4. Tryouts (2)

Kaito stationed himself at the mid-point and got ready for the tip-off. The boy opposite him seemed jittery and nervous. The ref stood between them and waited for the signal before tossing the ball up.

Kaito grabbed the ball with ease and through it to Morita who dribbled it to the opposing territory. One of the defenders attempted to stop him but he managed to pass it to Shinsuke who threw it to Sakamoto and quickly guarded against another player allowing Shinsuke to shoot from the inside.

The score changed from 0 to 2 and their team smiled.

Now they were on defense and following Kaito's instructions, they focused their attention on the outside pressuring the opposing team who tried to take shots. It seemed the other team had no idea how to plan or strategise because one player fell under pressure and took a lousy shot but there was no one from their team under the net ready to get the rebound.

Kaito jumped up and grabbed the ball which bounced off the rim and looked at Sato who nodded. He passed the ball to Sato who, following Kaito's instructions, dribbled up and passed it Morita. Morita caught the ball and easily passed the weak defender before throwing the ball to Shinsuke who had no one guarding him.

The two worked in synch as per Kaito's last minute instruction and teaching, and passed the ball back and forth. Sakamoto was already waiting when Morita tossed the ball to him and he did a layup.

The scoreboard was now: 4 - 0

Kaito stood in his position thinking about the match. Two things he noted was that; one, his team wasn't all that bad and listened to instructions well, and two, the other team had no experience in planning and strategising meaning they probably have never played a proper basketball match. He wouldn't be surprised if most kids here were like that.

Glancing at the coach on the bench, Kaito realised he'd better play a more active role if he wanted to enter first string. Little did he know that the coach already had eyes on him.

"Takahashi Kaito, pretty tall for someone his age." Coach Fuwa muttered. The club advisor, Asada sensei looked at the coach. "Are you talking about that kid there? He hasn't done much in the game but he seems to be a stable center."

"You're wrong sensei. I saw them before the match began and it seems they were listening to the kid's instructions. What they did on court was most probably thought up by Takahashi himself." Coach Fuwa continued, "It seems the child has a talent for basketball and the brains as well."

Asada sensei turned his attention to the boy and made a mental note to carefully watch him. Someone who caught Coach Fuwa's attention must have some special quality.

On court, the score was currently 8 - 0 in Kaito's favour. Despite this being a friendly match, the other team were visibly stressed at being unable to score at least one point. The few times one of their players broke through to the inside, Kaito easily stopped their shots displaying his strength as a center.

He didn't need to use his emperor eye and he wasn't planning on ever using it unless he went up against a miracle.

The game ended with Kaito's team winning 16 to 0 making other newcomers who were watching suck in a cold breath. Kiyoshi gaped at Kaito who merely grinned back. The opposing team were distraught at the complete loss and could only leave the court with sunken expressions. Kaito didn't feel guilty at all knowing it was better they lost badly here than in an actual game.

If the other team were able to score from the three-pointer line, the ending scores wouldn't have been so miserable. Unfortunately, the pressure applied from Kaito's team proved their inexperience with such things.

Off court, Morita had an excited expression on his face and slapped Kaito's back. "That was awesome dude! To be honest, I wasn't sure we would win but your planning actually worked. I'll call you boss from now on."

"Do whatever you want," Kaito rolled his eyes but wore a smile. The rest of team were all in a good mood and felt ecstatic of their win. Shinsuke narrowed his eyes though, "Well we still need to wait for the results. Who knows what string we'll get,"

"Something tells me Takahashi-kun won't have any trouble getting to first-string." Sakamoto said. The others nodded agreeing with him but Kaito said nothing. He wasn't sure what string he'd be put into since he didn't display much in the match. As long as he'd be in first-string by the end of this year, he didn't mind being placed in third-string now.

.......

"Alright everyone gather around!" Coach Fuwa shouted. The freshmen and newcomers ceased their chatter and quickly stood in front of the coach and advisor. Coach Fuwa nodded and spoke,

"Okay, first of all, thank you all for signing up for basketball club. We always welcome new and dedicated players to our team. By the end of this, you'll receive a notice to gather in this gym where we will announce which string you'll be placed into. Just to be clear, everyone will be allowed to join the club and the only time you'd be forced to leave is if you start failing tests or display bad behaviour."

Multiple students let out a sigh of relief while others gulped.

"That's all for today. Go home and get some rest,"

""Hai!""

Kaito picked up his bag and jogged over to Kiyoshi who was chatting with another kid. He waited for them to finishing talking before joining in the conversation.

"Yo, how was it?" Kaito asked.

"It was fun. I learnt a lot just by watching the matches so I think I'll stay." Kiyoshi grinned. "You though...your team was awesome. I didn't know you'd be so smart Takahashi."

"Well I do love the sport and I've been training for it since I could walk," Kaito smirked. He jabbed his thumb to the exit. "Let's go meet up with Watanabe. I was thinking we go get popsicles to celebrate our first day of school. You can join us if want, er..." Kaito looked at the boy Kiyoshi was conversing with.

"Hinata Matsu. Thanks but I gotta go home now." The boy was of average height and looks but gave off a friendly aura.

"Next time then."

Kiyoshi and Kaito waved good-bye before meeting Watanabe at the entrance of the school. They joked around for a bit and made their way to the convenience store.

"Thanks for paying for us Kaito," Watanabe smirked. Kiyoshi grinned in unison, "Yeah thanks man,"

Kaito glared at the two, "Why the hell am I paying?! You both have your own money!"

"We know you're rich man. Take pity on us peasants," Watanabe teased. Kaito flicked his forehead making the boy grunt in pain before paying the cashier.

"You two owe me."

The trio burst out in laughter and ate their popsicles before heading home.

Kaito arrived home to the smell of his mother's cooking and smiled in content.

"Tadaima,"

From the kitchen, Hana stepped out to greet her son. "Okaeri, how was your first day at school Kai-chan?"

".....Awesome."