The ball bounced rhythmically against the court as Teppei Kiyoshi dribbled idly, his easy grin softening as he watched Riku catch his breath. The game to five was over, and while Teppei had won decisively, the raw potential Riku displayed was undeniable. It wasn't just his size though at 6'0 and growing, it was hard to ignore but the sharpness of his instincts and his tenacity.
"You're better than I expected," Teppei said, casually tossing the ball into Riku's chest. The throw had just enough force to make Riku adjust his stance, a subtle reminder of the power gap between them. "That defense? Sharp. Reads, timing, instincts—they're all there."
Riku caught the ball, standing up straight, his chest still heaving. Teppei's praise felt genuine, but it also carried an undertone of challenge, like a coach pointing out a player's strengths while highlighting the road ahead. "Didn't seem to matter much when you were dunking all over me."
Teppei chuckled, the sound warm and rich. "Oh, it mattered. You forced me to adjust, which is more than most players your age can say. But defense is only half the game. On offense, you've got to make your strength work for you, not against you."
Riku wiped sweat from his brow, nodding. He wasn't used to hearing his size and strength described as advantages. For most of his basketball life—his old life—he'd been the undersized forward who had to outthink everyone else on the court. This body changed everything.
"You've got the tools," Teppei continued, gesturing to Riku's frame. "Strength, size, instincts most players would kill for. But you're still figuring out how to use it, aren't you?"
Riku hesitated, then gave a small, rueful nod. "Feels like I'm fighting myself half the time. I...I don't even know where to start."
Teppei's grin softened into something more thoughtful. "That's normal. You're adapting, and that takes time. But we can start by getting you comfortable with that strength. Let's hit some drills."
Riku followed Teppei to the baseline, gripping the ball tightly as Teppei dropped into a low defensive stance.
"First thing's first, balance," Teppei said. "You've got strength, but if you're off-balance, it won't matter. Try backing me down, but keep your center of gravity low. Wide stance, knees bent, and don't lean."
Riku squared up, settling into a stance he'd used countless times in his old life. He pushed forward cautiously, testing Teppei's resistance. The older player absorbed the contact with ease, his feet planted firmly.
"Good," Teppei said, nodding. "Now feel this- " He shifted his weight slightly, angling his body. "If I overcommit-" Teppei leaned forward, exaggerating the motion, "-you could spin past me."
Riku hesitated, then pivoted sharply, his weight shifting smoothly to one side. He slipped around Teppei and finished with a clean layup. The satisfaction of the move brought a faint smirk to his face.
Teppei clapped once, his grin widening. "That's it. Use their weight against them. Basketball isn't just about brute force; it's about using your brain."
The drills continued, each one methodically designed to target specific gaps in Riku's technique. They worked on drop-steps, pivots, and how to use his hips to seal defenders, making it impossible for them to contest his position in the post. Teppei's explanations were clear and precise, and his patience never wavered, even when Riku's movements were awkward and hesitant.
Riku was starting to feel more at home in his body, each repetition building muscle memory. But Teppei wasn't done testing him.
"Alright, back me down again," Teppei said casually, his easy grin back in place.
Riku nodded, squaring up once more. He pushed forward, his muscles engaging as he felt Teppei's resistance. This time, he was careful to stay balanced, not leaning too much into the older player. Teppei didn't move, his defense solid as a wall.
Then, without warning, Teppei stepped back.
Riku's momentum carried him forward, stumbling into the empty space where Teppei's body had been, and then he fell over, dropping the ball and glaring at Teppei, who stood a few steps away, far too amused.
"That," Teppei said, his voice light but firm, "is pulling the chair. Didn't think I'd use it on you, huh?"
Riku scowled, gripping the ball tighter. "That was cheap."
"It was smart," Teppei corrected, his grin unfazed. "And it's what you're going to face if you don't learn to control your power. You've got raw strength, Riku, but power without control? That's a weakness. You're one of the bigger guys now, and people will come at you with tricks like these."
Riku reset his stance, determination flaring in his chest. He'd pulled the chair on others before, using his quickness to outmaneuver stronger players. Being on the receiving end stung, but it was a lesson he wouldn't forget.
"Again," Riku said, his voice steady.
This time, he moved cautiously, testing Teppei's resistance before committing. He pushed forward, his strength meeting Teppei's, and for a moment, he thought he had the advantage. But Teppei shifted his weight slightly, leaning into Riku at just the right angle. When Riku adjusted to push harder, Teppei went limp, stumbling back with exaggerated theatrics.
"Charge!" Teppei declared with a laugh, straightening up. "Ref blows the whistle, and you lose possession."
Riku's jaw clenched, frustration bubbling under his skin. He was used to being underestimated, but this? This was infuriating. And yet...Teppei was right.
"Alright," Riku muttered, resetting again. "Let's go."
Teppei grinned, stepping back into position. They worked through more scenarios, Teppei showing him how to avoid charges, how to maintain balance without overcommitting, and how to use his strength intelligently. Each drill pushed Riku's limits, forcing him to think about his movements in a way he never had before.
By the time they finished, Riku's shirt was soaked, his muscles screaming in protest. But his mind was sharper, the lessons starting to click into place. Teppei clapped him on the back, his ever-present grin as wide as ever.
"You've got a long way to go, Riku," he said, "but you're on the right track. Keep this up, and you'll be a nightmare for anyone who tries to stop you."
Riku nodded, his chest heaving. "Thanks, Teppei. For everything."
Teppei tossed the ball into Riku's chest with an easy laugh. "Hey Riku, remember to have fun, That's what this game is all about."