Chapter 8 The Invitation from the Judo Club
The afternoon sunlight slanted through the classroom windows, warming the back of Sakuragi Hanamichi's head.
Having devoured his lunch, he lay sprawled over his desk, arms folded into a pillow, eyelids sinking shut.
Just as sleep was about to claim him—
BANG!
The classroom door flew open with a crash. Heavy footsteps stomped in, crushing the peaceful atmosphere.
"Hey! Class 7, First Year! Which one of you is Sakuragi Hanamichi?!"
Three upperclassmen stood in the doorway, uniforms worn carelessly, sleeves rolled up, buttons undone. Their arrogant stares swept across the room.
Instantly, the chatter died.
Mito Yohei, Takamiya Nozomi, Noma Tadashi, and Oonan Yuji stiffened. The rest of the class turned to look at the red-haired delinquent sprawled at his desk.
Sakuragi groaned, lifting his head lazily and rubbing his eyes.
Before he could speak, the trio had already zeroed in on him. The tallest marched up and slammed his palm onto Sakuragi's desk.
"You're Sakuragi Hanamichi. Come with us. Our captain wants to see you."
Captain?
Sakuragi's sleepiness vanished. He blinked, memory clicking into place.
…Judo club. Aota Tatsuhiko.
Sakuragi didn't even bother standing. He flicked his hand dismissively.
"No thanks. I'm busy sleeping. Go away."
The three froze.
Being brushed off by a first-year in front of a whole class was humiliation. The leader's face twisted red.
"You little—!"
He reached for Sakuragi's collar. The other two stepped in, surrounding him.
A ripple of alarm passed through the classroom. Mito and the others stood, ready to jump in.
But—
THUD! THUD! THUD!
Three dull impacts rang out in rapid succession.
From his seated position, Sakuragi shot forward like a spring-loaded battering ram, smashing his forehead into each of theirs with brutal speed.
"Ow!!"
"Gah!!"
"My head…!"
The upperclassmen staggered backward, clutching their foreheads, vision swimming. They barely stayed on their feet.
Sakuragi calmly sat back down and rubbed his own head as if nothing happened.
"Tch. Trying to pick up recruits with that level? Tell your captain this genius has no interest in rolling around on the floor."
He grinned, eyes burning with pride.
"I'm the man who's going to rule the basketball world!"
The three, dizzy and humiliated, didn't dare continue. Seeing the Sakuragi Army glaring behind him, they retreated from the classroom in disgrace.
Silence lingered for a heartbeat.
Then—
"Hahaha! Iron Head Sakuragi strikes again!" Takamiya slapped his desk.
"That was clean!" Noma gave a thumbs-up.
Sakuragi leaned back, smug as ever.
Later — PE Period
During free time, Mito and the others sidled up to Sakuragi with mischievous grins.
"Hanamichi, come on. We've got something amazing to show you," Takamiya whispered.
"…What is it?" Sakuragi asked suspiciously.
"You'll see!"
They dragged him behind a low wall near the edge of the school grounds. Through the bushes, the girls' gym field was in full view.
The girls were running drills in their PE uniforms — tracksuits and short athletic shorts, legs flashing white in the sunlight.
"Hehehe. Nice view, right?" Takamiya snickered.
Sakuragi squinted critically.
"…Some of them have weird bowlegs."
The others groaned.
"Your standards are impossible!" Noma complained.
"Just enjoy the moment!" Oonan hissed.
Despite the banter, all five crouched there, peeking like true idiots of青春.
Sakuragi snorted softly to himself.
So this is what normal high school boys do, huh?
Then—
"HEY! What are you idiots doing?!"
A furious roar erupted behind them.
The PE teacher.
"Run!!"
The five bolted like startled cats, sprinting across the field as the teacher chased and the girls burst into laughter behind them.
After School
Sakuragi shouldered his bag and headed toward the gym for extra basketball practice.
Before he reached the entrance, a large figure stepped into his path.
Tall. Solid. Calm but imposing.
Aota Tatsuhiko — the judo club captain — stood with arms crossed, wearing his white training uniform. His sharp eyes locked onto Sakuragi.
"You're Sakuragi Hanamichi?"
"Yeah. And you are?"
"Aota Tatsuhiko. Judo club captain."
Sakuragi raised an eyebrow. So this is the guy behind those clowns.
Aota studied him carefully.
"Your physical ability… your reflexes… and that fearless attitude. You're a natural for judo."
He stepped forward slightly.
"Join the judo club. With your talent, I can make you a contender at the prefectural level — even nationals."
Sakuragi answered instantly.
"No thanks. I'm already in the basketball club."
Aota frowned, surprised by the immediate rejection.
"You don't understand," he pressed. "With me, you'll have full training access, top equipment—everything you need."
Sakuragi shook his head firmly.
"I appreciate it. But I only play basketball."
His eyes burned with stubborn conviction.
"I'm going to be a basketball genius."
Aota fell silent. After a long moment, he exhaled.
"…I see. That's unfortunate."
He stepped aside.
"If you ever change your mind, the judo club's door is open."
Sakuragi smirked as he passed.
"That day won't come."
He strode toward the gym, not looking back.
Behind him, Aota watched the red-haired figure disappear into the basketball hall, a mix of regret and admiration in his eyes.