The days following the tryouts were electric. Kenji Akagi's explosive debut had left an impression on everyone in Shohoku's basketball program. His unparalleled athleticism and skill had cemented him as a rising star. Yet, while his teammates practiced tirelessly to prepare for the upcoming season, Kenji remained curiously detached.
Practice Sessions Begin
In the first few sessions, Kenji participated alongside his team. His movements were fluid, his shots precise, and his defense impenetrable. The gap between him and the others became evident almost immediately.
During one drill, Kenji executed a fast break on his own, weaving past five defenders as if they were stationary. He dunked the ball effortlessly, leaving his teammates staring in disbelief.
"Unreal…" one muttered.
Another whispered, "How do you even compete with someone like that?"
By the third day, Kenji's participation dwindled. He started arriving late, his demeanor relaxed. Instead of warming up, he would stretch out on the sidelines, occasionally spinning a basketball on his finger.
A Shift in Behavior
On the fourth day, Kenji walked into the gym, grabbed a basketball, and lay down near the bleachers. He rested his head on his hands, staring at the ceiling as his teammates ran drills.
Takenori, who had been monitoring the team, couldn't ignore it any longer. He marched over to Kenji, his expression a mix of frustration and confusion.
"Kenji!" he barked. "What are you doing? Why aren't you practicing?"
Kenji glanced at his brother, his expression unbothered. He twirled the basketball lazily.
"There's no point," he said flatly.
Takenori's brows furrowed. "What do you mean, 'there's no point'? You're part of this team, and everyone practices!"
Kenji sat up slowly, meeting his brother's intense gaze. "Let me ask you something, brother. Do you believe what you saw at the tryouts was my full power?"
Takenori hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
Kenji's lips curved into a faint smile. "That was just five percent of what I'm capable of."
The Shockwave
The gym fell silent. Players stopped mid-drill, their eyes darting toward Kenji. Even Coach Anzai, who had been observing from a distance, perked up, intrigued by the statement.
Kenji continued, his tone calm but unyielding. "If I practice, there will be no fun for me. No one on this team—or in this league—can match me. What's the point of honing something that's already perfect?"
Takenori's fists clenched. "Kenji, this isn't just about you. Basketball is a team sport! We work together, improve together."
Kenji stood up, his towering figure imposing even against his older brother. "I'm not saying I won't play, Takenori. I'll be there when it matters. But don't expect me to practice like the rest of them. They need to catch up, not me."
Coach Anzai Intervenes
As tension built between the brothers, Coach Anzai approached, his usual calm demeanor unshaken.
"Kenji," Anzai began, his voice soft but firm, "you're right that your abilities are extraordinary. But power without control is nothing. Even the strongest must refine their skills."
Kenji turned to the coach, his respect evident despite his confidence. "With all due respect, Coach, I've already refined them. Practicing here would be like a lion sparring with cubs—it won't make me stronger. It's better if I save my energy for the real challenges."
Anzai chuckled lightly, stroking his chin. "You're a unique one, Kenji. But remember this: strength alone doesn't make a champion. It's how you use it. The greatest players aren't just the strongest—they're the smartest, the most disciplined."
Kenji nodded thoughtfully but didn't respond. Instead, he picked up his basketball and walked toward the weight room.
A New Routine
From that day on, Kenji rarely joined team practices. Instead, he spent his time in the gym, honing his body further through weightlifting and agility drills. He would lie on the floor afterward, contemplating his place on the team and the court.
His absence during practices didn't go unnoticed. The team grew divided—some admired his raw talent, while others resented his lack of participation.
"Why does he get to skip practice?" one player muttered.
"Did you see what he did at tryouts? He doesn't need practice," another replied.
Takenori's Struggle
Late one evening, Takenori found Kenji in the gym, lying on the floor with a basketball resting on his chest.
"Kenji," Takenori said, his voice softer than usual. "I don't understand you. You have the potential to be the greatest player in Shohoku's history, but you're wasting it."
Kenji sat up, his expression unusually serious. "I'm not wasting it. I know what I'm capable of, brother. When the time comes, I'll show you—and everyone else—what true basketball looks like."
Takenori sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just don't forget why we play, Kenji. It's not just about winning—it's about the love of the game."
Kenji smiled faintly. "Don't worry, brother. When I step onto that court, you'll see just how much I love it."
Coach Anzai's Insight
The next morning, Anzai addressed the team before practice. "Kenji's path is his own," he said. "While his methods may differ, his presence will elevate this team. Trust in him, and trust in yourselves."
The team, though uncertain, nodded in agreement. They knew Kenji was a wild card—a force of nature unlike anything they had ever seen.
And deep down, they couldn't wait to see what would happen when he finally unleashed his full power.
To Be Continued...