Halfway across the country, Rukawa Kaede, a second year in college was sitting at his study desk for nearly four hours. He was reviewing for his economics test tomorrow. It came as a complete surprise even to himself that he could love another thing aside from basketball. During his high school days, he hated schoolwork, but now, he suddenly develops a fondness for it. He had found another field he can be good at. That's the most important thing for him really. Or his course requires a cunning mind that devises plans to handle a single company. A CEO solely manages it. Sure he has to cooperate with those people whose ranks are lower than him. However, the control is on him. Rukawa has a simple motto. Treat business as basketball. Get control of the whole field and dominate. Cooperate with others but have the situation under your power. He could almost love this as much as basketball.

With a sudden start, Rukawa realizes hoe quickly he change his heart about the major topics in his life. How can he simply disregard basketball just like that? Didn't he use to dream being Japan's number one? Where had all the passion gone? Well, there's plenty of time for basketball later. Not with all the additional business concepts he could add to Rukawa conglomerate. Otousan already said that he would allow me build up baby businesses to test my managing ability. He could easily mix business and his love of the sport.. That was when the idea jelled.

"Kaede, you must understand that each and every CEO of Rukawa Conglomerate had added something to the company. I'm retiring after you have graduated from college. From now on, you have to start thinking of additional fields that our company can get into." Hirota Rukawa said the summer before Kaede's second year.

"Don't worry Otousan. I've been thinking about it even before you asked me." Kaede said quietly.

"Really? You must consider the already expanded Rukawa Conglomerate. You would find trouble finding unique business ventures."

"I have considered all of them already."

"Very well. How was Hanamichi? It's still him, right?

Silence.

"Are you two talking regularly?"

"Well, not exactly." Rukawa said evasively.

"You'll work it out. I'm sure of it." Hirota Rukawa patted Kaede's shoulder.

"I know we will. I already have plans for it."

"I see." His father eyed him warily. "Just don' mix business with pleasure.

After what seemed like years, Rukawa burst into silent laughter. "How did you know?"

"I'm your father. I know you and how your mind works." He smiled.