By this time Tetsuo was nine and I was ten. I was a hundred and seventy centimeters tall while Tetsuo was a hundred and fifty eight. Even though I had the height advantage it always seems like I was the one fighting to win the game.
Tetsuo dribbles the basketball slowly while Kogure guards him with caution. This is game point Kogure, I'll win again said Tetsuo as he drives and took his first layup step. I won't let you score the winning basket said Kogure to himself as he cuts Tetsuo off. Tetsuo then uses his last step and steps in the opposite direction shattering Kogure's defense. What the… Those movements, I couldn't react said Kogure to himself as Tetsuo scores a layup.
And that's game , yes!! I win, I win, I win again said Tetsuo as he jumped around celebrating. This is so not fair, your dad taught you a new move again said Kogure frustratedly. So what , the fact is that you still can't beat me.
You're right, I'll never beat you at this rate. I can teach you that move if you want, it's called the Euro step. My dad learned this move when he went to America. What? Really? That's so cool , what are you waiting for teach me right away said Kogure.
Okay, but it's going to cost you said Tetsuo as he giggles.
But that's no fair I always do you favors for free. I thought that we'd have long years of friendship and rivalry to come. Everyday I would imagine us going head to head in high school or even as teammates . However…. When then day came, our whole world and life was torn apart.
the sound of Sirens could be heard in the distance as Firefighters and Police officers were on the scene. This fire is quite a big one, I hope no one's in there said a Police man as flames engulfed the house. My father Miyazato who was out on a business trip came back only to see his best friend's house on fire.
What the hell!! Kogure!! Hisashi!! Shouted Miyazato as he attempted to get pass the yellow tapes. This area is off limits, stand back sir , you can't go any further beyond this point said an officer blocking Miyazato's path. That's my best friend's house, he was in there with his wife, my son and his two children . Let me through, let me through!!! Shouted Miyazato as he tried forcing his way through.
Two more officers came to block his path making it even more difficult to pass. I'm sorry , sir but we cannot allow this, whoever was in that house is already dead. I can't believe this is happening, Hisashi said Miyazato as he
drops to the floor crying. On that day Tetsuo and I Kogure were walking home from school. If I remember correctly he had a sister named Usagi.
We would usually pick her up from school and then make our way back to Hisashi's house. School was a pain today said Tetsuo as tiredly as he yawned. How is that so? Asked Kogure. We had to learn some new kind of math and I didn't understand a single thing. I think I know where exactly you got that slow brain of yours from said Kogure bluntly. Hey what do you mean? Asked Tesuo.
My dad said that your dad was a numbskull and did very poor on his school work in highschool and college, maybe his brain rubbed off on you. Why you.. said Tetsuo as he took up mud and throws it after Kogure. Hey cut it out Tetsuo, I'll get you back for this said Kogure as he chases after Tetsuo. You can't catch me, you can't catch me.
Big brother, wait up! Don't leave me behind said Usagi as she ran after them and was about to cry. Tetsuo then slips and falls in mud. Kogure seized the opportunity to wipe mud all over his face. Haha, how do you like me now mud faced Tetsuo. Fine you got me said Tetsuo as Kogure drew him up .
Tetsuo, I see a whole lot of smoke and it's coming from dad's house, what's happening? Asked Usagi confused.
What's going on? Oh no!! It can't be said Tesuo shocked as the emergency workers carry two deceased person's body out of the extinguished building. Kogure, Tetsuo, Usagi, thank god you're all okay said Miyazato as he hugged the three of them with tears in his eyes.
A fire broke out and I don't know how it started but it got bad and Hisashi and his wife didn't make it … This can't be , no way, dad can't be gone, mom said Tetsuo. Where is Mom and dad? Asked Usagi as she started crying.
I refuse to believe that he's gone said Tetsuo and started crying and then he fainted.
After a day had passed me and my father came to look for Tetsuo who was unconscious and Usagi who was still crying. I'm here to look for Tetsuo and Usagi Kawaguchi. I'm afraid that you cannot visit them said the receptionist.
And why the hell not? Asked Miyazato angrily. It seems that Tetsuo has suffered from fatal brain damage due to the trauma of loosing his parents. He has no memories and he won't respond to anyone but his little sister which is why she's here with him.
No way, Tetsuo lost his memories? Said Kogure to himself shocked and hurt. God dammit, Hisashi, why did you have to go, you bastard said Miyazato to himself as tears rolled down his cheeks. I don't know what happened after that , but all I knew was that he disappeared without a trace never to be seen again.
I vowed to myself after that day that I'd continue playing basketball for the two of us and become number one in his honor but I eventually forgot overtime. And now I'm looking at him face to face again in a basketball game. I don't believe in stuff like destiny and fate but it seems that we were meant to meet again for a reason right, Tetsuo said Kogure to himself as he smiled. I see, so you knew my father said Tetsuo. So you still don't remember me then? Asked Kogure.
It's true that I lost my memories of everything long ago, I was nothing but an empty shell up until recently, the only thing I could remember was my name, basketball and my little sister. We are in the middle of a game now, you don't have to discuss this right now. we can save this talk for after the game said Kogure and Tetsuo agreed. I want to know where the hell he has been for the past six years, but I guess that'll have to wait said Kogure as he got his head back into the game.