After school — Shohoku Basketball Club.
In the quiet of the clubroom, Akagi Takenori sat sorting through a stack of documents. They were all new member applications submitted earlier that day.
As captain of the basketball team, it was his job to review each one carefully.
Beside him was a calm-looking boy in round glasses — Kogure Kiminobu, the team's vice-captain. Naturally, he was also helping to sift through the forms.
"There are way more applicants than last year," Kogure remarked.
Akagi snorted. "What's the point if most of them quit halfway? I'm not interested in guys who can't commit."
Kogure adjusted his glasses and gave a helpless sigh. "You're always so serious, Akagi. It wouldn't kill you to loosen up a little."
But Akagi shook his head. "If someone's slacking off even during training, there's no way they'll make it to nationals."
Kogure chuckled. "Speaking of training, that guy you played today wasn't half bad. What was his name again... oh, right! Sakuragi Hanamichi!"
He began flipping through the applications, searching for Sakuragi's form — but couldn't find it.
"Huh? That's odd. Did he not apply?"
Akagi scowled. "I've already written him off. No way am I letting an arrogant show-off like him on the team."
Kogure twitched his lips slightly, remembering Sakuragi's raw performance that afternoon. "He might be inexperienced, sure, but that guy has talent. It'd be a shame to waste it. We should at least give him a shot."
Akagi said nothing, lost in thought.
Then, something caught his eye.
"Hm?"
Kogure noticed the change in his expression. "What is it?"
"Qing Junce," Akagi read. "Height: 192 cm. Not bad... though I have no idea if he can actually play."
Kogure's eyes lit up. "192? That makes three players over 180 cm — you, Sakuragi, and now this Junce guy!"
Akagi nodded. "Kaede Rukawa from Toigaoka Junior High is joining too. This year, we must compete for the national championship."
"Huh?" Kogure muttered as he picked up another form. "Wait a minute — there's a girl applying to be team manager. Let's see… Shimizu Kanon… what the—?"
Akagi raised an eyebrow. "What's weird about it?"
Kogure blinked at the application. "Her reason for joining says… 'To take care of a lazy idiot.'"
"…Huh?"
For a moment, the clubroom fell into stunned silence.
The Next Day – Shohoku High School Gym
On the court, a line of fresh-faced first-year students stood at attention.
Akagi stood before them, voice firm and commanding. "I'm Akagi Takenori, captain of the basketball team. Let's start with self-introductions."
One by one, the newcomers stepped forward.
"First-year, Class 1. Iishi Taro. Height: 172 cm. Weight: 65 kg. Preferred position: point guard."
"Class 5, Ken Suzuki. 165 cm, 66 kg. Small forward."
"Class 4, Masahiko Ishioka. 179 cm, 70 kg. I usually play center."
"Class 4, Kuwata Jiro. Height: 162 cm, 50 kg. Played small forward in junior high. Looking forward to your guidance."
As the students introduced themselves, Akagi quietly took notes in a small notebook.
Then it was the next student's turn.
This one had a cool, aloof demeanor and sharp black hair. He spoke calmly, without emotion.
"First-year, Class 10. Kaede Rukawa. Height: 187 cm. Weight: 75 kg. From Toigaoka Junior High. No fixed position."
The second and third-years watching from the sidelines began murmuring.
"That's him — the super rookie, Kaede Rukawa!"
"Can he really play every position?"
"He was MVP in junior high. He's the real deal."
Akagi looked Rukawa up and down. "Hey, Rukawa. Got any hobbies?"
Rukawa crossed one arm, touched his chin with the other, and answered thoughtfully, "Hobbies… probably sleeping."
Pfft—
Sakuragi Hanamichi couldn't hold back a laugh. He pointed mockingly. "Hahaha! Sleeping's a hobby? You all heard that, right? That's why he's got that sissy face — what a boring guy!"
Akagi cut him off. "Next."
Sakuragi stepped forward, chest puffed out, voice proud. "Sakuragi Hanamichi, from Wako Junior High. Height: 188 cm. Weight: 83 kg. And my hobby is—"
"Okay, that's enough. Next."
Sakuragi froze mid-sentence, face flushing bright red. He glared silently at Akagi but dared not argue.
When the introductions ended, Akagi frowned.
"No more? That's everyone?"
Kogure nodded. "Sakuragi was the last one."
Akagi flipped through his notes again. "Qing Junce didn't show?"
"Oh, right!" Kogure said, suddenly remembering. "That really tall one — over 190 cm. He's not here. And the girl who applied as manager didn't show either."
His expression turned strange as he recalled her reason for joining.
"…Wait a second," he muttered. "Could that lazy idiot she mentioned be Qing Junce himself? Maybe he didn't show because he's… well, lazy?"
Akagi's scowl deepened. "Late on the first day of training? I don't want that kind of person on my team."
"I'm so sorry I'm late!"
A soft female voice cut through the air.
Akagi's eyes twitched. He'd just finished condemning lateness, and now…
Everyone turned toward the voice.
A girl stood by the entrance, holding a small medical kit. She wore a yellow and purple sun hat, a loose pink T-shirt, and snug blue shorts that showed off her long, athletic legs.
Her features were stunning — delicate and artful, with dark, willowy brows and eyes that sparkled like sunlight on water. Her lashes fluttered like little fans with every blink, giving her gaze a playful charm.
Her nose was sharp, lips like soft rose petals, and long, gently curled hair cascaded down her cheeks like a breeze across water.
This was Inoue Ayako, Shohoku's team manager.
"I'm Ayako, the team manager. Second year. Looking forward to working with you all!"
She strolled casually to the group, giving some of the new players playful shoulder pats.
"What's the matter with you guys? I just said hello — you can at least say it back!"
Some of the shyer students blushed and looked away awkwardly.
Akagi stepped in. "Alright, before we begin practice, one thing: This year, we're aiming for nationals. That means intense, no-nonsense training. Understood?"
Just then, someone else entered the gym.
An older man with snow-white hair and matching eyebrows, dressed in a bright yellow top and green slacks. He wore glasses and had a round, chubby figure — like a gentle puffball with legs.
There was always a warm, kindly smile on his face, though a sharp glint of wisdom occasionally flickered in his eyes.
This was Mitsuyoshi Anzai, Shohoku's coach.
"Oh ho ho ho… Already getting started, I see."
All eyes turned toward him.
Akagi, Kogure, and the other seniors straightened up. "Coach Anzai."
The first-years looked on with curiosity.
Akagi turned to him and said respectfully, "Coach, these are our new recruits. Please guide them well."
"Oh ho ho ho…" Anzai chuckled again. "Let's start with a practice game, shall we?"