After the team disbanded, Nango found Kano and the two went to grab lunch together. The game had been in the morning, so the rest of Sunday was free.
"Nango, Nango! Does Haruko like Rukawa Kaede? And Sakuragi like Haruko?" Kano suddenly grabbed his arm and asked.
"How did you know?" Nango blinked, amused.
"Hmph, I'm smart! I could tell during the game—Haruko was staring at Rukawa the whole time," Kano said proudly.
"And that Sakuragi… every time he scored he'd glance at Haruko and strike a pose. It couldn't be more obvious." She mimicked Sakuragi's goofy victory pose, fist pumped in the air.
"But Haruko is so silly—Sakuragi's feelings are on display and she still doesn't notice!" Kano shook her head in disbelief.
Nango rubbed his head and chuckled. "Maybe she's been looked after too well by Akagi-senpai."
Kano thought a moment and nodded. "Yeah, Akagi does look scary. Anyone going after Haruko would have to be brave. But they don't look alike at all!"
"Don't say that in front of Akagi," Nango warned, smiling.
"Of course not! I'm not an idiot!" Kano sniffed, very offended at the idea she'd say something foolish. Nango flicked her small nose playfully. She turned away, face tinged pink.
They walked on, chatting, until they reached an intersection. A truck suddenly sped through; Nango yanked Kano back just in time.
"Silly, watch the road," he teased.
Kano didn't answer. For a second Nango was puzzled, then he smiled and shifted his grip—no longer just grabbing, but slipping his fingers between hers. Kano's cheeks flamed hotter; she didn't pull away.
Back at Shohoku's gym, Miyagi—who had only played about ten minutes against Shoyo—stayed behind for extra practice. He had a single thought: get better.
"Damn it," he muttered to himself, watching the arc of another shot. "Nango's got so many moves I don't. All I've got is speed… if only I were taller." He didn't dwell on it. Instead he lined up another baseline jumper and let the ball fly.
The gym echoed with the sound of ball on rim as Miyagi trained alone, determined to turn speed into unstoppable finish.
Later, Rukawa Kaede had his usual nap, then headed for the outdoor court. A few local players were there; when they saw his face they muttered and left. Rukawa simply spun the ball on his finger and began working through his drills.
"This Nango guy keeps improving," he thought. "I can't stand still." The competitive itch flared—Rukawa wouldn't let himself fall behind. Sakuragi's rise pushed him, too. He kept practicing until his fingers ached.
Akagi, Mitsui, and Kogure sat at a coffee shop that afternoon; Kogure had dragged Mitsui along for the chat.
"I never dreamed we'd actually have a real shot at Nationals," Kogure admitted, stirring his coffee.
"You don't need to dream," Mitsui said bluntly. "We'll make it."
Akagi nodded. "We will, but we must prepare. Round-robin is coming—Hainan, Ryonan, Takezato (Buri)… all strong teams. We can't relax."
Mitsui scoffed. "Ryonan lost to us in the practice game. With Miyagi and me back, what's there to fear?"
"Ryonan's watching our games," Akagi warned calmly. "Taoka will adapt. Kainan's other players are unknown to us. And Takezato—we haven't seen enough."
Mitsui puffed. "Hmph. With me here, we won't lose."
Akagi rolled his eyes. "Talk big, why don't you."
Mitsui sprang up. "What did you call me? You Gorilla!"
"Idiot! Who are you calling Gorilla?" Akagi shot back, standing too.
Kogure leapt between them with a half-grin, defusing the rising argument before it became a full brawl.
Sakuragi walked with his gang that evening. "You've been getting a lot better lately," Yohei nudged him, proud.
"Haha, really?" Sakuragi puffed up—then remembered something. "Yohei, when Haruko watched, did she say anything about me?"
"She said Rukawa's so handsome," Takamiya blurted.
"Yeah, that's exactly what she said," Noma and Okusu agreed.
Sakuragi deflated. Yohei jumped in, quick to bolster him. "Don't listen. Haruko said you're improving fast and you're indispensable. She believes you can help Shohoku reach Nationals. Don't let her down."
"Really?" Sakuragi lit up again. "Haruko said that? Then I'll lead Shohoku to Nationals—and dominate the nation!"
If the team had been around, they'd all complain: That's not your team to lead! But Sakuragi was fired up and serious for once.
"Let's not talk basketball. Pachinko?" Okusu suggested.
"Yeah, let's go!" Takamiya and Noma cheered.
"Are you coming?" Yohei asked Sakuragi.
Sakuragi shook his head with resolve. "No—practice."
The others shrugged and linked arms, heading off toward the pachinko parlor while Sakuragi went back to the gym.
That evening, Nango and Kano walked home together, hands still entwined. The day had been good: a huge win behind them, practice ahead, and small, ordinary moments worth remembering.
Coach Anzai's smile, Mitsui's stubbornness, Rukawa's relentless grind, Miyagi's silent drills and Sakuragi's childish vows—all of it stitched the team tighter. Nango pocketed that warmth and tightened his grip on Kano's hand, feeling ready for whatever came next.
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