Chapter 104 Temper
Seeing his narrow, fox-like eyes droop slightly, looking so aggrieved, Hana felt as if she had committed a moral depravity and abandoned him.
A slight tremor ran through her heart, and Hana said, "Actually, I wanted something hot to drink today."
Without saying a word, Rukawa Kaede put the thermos back in its place, turned around, and walked towards the door.
Hana quickly grabbed him, asking in confusion, "Hey, where are you going?"
"Buy a hot Americano."
Rukawa Kaede stopped and looked at her again, answering as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"It's training time!"
"Rest time."
"Then you should rest properly during your break time," Hana said helplessly.
One of the most stubborn people said, "You want to drink."
Hanon was both amused and exasperated by his directness and insistence. "I want to drink after training."
Rukawa Kaede's expression remained unchanged, and he didn't say anything, only nodding.
Then, he naturally took Hana's hand and just stared at her.
Unable to resist, Hana turned around and her eyes met his. "Why are you staring at me?"
Rukawa Kaede didn't look away; instead, he looked at her carefully and said calmly, "I'm not angry."
"...Yes, I'm not angry."
Hanon lowered her eyes and took the initiative to end the eye contact.
Complex and subtle.
Kanon has always deeply felt this pure and passionate emotion.
However, it seems that there is someone Rukawa Kaede can't forget.
Hana's thoughts began to drift away. She didn't want to let the various speculations about him and others occupy her mind. Those fabricated scenarios grew wildly like weeds, making her feel uneasy.
Hanon secretly decided that no matter what, she would find an opportunity to ask him clearly!
Just then, Rukawa Kaede's deep, magnetic voice rang in my ears again.
The voice seemed deliberately lowered, carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible seductive quality—
“You still haven’t given me an answer last night,” he said.
Hana's fingertips trembled slightly, and she unconsciously rolled up her sleeves. After a moment, she managed to calm herself down and replied, "Not now."
Hanon didn't look at him, and Rukawa couldn't understand her expression.
Rukawa Kaede, his face blank and puzzled, asked, "What—" He was interrupted by Haruko's sudden appearance before he could finish speaking.
Haruko, her face beaming with excitement, grabbed Kanon's hand and exclaimed, "Sister, come and see Sakuragi's training results today! He's absolutely amazing—"
Both of them turned their gazes to Haruko at the same time, and an inexplicable sense of oppression followed.
Haruko tentatively asked, "Did I... disturb you?"
"No."
"yes."
Two voices rang out simultaneously.
Haruko: "..."
Haruko glanced furtively at Rukawa Kaede, who had said "Yes," then quickly released her grip, took a few steps back, and bowed respectfully. "Excuse me... please continue!"
"Beep—"
Rukawa Kaede didn't get to continue; the whistle blew.
"All team members, please take your positions and continue training!"
Rukawa Kaede turned to look at Kanon and said expressionlessly, "It's time for training."
Hana smiled back and gestured for him to return to the group with her eyes, ignoring the fox-like eyes that were gradually darkening.
After individual training, Kanon arranged an intra-team scrimmage, in which both the starters and substitutes of the Shohoku team participated.
Sakuragi, Mitsui, Miyagi, and others formed one team, while Rukawa fought alongside Akagi, becoming the core of the other team.
While adjusting his wristband, Rukawa would occasionally glance in the direction of Kanon.
Hanon ignored the intense gaze; she was currently surrounded by a group of substitute players, discussing tactics.
whispering sound.
Rukawa Kaede's expression was cold and stern, but a hint of dissatisfaction involuntarily crept over him.
Full of confidence, Sakuragi hooked his arms around Miyagi and Mitsui's shoulders and declared, "Great! This time, I, the genius, will lead you to defeat both that gorilla and that stinky fox!"
He had already imagined Akagi and Rukawa looking dejected and listless.
This put Kakuta, who had joined their side, in a somewhat awkward position: "Sakuragi, you should know that when the captain and Rukawa team up, they are unstoppable!"
As a small forward, Rukawa Kaede already possesses exceptional individual scoring ability, enough to strike fear into the hearts of opponents even without the cooperation of others.
Seeing Sakuragi's smug look, Akagi really wanted to punch him: "You're too arrogant, kid. Perfect, let's teach you a lesson!"
Rukawa glanced coldly at Sakuragi and uttered two haughty words, “—Idiot.”
Sakuragi clenched his fists, his whole body burning with rage, and challenged Rukawa: "You wait, you stinky fox!"
Rukawa Kaede also exuded an invisible chill.
The atmosphere instantly became tense, and the Xiangbei boys unconsciously retreated to the edge, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.
Ayako glanced at the tactical board, her eyebrows twitching: "These two are really on fire, man-to-man defense. Aren't you afraid they'll start fighting on the court?"
Hana looked at the boy who was steadily entering the arena, felt a little relieved, and said softly, "Don't worry."
The scramble for the ball began, and Sakuragi lost to Akagi.
Rukawa received the ball that Akagi slapped to him, and with a quick change of direction, he got past the defender guarding him.
Before anyone could react, or perhaps because Rukawa was simply too fast, there wasn't enough time—
Rukawa Kaede had closed in on the three-point line, with no one in front of him.
Hanon thought he would take a long shot, but unexpectedly, Rukawa accelerated and broke into the paint.
Ayako looked puzzled: "What is he trying to do?"
Hanon was slightly taken aback, only to see Rukawa Kaede turn his back and pass Miyagi and Mitsui who were guarding him.
He then faked a move and changed direction, shaking off Sakuragi and Kakuta who hadn't yet returned to the basket.
Haruko's eyes lit up, and she covered her mouth in amazement, exclaiming, "Wow! He's over five! So handsome!!!"
Hanon frowned, her gaze fixed on the field.
Rukawa Kaede arrived at the basket, leaped up suddenly, and slammed it down with one hand—
"Bang!"
The basketball struck the rim with a deafening thud before bouncing off.
Rukawa paused in mid-air for a very brief moment before jumping down.
Ayako stared in disbelief: "..."
The Xiangbei team members stood frozen in place, as if they had been immobilized.
While three-pointers are certainly pleasing to the eye, dunks are the most impactful and adrenaline-pumping game on the basketball court.
What's more, this was an intra-team scrimmage, and the first goal of the game.
Hanon was stunned for a moment. This flamboyant and exciting fighting style was so unlike Rukawa Kaede's style.
Instead of shooting when he has an open shot, he chooses to dribble past his opponent and drive straight to the basket, which is clearly unwise.
It looked like he was holding his breath.
Hanon didn't know what to feel for a moment.
She was just throwing a tantrum, but she didn't expect it to affect his mood so much.
During the defensive possession, Sakuragi grabbed the rebound with his amazing jumping ability. He roared and prepared to launch a fast break.
However, just as he was about to jump, Rukawa Kaede was right behind him. He quickly stretched out his arm, accurately predicted the shot, and delivered a clean and decisive block, sending the ball flying.
Enraged by the block, Sakuragi glared at Rukawa and charged towards him with a roar.
Miyagi and Mitsui quickly hugged him, saying, "Calm down, calm down! Sakuragi!"
Rukawa Kaede gave him a cold glance, then turned around, ready to move on to the next round.
Sakuragi completely lost his mind, like an enraged bull, rampaging around the field, eliciting a mixture of amazement and worry from the people in the stands.
Sakuragi, having regained possession of the ball, quickly rushed into the opponent's penalty area.
His amazing jumping ability caught everyone's attention, and Haruko held her breath, ready to witness a domineering dunk.
"—Ah!" Haruko gasped, her hands clenching tightly in nervousness.
Sakuragi, having exerted too much force, lost his balance in mid-air and nearly fell.
Even so, he still stubbornly threw the ball towards the basket—although it didn't go in, his courage still shocked the entire arena.
This scene repeated itself over and over again. Relying on his unlimited stamina, Sakuragi ignored his opponent's strategy and just kept charging forward.
Rukawa Kaede was not to be outdone and challenged Sakuragi to a duel. His eyes were only on the basketball hoop, as if he wanted to vent all his anger on that small circle.
Both players played aggressively, which worried their teammates.
Because of being too impulsive, one often falls into the opponent's trap or misses a better opportunity to attack.
After Sakuragi lost possession of the ball again due to his impatience, Ayako could no longer hold back and decisively blew her whistle to stop the game.
Back in the rest area, the team members were all panting, except for Sakuragi and Rukawa, who were completely unfazed, as if the intense match had nothing to do with them.
Ayako swung her paper fan, landing precisely on Sakuragi and Rukawa's heads, her voice stern: "What kind of farce are you two putting on?!"
Sakuragi cried out in pain, tears welling in his eyes, and crouched down, clutching his head: "It hurts so much!"
Hanon paused for two seconds, exhaled softly, and said, "Sakuragi Hanamichi."
Sakuragi immediately composed himself, tightened his buttocks, and replied, "Here!"
Hana patted his shoulder gently to help him relax.
Sakuragi's anger subsided, but a hint of grievance and unease appeared in his eyes. "Sister..."
"Hanamichi, it's good to have a strong fighting spirit, but basketball is a team sport. A true champion can stay calm in adversity, cooperate with teammates, and unleash greater power," Hana gently advised.
Sakuragi lowered his head and remained silent for a moment, then said indignantly, "But Rukawa always steals the spotlight..."
A hint of jealousy crept into her words. Everyone favored Rukawa Kaede, including his sister.
"Everyone is striving for victory, so you need to learn to control your emotions and rhythm. You have strength, speed, and jumping ability that are difficult for others to match. Use these to conquer the court, instead of being influenced by the opponent's emotions, and don't let personal feelings distract you," Hanon patiently instructed him.
"Besides, you're so strong, everyone's been watching you."
Sakuragi looked up, his eyes sparkling with new light, and nodded emphatically: "Sister is right. This genius will prove with his strength that I, Sakuragi Hanamichi, am the man who can lead Shohoku to victory in the national tournament!"
Haruko showered him with praise again: "Sakuragi, you grabbed the rebound from your brother again! That's amazing!"
Sakuragi scratched his head and chuckled sheepishly, "Hehehe...it's nothing...the gorilla is no match for this genius!"
Akagi, who was suddenly called out, had a face as black as the bottom of a pot.
Seeing this, Mitsui and Miyagi quickly stopped Akagi, coaxing him, "Hey, Akagi! This kid just has a sharp tongue, don't mind him..."
Hana tilted her head and looked at the boy next to her.
Rukawa Kaede pursed his lips and stared intently at her.
Hanon walked over, and he seemed to stand even straighter, with a calm expression on his face.
She wrapped her arms around his, rested her chin on his shoulder, and her eyes curved into crescent moons as she said, "Hold back a bit. Don't play like you did before when you're on stage."
Rukawa Kaede, who had a cold face from the start, finally managed a slight upward twitch at the corner of his mouth after a powerful dunk over five defenders.
“Okay,” he said.
The indentation at the corner of his mouth was very shallow, and Hana's gaze followed it unconsciously.
She couldn't help but think to herself: How can this person be so easy to fool?
"It's because Shiro... Sakuragi is too bad."
Seeing his arrogant expression, Hua Yin couldn't help but laugh again: "You think you're so great?"
Rukawa Kaede's eyelids drooped, and the curve of his lips became more pronounced than before. "Mm."
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