Shogo Haizaki's Provocation
"Bam, bam, bam!" The sharp, powerful sound of basketballs echoed throughout the gym as Shiro and Momoi pushed open the gym's doors.
As soon as they entered, a second-year teammate came over with a smile, jokingly calling out, "Hey, our MVP is back!" His tone was filled with admiration and respect for Shiro. Others nearby also looked on approvingly; their expressions conveyed just how much they recognized Shiro's skill. After all, without his performance in the finals, who knew if they would have won at all?
Shiro waved a hand modestly, smiling with slight embarrassment. "You're exaggerating! This victory belongs to everyone. Without our teamwork and effort, there's no way we would have shined in the finals"
"Alright, alright, enough chit-chat! You all seem to think this training load is too easy, huh? Maybe I should add a little more?" Coach Shirogane's teasing voice rang out from the second floor as he made his way down, a smirk on his face that made everyone wary.
At his words, the players' faces instantly turned serious. Lately, Coach Shirogane had doubled their training intensity. Every day left them exhausted, yet no one dared to complain—they all understood that the coach's strictness came from a place of care.
Reflecting on their last game, most of the team hadn't performed as well as hoped. If it hadn't been for Shiro and a few others, they would have been crushed by Rokko.
So, when faced with Coach Shirogane's challenge, the players only nodded silently and headed back to the court, ready for another intense training session.
Watching the team's dedication, Shirogane smiled in relief. He'd feared they might slack off after winning the championship, though a little relaxation and fun now and then wouldn't hurt.
"Shiro, start your training. Nijimura will bring in a new player soon. His personality may be a bit difficult, so try to take it easy on him" Shirogane added with a grin. He was especially proud of Shiro, a rare talent who could enter the Zone at just 13.
"Got it, Coach" Shiro replied respectfully, then grabbed a basketball to start his warm-up.
Momoi went to help with team management tasks. As team manager, she had a heavy workload, and Shiro had recently suggested she gather information on future opponents, a task she found intriguing.
After a while, Nijimura walked in with a gray-haired boy trailing behind him, wearing a defiant expression. The boy scanned the gym, a sneer escaping his lips, as if he was unimpressed.
"Alright, everyone, gather around!" Nijimura clapped his hands, calling for everyone's attention.
The team set down their basketballs and gathered.
"This is our new addition, Shogo Haizaki" Nijimura introduced, gesturing to the boy. "Go ahead, introduce yourself"
Haizaki stepped forward lazily, licking his lips before letting out a chuckle, "Heh, listen up! Who's that guy, Shiro or whatever? Yeah, I'm here to take your spot. Better move aside if you know what's good for you."
Before Shiro could react, the others bristled with anger.
"Who does he think he is, coming in here like that?"
"This punk's joining the basketball club?"
"If he wants to take on Shiro, he should try beating Aomine first!"
"Hey, hey, what's with that? I'm no slouch, alright?" Aomine grumbled, unamused by their remarks.
"Haha!" Everyone laughed, amused by Aomine's reaction.
"Are you ignoring me?!" Haizaki's voice cut through, annoyed at the laughter.
Hearing Haizaki's comment, the players exchanged looks, clearly unimpressed with the newcomer. Some of them looked at him with open dislike.
"Wham!"
Nijimura slapped Haizaki on the back of the head. "Watch your mouth!"
Chastened, Haizaki fell silent, intimidated by Nijimura. As tough as he was, he knew better than to cross someone like Nijimura, a former gang leader.
"Hi, I'm Shogo Haizaki. Pleased to meet you all" he said with slightly more restraint, though still with an edge.
The team relaxed a bit, though Haizaki hadn't won anyone over.
"I already don't like him. I want to crush him!" murmured Murasakibara, who, even in his usual daze, sensed Haizaki's unpleasant vibe.
"I doubt we're compatible, no matter his zodiac sign" added Midorima dryly.
But Shogo ignored them, walking directly up to Shiro with a challenging stare. "So, you're Shiro? We're both small forwards. How about a one-on-one? If you lose, give up your spot"
"Huh" Shiro replied with a deadpan expression, "Didn't my teammates just tell you? Beat Aomine, then come talk to me"
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean, Shiro!" Aomine protested.
The others burst out laughing again at Aomine's reaction.
"No problem, Aomine. Think of it as a quality check for me. Don't lose, alright?" Shiro teased, grinning at Aomine.
"Lose? Not a chance. Bring it on" Aomine said, turning to Haizaki with a fierce look in his eyes.
"Out of my way, Aomine! Shiro, don't tell me you're scared!" Haizaki impatiently shoved Aomine aside, clearly only focused on Shiro.
"What's going on here?"
Just as Shiro was about to respond, Momoi's voice rang out. She pushed through the group with a curious expression.
"Well, well! What a pretty little thing. Care to have some fun with me?" Haizaki taunted, reaching out toward her face.
But before he could get closer, he felt his wrist caught in a tight grip. Shiro held Haizaki's hand like an iron clamp, his expression icy. "Try that again, and I'll break it. You wanted a match? Let's go."
Shiro's tone carried a sharp edge, his gaze promising Haizaki more trouble than he bargained for.
"Hah! So, she's your girlfriend? Better keep her close" Haizaki sneered, casting a glance at Momoi.
"Is that all you've got?" Shiro tossed him a basketball. Now he understood Coach's advice to go easy—but Haizako had crossed a line, and Shiro had no intention of holding back.
Haizaki caught the ball, grinning as he licked his thumb. "Heh, I like taking your stuff! Now, show me what the so-called rising star has got!"