"Senior Sugiyama, Coach Karasawa, my apologies for earlier. Your sudden appearance was truly... a complete surprise."
Kazuo Karasawa chuckled and chimed in, " Akagi, actually we've been watching since the Shohoku vs. Kainan game, but we haven't shown up yet."
Akagi was taken aback again.
This couldn't be clearer, and given their current actions, it's obvious they're targeting Shohoku.
"What brings you two here...?"
Karasawa nodded. "That's right, we came here specifically to see Shohoku. More accurately, we came here specifically to see you, Akagi..."
Akagi's eyes widened in surprise; the joy was too unexpected.
Kogure nearby, began to breathe rapidly. Coach Karasawa's meaning was crystal clear— Fukazawa Sports University had its eye on Akagi!
" Akagi, you talk to your senior first, I'll go buy a few bottles of water!"
As he spoke, Kogure hurriedly got up and began doing what he did best: logistical support.
Kazuo Karasawa continued, " Akagi, as you should know, there are quite a few promising young players emerging in the third year, especially at the center position, where there's a real flourishing of talent."
"We've got our eyes on Toru Hanagata from Shoyo, Kazuma Takasago from Kainan, Jun Uozumi from Ryonan, and you."
Akagi nodded silently. He had faced all of these people before. In terms of strength, Kazuma Takasago might be slightly inferior, but he was experienced and was the center of a top-four national team. That alone was impressive.
Needless to say, Hanagata and Uozumi are also formidable opponents; in terms of individual ability alone, Akagi wouldn't dare claim to be superior to them.
Shota Sugiyama then took over the conversation.
"But then again, you're actually the one we have the most faith in."
Akagi was taken aback, his mouth slightly agape. He was a straightforward person; he wasn't overjoyed or excited, but rather his heart was pounding.
"Senior Sugiyama, to have your approval is truly... an honor." He paused, then changed the subject, "But..."
"But I really don't have any decent results; I've never even touched the national competition. You saw the game we just won against Kainan; I was injured and resting, so I basically couldn't help."
What he said makes sense. The person sitting opposite him, Sugiyama -senpai, was someone who led his high school team to the national top eight.
Moreover, that was basically Shota Sugiyama's team all by himself!
He single-handedly dragged a weak team into the national top eight in three years. Just for that, Akagi felt that he was a million miles behind them.
Shohoku used to be a weak team, Akagi knew it all too well. If it weren't for the unexpected addition of those "problem children" this year, he could only manage to reach the quarterfinals in the prefectural tournament at best if he led the team on his own.
You think you can get past Shoyo? Dream on!
His honest words earned nods of approval from Shota Sugiyama and Kazuo Karasawa.
For players, it's not just about skill; character is also crucial.
Only those like Akagi who can see their own shortcomings can go further in life. If he had gotten carried away and thought he was invincible, this conversation would probably have ended there.
Although they value Akagi, Akagi current worth isn't enough to make them fight for him.
Fukazawa Sports University is a renowned basketball school, recruiting nationwide. Kanagawa Prefecture is just one of their many observation points.
Next year will be Shota Sugiyama's final year at university, and he is focused on finding a reliable center to succeed him for the team.
Coincidentally, many of this year's top centers are concentrated in Kanagawa. This trip allows me to see several candidates at once.
Of course, they will not stop searching throughout the country.
Until you find someone you both click with.
Why say "each other"? Because Fukazawa isn't the only prestigious school; while they were making their move, other schools weren't idle either.
Take, for example, Masashi Kawata of Sannoh Industrial High School, who is currently the most sought-after center in the high school league.
Shota Sugiyama had watched him play, simply commented, "With his current form, he would definitely be a top-three center in the nation if thrown into a university league."
Coming from the mouth of the nation's top center, the weight of these words is self-evident.
But the problem lies precisely in this "mutual attraction".
Fukazawa are tons of schools vying for Masashi Kawata's attention, but he might not even choose Kawata. If you put all your eggs in one basket, you might end up with nothing.
Rather than doing that, it's better to prioritize stability, set a realistic goal, and deal with the rest later.
That target is Takenori Akagi.
Shota Sugiyama, who also plays center, believes that with proper training, Akagi has the potential to achieve great things in the future.
" Akagi, you don't need to belittle yourself over those empty titles," Shota Sugiyama said confidently. "Your Shohoku team is on fire this year; I think qualifying for the national tournament is just around the corner."
"You should know my experience; I only managed to lead my team to success in my senior year of high school. After that, I joined Fukazawa School, and my life completely changed."
Takenori Akagi nodded seriously.
Shota Sugiyama continued, " Akagi, if you can lead your team into the national top eight this year, the doors of Fukazawa Sports University will be officially open for you."
"This shouldn't be too difficult for your Shohoku, right?"
Takenori Akagi's heart was pounding.
Dominating the nation is his dream, that's true, and going to Fukazawa Sports University is also something he longs for!
Being able to be teammates with Shota Sugiyama on the same team is a dream come true.
But...
Akagi is an honest man, and he felt there was something he needed to clarify.
"Senior Sugiyama, please forgive my bluntness," he straightened his back, "Our goal this year, Shohoku, is not just to be among the top eight in the country, it's to be the national champion!"
"Furthermore, I think you're aware that I'm not Shohoku's true ace."
"So even if we do win the championship, it won't be solely due to me. Our Shohoku teamwork is what makes us successful!"
After hearing Shota Sugiyama smiled with satisfaction.
"That's one of the reasons we value you. Good luck, Akagi, I'll be waiting for you in Fukazawa."
Takenori Akagi nodded heavily; having spoken frankly, he actually felt relieved.
He turned around, rummaged in his backpack for a while, pulled out a notebook and pen, and handed them to Shota Sugiyama somewhat embarrassedly.
"Um... Sugiyama- senpai..."
"Actually, my sister is a fan of yours... She would be ecstatic to get your encouragement and autograph. Would it be convenient for you?"
Shota Sugiyama happily accepted it.
"What's inconvenient about that? Your sister has good taste. Tell me, what do you want me to write?"
Takenori Akagi coughed awkwardly.
"Just write... tell her not to be distracted by these superficial things, and that studying hard is the real priority."
As soon as he finished speaking, Shota Sugiyama's lips twitched involuntarily.
Okay, so I've become "exaggerated"? And I've even disturbed your sister's studies??
Akagi's honesty is both laughable and exasperating.
However, he quickly realized he hadn't said it clearly and hurriedly tried to smooth things over, "Please don't overthink it, I definitely didn't mean that..."
He scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed. "I'm talking about that guy on our team... You've probably heard of him, he's incredibly famous right now, and he's got my sister completely smitten."
Indeed, the name Haruko has been mentioning most often lately is Shirasawa.
There were even posters of that guy plastered all over the room!
As a teammate, Akagi thought Shirasawa's character was impeccable, but by their family's academic standards, Shirasawa's grades were practically illiterate...
We absolutely cannot let Haruko get too close to him! At least not before she goes to university!
Akagi is most grateful for now is that, although Shirasawa is in the same class as Haruko, that kid hardly ever goes to class...
Otherwise, Haruko's report card would probably be unreadable by now.
In Akagi's opinion, puppy love would only slow down his homework time...
Shota Sugiyama was amused by him.
I didn't expect that Akagi, this big guy, would be so thoughtful and a very responsible older brother.
"Okay, I'll write it the way you say." He readily agreed, then changed the subject, "By the way, speaking of Shirasawa, where's he? Didn't he watch the game with you guys?"
"I'm quite interested in him. I heard he's signed with an agent, right?"
Takenori Akagi carefully put away the signed notebook and nodded. "Yes, Xiao Bai was just here. He seemed to have gone out with his manager Sanae during halftime. He should be back soon. Is there something you need him for?..."
Shota Sugiyama shook his head with a hint of regret.
"That's really unfortunate, we have to go now. Akagi, see you next time."
After saying that, he and Kazuo Karasawa up to take their leave.
Just as I stepped into the corridor, I ran into Kogure, who was returning from buying water.
" Sugiyama -senpai, Karasawa- coach, are you leaving already?" Kogure greeted them somewhat awkwardly.
The two nodded, clearly not intending to discuss further with Kogure.
Kogure quickly handed over the two bottles of water he was carrying. "Your arrival was so sudden, we didn't prepare anything. Please take these two bottles to quench your thirst."
Shota Sugiyama smiled and pushed the water back.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but please give this water to Shirasawa."
Kogure blinked blankly, watching the two figures walk away, completely bewildered.
Weren't you here to see Akagi? Why are you dragging Xiao Bai into this again...?
Kanagawa Prefecture Gymnasium.
PARKING LOT.
corner.
Those who drove here at this hour are mostly fans. The match between Ryonan and Takezato is in the second half; what real fans would want to leave early?
Therefore,
The parking lot is practically safe right now...
wrong.
It was eerily quiet...
The car parked in the corner swayed gently in the breeze, like a blade of grass swaying in the wind.
suddenly!
The car came to a complete stop without warning.
Immediately afterwards, the car door was pushed open abruptly, and two people hurriedly crawled out.
It was Shirasawa and Sanae!
It seems Shirasawa has brought his talent to the parking lot.
However, it's clear that his talent hasn't been fully unleashed yet.
The two of them hurriedly ran towards the stadium.