Meikō High performed in the group stage, winning match after match. While the games were not exactly a walk in the park, they weren't overly challenging either.
However, just when things started to feel a bit boring, Hikigaya received a paper filled with information about their upcoming opponent, Hibiya High.
'Shoichi Imayoshi and Makoto Hanamiya, huh?'
Hikki mused quietly as he reviewed the details provided by Asuka. A small smile crept onto his face. Hikki sensed that the next match would be their toughest yet, and that anticipation excited him.
Makoto Hanamiya, the ace of Hibiya Junior High.
He was known for using unsportsmanlike tactics and his proficiency in his ability to steal the ball. However, Hikigaya firmly believed that Meikō could win this match, however with much difficulty.
Shoichi Imayoshi, however, served as the third-year point guard and captain of Hibiya High. He was a pretty skilled player, often considered at the national level. But beyond that, he was known for his sharp intellect and cunning style on the court.
Hikki pondered about the kind of combinations their next opponents had formed. The air in the room was thick with anticipation.
Assistant Coach Makiyama's voice resonated, breaking the silence. He acknowledged that their upcoming opponent, Hibiya High, was formidable. While they had faced and triumphed over them before, it had been an exhausting physical and mental match.
Sanada paused, deep in thought. Then, he dropped a surprising piece of news.
"It would be much easier if the first years ciuld join this match. Unfortunately, they won't be able to participate due to a prior commitment on that day."
"What? Why not?"
Momoharu's reaction was immediate and loud. He couldn't believe what he had just heard.
Hikigaya's expression clearly showed he was displeased as he explained, "Well, Meikō has a tradition of visiting Mount Fuji. It's somewhat like a school trip, but unique."
Momoharu, clearly caught off guard, blurted out, "Why didn't anyone tell me about this?"
Watanabe, usually in the know about such matters, appeared equally bewildered. Meanwhile, Asuka shot Momoharu a glare, her expression deadpan.
As for Masahiko...
...typically carefree, muttered, "Uh-oh."
Mibuchi, holding a hair brush, inquired curiously while adjusting his hair, "Can't we skip it and just join the match?"
Mibuchi, knowing he was slated to be a starter in the group stage, was eager to play in their first playoff.
Assistant Coach Makiyama's voice held a tone of regret as he delivered the unfortunate news. "I'm afraid that there's no way around it. It's a school rule. Even if you're a part of the team competing in the tournament, you must participate in this event."
"Why don't we simply skip it this year and do it next year instead?"
Hikigaya brought up a suggestion.
Momoharu, ever quick to find the easier way, chimed in enthusiastically, "Yeah, why not? We could totally do that!"
But Assistant Coach Makiyama shook his head in response. "I'm afraid that's not an option. Our Head Coach made it clear..."
"Besides, the tournament has a set schedule each year, just like our tradition of visiting Mt. Fuji. What should we do next year? Skip again? Eventually, we'd have to participate in the tradition one way or another."
Hikki couldn't help but shake his head in resignation. While he wanted to find another way around it, he knew that they would have to go to the Mountain either way. He believed in his seniors ability, so he left it to them.
Kazama, stepping into his role as Captain, decided to lighten the mood and boost morale. He confidently declared, "Indeed, even with this event, if we've defeated them before, we can certainly do it again. And with Asuka's insights, our chances if winning will only improve."
"Seems like there's no way around it, huh?" Hikigaya expressed his disappointment, his voice tinged with regret at missing out on facing their toughest opponent yet.
Assistant Coach Makiyama broke the moment with a clap of his hands, rallying their spirits. "Alright, let's begin our training for today!"
He gave Kazama some training instructions before taking his leave, likely to attend to other responsibilities.
During their training, the group had given up on finding a way to play their next game, accepting the school's tradition. Momoharu continued his complaints throughout the session, a familiar annoyance to everyone that led to the usual banter.
After the training concluded, Momoharu challenged Hikki to their customary 1v1 match, which Hikki had won as usual.
Saying their goodbyes, Hikki headed home as Sebas had imformed him of his arrival at the school gate to pick him up.
–––
The day for Meikō's tradition of visiting Mount Fuji arrived. Momoharu reluctantly climbed aboard the school's chartered bus for the trip.
As the Meikō Basketball Team members settled, they paid Momoharu no mind, accustomed to his usual grumbling. However, the other students on the bus cast curious glances his way.
Mibuchi, holding a thick book in his hand, expressed his thoughts aloud, "Well, this is unfortunate."
Sensing the potentially long journey ahead, Ogiwara suggested, "Why not pass the time with a game, Mibuchi?"
Ogiwara pulled out a shogi board from his bag.
Mibuchi adjusted his immaculate hair as he saw the board, his competitive spirit evident as he replied with a smirk, "Very well, let's do it."
Asuka, doing her best to ignore Momoharu's complaints suddenly noticed something amiss.
"Hey, guys? Did anyone see Hikki? I haven't spotted him on the bus..."
Watanabe, deep in thought, replied, "Now that you mention it, I didn't see Hikki in class either."
A sense of realisation dawned on them and their eyes widened as they exchanged concerned glances. It seemed they were all thinking the same thing about Hikki's whereabouts.
Momoharu mumbled absentmindedly, "Nah, it can't be, right?"
–––
TBC
