Chapter 229 - Toward the Sky Beyond the Flying Bird
(1)
"Yo."
When I went to the gym in the morning, everyone had already started their shooting practice.
"Yo, Toya."
Masato greeted me as I took a ball from the other members.
Without anyone having to say a word, I began practicing three-pointers from 0 degrees on the left side.
Apparently, we were playing a game against a professional basketball team from Nagano this afternoon, and it would be the last one.
Everyone wants to play in the game.
They're probably all thinking that.
Everyone should be trying to make an impression this morning.
I'll definitely get to play.
I don't have that much confidence, but I do have a decent desire to play in the game.
Because today's game is supposed to be televised.
Local press are even coming.
If you're going to make a fool of yourself, do it with everything you've got.
I intend to play according to those words.
The coach arrived, and practice began.
Today was a game-style practice using the full court.
If a turnover happens. If a shot goes in, just run.
I move exactly as Masato says.
Forward, further forward.
As if saying we can go even further, the passes gradually fly further ahead.
The defense is a man-to-man full-court press.
Yusuke handles the key player inside, and I handle the key player outside.
Masato is the one suppressing the Point Guard.
Since it's a press, the moment a gap is shown, we go in with a double team to steal the ball.
While blocking the passing lanes, of course.
Teams rotate every 10 minutes, and Team A stays on the whole time.
After facing three teams, there's a five-minute break.
During those five minutes, Team A catches their breath while pointing things out to each other and receiving instructions from the coach.
The practice scenes were also being covered by the press.
According to Masato, "It's rare to have this much press coverage."
He said it's also rare for a practice game to be televised.
Well, that's natural.
Nobody watches that kind of thing.
Even with professional basketball, the results are usually just reported on the evening news.
Who would watch a basketball game that's rarely even broadcast during the Olympics?
"You're the cause, aren't you?"
Yoshiaki says.
"Everyone's pace is being thrown off because of you, it's a real nuisance."
Yuichiro says the same, but his face is smiling.
It seems they've warmed up to each other over the last two days.
Show your reason for existing through your play.
The result of playing according to those words is showing now.
I was able to secure my place within the team called the National Representatives, where I had just arrived for the first time.
After eating lunch, we pack our things and move.
We head to the venue for the practice game.
"Toya!"
The coach calls me inside the bus.
"Get your passport ready by next month's expedition."
Expedition?
"I guess you really didn't know. An application for South Korea was suddenly decided for the end of next month. Passport applications take time, so prepare it as soon as you get home."
"Suddenly?"
I recall hearing that there's a game called the Lee Sang-baek Cup in May.
"Even the Association doesn't understand the true intent, but there was an unreasonable request saying they want to have exchange games."
"I understand."
Speaking of South Korea, yakiniku! Seafood hotpot!
Forgetting all about the game, I let my imagination run wild with my first overseas trip.
"I'm telling you, Toya, you're not going there to play!"
"I understand."
That excitement vanishes instantly upon arriving at the venue.
The members head to the waiting room while being jostled by fans.
"Masato, is it always like this?"
"It's more intense than usual. It's definitely your effect."
That turns into pressure.
It won't be a joke if I can't even sit on the bench with this.
That anxiety disappeared quickly.
Because I received my uniform from the staff.
"Alright, I'll announce today's starters."
The coach calls them one by one.
I was called second.
"Go with the mindset that the five starters will fight the whole way. Don't go too fast at the start. Pacing is also part of practice."
Compared to having a five-minute break every 30 minutes for four hours, the game time is nothing.
"If I see even a slight lapse in concentration, I'll change the members without mercy."
"Yes!"
We all form a huddle.
"Toya, there are a lot of spectators today, but just relax."
Masato says.
"I got it," I answer.
"Let's leave the results of our practice in a good form! Let's go!!"
"Hell yeah!!"
Saying that, we headed to the court.
(2)
When the time comes, I turn on the TV.
The opponent for the practice game is a professional team from Nagano.
I wonder if they can even have a game against pros?
If it's Toya-kun, he'll be fine.
I was watching in the living room with Maya-san and Rie-chan.
The opposing team members are introduced by name as they enter the court.
After that, the representative team is called.
Toya-kun was called second.
Toya-kun's face is projected across the whole screen.
The subtitles read Katagiri Toya.
Toya-kun made it into the starters.
His expression is slightly stiff.
Is he nervous in front of the camera?
They confirm the numbers of the opponents Toya-kun and the others are marking.
Once the introductions end, photos are taken in front of each other's benches.
When the shoot ends, everyone takes their positions.
The jump ball is thrown, and the game begins as the opposing team's center touches the ball.
It seems Toya-kun and the others are defending man-to-man.
Perhaps because of the height difference, they pass the ball high, but they aren't allowed inside.
The opposing center leaps toward the goal. In sync with that, the opponent throws a high ball in.
However, the opposing center is tightly marked by their own center and cannot jump.
It's quite hard to jump when someone is sticking to you.
When the opposing center fails to get the ball and it becomes a loose ball, Toya-kun pounces on it.
It's a turnover.
Toya-kun passes that ball without checking behind him.
The teammate at number 4 receives it accurately.
Upon receiving it, number 4 passes forward.
The teammate at number 10, who had cut in, receives the ball and dunks.
A cheer erupts.
The opponent quickly puts the ball back into the court and enters their attack, but the one marking the ball holder is Toya-kun.
He allows no dribbling, no passing.
They can't even move forward.
A whistle blows.
An 8-second rule violation.
Toya-kun high-fives teammate number 4. When the ball is passed to number 4, the opponent attacks with a double team.
He evades that with two dribbles and cuts into the inside.
When the other three solidify the inside, he throws the ball backward.
Toya-kun receives that pass.
Toya-kun's jump shot goes into the goal.
When the ball is passed to the person marked by Toya-kun and the person at number 7, they aren't even allowed to cross the half-line.
The opponent's options are limited to the other three.
That said, the opponents are pros.
Perhaps because there are foreign players, they manage to score a few times, but the representative team's fast break is quick.
Even when the opponent switches to defense, they move the ball nimbly to find an unmarked player.
The opponent uses a man-to-man half-court press.
They cling to the ball holder with a double team.
However, the representative team moves dizzyingly to create unmarked openings.
And the one who finishes it is either number 10 or Toya-kun.
By the time the first quarter ends, they had already widened the gap to 27-8.
When the second quarter begins, the opponent's defense changes to a 1-3-1 Zone Defense.
When that happens, it's Toya-kun's turn.
Number 4 passes the ball to Toya-kun one after another.
As if responding to those expectations, Toya-kun sinks three-pointers one after another.
Instructions are immediately given by the opposing coach.
They assign a dedicated marker to Toya-kun alone.
It's impossible to stop Toya-kun with just one person.
Toya-kun sticks his tongue out slightly and attacks the opponent's left side with a low posture.
The opponent is a pro. The defense clings on, determined not to let him pass easily.
Then, Toya-kun switches the ball to his right hand behind his back and cuts into the opponent's right side.
The four people inside try to apply a press, but...
If you can fly over Toya-kun, it doesn't matter how many defenders there are.
He evades the person who jumped to block and sinks a dunk.
A dunk with Toya-kun's height is amazing.
The cheering becomes exceptionally loud.
There is a habit to Toya-kun's defense. When the opponent holds the ball, he lowers his hips and touches the floor slightly while defending.
If the opponent shoots, he leaps to block... Toya-kun's jumping power is such that he can make it to the block even after confirming the opponent has jumped.
Defense unique to Toya-kun, who can pull off an Air Walk without difficulty.
Entering the third quarter, the opponent Toya-kun marks changes.
It's the foreign player who was the opponent's scoring source.
He actively attempts to break through with dribbles, but Toya-kun's defensive power does not allow it.
He draws charging fouls one after another.
The professional team is flustered.
When the offense doesn't go well, mistakes occur in the defense.
When the defense doesn't go well, the offense doesn't go well.
The negative chain continues, and it ends in a crushing victory for the representative team.
The MVP was, naturally, Toya-kun. Sinking three-pointers while also scoring repeatedly inside, Toya-kun's points accounted for half of the team's total.
An interview is conducted with Toya-kun.
"Thank you to everyone who came to support us," Toya-kun's voice is heard.
"How are you feeling right now?" he is asked...
Toya-kun must have been riding high. He must have been excited by the great victory.
"I want to eat soba quickly."
A whirlwind of laughter erupted.
"Well then, please eat plenty of soba after the game," the interviewer says.
"Next is the game against South Korea, but is yakiniku the thing you're looking forward to?" asks a mischievous interviewer.
"That's also good. But I'm thinking of buying Korean seaweed and having my girlfriend make me rice balls when I get back."
Just how far does this person...
Rie-chan and Maya-san are looking at me with grins.
You're getting a lecture when you get home.
"But Toya-kun has become the man of the hour, hasn't he~"
"That boy, doing things that expose him to public embarrassment..."
Maya-san and Rie-chan were talking like that.
(3)
"Toya!!"
As expected, I was scolded by the coach.
It can't be helped, I was just riding high from the win.
"To you, the expedition probably feels like a food tour,"
Masato says.
"Alright, good work for the last three days, everyone. Next is next month's South Korea expedition, but there are chances for the players who weren't chosen today. Even for the current regulars, do not become complacent and strive in your daily practice!"
Saying that, everyone leaves the waiting room and boards the bus... however.
"Katagiri-senshu, please give me an autograph!" A barrage of autograph requests.
I don't even know how to write an autograph.
I write my name haphazardly on the colored boards.
Some people asked me to write on a basketball.
The other players are also being swarmed for autographs.
Since Aya is also handsome, a huge crowd has formed around her.
"Everyone, get on the bus quickly!"
When the coach says that, we push through the crowd and board the bus.
"Phew."
I take a breath once I reach my seat.
"It must have been tough since you were active today,"
says Masato, who sat next to me.
"Is it always like this for you, Masato?"
"It'll probably get easier from now on. Most of the attention is on you."
Saying that, Masato grins.
"Keep the excitement to just now, okay? Don't do anything stupid like stopping by a soba shop on the way back."
When Yuichiro says that, everyone laughs.
"I'll buy some as souvenirs and eat them at home," I say, only to be scolded by the coach: "You didn't come here for sightseeing!"
Speaking of souvenirs, I have to buy wine for Airi.
While thinking about that, we arrived at Nagano Station.
Before the Shinkansen arrives, I buy the souvenirs I was told.
And some sweets for everyone in the Basketball Club...
I was with Aya until Tokyo.
"Well, see you later."
Saying that, I part ways with Aya.
From there, I go to Haneda Airport and take a plane back home.
Finally liberated.
Filled with that feeling, perhaps the fatigue hit me all at once, because I slept on the plane.
(4)
When I arrived at the airport, Airi was there to pick me up.
"I'm home, here's a souvenir."
I hand the wine to Airi.
Airi smiles brightly upon receiving the wine.
"We'll have a victory party with this when we get home. I've prepared a feast."
Airi notices the remaining hand luggage.
"Ah, this is soba and some cheesecake for everyone in the Basketball Club..."
Poke
"I heard the interview! What were you saying!? That you want to eat soba! Toya-kun is always like this!"
Ah, she watched it.
When I said I would drive the car back, Airi wouldn't budge.
"Toya-kun must be tired, so I'll drive!"
"Ah, no. It's not that I doubt Airi's driving."
"Sure, I'm worse than Toya-kun... but I can drive properly too, you know?"
"That's not the issue."
"?"
"I just can't settle down unless Airi is on my left, or something like that."
Don't you understand? It's like I'd feel bad letting my girlfriend drive...
"Well, if you put it that way, it's fine. Be careful."
Saying that, Airi hands the car keys to me.
"Toya-kun, how was it in Nagano?"
"How was what?"
The soba was delicious.
"It seemed like you were clashing with the people on the team."
"Ah, that's been resolved."
"I see, that's good."
"It's true that you should show your reason for existing through your play."
"I see... Toya-kun can appeal his reason for existing in a single play. It's like he doesn't let anyone complain."
"Airi, I have a request."
"Whaaat?"
"Could I ask for a massage when we get home?"
Airi was smiling.
"That's an easy request. In exchange, there's a condition~"
"Fine."
"Eh? I haven't said it yet?"
"I can pretty much imagine it. I'm in that mood too."
When I said that, Airi's face turned red.
"Uuu... Toya-kun, you idiot."
I want to taste Airi's touch again after three days.
"Ah, that's right, I remembered."
"What is it?"
"I talked to a person named Aoi Aya in Nagano."
"The person Kanna met in Tokyo?"
"Yeah, that's the one."
"What did you talk about?"
"She asked what Kanna is doing now, so I told her we got married."
"And then?"
"She told me to tell her congratulations."
Airi sends that as a message.
A reply seems to have come immediately.
"She says, 'Toya hasn't been told anything strange, has he?'"
"Tell her I heard various things."
"Oka~y."
Airi sends the message on the spot.
My smartphone rings.
Airi's car also has Bluetooth.
I answer the phone hands-free.
"Don't ever tell Makoto! That idiot will definitely plot something strange."
"I know."
"...Congratulations for today. I watched it. You were cool."
"Thanks."
"Well, spoil yourself with Airi today. And get scolded."
"Get scolded?"
"I heard about the interview! This idiot..."
"Ah, I've already been scolded."
"I see, well, see you."
The call ended.
"But there's something happy too."
"What?"
"The fact that she properly appealed that I have a girlfriend."
"Is that all?"
"That's right, Toya-kun, starting tomorrow you'll be flooded with fan letters. It was broadcast nationwide."
It was nationwide?
I wonder if soba will be sent from all over the country?
Apparently, a thread titled [Toya] Akatsuki 5 Thread [Soba Lover] has been created on a major online bulletin board.
I wonder if TV interviews will come now?
If so, it'll be a pain.
Well, it can't be helped.
It'll probably be a huge commotion at the university too.
Well, I expected it to happen.
My heart is slightly heavy.
The only saving grace was that it's spring break, so there's no reason to go to the university other than for practice.
(5)
As Airi said, dinner that day was a feast.
The single bottle of wine I bought was naturally not enough, so we drank beer.
"But Toya-kun has become a celebrity, hasn't he~"
"Umu..."
"I'm just a glutton, though."
"I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of child is born."
I'm not thinking about making children yet, or rather, stop it, Parents.
"I've already decided on the daughter's name."
You've even decided the gender?
Once the detailed banquet ended, I took a bath and waited for Airi to return.
My smartphone had a mountain of messages.
Most of them were basketball-related messages, but...
"Please stop yourself from heading out to the entertainment district in your excitement."
A message from Sakura-san.
"Sakura-san, you're the one who shouldn't go overboard in your excitement with Mizushima-kun."
"W-Why do you know that?"
"So it really was like that?"
"You trapped me, Senpai!"
I've also started to develop a bit of interest in those things lately.
When I turned on the PC and looked at the internet, I was being called the "Guardian Deity of Akatsuki 5."
Japanese media always wants to attach "Samurai" or something to things, don't they?
When Airi returns, I lie face down on the bed.
Airi straddles around my waist and rubs my back.
When Airi turns on the TV, they are already doing the basketball news for today.
It's to the extent that they've even put together a special feature.
"Toya-kun, are you going to South Korea?"
"Yeah, apparently so."
"I see."
Airi seems somewhat lonely.
"What's wrong?"
"No, it's nothing."
"Are you lonely that I'm going to South Korea alone?"
"How did you know?"
I know because I've been watching Airi all this time.
I call the staff member. He had told me to call anytime if I had a problem.
"Ah, hello."
"Hello, Katagiri-kun? What's up?"
"Could you arrange one ticket for next month's South Korea game?"
"I can. Is an arena seat okay?"
"Yes, please."
"I'll arrange the plane ticket and everything too. You're going together, right?"
"Is that okay?"
"It's mostly for the girlfriend you mentioned today, right? I don't mind. Aoi-kun asked me as well."
"I'm sorry, please do."
"Got it, I'll mail them."
"Thank you very much."
"Well then, see you."
Airi's face is full of joy.
"Shall we go apply for your passport together tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
I'll do anything if it makes Airi happy.
Because I'm always made happy by Airi.
"Thank you, Toya-kun."
"Don't worry about it, I won't be struck by lightning for using a foul move like this, right?"
Once Airi finishes the massage, she turns off the TV, dims the lights, and clings to me.
"Hmm."
Do you still have a worry?
I can probably guess what it is, though.
"Let's save the honeymoon for something important."
"You're right."
However, this game would end up causing a reaction far beyond my expectations.