When My World Got Upside Down - Moving to Japan

After the championship, Tatum decided to change to Akira's school, in his words. "Playing with you is definitely more fun than playing against you." That made Akira happy, because having Tatum by his side, the matches would be even more fun to play, and a rival on the same team makes you improve every training session.

The next two years were a whirlwind for this new duo Akira and Tatum. After their thrilling victory in the U-10 tournament, the duo quickly became the talk of the town. Their chemistry on the court was undeniable, and together, they dominated the next U-10 tournament, leading their team to another championship, with Akira being the Tournament MVP again. Akira's vision and creativity, combined with Tatum's scoring prowess, made them unstoppable. The bond they forged through competition only grew stronger as they pushed each other to new heights.

By the time they reached the U-12 tournament, their reputations had soared. But this time, the stakes were higher, and the competition fiercer. In the finals, they faced the Memphis Sharks, a team led by two prodigious talents—Ja Morant and Zion Williamson. The game was a battle from start to finish, with both teams trading blows in a high-octane display of skill and determination.

Akira found himself matched up against Ja, a lightning-fast point guard with incredible agility and court vision. Meanwhile, Tatum was tasked with guarding Zion, a force of nature who seemed unstoppable in the paint. The game was a showcase of the future stars of basketball, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats as the lead swung back and forth.

In the final moments, with the game tied, Zion made a powerful drive to the basket, muscling his way through Tatum's defense to score the winning point. The final buzzer echoed in Akira's ears as he stared at the scoreboard in disbelief. They had lost by a single point.

As the Memphis Sharks celebrated, Akira and Tatum stood on the court, their disappointment palpable. But amid the defeat, they found resolve. "We'll get them next time," Tatum said, clapping Akira on the shoulder. Akira nodded, determination burning in his eyes. They promised each other that they would win the rematch against Zion and Ja, vowing to return stronger and better.

Weeks turned into months as they continued to train together, each pushing the other to reach new levels. But just as they began preparing for their next challenge, an unexpected conversation would change everything.

One evening, after a grueling training session, Akira returned home to find his parents waiting for him in the living room. The serious expressions on their faces told him something was wrong.

"Akira," his father began, "we need to talk."

Oh damn, it's about my grades again? 

His mother took a deep breath.

"Your father received an incredible job offer. It's an opportunity he can't refuse."

Akira's stomach twisted with unease. 

What? What do you mean, am I going to have to move to another place? But Tatum and I are at our best...

"Where is it?" he asked, already dreading the answer.

"In Japan," his father replied. "We'll be moving there in a few months."

The words hit Akira like a punch to the gut.

Outside the US?! Japan?! What is that? Some sick joke? They need to be kidding.

"No," he said, shaking his head. "I can't go to Japan. I want to play in the NBA! How am I supposed to have a rematch against Zion and Ja Morant if I leave?"

His parents exchanged worried glances.

"Akira," his mother said gently, "we understand how much basketball means to you. But Japan isn't the end of your dream. Basketball has developed a lot there. You'll have new opportunities, new challenges. And when the time comes, you can return to the United States for college if that's still what you want."

But Akira couldn't see past his anger and frustration.

"You don't get it!" he shouted. "I'll be left behind! My dream of being the best player is ruined. By the time I come back, I'll be outdated, and no one will care about me. I'll be off the radar of the big universities!"

His parents tried to reassure him, but their words felt hollow. That night, Akira lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as tears streamed down his face. His dreams of NBA stardom seemed to be slipping away, and all he could think about was how everything he had worked for was falling apart. He felt lost, helpless, and afraid that he would never achieve his goals.

How will I improve playing in Japan? Alone, there is no challenge for me there. How am I going to become an NBA player, the tournaments, my dream U-12 tournament that I would win with Tatum. How will I be able to stand out for the draft? Or even go to university?

As the hours passed, Akira's thoughts spiraled. He imagined being stuck in Japan, unable to improve, while his friends back home continued to grow and develop their skills. He pictured himself returning to the U.S. one day, only to find that the basketball world had moved on without him. The fear of being forgotten, of failing to reach his potential, weighed heavily on his heart.

In the darkness, tears began to run down his face, along with a desperate sob. Akira made a silent vow to himself. No matter what happened, he would find a way to keep his dream alive. He wouldn't let this move destroy his future. But even as he made that promise, doubt lingered in the back of his mind.

"I will dominate Japan." Akira extends his closed fist upwards. "It doesn't matter that I'm in a weak place. I will dominate and come back to be the best ever."

The tears kept coming, and for the first time in a long time, Akira felt powerless. Helpless. Like everything he'd ever wanted was suddenly out of reach.