At eleven that morning, Ryota Kudo arrived at Coach Anzai's house after going home to shower and change.
It was a very elegant, old-fashioned house. In the courtyard, Ryota Kudo even saw mountain spring water channeled through bamboo pipes, an uncommon sight.
Clearly, Coach Anzai really knew how to enjoy life these days.
"Please have a seat, Kudo." Smiling, Coach Anzai invited Ryota Kudo to sit down inside.
Soon, Coach Anzai's wife brought them tea.
She was a gentle, dignified middle-aged woman with impeccable manners.
Even though she was getting on in years, Ryota Kudo could tell at a glance that she had definitely been a great beauty in her youth.
The surroundings of Coach Anzai's home were very quiet. Apart from the sound of spring water striking bamboo, there were only the calls of wild birds.
Only after Ryota Kudo had taken a sip of tea did Coach Anzai begin speaking at an unhurried pace.
"Why did you choose Shohoku High School, Kudo? It's just an ordinary public school, isn't it? And I can tell that you definitely didn't come because of me."
"That's right, Coach Anzai." Without hiding anything, Ryota Kudo nodded in acknowledgment. "I came to Kanagawa for personal reasons.
"I'm afraid I can't tell you exactly what those reasons are. I'm sorry, Coach Anzai."
"That's all right, Kudo. Everyone has their secrets. An old man like me understands that much.
"Then may I ask what plans you have for the future, or what your dream is?"
"My plans..." Ryota Kudo didn't know why Coach Anzai had suddenly taken an interest in him, but he still answered honestly. There was nothing to hide about these things.
"My plan right now is to lead Shohoku High School to the national championship! Once I've accomplished that, perhaps I'll work