Training II

The third and final day of training had arrived, and the atmosphere in the gym was different. Gone were the first-day nerves and the playful jokes. Now, there was a sharpened focus—a quiet intensity that hung in the air as the Yami no Kiba basketball team went through their drills.

Kazuki dribbled the ball at the top of the key, his movements sharper than the day before. Kyouya was beside him, stretching out his arms, and Ryouma stood near the hoop, adjusting his wristbands. The rest of the team, including the second-years, was already warmed up and ready.

"Alright," Ryouma's voice cut through the gym, bringing everyone to attention. "This is our last day of training. Tomorrow, we step onto the court against Seiryu. We've had our fun, but from now on, it's all business."

Everyone nodded, and the drills began.

The first segment focused on fast breaks. Kazuki sprinted down the court, receiving a pass from Kyouya and quickly dishing it back to him for an open three-pointer. The ball swished cleanly through the net, earning a satisfied nod from Ryouma.

"Good pace," he said. "We need to be aggressive from the start. Seiryu is known for their structured plays, but if we overwhelm them with speed, we can take control."

They moved on to defensive drills next. The second-years played the role of Seiryu's team, running structured plays while Kazuki, Kyouya, and Ryouma worked on countering their formations. Kazuki quickly realized that while he was comfortable leading the offense, his defensive awareness still had room for improvement.

"Switch faster, Kazuki," Ryouma called out after an opponent slipped past him. "Don't just react—anticipate."

Kazuki nodded, gritting his teeth. He adjusted, focusing more on reading movements, and soon, he started disrupting plays before they could develop. It wasn't perfect, but he was improving.

Then came the full scrimmage.

Kazuki, Kyouya, and Ryouma led one side, while the second-years and a few others formed the opposing squad. The game was intense, sweat dripping from everyone as they fought for control of the ball.

Kazuki drove into the paint, faking a shot before kicking the ball out to Kyouya, who drained another three. The next play, Ryouma caught a lob pass and slammed it in, sending a jolt of excitement through the gym.

The momentum kept shifting. Kyouya pulled off a slick steal and passed it to Kazuki, who finished with a smooth layup. But the second-years weren't easy opponents. One of them sank a deep three-pointer, while another managed to block Kazuki's shot on a fast break.

With only a minute left in the scrimmage, the score was tied.

Kazuki dribbled up the court, locking eyes with Ryouma. With a quick signal, he passed the ball inside. Ryouma faked a shot, drawing in the defenders, before kicking it back to Kazuki at the perimeter.

Heart pounding, Kazuki took the open shot.

The ball arced through the air and swished cleanly through the net.

Game over.

As Kazuki let out a breath, Ryouma walked over and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Not bad."

The team gathered at the center of the court, sweat-drenched and exhausted but buzzing with energy.

Ryouma looked around at everyone, his usual smirk replaced by something more serious. "We're ready," he said. "Tomorrow, we start proving it."

Kazuki glanced at Kyouya, who grinned at him. He looked at the rest of the team—determined, confident.

Tomorrow, the real challenge would begin.