Chapter 7 The Final Choice

"If there's no other school, then I'll just have to make Tsugumo my number one target!" Shinichi Kudo declared.

"Are you sure?" Kudo Akitake asked, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

Seeing his father's expression, Kudo Shinichi was certain there was more to the story. He quickly poured a glass of wine for Akitake and said with a fawning tone, "Alright, Dad, stop teasing me. There must be a better school for me to choose from, right? Tell me!"

"I've already said that these are the only three basketball teams without coaches right now, but well..." Kudo Akitake paused, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Shinichi.

"Dad, just tell me already!" Kudo Shinichi said, half-pleading, half-complaining. (╭∩╮(︶︿︶)╭∩╮ Despise you!)

"Alright, Shinichi, I can't stand it when you're like this!" Kudo Akitake said, shuddering at his son's overly sweet tone. "These are the only three schools currently lacking a coach for their basketball team, but there are still schools considering changing coaches."

Shinichi's eyes lit up. "Which school is it?"

"Shinichi, do you know Shoyo?"

"Shoyo? Why would they change coaches?"

"You should know the dynamics of the Kanagawa high school basketball world," Kudo Akitake said, leaning back in his chair.

Shinichi nodded. "I know that Hainan has dominated the Kanagawa high school basketball scene for over a decade, undefeated in the region. No other team has been able to challenge their position. Meanwhile, Shoyo and Musashi are regulars in the national tournaments."

Kudo Akitake continued, "That's right. But do you know how Shoyo has performed in recent years?"

"Not really. I've only been focused on the college basketball scene," Shinichi admitted.

Kudo Akitake explained, "Including this year, it's been two years since Shoyo last qualified for the national tournament. Not only that, but they've been stuck in third place for the past two years, consistently behind Hainan and Musashi. The winter tournament is the last chance for Shoyo's current coach, Mr. Otake, to prove himself. He doesn't necessarily need to beat Hainan to qualify for the winter nationals, but he must defeat Musashi to secure second place. In three days, Shoyo will face Musashi. If Shoyo wins, Coach Otake keeps his job. If they lose... well, Shinichi, your opportunity might just arise."

"Dad, are you sure I can coach Shoyo? I'm just a rookie coach," Shinichi said, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.

"Shinichi, you need to understand something. Over the years, I've acquired shares in several private schools to strengthen my relationships with them. Three years ago, I bought some shares in Shoyo. It's not a lot, but it's enough to give me a voice on the board of directors. Plus, I have a good relationship with Mr. Sasaki Kantaro, the chairman of Shoyo," Kudo Akitake said solemnly. "And don't sell yourself short, Shinichi. You're the captain and coach of the Fukasawa basketball team, a star player at the university level, and a key member of the national team. I've spoken to Chairman Sasaki about you, and he's quite impressed. He said that if Shoyo's performance doesn't meet expectations this time, he'll fire Coach Otake and give you a chance." (PS: At that time, the Japanese national team was composed of college students.)

"So, does Shoyo have a good chance of beating Musashi this time?" Shinichi asked nervously.

"Shinichi, many people are saying there's an 80% chance Coach Otake will be let go," Kudo Akitake said confidently.

"Why?" Shinichi asked, curious.

"You'll find out soon enough."

"Is that so?" Shinichi said, a determined look on his face. "Then I'll go to Shoyo's game this weekend to see how strong the team is right now."

"Good idea," Kudo Akitake agreed.

"Thank you, Dad!" Shinichi said, genuinely grateful.

"It's nothing. It's what a father should do," Kudo Akitake replied, smiling warmly.

"Alright, let's eat before the food gets cold!" Nobuko Kudo chimed in, seeing that the conversation had reached a natural conclusion.

"Yes, let's dig in!"

Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Kanagawa Gymnasium

"Wow, not bad for the first match of the Kanagawa Winter Tournament Qualifier Finals! There's still half an hour before the game starts, and the gym is already packed," Kudo remarked, impressed by the lively atmosphere. "I didn't expect Shoyo's cheerleaders to be as spectacular as ever!"

But... if the team's performance doesn't deliver, even the most spectacular cheerleaders won't help, Kudo thought, his eyes shifting to the Shoyo team's bench. Now, let's see what Shoyo's got.

Thirty minutes before the game, Kudo reviewed the information he'd gathered through his father's connections. "No wonder Dad said Shoyo's chances are slim," he muttered, realizing the stark contrast between the two teams.

Musashi's starting lineup included two third-year players, while Shoyo's starters were mostly first- and second-year students. Only one of Shoyo's players had been a starter during the summer tournament. In Japan, it was common for third-year students to quit the basketball team after the summer tournament to focus on college entrance exams. Those who stayed were usually strong players who had already secured college placements. Musashi's three starters had all competed in national tournaments, while Shoyo's players lacked experience and seemed rusty in comparison. Although anything could happen in basketball, Shoyo was clearly at a disadvantage.

Now, let's see what you've got, Coach Otake, Kudo thought. If Shoyo had the ability to turn things around, you would've done it in the summer tournament instead of waiting until now.

The match between Shoyo and Musashi unfolded as Kudo had predicted—Shoyo lost. Despite their hard work and determination, Shoyo's players struggled under pressure, and a few tactical errors by Coach Otake sealed their fate. Musashi weathered every challenge and emerged victorious.

Looks like I've got a chance to join Shoyo after all, Kudo thought, a mix of excitement and determination filling him. However, when he saw Coach Otake's dejected expression, a pang of sympathy struck him. If I become Shoyo's coach, I won't let myself end up like him. I'll succeed, no matter what!