"Where the heck is that guy?"
Kazama grumbled, frustration clear in his voice as he stared at his phone.
"I'm sorry Captain. I'm sick," came Masayuri's reply, which only deepened Kazama's irritation. He turned to Assistant Coach Makiyama and reported, "Masayuri says he's sick and can't make it today.
"..."
Makiyama shook his head lightly, clearly displeased, while the other team members were left in a state of disbelief.
Hikki found the situation rather amusing and couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
"Alright. Change of plans. Let's put Watanabe's ability to the test right away. We'll catch up on points later. Watanabe, you're in." Makiyama declared, turning to the starters.
"Eh? Uhm, okay..."
Watanabe responded, a touch of nervousness evident in his voice as he grappled with the sudden change in strategy.
Their original plan was to build a comfortable lead in the score before trying mew strategies.
However this plan hinged on Masayuri's presence to disrupt the opponent's rhythm and create a dynamic combination with Hikki's incredible dribbling skills to overpower the opposition.
"...Heh, I thought I was about to play."
Momoharu, feeling rather disappointed, voiced his frustration from the bench. His complaints fell on deaf ears as Makiyama remained focused on the game.
Meanwhile, Momoharu turned his attention to Watanabe, who looked as pale as a sheet of paper. He clapped a nervous freshman on the back, trying to offer some encouragement. The freshman seemed to be trembling with anxiety, likely experiencing his first official match
"Come on! I know you got this..."
Observing this, Hikki couldn't help but shake his head. He gave the nervous player a reassuring pat on the shoulder and stated, "You know...if you're this nervous, it'll be tough to play your best out there..."
"...Ikari."
"Saying that will just make him even more nervous."
Mibuchi interjected.
But Watanabe remained unfazed, his expression locked in that nervous state, his eyes were hollow.
The referee's whistle cut through the air, signalling them to gather at the center of the court for the customary exchange of greetings between the teams.
But the pleasantries were short-lived. The match kicked off with the ball tossed into the air once everyone had taken their positions. Masahiko effortlessly snagged the ball and sent it towards Hikki.
Hikki's firm grip on the ball allowed him to slice through Nambara High's defense, effortlessly netting the first two points for Meikō.
The excitement radiated from his teammates, each taking their turn to score. Masahiko unleashed a powerful dunk, Ogiwara made layup shots with finesse and Mibuchi displayed his deadly accuracy with a three pointer.
However, amidst this excitement, Watanabe's anxiety got the best of him and he suddenly tumbled to the floor, startling Hikigaya, who was walking in front of him.
"...Don't worry, I'm alright."
Watanabe scrambled back to his feet without missing a beat, but something was clearly off. His nose had started bleeding.
Mibuchi adjusted his elegant hair, a hint of skepticism in his voice as he remarked, "Doesn't seem very convincing..."
Hikki shook his head while looking at this and signalled for a player substitution, prompting Assistant Coach Makiyama to take action.
