Chapter 6 Coach Anzai's Shock
The moment Coach Anzai's round figure appeared at the gymnasium entrance, the previously noisy court seemed to mute at once. The thudding of dribbles, the squeak of sneakers, the shouts — all fell into sudden stillness.
All the players, especially the seniors, looked toward him with unmistakable reverence.
"Gather up! First-years, come greet Coach Anzai!"
Akagi Takenori's booming voice broke the silence as he quickly assembled the team.
Ayako stepped toward the newcomers, lowering her voice as she introduced him with sincere respect.
"This is our head coach, Anzai-sensei. He used to be part of the Japanese national team. He's incredibly knowledgeable about basketball — so take him seriously."
Sakuragi Hanamichi stood in line, staring curiously at the cheerful old man who resembled a plump lucky cat.
So this was the legendary White-Haired Buddha.
Behind those thick glasses, Sakuragi could feel the coach's gaze sweeping slowly across the freshmen — pausing briefly on Rukawa Kaede… and then on himself.
Rukawa had already gained fame in middle school. It was natural that Anzai-sensei examined him with scrutiny and quiet approval.
Then the gaze moved to Sakuragi. A flicker of curiosity appeared in the smiling eyes — as if measuring the red-haired newcomer's unknown potential.
After the brief introductions, Coach Anzai spoke in his characteristic deep, gentle voice.
"Hehehe… The newcomers seem energetic. Very well… Let's have a ten-minute scrimmage. I'd like to see what you can do."
His tone was mild — but everyone understood.
This was an entrance test.
Once again, the freshmen faced the upperclassmen.
Sakuragi Hanamichi.
Rukawa Kaede.
Along with Kuwata Tomoki, Sasaoka Tomo, and Ishii Kentaro.
Unlike the rushed practice game days ago, several sessions of drills had already begun shaping Sakuragi's raw instincts. His movements were still rough — but the ball no longer felt foreign in his hands. His jumps were explosive, his reactions fast, his confidence overflowing.
Before stepping onto the court, Sakuragi elbowed the aloof Rukawa.
"Hey, Rukawa. Wanna crush those guys?"
Rukawa shot him a sidelong glance — and said nothing.
Sakuragi smirked anyway.
"Just don't try to do everything yourself, genius. Passing isn't illegal, you know."
A quiet, disdainful "Tch," was Rukawa's only reply as he turned toward center court.
The third-year referee tossed the ball high.
The instant it left his fingers, Sakuragi and Akagi launched upward like cannon fire.
"Hah!"
With sheer explosiveness, Sakuragi's fingertips brushed the ball first, flicking it backward into his team's half.
"Oh?"
On the sideline, Coach Anzai's eyes opened slightly wider.
That jumping power… That reaction speed…
Interesting.
The game began.
Sakuragi's movements were still unpolished — but his instincts were sharp. When he received the ball, he pushed forward aggressively, forcing defenders to react to him. When double-teamed, he swung the ball outward quickly. When a shot went up, he crashed the paint like a raging bull.
On defense, he stuck close to Akagi, using his body and stubborn strength to deny easy positioning. He didn't always get it right — but he fought relentlessly.
Bang!
Under the basket, Sakuragi battled Akagi head-on. Though outmatched in strength, his timing and leap allowed him to tip a rebound away — creating another possession for the freshmen.
Whoosh!
Spotting Rukawa sprinting ahead, Sakuragi hurled a long pass downcourt. Rukawa caught it smoothly and finished with an easy layup.
The tempo rose. Sweat flew. Shoes squeaked. Bodies collided.
Ten minutes passed in a blink.
In the end, experience prevailed — the upperclassmen won by a single point.
The freshmen collapsed to the floor, gasping. Kuwata and Sasaoka groaned in frustration.
Sakuragi stood bent forward, hands on knees, chest heaving. Sweat dripped from his red hair.
But his expression was not dejected.
It was burning.
He straightened and walked toward Rukawa, who stood silently, still breathing hard.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk… Fox-boy," Sakuragi said with a crooked grin. "If you'd passed just once or twice near the end, we'd be celebrating right now. You're good — but you're not the only one on the court."
Rukawa turned sharply, his cold eyes cutting toward Sakuragi.
Neither spoke.
But Rukawa's clenched fists — and the faint flush on his cheeks — betrayed irritation.
"Hehehe…"
Coach Anzai's gentle laugh broke the tension.
He stepped forward, gaze shifting between the two freshmen.
Rukawa's scoring ability was obvious — smooth footwork, quick release, natural touch.
But the red-haired boy…
Raw. Untrained. Reckless.
And yet…
Relentless rebounding. Fearless defense. Instant reactions. Astonishing athleticism.
An instinct that couldn't be taught.
Behind the thick glasses, Anzai-sensei's eyes gleamed.
With proper guidance…
This boy's ceiling was frighteningly high.
"Hehehe… Very interesting…"
Before the lingering whistle faded, Sakuragi suddenly jogged over.
Under everyone's shocked gaze — he patted Coach Anzai's round belly twice.
Pat. Pat.
"Hehe! Coach!"
Sakuragi grinned brightly.
"You've got sharp eyes! So — what do I need to work on?"
"Sa-ku-ra-gi…!!"
Akagi's vein bulged as he stepped forward to drag him away.
But Coach Anzai lifted a hand calmly.
"No harm done."
His smile only grew kinder.
He adjusted his glasses and spoke gently.
"Your physical ability is outstanding. Your instincts on rebounds and defense are excellent. And you are not afraid to challenge stronger opponents."
Then his tone turned thoughtful.
"However… your fundamentals are still rough. Dribbling, passing, shooting — they all need polishing. Especially shooting. You passed up several good opportunities today."
Sakuragi scratched his head.
"Yeah… I only started playing recently, Coach. I'm practicing shooting every day. I'll get it soon!"
Coach Anzai froze for a fraction of a second.
Just started…?
And already this level of athletic dominance?
For the first time in years, excitement stirred deep in his heart.
"Hehehe… I see. That is very good. Keep practicing sincerely — and your growth will be remarkable."
Then he clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"Everyone. This weekend, we will have a practice match."
"A practice match?"
"With Ryonan High School."
"Ryonan?!"
"Sendoh's team?!"
The gym erupted instantly.
Kogure adjusted his glasses.
"Ryonan is one of the top teams in the prefecture. Their ace — Sendoh Akira — is a genius player."
Ayako added seriously:
"And their coach, Taoka Shigeichi, is extremely tactical. This will be a tough test."
Excitement, tension, and anticipation filled Shohoku's gym.
A new season had truly begun.