Days passed.
Several days later, in the Ryonan High School Basketball Gym:
"This is the latest information I got on the Shohoku Basketball Club yesterday," Aida Hikoichi announced, holding his notebook high, a triumphant grin on his face as he stepped into the gym. "You won't believe it—besides Rukawa Kaede, Shohoku has another incredible player hiding in their roster."
The first-year students perked up immediately, gathering around.
"What? Another master besides Rukawa Kaede?"
"I knew Rukawa was impressive in middle school… but someone else?"
"Who could be stronger than Rukawa?"
They whispered and speculated, brimming with curiosity.
The older players, however, stayed back, listening silently, their expressions thoughtful rather than excitable.
Akashi, naturally, already knew who Aida meant.
Sendo approached him, raising an eyebrow.
"Hey… aren't you curious at all, Akashi?"
Akashi smiled faintly, calm as ever.
"Curiosity changes nothing. Our task is simple: give our all and defeat our opponents."
Sendo shook his head, resigned.
"You're too calm… are you really sixteen?"
Nearby, Uozumi and the other older players silently nodded in agreement. Akashi didn't act like a teenager. He was steady in every situation, experienced in handling problems, and efficient in finding solutions.
Though his decisiveness initially unsettled some, everyone gradually appreciated the rhythm and efficiency he brought. Since Akashi became captain, the team's transformation was tangible: training more organized, tactics executed precisely, and team chemistry quietly strengthening.
Even Coach Taoka Moichi grew more respectful of Akashi's methods.
Koshino Hiroaki glanced around and complained,
"Seems like the Coach has been coming less lately."
Ryoji Ikegami laughed.
"Of course. Ever since Akashi became captain, the Coach rarely interferes. He trusts him completely."
Tomoyuki Uekusa sighed, a mix of envy and frustration.
"Sigh… how can someone be so far ahead? I'm a point guard too, but I'm so weak!"
Ryoji patted him on the shoulder, smiling.
"Why compare yourself to Akashi? Ambition is good, but reality matters too."
Uekusa sighed again. Time passed.
In a flash, the day of the practice match arrived.
Ryonan High School Basketball Gym.
The team arrived early, warming up with focus. The atmosphere was tense but orderly.
Coach Taoka Moichi sat courtside, scanning the players before speaking clearly:
"For this match, follow Akashi's instructions. Understand?"
"Yes!" The team answered in unison, conviction evident on every face.
Everyone had witnessed Akashi's abilities. On the court, he alone was authority.
Coach Taoka turned to Akashi, his tone softer than usual.
"Akashi… no problem, right?"
"No problem." Akashi's voice was calm, almost casual, as if discussing what to eat for dinner.
The players glanced at each other, lips twitching slightly. Even Coach Taoka's usual authority seemed to bend before Akashi's presence.
"Has Sendo not arrived yet?" the Coach frowned, noticing his absence.
A subtle shift ran through the team. Though Akashi hadn't explicitly set rules for tardiness, the respect and authority he commanded were deeply ingrained.
After a moment, the gym door opened:
"Hello, everyone."
Ryonan members looked up to see Shohoku's team entering, uniforms crisp and formation precise.
At the front stood Takenori Akagi, tall and unwavering, like an iron pillar. Rukawa Kaede and Sakuragi Hanamichi flanked him—one cold and composed, the other fiery and unpredictable. The rest of the team followed neatly behind, their steps synchronized, projecting a subtle, oppressive aura.
Whispers ran through the Ryonan team:
"It's Shohoku…"
"That's Akagi! So tall!"
"Rukawa Kaede? Also tall…"
"And the red-haired guy—who's he?"
"Doesn't seem friendly."
Sakuragi grinned arrogantly, thumping his chest.
"I'll take care of Sendo!"
Before he could finish, Akagi delivered a merciless chop to his head, sending him sprawling.
"Idiot. Do you know what manners are?"
Sakuragi clutched his head, wailing indignantly.
"Darn gorilla! Hitting me right after we arrived!"
Coach Taoka Moichi stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Anzai Mitsuyoshi.
"I apologize for not visiting in person, Coach Anzai. I'm embarrassed that you had to come here."
Anzai waved a hand, smiling kindly.
"No need for formalities."
Ryonan members exchanged confused glances.
"Shohoku's Coach… our Coach is respectful to him?" Koshino whispered.
"That old man… he doesn't seem simple," Ryoji muttered.
Akashi spoke calmly.
"Anzai Mitsuyoshi was once a national player for Japan. After retiring, he coached a university team before transferring to Shohoku."
The Ryonan players froze. Akashi had already researched the opposing coach in depth. His observation was precise, calculated.
He now assessed Shohoku: most looked as expected, but the true variable was Sakuragi Hanamichi. Although new, his unpredictable style could create chaos.
Akashi's mind briefly considered a former Ryonan player who had left the team. Perhaps after the match, the Coach could be consulted about bringing him back.
Pleasantries concluded. The captains stepped forward.
Akashi, calm and poised, approached Anzai Mitsuyoshi. His smile was polite but carried undeniable authority. His eyes, deep and commanding, fixed on the opposing coach.
Takenori Akagi, on the other side, bowed formally to Coach Taoka.
"I am Shohoku's captain, Takenori Akagi. Please guide me."
Taoka smiled, teasing slightly.
"Hello, Takenori Akagi! Uozumi has worked hard aiming to defeat you. Please go easy on us today!"
Akagi's gaze shifted searchingly for Uozumi—but the sight before him froze him in place.
Red figure approaching: Akashi Seijuro. Every step steady, every movement radiating power.
Even Anzai Mitsuyoshi's usual calm was broken, replaced by a flicker of shock. Rukawa Kaede, ever indifferent, narrowed his eyes slightly, assessing Akashi with uncharacteristic attention.
Akashi extended his hand politely.
"Hello, Coach Anzai. I've heard much about you. I am the captain of the Ryonan High School Basketball Club, Akashi Seijuro."