Following their previous encounter, the squad ddcided to grab a bite at a nearby fast-food joint. Hikki opted for a fruit salad, Ikari chose a VanillaShake and Mibuchi ate the vegetarian Egg MaxMuffin.
As Hikki ate the salf, he turned his attention to Ikari as he asked, "Hey, Ikari. What made you train so late? Your dedication is admirable."
Taking a moment to respond, Ikari answered, "As you could see, I wasn't blessed with natural talent at the game of basketball like you guys. So, hard work is my way of trying to get better."
Ikari's response elicited a nod from Mibuchi. "I see.." Hikki stated thoughtfully, seeing Ikari's commitment he replayed the one-on-one in his head, finding everything wrong with the orange haired boy's performance, meanwhile Mibuchi just stayed quiet and watched the exchange.
Hikki's next statement, however, was direct and blunt. "Alright. Ikari. You aren't strong and you lack the proper fundamentals which are essential in the game of basketball."
Hearing this, Ikari cast his eyes downward at Hikki's frank assessment, however Hikki continued, not caring about Ikari's reaction at the moment, "Before you even think about promoting to the second string, let along the first string, you need to perfect your fundamentals. I can give you a three month training program for that and visit you at the unused court at the end of each month to see how you're progressing.
Now what I noticed about you is that you were, in Mibuchi's words, 'disappearing and reappearing somehow.'
However from my standpoint, Ikari was simply running past you.
Somehow, Ikari can misdirect his opponent's attention due to his clear lack of presence. I don't want to change that, therefore the only physical training I'll give you is endurance training to sustain this marvellous ability. By next year, you should be ready for the first string basketball and become maybe a sixth man. Ikari-kun. You can become a masterful distributor with this ability.
I want you to focus on your passing. By next year, I hope to be playing with you in the first string, Ikari-kun." Hikigaya stated as Mibuchi looked at the white haired boy in shock.
"Thank you very much Hikigaya-kun! You won't regret this!" Exclaimed Watanabe as Hikki smiled and nodded,
"it's no problem, Ikari, really. Besides. I can tell that you're going to be a great player, whatever High School you go to will be lucky to have you, guaranteed." Hikki stated as Watanabe had a happy smile on his face.
"But firstly, you need to keep a tight lid on your emotions. Getting too excited or too nervous will affect your performance. Be devoid of any thoughts except the desire to win." Spoke Hikigaya as Watanabe inhaled before nodding and running out.
"Did you really mean what you said?" Mibuchi asked, shocked.
"Of course I did, you can tell with him can't you? And, this player will be significant help to us and our team in the future, there is a lack of good distributors in our team. We need another. And we need a strong sixth man. I believe Ikari-kun will easily take that role." Spoke Hikigaya as he stood up.
Mibuchi was about to doubt it before realising, 'Hikki helped me and Isame find our talent and improved us, he helped Momoharu and he helped Ogiwara with his beast instinct. There's no way he can't help this Ikari.' Thought the black haired boy.
"Hey, Hikigaya, aren't you gonna eat a burger or something, this is a fast food restaurant." Spoke Mibuchi.
"No, my parents are very strict about my diet and health and I have a personal nutritionist and dietary expert assigned to me by my father to ensure I'm eating right. I also train hard in martial arts, so no, I don't eat fast food." Spoke Hikki as Mibuchi nodded.
"Interesting." The boy commented.
After Watanabe left, the two of them conversed for a while longer, eventually though, they parted ways.
Walking leisurely down the streeth, Hikki gazed up at the sky, relishing the simple pleasure of a carefree stroll. A gentle smile played at his lips.
'I need to do this more often.' The boy thought with a smile, showing his contentment.
However a frantic cry from the nearby alley abruptyl shattered the peaceful ambiance.
"Help! No! Stop!"
Hikki's expression turned serious as he turned his attention towards the alley. "Should I call emergency services?" He mused aloud, althohgh he doubted that dialing the police would be the most effective course of action here. Trusting in the relatively safe environment of Japan. Hikki quickened his pace towards the source of the distress.
As he approached the alley, Hikki caught sight of a familiar red haired girl. She appeared to be cornered by a group of teenagers who seemed to be high school students.
Without hesitation, Hikki closed the distance between himself and the group, his concern for the girl outweighing any fear of potential danger.
One of the teenagers seemed uncertain and questioned the leader, "....Are you sure about this?"
Hearing this, the leader scoffed, "What's the big deal? There are no security cameras here. And you've messed around with random girls before, right?"
"But most of the other times, they were drunk. This girl isn't."
Another teenager gave the hesitant one a slap on the back, chiming in, "Come on, does it really matter?"
As this unsettling conversation played out, Asuka, who had been listening, was utterly terrified. Overwhelmed by fear, tears rose in her eyes, and she felt helpless.
"What are you doing." Spoke an authoritative voice as a white haired boy suddenly appeared. Everyone turned to see Hikigaya Ryouta walking up to them nonchalantly. Recognising the voice immediately, Asuka shifted her gaze onto the white haired boy and immediately ran into his arms, seeking comfort in his embrace.
Hikki held her tightly as she cried, comforting her during this distressing time. Given their age, this kind of experience was undoubtedly traumatic for her.
"...Should we just get out of here?"
One of the teenagers, who had been uncertain earlier, proposed. The group's supposed leader looked at him. "Are you an idiot? Get him!" Shouted the leader.
"Asuka, stay behind me." Hikigaya calmly told her as she immediately nodded, knowing how well Hikki could fight. She watched the white haired boys back, and it was as if it was getting broader and more resolute than ever as he approached the group
———
TBC
