The cheers from the audience had risen to a deafening roar. Sakuragi had just pulled off a highlight reel dunk, and I swear, the floor still trembled from the impact. Even the referee forgot to blow his whistle for a full second. I didn't blame him—what we just saw wasn't basketball. It was an explosion of pure willpower.
"Oi, Red Gorilla!" I called from the bench, waving a towel. "Next time, try not to shatter the rim. I'd like to play on a complete court!"
Sakuragi, beaming with pride, gave me a thumbs-up so wide it could've cracked his face. His teammates clapped him on the back—Mito was practically bouncing.
But inside, I felt that flicker again.
A memory—not from this world.
Another life, where I played under the bright lights. I wasn't just a benchwarmer there. I was a star. But I lost everything. And now I'm here, teaching, guiding, rebuilding—one awkward jump shot at a time.
I stood, feeling the rhythm of the game pull me in like a riptide. "Coach," I said, tapping him lightly. "Mind if I warm up?"
He raised an eyebrow. "You've got five minutes. Make it count."
Sakuragi ran past me, grinning like a maniac. "Teach me that crazy pass again after the game, Kudo! The one where you flick it behind your back like magic!"
I chuckled. "Only if you stop calling it 'magic' and start calling it 'muscle memory.'"
🔥 On the Court: Five Minutes of Chaos and Flow
When I stepped onto the hardwood, the court felt familiar again—like slipping into old sneakers. I dribbled once. Twice. Just to hear the sound.
The opposing team was already in a full-court press. Poor guys didn't know what they were in for.
Mito passed to me off a fast break, and instinct took over.
Spin. Slide. Behind-the-back dish to Sakuragi.
He caught it—barely.
"NOW!" I yelled.
And boom.
Another dunk. This one with two hands. And a war cry that sounded like a lion having a personal crisis.
The crowd lost it.
💬 Post-Play Bench Talk
Back on the bench, we were sweaty, panting, riding the high of adrenaline.
Mito was teasing Sakuragi. "You looked like a flying gorilla with wings!"
Sakuragi punched his arm. "Shut up, baldy!"
Haruko waved from the stands, and I saw Sakuragi freeze. Then pretend he hadn't seen her. Classic.
I leaned in. "You know, you're improving faster than I expected. Keep this up, and Rukawa might finally say your name without scoffing."
"Really!?"
"Don't get cocky."
He slumped.
"...But yeah, really."
🎉 Locker Room Vibes
After the game, the locker room was chaos. Towels flying. Laughter echoing. The whole squad buzzing.
And somewhere in the middle of that was a moment—just one—that made me pause.
We were a team now.
They didn't know who I really was, where I came from, or the fire I carried from another world. But they trusted me. They laughed with me. They passed me the ball when it mattered.
Even Sakuragi, in his own goofy way, respected me.
That was enough—for now.
💡 Late Night: Memories and Determination
Back at home, I stared at the ceiling of my cramped room.
This wasn't where I expected to be in life. But maybe… this was where I was needed.
I pulled out an old basketball from under my bed. The leather was cracked. Familiar.
"I'll make it this time," I whispered to no one. "Even if I have to start from the bench again."