From that day forward I had quit basketball, never to touch another ball or set foot on a court again. Although it was painful to stay away from a sport as amazing as basketball, I eventually adapted to the idea of not having it in my life. I spent most of my time studying so that I could get enrolled into a prestigious school. It just so happened that I chose the same school that Yukio said he wanted us to play together at, Toshigawa Academy.
Hey you two are freshmen right? My name is Yukio Hamaguchi a third year and Captain of the basketball team said Yukio. Nice to meet you, my name is Katsuragi Shino, I . I came here to ask if I could join the basketball club!! Shouted Shino. I like your energy, sure thing, you can start training after school today said Yukio as he smiled. And you? Do you wish to join as well? Asked Yukio. No, I'm not really a fan of the sport, I just followed him here so he could ask to join besides it would be too much work for me.
That day he knew exactly who I was and I remember the promise that he made with me but without even having to ask me he comprehended my situation and didn't pursued asking me to join the team not even once. Of course that day a part of me wanted to join the team however past experiences kept me from doing so.
Until I met Shino again, that same shy and timid boy from Musashi Junior high. Um, Kurai good morning said Shino with a timid look. Huh, oh it's you, what do you want? Asked Makoto. I heard that a mini- basketball tournament will be held for us freshmen for this session. And what does that has to do with me? Asked Makoto.
Well, we need five persons to play and as you know I'm really shy and I'm an introvert. You're the only person I've talked to since I started attending this school, so I'm asking if you could fill one of the spots please!!
Okay, okay , jeez quit making a scene out of it. I don't know what happened but he somehow convinced me to take up a ball again.
That was the day my passion for the sport rekindled, we were up against two persons who were seasoned in the sport during our first gym session and I got excited and played hard that day, I was having fun. I tried to deny that my passion was peaked once more because of what happened in junior high and how selfish and spiteful my teammates were I didn't want to risk that happening again said Makoto.
I didn't know that all that went down in junior high and I'm sure that that it would be hard even for me to trust a team that's based off of such hypocrisy but assuming that everyone or team is the same thing doesn't make no sense, it's a cruel way to block out good people who actually wants to see you play. Take Yukio for example he's really is a good captain you have my word on that said Noboru.
you don't have to tell me that Yukio is a good captain, i already know and only to move on my hatred for them is to play basketball again which is why I've decided to join the basketball team, so that I can get revenge on those bastard said Makoto.
I promise that from this day forward I won't cry anymore, I'll improve to the best of my ability and defeat Musashi high school with my own strength, that's the only way I can move forward from the trouble and pain they have caused me said Shino as he wiped his tears.
So we all agree that we need to beat them so let's make a promise that well take them down the three of us said Makoto as all three of them fist bumped. Alright let's head back Shino our seniors must be worried sick about us said Noboru. Let's bring these beverages back to the team said Makoto as he helped Shino take up the bottles.
That's right I almost forgot my throat is dry and I've gotten all thirsty give me mine said Noboru as he snatched the apple juice from Shino. You are paying me back for that right? Asked Shino. I'll pay you tomorrow don't worry replied Noboru. Alright let's head back.
Due to Noboru and Shino being late Nanaho had the other members of the team practice shooting free throws. Takahiro who shot two free throws made only one of them, followed by Hayato who easily made his two free throws. Liam who was not familiar with the free throw misses both shots terribly and both Tetsuo and Yukio scores their two free throws.
It's not like Shino to come back this late I wonder what happened said Takahiro concerned. I wonder what's taking Shino so long and Noboru is not back from his stamina training should I be worried said Yukio. I know that something might have happened to Shino so I'll let him off with something light however, Noboru is going to wish that he was dead said Nanaho to herself angrily.
Hey guys were back said Noboru as Makoto and Shino followed behind them. Where the heck were you Noboru? I just want you to know that something harsh has been plotted for you said Nanaho. Oh please not that, I have a really good excuse this time.
You see Shino was buying the beverages like you told him to however, he bumped into some of his old teammates from Musashi high and he was in a pickle because they were saying alot of hurtful things to him so I had to go and help him okay said Noboru. So you're saying that player from Musashi high were picking on Shino right? Asked Hayato.
Musashi high is known for their defensive prowess and physicality but what stands out about them the most is their dark personality. Trash talking, insults they will stop at nothing to get into a player's head said Nanaho. I'm glad that you stepped in when you did thank you Noboru.
And I see that you brought Makoto with you was he also involved? Asked Takahiro. Yes I was who they were insulting first but Shino stepped in to try and help me however, it only ended up making them pick on him. As to the reason why I'm here. I feel like I'm ready to fulfill that promise we made the day Yukio.
I will join the basketball team and play to the best of my abilities. Although this will be a pain and leave me absolutely drained I believe that I'm ready to start said Makoto.
So you mean that we now have eight members? Asked Liam excitedly.
Yeah, that seems to be the case Liam said Takahiro. Hi nice to meet you again, my name is Liam Ainsworth, we played against each other in a gym match remember. Yeah, how can I forgot someone as giant as you. I didn't know that you joined the team said Makoto.
Thank you so much for joining the team Makoto and I look forward to playing on this team with you said Yukio as he smiled. Likewise, however I'll be starting tomorrow I have to get some sleep said Makoto. I'm so glad for Yukio, even though we could not predict this outcome from occurring we now have such an amazing team. Now to work hard on preparing them for the upcoming matches said Nanaho to herself as she smiled.