CHAPTER III: THE PRACTICE

"Hands up! We still have time!"

"Don't hog the ball. Pass it around!"

"No slacking! Come on, keep up!"

"I hope it's in, I hope it's in…"

"All right! A few more goals and we're even!"

Anzai-sensei surveys the two teams battling it out. He chuckles.

"Ayako-kun, they're getting better everyday, ne? Especially the benchwarmers." He sips from his cup.

"Hai, sensei. Soon they would be good enough to replace the regulars, if needed." She glances at Yasuda, Shohoku's substitute point guard. "Yasuda is matching up on Ryota. That's a good sign."

"Sodesu." He shifts his weight on his chair. "It's exciting to play against the big teams like Kainan."

Ayako gives the coach a sincere smile. "Daijobu, Anzai-sensei. We'll beat Imotari and then Kainan."

"Hmm." Anzai-sensei looks at the girl knowingly. Then, "You are getting excited yourself, aren't you?" He chuckles heartily.

"Of course, sensei." -If it means watching another Ryota-filled game, I am excited.- Ayako sighs.