As the bus took off from Hachioji Academy for a practice match, Haruko inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled, her hands resting in her lap, fingers tightly interlocked.
"Why are you acting like this is your first game? There's no need to be nervous about it, Haruko," said Kotone, nudging her lightly with an elbow.
"She has every right to feel that way. I mean, we are facing the school that ranked fourth last year—Misono Girls' Junior and Senior High School," said Sayaka, glancing at Haruko with a reassuring smile.
"That's true. However, let's not forget that she was trained by a hottie from Toshigawa on how to play. So I have no doubt in my mind that we'll win this game," said Kotone confidently, arms crossed, her energy helping lighten the mood.
"As long as we all play like we do in practice and follow Coach Maeda's instructions, we will be alright," said Suzume, adjusting her wristbands as she looked out the window.
"You're right. We should do just fine in this match," said Sayaka, exhaling calmly.
"Aren't you supposed to be our captain? Show a little backbone, will you?" said Kazue, shooting Haruko a sidelong look before sighing and turning toward the aisle.
Haruko's stomach twisted slightly, but she didn't reply. She glanced out the window again, sunlight flickering between trees.
"I wish you were here to watch this, Tetsuo, but that's very unlikely. So I'll just have to win and tell you the good news," Haruko thought to herself.
"Alright, ladies, go ahead and get ready. We're here," said Coach Maeda as the bus came to a smooth stop.
"Here goes nothing. Just remember what Tetsuo taught you, and you'll be fine," Haruko told herself as she stepped down from the bus, her shoes tapping against the pavement. She rolled her shoulders and inhaled the faint scent of varnished wood and rubber from the nearby gym.
Inside the venue, the air was slightly cool and dry. The polished court reflected the overhead lights, and the faint echo of bouncing balls from other teams rang in the distance.
As the girls from Hachioji Academy stretched, the senior players noticed that most of the first- and second-years were visibly tense. Their movements were rigid, eyes shifting to the court doors and bleachers.
"Except for the rest of us and Kazue, everyone seems to be on edge, and the match hasn't even started yet," said Sayaka, tightening her ponytail.
"Well, that was expected since most of our bench is made up of first- and second-years," said Suzume, rotating her ankle in smooth circles as she sat on the court.
"To be honest, worrying about the game will do us no good, so we will have to lead by example," said Kotone as she bent into a forward stretch, exhaling slowly.
Suddenly, a new voice cut through the low hum of conversation.
"Maeda-senpai, it's been so long," said a woman who looked to be in her mid-twenties, stepping confidently into view.
"Yamaoka, right? I didn't know you became a coach as well," said Maeda, genuinely surprised.
"Yes, I just recently started. The coach wanted to focus on the high school team, so he needed some help. I am the assistant coach for the senior team and the coach for the junior team," said Coach Yamaoka.
"Oh, I see."
"I hope your girls brought their best because if they didn't, they won't stand a chance. Our team is pretty strong," said Coach Yamaoka with a confident grin.
"We'll see about that," replied Coach Maeda, her tone calm but resolute.
"Alright, everyone, let's warm up," said Haruko, clapping her hands.
"Yeah!" the team responded in unison.
As the girls lined up, Haruko passed the basketball to Suzume, who dribbled to the hoop and scored a clean layup. Sayaka followed, feeding Kotone, who finished with a firm layup off the glass. A first-year passed the ball to Kazue, who responded with her usual precision.
The ball bounced across the court, echoing as it settled into Kotone's grip.
"They're here—Misono Junior High," said Sayaka, eyes narrowing slightly as a group of girls entered in matching navy and white uniforms.
"That's Chizuru, their best player—the one with blonde hair. Be on the lookout for her, everyone," said Suzume, voice quiet but serious.
"Yeah, definitely. I heard she was good enough to play on the high school team. She even trains with them," said Sayaka.
"Come on, everyone. Don't mind them. Let's just focus on our warm-ups," said Haruko, trying to sound composed. She clapped twice, breaking their gaze and pulling their focus back to the drills.
"So, Chizuru, what do you think of Hachioji Academy?" asked a girl from the opposing team.
"I did a little research on them. They dropped out in the second round last season, so there's no need to worry. We've got this game in the bag," said Chizuru, her voice cool and disinterested.
"Alright, let's start the game," said Coach Yamaoka.
"So the starting lineup is me, Kotone, Suzume, Sayaka, and Kazue. Let's do this," Haruko thought, feeling the nerves flutter in her chest again.
The whistle blew. Kotone timed her jump perfectly and slapped the ball toward Suzume, who caught it mid-air. But as she pivoted, Chizuru was already waiting, body squared and knees bent, eyes sharp.
Suzume gestured, and Kotone moved into position for a screen. With a tight dribble, Suzume cut around it and dished the ball to Kazue, who stepped in and laid the ball up, the net snapping cleanly.
"Nice one, Kazue," said Sayaka.
As the teams transitioned, one of Misono's players dribbled up, and a high screen freed Chizuru on the right wing. A clean pass found her hands, and without hesitation, she launched a three-pointer. The ball barely touched the rim as it dropped in.
"Nice shot, Chizuru," said her teammate, slapping her hand.
"A three right off the bat? This girl is good. However, we are not as hopeless as last year," Suzume muttered under her breath, glancing at Haruko as if drawing strength.
On the next play, Suzume advanced the ball and called for a double screen. Kotone freed Haruko on the wing. Suzume passed, and Haruko caught it in stride.
"Remember how he shot that shot, how authentic and smooth his rhythm was. Shoot the ball exactly how he showed you," Haruko told herself.
She bent her knees slightly, followed through with her wrist, and the ball floated off her fingers. It arced and dropped straight through.
"Nice shot, Haruko!" said Sayaka as she hugged her tightly.
"Yeah, great work," said Kotone, giving her a high-five.
"Well, what do you know? They're better than I anticipated," said Chizuru, watching closely.
"Oh, not bad, Maeda. Your team is not bad at all," said Coach Yamaoka from the sideline.
"That's it, girls. Show them what we're made of!" said Coach Maeda with a smile, pacing calmly.
Back on the bench, the first-years leaned forward, wide-eyed.
"Did you see that three?" whispered one, eyes on Chizuru.
"She's insane… That shot didn't even look like effort."
"How are we supposed to guard her?" another muttered, nervously fiddling with the hem of her jersey.
"Focus on the plays and calm down," whispered another senior nearby. "We're in this together."
On the court, Misono quickly responded with a layup, but Kotone countered with her own after a sharp cut and pass from Sayaka.
Chizuru moved fluidly, reading the defense and shooting another three. It dropped in again. The gym buzzed with quiet gasps.
Suzume broke through on the next possession and took a jump shot, but Chizuru blocked it with a clean leap, palms smacking the ball downward. She then recovered it and sprinted up the court for a fast break, finishing with a smooth layup.
As Suzume brought the ball back up again, Chizuru stole it with a quick hand check and foot shuffle. Kazue rushed back, determined, trying to challenge the fast break.
Chizuru went up, and Kazue jumped to contest.
Tweet! The whistle cut through the noise.
"Foul, orange number five. Basket counts—one free throw," announced the referee.
"I told you, didn't I? Hachioji Academy is nothing compared to us," said Chizuru with a tight-lipped smile, brushing her bangs from her eyes.
As players lined up for the free throw, Haruko felt her chest tighten. She turned away from the group briefly, blinking hard.
Relax. You can't lead from a place of panic.
Her thoughts drifted back—Tetsuo standing in front of her, arms crossed, ball in one hand.
"You can't rush your shot or your thoughts. When you feel the pace shift, breathe. Own the space around you. Then act."
She exhaled and turned back around.
"Haruko," Coach Maeda called from the sideline.
The girls jogged over during the short break.
"Don't let Chizuru rush you. Stick tighter screens. Force the ball into the corners. Sayaka, help hedge on the wing when they run that flare. Haruko, lead with your tempo—make them adjust to you. Understood?"
"Yes, Coach!"
They clapped and jogged back.
Haruko called out, voice firm this time. "Let's lock in!"
Sayaka nodded.
On the sideline, the first-years watched quietly. Their posture slowly changed—from slouched shoulders to sitting upright, watching their seniors dig in.
Haruko set her stance on the next play, eyes steady as the ball was inbounded.
The game wasn't over. Not even close.
Chizuru lined up and shoot the free throw putting her team in a six point lead.