Chapter 243 - Boundary Line
(1)
The second game.
I sit on the bench, watching the players practice.
I was forbidden from participating in the practice.
I can hear a stir from the press corps.
The coach says a word to the players as they finish practice and return.
"Show them that the Japan National Team isn't just Katagiri alone."
The players take their positions. Kazuto is in the spot where I should be.
The jump ball is thrown.
The ball touches both of their hands, drawing a parabola and becoming a loose ball.
The one who gets the loose ball is Kazuto.
Before the opponent can set up their zone, Kazuto leaps from the free throw lane and slams home a dunk.
The defense deliberately uses an all-court press.
They aggressively press from the opponent's court, preventing them from making passes.
They give the opponent no room to dribble.
As expected, the opponent tries to kick a teammate with their pivot foot, but they don't reach.
The opponent loses their balance by spreading their legs too wide, and the ball is knocked away.
A teammate grabs the loose ball and scores a shot.
A press that doesn't let the opponent play basketball.
However, the opponent's defense is also tight.
They use a triangle-two, placing man-to-man markers on Kazuto and Masato.
Rough play was prominent during this, but the referee's whistle does not blow.
Masato sends passes outside and inside.
The one targeted was Aya.
Aya aggressively attacks the inside, but the defense of the three tall players is solid, and he cannot get the rebound due to the box-out.
Whenever he tries to force a layup or something similar, the opponent collapses on purpose, and he ends up being called for charging.
Today as well, the booing of the Japan National Team boosters echoes, but the cheers of the South Korea National Team boosters are even louder, never ceasing.
Aya isn't the only one getting fouls. Whenever Goro engages in post play, the referee's whistle blows immediately.
As a result, they become unable to score anything but middle-range shots, and they reach a state where they cannot get the rebound even if they miss.
Conversely, the opponent's attack involves charging into the defense from the shoulder while exaggerating the spread of their arms.
An absurd game progression where pushing is called if there is contact.
The countermeasure of using a press to prevent dribbling and passing might have been the correct answer.
Even the referee is forced to call violations eventually.
While being forced to play an unreasonable brand of basketball, the score remained neck-and-neck.
When the second quarter ends, they enter a fifteen-minute break.
Due to repeated contact plays, the teammates' stamina was worn down.
The coach probably knows this.
He was holding his head in his hands.
It's no wonder; this is the first time in my life I've seen such an unreasonable game.
Do I have no choice but to accept this as the baptism of playing away?
The third quarter began.
Shots are from the middle range.
If you get the rebound, check your surroundings and act with minimum movement.
Such instructions had been given.
Then, the coach moves as if he has made a decision.
When Aya gets his third foul, the instruction for a member substitution is given. Ryoma enters in place of Aya.
Aya protests to the coach, but the coach says, "Stop complaining and get out quickly."
Aya sits in the seat next to me.
Next to him sat Yuichiro.
"Damn it," Aya reveals his anger.
If you're subjected to play like that, it would be frustrating.
However, Yuichiro says,
"Watch your teammates' play properly."
The opponent is spending three people just to stop Goro alone.
Of course, they are also checking the other inside player, Yusuke.
Only Masato and Kazuto are being marked.
Inevitably, Ryoma becomes unmarked.
Passes to Ryoma go through easily.
By the time they move to cover after the ball reaches Ryoma, it's too late.
Ryoma effortlessly sinks three-pointers.
I understood what Yuichiro meant.
"...While getting battered, Yusuke and Goro are getting the rebounds for the team. Yet, you're too impatient and diving inside too much. You could say shots from the middle range and beyond are unmarked. Even if you miss, your teammates will get it. Just trust them and focus on taking the shots."
Aya listens to Yuichiro's words in silence.
"The marking on Kazuto is becoming tight too. Inevitably, the point getter will be Aya. Forcing your way inside isn't the only way to play. Stir up the defense more. Everyone trusts you as the ace."
"Coming from Toya, that lacks persuasiveness."
Perhaps because they are wary of Ryoma's three-pointers, or perhaps because the fear of the inside has vanished, the opponent's defense changed to man-to-man.
"...Aya, are you ready?"
"Yes, I'm fine anytime."
Aya responds to the coach's call.
Then, they change members.
As he stands up from the bench, he touches me and Yuichiro.
Then, he enters the court, swapping with Ryoma.
"Toya, watch closely. Your turn will come in the Li Sang-baek Cup. Don't just watch the game. Use this time to grasp the opponent's habits."
"I understand."
Saying so, I fix my gaze on Kazuto's marker.
Because that guy will probably be my opponent.
(2)
"What should we do~? I wonder if Aya-san got injured too?"
Yukari-san cannot hide her anxiety.
"It's okay, I don't think it's that kind of thing."
I calm Yukari-san down.
"Airi, do you know?"
Yukari-san asks.
"Yukari, Aya-kun has three fouls, so if he gets five, he'll be ejected, so I think they just took him out for a bit."
Yui-san says.
Is that also a bit off?
"Um, look closely at the number 11 person who entered as a substitute."
When I point to the number 11 person, the two of them look at him.
When he receives a pass from the number 4 person, he shoots without hesitation, and quickly at that. Before the opponent's block can enter, while jumping backward.
The Japan National Team piles up points in an interesting way.
"When Aya-san was in, he was obsessed with shots under the goal. So they had the area under the goal locked down tight. But because of that, shots from the outside became possible to take unmarked."
The opponent is locking down the area under the goal with three people, and the remaining two are marking number 4 and number 14 respectively, so inevitably one person becomes unmarked.
When I explain it like that, the two of them nod in understanding.
With that, the opponent's zone opened slightly toward the outside.
Play under the goal became possible.
Confirming this, they put Aya-san back inside.
Aya-san's play changed.
It centered on shots from middle distance.
And when the opponent jumps to block, he evades with a dribble and scores a layup.
He stopped playing forcefully.
When they move to mark him again, the number 4's pass goes through to the two under the goal as if piercing that hole.
While receiving contact play, they desperately hold the ball and send passes to the three on the outside.
A repetition of putting it inside and then sending it back out.
With just that, Japan piles up points.
Fourth quarter. The opponent changes their defense.
They switched to man-to-man.
They probably judged that they couldn't defend the outside with a zone.
When the opponent switches to man-to-man, the coordination between number 4 and number 14 starts to work as intended.
The number 14 player seems similar to Toya-kun, though the only slight difference is that the number 14 player is a bit better at driving.
Since his original position was Small Forward, it might be natural if it's natural.
Even if the opponent tries to force a foul, he is too fast to even touch.
The game has entered a fast pace.
The game progression the Japan National Team wanted.
The Japan National Team gradually pulls away.
And finally...
Aya-san's powerful dunk decides the game.
He says something to the falling opponent player.
Turning on his heel, he begins defense while receiving touches from his teammates.
This expedition ends with 2 wins and 0 losses.
The Japan National Team's victory was decided without waiting for the third game.
(3)
We were stunned by the morning news.
Player Katagiri absent due to injury.
Such news was airing.
Everyone in Watanabe-han is staying at Eguchi-san's villa and watching the game in the audiovisual room.
Toya didn't appear in the game.
However, the game was a crushing victory.
They were troubled by the opponent's rough play, but they responded calmly.
"South Korea is really cowardly no matter what they do, isn't it?"
Ai-san is indignant.
"A game that makes it convincing that their ancestors are Gs."
Emi-san also seems to be in a bad mood, saying it's 1000 years too early for such barbarians to play sports.
"They really managed to endure, the Japan National Team."
"Well, yeah, they're probably used to it."
I respond like that.
"I wonder if Katagiri-kun is okay, is it an injury heavy enough that he can't play in the game?"
Emi-san says.
"We won't know until Toya comes back, but I think it's probably not."
I assert that.
"Is Masashi saying that based on some evidence?"
Mika asks.
"From the feel of watching yesterday's game, it didn't seem like such a big injury, probably just hurt his ankle. I think today's absence is to prepare perfectly."
"Well, we can just ask Katagiri-kun after he comes back."
When Emi-san says that, I reply, "True."
"But finally, To-ya is a world player too..."
"Since he hasn't appeared in an official game, strictly speaking, it might be different."
I respond to Mika like that.
"It'll be a victory party when he returns."
Ishihara-kun says.
"Yeah," I reply.
"Let's all go welcome him back!"
When Eita says that, Sashihara-san says, "Stop it, he'll just end up surrounded by the press. Airi is there too."
"I see..."
"Let's celebrate grandly when he returns."
When I say that, everyone lets out a "Yeah!"
Kimoto-senpai's graduation celebration is still pending, so this is perfect.
Everyone was making a fuss, calling that day a pre-celebration.
(4)
While waiting in the press seats, the members entered.
"How do you analyze the results of the expedition?"
One of the reporters asked.
"I think there were results. Although we were troubled by the defense."
The coach says.
"The reason for not using Player Katagiri in the second game?"
"Katagiri is an indispensable person for the future of the Japan National Team. I couldn't let him suffer an irreparable injury in a mere exchange match."
"Are you saying it's okay for other players to get injured?"
"...Katagiri had a leg injury. I simply took every precaution to ensure it didn't worsen."
Katagiri-kun was injured.
The press corps is shaken by that.
"Is the injury serious?"
"It's a light one. But I simply switched to Aida to prevent it from worsening."
"However, everyone's movement was better in the second game. Is Player Katagiri not necessary?"
"Katagiri possesses an extraordinary talent. Inevitably, the ball goes to Katagiri, and as a result, he became the target of ugly rough play. That's all there is to it."
"But the line between Player Aida and Player Sawa was something the opponent couldn't break."
"Thanks to those two drawing the markers, it became easier to take shots from middle distance. As a result, it probably looked like everyone was moving. In fact, Aoi's play was sealed midway through the game."
"Then, will you use Player Katagiri in official games?"
I tried asking.
"That is the intention. He is an essential talent for the team to keep winning."
"May we ask Player Katagiri a question?"
"Go ahead."
A staff member said.
"Player Katagiri, this was your first time facing the world; what are your impressions?"
"I wasn't able to perform a satisfying play. I think there are points for reflection."
"The coach says he will use you in official games, but what do you think about that?"
"Of course I want to play. I intend to play in perfect physical condition."
"Is the leg injury okay?"
"I've received an examination from the doctor. There seems to be no problem."
It entered the question time for other reporters.
"Player Sawa. Between Player Aida and Player Katagiri, who can you coordinate with better?"
It's the reporter who has been indirectly criticizing Player Katagiri for a while.
Player Sawa answers.
"The usage for both is different. Aida is a player who can drive during fast breaks and reliably score from the inside. In contrast, Katagiri is the type to aggressively take points regardless of the situation, but as expected, he easily attracts markers."
"In that case, wouldn't Player Aida expand the tactics more?"
"Katagiri attracts several defenders by himself. Even if three people follow him, he can make a pass. Tactically, I think having two guards expands the options more. Besides, Katagiri is also good at defense. He can steal by himself and lead a fast break. He can take the game into our own progression without letting the opponent set the pace."
"Are you saying Player Aida is unnecessary?"
"You can't keep fighting with five people in basketball. As a Sixth Man, I think Aida is effective."
The reporter asks Player Aida.
"What are your impressions of fighting with the new team for the first time?"
"I don't think this is the full strength of the new team. I felt that we can aim higher."
"Is that because Player Katagiri is here?"
"Yes, it's frustrating, but his ability is above mine."
The reporter cannot hide their surprise.
"However, the results were better on the second day when Player Katagiri didn't play."
"If Katagiri had been able to play full time, it would have been different again."
"Player Aoi, what do you think?"
The conversation is shifted to Player Aoi.
"They attempted defense on Katagiri that could have destroyed his career as a player, but they didn't do that to Aida. That is the fact."
"Please make the next one the final question."
The staff says.
I raised my hand.
"Player Katagiri, what are your future challenges?"
"...How to receive passes while free, I suppose? If even one defender is attached, they'll try to force a foul."
"I don't think a game like that will happen in official matches."
"I hope so."
"That is all for the time, thank you very much."
While everyone was dispersing, I tried to approach Katagiri-kun.
"Do you have a little time?"
"If it's for an interview, it's already finished, you know?"
"It's for an article I'll put on a local site. I want to ask more in-depth questions."
"...If that's the case."
We talked at the hotel cafe.
"So, what's the talk?"
"Honestly, how is it standing on the world stage? Let me hear your true feelings."
"True feelings... let's see..."
Katagiri-kun seemed to be troubled.
"...I suppose it's that I really felt the weight of the Hinomaru (T/N: Japanese flag)."
"Please, off the record."
"It's frustrating that I couldn't play full time."
"Is that your true feeling?"
"The other side of the court and this side. I felt that boundary line was infinitely far."
"Is that because you were on the bench?"
"Yes."
"I heard the next thing is the Olympic representative strengthening camp?"
"I'll do my best so I can stand on the court."
"You'll be able to stand there."
"Ah, Toya-kun~"
Katagiri-kun's girlfriend arrived.
"The coach is looking for you. Everyone's gathering."
"Got it. Well then, Sakoshita-san, see you."
"Yes, I'm looking forward to the strengthening camp."
"Yes."
Saying so, the two of them left.
I caught a glimpse of a motivation he hadn't shown in soccer.
Next time, I'm going to chase after you thoroughly.
(5)
"You're late, Toya! What were you doing!?"
I get scolded by the coach.
"Sorry, I was doing an interview."
"Katagiri-kun, you can refuse unauthorized interviews, you know?"
A staff member says.
"Well, since everyone's gathered, I'll say it. I think this expedition was tough for everyone, but you did well! Next is the actual Li Sang-baek Cup, but before that, some of you may have been called to the Asian Championship strengthening camp. Please be very careful with your bodies."
"Yes!"
"Well then, good work. Rest well today."
Saying so, everyone dispersed.
Then, Masato called out to me.
"Toya, want to go eat yakiniku together? I know a delicious yakiniku place. Bring your girlfriend too."
"Is that okay?"
"Dinner is free time, I don't mind."
"Then, Airi, shall we go?"
"Yeah."
"Aya and Kazuto are coming too, right?"
"Yeah."
"OK."
The two of them nodded.
And we go to the yakiniku restaurant.
Anyway, I just eat the meat Airi grills.
Kalbi, samgyeopsal, yukhoe...
As Masato said it was good, it is good.
"Toya really eats a lot, doesn't he..."
"It's a problem..."
Masato and Airi are amazed.
"Leg... is it okay?"
Aya asked.
"Yeah, it's completely fine now."
"When you get back to Japan, you should have a hospital look at it just in case. Leg injuries become habits."
Kazuto says.
"Got it."
"I'm being repetitive, but you're an important player to the point of being worn down like that, so just be careful about injuries."
Masato emphasizes.
"Please don't worry. I'll take responsibility for managing him."
When Airi says that, Yukari-san and the others nod.
"Aya, you be careful too, I heard about that rough play and was worried..."
"I'm sturdy, so I'm fine."
"It was blatant, wasn't it? When Toya-kun got a nosebleed, Airi's face turned pale."
Yui-san says.
"They really wanted to stop him, I guess. For me too, Toya has become the opponent I least want to turn into an enemy."
Kazuto says.
"Regarding me, but Aya, you should stop getting worked up too, okay? You were clearly being baited into fouls."
"That's certainly true. I should stop the habit of diving under the goal when I get worked up."
When Masato and I say that, Aya says while drinking makkoli.
"I know, Yuichiro told me that plenty of times."
"You're an important inside player. Please don't get ejected with 5 fouls."
"For the inside, Kazuto and Toya can enter too."
Toya can jump for rebounds too, I add.
"Because the inside is solid, we can take three-pointers boldly," Kazuto says, to which Aya replies, "There are guys who just keep firing them off regardless."
Ah, is that about me?
"Because we shoot from the outside, the defense spreads, and then we can pierce the inside; we're a well-balanced team, aren't we?"
When I say that, Masato nods.
"Thanks to that, as a PG, my options have expanded and it's easier to play. It's not just Kazuto as the only choice like before."
"...Hmm."
I was troubled.
"What's wrong, Toya?"
"No..."
"Is there some problem?"
It seems I've gathered everyone's attention.
It's hard to say.
Poke
"You were just wondering whether to go with the kimchi hot pot or the seafood miso hot pot, right!"
Airi's retort is truly sharp.
"Well, I had already decided on the stone-grilled bibimbap, though."
"Just how much do you have to eat to be satisfied, Toya... I just told you to manage your physical condition properly."
Masato gets angry.
Aya and Kazuto were laughing.
(6)
A certain traditional restaurant.
There is a Japanese garden, and a shishi-odoshi sounds.
I was having an omiai with that woman while wearing a suit.
Haruna Shiratori, apparently entering ARPU this year.
The reason is that I am there.
My parents had apparently been considering a meeting with Shiratori-san for a while.
The Shiratori family is one of my father's bank's clients.
She is the only daughter of a powerful local company.
With a small and slender body, part of her short bob is tucked behind her ear.
Perhaps to match the restaurant, she was wearing a kimono, and I was alone with her.
It's the "we'll leave the rest to the young people" kind of thing.
She says nothing. Is she shy?
She doesn't even try to meet my eyes.
I don't know how to start the conversation.
Even when the parents were there, she hardly spoke.
I don't know what she's thinking.
The only thing is that she's probably in the same state of mind as me, bored out of her mind.
It's better to bring these things up quickly.
I decided to say it boldly.
"Sorry, but I have a woman I'm dating."
Shiratori-san says nothing.
"So, I want you to act as if this marriage proposal never happened."
My parents will be furious if they find out.
I thought Shiratori-san would at least cry or be distraught.
But it was neither.
"I understand. That is fine with me."
I doubted my ears. Am I just failing to read Shiratori-san's intentions?
"You're nullifying the marriage proposal with me. I understand the intention. I'll tell them that I nullified the marriage proposal with you. That would be more convenient, wouldn't it?"
Shiratori-san accepts my request readily.
"Do you have someone you're dating too, Shiratori-san?"
She shook her head.
"I've never had such a relationship until now."
It's a bit odd to say after rejecting her, but she is beautiful. There must be men who approach her.
However, as if reading my heart, she answers.
"There are no men who have approached me. I have no female friends either. Want to see my smartphone?"
Saying so, she takes out her smartphone and holds it out over the table.
I hesitated, but she operates the smartphone and shows it to me.
Only her parents and a caretaker were entered.
"For someone like Shiratori-san, it wouldn't be strange to at least have friends, right?"
I became curious about the reason why.
"Would something change if I did?"
That was her answer.
"Then, any more would be a waste of time. Let's leave soon."
I called out to Shiratori-san, who was standing up smoothly.
"What do you mean, 'Would something change if I had friends'?"
Shiratori-san looked back and said one thing.
"Exactly what it sounds like. I can only predict that the amount of troublesome time would increase."
Has she spent her time alone like that?
"Well, I'm going. Goodbye."
"Wait!"
I call her back again.
"What? Do you still have business?"
Her expression is expressionless, and lifeless eyes are staring at me.
Any more is a waste of time. She looks as if she wants to say that.
If I leave her like this, she'll spend her whole life alone, right?
Is that okay?
It was something that had nothing to do with me, but for some reason, I couldn't leave her alone.
"You said the time spent with friends is meaningless, Shiratori-san?"
"Yes."
"Why don't we verify that?"
"What do you mean?"
An expression finally appears on her face. An expression called bewilderment.
"Let's be friends."
I intended to grasp the meaning of what I was saying.
It might end up betraying Sakura's feelings.
However, I couldn't leave Shiratori-san alone.
I wanted to teach her how much more meaningless a life it would be to spend it alone for the rest of her life.
"Do you understand the meaning of what you're saying? Isn't that just saying 'Let's start as friends'?"
"...Meeting like this is some kind of fate. We're at the same university, so it's just right, isn't it?"
"...What are you plotting?"
Her expression is as if she can see right through my thoughts.
"There's a group I belong to. I want to invite you there."
"Why?"
"It might create an opportunity to change your values."
"Meaningless. I have no intention of changing my values at this late stage."
"If you're going to spend the same amount of meaningless time, wouldn't it be okay to try it?"
"I feel it's a waste, but if you go that far, I understand."
When I explain the situation to Watanabe-kun, Watanabe-kun consents.
Many of the women, starting with Sakura, opposed it, but Watanabe-kun persuaded them.
And I invite Shiratori-san to Watanabe-han.
"This is fine, then?"
"Yeah, if something happens, I'll come pick you up. You probably live nearby anyway, right?"
"I don't need a pickup. I need a ride home."
"Don't worry. I have a girlfriend too. I'm not going to prey on you."
"...I truly struggle to understand. Don't you feel bad for that girlfriend of yours?"
What she says is accurate.
But my goal is one.
To make friends for her.
To change her lonely values into something enjoyable.
If I persuade Sakura of that, she'll surely understand.
"I wonder if the talk is finished soon."
The parents returned.
"It just finished."
"I see, shall we excuse ourselves for today?"
"Yes, Mother, I have a request before that."
"What?"
"When I enter university, I'll live alone."
"Eh?"
I was also surprised by her sudden proposal.
"Haruna living alone is impossible. I will absolutely not allow it."
"I think living alone is meaningless. However, this person said there is meaning in meaningless things. And that he would prove it."
"...Is there a need for that?"
"Whether there is or not is what I'll be verifying from now on."
"...I understand. I'll arrange the house immediately."
"Please do."
Her face returned to being expressionless again.
"Well then, see you again."
It seems she intends to meet again.
What should I do from now on?
Neither I nor Watanabe-han knew.
(7)
When we arrived in Tokyo, we dispersed.
Airi and I return to our hometown as we are.
Upon returning, I give souvenirs to my parents and Airi's family and take a break.
As expected, home is relaxing.
When I lie down on the bed, I fall asleep just like that.
"Toya-kun, it's morning."
Apparently, I slept until morning just like that.
When I wake up, I take a shower, eat breakfast, and kill time.
After a while, I go to the hospital driven by Airi.
As expected, it seems to be healed.
When I convey that to Watanabe-han, everyone is relieved.
When I go to Blue Bird, everyone is gathered.
It was various things, being praised, cautioned, and worried about by everyone.
"You mustn't make Airi-chan worry too much."
Emi-san says.
From there, I head to the university gymnasium.
At the gymnasium, I also receive a welcome from everyone in the Basketball Club.
"Katagiri-senpai, is your leg okay?"
Sakura-san asks.
"I went to the hospital a while ago. They said it's okay."
"Is that so. Then, shall we do light practice from tomorrow?"
"Yeah."
Saying so, I go to Blue Bird again.
Then, there was one unfamiliar girl.
"Ah, Toya. Let me introduce you. This is Haruna Shiratori-san, who just joined Watanabe-han. Shiratori-san. This is the Katagiri Toya I mentioned earlier."
Then, that girl stands up smoothly and bows.
"Nice to meet you, you were a basketball player, right. I'm Shiratori. Please treat me well."
"N-nice to meet you."
The reason I was shaken is that it's the first time I've seen a girl like this.
The inside of her heart is empty and has nothing.
I can't read her at all.
There's so little there that I wonder if she doesn't have a heart.
"Toya-kun, what's wrong?"
Airi asks.
"It's nothing. I'm okay."
"Really?"
"Yeah, Sakai-kun, the usual request."
"Understood."
Blue Bird was wrapped in a strange atmosphere.
Shiratori-san, who cannot sense anything.
Sakura-san, who is glaring at such a Shiratori-san.
And the members of Watanabe-han, who don't know how to act.
After returning home, I learn the reason for letting Shiratori-san in.
Through the chat in the boys' gathering.
I also convey what I felt upon meeting her.
"An opponent that even Toya can't read..."
Watanabe-kun says.
"I wonder if Sakura is okay?"
Airi says worriedly.
"I don't know..."
Maybe I should have just said, "It'll be okay."
However, just this once, I lacked confidence too.
What will happen, how will it turn out?
It became the curtain-raiser for such anxiety.