The Meikō High Basketball Team had gathered in front of the Yoyogi Gymnasium, their faces etched with determination as they prepared to face their first playoff opponent.
Assistant Coach Makiyama, accompanying them, couldn't hide his regret. He knew having their freshmen prodigies would make this match much more manageable. His deep sigh spoke volumes.
Kazama, the captain, tried to uplift the team's spirits. "Don't worry, Coach Makiyama. We'll win this match for them.."
Makiyama, still visibly perturbed, responded slowly. If you look closely, you could see the corner of his mouth twitching nervously. "I know you're all determined to win, but..."
He trailed off, his voice uncertain as he addressed someone who had just arrived. "Hikigaya Ryouta, what are you doing here?"
With a calm smile, Hikki replied, "I'm here to win, of course."
The first-string players couldn't hide their surprise. Their dumbfounded expressions now focused on Hikki.
"...Do you even understand what you're doing."
With Assistant Coach Makiyama's comment, a realisation dawned on everyone.
Wasn't Hikki supposed to be on the trip to Mount Fuji with the other first-year students?
Sekiguchi, a fellow freshman, couldn't hide his confusion. "Um, shouldn't you be going on the trip to Mount Fuji, with the others, like the rest of the freshmen?"
He had a point. Why was Hikki here?
Hikki replied calmly as he moved towards the gymnasium entrance, leaving the others speechless, "I decided to skip the trip. No worries though, I understand the consequences..."
He could sense their surprise, but it didn't faze him. His father had managed to get the Principal to remove from the list of people permitted to visit the Mountain, with a hefty sum of money, but he did it. Therefore the penalty for participating in the trip next year didn't apply to him if he skipped this year, though they didn't need to know all that, they just needed to know that he was here to help them win.
Witnessing Hikki's nonchalant entrance, everyone followed suit, but remained somewhat bewildered.
Once inside their designated changing room, Assistant Coach Makiyama began to brief them on their plans. With Hikki's unexpected presence, Makiyama felt it would be a waste not to have him play in this match, that provided an exceptional point guard for the team.
However, Hikki's arrival surprised them, leaving Makiyama to massage his forehead tiredly.
"Now that Hikigaya is here, we should adjust our strategies accordingly," he said, acknowledging the need to incorporate Hikki into their plans.
"Alright, everyone, we're up against a formidable opponent today. But don't worry, we've got this. To ensure we secure a smooth victory, I want us to start with a slower tempo..."
"...Their style of play is unique, so we need to acclimate ourselves to their rhythm and disrupt it."
These were the instructions as the team finished suiting up in their jerseys. After scanning their faces, the coach said, "However, if the opportunity arises to dominate them right from the start, take it! Is that understood!?"
"Hai Sensei!" came the resounding shout of affirmation from the team.
After ensuring everyone was prepared, Makiyama reminded everyone to heed to Nijimura's calls during the game unless a timeout was requested.
Hikki, his excitement clearly showing, couldn't help but crack a smirk as they stepped onto the court. The team exchanged greetings with their opponents before returning to their designated bench.
"Hooh? He's pretty solid..."
Makoto Hanamiya, the opposing team's ace, drew Hikki's attention.
He had a sturdy build, not what you'd expect from someone known for underhanded tactics. Hikki observed this mischievous-looking player with a pale complexion and a somewhat arrogant smirk.
Another player, with disheveled black hair and narrowed eyes, approached Hanamiya, appearing to give him instructions.
Glancing at the player's number on his jersey, Hikki muttered, "Number 4...Imayoshi Is the captain, huh? Intriguing..."
The prospect of facing two cunning players on the same team intrigued Hikki, and he couldn't help but wear a confident smile.
'If only the others could skip this match also. Reo could have, but...I guess I have to rely on the senpai for this one...'
This match held a unique significance, marking the first time he'd play against a strong team such as thhis, that as well without his freshmen friends, adding to his anticipation. This was going to be a tough match, but nothing he'd shy away from.
Makiyama reiterated the game plan to the team on the bench to ensure everyone understood their roles.
As they concluded the brief discussion, the referee summoned both teams to the court.
Imayoshi, standing not too far from Kazama, struck up a conversation in a polite Kansai accent. "Hey there, Kazama. Your team seems quite fired up, huh?"
"Yeah, be prepared to lose, Imayoshi."
Kazama wasn't buying it, as he responded curtly.
Imayoshi's response was a sly one, "Oh? Why the aggression? You're scaring me..."
"..."
Kazama chose not to engage further. He had a strong distaste for individuals like Imayoshi, who concealed their unpleasant personalities with a polite facade.
"It's strange. Where are the freshmen from your team?" Imayoshi's tone took a sharp turn, losing its earlier politeness. He opened his eyes halfway.
"I heard they've become Meikō's key players. It'd be a shame to face the candidate for winners without their core team." Imayoshi added, his smirk returning.
"The rest of the freshmen can't be here right now. But we do have one key player. And trust me, he's more than enough."
Kazama met Imayoshi's change in tone with a smilar expression.
Imayoshi's brow furrowed in response to Kazama's unwavering confidence. He couldn't help but wonder if they were underestimating his team. Despite their loss last year, it had been a close match.
"You certainly seem very sure of yourselves," Imayoshi remarked, his confidence in his team matching Meikō's. The battle of wits was already underway.
Kazama, however, shook his head. He wasn't trying to be arrogant he was stating the facts. It was his straightforward personality at work.
Considering Hikki's incredible abilities, Kazama genuinely believed that having Hikki alone would be more than enough to handle whatever challenges they faced in today's match.
"...Especially since he looks so eager for some reason," Kazama added, glancing at Hikki's cheerful smile.
