Chapter 23: A Normal Morning

The sun is shining brightly as Haruki walks through the gates of Yumei High. His heart is lighter than it has been for days. As he steps into the hallway, his classmates look at him with a mix of surprise and relief. There are whispers and cautious smiles thrown his way.

Hiroshi is lacing up his shoes in the locker room when he notices Haruki walking in. There's a momentary pause before Hiroshi leaps up and approaches him. The other team members follow suit, and there's a small gathering around Haruki." Somebody's focused; hopefully, you won't pass the ball to the other team again," a grin spreading across his face.

But instead of getting defensive, Haruki just chuckles. "Only if you promise not to keep the game as close as last time."

Just as Hiroshi is about to counter with another playful jab, Ayumi steps in, rolling her eyes at their antics. "Enough, you two! Hiroshi, stop teasing Haruki. And Haruki, don't rise to his bait. We need everyone focused today."

Upon arriving, the massive stadium looms over them. The air is thick with anticipation as crowds are gathering for the fourth game of the tournament. Inside the stadium, the Yumei High team warms up. Their movements are synchronized and focused.

Hiroshi takes a moment from his warm-up to walk over to Haruki. His eyes are sincere as he says, "It's good to have you back."

As the Yumei High players line up for the opening tip, the stadium speakers announce the starting lineup for Higashiyama High. The crowd's cheer crescendos as the name "Maruyama Jiro" echoes through the stadium. Haruki's gaze fixates on the tall, muscular figure that is Jiro, the star power forward of Higashiyama High. His commanding presence and an air of confidence are palpable even from afar.

"Maruyama Jiro, also known as the 'Titan of Kagawa,' folks! A true physical specimen and an unmatched force in the paint," the commentator's voice booms.

On the court, Higashiyama High plays with intensity. Their movements are well-coordinated, and their passes are sharp. As Haruki closely observes them, he notices that their strength lies in their physicality and ability to create space.

The game tips off, and Higashiyama wastes no time in asserting dominance. Jiro catches a pass in the paint and slams it home, drawing gasps from the crowd. Yumei High, not to be outdone, answers with a swift basket by Haruki, who slips through the defence.

As the quarter progresses, Higashiyama's offence, led by Jiro, overwhelms Yumei High. However, Haruki is beginning to show glimpses of brilliance with his dribbling and court vision.

At one point, Haruki manages to shake off his defender and drives to the basket. But Jiro meets him at the rim, and the two clash in mid-air. The collision is monumental, and both players crash to the floor. The referee blows the whistle, signalling a foul.

The crowd erupts as Haruki gets up and claps his hands. As Haruki steps to the free-throw line, the Yumei High supporters chant his name. His focus is unwavering as he makes both free throws.

Midway through the first quarter, the crowd is on the edge of their seats as the game becomes a series of electric plays from both teams. Higashiyama High's offence focuses on Jiro. They set screens to get him open in the post, where he uses his strength and footwork to score.

Yumei's Daichi is visibly struggling to contain Jiro. Despite his best efforts, the size and skill disparity is glaring. On one play, Jiro backs Faichi down in the post and executes a perfect spin move for a dunk. The Higashiyama crowd roars.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the court, Haruki is on fire. His agility and ball-handling skills are too much for Higashiyama's point guard, Kenji Yamada, to handle. Haruki exploits every gap in the defence. On one play, he crosses over Kenji, leaving him stumbling, and then steps back to hit a three-pointer. The Yumei High supporters go wild.

A few plays later, Haruki steals the ball and is on a fast break. Kenji is hot on his heels. However, Haruki makes a no-look pass to Ryota, who finishes with a layup. This play is met with thunderous applause from Yumei's fans.

The first quarter is nearing its end, and Yumei High decides to double-team Jiro. Daichi and Hiroshi work together, trying to neutralize him. On the last possession for Higashiyama, Jiro receives the ball at the low post. Daichi, though exhausted, puts in all his effort to defend him. Jiro makes a move but is surprised when Hiroshi comes over to help, and they force him to take a tough shot.

As the buzzer sounds, Haruki glances at Daichi, who is panting heavily and gives him an appreciative nod for his determination. Daichi manages a smile, knowing the battle has just begun.

The first quarter comes to an end with Higashiyama holding a narrow lead. The players from both teams head back to their benches, and the intensity on their faces reflects the fierce battle taking place on the court.

As the second quarter gets underway, Coach Saito makes a strategic change. He switches Hiroshi onto Jiro, knowing that Hiroshi's size and strength are more matched against the formidable power forward. The audience is electrified as this means the two Titans of their respective teams are going head to head.

The game becomes even more intense as Hiroshi uses his body to keep Jiro away from the basket. There's a physicality in Hiroshi's defence that the crowd hasn't seen before. He is bumping, jostling, and contesting every shot Jiro takes.

On one possession, Jiro tries to back Hiroshi down in the post, but Hiroshi stands his ground. As Jiro goes up for a shot, Hiroshi times it perfectly and swats the ball away, igniting cheers from the Yumei High supporters.

However, Hiroshi's intense focus on defence means that he's conserving his energy and not being as aggressive on the offensive end. The team recognizes this, and Haruki steps up to carry the offensive load.

Haruki, full of resolve, uses his speed and agility to weave through Higashiyama's defence. He hits a series of jump shots, and his confidence is radiating through the team. Ayumi, watching from the stands, cheers him on.

In one sequence, Haruki races down the court with the ball. Jiro steps up to stop him, but at that moment, Hiroshi sets a massive screen. Haruki uses the screen to launch a three-pointer. It's nothing but a net.

The game is not just physical; it becomes a mental and strategic battle as well. Higashiyama starts double-teaming Haruki, trying to slow him down.

With Hiroshi's attention on Jiro, Tetsuya and Daichi start playing a crucial role in rebounding and defence. Daichi, who had initially struggled, seems re-energized and plays with renewed vigour.

As the quarter nears its end, Hiroshi has a moment where he gets the ball in the low post with Jiro guarding him. The two giants wrestle for the position. Hiroshi makes a powerful move and scores over Jiro, showcasing his offensive skills as well.

As the buzzer sounds for halftime, Yumei High trails by just a few points. The team gathers around Hiroshi and Haruki, who are breathing heavily from their exertions.

Despite the score, there's a sense of accomplishment among the Yumei High players. They've stood their ground against the formidable Higashiyama High, and their camaraderie is stronger than ever.

The teams head to the locker rooms; Haruki looks over at Hiroshi, who's drenched in sweat and gives him a nod of appreciation. Hiroshi, though exhausted, nods back with a tired smile.

As the third quarter begins, Yumei High's basketball team is seen coming out of the locker room with a different aura. Coach Saito, seen furiously sketching out plays during halftime, has imparted some essential strategies to the team.

The crowd can feel the shift in energy as the Yumei High players take the court. They seem more synchronized, like a well-oiled machine.

The quarter starts with a quick pass from Haruki to Tetsuya, who then passes it to Daichi. Daichi doesn't hesitate and passes it back to Haruki, who's now open for a three-pointer. The ball swishes through the net, and the crowd goes wild. This is a testament to the teamwork and ball movement that Coach Saito emphasized during the break.

On the defensive end, Hiroshi continues his battle with Jiro. However, he's not alone; the Yumei High players have started to show amazing help defence. Whenever Jiro gets the ball, two Yumei players swarm him, forcing him to pass it out. This disrupts Higashiyama's offence and allows Yumei to grab more rebounds.

Midway through the quarter, Haruki runs a pick-and-roll play with Hiroshi. As Hiroshi sets a solid screen, Haruki uses his speed to dart towards the basket. However, instead of going for the layup, Haruki throws an alley-oop pass to Hiroshi, who slams it down with authority.

The crowd is on its feet, and even Coach Saito allows himself a smile at the beautifully executed play.

As the quarter progresses, Higashiyama starts trying to adjust. They start playing more aggressively, but Yumei High remains composed.

Midway through the third quarter, Yumei High seems to have found their rhythm. Hiroshi, still working hard on defence against Jiro, manages to get a steal. He quickly hands the ball to Haruki, who starts to push the tempo.

Seeing Higashiyama's defence scramble, Haruki dishes the ball to Ryota, who is sprinting down the right wing. Ryota stops at the three-point line and launches a deep three. Unfortunately, it hits the side of the rim. But Hiroshi, still running, managed to grab the rebound and managed to dunk the putback, causing the crowd to erupt.

Higashiyama High is quick to retaliate. Their point guard, Kenji, effortlessly zigzags through Yumei's defence and lobs a pass to Jiro, who dunks it powerfully. The sheer force of Jiro's dunk rattles the Yumei players momentarily.

Coach Saito shouts instructions from the sidelines. Yumei starts their next offensive possession with a high pick and roll between Haruki and Daichi. Haruki drives and, seeing Jiro coming to block his shot, makes a last-second pass to Daichi, who finishes with an easy layup.

The game continues with Yumei High playing tight defence and moving the ball well on offense.

On the next possession, Haruki calls for an isolation play. His teammates clear out, and it's just him against Akira. He makes a series of dribble moves and then pulls up for a mid-range jumper that hits nothing but the net.

Higashiyama calls for a timeout.

Post-timeout, Higashiyama starts focusing on getting the ball to Jiro in the post. Jiro backs down Hiroshi and tries to go for a hook shot. However, Tetsuya comes in from the weak side and blocks the shot! The ball lands in Haruki's hands, and he sprints down the court.

As Haruki approaches the basket, he sees Jiro racing to block his shot. He suddenly slows down and pulls up for a floater over Jiro's outstretched arms. It's good! Two more points for Yumei High.

The crowd is roaring, and the players on the Yumei bench are on their feet. The intensity is through the roof as both teams battle for every point.

This added burst of plays midway through the quarter adds to the ebb and flow of the game, showcasing the players' talents and the strategic elements of basketball.

Towards the end of the quarter, Haruki notices that the Higashiyama players are starting to tire, and their defence is a step slower. He decides to take advantage. After a missed shot by Higashiyama, Haruki grabs the rebound and pushes the ball up the court with lightning speed. The defence can't keep up as he effortlessly glides in for a layup.

As the quarter comes to an end, Yumei High has managed to take a slender lead. The players' faces are flushed with effort, and they look at each other with excitement and pride at what they've accomplished so far.

However, as they head back to the bench for the break before the fourth quarter, Hiroshi looks at Haruki. Haruki is breathing heavily, his face set in determination. Hiroshi's eyes show a hint of concern. He knows that Haruki is giving his all, and he silently vows to support his friend in whatever way he can in the final stretch of the game.