wait! You'll be cheering for my baskets soon enough! Wahahaha!
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