Kokoro

~ The Will to Win~

Episode Three: Inner Strength

Rukawa Kaede dribbled the ball.

*

His movements were deceptively casual – to the unlearned observer, he was relaxed; but anyone who knew basketball knew that Rukawa shouldered a heavy burden that meant nothing close to relaxation.

One could almost miss the small bandage across his eye. Almost.

And one could almost forget the fact that this was the Inter-High, only the most important tournament in a high school basketball player's life in Japan. Almost.

And one could almost ignore the fact that in the opposition was a player known to defeat and injure ace players of the other team. Almost.

And one could almost choose to not recall the fact that it was the first time this unknown school had come out amongst the best to compete in the Inter-High. Almost.

*

But Rukawa Kaede never let you forget that.

*

Shohoku was a minnow, in sporting terms, but Rukawa was definitely not content to lose. Not when the image of Rukawa Keiko floated up in his mind, in his memory.

Shohoku will win.

We will win.

I will win. For you.

For the real ace is one who leads his team to victory. Just like how the real ace is one who never gives up, no matter what the game, no matter what the score. No matter what.

*

Rukawa Kaede looked his opponent in the eye. The very same opponent who elbowed him in the eye. Looked. Coolly. Calmly. And dribbled on. In a neat sidestep, eluded his opponent, and then proceeded to do what seemed to many to be impossible.

*

The ball left his hands in a perfect arc, on course toward the basket. Rukawa Kaede had just let loose a perfect jump shot – with both eyes closed.

*

Keiko-chan. Never give up.

*

These were the only two things on his mind as he landed on the ground.

After what seemed like eternity, but was merely a few seconds.

After what seemed like a flight hundreds of feet above the air, but was only an average jump.

*

Rukawa Kaede swiped the sweat off his chin fiercely. Nine more points to go.

*

Far, far away, a little girl that would always remain nine looked at him with a smile playing on her lips and dancing in her eyes. Because Rukawa Keiko never gave up.

And that's why her brother, Rukawa Kaede, never does either.

Author's Notes:

Finally was inspired to continue this one! If you liked this, please read "No Matter What The Result" too, because that's the fic that's closely related to this one because of a similar theme. Reviews are always appreciated!

Thanks to all who reviewed previous chapters!

~rurouni