Tutor, Tutor

Chapter 2

Miyagi Ryota ambled casually into the Shohoku school compound that bright Wednesday morning. Basketball season was near, and the senior wanted to make his last summer count. He hadn't been involved in any brawls for over a year (unless you counted the stupid little squabbles with Sakuragi, which could get minorly physical); his grades were actually worth bragging about, thanks to the beautiful and smart Ayako, and he was working to become the best point guard in Kanagawa (he liked to think that he already was, ever since Maki and Fujima retired).

Life was good.

Too good.

"Miyagi!"

Miyagi shut his locker door and looked around. Mr Yoshimoto, who'd taught him last year, stood before him.

"Good morning, sensei." Miyagi bowed his head in respect for the older man.

Mr Yoshimoto smiled back at him, his wrinkles made even more prominent by the gesture. "I know the basketball team is aiming to enter the Nationals again this year, and we're all looking forward to that."

The Shohoku basketball team, formerly minnows in the regional competitions, had been hailed as heroes when they booked a seat to enter the Nationals last summer. For Shohoku to make it all the way to the Nationals alone was a dream come true. But they had gone above and beyond their true limits when they'd conquered three-time champions Sannoh High in the second round.

"Thank you." A smile crept over Miyagi's face.

"Your teammate, Sakuragi Hanamichi. I'm his teacher now." Mr Yoshimoto started off.

A tingle of dread ran down Miyagi's spine. Oh, no, what has that idiot done this time...

"He's already falling behind in class. And you know, school regulations..."

"I know, sensei." Miyagi retorted somewhat sharply. First Rukawa, now Sakuragi. He was familiar with the ridiculous rule the school had, and he definitely didn't want to beg to the teachers for resit examinations like Captain Akagi had last year, to save the basketball team.

"If he fails his exams..."

"I won't let that happen." Miyagi interjected. How he was going to do it, he wasn't sure yet, but he knew for sure that the redheaded rebounder was definitely making his comeback in the Regionals. Besides, Sakuragi was now an important asset to the team, as Akagi's successor as the team center, his presence under the basket was greatly needed. No one else on the team was as tall as Sakuragi, apart from Rukawa, so if Sakuragi couldn't play, the whole team would be in jeopardy. Apart from Kakuta, who was an average center player at the least, no one could really replace the redhead's role on the team.

"Good. I'll tell Sakuragi later, that he needs to buck up in his studies. As his teacher, I'll also do everything I can to help him." Mr Yoshimoto said in a reassuring tone.

Miyagi nodded mutely. Sakuragi was actually beyond help, but who knew? Maybe they could somehow guide the redhead in question to a passing grade, which was enough for him to appear in the regional tournament. If Sakuragi could master basketball in a few solid months – even perfected the jump shot in just a week – he could probably perform better academically, as well.

"Just thought you should know, as captain. Coach Anzai has also been made aware of this situation." Mr Yoshimoto said. "Good luck."

Miyagi nodded. "Thank you, Yoshimoto-sensei." He definitely was going to need all of the luck to actually make Sakuragi pass his exams. The older man smiled at his student and walked off.

"Ryota." Ayako called out from behind him. "What was that all about?" She'd witnessed the whole exchange between the basketball team captain and the teacher from her own locker, where she was swapping her shoes for her indoor slippers.