LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 5: Senpai, You’d Better Watch Out!
Shohoku High School, Basketball Gym.
"Ahhh!!"
"Ayako, I want to play too!"
Left alone on the sidelines, Sakuragi Hanamichi looked pitifully at Ayako, pleading.
"Not now, Sakuragi Hanamichi. You need to practice the basics properly. Watching this match will be really helpful for you."
Ayako covered her face with her hand, looking both exasperated and sympathetic. She didn't want to hurt Sakuragi's feelings, so she tried to comfort him.
Then, adjusting her brows slightly, she shifted her gaze to the court.
As the team manager, Ayako was well-acquainted with the skills of every player.
Ryu Yan, no matter how you looked at him, seemed like a complete beginner. While his dribbling earlier showed a hint of potential, it was clear he wasn't very strong yet.
Then there was Rukawa Kaede, the key to winning this match.
As for the other first-years, Ayako just hoped they'd do their best.
Under Akagi's arrangements, the players for each team were decided.
The senior team, with few members available, fielded most of its players:
Captain Akagi Takenori
Vice-captain Kogure Kiminobu
Point guard Yasuharu Yasuda
Shooting guard Tetsushi Shiozaki
Power forward Satoru Kakuta
For the first-years, everyone except the total novice Sakuragi took to the court:
Ryu Yan
Rukawa Kaede
Toki Kuwata
Satoro Sasaoka
Kentaro Iishi
As soon as they stepped onto the court, Ryu used his skill to analyze their stats.
First, he scanned Rukawa Kaede:
[Scan: Rukawa Kaede]
Height: 187 cm
Weight: 73 kg
Stamina: B-
Speed: A-
Strength: B+
Jumping: A-
Rukawa's physical stats were impressive, close to Sakuragi's except for stamina. He was undoubtedly a rare talent, but his stamina needed improvement. If he had Sakuragi's endurance, Shohoku might not lose to teams like Kainan in the future.
Next, he scanned Kogure:
[Scan: Kogure Kiminobu]
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 63 kg
Stamina: C-
Speed: D+
Strength: D+
Jumping: D+
There wasn't much to admire here. Despite playing basketball for years, Kogure's stats were this low. It wasn't hard to see why Shohoku often lost early in tournaments before players like Sakuragi and Rukawa joined. Ryu couldn't help but feel sorry for Akagi.
As for the other senior players, Ryu didn't bother scanning them. If even the vice-captain had such poor stats, the rest couldn't be much better.
Once all the players were on the court, Akagi bowed deeply to Coach Anzai and then turned to his team with a serious expression.
He began assigning defensive roles:
"I'll guard Rukawa Kaede. Kogure, you take Ryu. Yasuda, you're on Kuwata. Kakuta, you cover Sawakita. Shiozaki, Ishii is yours."
Hearing this, Shiozaki and the others frowned in confusion.
"Do we really need to take this so seriously? They're just first-years," one of them muttered.
"Yeah, and Ryu just came back. Isn't this a bit much?" another added.
Before they could continue, Akagi's voice boomed:
"Enough! Shut up. Don't underestimate Rukawa Kaede. He was the ace in middle school and earned the title of Rookie of the Year. Don't take this lightly!"
Kogure smiled warmly at Akagi's stern reprimand and added his perspective:
"Actually, our setup serves two purposes. First, we don't have many senior players, so the first-years need to be ready to step in anytime. Second, this match is to assess the first-years' abilities so we can plan future training accordingly."
Akagi nodded in agreement. "Kogure's right. You idiots better listen. Don't be so clueless!"
With that, Akagi delivered a swift punch to each complainer's head.
The punches silenced them, and after some reflection, they realized Kogure's explanation made sense. Their dismissive attitudes vanished, replaced with seriousness.
On the other side, the first-years were tense, except for Rukawa and Ryu. Players like Kuwata were already sweating before the match began, overwhelmed by the pressure of facing Akagi's team.
"First-years, give it your all! You can do it!" Ayako cheered from the sidelines, trying to ease their nerves.
Then—
"The match officially begins!"
Tweet!
Ayako blew the whistle, signaling the start of the game.
From the sidelines, Tada, a second-year, tossed the ball into the air.
As it soared upward, both Rukawa and Akagi leapt simultaneously, determined to gain the first possession.
All eyes were on the ball, the atmosphere growing tense.
Who would prevail?
Just as Akagi's hand reached for the ball—
Smack!
Rukawa's hand slapped it away with force.
The spectators were stunned.
"Rukawa jumped higher and faster than Akagi!"
Even Akagi was shocked, seeing Rukawa outjump him by half a head.
"This guy... he's no ordinary player," Akagi thought.
"Defend!!" Akagi shouted as soon as Rukawa won the jump.
Ryu positioned himself perfectly to catch the ball as it came down.
"Impressive, you've taken the lead already," Kogure said as he stepped in front of Ryu, blocking him. "Let's see what you've got."
"Senpai, you'd better keep up," Ryu replied with a smile, dribbling confidently as he stared down Kogure.