Ryonan High School Basketball Gym — Game Day
The Ryonan players arrived early that morning, warming up in a tense but orderly atmosphere.
Coach Taoka Moichi sat courtside, eyes sweeping over his players before speaking firmly.
"For the upcoming match, just follow Ake's instructions. Understood?"
"Yes!" the players responded in unison, voices steady and full of conviction.
Every face showed trust — not a hint of doubt.
They had all witnessed Ake's ability firsthand.
If the Coach wasn't present, then on the court, Ake's word was law.
Coach Taoka turned to him, his tone softening. "Ake... there won't be any problems, right?"
"No problem," Ake replied calmly.
His tone was so casual it sounded like they were discussing dinner plans instead of a game.
The players nearby twitched slightly, thinking the same thing.
'Coach... where's your usual authority?'
'Why do you turn into a different person the moment you talk to Ake?'
They'd never dare say it out loud, of course. Ake had the skill — they didn't.
"Has Sendoh not arrived yet?" Coach Taoka suddenly frowned, glancing around the gym.
The players froze, and a silent three-second mourning ceremony for Sendoh occurred in their minds.
Their gazes drifted toward Ake.
Even though Ake had never said anything about punishment for being late, his authority ran deep enough that no one dared test it.
Ironically, Ake himself didn't care about tardiness.
As long as it didn't affect the game, he could overlook it.
It was a sign of balance — the result of his merged personalities.
However, once he gave an order...
That command was absolute.
Some time later—
Bang! The gym door flew open.
"Hello, everyone."
The Ryonan players turned toward the voice and saw a group of figures in Shohoku uniforms standing neatly at the entrance.
At the front stood Takenori Akagi — tall and imposing, like an iron tower.
To his left and right were Rukawa Kaede and Sakuragi Hanamichi — one cold as ice, the other blazing like fire.
Their teammates followed behind, steps synchronized, posture firm.
The formation gave off an almost oppressive air — like a gang on patrol.
"It's Shohoku!"
"That's Takenori Akagi! He's huge!"
"And that must be Rukawa Kaede — he looks so composed."
"Who's the red-haired guy? Never seen him before!"
"He doesn't look... uh, friendly."
Whispers spread quickly through the Ryonan side.
Then Sakuragi Hanamichi grinned arrogantly, thumping his chest. "I'll take care of Sendoh!"
His smug expression screamed 'I'm the best in the world!' — as if he'd come to conquer the gym instead of play basketball.
Bang!
Before he could finish, Takenori Akagi smacked him on the head, sending him sprawling.
"Idiot! Have some manners!"
Sakuragi clutched his head, wailing, "Damn gorilla! You're hitting me already?!"
At that moment, Coach Taoka stepped forward and bowed deeply to Mitsuyoshi Anzai.
"Coach Anzai, I'm truly sorry! I should've been the one to visit you, yet you came all this way yourself — I'm embarrassed."
Mitsuyoshi Anzai chuckled kindly. "Not at all. No need to be so formal."
The Ryonan players exchanged confused glances.
"That's Shohoku's coach? Our Coach is being so polite?" Koshino whispered.
Ikegami narrowed his eyes. "That old man... he's not ordinary."
Ake spoke up then, voice calm and even.
"Mitsuyoshi Anzai was once a player for Japan's national basketball team. After retiring, he coached at a university before stepping down for personal reasons. Later, he joined Shohoku."
Everyone turned to stare at him.
"Ake, you even researched the opposing coach?" Koshino said, shocked.
The others were equally surprised — they hadn't even realized he'd done that.
"I'd read a report about him before," Ake replied mildly. "I just remembered."
As Shohoku entered, Ake quietly studied each player.
They looked just as he remembered... but had their strength changed?
Now that he was with Ryonan, Shohoku's fate was uncertain.
He wouldn't hold back.
Whether Shohoku would rise from adversity — or fall completely — would soon be revealed.
His gaze lingered on Sakuragi Hanamichi, who was laughing with Aida Hikoichi, carefree and relaxed.
Rukawa Kaede would handle Sendoh. The others weren't threats.
But Sakuragi... was different.
He'd only been playing for a few months, yet somehow, he always managed to create chaos — the kind of unpredictable, game-changing chaos that couldn't be ignored.
Only a few could truly stop him — Sendoh, Uozumi... or himself.
Ryonan's bench was still thin.
Suddenly, a name flashed in Ake's mind — a former Ryonan player who'd quit the team.
After the match, perhaps he'd talk to the Coach about bringing that person back.
It shouldn't be difficult.
Once both Coaches finished exchanging pleasantries, the captains stepped forward.
Ake, composed as ever, walked toward Mitsuyoshi Anzai with a calm smile.
Meanwhile, Takenori Akagi shook hands solemnly with Coach Taoka. "I'm Shohoku's captain, Takenori Akagi. Please guide me."
"Oh, Akagi! Nice to meet you," Coach Taoka replied warmly. "You know, our Uozumi has made defeating you his life's goal — he's been training hard just for this!"
Hearing that, Takenori Akagi blinked, scanning the gym for Uozumi.
But what he saw instead made his eyes widen.
There, walking toward Mitsuyoshi Anzai, was a red-haired figure.
Ake's polite smile carried an undeniable authority, his eyes dark and deep — like they could swallow the light itself.
Every step he took exuded confidence and quiet power.
The moment Mitsuyoshi Anzai saw him, his expression shifted — the kind smile vanishing for a split second, replaced by surprise.
Even Rukawa Kaede's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze locking onto Ake as if confirming something.
Ake stopped before Anzai, extended his hand, and said calmly.
"Coach Anzai, it's an honor. I'm the captain of Ryonan High, Ake Ryu."