Ryonan High School Basketball Gym
Bang…
The heavy door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside.
He wore a green short-sleeved shirt. His face was serious, his eyes sharp, and his steady steps carried a commanding sense of authority.
The moment he entered, the entire gym seemed to fall under an invisible pressure.
Every player instinctively straightened their back.
The man was none other than Coach Taoka Moichi, head coach of the Ryonan High School basketball team.
His gaze swept across the court like a blade, cutting through the silence as he examined every young face before him.
Then, in a deep voice, he said,
"Gather."
The players immediately lined up neatly in the center of the court.
Among them were several first-year recruits, standing stiffly, not daring to move a muscle.
Coach Taoka's brows furrowed slightly as he asked in a low tone, "Is Sendoh not here?"
Ikegami Ryoji quickly replied, his voice hesitant. "Coach… Sendoh just stepped out. I think he went to pick someone up."
"Pick someone up?" Coach Taoka blinked in mild surprise, his frown deepening.
Koshino Hiroaki leaned forward and reminded him softly, "It's the person Sendoh mentioned before…"
"Oh…"
Coach Taoka nodded slowly as realization dawned on him.
Right — he had indeed asked Sendoh to try recruiting that old friend of his.
It seemed he had succeeded.
"Coach, should we wait for Sendoh before starting?" Uozumi asked tentatively.
Coach Taoka cleared his throat twice, then spoke seriously.
"In that case, let's start with introductions."
He scanned the line of players, eyes sharp with a coach's practiced scrutiny.
"Second and third years first," he instructed. "Let the new recruits get to know Ryonan's starters."
Uozumi stepped forward first. His towering 2-meter frame radiated pressure, especially to the nervous first-years.
"I'm Uozumi Jun, captain of Ryonan's basketball team. I play center."
One by one, the upperclassmen followed — Koshino Hiroaki, Ikegami Ryoji, Uekusa Tomoyuki, and the others introduced themselves.
After the second and third years finished, it was time for the first-year recruits.
Most were unfamiliar faces — new, eager, and unremarkable.
Until…
"My name is Aida Hikoichi," said a small boy proudly. "I'm 165 centimeters tall, weigh 52 kilograms, and I'll do my best to help the team!"
When everyone was done, the gym fell quiet for a moment.
Coach Taoka stood with his head slightly lowered, seemingly lost in thought — it didn't even look like he had been listening.
The new students glanced at one another in confusion.
The upperclassmen looked awkward.
Uozumi finally broke the silence. "Coach… do you have any further instructions?"
Coach Taoka straightened up, just about to speak when—
Bang!
The main door burst open again, and sunlight streamed into the gym.
Everyone turned their heads instinctively.
Standing there, smiling casually, was Sendoh.
"Hey, everyone… I'm back," he greeted cheerfully, waving.
"You're finally back," Koshino complained, sounding half-annoyed.
Sendoh scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry, I got caught up chatting with an old friend."
His relaxed tone didn't earn much sympathy. Everyone stared at him blankly.
Then two figures slowly walked into the gym behind Sendoh.
Ake and Rukia.
Their steps were calm yet powerful — each one seemed to echo through the gym like a heartbeat.
The moment they entered, the atmosphere froze.
The air thickened. The noise disappeared. Even breathing seemed to stop.
Sendoh glanced around and smiled lightly. "Let me introduce them."
He pointed toward Ake.
"This is Akeri Ryu — my old teammate from middle school. The one I told you about before."
All eyes turned to Ake.
Their gazes carried a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and judgment.
Koshino muttered, "So this is the guy Sendoh's been talking about?"
Uozumi frowned. "Why's his hair red? He looks cocky."
Uekusa whispered, "Is he really that strong?"
Ikegami snorted. "Another pretty boy… just like Sendoh."
Coach Taoka thought silently, Good height… but can he actually play?
Aida Hikoichi blinked in awe. "Who is this guy? Everyone's staring at him…"
Ake ignored every look.
He took a single step forward — steady, confident, and firm — as if his presence alone demanded attention.
His calm eyes swept across the court, filled with composure and conviction.
Then he spoke — his tone steady, yet carrying weight.
"Hello, everyone. Nice to meet you. I'm Akeri Ryu, a graduate of Seiyo Middle School. From today, I'll be joining the Ryonan High School basketball team."
His voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear.
And then — he dropped a bombshell.
"I came here with only one goal — to win the championship. I believe victory is the only true meaning of competitive sports. I look forward to fighting alongside all of you."
The gym went dead silent.
No one spoke. No one clapped. Even the faint wind outside seemed to vanish.
Everyone just stared at him — stunned.
Shock. Doubt. Disbelief.
Did he just say that?
Who does this guy think he is?
Even Coach Taoka was taken aback — he hadn't expected such arrogance.
Sendoh only gave a faint smile. He had seen this coming, but hearing it out loud still caught him off guard.
The tension lingered in the air until finally, Koshino snapped.
"You've got some nerve!" he scoffed. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to win a championship? Don't talk big!"
Ikegami stepped forward too, his tone mocking.
"Yeah, who do you think you are? You just got here!"
But Ake stood firm. His face remained calm — unbothered.
He slowly looked around at the team, his eyes unwavering.
"I believe victory is the only meaning of sports," he said again, his voice like steel. "I led my middle school team to a championship, and I'll do the same here. For me, winning isn't optional — it's inevitable. I've never lost to anyone… and I don't intend to start now."
Then, a sharp, commanding aura burst from him.
"Because…" he declared, his tone unshakable,
"I am absolute."
Note: Please let me know what you think! Whether you like this fanfic or completely hate it, your reviews help me decide whether to continue this story or start a new one.