Ryonan High School.
A secluded corner outside the Basketball Gym.
Akashi silently followed Coach Taoka Moichi.
The coach turned, his previously serious expression softening into a kind smile.
"Akashi-kun! I heard you and Sendoh were teammates in middle school?"
Akashi nodded calmly.
"Yes, Coach. Sendoh and I met in our first year at Seiyo Middle School. We separated only in our third year."
"Hmm… Seiyo Middle School," Taoka Moichi murmured thoughtfully. "That school won two consecutive championships, right? But the third-year performance wasn't ideal. Why?"
As a high school basketball coach, he naturally followed the middle school leagues. He had heard of Seiyo's back-to-back victories, and it was through that that he had first noticed Sendoh.
Unfortunately, he hadn't seen those games in person. Later, when Sendoh mentioned Akashi, he had intended to scout him during the third year. But Akashi had already left the team by then.
The two had narrowly missed each other.
So curiosity had lingered in his mind ever since.
For an ordinary student, winning two consecutive championships would usually ignite a relentless pursuit of a third. Yet this young man had chosen to leave the club.
Taoka couldn't quite understand Akashi's intentions.
Akashi's voice was calm, matter-of-fact. "I left the club in my third year for personal reasons."
"I see," Taoka nodded slowly, then asked, "Now that you've officially joined Ryonan's Basketball Club, what are your thoughts on the team?"
The question was part concern, part test. From Akashi's performance in the scrimmage, his leadership and control of the game were evident—he was a natural-born leader.
Even more astonishing, Taoka realized that Akashi's style carried shades of a legendary captain he once admired: Maki Shinichi of Kainan Da Fuzoku.
If Maki himself were here, he might not perform any better than Akashi.
This was exactly what Ryonan needed.
Akashi's calm smile remained as he spoke.
"I do have some thoughts about the club. First, Uekusa-senpai. As a point guard, he struggles to direct teammates or organize the offense, often waiting for others to decide. His mid-to-long-range shooting is nearly negligible, which limits his impact."
"On defense…"
"On offense…"
"Stability…"
Every sentence was precise, clear-headed, and devastatingly accurate.
Taoka Moichi listened, stunned. In all his years as a coach, he had never analyzed Uekusa's weaknesses so thoroughly. Yet he realized: Akashi was right.
Akashi went on, naming each core player—Uozumi, Koshino, Ryoji, Sendoh—and dissecting their strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies.
Then he turned to the freshmen, detailing their technical flaws, mental lapses, and habits on the court.
Each observation was calm, cutting like a scalpel.
Taoka Moichi's mind reeled.
This guy… is just a freshman?
He was a monster.
As Akashi finished, Taoka silently noted every suggestion. Then, an idea formed.
If he let Akashi lead as captain, Taoka could save countless headaches.
Akashi met the coach's gaze, lips curving in a confident arc.
"Of course," he said simply, conveying certainty.
He hadn't expected Taoka to bring up the captaincy outright—he had only intended to plant the seed, proving he could take the role.
Yet upon reflection, he understood.
Uozumi was captain largely because he was the most senior and an indispensable center. But with Sendoh as the team's new spiritual core, Uozumi's leadership role was weakening.
Akashi, however… with his skill, control, and innate leadership, could stand shoulder to shoulder with Sendoh and unite the team.
Taoka Moichi finally looked up, meeting Akashi's calm gaze.
"Akashi-kun… I can give you a chance," he said, serious. "Whether you win everyone's approval to become captain is up to you."
"I understand," Akashi replied, expression unchanged.
Patience was his ally. If he wanted the captaincy, it would be his in due time.
A clear voice suddenly interrupted them.
"Akashi-kun!"
They turned to see Kamishiro Ruri nearby, gently waving.
Akashi nodded to Taoka. "Coach, if there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now."
Taoka nodded. "Yes, go ahead."
The next day.
Ryonan High School, Basketball Gym.
Whispers floated among the freshmen.
"Hey! Have you heard? The coach might replace Uozumi as captain."
"What? No way! Who else could be more suitable than Uozumi?"
"I don't know, but I heard there'll be a result today."
"It must be a rumor! How could that even be possible?"
Inside the gym, the older players exchanged subtle glances, uneasy. Change was hard to accept, especially when they were used to Uozumi's steady presence.
Koshino Hiroaki leaned toward Ryoji Ikegami. "Have you heard?"
Ikegami nodded slowly. "Yes… seems the coach spoke with Uozumi yesterday."
"No way!" Koshino's eyes widened. "Do you know who's competing for captain?"
Ikegami shook his head. "Not sure."
Tomoyuki Uekusa spoke firmly, voice tinged with stubbornness. "True or not, I only recognize Uozumi as captain."
Sendoh, listening quietly, muttered to himself, thoughtful.
Captain… huh? Interesting…
Then his eyes widened as realization dawned.
Wait… there's one more person.
A shadow of a smile crossed his face. "Could it be…?"