"No, no, no, let me pay. How could I let you treat?"
As soon as Nango saw Eri reaching for her wallet, he hurriedly pulled out his own and blocked her hand.
When he first heard Eri wanted to speak with him privately, Nango immediately grew uneasy. His impression of her wasn't exactly favorable — in his mind, she was a typical rich, spoiled young lady.
He had no idea what she wanted from him, and even Kano was clueless. The uncertainty made him nervous.
Is she here to cause trouble? Surely not because we beat them… right?
Thankfully, Eri didn't show up with an attitude. She simply said she wanted to find a quiet place to talk, so the three of them ended up at a nearby café.
"No need, I'll pay," Eri said lightly, not caring about such a small amount. To her, money wasn't the issue — she was already planning how to persuade him.
But Eri's delicate frame was no match for Nango's insistence. He forcefully settled the bill before she could react.
After they sat down, Nango took a sip of his coffee and got straight to the point.
"So, Eri — what did you want to talk about?"
Seeing him so direct, Eri didn't waste time either. She smiled.
"Are you interested in transferring to Ryokufu?"
"Huh?"
Nango's smile faded. His brows furrowed — he hadn't expected that.
Sensing his hesitation, Eri leaned forward slightly.
"As you saw today, our team still isn't as strong as Shohoku. But our players are talented — top athletes recruited from across the country. What we're missing is a core leader like you to unite them."
Seeing Nango unmoved, she continued, her voice steady but persuasive.
"If you come to Ryokufu, your tuition will be fully waived. You'll also receive a scholarship. And…" she smiled knowingly, "Kano told me your dream is to make it to the NBA. If you lead Ryokufu to a championship, we'll sponsor your studies in the U.S. — all expenses covered. Most importantly…" her eyes glinted teasingly, "you'll get to see Kano every day. How about it?"
The offer was almost too good.
As expected of the chairman's daughter, Nango thought. She's really throwing money around.
While his family wasn't poor — they were actually comfortable — studying abroad was no small expense. He didn't want to burden his parents for his dream. And the thought of seeing Kano every day was undeniably tempting.
For a moment, he wavered.
But after thinking it through, he realized there were other paths.
He still remembered the 1994 World Cup — he could easily make a small fortune if he wanted. And besides, he'd never considered leaving Shohoku so abruptly.
Even if he ever made that decision, now wasn't the time.
He glanced at Kano, hoping for some kind of sign, but she avoided his eyes. Nango gave a small smile, then turned back to Eri and replied politely,
"I'm sorry, but we'll be competing in the National Tournament soon. I'm not considering a transfer right now."
Eri's eyes lit up. There was a crack in the door — a chance.
"Of course," she said cheerfully. "I didn't mean right away. After the National Tournament, whenever you're ready, Ryokufu will welcome you with open arms."
She looked at Kano with a triumphant little grin that said, See? I told you it'd work.
Kano smiled faintly in response.
Nango nodded, still calm. "After the National Tournament, I'll give it serious thought."
"Good enough for me." Eri stood, brushing her skirt smooth. "Then I'll leave you two alone. Wouldn't want to interrupt your date."
"You haven't even finished your coffee," Nango pointed out, amused.
Eri flashed a playful smile. "Next time, come to my house. I'll treat you to something better."
With that, she turned and left gracefully.
Kano, worried he might take Eri's words the wrong way, quickly explained,
"Um… Eri's just like that. Please don't mind her."
Nango chuckled. "Heh, it's fine. Honestly, she's kind of interesting. Comes to a café and doesn't even drink her coffee."
He picked up Eri's cup and grinned. "Guess I'll have both, then."
Should I go to Ryokufu?
He'd decide after the National Tournament.
Meanwhile…
"It's pretty rare for Rukawa Kaede to offer to take Coach Anzai home," Kogure remarked, glancing at Mitsui and Akagi beside him.
"That kid probably has something important to say," Mitsui replied knowingly.
Akagi nodded in agreement.
Kogure tilted his head. "Eh? What could he possibly want to discuss?"
In Kogure's mind, Rukawa was just a quiet underclassman obsessed with basketball.
Mitsui shrugged. "Not sure. But lately, he's been… restless. Challenging Nango to a one-on-one like that? He's probably wrestling with some big decision."
The three seniors exchanged thoughtful looks before sighing in unison.
"Oh… what could it be?"
"I want to go to America."
Coach Anzai sat at his desk, replaying Rukawa's words in his mind. He couldn't help but regret his own response — it might have come off too harsh.
"Then surpass Nango first."
The mention of America had brought back painful memories of Yazawa, and his emotions had slipped out with that sharp retort.
He sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. His wife had gone out to see a guest off, so he was alone.
"Beep beep—"
The doorbell suddenly rang.
So soon? No, Masako has her own key… who could it be?
He opened the door — and there stood Coach Kawasaki, grinning with two bottles of sake in hand.
"Surprised to see me?"
Without waiting for an invitation, Kawasaki stepped in, swapped his shoes, and looked around.
"Where's your wife?"
Anzai gave him a deadpan stare. "Seeing a guest off."
"Oh? Someone else came to visit you besides me?" Kawasaki asked, feigning curiosity.
"Enough with the nonsense," Anzai said irritably. "Why are you here?"
"Can't I come for a drink?" Kawasaki lifted the bottles, chuckling.
Anzai immediately knew what that meant. Those sake bottles weren't cheap — and given Kawasaki's stingy reputation, he'd never bring them unless he had business.
"I've quit," Anzai said flatly.
Kawasaki blinked. "You? Quit drinking? Times really are changing." He laughed, waving it off. "Fine, let's have tea instead."
Anzai sighed. "Just say what you came for."
"What's the rush, old man? You won't even let me have a cup of tea first?"
"Pour it yourself."
Seeing that Anzai wasn't going to budge, Kawasaki poured himself tea, sat down opposite him, and smirked.
"Alright then, let's talk. You already guessed, didn't you?"
"Akagi?" Anzai asked.
Kawasaki shook his head. "Good kid, but doesn't fit our system. And he's not worth me coming personally."
Then his tone turned serious.
"Nango, Sakuragi Hanamichi, Rukawa Kaede — I want all three. Especially Nango. He'll replace Hinata once he joins our team."
Anzai's brows lifted. "They're only first-years. Isn't it a little early to be recruiting?"
Kawasaki chuckled. "It's never too early to act first. Wait too long, and other universities will snatch them up. So? Can I get in touch with your precious players?"
Anzai paused for a long moment, then met his gaze.
"You can," he said slowly, "but only if you agree to one condition."
Kawasaki leaned forward, intrigued. "Oh? What condition?"
When he heard it, his eyes widened in disbelief.
"That soon? Isn't that too early?"
Anzai just smiled calmly.
"Not at all."
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