Konoha Baller's Life-The High Schooler

#30

Apologies about the hiatus. Can't promise it won't happen again, but will try to post more chapters if I can.

The day of the JJBL finals, 4 hours before tipoff

Tokyo, Japan

Naruto's POV

It was time.

The day that I had been dreaming of. A chance to prove myself to all of Japan. A chance for Japan to see what I was made of. A chance to see what we were made of.

However, there was one massive roadblock in front of us. None other than the star player for Toyama, and the best basketball player in Japan (other than me.) I locked eyes with him again during shootaround. I locked eyes with Rui. A smile creeped on both of our faces. We gave each other a look that said, "May the best competitor win." We then continued preparing for this moment. It's good to be prepared, y'know?

20 minutes before tipoff

After Coach Takashi finished his final pep talk to the team, he pulled me aside.

"Naruto."

"Yes, Coach Takashi."

"I just wanted to let you know that now that Sasuke is unavailable for us, we're gonna need someone to step up if we want to have a chance at lifting that thing," he said, pointing to the golden trophy that was so close and in our reach. It also looked kinda tasty, y'know? "I have watched you in practice. I have watched you in games. I have seen the passion that you have, whether it would be on the court, in the weight room, or even on the bench." He looked at my much stronger frame. "And I would be a fool not to notice what talent you have." A smile emerged from my face. "Go out there and show Japan what you're made of, Naruto. And remember, trust yourself and trust your teammates. Oh, and one more thing. You're starting today. We're gonna need you."

"Yes Coach," I replied. I couldn't hide my smile. This was my first start all season. Coach told me that the reason he couldn't start me earlier was because he needed me running the bench, and that my time would come. And now, it finally came, y'know?

I finished tying my shoes, and I came out to the court for tipoff.

FLASHBACK: Thursday

Practice facility, Fukuoka, Japan

"Today, we will learn how to defend players bigger than us," Coach Takashi said. "It is very important that you understand that as the shorter man, YOU are at a disadvantage. Therefore, you MUST work harder in order to successfully defend him. You must also work smarter, and trust your teammates. Otherwise, points will come easy for your opponent."

———————————————————————

I took in everything around me. The crowd was amped up, and the atmosphere was amazing. This was what I dreamed about as a kid. I took a look at most of the faces in there, and I decided that I would give them a show. After all, I'd think that they would enjoy one, y'know?

Finally, we were ready to tip off. I watched Kazuki and Rui jump for the tip. The ball came my way, and I caught it.

FUKUOKA 0, TOYAMA 0, 12:00 1Q

After dribbling the ball and familiarizing myself with the ball, I went to work. As soon as I reached the three point line, the defender backed off of me, daring me to shoot. I obliged, and we both saw the ball rattle in the net.

FUKUOKA 3, TOYAMA 0, 11:49 1Q

Rui immediately took the ball up the floor, and isolated on Kazuki. While Kazuki matched Rui in size, he did not have the lateral quickness to stay in front of him, and Rui had an layup.