Chapter 105 The Visitor
Hanon gently nudged Rukawa's lower back and said succinctly and forcefully, "Go practice your game."
"Um."
Watching Rukawa Kaede jog into the stadium, Kanon secretly planned that she must have a deep conversation with him during lunch break.
This seemingly insignificant incident had a huge impact on her and indirectly affected the relationship between the two of them.
However, Hana didn't expect that plans would change. Coach Anzai called and asked her to come to his house at noon.
Therefore, as soon as the morning training ended, Hanon rushed to Coach Anzai's residence.
The scorching sunlight poured down on the basketball court like a waterfall.
"Ugh... I'm so exhausted."
Sakuragi looked up, supported his upper body, and sat down directly on the edge of the basketball court.
"You've worked hard, Sakuragi." Haruko handed him a bottle of mineral water. Sakuragi unscrewed the cap, drank half the bottle in big gulps, and then poured the rest of the water over his head.
"Ah~ That feels so good!" Sakuragi casually wiped his mouth, water droplets splashing everywhere, displaying a rugged and bold style.
Haruko looked at him, a smile playing on her lips.
Mitsui grabbed a towel and vigorously wiped the sweat from his face, as if trying to erase all his fatigue.
"Ayako-senpai, what happened? We've been practicing for an hour, why haven't Coach Anzai and Kanon-senpai arrived yet?"
Rukawa Kaede steadied the spinning basketball with his fingers, turned his head expressionlessly, and fixed his gaze on Ayako.
Sakuragi rubbed his chin with two fingers and declared smugly, "I bet Dad and my sister are talking about our recent training, especially praising my genius performance, hehehe..."
After saying that, he even narcissistically tidied his buzz cut.
The Shohoku team glanced sideways at Sakuragi: "..."
Ayako buried herself in her notebook, intently calculating the data. "Once they arrive, everything will naturally become clear. Why are you all in such a hurry? Honestly."
With a fawning smile, Miyagi leaned closer to Ayako and chimed in, "Ayako is right. What's the rush? Just wait patiently."
Disgusted by Miyagi's fawning manner, Mitsui glared at him and snorted unhappily, "Stop flattering me. Aren't you curious?"
Sakuragi patted Miyagi on the shoulder and said jokingly, "Hey, Ryo, stop being so obsequious!"
Miyagi retorted, "Who said I'm not curious? Aya said we'd find out when they get here! But you, Mitsui, are always looking for trouble, aren't you? Hey, Sakuragi, when are you going to show us your true 'genius' skills?"
Upon hearing this, Sakuragi immediately perked up. He put his hands on his hips, puffed out his chest, and said, "Hmph, you mortals, just you wait and see! This genius will open your eyes to the world sooner or later! Don't be scared by my strength then!"
Mitsui crossed his arms. "Sakuragi, you're clearly worst at this, so where does your confidence come from?!"
"You mistress! How dare you underestimate a genius like me? I'll show you that the title 'genius' isn't just for show!"
Sakuragi retaliated with a punch to Mitsui's chest, nearly sending him flying.
"Ouch, be gentle... Sakuragi, you're such a strong guy!"
The atmosphere inside the stadium reached a fever pitch.
"Awesome! This arena is amazing!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than two tall figures suddenly appeared at the entrance of the stadium.
The Shohoku team members all turned around, dumbfounded.
"A foreigner?!" Sakuragi's eyes widened instantly.
As the two approached, the height difference became increasingly apparent.
These two are probably close to two meters tall, right?
The other person glanced at Sakuragi's striking red head and immediately flashed a big smile: "Hey there! Sakuragi Hanamichi!"
Sakuragi stared at the overly enthusiastic newcomer, completely bewildered: "Who are you?"
Nick flashed a row of bright white teeth and excitedly introduced himself: "I'm James Nick from DK University in the United States. This is our basketball coach, Mike Holzer."
Coach Holzer nodded slightly to the Shohoku team, his expression calm and composed.
"America?!" Upon hearing this, Sakuragi couldn't help but grin, secretly pleased with himself: Could it be that my reputation as a genius has already spread to America?
USA?
Rukawa Kaede was only briefly distracted; he quickly refocused and continued his training.
To comprehensively improve his abilities, Hanon tailored a personal training plan for him, with a special emphasis on endurance and explosiveness. And he, seizing every second, used every available moment to practice shooting, striving for perfection in every detail.
Nick continued to try to build a friendly relationship with Sakuragi, while Coach Holzer kept his eyes fixed on Rukawa, silently expressing his appreciation and affirmation.
"Has Nini not arrived yet?" Nick looked around, eager and expectant.
Rukawa's shooting motion suddenly froze, the basketball slamming heavily against the rim with a loud clang. He whirled his head sharply, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's, fixed on Nick.
Ayako took the drink Miyagi offered and asked in surprise, "Oh? You know our assistant teacher, Kanon?"
“More than just knowing each other.” Nick said with pride and smugness.
"Huh?? What's your relationship?" Sakuragi opened his eyes wide with curiosity, his gaze sweeping over Nick.
“Nini is not only my coach, but also my soulmate.” Nick finished speaking, then scratched his head shyly, his face beaming with happiness.
Ayako almost spat out the drink in her mouth.
The members of Shohoku carefully examined the boy named Nick.
Nick has light brown, slightly wavy hair and big eyes; he's the kind of guy that girls would easily like.
When he smiles, his blue eyes are almost blinding.
The top students from Shohoku High School exchanged glances and simultaneously stole glances at Rukawa Kaede.
In everyone's minds, scenes of a love triangle began to unfold.
As one of the main characters, the fox still maintains his unique aloofness and calmness on the surface.
The Shohoku team: As expected of our Shohoku ace, he remains so composed even when a rival appears.
In fact…
The problem child gave him a dumbfounded, husky-like look: "???"
Sakuragi rested his chin on two fingers: "What is a soulmate?"
Mitsui nodded, replying with an air of knowing full well, "Good friend??"
Miyagi nodded as well: "Good classmate?"
Rukawa Kaede looked confused, his round face expressionless: "...?"
Sakuragi hooked his arm around Yasuda's shoulder and asked casually, "Hey, Yasuda, tell me, what is a soulmate?"
The scene was as quiet as a chicken's nest.
When Yasuda met those cold, fox-like eyes, his heart skipped a beat, and he stammered, "I guess... we're... like-minded... good teammates."
"Yosh! I see!" The troubled kids clapped their hands, suddenly realizing that for these passionate basketball enthusiasts, sharing the same interests was the most natural thing in the world.
Sensing the inexplicable hostility from the Shohoku players, Nick was puzzled but didn't delve into it. He turned his head and provocatively raised his chin: "Hey, Rukawa, one-on-one, you dare?"
His purpose in coming to Japan was not for Rukawa Kaede, but he did want to see if this legendary Shohoku ace truly lived up to his name.
Rukawa Kaede merely glanced at him coldly, unmoved, and continued shooting.
Nick snorted, thinking to himself: This kid is really annoying!
"Huh? Is it halftime now?"
Hanon walked into the stadium and instantly became the focus of the entire arena.
"Dad, sister! You've finally arrived!"
The Xiangbei team seemed to have found their leader and rushed forward.
"Coach Anzai! Assistant Coach!" they greeted excitedly.
"Oh ho ho ho~ Sakuragi, how are you feeling today?" Coach Anzai smiled kindly, gently patting Sakuragi's round head.
"Nini!"
Rukawa Kaede was surprised that someone could reach Kanon faster than him. His steps froze instantly, and a cold glint flashed in his fox-like eyes.
Hana dodged Nick's bear hug with a swift movement. "Coach Holzer, Nick, long time no see. How are you?"
Coach Holzer smiled and nodded. "Everything is fine."
For Kanon, Nick was an important mentor in her life.
When she first arrived in the US, with no background, no connections, and was very young, and repeatedly faced setbacks on the basketball court, it was Nick who extended a helping hand to her.
He introduced her to the school team, which not only made her development in the field smoother, but also helped her quickly climb to her current level.
“Yes, it’s been half a year. I’ve been longing to see you again.” Nick’s eyes were full of affection.
He eagerly moved closer to Kanon, but Kanon's mind was not on him. She nodded perfunctorily, her eyes involuntarily searching for Rukawa Kaede's figure.
Rukawa's face was so dark and icy that it made everyone in Shohoku feel a chill run down their spines.
Nick, oblivious to everything, tossed the basketball in his hand and then tossed it to Hana: "Nini! Let's play a game! Let's see if I can stand shoulder to shoulder with you now!" As he spoke, he reached out to put his arm around Hana's shoulder.
In that instant, Hana felt her feet lighten and she could clearly feel herself being pulled firmly into a strong embrace. The other person's arms were strong and powerful, holding her tightly behind her.
With one hand holding the ball and the other casually embracing Hanon, Rukawa Kaede spoke calmly, but the pressure in his eyes was obvious: "I accept your challenge."
Nick was speechless.
"You..." Nick pointed at them, too shocked to speak, "Nini, you guys..."
Even Coach Holzer looked astonished.
Rukawa Kaede clung tightly to Kanon, like an iron clamp, never letting up. Kanon could clearly feel the tension in his body and the hidden power within, like a cheetah ready to pounce at any moment.
Someone got angry.
Hanon gently wrapped her arms around Rukawa's waist, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she declared, "This is Rukawa, my boyfriend."
His cold, fox-like eyes softened instantly, like glaciers melting.
Nick looked like he'd been struck by lightning, and exclaimed in a trembling voice, "No! No!! You said you didn't want to be in a relationship!"
“In America, you always keep your distance from people, except me,” Nick muttered incredulously. “I thought…”
Mitsui bluntly poured cold water on the idea: "She just doesn't want to talk to you."
His dark, fox-like eyes looked at Mitsui with rare approval.
Mitsui shivered, rubbed his arms, and muttered under his breath, "...How disgusting!"
Nick glared fiercely at Rukawa Kaede, then suddenly put his hands in his pockets, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Fine, let me see what you're really capable of! Nini values you so much, you can't be a complete incompetent, can you?"
"Sister, is he really good at basketball?" Sakuragi asked curiously.
"Mm." Hana nodded simply, which was an affirmation of Nick's strength.
The arm around her waist suddenly tightened, and Huayin frowned slightly, "Xiaofeng."
“…Sorry.” Rukawa Kaede quickly loosened his grip a little.
Sakuragi seemed to have thought of something and asked Kanon again, "Sister, what is soulmate?"
Hanon thought he was trying to make a move on Haruko again, so she explained, "Soulmates, a match made in heaven?"
Mitsui's lips curled into a sly smile, and he draped his arm over Sakuragi's shoulder. "Oh, so that's what it means."
Rukawa tossed the ball to Nick, his voice icy, as if the temperature had dropped several degrees, "Hey, you go first."
Coach Holzer's impression of Rukawa was limited to a withdrawn and aloof boy; as for geniuses, there were too many in America.
Nick is by no means the kind of opponent who can be easily defeated by a novice high school student.
If Rukawa Kaede is unlucky, he may be left with indelible psychological trauma.
Haruko bit her lower lip, her voice filled with worry, and said, "Do I really have to go on stage...?"
Not only Haruko was worried, but the other members of Shohoku also looked worried.
How could someone recognized by Kanon be weak? Besides, Nick is a key player on the university team, and Rukawa is just a first-year high school student.
The reactions of the crowd made Hana chuckle. She reached out and poked Rukawa Kaede's porcelain-white face, encouraging him, "Let's fight then. I believe Kaede won't lose to Nick."
Rukawa Kaede remained silent, only gently rubbing his cheek against Hanon's fingers.
"Hello!"
As Rukawa Kaede turned his head, he met Nick's sharp gaze.
Nick couldn't stand that seemingly docile fox trying to ingratiate himself with Hanon.
He grinned, stretched his limbs, his joints cracking slightly, and approached Rukawa Kaede step by step. "Since Nini says you won't lose to me, let's give it a try!"
After saying that, he stared into Rukawa's eyes, "You go first!"
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