New Wings
Kogure watches, half hopeful and half nostalgic (already nostalgic, is he?), as Miyagi (newly christened captain of Shohoku) dribbles once, twice, slow and patient as you please, eyes forward, aware of every man on the court, while Mitsui hunkers down and puts up his defense, body squared and arms spread wide (still making up for lost time, even after time had run out), waiting for Miyagi's attack, which will be fast and explosive and unpredictable, everything that makes Shohoku Shohoku.
Kogure isn't sure who he wants to win this first scrimmage - Miyagi, who needs to show his worth to his fledgling team, or Mitsui, who represents the old guard, Kogure's Shohoku. But things are changing now, Shohoku is changing, and Kogure always wants what's best for Shohoku even now that he is no longer part of the team, especially now that he is no longer part of the team. He wants Miyagi to win this one.
He wants to see Miyagi fly.
There is no time to think or analyze as Miyagi makes his move. One second he is languidly dribbling, eyes half-lidded, almost bored - the next he is driving forward, faking a pass to Yasuda as he tears up the center, using the bigger and heavier Kakuta like a screen (never mind that Kakuta is on the opposite team), cutting off Mitsui so he can carry the ball in a wide-legged leap up to the net and one sweet finger-roll later it's two-oh for Miyagi's team, just like that.
Kogure sees Haruko give a delighted gasp of surprise and Ayako's mouth split into a wide grin. He sees Yasuda clap Miyagi on the back, Shiozaki ruffle Miyagi's fluffy hair. He sees Miyagi say something cheeky and Mitsui give a practiced grunt of irritation.
And at his side, Kogure feels more than sees Akagi raise his head in approval: high praise from the old guard to the new.
Kogure, watching from afar, smiles and lets his fledglings fly.