YOU SHOULD JUST QUIT

As expected, I was made a starter on the team the same day I tried out, and I would train with the main team.

"Basara, Daichi, Hidesuke, start playing a 3-2 defense formation," said Coach Izanagi.

"Right, coach!" they shouted as they started playing tight defense.

Makoto dribbled the ball up the court, and both Basara and Daichi stepped to guard him.

Makoto then crossed between his legs and attacked to the right. As soon as Makoto tried to slip away, both Basara and Daichi cornered him toward the out-of-bounds line. However, Makoto passed the ball behind his back and through Basara's legs to Takumi, who drove to the rim and scored a layup over Hidesuke.

Seems like my defensive trap tactics don't work on this kid. He has exceptional control over the ball and is able to pass with such precision through the tiniest of spaces between my defense, said Coach Izanagi to himself, impressed.

"Makoto, nice pass," said Takumi as he gave Makoto a thumbs up.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as smoothly for Shino, a boy who looked so timid that even the wind blowing too hard would make him cry. He was clueless about the sport and was constantly used, abused, and taken advantage of, said Makoto.

"Hey, you little shrimp, get over here," said Daichi in a serious tone. Shino then slowly walked over to Daichi, shaking due to fear and anticipation.

"Go buy us some drinks; we're thirsty from all this training," said Daichi.

"And make it quick too. Training will be resuming soon, and if you're late, that's five laps around the soccer field," said Basara.

"I-I have no problem with going to buy it for you guys, but you haven't given me any money at all," informed Shino.

"Don't act stupid. You will be paying for everything," said Daichi.

"But... if I buy that much, I won't be able to afford to go home," explained Shino, concerned.

"Are you talking back to your senior? Do not let this escalate, so go and buy us those drinks, you pathetic little bean sprout," said Hidesuke.

"Right," responded Shino as he held his head down and walked off.

"Yo, Makoto, go with him and ensure that he buys those drinks, or we will remove him from our training," said Hidesuke.

"That kid is really stupid and gullible. There's no way he'll ever play a game," said Daichi as he laughed.

Not that I care or anything, but these guys are some cruel bastards, taking advantage of that poor kid. If I were him, I would have quit at the first chance I got, thought Makoto to himself as he walked up to Shino.

What the hell? Is he crying? Shino noticed Makoto and wiped his tears, looking away.

Makoto, feeling a bit sorry for him, sighed and said, "Here."

Shino then looked up to see money.

"I'm not sure if this amount will cover your travel funds, but that's all I have on me now," said Makoto.

"Thank you so much! This means so much to me."

"Please, don't thank me. Let me help you with those," said Makoto as he took a few bottles from Shino.

"Really? That's so nice of you. Let's head back now," said Shino as both he and Makoto made their way back to the court.

"You really are amazing, Kurai. You're already a starter on the team and training with the main team. That must be nice," said Shino in a low and sad tone.

"I really need to clarify something with you. How can you put up with those guys? They are really ruthless and heartless bastards. You know they'll never allow you to play, right? All they're doing is using you and treating you like trash. Quit basketball, it's for your own good," said Makoto.

"No, no, no! I can't give up this sport. I love watching it so much, and it's fun. That's why I want to learn the game on my own and experience it for myself. If I quit now, I'll never know the feeling. Tell me, how can I be as good as you? How can I not suck at this sport? Please tell me!" screamed Shino as tears filled his eyes.

"I wasn't able to respond to him when he asked me that question. I was completely speechless. At that moment, I thought to myself that he has a lot of suffering to endure because he was determined not to quit," said Makoto.

"Finally, you're back. I've gotten really tired of waiting," said Daichi.

"What the hell is this? I told you we wanted drinks, but you went ahead and bought water," said Daichi, pissed.

"I think that it's not good to drink soda after such intense workouts, so I thought that water would be better. Coach Izanagi would say the same thing."

Hidesuke then opened a water bottle and emptied it on Shino's head.

"You're so useless to the point where you can't even be a proper errand boy. How pathetic," said Hidesuke.

"You should just quit the sport while you're at it. You'll never amount to anything but a stupid water boy," said Basara.

"Shut up!! It doesn't matter what you guys say. I'll become one of the best players in the country and also become better than all of you. Just you wait and see," said Shino.

Both Basara and Daichi looked at each other and started laughing.

"Someone's a bit delusional today," said Daichi.

"Who the hell are you telling to shut up, bean sprout? That's twenty laps around the football field."

"But that's impossible! The field is too big," said Shino.

"If you don't complete it, I'll make sure you never touch another basketball again," said Hidesuke harshly.

At the time, I didn't really care about what they did to him. He couldn't even stand up for himself. That's what I thought to myself. Even after harassment, doubts, and discouragement, he still kept on going, trying to improve himself without any knowledge of the sport or assistance from a coach. He trained before, during, and after training, but he still didn't make any progress," said Makoto.