Chapter Twenty-Nine: Next Stage
"First-years, don't fall behind!"
Ryonan's training began with basic running warm-ups. Led by Uozumi Jun, over a dozen figures jogged at steady pace around the gymnasium's perimeter.
"Watch your breathing, control the rhythm!"
"If you want to improve your conditioning, it depends on every step you accumulate now!" Coach Taoka shouted from the sideline, constantly using words to drive his players forward.
Fukuda Kicchou hated this kind of monotonous practice most. He just wanted to touch the basketball quickly, get into games quickly. However, this was his first day back—even a player as individualistic as Yagami trained obediently, so as an upperclassman he should set a proper example.
After running ended, players naturally spread out and seriously began stretching.
In almost all sports, stretching was an extremely important component.
Through slow, sustained pulling of muscles and tendons, increasing their length and elasticity, players could handle greater loads when executing explosive movements like jumping, sprinting, or sudden directional changes, reducing injury risk.
On the other hand, loosening joints and gradually improving flexibility and coordination through extension.
"Hikoichi's training really seriously today," Sendoh rotated his ankles and wrists with a smile. "Haven't heard you complain about being tired once. Did yesterday's sushi do the trick?"
"Hmph." Aida sneaked a glance at Fukuda and Yagami before saying mysteriously, "Not at all. I just suddenly realized my talent yesterday."
"Oh? That amazing!" Sendoh cooperated enthusiastically with his amazement, successfully attracting the attention of surrounding teammates.
Ryonan's players couldn't help slowing their movements, looking over curiously.
"Actually, I originally planned to wait until after today's practice to solemnly share with everyone," Aida said, swaying his head.
"Hikoichi, don't keep us in suspense," Ikegami urged.
Aida pouted. Telling stories—no, recounting experiences—required proper atmosphere and buildup.
"Hikoichi." Uozumi's deep voice also carried over.
Called out by the captain, Aida finally stopped being mysterious. He took a deep breath, his face brimming with irrepressible excitement and pride. "Actually, yesterday when we found Fukuda-senpai, we ran into Aomine Daiki!"
He paused before announcing emphatingly, "Then! The three of us joined forces and defeated him!"
"..." An eerie silence fell over the gym.
"Who's Aomine Daiki?" Koshino blinked.
"..." Aida nearly choked. He waved his arms speechlessly. "Aomine Daiki! The Generation of Miracles! That legendary ace scorer Aomine Daiki!"
"Ohhh." Koshino nodded as if suddenly understanding. "What a coincidence—you guys ran into someone with the same name?"
"Not the same name! The actual person! Aomine Daiki who graduated from Teikou Middle School!" Aida's face flushed red, jumping in frustration.
"Ohhh—"
Only then did everyone emit a long, playful exclamation, their gazes turning in unison toward the silent Fukuda and Yagami on the sideline.
"Not bad, you two," Ikegami teased. "Silently defeated another Generation of Miracles member?"
"Me too! Include me!" Aida fumed, desperately emphasizing his presence. "It was three of us! Three-on-three! A team! I was on the court too!"
Though Fukuda internally enjoyed this "spotlight" feeling, in truth yesterday Aomine had thoroughly dominated their one-on-one, so he said nothing, his ears faintly reddening.
Seeing everyone looking over, Yagami nodded lightly with a smile. "We really did need Hikoichi's help to barely scrape out a win. He even hit the crucial game-winner."
"Whoa—" Everyone's attention incredulously returned to Aida.
But the latter no longer wanted to talk, focusing intently on his stretching.
"How'd it feel?" Sendoh moved to Yagami's side, asking with interest. "He should be pretty strong, right?"
"Yeah." Yagami didn't plan on hiding anything. "His penetration and finishing ability are even stronger than yours, senpai."
"I see," Sendoh showed no surprise at all. "Sounds like I missed something interesting."
"Well done, Yagami! Fukuda!" Uozumi's voice boomed like a bell, his massive palms landing on their shoulders, eyes gleaming with anticipation for nationals. "At this Inter-High, the Generation of Miracles will definitely be powerful enemies we ultimately face! Getting familiar with their strength early is extremely valuable experience!"
Hearing this, players nodded one after another, envisioning the national tournament scene.
However, a cold voice containing obvious anger came from behind them. "The words sound good. But—"
Everyone jolted, the hair on their backs instantly standing up as a chill struck.
They stiffly turned around to find Coach Taoka standing behind them, arms crossed, sharp gaze sweeping like a blade across this group who'd unknowingly stopped training and formed a circle.
"Have you forgotten something?!" Coach Taoka roared. "Who gave you permission to stop training?!"
"Today's training volume—ALL DOUBLED!"
"AH—! Coach!" The players wailed.
"TRIPLED!"
"YES SIR!"
Having just finished warming up, players began two-person dribbling and passing drills.
"Yagami, come here." Coach Taoka beckoned. "I have some things to ask you."
After carefully inquiring about yesterday's entire encounter with Aomine, Coach Taoka finally cut to what truly concerned him.
Yagami's suggestions yesterday at the sushi shop about Ryonan players adopting "specialized roles"—having each Ryonan player focus on honing one personal "weapon"—had occupied Coach Taoka's thoughts for a long time.
This kind of transformation meant core players Yagami and Sendoh would shoulder heavier organizational and scoring pressure, but simultaneously, other players could leverage their specialized strengths to contribute more efficiently and threateningly during games.
In fact, Coach Taoka had considered this approach long ago. It essentially involved two directions in high school basketball coaching. However, Ryonan previously hadn't possessed the conditions for player "role specialization."
First, aside from Sendoh, most players' fundamental comprehensive abilities were insufficient. Before considering specialized strengthening, one must ensure team members had no overly obvious weaknesses—otherwise they'd become massive liabilities on court.
Second, the team's only truly threatening offensive organizer and finisher was Sendoh. This simply didn't allow Coach Taoka operational flexibility.
But now, the situation had suddenly clarified.
Yagami's appearance gave Ryonan another ball-handler at Sendoh's level. He could likewise function as a wing-guard hybrid possessing penetration, shooting, and playmaking abilities.
And Fukuda's return gave the power forward position a powerful, stable offensive threat. More coincidentally, his offensive attributes and Ikegami's defensive attributes formed perfect complementary balance at this position.
The entire team's structure suddenly became clear.
Coach Taoka looked at Yagami analyzing the players before him. This way, he really could consider developing Ryonan toward the next stage.
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