The following week, the five freshmen returned to school, their excitement about Ikari's development was evident as they could only think how much it would benefit their team in the long run.
Thus after lessons, the five immediately went to practice happily. Asuka, Mibuchi and Hikki went together, Momoharu, Ogiwara and Masahiko went together.
All of them arrived at Meikō's gymnasium as they chatted together about a certain orange haired boy.
"Do you remember when he was able to steal the ball from even Ogiwara-kun?" Mibuchi asked as the said boy pouted.
"It's only cause I was careless." The brown haired boy retorted with a frown on his face and his arms crossed.
"If I was playing seriously, it wouldn't have happened." The boy stated.
"Ikari-kun has made impressive progress these past few months, I'm sure he'll be in the first string in no time, his misdirection ability will be essential for us in the Nationals." Hikki chimed in.
Masahiko, munching on his snacks, inquired, "Nationals? What's that?"
The group collectively turned to the Masahiko, their faces clearly showing surprise at his lack of knowledge about the Nationals.
"..."
Masahiko's question left everyone momentarily stunned. The Nationals were a big deal in Japanese high school and middle school basketball, and it was unusual for someone involved in the sport to not know about them.
"Hehe! Let me fill you in!"
Asuka looked at the tall boy with excitement clear in her eyes as her hand was raised enthusiastically. She cleared her throat as if delivering an important speech, pleased to have everyone's attention.
"The Nationals, also known as the National Sports Meet, is a prestogious high school and middle school basketball tournament in Japan. It brings together the winners of the Interhigh from each prefucture for an all-star competition. The team that emerges victorious from this tournament can proudly claim to be the best in the entire country."
"Last year, we were the second best team, but this year, we're among the top five favourites to win it!" Asuka exclaimed.
Hikki's face brightened with a smile as he eagerly looked forward to competing in the upcoming tournament.
As the conversation flowed, time passed swiftly. Before they knew it, it was already the end of practice.
"Oh, that's right. Hikigaya. There's something you may not have heard about since this happened when you were absent. However it would be good to tell you now, in case you don't run into him later. We've got a new player in the first string," Mibuchi informed Hikigaya, turning to him to share the news.
Hikki's curiosity piqued, and he raised an eyebrow as he inquired, "Really? I hadn't seen him. How's the newcomer, is he any good?"
Mibuchi took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, "Well, I'd say he has a pretty solid foundation."
Kazama, hearing this, seemed slightly annoyed as he added, "Yeah. He's not half bad. But the trouble is thet he's got a knack for causing problems."
Momoharu chuckled heartily at this revelation and couldn't resist commenting, "Haha, yeah. I've noticed that too. If it weren't for Captain dragging him on the court, he'd probably spend all his time at the arcade."
Kazama sighed deeply as the seniors got involved in the conversation. "Honestly, if I didn't drag that guy out here, he'd just skip training altogether. I don't even know why he signed up for the basketball team if he's just going to fool around like this."
Hikki chuckled at the image of Kazama dragging this boy to the court. It seemed like this new addition had quite the personality, and he was eager to meet this intriguing troublemaker himself.
He was genuinely interested in the individual, who had managed to rile up Kazama.
"He does sound like quite the troublemaker..."
Kazama offered a bit more insight, "His name is Tsunayoshi Masayuri. You'll get to meet him soon. Usually I'd caution people to be careful around him but..."
He glanced Hikki up and down, recognising the aura of someone not to be trifled with. "I highly doubt he'll want to pick a fight with you."
Momoharu grinned, "It would be something to see him get completely schooled, though. I hope he's bold enough to challenge Hikki."
The comment elicited laughter from the group. Even Hikigaya and Masahiko, who were typically more reserved, cracked a smile.
After their conversation, they parted ways.
Hikki offered to give them a ride home since Sebas was outside and ready to drive them, but they declined, choosing to walk home instead. Hikki accepted their decision without argument, knowing it would be futile to convince them otherwise.
As the rest of the group departed, Hikki and Asuka were driven home by Sebas.
On the ride home, Hikki couldn't help but cast his thoughts towards the upcoming National Basketball tournament that would be happening.
'I can't wait!' The boy thought with a smile that played at his lips as he looked out the window.
Asuka, noticing his smile, softly smiled herself, happy for her friend's happiness, while also noting the significant improvement of all her friends in terms of basketball ability.
Because of her acute ability to read people, she saw firsthand how much all five of the prodigal freshmen had improved, seeing this resolved her belief that their school would win the Nationals without a shadow of a doubt.
———
TBC
