STEPBROTHER (HAIKYUU X KUROKO NO BASKETBALL SUMMER CAMP)
94
Two months have passed since Ushijima Wakatoshi arrived in California, USA. On this sunny morning, he stood at the Orange County Stunners volleyball court, preparing himself for his regular warm-up practice. The warm morning sun shone on his pale skin, contrasting with the ever-cold Japanese sunshine. This place has been the new home for Ushijima since he was recruited by the NVA side to join the Orange County Stunners club.With a strapping back and a serious face, Ushijima Wakatoshi ran on the outskirts of the volleyball court. The steps are steady and firm, as a warm-up to the day's workout routine. His decision to leave Japan and forget all the bitter memories has changed him. Now, the only thing left in his mind is to achieve his goal in volleyball, be the best, and forget all the bitter memories associated with Japan.
In fact, Ushijima, once known as a quiet and quiet volleyball player, is now turning out to be cooler, indifferent, and ambitious. The death of his father a few months ago had left a deep wound within him. His father was a figure who always gave his support, and his departure left Ushijima with an unimaginable sense of loss. However, what is more difficult for him is the involvement of Akashi Seijuro, his half-brother who was the cause of his father's death.
Until suddenly, Pelation Stanner who is a senior player and team captain, approached him from the corner of the field. Pelation is an experienced player who has waded through the world of national level volleyball for many years.
"Ushijima, you're getting awesome every day. You really give your best in the field." Pelation ran behind Ushijima with a friendly and resolute smile like she usually does to everyone.
Ushijima simply nodded in response. Words of praise were no longer able to shake him like they used to be. His life is now dedicated entirely to volleyball, being the best in the world.
"Wakatoshi, can we talk for a moment?"ask Pelation who is trying to understand the mind of one of these members.
Ushijima just continued to run in front of the Pelation without intending to look back to respect the senior and captain of his team. "What do you want to talk about?"
Pelation is still running to match her current position next to Ushijima, "I know you've had a lot of changes in your life lately. Losing your father was a very difficult thing. And I also know about the matter with your stepbrother, Akashi."
Ushijima immediately stopped his run and turned towards the Pelation, "What do you know about that?"
"When someone plays with this team long enough, we can know a lot about each other. I know that you want to forget everything, but remember, carrying a grudge will only burden you more." Pelation was still smiling kindly as she patted Ushijima's shoulder softly.
Ushijima only looked at him with eyes that were still cold since his arrival two months ago to this club. However, he was not one to ignore the advice of others whom he respected so much about his status and ability. "What's your advice, Pelation?"
"My advice is, don't let resentment and hatred control your life. Don't let it ruin your potential on the field. We are all here to win the game and achieve the highest achievements. Together, we can do it."
Ushijima who listened to the advice from Pelation began to ponder for a moment. Before he finally let out a long sigh, "I'll try."
Pelation smiled in satisfaction, "That's what I want to hear, Wakatoshi. We're a team, and we're always there for each other."
Ushijima nodded as a sign of his agreement. Even though his grudge was still burning within him, Pelation's words had created a kind of loophole in his heart. Under the bright California sun, Ushijima Wakatoshi begins to ponder what he really wants to achieve in the world of volleyball, and, while considering whether he should let the grudge ruin him or choose his own better path.
****
On the other hand, today is the Interhigh basketball quarter-final match between the Rakuzan School Basketball Team and the Yosen School Basketball Team. The match took place in a stadium full of cheers, followed by a feisty crowd. Yosen's team, who had put up a fierce fight throughout the game, put in a lot of effort to maintain their lead. Where, at this time Atsushi Murasakibara was standing under the Ring while yawning many times since the second half lasted until now, "Why is this match so long? I'm bored."
"Stay focused, Murasakibara. It's an important game." Tatsuya Himuro just smiled at his teammates, Along with Wei Liu who nodded in agreement with Tatsuya's words. "Right, we have to win this."
Meanwhile, on Rakuzan's side, the team also did not want to lose. Reo Mibuchi who was dribbling the ball towards the area of Tim Yosen began to scream with sweat droplets that had soaked his entire body. "We have to keep pushing them, don't let them get anywhere near our score."
"I'll try to open a gap in their defense." Hayama also shouted in annoyance while chasing Nebuya's steps while making sure that Team Yonsen arrived to snatch the ball from Nebuya's hands while continuing to open the gap in the opponent's defense. But unfortunately, Rakuzan still failed to repeatedly break through the Giant defense of Yosen which is none other than Murasakibara himself. Until time slowly rolled faster without a single point that could be obtained by Rakuzan again until this second. And apparently, the match continued with more tension mounting than ever. Yosen's team still continued to maintain their lead with strong defensive play, while Rakuzan's team tried to chase them with quick and accurate strikes. Every point becomes very valuable in this match.
The referee shouted loudly while blowing his trademark whistle from the edge of the Basketball court, "Last second!"
All the players on the pitch know that this is a crucial moment. Yosen's team had a narrow points advantage, but Rakuzan's side had one last chance to score and clinch the win.
Reo Mibuchi, the hero of Rakuzan's team in this critical moment, held the ball with a trembling hand. The time was very limited, and the tremendous pressure he felt. He knows that the ball he throws will be the determinant of the outcome of this match.
Reo decided to launch the ball at full power. He set his eyes on the ground and felt every second pass very slowly as the ball shot towards the ring at lightning speed. The next second, the ring that rang ended the third round.
This time around, the final score of the third round was 101-110, with Team Yosen remaining in the lead. This match was a fierce fight where every point was extremely valuable. All eyes are on the fourth round which will decide the fate of both teams.
In a brief silence after the end of the third half, both teams prepared to take a 10-minute break before entering a tense final. This is a game that will be remembered in the history of Interhigh basketball, and nobody who was in the stadium wanted to miss this historic moment.
NB:
The members of Team Yosen who competed in the Interhigh quarter-final were:
Atsushi Murasakibara: A very high and strong center player. Murasakibara is known for his easygoing demeanor and outstanding ability in defense and attack under the ring. He is a key player in Yosen's team.
Tatsuya Himuro: A shooting guard who has awesome long-range shooting abilities. Himuro is a mainstay player in scoring points from the outside and being one of the best strikers in the team.
Wei Liu: A very talented foreign player. Liu is a forward player who has a combination of speed, strength, and agility. He is one of the most passionate players in the team and always fights hard on the pitch.
Kenta and Viky: Two 10th-grade junior players who bring a youthful spirit to the team. Kenta is a smart point guard in managing team attacks, while Viky is a small forward who has a solid defensive ability. They are the players who play an important role in the strategy of the team.
On the Rakuzan Team side, the members who compete include:
Reo Mibuchi: Shooting guard who is good at shooting three points. Mibuchi is one of the leading players in the Rakuzan team and is often a savior in critical situations.
Hayama: A point guard player who has incredible speed. He is the main attack regulator of the team and is able to pass through the opponent's defense with lightning speed.
Nebuya: A strong and tough forward player. Nebuya is a player who plays an important role in the defense and attack of the team. His physical strength made it difficult for him to be stopped by opponents.
Carloz and Henry: Two new senior-class players who bring unique skills into the team. Carloz is a center with strong defensive skills, while Henry is an agile power forward and is able to score points in a variety of ways.
Although Akashi Seijuro, the captain of the highly influential Rakuzan team, decided to sit on the bench, his presence remains a gripping threat to the opposing team.