Chapter 219 - Dancing on the Court
(1)
Winter break.
We were heading toward the gymnasium in Beppu.
With Sakura-san riding in the back seat.
Why the back seat, you ask?
That's because Airi refused to let Sakura-san sit in the passenger seat.
"The spot next to Toya-kun belongs only to me!"
Sorry, I can't go against her.
There was one reason for heading to Beppu.
To hold the final joint training camp of the year.
With whom, you ask?
Beppu University.
Since it was a training camp, I couldn't take Airi, as she was an outsider.
"I think it'll be fine, but..."
"You don't have to worry, it'll be okay."
"Ugh... but I don't know what Toya-kun does when he drinks... Just because it's Beppu, don't go to any weird shops, okay!"
Airi gave me a stern warning.
"I'm looking forward to it. I heard the opponents are a powerhouse even in intercollegiate basketball."
"Is that so?"
"I'm sure it will be a great experience."
"I hope so."
While having that conversation, we arrived at the gymnasium.
After changing in the locker room we were guided to, we headed to the court, where the opposing team had already begun practicing.
At a glance, they didn't seem that strong.
And these are the 3rd place Kyushu selections?
Maybe they're just slacking off because it's practice?
Or maybe the strong members have already retired?
I exchanged looks with Sakura-san.
It seemed Sakura-san didn't know either.
Our coach was greeting the opposing team's coach.
Our coach is always quite humble.
"Once your team is finished stretching, please feel free to join in. We'll have you follow our menu."
Since we always used Sakura-san's menu, it's fine for once.
While we were stretching thoroughly, loud hip-hop music suddenly started playing.
"Oh~ everyone's already at it. Impressive, impressive."
A man with long hair said as he approached.
There were about two people who looked like athletic types, but the rest seemed flashy.
In fact, they were wearing piercings and such.
"Naoto! You're late again!!"
The opposing team's coach shouted.
However, the long-haired man called Naoto didn't seem to mind at all.
"Don't be so angry. This training camp is basically like a vacation, right?"
Hearing that, our team seemed to be somewhat ticked off.
Kimoto-senpai gave a wry smile.
"Are you the captain of this team? I'm the captain of the local university team..."
Hoaki-san ignored our team's captain and approached me.
"You're the guy from the TV, Katagiri Toya, right...?"
"That's me."
"Heh, you really dunk with that height. Some big shot was saying it's a waste for someone so active to be at a local university."
Reacting to those words, Sakura-san introduced herself.
"Excuse me. Nice to meet you, I'm the manager for this Basketball Club..."
When Hoaki-san looked at Sakura-san, he grabbed both of her hands firmly.
"What a beautiful manager. I'm Hoaki Naoto. I've fallen in love with you at first sight. It feels like a dream to be able to spend a night with you."
That's a very misleading way of putting it.
"Naoto, hitting on girls already~"
A person with permed brown hair teased Naoto.
"Naoto, get to your warm-ups already!!"
When the director got angry, he said "I know" and began taking off his clothes.
Sakura-san instinctively looked away, but Naoto and the others were wearing jerseys underneath their clothes.
"It's a bit tacky, but it's good for keeping warm. First-year, lend me a ball."
Ah, so those people were first-years.
The man named Naoto passed the ball to the permed person.
"Well then, shall we warm up while introducing ourselves?"
As he said that, the permed person began dribbling.
"My name is Yamada Takumi, I play Point Guard."
Saying so, he pulled off a Double Clutch.
The person waiting under the goal shouted "Tsutomu!" and passed the ball to a blond person.
"My name is Kadota Tsutomu, Shooting Guard. I'm good at three-pointers!"
Saying so, he sank a 3P from near the half-line.
The person waiting under the goal said "Naoto" and passed the ball to the long-haired man.
"My name is Hoaki Naoto. Small Forward. My specialty is also dunking!"
Saying so, he sank a one-handed dunk.
Finally, he passed to a large man charging straight ahead, calling "Moto-chan."
He was over two meters tall.
The man received the pass and dunked it immediately.
The members of our team were overwhelmed by that play.
Not a single person spoke.
"How was that, Sakura-chan? Also, tell me your first name!"
"...It's just flashy."
"It's exactly as Sakura-san says, warm up properly!!"
The director shouted.
"Hmm, is this the only way to make Sakura-chan understand?"
Saying so, he passed the ball to me.
"Let's do a 1ON1. I've wanted to try playing against you once."
"I don't mind."
As I stood at the center line, Naoto-san took his stance near the three-point line.
"...Can I start already?"
"Yeah, come whenever you want."
And so, while many people watched, the 1ON1 began.
(2)
I understood the flashiness of the offense.
But I wondered about the defense.
The 1ON1 with Hoaki-san began. I stood at the center line, while Hoaki-san stood at the three-point line.
If the distance is that wide...
I shot a 3P without hesitation.
Hoaki-san rushed to block it, but there was nothing to be done against my high-arching 3P.
The members of Beppu University were stunned.
"A 3P right at the start of a 1ON1 is cheating!"
Saying so, Hoaki-san passed the ball back to me.
"Ah, sorry."
Saying so, I began dribbling.
Hoaki-san seemed to have entered serious mode.
But stopping me was nearly impossible.
If he raised his hand to guard against a 3P, I would drive relentlessly, piercing the opponent's side with a low posture.
Hoaki-san clung to that drive.
I bypassed him with a behind-the-back move.
I then sank a layup shot.
"Not yet!!"
Hoaki-san didn't give up.
He challenged me many times, but was bypassed every time.
After several plays, Hoaki-san sat down on the court.
"Are you out of stamina already? Your defense seems weak too. No matter how much you can dunk, if you can't defend, aren't you useless?"
Was I a bit mean?
But there is no one at the local university who can stop me.
Still, it seemed to be enough to wound his pride.
"You're a guard, right? You do the defense!"
Saying so, Hoaki-san made me defend.
But you shouldn't let me defend.
Look, with defense that high-hipped...
Hoaki-san observed the situation while dribbling with his right hand.
I guarded Hoaki-san's right hand with my left, keeping my posture low.
Hoaki-san attempted to break through my right by switching the ball to his left with a leg-through, but...
Before the ball reached his left hand, my right hand had knocked the ball away.
After that, I continued a solid defense that not only denied Hoaki-san shots but also prevented any breakthroughs via dribbling.
There is probably no one in Japan who can beat me in a 1ON1.
Since I had shown I could shut out even the best PG in Japan.
I was an ace killer and a point getter at the same time.
Even so, Hoaki-san continued to challenge me.
"Naoto~, it's already impossible. Just stop~"
Such words flew from his teammates.
"Shut up! If we don't stop this guy, we can't beat the local university!"
With a sigh, the other members also began to move.
The people from Beppu University chose their opponents and challenged them to 1ON1s.
On this day, the practice focused mainly on man-to-man.
(3)
After finishing dinner, they took baths, and it seemed they were resting.
However, as if their wills were unified, everyone headed toward the gymnasium.
As the manager, there was no way I could not go.
When I went to the gymnasium, everyone was watching something outside the court.
"What are you doing?"
Katagiri-senpai, noticing me, answered.
"No, the people from Beppu University are..."
I looked at the state of the court.
The people from Beppu University were practicing defensive footwork.
I borrowed half the court and instructed 3ON3 practice.
It was to combine the confirmation of team tactics with defensive practice.
Once that was finished, everyone began shooting practice individually.
"Just shooting isn't enough. Imagine that a defender is with you. Please shoot while being conscious that your shot will decide the game."
While I was giving instructions like that, a woman who seemed to be the opposing manager spoke to me.
"You're amazing, it's like you're a coach."
"I'm just doing what I can do."
"That's what's amazing. I can only do things like taking care of everyone."
"I think even that is amazing."
"Thank you. By the way... do you have someone you're dating, Majima-san? Is it Katagiri-san after all?"
"Eh?"
I was surprised by the sudden question. Katagiri-senpai must have heard it too, as he missed his shot.
"There's nothing like that yet. Do you have someone you're dating, Majima-san?"
Majima-san... the woman manager pointed to a man with short hair parted in the center who was practicing shots under the goal.
"I'm dating him, Fujishima-kun."
"I see."
"Um, Sakura-san..."
"Sakurako is fine."
"Is there anyone Sakurako-san is interested in?"
Since it was a topic completely unrelated to basketball, I had no obligation to answer, but thinking it might not be bad to get along with a fellow manager, I spoke honestly.
"I see, that was tough."
"Well, yes."
After about two hours, judging it to be about time, I stopped the practice.
"Let's wrap it up. You can't stay up late. Please do not drink, by any means."
When I said that, everyone said "Yeah~" and left the court.
"Let's wrap it up here too. Please take care of your sweat. It's cold, so please make sure you don't catch a cold."
Majima-san was also calling out to the people from Beppu University.
"Well then, see you tomorrow."
"Yes, see you tomorrow."
Saying so, we also left the gymnasium.
(4)
"Yeah, there's nothing."
"I got it~"
"Are you eating properly?"
"I was eating~"
"Well, I'm tired and sleepy, so I'll hang up."
"Yeah... ugh..."
"What's wrong?"
I spoke gently to Airi, wondering if she was troubled by something.
"Rie-chan told me to just overlook a little cheating... but I still hate it..."
"You don't have to worry, I won't. Well, good night."
"Yeah, good night."
Saying so, I hung up the phone and returned to the room.
When I returned to the room, while everyone was sleeping, Kimoto-senpai was awake.
"Drink this."
Kimoto-senpai threw a silver can, and I caught it.
"Is this okay? Sakura-san will get angry."
"She won't find out."
Kimoto-senpai said that, opened the can with a pssh, and drank it in one go.
If we get caught, it's the same for both of us.
Thinking that, I also opened the can and drank the contents.
"Senpai, can I ask you one thing?"
"Is it about Kana?"
"Why did you decide to propose?"
"Maybe I was impatient. Once we graduate university, the time we can meet will decrease, right? So I did it with the momentum of 'while I can'."
"I see."
"I'm envious of you and the others, Katagiri-kun. You'll be together even after graduation."
"But I have restrictions too."
"Restrictions?"
Kimoto-senpai asked.
"I promised that if I didn't marry within one year of graduating university, I'd be forced into marriage."
"Marriage is decided either way, isn't it? I'm envious."
"But isn't it kind of pathetic to marry just because your parents told you to?"
"That's true."
As the two of us laughed, there was a knock.
Sakura-san at this hour?
I threw the can in the trash and opened the door to find five people from Beppu University standing there.
"It's not time to sleep yet, right? Come with us."
Going outside, we hung out at a nearby Convenience Store buying drinks.
"No, seriously, you're amazing. I didn't feel like I could get past you at all."
I was praised by Hoaki-san.
"I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's practice match. I'm glad I came to the camp."
"We're looking forward to it too."
Kimoto-senpai replied.
"I'm really going for it tomorrow. No holding back."
"Naoto was serious today too, right?"
When Fujishima-san said that, Hoaki-san's face became serious.
"If I win tomorrow's match, I'm seriously going to make a move on Sakura-chan."
How should I respond at a time like this?
Respond normally?
"She's an important manager, so I'll do my best not to let her be taken."
"Be prepared."
Saying so, Hoaki-san stood up.
"I'll show you our basketball."
As I and Kimoto-senpai also stood up, Kimoto-senpai spoke.
"OK. A real fight with no holding back from either side."
When we returned to the hotel, Sakura-san was waiting outside the room.
When Sakura-san noticed us, she approached, and then noticed something was wrong.
"I told you so many times not to drink! And until this late at night!"
If you shout too much, it'll be a nuisance to other guests.
"Both of you, come with me for a moment."
Saying so, we went to the lobby.
"I noticed while watching today's practice, so let's change the strategy a bit for tomorrow."
"And that would be?"
Kimoto-senpai asked.
"We'll change Katagiri-senpai's mark-man from PG to SG. They'll probably predict a game development like a brawl between fast breaks. If it's the opponent's defense, Katagiri-senpai won't lose. I think the success rate of 3Ps will lead to the point difference."
"I see, so we'll crush the opponent's scoring source."
"If it's Katagiri-senpai, I think it'll be an easy win even if he suppresses the PG and is entrusted with scoring. But that wouldn't be good practice for everyone else."
Let's prepare for even one of the moves they'd use if I were sealed off.
In this case, they'll likely predict a battle in the inside.
If so, we'll leave the inside to the other members and decide the match with the difference in 3Ps.
"The volume of three-pointers, huh."
When I said that, Sakura-san nodded.
"It's the last match of the year, and it seems many spectators will come. We don't want to lose, right?"
"We've also got a reason why we can't lose."
Perhaps because of the alcohol, Kimoto-senpai's mouth was loose.
"A reason why you can't lose? What is that?"
Sakura-san looked at us suspiciously.
As I and Kimoto-senpai exchanged looks, Kimoto-senpai confessed the promise he had made earlier.
"...Please absolutely do not lose."
"Leave it to me!"
Senpai gave a thumbs-up toward Sakura-san.
"Well then, please go to sleep now. Katagiri-senpai. As a penalty, I'll have you aim for full-time appearance tomorrow."
"Got it."
Saying so, I returned to the room.
(5)
The match was held at the general gymnasium.
The crowd was so large it didn't feel like a mere practice match.
One third were media personnel, though, while the rest included national team officials and such.
It seemed Airi and the others had come too.
Before entering the waiting room, we met with the people from Beppu University.
There, Hoaki-kun approached Sakura-san.
"I heard about the promise."
Hoaki-san whispered into Sakura-san's ear.
"I have a restaurant reserved for tonight."
"We have no intention of losing."
After changing into white uniforms, we moved to the court.
An announcement played through the building.
The names of the Beppu University members were called, and they lined up at the center line.
Next, it was our turn.
No one from the local university had predicted it would become such a formal match.
I was nervous.
My name was called second.
I high-fived the members and entered the court.
Amidst the buzzing of the crowd, I could clearly hear Airi and the others' voices.
Ah, it seems they're in.
Today seems fine.
Once everyone entered, we shook hands and took our positions.
The people jumping for the ball stood in the center.
And the ball was released by the referee.
The overwhelmingly tall opposing center tipped the jump ball.
Yamada-san was waiting for it.
"Naoto!"
The ball was thrown toward the goal. Of course, it wasn't a shot.
Hoaki-kun caught it in mid-air and sank an Alley-oop.
Fast!
Cheers erupted.
"Don't panic, let's first sink one!"
Sakura-san's voice could be heard clearly.
The Beppu University defense seemed to be all-court man-to-man. Kadota-kun was on me.
Kimoto-senpai threw the ball into the air.
I jumped with all my might and caught the ball in mid-air.
Kadota-kun's defense was waiting. There was distance.
I quickly shot a 3P.
It went in as if sucked into the goal.
The game developed exactly as Sakura-san predicted.
A mutual shooting battle with no guards.
And when I completely shut out Kadota-kun, the point difference naturally widened.
By the time the 2nd quarter ended, it had opened up to 60-45.
At halftime, Sakura-san checked everyone's condition.
"I'm fine. Thanks to Toya, we're having it easy."
When Kimoto-senpai said that, everyone nodded.
"Katagiri-senpai, are you okay? Do you think you can keep going?"
"There hasn't been much contact. More than anything, I'm overlapping with the opponent's man-to-man. I'm having it easy."
In fact, there were hardly any times I had to sprint at full speed.
"Everyone, close your eyes... imagine the moment we win..."
As told by Sakura-san, I closed my eyes and imagined it.
"The opponent's shot success rate is gradually dropping. Let's decide it all at once!"
When Sakura-san said that, everyone raised their fists.
The director hasn't done anything up to this point.
Is that okay, Director?
The development from the 3rd quarter was also as Sakura-san predicted.
While there were many flashy plays, misses on easy shots were increasing.
And the center became unable to jump for rebounds.
Are their legs giving out?
A change was seen in the opponent's defense.
Three people began to stick to my defense.
Only the center was in the inside.
I looked around while dribbling.
Suddenly, the way the defender's legs were open on the right edge.
Move before thinking.
I dribbled toward the opponent's crotch. I pivoted my body to go behind them, held the ball with my right hand, and shot a Fadeaway.
By the time we entered the 4th quarter, the opponent was completely exhausted, the sharpness of their movements from the first half was gone. The center was substituted. The other members could hardly move.
On the other hand, everyone from the local university still had reserves since I had taken over the scoring.
In the 4th quarter, while confirming the formation, we shut out the opponent's attack.
Speaking only of the 4th quarter, it was a complete shutout of 40-0.
The result was a crushing victory of 120-70.
After the match, I asked for a handshake from Hoaki-san, who was sitting on the court.
"You really are amazing. It's like we were all toyed with by you alone."
Hoaki-san said that, shook hands, and stood up.
"Let's do it again. It won't go like this next time."
"We'll be even stronger by then."
"Yeah."
I went to greet the members of the opposing team.
The opposing team's director told me something.
"You're not a vessel to be smoldering in things like intercollegiate matches. Aim for a larger stage."
Is he telling me to become a pro?
I'll have to consult with Airi about that.
(6)
It was sudden.
"Sakurako-chan, I'm serious. Please date me."
A single sentence spoken by Hoaki-senpai.
"I'm not in a position for romance right now."
"Is there something you're devoted to?"
"It's Katagiri-senpai. I believe it's my role to put Katagiri-senpai where he truly belongs."
"Isn't that love? Is Katagiri the real deal?"
"Please stop speculating!"
I was shouting.
"If it's not love, then it's fine, isn't it? Please date me."
"That's why I'm saying it's not the time for that..."
"What are you talking about?"
Katagiri-senpai and the others returned.
Hoaki-senpai said to Katagiri-senpai.
"Does Sakurako-chan like you?"
Is that something to say now?
"...If it's that story, it's already settled."
Don't say unnecessary things.
"Then it's fine if Sakurako-chan dates me, right?"
What kind of simplistic thinking does this person have?
I gathered the equipment and tried to leave the court.
Katagiri-senpai helped me.
"I won't give up! Let's meet again."
While receiving those words on my back, I left the court in silence.
Only Katagiri-senpai.
I was simply devoted to club activities.
By Katagiri-senpai... but even if I'm not in the position of a lover, I want to be a strength to Katagiri-senpai.
With that feeling, I dragged senpai into the Basketball Club and studied basketball with all my might to ensure the whole team was strong, not just him.
If only Katagiri-senpai were strong and the other members were weak, it would be pointless.
I also devoted myself to strengthening the other members.
As a result, we have the present.
"It's thanks to Sakura-san!"
I received such words of praise for the first time.
"The current strength of the local university is the fruit of Sakurako-chan's efforts."
Words also spoken by Hoaki-senpai.
And for the first time in my life, I was confessed to.
By Hoaki-senpai.
"Was it okay?"
Katagiri-senpai asked.
"What was?"
Though I had a guess, I played dumb.
"No, about Hoaki-san."
"Right now, it's more important to send senpai to the national team in best condition."
"About that, Airi is there... so you don't have to worry that much."
"Mentally that might be true, but other than that, I should be necessary."
Actually, maybe I'm not necessary anymore.
"Toya-kun, why don't you learn more dribbling techniques? I think it'll be perfect if Toya-kun becomes a dribbling master."
"Dribbling is tiring."
"Doesn't it lead to layups or passes from the dribble? If the current Toya-kun is studied, they'll only guard against shots and passes, right? Though you'd probably still shake them off. You said it back in high school, didn't you? 'The more offensive options there are, the harder it becomes for the defender'."
We were having that exchange.
Tosaka-senpai has also started studying basketball.
Has my role already ended?
"I'm not saying Sakura-san isn't necessary. You're a support for everyone. I just think it's okay to think about yourself too."
"Please stop that talk for today. We finally won together. I want to make a fuss with all my might."
Then Katagiri-senpai grinned.
"Sakura-san says she wants to make a fuss, so why don't we have a victory party with yakiniku?"
Everyone jumped on Katagiri-senpai's suggestion.
"Sounds good~, we were planning to have a year-end party and wrap-up tonight anyway, right? Let's go with yakiniku!"
And so, after changing, everyone went to a yakiniku restaurant in Beppu.
"Well then, good work everyone!!"
When Captain Kira-senpai said that, everyone dug into the yakiniku.
"Sakura-san, over here, over here!"
I went to various tables, talking, giving advice, and taking photos.
Katagiri-senpai was eating with Kimoto-senpai, Aoyama-senpai, and Mizushima-senpai.
"Senpai, are you eating~?"
Having made my rounds, I sat at Katagiri-senpai's table.
"Katagiri, you were amazing today. It's like we won thanks to you," Aoyama-senpai said.
Since the tactics were based on Katagiri-senpai, that would be the case.
"Katagiri, if you think you won alone, you're dead wrong."
The one showing blatant hostility was Mizushima-senpai.
It couldn't be helped, as Mizushima-senpai had his regular spot stolen by the suddenly entered Katagiri-senpai.
"I certainly don't think I can win 1 against 5."
"..."
Mizushima-senpai drank without saying anything.
After finishing the yakiniku, I desperately stopped everyone who tried to go to the red-light district.
"If you cause a scandal in a place like this, you'll ruin Katagiri-senpai's future!"
I persuaded them desperately, saying so.
"No one will notice. Besides, even if the national team entry is cancelled, it doesn't mean his future is thrown away."
There was only one way to stop Katagiri-senpai, who didn't obsess much over the national team entry.
"I'll tell Tosaka-senpai."
"Ah, wait on that!"
I relentlessly sent a message to Tosaka-senpai.
Then Katagiri-senpai's smartphone rang, and Katagiri-senpai received a thorough scolding.
I felt envious of the exchange between those two.
I wonder if I can have a partner like that?
For some reason, the first person who came to mind was Hoaki-senpai.
...That's not it.
Someone will surely appear eventually.
I hoped so.
(7)
"Toya-kun, what's the meaning of this?"
Having received a message from Sakura-san, I immediately called Toya-kun.
"Everyone's getting hyped, so I don't mind if everyone goes, right? I just said that."
"And you were thinking of following along, weren't you?"
"That's not true."
"I told you, didn't I? You must not go to those weird shops!..."
"I'm telling you, I didn't intend to go. I was planning to return to the hotel alone. Believe me."
Ugh... if I say too much, will he find me annoying again?
Though he said that has never happened once.
I'll change the subject.
"...You were amazing today. As I thought, starting basketball was the right choice for you, Toya-kun."
"Thanks. You came to see me, Airi."
Of course I'd go see you. I told you, didn't I? That I want to see Toya-kun looking lively.
"Around what time are you coming back tomorrow?"
"I think I'll be back after noon."
"Don't eat too much for lunch, okay?"
"I know."
"Also, you must return to the hotel and sleep early tonight. I'll really be angry."
"I know, I know."
"Yeah, then good night."
"Good night."
I hung up the phone.
"Airi, what did Toya say?"
Kanna asked.
"He said he's not going."
"Can we really believe that?"
Ai said.
Even if she says that, I have no choice but to believe.
"Toya isn't an idiot. He knows."
When Makoto-kun defended him, Kanna said, "It's not persuasive at all coming from you."
"I-I didn't go either! I've never forgotten Kanna's existence!"
"...Are you putting me in the same category as sex workers?"
"N-no, that's not it."
"Well, as long as he doesn't bring back any weird diseases."
Kanna is strong.
In contrast, I...
The members who went to cheer for Toya-kun were holding a small banquet.
"With that, if Toya is there, couldn't we go to next year's Universiade?" Makoto-kun said.
Was it Fukuoka next year? I wonder if I can go cheer.
"We have to go cheer," Emi said.
Finally, Toya-kun will stand on the world stage...
If it's Toya-kun, his spot as a regular is guaranteed, right?
"Shall we head home soon?"
Watanabe-kun said.
Everyone dispersed.
"Airi, Makoto says he'll drop you off."
"Thank you."
"It's nothing."
I got in Makoto-kun's car and headed home.
"Toya has become like a person from a distant world."
Kanna muttered.
"Those with talent eventually stand on the stage they are meant to stand on."
Makoto-kun said.
Lately, there is no trace of the miserable shadow tormented by inferiority like in the old days in Toya-kun; he is fully demonstrating his brilliant talent.
If his heart is about to break like it did during soccer, I have to support him.
Actually, I hope such a day never comes. For now, I could only hope for that.