Aida Yayoi took several deep breaths, steadying herself before approaching Nango, who was still practicing alone. With her sweetest professional smile, she said,
"Nango, excuse me, may I interview you?"
Nango turned his head, smiling warmly. "Of course."
Yayoi exhaled in relief and pressed the record button on her voice recorder.
"Nango, as a freshman this year, you won the Most Valuable Player award in your first Summer Selection Tournament. What are your thoughts on that?"
Under her expectant gaze, Nango chuckled. "It's alright. Nothing special."
Big brother, please! I can't turn this in if you keep that up!
Trying not to panic, Yayoi prompted again, "Uh… could you elaborate a little more? For example, weren't you surprised at all?"
Nango still smiled calmly. "Hmm, not really surprised. I kind of had a feeling it might be me."
Yayoi's inner monologue screamed: This kid's either incredibly confident or completely blind!
Still, she kept her face neutral as Nango added,
"But I think individual honors are secondary. What matters most is that our team won the championship."
That answer stunned her. She had been expecting arrogance, not humility.
"So… how would you evaluate your own performance in this tournament?" she asked next.
Nango paused to think. "It was alright. I played to my expectations, but it also showed a lot of areas I still need to improve on — just like what you mentioned in your previous article."
Yayoi froze. We're dead. He read that article!
Her last report had been… blunt. She had criticized Nango to balance out the media's overwhelming praise — to "awaken" readers from their blind worship of rising stars. Unfortunately, that now felt like a terrible idea.
Both she and Nakamura stiffened awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
Sensing it, Nango laughed lightly. "Don't worry. I actually thought your analysis was good. You pointed out a lot of things I need to work on. I'm really not as amazing as people make me out to be."
His honesty took them by surprise.
He didn't want to be idolized by the media anyway. Being put on a pedestal only made him uncomfortable — and maybe even dangerous in a country where, he thought jokingly, people might ask me to commit seppuku if we lose someday.
He preferred a normal pace of growth, not instant glorification. He was good, yes, but not that good.
Yayoi blinked. He's not angry?
Seeing how natural and sincere he was, both reporters felt their tension melt away.
"You're really magnanimous, Nango," Nakamura said admiringly.
"Not at all," Nango replied modestly. "Just a bit of self-awareness."
With the mood finally relaxed, Yayoi continued. "Then who do you think was your strongest opponent in the selection tournament?"
"Maki Shinichi of Kainan," Nango answered instantly. "In the round-robin, he caused us a lot of trouble. His drives were sharp and decisive — even fouls couldn't stop him. It was my first time facing someone that relentless."
Yayoi nodded along, impressed. Such maturity. He really doesn't talk like a typical high schooler.
"And what about Sendoh from Ryonan?" she asked, curiosity slipping through her tone.
Nango smiled thoughtfully. "He's an all-around player — versatile, skilled, and very team-oriented."
Yayoi beamed. Great minds think alike!
She continued, "And your teammates, Rukawa Kaede and Sakuragi Hanamichi? They're freshmen too and both performed well."
Nango internally sighed. Sister, please. You're trying to make me cause internal strife.
Still, he answered carefully, "Rukawa, like Sendoh, is a reliable scorer with great technique. Sakuragi has huge potential — only three months into basketball and already performing this well. His talent is undeniable."
Well said! Yayoi cheered inwardly — and nearby, the secretly eavesdropping Sakuragi was practically glowing with pride.
Next question: "So what's your goal for the National Tournament?"
Nango pointed to the wall where a banner hung. "It's written right there."
"National Champions?" Yayoi raised a brow. "You've heard of Sannoh Industrial, right?"
"Of course," Nango replied, smiling. "They're the kings of high school basketball."
"Aren't you afraid?"
"If they were lions or tigers, maybe I'd be afraid."
His playful tone made both reporters laugh.
Satisfied, Yayoi stopped the recorder and held out her hand. "Alright, that concludes the interview. Thank you so much for your cooperation, Nango. I wish you and your team success in the Nationals."
"Thank you. We'll do our best."
They shook hands, and Nango politely saw them out of the gym.
"I can't believe he's just a freshman," Yayoi said with a sigh. "He's so mature. Compared to him, Hikoichi's miles behind."
Nakamura chuckled. "You're one to talk. If he had held a grudge over your last article, we'd have nothing to write today."
"Yeah, yeah, I know," she grumbled, then smiled. "This time, I'll write something nice. Let's hurry and get this draft in!"
For the first time, Yayoi genuinely believed it — Nango wasn't just talented, he was grounded. No amount of praise would make him lose his composure.
This boy was destined for greatness.
Later that afternoon—
Akagi pointed to a corner of the gym, where several large boxes had been unloaded. Inside were gleaming new fitness machines.
"Coach Anzai, what are these?"
"Ho ho ho," Anzai chuckled. "These were purchased by the principal."
The players gathered around curiously.
"The principal?" Akagi blinked.
"Yes," the old coach said with a twinkle in his eye. "A reward for winning the championship, ho ho ho."
Of course, Anzai knew the real reason — the principal had been impressed by their recent success and wanted to strengthen the team's physical program. But he didn't need to explain that.
"They look so professional!"
"The principal's amazing!"
"Come on, let's try them out!"
"Whoa, they're heavy!"
"Captain, you try it!"
"Alright."
Amid the noise, Akagi lay down on the bench press. He inhaled deeply and gripped the bar.
Then, with a determined grunt, he pressed upward — and the 40-kilogram barbell rose smoothly into the air.
Cheers erupted across the gym.
Shohoku's spirit burned brighter than ever.
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