After leading the basketball team members to run a few laps in the basketball court, Akagi Takenori did some stretching warm-up exercises in place.
At this moment, Kiminobu Kogure came to Takenori Akagi's side and said, "It looks like Coach Anzai won't be coming today."
Akagi Takenori nodded and said, "Okay, then let's skip the practice match between first-year and upperclassmen today and just follow the normal training schedule."
Then, Takenori Akagi looked at the basketball players present and said, "Now we'll practice shooting. Everyone, line up."
All basketball players quickly took their positions and prepared to practice shooting.
At that moment, Sakuragi Hanamichi cautiously walked up to Akagi Takenori and said respectfully, "Captain Akagi, there's something I want to tell you."
Akagi Takenori frowned and asked, "What is it?"
Clearly, Sakuragi Hanamichi's disobedience displeased Akagi Takenori.
Sakuragi Hanamichi said earnestly, "Captain Akagi, it's like this. Since I'm a beginner in basketball, my basic movements are not solid. You can see from yesterday's one-on-one match between you and me, Captain Akagi. I tried my best to protect the basketball in my hands, but you still managed to steal it from me. So I want to start practicing from the most basic dribbling moves."
Akagi Takenori's brow relaxed, and he said, "Okay, then you can practice the basic dribbling moves on your own over there."
However, Sakuragi Hanamichi gave an awkward smile and said, "Um, could Captain Akagi please arrange for Ayako to teach me some basic dribbling moves? I'm a beginner in basketball, and I'm afraid my practice won't be up to standard."
Originally, Sakuragi Hanamichi wanted to practice the basic movements on his own, but when he thought about the intimidation Ayako had given him earlier, he felt it would be better to take the opportunity to get closer to Ayako.
Akagi Takenori nodded, then called out, "Ayako, you teach Sakuragi Hanamichi the basic moves."
Ayako, who was tidying up her things nearby, immediately agreed, "Okay!"
Then, Takenori Akagi patted Hanamichi Sakuragi on the shoulder and said, "Sakuragi, as long as you train hard, I believe you will become a key player on the basketball team. Good luck!"
Sakuragi Hanamichi nodded emphatically.
I am in a good mood.
Everything seems to be starting to move in a positive direction.
Moreover, in Sakuragi Hanamichi's memory, the plot of the anime seems to be that Akagi Takenori demanded that Sakuragi Hanamichi do basic training under Ayako's guidance from the beginning, and did not allow Sakuragi Hanamichi to train with everyone else. However, that Sakuragi Hanamichi refused to comply even to the death, and even fought with the gorilla. In the end, he declared that he would never play basketball again and left the court in anger.
That's just how some things are; if you take the initiative to do them, you'll feel happy.
If you are forced to do something by someone else, even if they are right, you will feel resentful.
It's like locking you up at home and telling you it's dangerous outside. Yes, it's for your own good, but locking you up for a day or two is fine. If you were locked up for two months, you would really go crazy.
But the other person is doing it for your own good.
You really can't refute that.
So, all you want to say is: Listen to me, thank you, because of you...
Hmm, I'm so happy that they volunteered to practice basic basketball moves!
Ayako walked over with the large paper fan, smiling, and said, "Sakuragi Hanamichi, I didn't expect you to have such a proper attitude! Very good! Come on! Let me guide you through the basic training!"
At this moment, Sakuragi Hanamichi showed no resistance or dissatisfaction; in fact, he was very happy because he urgently needed to do basic training.
Moreover, doing these basic training exercises will not only help him gradually find his touch and improve his basketball skills, but also earn him the recognition of Akagi Takenori, Ayako, Kogure Kiminobu, and others.
Why not?
Under Ayako's guidance, Sakuragi Hanamichi squatted down and began practicing basic movements such as dribbling a basketball in place and basic ball handling.
...
Training time always flies by, and today's training camp ended very quickly.
Akagi Takenori was very pleased to see that Sakuragi Hanamichi had been diligently following Ayako's instructions and training assiduously as possible.
At this moment, Ayako also came over and said to Takenori Akagi, "Takenori Akagi-senpai, Sakuragi Hanamichi is really good. I only briefly explained those basic moves, and he mastered them immediately. Moreover, he has great perseverance and a good attitude towards learning. I believe he will soon become a key player on the basketball team."
Ayako said this in front of Takenori Akagi and Hanamichi Sakuragi.
Sakuragi Hanamichi was immediately overjoyed, but he remained humble. He scratched the back of his head, gave a goofy smile, and said, "It's all thanks to Ayako-neechan's excellent teaching. I will definitely work hard!"
Ayako chuckled and patted Sakuragi Hanamichi on the shoulder, saying, "I thought you were one of those delinquents before. I was even thinking that if you dared to cause trouble, I would definitely teach you a lesson. I didn't expect you to be so obedient. Very good! You're quite impressive!"
Sakuragi Hanamichi immediately said seriously, "Ayako-neechan, don't listen to what people outside are saying. I'm not some delinquent! I'm an ambitious young man determined to become a genius basketball player! I also want to help the Shohoku basketball team make it to the national tournament!"
Ayako laughed, patted Sakuragi Hanamichi on the shoulder again, waved to Akagi Takenori and Sakuragi Hanamichi, and turned to leave.
Takenori Akagi nodded to Hanamichi Sakuragi and said, "Sakuragi, you did a great job today. Keep it up."
Although Akagi Takenori's words were spoken in a very calm manner, Sakuragi Hanamichi could clearly hear the approval in Akagi Takenori's voice.
So Sakuragi Hanamichi happily said, "Okay, Captain Akagi, I'll definitely do my best!"
Akagi Takenori nodded, and then left with Kogure Kiminobu.
As he left, Kiminobu Kogure smiled and waved goodbye to Hanamichi Sakuragi.
Sakuragi Hanamichi responded with a smile as well.
Overall, today was a very successful day.
Sakuragi Hanamichi was also very happy.
It's really great to work with a group of like-minded people!
Just then, Sakuragi Hanamichi saw Rukawa Kaede's figure and waved to him, saying, "Rukawa Kaede, see you tomorrow!"
Rukawa nodded in surprise, then turned and left.
Clearly, for someone as taciturn as Rukawa Kaede, Sakuragi Hanamichi is a social butterfly!
He's so overly friendly!
Sakuragi Hanamichi rubbed his hands together, excitedly whispering, "Rukawa Kaede, Rukawa Kaede, I'm going to find a way to recruit you. You know me too well. Back in junior high and high school, I had a brother who was the same type as you. He clearly craved friends, but he liked to act cool and aloof. You must be lonely at night without any brothers to talk to, right?"
At this point, Sakuragi Hanamichi suddenly gave a wicked smile and let out a "hehehe" laugh.
Just then, Yohei Mito and the others appeared behind Sakuragi Hanamichi. Seeing his strange appearance, they asked in confusion, "Hanamichi, are you alright?"
The brothers followed Sakuragi Hanamichi's gaze...
Holy crap?
Was Sakuragi Hanamichi smiling at Rukawa Kaede?
That smile... something's not right!
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