The practice match between the veterans and the rookies was still underway.
"Relax, man, you're stiff as a broom out here."
At the top of the key, Kise smiled as he watched the freshman in front of him perform all kinds of dribbling moves.
As a senior, giving pointers to a junior like this felt surprisingly novel to him.
On the other end, Hiroshi looked like he was facing a wild beast, not stopping his endless dribble combinations.
Back in middle school, Hiroshi was the starting point guard for a well-known basketball school in Tokyo, leading his team to the quarterfinals in the junior league.
It's no exaggeration to say that his current skills could probably earn him a starting spot at almost any high school in the prefecture… except, of course, at Kaijo.
Perhaps Kise had gotten bored of watching the show, because as soon as Hiroshi used a hesitation dribble to change pace, Kise lunged in, perfectly timing the steal and smacking the ball away.
On the side, Kota—always alert—snatched up the loose ball immediately.
Seeing Hiroshi frozen in disbelief, Kota shook his head inwardly.
Solid fundamentals, but his decision-making was a disaster. Same year as Yuki, same position… even after I graduate, he's not taking the starting PG spot.
"Speaking of… where's that guy?"
Irritated at the thought, Kota didn't slow down. He lobbed a high pass to Hayakawa, who powered through his defender again for another two points — Kota logging another assist.
Hayakawa, ever the brawler type, pumped his fist in celebration. Even against weaker opponents, he could still get hyped like it was the championship game.
Less than halfway through the first quarter, the score was already 17–4. And this was without Kota or Kise even going all out. Hayakawa alone was wreaking havoc on the rookies, scoring 14 points!
The rookie squad had talent, sure, but they'd only been put together today — chemistry was nonexistent. And with Kise and Kota's star power on the floor, their offense was constantly disrupted. No one was stepping up.
Kota was just about ready to yawn when our little genius finally arrived.
"Well, look who finally decided to show up."
Kota's sharp eyes caught the figure peeking nervously from the gym entrance. His teasing call made Yuki stiffen up and bow deeply in apology.
"I'm sorry!"
For some reason, apologizing was the only time Yuki could raise his voice.
"Alright, get in here, warm up. You're playing in the second half."
Kota waved him over, watching with silent exasperation as Yuki stiffly walked in, arms and legs moving like they were controlled by separate committees.
If only I could blend his personality with Araki's, he'd be perfect…
The other players noticed Yuki too. The rookies didn't react much, but the second- and third-years suddenly tensed. Last summer, fresh off their championship, they'd had a very "memorable" encounter with the national youth team—and Yuki had clearly left an impression.
Takeuchi, catching on first, shot Kota a look as if to ask, You roped him into joining Kaijo, didn't you?
Obviously. Do I ever mess up a recruitment?
Kota returned the look, both grinning like co-conspirators from across the gym.
No matter how the rest of the rookie class turned out, just landing Yuki made this year's intake a win.
Yuki, of course, had no clue what was going through their heads. He wobbled his way to the rookie bench and sat down quietly.
The other freshmen eyed him curiously. Judging from how the seniors reacted, this guy clearly wasn't ordinary.
Feeling their stares, Yuki kept a calm face but was panicking inside. Thankfully, the familiar atmosphere of the court steadied him enough to avoid embarrassing himself.
The first quarter ended soon after. Kota had taken it easy toward the end, letting the rookies close the gap so they wouldn't be too crushed before even officially joining the club.
22–13, veterans in the lead.
"All rookies who haven't played yet, warm up. Don't get hurt when you go in."
Takeuchi barked orders while sneaking a glance at Yuki. Just like last year with Kise, Yuki was the rookie he had the highest hopes for.
"Man, the seniors are crazy good."
A rookie guard slumped back on the bench. Going up against Kise had been like trying to play basketball against a tornado.
"Right? I was prepared, but seeing it up close is ridiculous. No wonder they're back-to-back champs."
Yuki listened, puzzled.
They were holding back, though… and besides Kise and Kota, the others weren't that strong.
Of course, there was no way he'd actually say something that cocky out loud.
"Why are you still sitting there? Aren't you gonna warm up?"
Kota walked over mid-water break.
"Ah! Kota-senpai!"
Startled, Yuki jumped up, ready to bow again—
—but Kota had been ready for that, grabbing him by the shoulders with an eye twitch.
"I told you to relax! Look at your teammates—they're all warming up already. You're the only one still sitting here like a lost kid."
"I'm sorry!"
And off Yuki ran to warm up, leaving Kota rubbing his forehead in defeat.
"Whoa, that guy's tall."
"No kidding. Didn't notice when he was sitting, but he's gotta be at least 190 cm, right?"
The whispers reached Kota's ears. Watching Yuki stretch, he wondered…
"Has he grown taller again? Eh, whatever—he's ours. The taller, the better."
BEEP—
"Second quarter's about to start. Players, get ready."
The whistle blew again, and Kota's boredom vanished, replaced with eager anticipation.
Kise noticed, draping an arm over Kota's shoulder.
"Careful, man. Don't let the rookie steal your spot."
Kota rolled his eyes. Sure, Yuki had talent, but stealing Kaijo's starting PG job from him? Not happening anytime soon.
"You should be careful too. Yuki's a point guard, but at that height he could play small forward."
Kota glanced between Kise and Yuki with a sly grin.
"Actually… he might even be taller than you."
"…Hah?!"
Kise caught the jab instantly, frowning as he rolled up his sleeves.
"Alright, now I'm gonna show you who Kaijo's real ace is, Kota."
"Dream on. Yuki's a PG, so I'm guarding him. You can have your turn after the scrimmage's over."
Neither backed down, both determined not to let the other get the matchup against Yuki.
Meanwhile, the rookies were still sorting out positions based on height.
"Uh… can you play power forward?" one short guard asked Yuki.
"Huh? Me, a PF?"
Yuki was about to refuse—he'd always been a point guard, loved setting up his teammates.
"Well, you see… aside from Takumi the center, you're the tallest."
A quick glance confirmed it.
"…Can I—never mind. Fine."
Not great at saying no, Yuki reluctantly agreed.
And so, under the watchful eyes of Kota and Kise, Yuki took his spot.
Kota & Kise: "…"
BEEP—
Before either could say anything, the game restarted with the rookies inbounding.
Kota sighed—so much for matching up with Yuki. Still, maybe the new PG would be a surprise.
…Yeah, no.
Watching the rookie point guard fumble through clumsy dribble moves, Kota felt his hopes crash.
"I waited a whole quarter for THIS?"
SLAP!
He picked his pocket without mercy, sped downcourt with a single crossover, and scored a casual layup.
Jogging back, Kota shot Yuki a look.
"Playing PF? Seriously? You're wasting your talent, man."
Yuki pretended not to notice, though he didn't exactly want to play PF either. He just didn't want to argue with brand-new teammates.
Kota read him like a book.
From then on, Kota locked the rookie PG down completely, dismantling him possession after possession.
Meanwhile, Yuki's lack of size and strength for the position meant he couldn't get good position against Hayakawa, and his teammates mostly ignored his calls for the ball.
From their perspective, he didn't look like someone who could just post up and score inside.
The lead kept growing.
Kota didn't say anything—just kept glancing at Yuki with a silent message:
If you don't take control soon, your high school debut is gonna end with a big fat zero.
Maybe it was Kota's looks, maybe it was frustration from barely touching the ball, but eventually Yuki snapped.
After yet another turnover from the rookie PG, he walked over.
"I mean…"