Three days after Miyagi's return, practice was supposed to be routine. But with Akagi tied up in class, it was left to Nango and Kogure to lead the session.
"Captain Akagi will be late today," Nango announced, taking charge. "That won't stop our practice. Five laps to warm up, then half-court offense and defense drills. Let's move—I'll lead."
"Tch!"
Sakuragi and Miyagi clicked their tongues in unison. Both had been rejected countless times by girls, and both disliked Nango. That alone was enough to bond them together.
For Sakuragi, Nango's arrogance reminded him of Rukawa. For Miyagi, it was his sly and calculating air. Worse, seeing Nango lead practice made it obvious who the next captain would be—and both Miyagi and Sakuragi had fancied themselves as candidates.
Still, Miyagi had to admit Nango's strength. Two days of practice had shown him that Nango wasn't just an offensive powerhouse—he also had the vision and control of a point guard. Miyagi could respect losing to such a player, even if it stung.
Thump, thump, thump…
Their warmup was cut short by the heavy sound of footsteps at the gym entrance.
The intruders had arrived.
Mitsui, flanked by Tetsuo and a group of delinquents, strode in with smug faces.
Mitsui's smirk oozed arrogance. He had waited for this day—clear skies, bright sun, the perfect stage to take revenge on Miyagi. With thugs at his back and the basketball gym as the battlefield, he believed Miyagi wouldn't dare retaliate.
Time, place, and people—all in his favor.
At his side, Tetsuo stood with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, chest puffed out, eyes filled with contempt. He was a man of few words, but his presence screamed menace.
Nango stepped forward, voice firm but calm. "Who are you? This is the Basketball Team's practice. Leave now and don't interfere."
The intruders glanced at him like he was a fool and ignored him completely.
"Hey!" Nango pressed, keeping up the act.
Miyagi quickly pulled him back. "Nango, let me handle this. This is my problem."
Mitsui sneered. "Oh? Then let us join the fun, Miyagi."
Miyagi's nerves spiked. "Not here. The team is practicing. If you want something, let's settle it privately."
Mitsui's grin widened. "Idiot. I came here to cause trouble. How's this supposed to be private?"
At his signal, Ad, one of his henchmen, yanked Miyagi by the hair and shoved him forward. "Why waste time talking, Mitsui? Let's just do it."
"You're right, Ad." Mitsui raised his leg and drove a kick into Miyagi's stomach.
"Ugh!" Miyagi doubled over in pain, clutching his abdomen.
"Miyagi!" Shohoku's players surged forward instinctively, but Kogure spread his arms and blocked them. "No! If we fight, the Basketball Team will be suspended. We'll lose our chance at the Prefectural Tournament!"
The warning froze them in place.
Sakuragi grit his teeth. "Damn it! These cowards…!"
Most of Shohoku's players had never been in a fight. They were good students. Facing delinquents like Mitsui's gang left them anxious, especially when fighting back could destroy their tournament hopes.
Seeing their frustration, Mitsui burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Just as I thought, Miyagi. Today, you—"
Smack!
Mitsui's words were cut short as Nango's foot slammed into him, knocking him flat.
"Who gave you permission," Nango said coldly, "to lay a hand on one of my teammates?"
"Mitsui!" Ad roared and swung at Nango.
"Miyagi, stop him!" Miyagi shouted in panic.
But Nango ignored him. With one swift kick, Ad crashed to the floor as well.
The gang froze, stunned. Their leaders—flattened in seconds.
Kogure rushed over and grabbed Nango's arm. "What are you doing?! Didn't I say no fighting? If the Basketball Team gets dragged into this, we'll all be suspended!"
Relief flickered across the delinquents' faces. At least someone was thinking clearly.
But Nango shook Kogure off and spoke with complete seriousness. "Senpai, you've misunderstood. This isn't fighting. This is justice. They colluded with outsiders to invade school grounds and attempt extortion. We're defending our classmates and protecting school safety."
"…Eh?!"
Everyone froze, stunned by his bold declaration.
Even Mitsui's gang looked dumbfounded. Who the hell is extorting anyone?!
One of Ad's lackeys shouted, "What nonsense are you spouting? Say that again!"
Nango smirked. "Didn't you hear me? Fine, I'll repeat it. You colluded with unlawful elements, infiltrated school grounds, and attempted extortion."
"You…!" The thug nearly fainted from anger.
Kogure faltered. He understood Nango's ploy now, but the good-natured vice-captain still wavered. Was this really okay?
Nango turned to him firmly. "Senpai, don't worry. This won't implicate the Basketball Team. They came during practice. Outsiders mixed with students—it's clear they came to start trouble. And don't forget—we have a human witness, Haruko, and material evidence, Miyagi. Right, Haruko?"
"Eh? Me?" Haruko blinked, startled. But for her brother's dream, she nodded quickly. "Y-Yes!"
Miyagi, clutching his stomach, muttered bitterly, "See? He's insidious as ever…"
Yasuda, remembering his own past run-ins with Nango, could only nod in agreement.
Mitsui's plan had crumbled. What he thought was a perfect setup—time, place, and people all on his side—was now reversed. Nango had twisted it all with motive, witness, and evidence.
----------
Support me at patréon com/DaoOfPeeking