The shutter at Sakashita Store was half lowered, and the dim yellow light stretched the shadows of the shelves long across the floor.
"I know I'm being a nuisance, but I'm really begging you."
Takeda Ittetsu bent deeply at the waist, his forehead nearly touching the cash register on the counter. He had held that position for a full minute, the fabric across the back of his suit pulled taut.
Behind the counter, Ukai Keishin, his hair dyed blond and an earring in his ear, was irritably unpacking a carton of cigarettes and roughly stuffing them onto the shelves. At those words, his hands stopped, and his brow furrowed so deeply it looked like it could crush a fly.
"You're really annoying, Sensei." Ukai Keishin tossed the empty carton to the floor beside him, where it landed with a clatter. "I've told you countless times. I'm not going to coach anyone."
"I'm truly ashamed." Takeda didn't straighten up. His voice came out muffled. "I'm a complete amateur as the team's advisor. Apart from handling logistics and driving, I can't give the kids any technical guidance. Those kids have so much potential. They really do. They just need a little professional instruction..."
"So stop asking me." Ukai Keishin scratched at his messy blond hair, looking thoroughly impatient. "My grandfather was the one who coached the team before, not me. I've told you, I'm not cut out for teaching. And I'd have to look after a bunch of annoying high schoolers? Give me a break."
He pulled a cigarette from the pack and put it between his lips, but didn't light it.
"Sensei, let's be honest." Ukai glanced sideways at the stubborn teacher in front of him. "You do need someone to provide technical guidance, but the reason you keep clinging to