"170 – 15! Teiko High School wins!"
"Thanks for the game!"
Though it was only the people with rainbow hairs that replied as the players of Kaihin Sougou were too stunned and too tired to even look at their opponents. It was a lopsided loss for a team that was hoping to steal one from the country's greatest prodigies for the decade. Hiratsuka can only shake her head at the fact that Orimoto's school had the unlucky privilege of facing the powerhouse of middle school basketball three years ago.
"Eh?! But hey, at least, they did score well, right?!" The bubbly Orimoto tried to be optimistic as she speaks, "I mean, they did score against their defense…"
"Everyone can score luckily, Orimoto-san," Yukinoshita felt she needed to bring the brunette girl back to reality, "And do you even call that 'scoring well' when they cannot even bring their points to 20?"
"Well…it's not like Kaihin Sougou had a chance to win to begin with…" Komachi voiced out her opinion, catching the attention of the others, "I mean, with Onii-chan being talented aside, the four others are simply light years away of their peers, especially Aomine-san and Murasakibara-san. And that doesn't even include Akashi-senpai, who had the power to see what lies ahead of him by a split second. They simply made Orimoto-san's school look like pre-schoolers."
"Besides, this seemed like the sideshow for them this day. The real deal for Hikigaya and his teammate are those guys in blue and red," Hiratsuka motioned to the group of foreign players who are already filing into the court while they were getting ready to warm up, "From the looks of it, they're from the Philippines."
While Hikigaya was silently drinking his Gatorade, the rest of the young men who went outside to jog and do their passing drills had already returned to the beach and while they weren't that tired, they were sweating heavily. Moments later, Kagami had finally arrived as well and his sudden appearance made almost all the players yelp in shock.
"Ba-Bakagami, you look like a zombie!" Aomine shrieked.
"Eh? Why does Kaga-chin looks like he got trampled by a crowd?" Murasakibara drawled as he ate his candies.
"Shut up, you bastards! I wouldn't have become like this if it wasn't for our captain and our coach, hmph!"
"Kagami Taiga, care to repeat what you just said?" Akashi calmly but menacingly glared at the red-headed power forward, who quickly shut his mouth in fear. Hikigaya merely shook his head at the bravado of the red head while Kuroko was busy watching the guys in blue with interest.
"Our opponent for the next tune-up game would be the national team of the Philippines," Shiorgane announced once his fifteen boys were gathered, "For your information, they are one of Asia's best teams and to be honest, I haven't seen another team in Asia that can run fast as them, be it on offense or defense."
"How good are they, coach?" Himuro asked while he was chugging down his own sports drink.
"This year, their team's balance is said to be better than their players in the past. They have outside shooters and a strong inside presence," The white-haired coach grimly explained, "In terms of the two team's frontlines, it would be bad if we tried to match them up so we'll have to maximize guys like Aomine and Akashi as well as Midorima's three-point shooting advantage. Murasakibara, let's talk about your job in a few minutes. But right now, warm up and stretch up your bodies."
Hikigaya stood up silently and before everyone else had moved from their seats, he went to own goal and began to do some few shooting exercises. Soon, everyone from his team followed suit and, from the point of view of Yuigahama, the two teams are quietly conducting their pre-game exercise as the only noise that they can hear is the ball swishing onto the hoop, Kagami and Aomine both ferociously dunking the ball, Akashi shouting at both Kise and Murasakibara, and Kiyoshi's jokes, which are being ignored.
"It's so quiet that it's so creepy. What's happening?" Tobe whined as he noticed Hikigaya feeding Kuroko and getting the ball back immediately before laying it up, "Are those Filipinos really good?"
"According to Basketball Monthly magazine that I bought a while back, they're the placed second in the last FIBA Asia qualifying tournament for the World Cup," Hiratsuka showed them a copy of the magazine that she was talking about, "With that in mind, I don't see any reason why Japan would not take this seriously even if it's just a practice game. On the other hand, Kaihin Sougou…"
"Hiratsuka-sensei, let's not go there," Hayato Hayama waved off his hand out of respect for Orimoto, who faked a smile before bowing her head, "I think it's too much for Orimoto-san to hear it twice."
"Okay, okay. But my point still stands. By the way, Yukinoshita, Yuigahama, who knows that number 4 from the Philippines? Because I'm sure that Hikigaya didn't mention someone like that guy walking towards him," The teacher pointed towards the direction where the boy with fish eyes was standing.
"No, Hiratsuka-sensei. As far as I'm concerned, Hiki-secrecy-kun doesn't tell anything about his basketball acquaintances," Yukinoshita's sharp eyes saw the man in the number 5 jersey, "And I think I needed to know him as well…"
Suddenly, her icy aura once again flared up as she inadvertently scared Yuigahama, who was taken aback by her change of demeanor.
Meanwhile, down the court, Hikigaya was still busy shooting a three pointer when he felt a boll roll into his feet. Not even turning his back, he frowned as he then stops shooting before he said in heavily-accented English, "Idiot. I already know that it was you from that one roll of the ball…Villacorta-san…"
He then turned around to face the guy, who had an 'innocent' smile planted in his face.
"Oops, I didn't think that you would still remember some years after you handed my ass in that practice game…"
For starters, Calixto Villacorta seemed to be the type who can easily befriend anyone, whether an introvert, an extrovert, an ambivert, gays, lesbian, anything of the type.
Even among his own peers, Villacorta is known to be an easygoing, carefree and optimistic person. He usually doesn't take much of anything seriously and he chose to take a backseat in a lot of things. Even in basketball practices, he usually has a smile on his face whenever he always plays with his teammates. He can be lazy at times and has a reputation for arriving late to practice sessions and matches.
But that was just the exterior trait—one that can be easily seen by an outsider.
When it comes to basketball, though, he seems to enjoy accepting challenges, mostly on 1 on 1 game and because of his natural speed, agility, and enhanced talent from playing at a younger age, even his own coaches had tolerated his tardiness in practice because of his abilities as a floor general in the hardwood. He had shown this when his high school team several years back had faced off against Hikigaya's Teiko team in a friendly game at Malaysia and almost single-handedly lead his team from being down by 20 points if it wasn't for Hikigaya, who was still a freshmen middle schooler at that time, and Akashi hitting the important baskets in crunch time but nevertheless, Villacorta was recognized for being a top-tier player at his age.
And if there's one thing that Hikigaya actually remembers from the Filipino guard, it's the ability to lace jabs at the weaknesses of others into otherwise pleasant conversation, subtly revealing a darker, more arrogant personality.
What makes this more interesting is that despite being famous and being a regular member of the Philippine basketball team since he was a young teenager, none of his teammates, even from his high school team, knew very much about him and this added to the mysterious characteristic of the starting guard and now captain of the team, which had an interesting trait in itself.
"Idiot. Don't give me that smile. I have fought you at least twice years back," Hikigaya knew very well of the terrible personality that Vilalcorta had despite of his appearance, "I know what you're thinking…"
"Woah, woah. I just rolled the ball here and you give me that attitude?" Villacorta waved his hands but his voice had a hint of sarcasm which Hikigaya didn't fail to notice, "Well, how are you now? I heard a lot of things happened to you and I honestly didn't expect to see you here again."
"I'm fine now, idiot. But to be honest, not even I expect to see myself here again," Hikigaya motioned to Kuroko, who was busy speaking with Kagami, "You see that bluenette over there? Well, I doubt you see him but he's the reason I'm back here."
"I see. That shadow teammate of yours? Of course, I can see him if I'm concentrated enough," Villacorta then got his ball back, "I'm just curious though, how are you still able to play at this level when you haven't even touched a ball for nearly three years?"
Hikigaya frowned as he then rolls the ball in his fingertips, "I don't know and even if I know, it would be too much of a hassle to tell you. I have a rotten personality, after all."
The taller man didn't mind as he smiled and was getting ready to leave. "It doesn't matter. What's important is you're here and we can get to play against one another again. Who knows, maybe your smaller team could end up losing this time?" He ended his last sentence with a smirk and he left. Hikigaya, while he would like to retort back, held his tongue in place as he realized that when it comes to height, his counterpart might be correct in some ways.
"Three people over 210 cm in height? This could prove to be more troublesome than ever. What a drag," Hikigaya sighed as he didn't want to think it over and over in his mind.
Back at the bleachers, Hayama Hayato suddenly dropped an opinion that must have almost cost him his life, "Sensei, I don't really like to say this but I think Hikitani-kun chose to study for the wrong school."
"Why? What made you say that?" Hiratsuka had a surprised tone while Yukinoshita didn't know how to react with what the blonde said. Sure, he and Hikigaya aren't that close but for him to say something like this is a bit offending for the boy. On the other hand…
"It's not a matter if he's a loner or not. It's more about his talents," Hayama explained, "We all know by now that Hikitani-kun is talented enough that he can still play in a high level even after not practicing for some years. If he had only went to a school like those of the Generation of Miracles, maybe his skill would have been much more refined today."
Miura chose not to say something as she was surprised by the explanation of her clique mate while Hiratsuka nodded, "I say maybe that was plausible but considering some incidents that happened in the past, it won't be easy. Right, Yukinoshita?"
The pale beauty nodded, "Yes but it was already peacefully or not peacefully resolved with the help of Kuroko-san although I discovered things that made me realize a lot of things."
"And what would that be?"
"Sensei, I believe that's a subject that's only between the Service Club and the former Teiko basketball team," The Ice Queen of Sobu drew the line, "It's quite sensitive and I would appreciate if we don't speak of it again for the sake of the team's cohesion and Hikigaya-kun's mental health, even though he can hardly think very well in the first place."
The teacher and Komachi smiled, seeing that the president of the Service Club genuinely cares for their resident loner and indolent member. This would be much easier than last year although I'm still curious as to what that CD that Yuigahama and Yukinoshita mentioned before contains. She didn't know about the video that recorded the private conversation of the old Teiko team. Well, maybe when I have a free time, I would ask them about it.
As the whole group as busy speaking with one another, someone suddenly butted into their hushed whisperings, "Yahallo! Am I too late to see Hikigaya-kun strut his wares or I just arrived on time to see him and his band of basketball junkies kick their opponent's ass?"
"Haruno-san/Yukinoshita-san/Nee-san/Haruno, what are you doing here?!"
The elder Yukinoshita pouted as she sat behind her former teacher, "Ah mou! Of course, I won't miss this event! It wouldn't be fair if you leave me out, Yukino-chan…"
She then looked down the court and was surprised to see the whole Japanese squad huddled on the right side of the court while she observed the Filipinos on the left side of the court while donning their away jerseys, "The Philippines, huh? Their country is really a basketball-crazy place. I wonder how my future brother-in-law plans to handle this?"
"Have faith in him, Haruno," Hiratsuka replied, "He should know what to do. Besides, if there any interesting opponent for him to face, it's the number five jersey. I don't know if they're acquaintances or they simply have faced off before but they were talking with each other a while back. And it doesn't look good."
Coach Shirogane Kozo of Japan and Coach Guido Luisito of the Philippines strode towards the scorer's table, the two coaches already having their hands out ready for a handshake. There was nothing but mutual respect between these individuals. The taller Luisito clapped the Japanese bench tactician on the shoulder as they shook, looking genuinely pleased to see his former nemesis from the past again.
"Mr. Shirogane, you are looking excellent even if we both stopped playing professionally," Luisito said, appraisingly. Known to Japanese basketball players and fans, the Teiko Middle School coach had changed little except for his hair during the past years after he had retired from Japanese basketball—this was made immediately clear when he immediately spotted his counterpart walking towards his direction.
"Ho ho ho, I'm glad to see you still coaching the young generation even after you suffered that gruesome injury years back," Shirogane chuckled, returning the compliment. "From Villacorta-san alone, it seemed that you have molded an excellent player capable of reaching in the big leagues."
Luisito nodded, "Regardless, Mr. Shirogane. I wish you and your team the best of luck. May the best team win," he added, giving Shirogane's hand another hard shake.
The Japanese coach returned it with slightly less vigor. "We will have much to learn from you, Luisito-san."
The game had yet to start, but as Shirogane watched his Filipino counterpart dash off without a care back to the Philippines' side of the court, the mentor couldn't help but feel relieved. That man sure has turned more charismatic since I we both retired…
"Team huddle!" Akashi called out from bench, snapping the coach out of his funk. The rest of the Japanese players were quick to gather in a circle around the redhead Rakuzan Emperor, Momoi, the assistant coaches and Shirogane as warm-ups ended.
Akashi stood silent, pondering his words for a moment before speaking.
"Even if this is just a practice game, we treat this one as a must-win, you guys got it? Japan is back at full force and it's time for us to announce that to the basketball world. We'll do that first step by beating the Philippines, the third ranked in Asia." Akashi's calculating manner, sadistic grin began to stretch across his face. "We're all strong! If you want to say something, save it after we either win or lose!"
The captain held his hand out expectantly, and in the moment, fourteen other hands all piled atop it.
"LET'S GO JAPAN!"
The huddle broke up in an instant, with the starters heading to center court and the rest of the players finding their seats at the bench. Hikigaya, Kuroko and Kagami joined the benchwarmers, with the latter looking particularly unhappy being in this position. Damn that Ahomine!
"Save it for later, Taiga," Himuro reminded him as he slung his around his neck and shoulder, "We all have different roles to perform for this game."
"I know but…" Kagami began to cry hilariously, "I'm not just used to playing second fiddle to that bastard Aomine!"
"Kagami-kun, you'll get your minutes eventually," Kuroko gently spoke to him, "It's not like you were recruited just to be a decoration or a water boy in this team, if you're not aware."
"That's so blunt, Kuroko," Nijimura snickered as Kagami twitched at the indirect insult at his brain capacity, "Besides, Aomine would be enough for the whole first quarter."
The Filipino starters were already waiting at the half-court line. Though this was not actually the first time Japan and the Philippines have played against one another, the two teams are an entirely different line up from their past teams and it had been some time since they had crossed paths and most of the Filipino players were showing some differences or are new faces.
Aside from Villacorta, of immediate notice was the young Filipino center, Janus Pangalangan. While looking nowhere near as bulky as the previous their center as well as Jabberwocks' Jason Silver and even Okamura, what he lacked in bulk he seemed to make up for in length as he stood at seven feet and had long arms. Furthermore, he seemed to be super strong as shows when he dunked the ball with power.
Among the Japanese squad, the old Teiko starters, now all third-year high school students, were also sporting some changes. Aomine Daiki had gained considerable muscle and looked downright menacing compared to his first year days while he had slightly grown in height. Midorima Shintaro, shooting guard and the current vice-captain of the Shutoku High School, looked to have stood as the same height as Aomine and was now sporting a much shorter haircut than the previous years, giving him a more sportsman-like appearance. He had also learned to become ambidextrous as he trained to use both his left and right hands so he can make his Sky Direct Three Point shot harder to contain. Kise Ryouta looked among the least changed as his cute features slightly enhanced as he aged and he now stands at least 193 cm or 6 ft 4 in.
Murasakibara Atsushi, the center and Towering Defense of Yosen High School, was another player that looked to have changed little. At best he seemed slightly taller than before that he stands at the same height as Silver and he bulked up a little but with his signature purple hair and bored expression, he seemed like the exact same person as he always had been.
When Villacorta reached Akashi, the latter shook only calmly and kept his gaze locked on his counterpart. His Emperor Eyes looked menacing as he gazed upon his old opponent from before.
"I hope for a good match," Akashi said.
Don't expect to even win. Is what his blazing red eyes wanted to convey.
Villacorta's smile widened, having expected this reception.
"Don't worry. This game would be something you won't expect." The Filipino floor general replied,"It didn't seem like you changed that much since we last played against one another when we were at high school. I had wanted to see how much you really improved, if there's any room for it, after taking on that streetballer in Nash Gold."
Akashi's hand fell away and he stalked off, expression unchanging. "We'll show you right away."
Murasakibara made for the half-court line for the jump ball, eyeing Pangalangan the entire while. Though the Filipino slotman didn't appear as threatening a presence as Jason Silver, his sheer height was enough to catch the attention of the Yosen bigman, who was secretly looking forward to fight someone stronger than him. The so-called gigantic bear of the old Teiko team took in a breath to calm himself, reminding himself that for the past years, he had faced many talented players already. The most he could do was play at his utmost best.
"Players line-up!" the referees announced again while one of the referees already making his way to the center with the game ball.
Back on the Japanese sideline, Momoi began readying her statistics reports and roster sheets for both teams.
Starting Lineup
Point Guard:
#4 Akashi Seijuro (JPN) - 176 cm, 65 kg
#5 Villacorta Calixto (PHL) - 178 cm, 84 kg
Shooting Guard:
#6 Midorima Shintaro (JPN) - 198 cm, 90 kg
#10 Torres Pocholo (3rd year) - 198 cm, 96 kg
Small Forward:
#7 Kise Ryouta (JPN) - 193 cm, 79 kg
#4 Capinpin Anton (PHL) - 206 cm, 82 kg
Power Forward:
#5 Aomine Daiki (JPN) - 198 cm, 89 kg
#8 Cuan Mac (PHL) - 201 cm, 98 kg
Center:
#9 Murasakibara Atsushi (JPN) - 210 cm, 111 kg
#15 Pangalangan Janus (PHL) - 213 cm, 110 kg
Oh my, they're quite tall. Haruno could only shake her head in displeasure. The Philippine team's players possessed a major size advantage and were clearly more than a match against Japan's current starting lineup.
Three Filipino guys over 200 centimeters? Can Hikki even last against these players? Yuigahama was understandably worried over her Service Clubmate, who just wore a blank expression from the bench.
Their starting lineup is deceiving and intimidating at the same time. Momoi decided, looking back towards the courts. The Filipinos will have their work cut out for them, after all.
Just before the referee could throw the ball into the air, Aomine stepped into the half-court circle, ignoring the murmurs that went across the other players.
"Oi Murasakibara."
Murasakibara turned to see Aomine's intimidating eyes staring back at him.
"What do you want, Mine-chin? The game's about to start," Murasakibara annoyingly groaned, irritated that someone would just disturb him at his moment of glory.
"Smack down the ball towards my direction."
Raising his eyes, the gentle giant looked back over Aomine's shoulder towards Akashi behind them, seeking approval despite getting irritated with the shorter player. Akashi, imeediately realizing Aomine's true intentions despite not even being near the two of them, nodded a bit to signify he was fine with Aomine taking the ball and getting first dibs for the attempt to score.
Aomine stepped away quickly, finding a Filipino player to block off. Akashi and Midorima shot each other looks as Murasakibara bent his knees as he stepped into the semi-circle, giving the much taller Pangalangan a quiet but challenging glare. The Filipino center grinned down towards Murasakibara, seeming to enjoy the fact that the center he was about to compete with was not afraid of him as the referee held the ball between the two players.
"You going to try and steal this from me, purple head?"
Murasakibara said nothing as he didn't even understood English quite well. Instead, he bended low in preparation for the jump.
And in the next moment the ball flew into the air, catching the lights of the gym as two long arms chased after it.
Sneak Peak: As the Akatsuki Five tried to get the first possession for the game, Aomine had a few things in his mind as he wanted to get the possession immediately. Hikigaya also realized this and he admitted that what he was about to do was a gamble against the Filipinos' strong frontline. Who will score first? Who will get the first stop? It's no wonder Yukinoshita exclaimed that it's like a battle between Japan's quick offense versus the Philippines' balanced defense.