Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts - The Sagu Aoyama Universe Crossover Series

For the second part of the extras for Volume 1, this will be focused on the characters from Tenshi no 3P! They will introduce themselves and then they have to tell you about what are currently doing right now in the series. Enjoy reading Extras Chapter 2!

VOLUME 1: “A BLESSING START”
EXTRAS 2: “HERE COMES THE THREE ANGELS!”

The members of Jun’s Angels were appeared at the hall where they were talking about how they are doing in spring vacation. Also, what are their plans in the future? The answers will be revealed as Jun Gotō and Baby’s breath, along with Kurumi Nukui and the Dragon≒Nuts, Kyō Nukui and Sakura Toriumi will be entertaining you with the things they did in the series.

All of the members of Jun’s Angels are from Shiromidai Elementary School and Niida Nishi High School. The group is based on the characters from Tenshi no 3P!

Jun Gotō (五島 潤)
Band: Baby’s breath/Lien de Famille
Instrument used: Fender USA Duo-Sonic
Grade/Section: 5-2
DOB: August 8
Blood type: A
School: Shiromidai Elementary School (城見台小学)
CV: Yoko Ono (大野柚布子)


“My name is Jun Gotō. I’m the vocalist for Baby’s breath and I’m glad that you’ve reading this series. It was very exciting from the start ever since I was a friend of Tomoka. It’s true that my passion in singing was very interesting to me. Kyō said to me that my songs are enthusiastic and I was shocked that he likes my songs I sing. I hope that he would join with us singing the next time we perform. Right now, I was helping Tomoka and her friends in bringing their strength to prepare for junior high school. Since I’m the leading member of our band Jun’s Angels, you should be ready to explore our group as I’ll meet Tomoka and Michiko soon. See ya, everyone!”

Nozomi Momijidani (紅葉谷 希美)
Band: Baby’s breath/Lien de Famille
Instrument used: Hofner・500/1
Grade/Section: 5-2
DOB: October 21
Blood type: AB
School: Shiromidai Elementary School (城見台小学)
CV: Yurika Endo (遠藤ゆりか)


“I’m Nozomi Momijani. I’m the bassist for Baby’s breath. Even though I was interested in music, I always sing a lot with my friends Jun and Sora. Our group is very interesting in uniting two groups as one solid group where rivals and friends are together with the songs we made. I can hear everyone’s voices with our passion and my heart seems to be beating. I wonder what will be next for us. I’ll be assisting Saki for the human resources group of the Bravehearts and also, I will be asking my bandmates to think about ideas for both of us and them. I’ll be smiled if you keep interacting with us. That’s all for now!”

Sora Kaneshiro (金城 そら)
Band: Baby’s breath/Lien de Famille
Instrument used: Gretsch bop kit
Grade/Section: 5-2
DOB: December 1
Blood type: AB
School: Shiromidai Elementary School (城見台小学)
CV: Aoi Koga (古賀葵)


“I’m Nozomi Momijani. I’m the bassist for Baby’s breath. Even though I was interested in music, I always sing a lot with my friends Jun and Sora. Our group is very interesting in uniting two groups as one solid group where rivals and friends are together with the songs we made. I can hear everyone’s voices with our passion and my heart seems to be beating. I wonder what will be next for us. I’ll be assisting Saki for the human resources group of the Bravehearts and also, I will be asking my bandmates to think about ideas for both of us and them. I’ll be smiled if you keep interacting with us. That’s all for now!”

Sakura Toriumi (鳥海 桜花)
Band: Jun’s Angels
Grade/Section: 1-A
DOB: March 8
Blood type: O
School: Niida Nishi High School Regular Course (新井田西高校普通科)
CV: Kanae Itō (伊藤かな恵)


“I’m Sakura Toriumi. I’m working part-time as a baker for Sanois and I’m the childhood friend of Kyō Nukui. Everyone in our group was calm, less shy and passionate in singing. For me, it’s been a long time since I work with Kyō and Baby’s breath. While helping Kyō to go back to school, I decided to contact with my friends when they wanted to see our band as soon as possible. So, by Tuesday, we’re ready to celebrate our appreciation for Michiko, Jun and Tomoka’s friend in Shiromidai. I will be delighted if Tomoka brings her friends to come at the party. I’ll see you soon!”

Kyō Nukui (貫井 響)
Band: Baby’s breath/Lien de Famille
Instrument used: Fender USA Jazzmaster & K.Yairi’s acoustic guitar
Grade/Section: 1-A
DOB: November 15
Blood type: A
School: Niida Nishi High School Regular Course (新井田西高校普通科)
CV: Yūki Inoue (井上雄貴)


“I’m Kyō Nukui. I’m a vocalist for Baby’s breath and also a poet who loves music. Despite being a shut-in in my current school, I decided to study hard as soon as possible. I will be passing my subjects to enter college since I have help from my childhood friend Sakura. Like Subaru, I admired my friends even Jun, Nozomi and Sora. Also, I wanted to take part of Jun’s Angels because I’m impressed with the songs they made. Say, I will be around with Sakura as we’re hopefully going to join with Subaru and his friends to take our journey. Thank you and see you around!”

Kurumi Nukui (貫井 くるみ)
Band: Dragon≒Nuts
Instrument used: Yamaha P-95
Grade/Section: 5-2
DOB: November 19
Blood type: A
School: Shiromidai Elementary School (城見台小学)
CV: Rina Hidaka (日高 里菜)


“I’m Kurumi Nukui. I’m the younger sister of Kyō “HibikiP” Nukui and I’m the keyboard manager for Dragon≒Nuts. I lead the section to cooperate with my schoolmates as well as Jun, Sora and Nozomi. My group finally become members of the unified Jun’s Angels and I hope Jun and I will be composing songs to make the audience loves it. Right now, I’ll be helping Airi, Masami and Aya with the committee I was creating since I became a student leader for the first time since last year. Well, I’m sure that our band will be joining the Bravehearts and I will be calling everyone to prepare for activities in the future. See ya, everyone!”

Kōme Ogi (尾城 小梅)
Band: Dragon≒Nuts
Grade/Section: 5-2
DOB: July 7
Blood type: AB
School: Shiromidai Elementary School (城見台小学)
CV: Kana Hanazawa (花澤 香菜)


“I’m Kōme Ogi. I’m the vocalist for Dragon≒Nuts. I’m interested in singing because I like Kyō’s songs and of course, I always chat with him all the time. Now, being a member of Jun’s Angels will make me livelier as long my bandmates and I were together. I hear that Mimi and Kagetsu are on Tomoka’s side to prepare for their future activities in Keishin. I will help them and also, I will have to take care of my things to make sure no item is lost. I hope that I will able to join the activities that they are having as being part of both Jun’s Angels and the Bravehearts will be a hard task to do so. Thank you and I hope that I’ll see you next time!”

Yuzuha Aigae (相ヶ江 柚葉)
Band: Dragon≒Nuts
Instrument used: Fender VI
Grade/Section: 5-2
DOB: June 10
Blood type: AB
School: Shiromidai Elementary School (城見台小学)
CV: Yuka Iguchi (井口 裕香)


“I’m Yuzuha Aigae. I’m a vocalist for Dragon≒Nuts and I’m one of Kyō’s friends in Shiromidai. I’m glad that Kurumi gave our blessings to us as we’re finally united with our former rivals Lien de Famille. I’m finally excited to be with Jun and her bandmates and while Kurumi is working with Jun for new songs, Kōme and I will be assisting the other members as well as Sakura and Kyō. Also, I will assist Maho for some ideas I will be making as being a member of the Bravehearts would be my long term to spend with them. I’ll be here at the appreciation party to meet Tomoka and her friends again. Bye, everyone and see ya at the appreciation party!”

UP NEXT: Chapter 12: "A Shiny Task" [Start of Volume 2]

And that wraps up the Volume 1 of Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts. Next time on Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts, the Bravehearts are planning to do activities as the spring break begins with all of their plans for the spring vacation begins with each member of the Bravehearts will head to their places to call their friends to expand the group. Also, there are things they need to adjust to improve Keishin, Kirihara and Nashiba basketball clubs in the future and some new characters will be revealed as they will appear in Volume 3. The name of the next volume for the series will be: "FRIENDS AND RELATIONS"

I will posting Chapter 12 either Friday or this weekend. I hope you enjoy reading the series and I'll planning to post new chapters of Volume 2 starting either Friday or this weekend.
 
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I'm back for another chapter and a new volume of Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series! That's right, the series is almost reaching the 1,000 view count and I hope I will be continuing this series with new chapters, new characters, and new events. In this chapter, the Bravehearts are having a conversation about what they have to do with Himeko and the girls as they whether join the Keishin Academy girls' basketball club or one of them may not. Also, they will talk about who will be the managers for Keishin, Kirihara and Nashiba as the season will begin by summer. Also, Tomoka and Mimi have to talk with one of Tomoka's friends in order to know how they get their skills outside basketball. I hope you will enjoy this new chapter of the new volume titled "A Shiny Task". It marks the beginning of the new volume called "Friends and Relations" Enjoy reading Chapter 12!

Also, I'm currently drafting Chapter 15 as I'm done doing Chapter 13 & 14. It will be posted on October 25 and 27.

Here's the premise of Volume 2:

“Tomoka and her friends have founded their own team to continue the legacy of the first formation of Keishin Academy Girls’ Basketball Team, known as the Bravehearts. After many friends have joined the group including Jun Gotō and the Angels, the Bravehearts are looking forward to expand their team and continue their activities before the new school year starts in April. On the other hand, the Occult Research Club began searching some new members to join the club and their president Asia Argento had to begin her internship along with other third year students of Kuoh Academy. As spring season begins, the Bravehearts will begin their preparations to play with their respective teams while Issei and his friends will begin their new journey without Rias and Akeno at the club.”

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 12: “A SHINY TASK”

As the sun is about to go down, Subaru and his friends are calling the three teams to gather up for the announcements for tomorrow.

“Right now, Mimi and her teammates will evaluate the newly recruits to see if they are fit to play for Keishin next month. It will happen during the first training for new members” said Subaru.

“I’m very excited about this, Mizuko” said Himeko.

“Yep. I believe that we are ready for tomorrow’s evaluation” said Mizuko.

“Me too. I’m happy to be ready for the exam” said Asuka.

“I hope I will become an official player of Keishin soon” said Yuka.

“I’m feeling good right now, but tomorrow, it will be a test” said Hana.

“That’s true. A test will be the fate of us” said Chiyako.

“Our team play will be more different than before, but I’m sure we’re ready to take the evaluation tomorrow” said Kana.

“Kagetsu and I were ready to observe you to see how your talents and skills do and of course, this should be a fun activity” said Mimi.

“On the other hand, the first training for new members will be not only the members of Team Takeda aregoing to join this activity, but the newly recruits will join as well” said Subaru.

“What?” said Himeko, Mizuko, Yuka, Chiyako, Hana, Asuka and Kana.

“I feel that the members of Team Takeda are better than us, but I hope that we will train well” said Himeko.

“By the way, trainings are scheduled at any other day, which means that Subaru and I will schedule the trainings at any time we want” said Tomoka.

“Of course, you’re gonna enjoy this training” said Saki.

“Every member must wear their training clothes while training” said Maho.

“The venue will be held at the basketball court of the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Airi.

“We’ll have drills and practices in the training, so don’t be pressured a lot” said Hinata.

“Now, for the afternoon activities, we’ll continue the training for an hour and then I will have a meeting with Team Takeda” said Aoi.

“It’s going to be a short meeting, girls. So, don’t be late for tomorrow” said Satsuki.

“It will be clear that everyone will have to do whatever they want after the training” said Tae.

“For Mimi’s team and Himeko’s team, we’ll have team building at the park” said Banri.

“As for us, we’ll be observing the teams to see how are they doing” said Tomoka.

“Michiko’s team will visit the Little Wing Orphanage on Tuesday for the team building” said Maho.

“Without Jun and her friends, Tomoka and Maho will be in charge for the team building on Tuesday. I’ll be going to Suzuran Shopping Street with Masami, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi” said Saki.

“I’ll be back home for a day with my brother and Aya to make sure that the sports gym is still operating without us” said Airi.

“I’ll be back home for a day with my sister and Mimi to visit my cousin and thinking about our plans to return to the Pink-Haired Students Club” said Hinata.

“Since tomorrow will be many activities to do outside the mansion, our team will stay at home to do training for our return to Nashiba High School next month” said Subaru.

“I’m expected to see how are you doing when you’re outside the mansion on Tuesday” said Mihoshi.

“To concentrate with the acquisition of our friends on Wednesday, I’ll announce the next plans on Tuesday” said Tomoka.

“Even that Tomoka and her friends will be going to different places on Tuesday, we, the sixth graders, will join them separately. When we’re outside the mansion, we communicate with each other by using our phones to chat with them” said Mimi.

“As Team Takeda will be busy on Tuesday for team building, my friends of mine will visit our mansion soon” said Saki.

“Also, I’ll be thinking if my classmates from my section will join to take part of the activities” said Masami.

“Not only that each of us will invite friends from Keishin, but relatives and friends from outside Keishin” said Tsubaki.

“My brother will invite his teammates at any time before we have to settle the groups soon” said Hiiragi.

“I hope they will come on time to gather for activities” said Natsuhi.

“Now, since we have many members in the Bravehearts, I suggest that each group will have their own home base when the new school year starts while the main group will stay together at the mansion” said Maho.

“That’s a great idea, Maho! We’ll be merging Subaru’s team and Tomoka’s team into one team” said Airi.

“Airi, If I’ll be joining with you and your friends at the mansion starting April, I will ask my parents to be with them when a new school year starts” said Aya.

“Okay, Aya. Make sure that you come home after your class or training” said Airi.

“Okay” said Aya.

“This suggestion will allow our friends will communicate with us about the next activities to do inside and outside school” said Hinata.

“So, there will be no conflicts of two or more groups if there are problems in their base” said Kagetsu.

“That’s all for now and we’ll have dinner in a few minutes. So, let’s go back to the mansion, everyone” said Subaru.

“Okay!” said the other members of the Bravehearts. The Bravehearts will go back to the mansion for dinner. Later, while at dinner, the members of Team Takeda are very enthusiastic like Tomoka and her friends. It seems that the members of Team Takeda were enjoyed staying at the mansion since the formation of the Bravehearts.

“Tomoka, I’m very excited for the training tomorrow” said Michiko.

“Yeah. I’m sure that our new life had just begun” said Tomoka.

“Michiko, why are you so happy right now after you enjoyed the bowling game?” asked Megumi.

“Because I won the game fair and square, but it seems that you are strong too” said Michiko.

“I’m the one should win the bowling game if I was able to catch up with you” said Megumi.

“I’m very excited to see how our acceleration to be used in a basketball game” said Nami.

“It sure is, Nami” said Kotoe.

“Megumi, I think you are good in acceleration, but my one problem is that some of your defensive skills are lower than Michiko” said Hiroshi.

“Yeah, Hiroshi. It means that I need to improve my defensive skills and I’ll make sure that my opponents will be knocked down for sure” said Megumi.

“I don’t think so” said Michiko.

“And why’s that?” asked Megumi.

“Your defensive skills are not good at all and I wondered if you are able to stop them” said Michiko.

“I stopped them by movements, but in some cases, I failed to defend against the players that are on the same position as mine” said Megumi.

“Well, I doubt that you need to improve your defense while trying to stop the opponents from moving in a game. Once your defense is good, that way you will be able to stop them on your own” said Michiko.

“I get it. So, when I’m going to defend your opponent, then I have to make sure that your opponent is not going to move on with force” said Megumi.

“Yes, it is. If you use your acceleration, then you have to make sure to imitate the movements of your opponent to prevent being faked” said Michiko.

“Okay, thanks, Michiko” said Megumi.

“Well, sure. I imagined if I can play with Tomoka in an intramural competition in Kirihara, that would be awesome to make it happen” said Michiko.

“Yes, it will happen soon in the intramural competition, but right now, I was thinking about how are they playing in a real game” said Tomoka.

“Aika is a stern student of mine that she is suited to become a point guard. She has able to shoot jumpers at her own” said Michiko.

“Well, I’m better than her because I was able to shoot jumpers as well” said Saki.

“For Haruko, she likes to block the shots out there, but she is not good at speed” said Michiko.

“That makes sense” said Haruko.

“Kozue and Ayane were both shooting guards when they play in the intramural competition. They got a friendly rivalry because of their positions” said Michiko.

“We’re facing each other before and I won in one game against her section” said Ayane.

“Kozue, are you the one who try to convince me to transfer to Keishin?” asked Tomoka.

“Yes, I’m still friends with you even I advised you to transfer to a good school that is good in your environment like what your father said” said Kozue.

“Yeah, even you didn’t turn away from me” said Tomoka.

“I guess, yes. I’m the one of your friends that I didn’t isolate you because I’m also your childhood friend too” said Kozue.

“Wow, you admit that you’re my longtime friend like Michiko” said Tomoka.

“Yeah” said Kozue.

“Michiko, when did you play for Shiromidai last school year?” asked Hiroshi.

“Back when I was able to follow Tomoka’s footsteps even I turned away from her and then our team lost against Haneda Primary School in the quarterfinals” said Michiko.

“Well, at least you are able to win against many teams” said Hiroshi.

“Yeah. Shiromidai was previously a dominating team, winning district championships against strong elementary school teams” said Michiko.

“Even I won the last championship in my fifth grade before transferring to Keishin” said Tomoka.

“You’re right, Tomoka. I should have won for you, but my teammates and I were struggling against hard teams” said Michiko.

“I feel bad about your team lost against Haneda, but you did a great job to score points” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, it was. Tomoka, I like your floater during your team’s games in the mini basketball tournament and the regional tournament, but I didn’t know how to do it” said Michiko.

“Michiko, my secret weapon is one of the techniques that Subaru taught me back in Keishin. He was able to master floater during the game against Ryu’s team before I use that when I shot the buzzer beater against the fifth grade team in the semifinals of the mini basketball competition” said Tomoka.

“I hope that you can teach me for sure” said Michiko.

“Yeah, my goal is to make Kirihara at the top and I decided to share it to Natsuhi to do that same thing. I’m so happy that I will be able to play at my mentor’s former school” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I hope you would able to continue playing basketball while befriending more players” said Michiko.

“Okay, you said it. Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinata, we’ll be ready to play in Kirihara soon” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, we’re ready as well” said Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinata.

“I feel happy to be with you again, Tomoka. It’s another year for us to win competitions” said Saki.

“I hope that we’ll win the prefectural championship this year” said Maho.

“We’re ready to see new opponents when we’re playing in a real competition” said Airi.

“Oh, playing in Kirihara will be a new journey for me and my friends” said Hinata.

“You’re all delighted and I want to thank Subaru for giving strength to our team” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I feel good about you and your friends when you’re entering my former school. It will be a long journey to make it” said Subaru.

“Since you’re all prepared in Kirihara, we’re also prepared to enter another season” said Mimi.

“Our goal is to win the district championship with our new roster” said Tsubaki.

“It’s going to be a new challenge for Keishin and our championship is in our hands” said Hiiragi.

“Let’s pull out all of our struggles and we’ll be ready to win again” said Masami.

“Since we’re all ready to be in Kirihara next year, we’ll reignite our friendly rivalry again” said Kagetsu.

“Wow, you’re all prepared as well, Mimi and friends. It sure that both teams will have their good lucks in their new competitions” said Aoi.

“I knew you are all set to move on for another season and we’re going to help you as well” said Michiko.

“Thanks, Michiko. It’s good that we’re all set for another season. Then, let’s finish our dinner!” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the other members of the Bravehearts as they are continue eating their food before going to their respective rooms to sleep.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
"A Shiny Task" Part 2

Later, Team Takeda is not in their room as they’re outside the mansion while Team Minato is staying at the living room to know more about the former players of Kirihara Middle School.

“Subaru, Aoi. Can you describe your former teammates in Kirihara before both of you went to Nashiba?” asked Saki.

“Yeah, I’ll explain this. We’re good friends with my former teammates as many of them went to Nashiba” said Subaru.

“Sono and Shouji are great friends of mine and also, Manaka Nobidome, the manager of Suzuridani Academy, is also my fellow friend during the summer camp” said Aoi.

“Subaru was very confident to his teammates and he was able to communicate with them. I believed that in Kirihara, they are the good team to beat in major competitions, but they never get past after four rounds” said Tomoka.

“Back then, in a fourth round match against Shizuno, I was struggled to beat Ryu and I lost the duel with him. After that, my former rivals began joining forces with me and my friends to go to Nashiba, trying to beat Ryu’s current school, Itoda Business School” said Subaru.

“Then, when the manager of the basketball team has committed sexual abuse during his second year, the basketball team was suspended for a year. We decided to do part-time jobs while the basketball activities in Nashiba are suspended” said Kazunari.

That’s why we decided to reestablish the Nashiba High School Basketball Team and our commitment to play in Nashiba is to develop each of our players with our principle: willpower” said Aoi.

“It’s good to bring back our school’s basketball team and we’re all motivated to play again this coming summer” said Banri.

“As you all know, many good players have committed to play in Nashiba and being supporters to reinstate our basketball team” said Satsuki.

“Kazunari was currently the Vice Chairman of our school’s student council and he was able to bring back the basketball team by appealing the motion to the administration to lift the suspension of our team” said Tae.

“Well, that was a great story you got, Subaru and friends. But for me, trying to reform a basketball team is a big task to accomplish” said Tomoka.

“Yes, it was. We began planning to form the team to compete for major competitions” said Aoi.

“Oh, what happened to Itoda Business School without Nashiba competing?” asked Hinata.

“Unfortunately, they lost in the fourth round in the interhigh regional tournament and they seem to be rebounding this year” said Subaru.

“Now, with Itoda and Nashiba are potentially title contenders this year, we’re ready to build Nashiba High School Basketball Team to the top” said Aoi.

“As for now, we’re hoping to finalize our roster soon by May and we’re hopefully start training to prepare for major competitions” said Kauznari.

“Sometimes, we’re holding trainings in our gym, but not all the time we did because we have activities to do outside basketball” said Satsuki.

“I realized that after our encounter with Ryu and his friends, I feel happy that we’re going to battle them again. It will take time to progress our team and possibly meet them soon” said Tae.

“I assured that you know about our team, but now that a new season has begun, we’re going to train hard and hopefully going to lead Nashiba to a championship” said Banri.

“That’s my brother Banri! He wanted to make sure that his team will have more strength to use in competitions” said Airi.

“Soon, Subaru and your teammates will be dominating the tournament for sure and it will be same as for Aoi and her teammates as well” said Maho.

“Thanks, Maho. I hope that our expectations will be accomplished once we did well this year” said Subaru.

“Since we have many members in the Bravehearts, I will let Himeko and Michiko to have their houses their new base for Himeko’s team and Michiko’s team, so that our main group will be staying at the mansion while Jun’s Angels will also join our group to stay with us soon” said Tomoka.

“Each team has its leader to make his/her home as its base for the team to stay there” said Maho.

“Also, at some point, each team will receive free time to leave their base for a week and it is scheduled during the school year. It is not applicable when it reaches exam week. Seasonal breaks allow teams to meet up at their base and to do trainings as long as they want” said Saki.

“In case of emergency, he/she must give permission to their team leader to leave his/her base for any specific reasons and the team leader must have the right to allow him/her to return to his/her base once it was done” said Airi.

“On the other hand, if a major competition is held, we will allow trainings at the basketball court of our home to have free time to practice for your game” said Hinata.

“We can still able to talk to other team members by chatting. That way we will interact them about the things they do in school” said Mimi.

“While other teams are heading to their bases, our team will be using five rooms and Jun’s Angels will use the sixth room” said Tsubaki.

“The first room will be belonged to the seventh graders, the second room will be belonged to the sixth graders, the third room will be belonged to Subaru’s team and the fourth and fifth room will be reserved for players of Nashiba boys’ and girls’ basketball teams” said Hiiragi.

“I will be expecting to see the students of Nashiba soon and they’re going to be with us for training” said Masami.

“As I’m going to become a sixth grader like them, I’ll make sure that my duties as the captain of Suzuridani Academy girls’ basketball team are performed well” said Aya.

“I wonder who will be coaching the basketball teams for Keishin, Kirihara and Nashiba” said Kagetsu.

“For Keishin, Ginga would be fit to coach the girls’ basketball team, but if not, I will find someone from Nashiba to coach the girls’ basketball team” said Mihoshi.

“In Nashiba, Mr. Furukawa had replaced Shin Mizusaki as the manager of our boys’ basketball team and he’s hopefully going to lead the team to the tournament” said Subaru.

“Our girls’ basketball team has appointed Kumi Nakajima, a third-year student and a friend of Kirara” said Aoi.

“It looks like Kirihara doesn’t have their coach yet. Their previous coaches left for Nashiba and I guess that we need someone can coach the boys’ and girls’ team” said Satsuki.

“I asked the director of Kirihara Middle School Basketball Team to find someone to coach the boys’ team and girls’ team and he said that no one has been appointed yet” said Tae.

“The Keishin boys’ basketball team will stick together with their coach for another year, despite that they lost in the semifinals in the district tournament” said Natsuhi.

“Once all teams have appointed their coaches, we’re all set to complete the rosters for next season” said Subaru.

“Yeah” said the members of Subaru’s team and Tomoka’s team.

“Say, what did you plan out for college in two years?” asked Aoi.

“I was hoping to come along with you to enroll together at a big university. It means that we need to commit to play our team to participate at the major competitions this year and we’re going to help Nashiba to win the championship this year” said Subaru.

“That’s great!” said Kazunari.

“It will be a big mission for Nashiba, Subaru!” said Banri.

“So, if the boys will play hard, the girls will do the same thing” said Satsuki.

“Let’s accomplish together!” said Tae.

“Yeah!” said Subaru, Aoi, Kazunari, Banri and Satsuki.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, everyone. You almost forgot about us” said Natsuhi.

“Ah, okay. So, what are your goals in Kirihara?” said Subaru.

“We should win games in the regionals to compete for the national tournament this year” said Tomoka.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Tokyo for the national tournament” said Saki.

“Our group should train hard early before the qualifiers begin in July” said Maho.

“With many schools are competing, we’re going to face off against good schools in the competition” said Airi.

“Oh, this is going to be our first tournament for us if we can make it to the top” said Hinata.

“Our boys will try to work hard and we will win the regional tournament to represent Tokyo in the national tournament” said Natsuhi.

“Now, the national junior high school basketball tournament will be held in four and a half months and this will be your opportunity to redeem yourselves to beat Miyu and her new team” said Subaru.

“Yeah! We’ll do it” said Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinata.

“For you, Natsuhi, I hope that you can play hard while competing against some schools in practice and tournament” said Aoi.

“Okay, Aoi. I’ll do it” said Natsuhi.

“The girls are looking good to participate at the regional tournament soon and it’s going to happen in July” said Satsuki.

“I admit that Tomoka and her friends are going to be ready to step up and use the strategies they used from last year to beat their opponents in the regional tournament” said Tae.

“I’m definitely going to see my sister playing in middle school” said Banri.

“Tomoka, since we also have competitions to participate like the mini basketball competition and the regional tournament, we’ll try our best to win games too” said Mimi.

“Yeah!” said Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Masami and Kagetsu.

“Since tomorrow will evaluate the incoming fifth graders” said Tsubaki.

“We will decide whether they will join the girls’ team or not” said Hiiragi.

“Then, we will train hard to be fit to compete at major competitions” said Masami.

“Let’s hope that we will finally step up to play against elementary school teams” said Kagetsu.

“Okay, Mimi and the team. We’ll make sure that we’ll watch your games soon” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Masami and Kagetsu.

“I hope you will meet me again in the tournament, Mimi” said Aya.

“Yes, Aya. Let’s face each other again with full energy” said Mimi.

“Okay” said Aya as she and Mimi did a friendly handshake.

“It looks like both aces are ready to settle a match soon” said Kagetsu.

“We’ll make sure that Rena will be regretted for what she had done to us before” said Tsubaki.

“With Suzuridani had a great change of roster, they’re all up for the next season” said Hiiragi.

“We’ll show what they got when we face again in a rematch” said Masami.

“It seems that you’re all excited for a rematch with Suzuridani soon” said Mimi.

“Now, you will use my strategies I used when I’m your manager for your team” said Aoi.

“Okay, Aoi. I’m going to make sure that our team is confident to win games” said Mimi.

“That would be great, my pupils” said Aoi.

“Thanks, Aoi” said Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Masami and Kagetsu.

“Well, then. Let’s end our meeting tonight, so that we’ll prepare for tomorrow” said Subaru.

“Okay!” said the members of Subaru’s team and Tomoka’s team. As the Bravehearts leave the living room to go to their respective rooms, Tomoka and Mimi went outside of the mansion to see Michiko and her teammates playing at the terrace.

“I wonder what are your friends doing” said Mimi.

“Well, let’s find out” said Tomoka.

Tomoka and Mimi find Nami and Kotoe, who were enjoyed playing shogi at the park.

“So, Nami and Kotoe, have you find enjoy playing recreational games?” asked Tomoka.

“It was fun playing shogi and I won a game against her” said Nami.

“I should have focused on your strategies, but I wasted my time in this game” said Kotoe.

“I hope you found interesting to play recreational games while preparing for tomorrow’s training” said Tomoka.

“I believe that you are good in I.Q. I’m sure that you’re good in critical thinking” said Mimi.

“Well, at least I was able to pass the examination in Kirahara” said Nami.

“Me too. It was so hard to take this examination, but I was able to get a high score in mathematics” said Kotoe.

“When I got an opportunity to study at Keishin, it was nice to have friends and I eventually find out that my passion of playing basketball has learned a lot for me” said Tomoka.

“I see. So, I heard about you are dating with Subaru” said Nami.

“Yeah, I became embarrassed when I was sitting on him. It’s not bad to sit with him and I’m interesting with him” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I also dated someone in our section and he was being a pervert” said Nami.

“Oh, it seems that you’re dating with someone too” said Tomoka.

“I was upset when he didn’t show up, but he was able to convince me to go on a walk” said Nami.

“My friend was anxious the first time she met him, however, she thinks that he was good at basketball and decided to hang out with him” said Kotoe.

“I thought that he didn’t do anything to me, but he was able to recognize my name” said Nami.

“Well, I hope you continue hanging with him, Nami. He will be fine with you once he and you are developing your relationship” said Mimi.

“Yeah, I hope I would” said Nami.

“You see, she will be more comfortable with him once they develop their relationship together” said Mimi.

“We’ll see for that, Mimi” said Kotoe.

“So, Nami, you seemed to be tired and you’re gonna be fine to stay with your friend separately from Michiko for a while” said Tomoka.

“Okay, Tomoka. I’m very tired from playing bowling and feeling comfortable when my friends have cheer me up when I got trailed” said Nami.

“I hope she is fine with our friends because she is less enthusiastic” said Kotoe.

“Then, let’s take you to the room, Nami and Kotoe” said Tomoka.

“Okay” said Nami and Kotoe. Tomoka, Mimi, Nami and Kotoe were heading to an empty room where Nami and Kotoe will sleep together for a while. It seems that Michiko and her friends are worried about Nami and Kotoe while Megumi thinks Nami is less enthusiastic after playing bowling earlier.

“So, this is your room for a while, Nami and Kotoe. This room is reserved for your team to occupy and eventually our group will rearrange it once a new school year starts” said Tomoka.

“I feel that you’re going to stay with your friends once we’re heading to Michiko’s home” said Nami.

“Yeah, it will be fine that you’ll stay with us if you want” said Tomoka.

“Okay” said Nami.

“It’s nice that you two will stay together before tomorrow’s training” said Mimi.

“Thanks, Mimi. I will be refreshed for tomorrow and let’s make sure that our team will be trained well” said Nami.

“Tomoka, when Michiko is here, you have to say to her that Nami and Kotoe were sleeping in your room, so that they’ll take their rest from exhaustion” said Mimi.

“Okay, Mimi” said Tomoka. Tomoka and Mimi left the room and wondered about the future competitions for their schools.

“Now, I was thinking about the national junior high school tournament qualifiers” said Mimi.

“Yeah. My friends and I are going to train hard to compete for the qualifiers and it will take time to train in Kirihara” said Tomoka.

“We’ll start train hard to prepare for the regional tournament to determine to represent Tokyo at the nationals” said Mimi.

“It seems that we’re going on a different path. The training will be fine for us and hopefully, we’ll have more members in our team” said Tomoka.

“I can’t wait to see new members and our new life begins from the scratch” said Mimi.

“Since my friends and I were ahead of you and your friends, it’s fine that we should train with our friends together while Subaru and his friends are coming along with us” said Tomoka.

“I respect with you and your friends after having realized that we tried to beat Suzuridani in the national qualifiers and we lost” said Mimi.

“When our opportunity is here, we’ll make sure that every one of us will accomplish together” said Tomoka.

“I hope that we’ll continue training until we’re able to master techniques in team play” said Mimi.

“Sure, we’re going to become partners soon. Then, let’s wait for my friends to return to the mansion” said Tomoka.

“Okay” said Mimi. Tomoka and Mimi were able to contemplate their future as long as that Keishin and Kirihara will have to accomplish their goals. Also, Nashiba will try hard to train in order to participate at the interhigh tournament this summer.

UP NEXT: Chapter 13: "Himeko's Big Day"
 
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The series now reaches its 1,000 view count and the series continues to Chapter 13! Himeko and her teammates are having their big day to see whether they will become permanent members of the Keishin Aacademy girls' basketball club or not. Later on, a challenge between the two levels begin to look for Maho's friends and Natsuhi's teammates at the Misawa Resort Hotel. With the new characters to be revealed in this chapter, you will find out on the next chapter about their group, Team Kikuchi.

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 13: “HIMEKO’S BIG DAY”

It’s the third day of the spring season as the Bravehearts are going to begin their training for their upcoming season in their respective schools. Himeko’s team is the first team to go to the basketball court while Michiko’s team and the main group followed. The training will be divided into two groups: the main group with Michiko’s team and Mimi’s team with Himeko’s team. They already done their warmup exercises and later, Subaru, Aoi, Tomoka and Mimi were standing in front of the two groups to begin the training.

“So, this is going to be the first training for the. On this day, this will serve as the venue for the training. As you all know, today will be doing some exercises and let’s make sure that we’ll not have problems” said Subaru.

“Of course, Mimi and I will be your coach for today” said Tomoka.

“Since it’s my first time to coach in a training, I hope you’re going to follow my lead” said Mimi.

“Right now, as high schoolers, we’re going to assist the new members of our team. If they don’t know how to do in their offense and defense, we’ll help them” said Aoi.

“The newly recruits will have their evaluation today to see how are they doing” said Mimi.

“If you’re good at the evaluation, you’re now part of our team, but if you don’t, you’re no longer part of our team” said Kagetsu.

“The judges for the evaluation will be Kagetsu and Masami” said Mimi.

“I hope you girls are doing well yesterday with your team play. So, let’s start the evaluation” said Masami.

Kana was the first player to take the evaluation as her offensive play looks good and her defensive play was also good.

Asuka was next to take the evaluation. She did well in shooting and has able to defend well.

Hana would be the next player to take the evaluation. She was able to shoot well and her defense was greater than Kana.

Chiyako would take her evaluation next. She was able to shoot the ball in inside zones and master her defensive play.

Yuka was next to take the evaluation. She was able to master her techniques in passing and was good in defense as well.

Mizuko would take her evaluation next. She’s not bad like her teammates as she was able to shoot jumpers and defend her opponent on ground.

Finally, it was Himeko’s turn to take the evaluation. “I’m ready to take the evaluation said Himeko.

“Good. Then let’s see your plays” said Kagetsu.

“Okay” said Himeko. She started the evaluation with her offensive play. She was able to do pump fake and layup. She was able to pass the ball to her teammate Mizuko perfectly.

“She’s good, Masami” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, she’s able to master her passing and shooting” said Masami.

“I think she’s more likely to be our first back-up player to assist us” said Kagetsu.

“I bet she’ll deserve her spot for that” said Masami.

Himeko was able to stop her opponent Tsubaki and block the shot of Hiiragi up high. Hiimeko was looked good and being an ace of her batch is not bad as expected.

“Very good, Himeko. I know you’re good on both offense and defense” said Kagetsu.

“I’m happy with your result of your evaluation and since you’re the ace of your class, I’m going to give you the position of back-up player for our team” said Masami.

“Thank you, Masami and Kagetsu” said Himeko.

“It looks like her teammates did a perfect job to do their evaluations too” said Mimi.

“I’m very proud of you, Himeko and the team. You really did well in this evaluation. As a result, I’m going to allow your teammates to join our team as well” said Kagetsu.

“I hereby announced that Himeko and her teammates are officially joining the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball team” said Masami. Mimi would congratulate Himeko and her teammates for doing their evaluation very well.

“Yeah, we made it, girls” said Himeko.

“We’re now officially part of the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club!” said Himeko, Mizuko, Yuka, Chiyako, Hana, Asuka and Kana.

“They finally made it” said Maho.

“That would complete the roster of our former team next season” said Saki.

“The newly recruits showed their skills perfectly” said Airi.

“Oh, they did well perfectly” said Hinata.

“This is going to be the beginning of a new journey for Keishin girls’ basketball club” said Tomoka.

“It looks like the newly recruits are going to have time to be with Mimi and her teammates” said Aoi.

“That’s how Mimi was able to lead as the ace of Keishin girls’ basketball team. She knows what everything she had and she developed her leadership by the she’s on her own” said Subaru.

“When Mimi began joining the basketball team, she was able to train hard while having fun with her friends. I know that she’s going to be more competitive like her master Tomoka” said Natsuhi.

On the next activity, the team will do drills and exercises where the first group will do shooting and the second group will do defense. Subaru and his friends would split into two groups to assist the new members.

The members of first group, composed of Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Michiko, Ayane, Haruko, Kozue, Aika, Megumi, Nami, Kotoe and Hiroshi, begin to shoot the ball at the free throw line. Subaru, Natsuhi, Kazunari and Banri were assisting the group by giving the ball to the members.

While Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinata were able to shoot the ball, Michiko and others are hopefully going to shoot the ball. As Michiko is ready to shoot the ball, Megumi thinks Michiko about her style of play.

“I wonder if she’s going to shoot the ball” said Megumi. Michiko would jump from the free throw line, shoot the ball and her shot was good. Ayane, Haruko, Kozue, Aika, Megumi, Nami, Kotoe and Hiroshi were shocked to see Michiko shoots as high as she can.

“She’s good, Kotoe” said Nami.

“As expected to see how she did when she’s in Shiromidai” said Kotoe.

“I didn’t see that shot before” said Hiroshi.

“She can jump high as long as she can able to shoot well” said Megumi.

“It’s amazing” said Ayane.

“Wow, she is more enthusiastic than her teammates” said Haruko.

“Even she didn’t know how to jump and shoot” said Aika.

“That shot was magnificent” said Kozue.

“That was very nice shot you got, Michiko” said Tomoka.

“Thanks, Tomoka. I practiced these many times before I finally made it. It’s been a long year to practice this jump shot” said Michiko.

“I did that every time when I was practice as Subaru’s house and I was able to do master it” said Tomoka.

“It seems that your jump shot is better than mine” said Michiko.

“Of course, Michiko. You’re just the beginner and if you want to improve your shooting, try to practice as many as you can. I hope this help works for you” said Tomoka.

“Even if I try to shoot as many as I can, I may miss one” said Michiko.

“Don’t panic. The most important thing is to focus on the ball to shoot at any area. Then, when you jump high, you will shoot with your speed” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I wish I could do that” said Michiko.

“Take a look at your friends” said Tomoka.

Ayane tries to shoot the ball, but it misses. Then, Natsuhi helps her to shoot the ball perfectly. She tries again and her shot was good.

“Wow, Ayane! You’re doing well” said Natsuhi.

“Thanks, Natsuhi. I was shocked that you help me for purpose” said Ayane.

“Yep. I helped my friends to shoot well and they know how they shoot well. When you shoot the ball, you have to make sure that you need to aim at the target to shoot” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah, it’s fine that I shoot the ball at the zone” said Ayane.

“Wow, Ayane seem to be struggled, but she did well” said Michiko.

Haruko would shoot the ball and she made it well. Her shooting skills were high like other players in Shiromidai.

“I aimed well” said Haruko.

“She was able to shoot at any direction she had, but this spot was her best area to shoot” said Michiko.

Kozue would prepare to shoot the ball. She did a jump shot and the shot was good.

“You’re doing well, Kozue” said Haruko.

“I was not bad at shooting jump shots and free throws. These skills were better than layups” said Kozue.

Aika misses the shot after the ball went off target. “Aw, I can’t shoot like that” said Aika.

“I will help you” said Subaru. Subaru move the hands of Aika to aim the basket and Aika shoots the ball, which the shot was good.

“Wow! Subaru helped one of Michiko’s friends” said Saki.

“He’s a real coach to help players outside our club” said Airi.

“Oh, I’m pretty happy to see Subaru working with someone who’s not in our club” said Hinata.

“That’s my Subaru! He knows everything on trying to improve the players” said Maho.

“I feel happy right now after you help me to shoot the right target” said Aika.

“You have to be careful with your speed. If you shoot early or late, the ball will bounce off the backboard” said Subaru.

“Okay, Subaru. I’ll be careful on that” said Aika.

Hiroshi would do the jumper at the free throw line and it was good. Nami would do the same technique like Hiroshi did, followed by Kotoe. Both shots were good. It was Megumi’s turn to shoot the ball. Megumi asked Hiroshi what to do. “What am I going to do?” asked Megumi.

“You have to shoot the ball. It has 50% chance to either the ball bounces off or shoots to the ring” said Hiroshi.

“Okay, Hiroshi. I hope this will work” said Megumi. Megumi would try to shoot the ball at the free throw line. She releases the ball and the ball enters to the basket. The shot was good.

“Wow! It worked! Just I thought that it would be an easy pick” said Megumi.

“You’re looking good as well. Nice shot, Megumi” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, just like the days in Keishin when our section is on practice” said Megumi.

“It was fun to shoot the ball, depends on your speed and make sure you release the ball perfectly” said Tomoka.

“I hope that we’ll continue this with a round-up activity” said Subaru.

“What’s a round-up activity?” asked Natsuhi.

“They will do the pass and shoot drill. Each player will pass the ball to another player and that one will release the ball to shoot” said Subaru.

“It will be another drill to see how the new players are doing” said Banri.

“I guess that the Michiko and her team might be able to improve their shooting skills” said Natushi.

“Yeah” said Natushi.

Tomoka passes the ball to Maho, allowing her to shoot the ball. Maho passes the ball to Saki. Saki passes the ball to Airi, who would release the ball to shoot. Airi then passes the ball to Hinata. It’s Michiko’s turn to shoot the ball. Hinata passes the ball to Michiko and Michiko would shoot the ball.

Michiko would pass the ball to Ayane, who would pass the ball to Haruko. Haruko then shoots the ball and passes the ball to Kozue. Kozue passes the ball to Aika, who would release the ball to shoot. Aika passes the ball to Hiroshi. Hiroshi passes the ball to Nami and Nami releases the ball to shoot. Nami then pass the ball to Kotoe. Kotoe passes the ball to Megumi, who would release the ball to shoot and passes the ball back to Tomoka.

“It seems that the seventh graders are doing well with their round-up activity. I hope they’ll use that for the regional tournament” said Subaru.

“Yep. It’s just the beginning of the training for the regional tournament, but it will take time to be ready to face off against different teams from our region” said Natsuhi.

“I’m sure that every time we train will make us well prepared for the games. At the conclusion, we worked hard to see how they do well in the drills and exercises” said Subaru.

“Your girls are progressing very well” said Banri.

“Yeah, I hope the sixth and fifth graders will also progress too” said Subaru.

The first group continues to play their practice as Tomoka and her friends have trained Michiko and her friends for the first time.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
"Himeko's Big Day" Part 2

The members of second group, composed of Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Masami, Kagetsu, Aya, Himeko, Mizuko, Yuka, Chiyako, Hana, Asuka and Hana, begin to do their team play. Aoi, Mihoshi, Satsuki and Tae were assisting the group as they will observe the members to see how their offense and defense were used in their team play.

Mimi’s team will be defending the court while Himeko’s team will be doing shooting and passing. Himeko passes the ball to Yuka while Masami and Hiiragi guard Yuka. Yuka then passes the ball to Hana and later meets with Hiiragi. Masami would guard Mizuko.

Hana and Kagetsu go one-on-one as they move to each other and Kagetsu tries to stop Hana from dribbling. Hana steps back and passes the ball to Chiyako, who would shoot the ball. The shot was missed and Kagetsu leaps high to get the ball. Kagetsu passes the ball to Tsubaki. Tsubaki dribbles to the left and passes the ball to Masami.

Masami and Mizuko face each other and as Mizuko tries to stop her, Masami would do the fake step and drive for the basket as she shoots the ball and the ball enters to the hoop.

“It seems that my jumper went well” said Masami.

“Yeah, it’s beautiful, Masami” said Mimi.

“It’s important to immobilize your opponent once you adjust directions when you fake and drive and make sure that you use speed when dribbling” said Masami.

“I think you are a versatile point guard in our team” said Kagetsu.

“Thanks, Kagetsu. We’ll make sure that we could win the practice game. Right, girls?” said Masami.

“Yeah!” said Mimi, Kagetsu, Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

Himeko passes the ball to Mizuko and Masami meets Mizuko once again. Mizuko and Masami would move each other and Mizuko would do the chest pass to Himeko. Mimi and Himeko face each other as Himeko dribbles the ball. Then, Himeko would do the jab step and shoots the ball. Himeko’s shot was good.

“I did it, Mimi. I can shoot at any direction I want” said Himeko.

“Himeko, just concentrate to the ball when you are about to shoot or pass” said Mimi.

“Right” said Himeko.

Mimi passes the ball to Hiiragi. Yuka would face off against Hiiragi. She tries to stop Hiiragi from dribbling the ball, but Hiiragi steps back and dribble the ball. Hiiragi passes the ball to Tsubaki. Chiyako and Himeko face off against Tsubaki as they are trying to guard her. Tsubaki would move out of their way and passes the ball to Mimi, who is about to shoot.

“Oh no you don’t!” said Himeko, but she realized that it’s too late as she jumps too high to block Mimi’s shot and Mimi releases the ball to shoot and the ball goes to the basket.

“You’re too good, Mimi. I can’t believe that I jumped too high, trying to block your shot” said Himeko.

“If you’re trying to block the ball, make sure that you have to hit ball and make sure that the ball goes out of bounds” said Mimi.

“Okay” said Himeko.

It’s Himeko’s team’s possession and Yuka passes the ball to Chiyako. Chiyako and Tsubaki would meet again, but Himeko tries to screen on Tsubaki, so that Chiyako will move away from Tsubaki. Chiyako would escape from Tsubaki, but Mimi guards Chiyako. Masami and Kagetsu exchange positions, so that when Chiyako passes the ball, either Masami or Kagetsu will try to stop Chiyako’s teammates.

Chiyako passes the ball to Mizuko and she was guarded by Kagetsu. Mizuko would do the jump shot, but Kagetsu blocks it. As the ball is free from the block, Hana gets the offensive rebound and shoots the three-point shot as she landed outside the three-point line. Hana’s shot was almost good, but the ball bounces off from the backboard and Tsubaki gets the rebound.

Tsubaki faces off against Chiyako, but passes the ball to Hiiragi with a bounce pass. Hiiragi would drive to the basket to shoot the ball. The shot was good and it’s another score for Mimi’s team.

“Nice shot, Hiiragi” said Tsubaki.

“Yeah, your bounce pass was nice too” said Hiiragi.

“I would be able to do bounce pass to any of our teammates” said Tsubaki.

“Of course, Tsubaki. Let’s focus on defending” said Hiiragi.

Himeko would pass the ball to Mizuko. Mizuko would be met by Masami as Masami guards Mizuko, trying to stop dribbling the ball. Mizuko would do the other way as she passes the ball to Himeko. Himeko would pass the ball to Chiyako as she’s going to shoot the ball with a jump shot. Chiyako’s shot was good as her shot is a three-point shot. Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Masami and Kagetsu were amazed from Chiyako’s shot.

“She’s aiming to shoot threes like Masami did” said Mimi.

“It was a good three-pointer that I saw” said Masami.

“She’s good in shooting, although she hasn’t found yet in defending” said Kagetsu.

“These fifth graders are very good in trying to stop us” said Tsubaki.

“I think we should focus on stopping them” said Hiiragi.

“It’s alright, Tsubaki and Hiiragi. We should keep an eye on them when they’re on offense, but in defense, they’ll try to improve it” said Mimi.

“Okay” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

Masami passes the ball to Hiiragi. Yuka tries to stop Hiiragi from moving, but Tsubaki intervenes to screen Yuka. Tsubaki passes the ball to Kagetsu. Kagetsu would pass the ball to Masami, who would be guarded by Mizuko. Mizuko would do the defensive stance, preventing Masami to do chest or bounce pass. Himeko and Mimi were guarding to each other and as Masami tries to pass the ball to Mimi, Himeko steals the ball from Masami.

“A steal?” said Masami.

“Don’t let her shoot” said Mimi.

“Okay” said Hiiragi and Tsubaki.

As Himeko goes for the fast break, Tsubaki and Hiiragi prepare to guard her. Himeko would do the set shot as she releases the ball to shoot, but the shot bounces off from the hoop. Tsubaki gets the ball and passes the ball to Mimi.

“Great defense, Tsubaki! Keep it up!” said Aoi.

“Thanks, Aoi. It’s a drill to see how the fifth graders do in offense and defense” said Tsubaki.

“Can you manage to fake and drive?” asked Hiiragi.

“Yeah, I can do that with my own speed” said Tsubaki.

Tsubaki would face off against Chiyako, who is trying to block her. Chiyako stops Tsubaki, but the latter moves back from the former. Then, Tsubaki dribbles the ball and Chiyako tries to touch her, but Tsubaki was too fast to move away from Chiyako as she shoots the ball with a layup.

“That’s interesting” said Tae.

“What is it, Tae?” asked Satsuki.

“Tsubaki has capable of using her defense to reflect the opponent’s movements by trying to master the fake and drive skill. She and Hiiragi are good in stealing the ball, but also they were able to catch the ball from a missed shot of the opponent” said Tae.

“Tsubaki and Hiiragi have been practicing that skill because they have to make their opponents immobilized from moving” said Satsuki.

“If their opponents try to dribble to any distance, they should stop them by guarding the shooter while the other will use their arm to go for the steal” said Tae.

“Or should steal the ball by double team the shooter and try not to touch her” said Satsuki.

“You know about Tsubaki and Hiiragi’s roles, Satsuki and Tae?” asked Aoi.

“Yeah” said Satsuki and Tae.

“While their older brother is going to Kirihara to join with Tomoka and her friends, Tsubaki and Hiiragi will try their best to improve their skills and abilities while playing as wing players” said Mihoshi.

“Yeah, I believe that Tsubaki and Hiiragi will play together to make sure that they will help Mimi, Masami and Kagetsu. They will improve their skills and join with Maho and her friends when they enroll in Kirihara” said Aoi.

“The sixth graders are the new starting five for Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club starting next month, Aoi” said Mihoshi.

“Yes, Mihoshi. They will finally win the regional tournament to represent Tokyo in the national tournament” said Aoi.

Himeko passes the ball to Hana. Kagetsu guards Hana, trying to stop Hana to dribble the ball.

“When I face off against Airi, I was scared of her, but I didn’t fear her. But for Kagetsu, she is really good in blocking and like Hinata, she passes the ball quickly. I hope I should do the same like the two” said Aya.

Kagetsu calls Masami to guard Mizuko. Hana was feared that her teammate was guarded by her opponent’s teammate. Mimi came out of nowhere to steal the ball from Hana and passes the ball to Kagetsu. Kagetsu would do the layup and the ball enters to the basket as her shot was good.

“I did it, Mimi and Masami! I finally able to do a layup” said Kagetsu.

“Great job, Kagetsu!” said Mimi.

“Try to make sure that you’re not too close to the basket” said Masami.

“Okay!” said Kagetsu.

Himeko dribbles the ball to the halfway zone and Tsubaki and Hiiragi tries to stop her by guarding her. Himeko moves away from them and enters the key to shoot the ball, using the jump shot. The ball shoots to the basket and the shot was good.

“You’re doing fake and drive skill as well, Himeko?” asked Mimi.

“Of course, Mimi. I practiced this with my teammates yesterday because when we watched a professional basketball game, we wanted to use that skill in order to improve our defense” said Himeko.

“We also watch a professional basketball game as well with my teammates because not only Subaru and Aoi give us the tactics they used to battle against Suzuridani, but it will improve our team play next season” said Mimi.

“We should practice more, Mimi” said Himeko.

“Yeah, Himeko. Then let’s continue the drill” said Mimi.

“Yeah!” said Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Masami, Kagetsu, Aya, Mizuko, Yuka, Chiyako, Hana, Asuka and Hana. The group continues to practice their drill while Aoi, Mihoshi, Satsuki and Tae were happy to see the players of Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club playing together with their own rhythm.

“Mihoshi, when both teams are going to play together, they’ll make sure that they will reach the team to the top” said Aoi.

“It sure is. I hope that after class, they are going to gather together to do drills and exercises. However, willpower can’t be needed for situations, but they used this principle as they wanted to achieve their dreams of being one of the strongest teams in our district” said Mihoshi.

“By the way, when Kirihara and Nashiba compete first, Keishin will have more time to train and this winter, they are set to compete at the regional tournament” said Satsuki.

“It will be a new season that Mimi and Himeko will play together. Of course, our friends are going to move on to their new heights when they go back to school” said Tae.

“When the time comes, we will conquer the tournament as well as we’ll play hard and win games before the major competitions begin. We’ll be ready soon, right, girls?” said Aoi.

“Yes, Aoi. We’re ready!” said Tae and Satsuki.

“Good” said Aoi as she smiled on Mihoshi, Tae and Satsuki. The two groups have continued to do their trainings until they were tired from training. Then, they would do the cool off exercises before taking their break and eat their lunch.

After lunch, they continued the training for an hour. After the training, Tomoka’s team, Mimi’s team, Himeko’s team and Subaru’s team (except Aoi) leave the basketball court for their next activities while Aoi and Michiko’s team have their meeting outside the basketball court.

“Everyone in the park is guests and friends of mine” said Maho.

“For today’s team building, you need to find at least seven friends of Maho and four teammates of Keishin Academy boys’ basketball club” said Tomoka.

“At the end of this activity, the team with the most number of friends have been found at the resort hotel wins” said Airi.

“While Team Takeda will do their own duties for tomorrow, we will meet the friends of Maho and Natsuhi after the activity” said Saki.

“Of course, they will become new members of our team and they will be allowed to stay at our home for tomorrow while we’re gone” said Hinata.

“Any questions?” asked Natsuhi. No one asked the questions. “Then, let the team building activity begins!”

“Good luck, everyone!” said Tomoka.

Mimi’s team and Himeko’s team start competing each other to find Maho’s friends and Natsuhi’s teammates.

Tsubaki and Hiiragi saw Tsutomu Fukada and Akitsugu Wakui at the entrance of the main hotel while Chiyako and Yuka found Naoko Sugisaki at the swimming pool. Aya, Kagetsu, Mimi and Masami were walking at the main hotel to find Maho’s friends and Natsuhi’s teammates.

“Masami, did you spot anything?” asked Kagetsu.

“Not yet, Kagetsu” said Masami.

“It looks like we have to keep looking” said Mimi.

Meanwhile, Himeko and her teammates are trying to find friends at the beach.

“I found one of them” said Yuka. Himeko and her teammates went to Yuka and Yoshinori Toshima.

“Good job, Yuka. You’re good at finding them” said Himeko.

“Tsubaki and Hiiragi have found two of Natsuhi’s teammates, earlier so we need one more teammates of Natsuhi at his basketball club” said Mizuko.

“We can’t lose to Mimi’s team” said Chiyako.

“You’re right, Chiyako. Let’s find them all” said Himeko.

Back at the main hotel, Mimi’s team saw Kyōsuke Fumizuki and Asumi Ishida at the stairway.

“There you are. I saw Asumi and Kyōsuke” said Mimi.

“Hey, you found us” said Kyōsuke. Mimi’s team and the four students are running at the hallway to find four more friends of Maho.

“Where are we going?” asked Asumi.

“We still find your classmates here” said Aya.

“I think they are staying at their room, but others are spotted elsewhere” said Masami.

“I think we should split up, so that we will find the rest of them” said Mimi.

“That’s a great idea, Mimi! Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Aya, Akitsugu, Tsutomu, Kyōsuke and Asumi, go back to the park right now” said Kagetsu.

“Okay!” said Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Aya, Akitsugu, Tsutomu, Kyōsuke and Asumi. Mimi’s group and four batchmates of Maho and Natsuhi have split into two groups: Mimi, Kagetsu and Masami will find the rest of the members as they will go to the recreational center while Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Aya, Akitsugu, Tsutomu, Kyōsuke and Asumi will head back to the park.

Kana and Asuka spotted Daisuke Kikuchi, the remaining teammate of Natsuhi, and his classmate Haruyo Kusaka at the stairway.

“Oh, you two are here to find us” said Daisuke.

“You looked tired” said Haruyo.

“We should go back to Himeko’s team quick!” said Kana.

“Yeah” said Asuka, Daisuke and Haruyo. The four of them walked back to the beachfront to find Himeko and her teammates.

“Haruyo and, why you are here?” asked Naoko.

“We’re searching for batchmates of Maho and Natsuhi at the resort hotel and we should find the rest of them” said Himeko “Yuka, Chiyako, Kana and Asuka, take them to the park.”

“Okay!” said Yuka, Chiyako, Kana and Asuka as the four of them joined with Yoshinori, Naoko and Haruyo to go back to the park.

“We’re sure they’ll make it” said Mizuko.

Four of seven Maho’s friends and all of Natsuhi’s teammates in basketball were found by both Team Balguerie and Team Katayama. Only three remaining batchmates of Maho and Natsuhi were still heading elsewhere. Himeko, Mizuko and Hana were the remaining members of Team Katayama while Mimi, Masami and Kagetsu were the remaining members of Team Balguerie. The score is now 4-4, which means it’s a tie game.

Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Aya, Akitsugu, Tsutomu, Kyōsuke and Asumi were running through the exit of the main hotel where they are going to head back to the park.

“We should be hurry, everyone” said Tsubaki.

“We need to head back to the park” said Hiiragi.

“You’ll see your classmates later on” said Aya.

“Okay” said Akitsugu, Tsutomu, Kyōsuke and Asumi.

Mimi, Masami and Kagetsu were heading through the recreational center to find the remaining batchmates of Maho and Natsuhi. They saw Tarō Mastuba and Saori Minagawa, who were playing table tennis.

“Kagetsu, Masami, we found two of Maho’s batchmates” said Mimi.

“Good. That means?” asked Kagetsu.

“There is only one more friend of Maho that we need to track them” said Masami. “I will be with them while you find the last one.”

“Okay!” said Mimi and Kagetsu as Masami and the three schoolmates leave the recreational center to go back to the park.

“Alright, Kagetsu, let’s go!” said Mimi.

“Right” said Kagetsu.

Himeko, Mizuko and Hana were not spotting any of the batchmates of Maho and Natsuhi because Team Balguerie finds three of four batchmates of Maho and Natsuhi. As both teams were heading to the second floor, they need to find the seventh and last member of Maho’s friends.

“It’s too late, Himeko” said Hana. “We can’t win this activity.”

“Don’t worry, Hana. I will find the last one” said Himeko.

“Yeah, we should do it by ourselves” said Mizuko.

“Okay. Let’s do it” said Himeko.

On the other hand, Mimi and Kagetsu read about the profile of Maho’s friends and they identified the seventh member of Maho’s friends named Kishō Ogata.

“It’s him. Kishō Ogata. He is one of the students in 6-C and Maho said that he is always rivaled with Saki to become a class vice president” said Mimi.

“Okay, but he always playing video games. So, he must be playing at the video games room” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, let’s head to that room” said Mimi.

“Yeah” said Kagetsu. When Mimi and Kagetsu were entering at the video game room, they found Kishō and Miori Misawa playing.

“Huh? You’re one of Maho’s sisters?” said Mimi.

“Yeah. I’m one of the six children of the Misawa family and I’m the youngest of the six” said Miori.

“I see. That means that we found the last member of Maho’s friends” said Kagetsu.

“You’re correct, my friend. As you can see, Miori is an incoming fifth grader in Keishin and she has always with me while Maho enjoyed with her teammates” said Kishō. “So, you found my friends of mine?”

“Yeah, Kishō. My teammates found four of your friends and Team Katayama found the other two” said Mimi.

“That means we won, Mimi. Now, let’s head back to the park.” said Kagetsu.

“Okay!” said Mimi, Kishō and Miori. As Team Balguerie is about to head leave the recreational center, HImeko, Mizuko and Hana found them.

“Can we get along too?” asked Himeko.

“Okay, Himeko. At least we should do go back together as teammates” said Mimi.

“I’m sorry, Mimi. We tried our best to find the last one, but we failed” said Himeko.

“It’s okay that your team loses this activity, but the next time, your team may win soon” said Mimi.

“Yeah. Let’s battle again, Mimi” said Himeko.

“Sure, Himeko. You’ll be fine if your team wins the next activity” said Mimi.

“I talked to Miori and she said that her sister, Maho, is expected to become the general manager of her father’s company while she and her siblings have other expectations too when they grow up” said Kagetsu.

“That was interesting, Miori. Someday, we’ll have expectations too when we’re getting older” said Himeko.

“Yeah. I wanted to explore everything, so that I could take pictures of beautiful places right there” said Miori.

“That would be nice, Miori” said Kishō.

“Everyone, enough with that talking. Maho and Natsuhi are waiting for us at the park” said Mizuko.

“You’re right, Mizuko. We should head back to the park and meet with Tomoka and her friends again. Then, let’s go!” said Mimi. Mimi, Kagetsu, Himeko, Mizuko, Hana, Kishō and Miori were heading back to the park to meet with Tomoka and her friends along with the members of Team Balguerie and Team Katayama to determine the results of the first team building activity.

UP NEXT: Chapter 14: "The Team of Blue and Yellow"
 
It's almost the end of the month and I have finally finished drafting Chapters 15-17. It will be posted in November. Of course, there's more. Instead of posting Chapter 15 on Tuesday, it will be an interlude to the next chapter where Subaru informed Maho's friends, Natsuhi's friends and members of the Keishin Academy boys' basketball club about the upcoming Hasegawa Cup. The cup is organized by Subaru Hasegawa and the Nashiba High School Basketball Team in honor of Subaru himself as he coached the Keishin Academy girls' basketball club. It will be posted on Halloween Tuesday. So, watch out for this post! In the this time, enjoy reading Chapter 14!

Plot for Chapter 14
The Bravehearts have found their new members as Kishō Ogata and Maho's friends and Daisuke Kikuchi and Natsuhi's teammates will be joining the group thru a team building activity between Team Katayama and Team Balguerie. They will talk about their current status of themselves. The next day, the Bravehearts will temporarily part ways to go to their respective activities. Also, Ogata, Kikuchi and their batchmates were joined by Subaru and his friends to come at the Recreational Center of the Misawa Resort Hotel for the first training for the new members of the Keishin Academy boys' basketball club. This will be Part 1 of the Spring Break Activity Tuesday where the Bravehearts will organize the activities for the day to celebrate the spring break.

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 14: “THE TEAM OF BLUE AND YELLOW”

The team building activity ends with the victory for Team Balguerie, who saw 7 out of 11 students from Keishin Academy. The 11 students were revealed to be Maho’s friends and Natsuhi’s teammates from his school’s basketball team.

“Today, my friends and Natsuhi’s teammates will be staying for two days in my home and on Wednesday, they will be going home for a day along with the members of Team Takeda” said Maho.

“It seems that they decided to spend their vacation at the resort hotel for the spring break and they already planned where they will go in middle school” said Natsuhi.

“I will be glad that they will be joining with us for two days. When Maho and Natsuhi begin its relationship, their friends begin to cooperate them until both parties were not together when Natsuhi became serious on his basketball career” said Tomoka.

“After Natsuhi became friendly with us again from having a rivalry with his team, we will be ready to collaborate with them as soon as possible” said Airi.

“On the other hand, Maho’s friends are always enjoyed with each other even Maho and Natsuhi are there during school days” said Hinata.

“Right now, you’ll be comforted with us while staying in the resort hotel. I hope that by Thursday, you will meet more members in our group” said Saki.

“Okay!” said Maho’s friends and Natsuhi’s teammates.

“Then, let’s go back to the mansion and prepare for dinner” said Maho.

“Yay!” all the members shout together as they return to the mansion for dinner.

Later, the Bravehearts are having a dinner with Maho’s friends and Natsuhi’s teammates. While eating, they were having a conversation.

“Your teammates are very good in playing basketball” said Tsubaki.

“Natsuhi, will the counterparts will become stronger like us?” said Hiiragi.

“I hope so, Hiiragi. They will probably have the same level as your team” said Natsuhi.

“Of course, they will be fine when they’re ready” said Tsubaki.

“They’re here tomorrow at the gym, but we’re going to Suzuran Shopping Street” said Hiiragi.

“Oh, you’re right. Then, let’s meet them tomorrow after that” said Natsuhi.

“Okay, Natsuhi!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“So, you are Natsuhi’s teammates, am I right?” asked Mizuko.

“Yes, we are” said Tsutomu Fukada, Akitsugu Wakui, Yoshinori Toshima and Daisuke Kikuchi.

“I’m a very close friend of Natsuhi and I always follow him when he hangs out with the girls” said Daisuke.

“I’m one of the teammates that grow my stamina when I exercise every morning” said Tsutomu.

“I’m one of the teammates that grow my defense when I learn to defend my players in the court during practice” said Akitsugu.

“And I’m one of the teammates that grows my offense when I learn to shoot at any place I go to” said Yoshinori.

“You are a good player, Himeko. During the intramural competition, your style of play is magnificent like the girls” said Natsuhi.

“Thanks, Natsuhi” said Himeko.

“Your team is competitive like our counterpart because you were able to train hard like the other basketball clubs from other schools did” said Yuka.

“Of course, we train in the gym in the other days while the girls did the same thing. We haven’t met together since Mimi had many friends with her batch” said Yoshinori.

“While the girls have been enjoyed with Mimi and her friends, we decided to step up to follow the legacy of our club” said Mizuko.

“We’re only became official members of the club recently, but we are ready to compete in future competitions” said Chiyako.

“I’m sure that you are ready to face opponents in the tournament when the summer vacation ends” said Akitsugu.

“For our team, we added some good players from the fourth and fifth grades. They looked contentive like you, Chiyako” said Daisuke.

“That’s true, Daisuke. We’re always ready for that and since Tomoka and Natsuhi have planned our future to create a group when we are all in higher education” said Chiyako.

“Oh, did Natsuhi have been with the girls’ basketball club?” asked Daisuke.

“Yeah. He was confident to his twin sisters after both parties begin to join together” said Himeko.

“On the bright side, he likes to train with Subaru and his friends because Natsuhi had trusted him while trying to work together in certain situations” said Hana.

“You are really good in playing for your position, Hana. Sometimes, it’s so hard that when you work with difficulties, you may end up not prepared, but thanks to Mimi and her friends are coming with you, you will be fine with them” said Akitsugu.

“Yeah, our team never falls apart since the three principles of our club would bring our team to be more competitive sooner enough” said Hana.

“So, Natsuhi, what bring them there in the resort hotel?” asked Asuka.

“We will have a short meeting about the future of the boys’ basketball club and we’ll hopefully give them a wonderful welcome to our club” said Natsuhi.

“Where are the new players?” asked Kana.

“They will come tomorrow, but I’m afraid that I won’t be around for a while because Saki assigned me to visit the Suzuran Shopping Street for a day-off activity” said Natsuhi.

“That’s good for you. You and your sisters are really worked hard to spend with Masami. I hope you will be fine when you get there” said Kana.

“Thanks, Kana. I wonder what the others are going up to” said Natsuhi.

“They will be out for activities. Tomoka, Maho and Team Takeda will go to Little Wing Orphanage, you, Saki, Masami, Tsubaki and Hiiragi will head to the Suzuran Shopping Street, Airi, Banri and Aya will head to the sports gym and Hinata, Kagetsu and Mimi will go to Hinata and Kagetsu’s house” said Aoi.

“What about you and Subaru?” asked Natsuhi.

“We’ll stay home with Himeko and her teammates while hanging out with Maho’s friends and your teammates” said Aoi.

“What did you plan with Michiko and her friends?” asked Daisuke.

“You see, I hold a meeting with Tomoka’s friends while the others are having time in the resort hotel” said Aoi.

The flashback begins with Aoi called Team Takeda for the meeting at the restaurant.

“So, there are many activities to do tomorrow. You will be with Tomoka and Maho at the Little Wing Orphanage at Tamagawa” said Aoi.

“Well, I’m very excited to meet with Jun again” said Michiko.

“Maybe not because Jun told Tomoka that she and her friends will meet with us on some other time. For tomorrow’s activity, you will have a team building activity at the park” said Aoi.

“What activity we’ll do?” asked Megumi.

“Tomoka said that you will be competing with the students from Shiromidai Elementary School for a bike race” said Aoi.

“Bike race? That’s one of our activities we did in our town” said Kozue.

“That’s right, Kozue. It is part of the appreciation party that Jun organizes tomorrow. Tomoka will give you the bicycles you need for the race. It will be a friendly race that Jun and Tomoka have renewed their friendship with Michiko” said Aoi.

“What a great day we’ll be preparing for the bike race. We’ll do it” said Haruko.

“Me, too. I will be taking of that race” said Nami.

“We wanna join too!” the other members of Michiko’s team replied. Michiko, Ayane, Kozue, Aika, Megumi, Kotoe and Hiroshi also ready to take part of the race tomorrow.

“Then it’s settled! I will inform Tomoka and Maho about taking part of the activity” said Aoi.

“Okay!” said the enter Team Takeda. Megumi, Ayane, Haruko, Kozue, Aika, Megumi, Nami, Kotoe and Hiroshi are looking prepared to compete for the bike race tomorrow. The flashback ends as Hiroshi tells Aoi about joining Daisuke’s team.

“I almost forgot about when we come back home for a one-day break, I will join with Maho’s friends by the time I’ll be back” said Hiroshi.

“Okay, Hiroshi. If that’s what you want, then go ahead. I will be hoping that you will be fine with them” said Aoi.

“Thanks, Aoi” said Hiroshi.

“Listen up, boys. Himeko and her friends are going to be with you tomorrow at the recreational center where we should spend time while the others are not here. Subaru and his friends will be also involved to help you out” said Natsuhi.

“Can we allow to play first?” asked Yoshinori.

“Not yet. You have an exercise activity first before you play what you want. When it reaches 6 in the evening, go back to the mansion immediately” said Natsuhi.

“Okay, I understand with that, but while you’re going to the town, we’ll be meeting with the new players of our basketball club” said Daisuke.

“That’s good, Daisuke. You will be in charge with the new players. I’m probably going back when we’re done with the activity” said Natsuhi.

“Okay” said Daisuke.

“You’re good in leadership, Daisuke. You can do it” said Asuka. Himeko, Mizuko, Yuka, Chiyako, Hana and Kana would support Daisuke to try his best of been in charge of the meeting with the boys’ basketball club.

“I knew you will count on you, Daisuke. Don’t do bad things on them while you are in charge” said Natsuhi.

“Of course, I will” said Daisuke.

“That’s a spirit, Daisuke! You’re the man!” said Akitsugu.

“Yeah!” said Tsutomu and Yoshinori.

On the other hand, Michiko, Ayane, Haruko, Kozue, Aika, Megumi, Nami, Kotoe and Hiroshi have talked with Maho’s friends namely Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa and Kishō Ogata.

“Team Takeda is our name of our group. We are friends of Tomoka in Keishin and it’s been a week since our last encounter is our graduation” said Megumi.

“Megumi, Kozue, Nami, Kotoe and Hiroshi, I knew you are still together like we did. We refer that Maho is our close friend because she always hanging with us since fifth grade” said Kishō.

“We aren’t complete for now because we still try to contact our friends of mine to visit the recreational center tomorrow” said Naoko.

“We are always fun as a bright sun comes out happy” said Kyōsuke.

“Our team is divided into two groups” said Megumi.

“The first group is composed of me, Megumi, Nami and Kotoe in Keishin Academy” said Hiroshi.

“And on the other hand, we came from Shiromidai Elementary School and we’re former schoolmates of Tomoka before she left for Keishin” said Ayane.

“You looked great when you are hanging together with Tomoka. Sometimes, she treats you a lot when she’s happy” said Asumi.

“Yep. I realized that it’s been a long time to see Tomoka after a year, but we learned the lesson about friends and rivals” said Michiko.

“As Tomoka leads the club with willpower, we supported her in the competitions. Being the ace of the team is not hard a lot” said Nami.

“I appreciated your performance in the qualifiers against Suzuridani, Michiko. How’s your team doing well on top of the district?” asked Kotoe.

“It’s a hard fight we battle and Miyu Aida is a strong player in her team. But at the end, we were able to beat them in a close margin. I finally made a floater that Tomoka did in the game against them” said Michiko.

“So, did you end up lucky in the end?” asked Nami.

“Of course, I am. However, in the middle of the December, we lost against a good team in Meguro and we would have won if we continue this run perfectly” said Michiko.

“Tomoka and her friends watch your team against Suzuridani and she cheers for you” said Megumi.

“Yeah, she forgives me first before I forgive her back, but I put my thoughts that Tomoka is no longer isolated to me again” said Michiko.

“That’s why you are very concerned about her after she left to join our side and try to play basketball with her teammates” said Haruyo.

“I was appreciated when I thanked Tomoka, but I would have tried to forgive her until she finally gains her respect on me. Since then, I kept this a secret until Tomoka reveals to me that she was obsessed in playing basketball because Subaru trained her to be a good player” said Michiko.

“See, she didn’t mean to hurt you when she trains with him” said Tarō.

“Yeah, I finally found that she was able to play basketball with her new confidence when she and her teammates have decided to train hard in Keisihn. I wish I would have my team to do the same” said Michiko.

“Of course, not. We never do badly to Maho inside and outside the class because she was the most cheerful friend in our group. Sometimes, Hiroshi joins the group when she decided to help her on making the jerseys for the intramural competition” said Saori.

“Wow, Saori. You remembered that. As she said, while we have many activities in our room, Kishō leads the Friday cleaning group and he assists me to visit the uniform apparel store to get our jerseys for the intramural competition” said Hiroshi.

“Saori, don’t forget when Hiroshi also give a notebook you need for you to fill out the notes when your notebook is almost full” said Kishō.

“Oh, yeah. That’s great, Hiroshi. You’re a good friend that you can be more confident than us” said Saori.

“Thank you, Kishō and Saori” said Hiroshi.

“By the way, Michiko, it appears that your teammates are expected to come to a friendly tournament next week” said Kyōsuke.

“What is it, Kyōsuke?” asked Michiko.

“Subaru and his friends have planned a friendly tournament at the resort hotel for boys and girls after he helped Maho and her teammates to lead the team to the competitions” said Kyōsuke.

“Oh, that’s great news. I hope they will meet again, but tomorrow is the bike race at Tamagawa” said Michiko.

“A bike race at Tamagawa?” asked Asumi.

“Yeah, I’ll explain for this. Aoi gives us a team building activity where we will compete in a friendly bike race organized by Tomoka and Jun where our team will compete for the bike race with three teams competing. It has two competitions: individual competition and team competition. For individual competition, each member of a team must be wearing the same color and will ride their bikes to the finish line. Then, the team competition is where the team will receive points after each of the members finish the race with the position he/she receive. Then, it will calculate your team position by summing up all the points allocated based on the point system they use. The team with the highest scoring point wins the team competition while the first biker to reach the finish line wins the individual competition” said Michiko.

“Your friend Tomoka is organizing this event?” asked Tarō.

“Of course, she and Jun made this event because when Jun left back home, she decided to hold the bike race to dedicate the friendship between the three of us” said Michiko.

“That’s great, Michiko. I hope you and your team win the competition” said Haruyo.

“Sure, we can” said Michiko. Tomoka and her friends left the dining room after they finish eating their food. Maho’s friends and Michiko’s team were the remaining members stay in the dining room.

“Everyone, we’re going outside for a while. Are you going out?” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, sure” said Michiko.

“Okay, I’ll see you later” said Tomoka.

“Well, we’re still here, guys. I know that it’s nighttime and we should explore outside before we go to bed” said Megumi.

“Sure, let’s finish this up” said Michiko.

“Okay!” said the remaining members of Michiko’s team and Maho’s friends.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
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"The Team of Blue and Yellow" Part 2

On the next day, the Bravehearts will split up for the activities to do. Tomoka, Maho and Team Takeda will go to Tamagawa to celebrate Michiko’s appreciation party. Saki, Masami, Natsuhi, Tsubaki and Hiiragi will visit the Suzuran Shopping Street to stay here for a day. Airi, Banri and Aya will head back home to check the customers at the Kashii Sports Gym. Hinata, Kagetsu and Mimi will also head back home to talk about the future plans for Kagetsu and Mimi.

“Alright, guys. We have many activities to do and as Michiko’s team and Daisuke’s team to leave for a day, we’ll have new members coming from Keishin Academy” said Tomoka.

“Of course. They are Saki’s friends and they like to cook gourmets” said Maho.

“Masami and I are having competition in Suzuran Shopping Street and we have many friends from the district and Keishin Academy, they would most likely want to hang out with us while the spring break continues” said Saki.

“With that, we should plan on a spring break vacation after the Hasegawa Cup. The cup will be held in two days while the classes will start on April 1” said Airi.

“All of the future events will be held next week and more details will be revealed by weekend” said Hinata.

“Well, then. As Maho’s friends and Natsuhi’s teammates will be joined by Himeko and her teammates, Mimi had just called her batchmates to visit the recreational center for a meeting. You’ll meet some new friends here while you enjoy staying at the recreational center” said Tomoka.

“They’ll come to start the training for the boys’ basketball club” said Mimi.

“So, everyone, treat nice to them and have fun playing with them!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Boys, I hope the new members of the boys’ basketball club are learned to play the basics and techniques in playing basketball” said Natsuhi.

“Yes, Natsuhi!” said Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Akitsugu Wakui and Yoshinori Toshima.

“My sisters Miori and Minako will join to your team for a while we’re gone. I hope my parents are looking forward to see everyone playing” said Maho.

“Yeah!” said Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Akitsugu Wakui, Yoshinori Toshima, Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa and Kishō Ogata.

“We’ll be back by six in the evening. So, if you want to take a break from playing, just come to the restaurant and enjoy eating our main course” said Saki.

“I will give everyone a treat all of you when we’re back home” said Masami.

“Let’s make sure that we won’t be late from our activities as well as Tomoka’s friends will compete for the bike race at the Little Wings orphanage” said Airi.

“We’re leaving right now, everyone and make the new members of the Bravehearts a big welcome!” said Aya.

“Have fun playing at the recreational center!” said Hinata and Kagetsu.

As Tomoka and her friends leave the mansion to go to the Nishina town, Kazunari and Banri talks to Subaru and Aoi.

“Subaru and Aoi. I’m heading to Kuoh to visit the Occult Research Club” said Kazunari.

“I’ll be with my sister Airi and Aya to return home and check the customers at my Sports Gym” said Banri.

“Okay, we’ll see you later” said Subaru.

“Make sure you come back before sunset” said Aoi.

“Okay! Bye, guys!” said Kazunari and Banri.

“Bye, guys!” said Subaru and Aoi. With Kazunari and Banri join with Tomoka and her friends to go to the town, Subaru and Aoi declare to the remaining members of the Bravehearts that they’ll go to the recreational center.

“Let’s go to the recreational center, guys!” said Subaru.

“Yay!” said Aoi, Satsuki, Tae, Himeko, Chiyako, Mizuko, Yuka, Kana, Hana, Asuka, Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Akitsugu Wakui, Yoshinori Toshima, Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa and Kishō Ogata. The Bravehearts are heading to the Misawa Resort Hotel Recreational Center to start playing the activities there.

At the basketball gym of the Misawa Resort Hotel Recreational Center, twelve boys were in training as they do their warm-up exercise. After they finished doing their exercise, they saw Subaru and his friends, who were just arrived at the entrance of the recreational center.

“Alright, guys. Don’t forget to buy some drinks for you to refresh your body if you feel tired from playing” said Subaru.

“Okay!” saidNaoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa and Kishō Ogata. Maho’s friends leave to their respective areas in the recreational center while Subaru, Aoi, Satsuki, Tae, Himeko, Chiyako, Mizuko, Yuka, Kana, Hana, Asuka, Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Akitsugu Wakui and Yoshinori Toshima were heading to the basketball court.

“Everyone, this is the members of the Keishin Academy boys’ basketball club from the elementary school division” said Daisuke. The members greet the Bravehearts as they wave hands to say hello.

“Hello! Hi!” said members of the Keishin Academy boys’ basketball club.

“Hi, everyone!” said Subaru, Aoi, Satsuki, Tae, Himeko, Chiyako, Mizuko, Yuka, Kana, Hana, Asuka, Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Akitsugu Wakui and Yoshinori Toshima. They smiled to the members of the boys’ basketball club.

“Mimi called them to visit the recreational center to have their training and thanks to the incoming fifth graders from the girls’ basketball club, you can have full-team training with them” said Daisuke.

“We’re very glad that you’re here, boys. You see, our captain Mimi is not here because she is with Hinata and Kagetsu to talk with someone from Keishin” said Himeko.

“Right now, we will play together for a while” said Chiyako.

“Sure” said the members of the boys’ basketball club.

“Okay, boys. This is what we’re going to do. We should start training with the shooting exercise” said Daisuke. The members of the boys’ basketball club begin to shoot the balls to the hoop.

Miori Misawa appeared to give the refreshed drinks to Subaru, Aoi, Satsuki and Tae.

“Here are your refreshed drinks, Subaru” said Miori.

“Thank you, Miori. You looked polite today and I believe that your sister is coming as well” said Subaru.

“Of course, Subaru. My sister Minako was always operating the recreational center along with the employees” said Miori.

“That’s great. Where is she anyway?” said Tae.

“She’s in the office at the second floor while working with her employees” said Miori.

“I hope she will come at noon to check you out how do you enjoy here” said Aoi.

“Probably” said Miori. “My mother is in my father’s office every day and she always spent with him as well as to my siblings. Our siblings have to stay together at the mansion rather than the resort hotel while my parents sleep at their house.”

“I see. It means that you and Maho were together when outside training” said Subaru.

“Of course, Subaru. My siblings were very good in business and of course, my brother Mitsugi is almost growing up as he will be entering high school next year” said Miori.

“That’s so sweet, Miori” said Aoi.

“So, Miori, did you find interesting on your “crush”?” asked Satsuki.

“Well, I guess no” said Miori.

“You’re with Kishō yesterday and of course, you are developing your relationship further” said Tae.

“Yeah. We’re together since Maho and Natsuhi have re-affirmed its relationship. My father was always asking to us that relationships can shape your reputation when you grow up. My mother always teaches about love to us” said Miori.

“I wonder what would be your future if Kishō is heading to Kirihara” said Tae.

“I can follow him by transferring to Kirihara and since I’ll be 11 years old by next month, I’m still trying my best to have my studies improved” said Miori.

“Good for you, Miori. I hope you will find something interested on him” said Satsuki.

“Thanks, Tae and Satsuki. I know you can count on me when it comes to advice” said Miori.

“Anytime” said Tae and Satsuki.

Later, Minako and Michiko Misawa appear to see Maho’s friends and Natsuhi’s teammates playing some activities. Then, they saw Subaru, Aoi, Tae, Satsuki, Miori and the members of the Keishin Academy Basketball Team (both boys’ and girls’) at the gym.

“So, if isn’t Subaru and his friends. You are looking good with Maho after she accepts your plans in the future” said Minako.

“Yeah, it’s my plan to make sure that the next season comes, we’ll be victorious” said Subaru.

“Subaru is having time to research about anything and also, he has a lot of friends in his class” said Aoi.

“So, where’s my sister?” asked Michiko Misawa.

“She’s with Tomoka and her friends to visit Jun’s home at Tamagawa” said Miori.

“I see. She’s always hanging out with her all the time” said Michiko Misawa.

“Yes, sister. Do you have some orders for our lunch?” said Miori.

“Sure, sister” said Michiko Misawa. Michiko Misawa left to find the menu for Miori and her friends to eat their lunch.

“Subaru, thank you for helping my sister to improve playing basketball” said Minako.

“It’s not a big deal I suppose” said Subaru.

“Subaru, she’s showing your appreciation for Maho” said Aoi.

“Yeah, I helped your sister and she decided to be with me along with her friends and since it’s currently spring break, we should plan out a vacation” said Subaru.

“Oh, that’s a great idea. But since the Hasegawa Cup will be held next week, maybe you should schedule a vacation by the end of April” said Minako.

“Sure” said Subaru while Tae and Satsuki agree to Subaru’s decision. Michiko Misawa returns while holding the menu and giving it to Miori.

“Here are some today’s specials” said Michiko Misawa.

“I’ll order a feast that is good for 10 people” said Miori.

“Wow! You’re faster than Maho” said Subaru and Aoi.

“You should be exciting like your sister and I believe that you don’t mess anything” said Satsuki.

“Thanks, everyone” said Miori.

“Okay, then it’s all set! This will take at least 40 minutes to cook this feast. I’ll see you later, guys” said Michiko Misawa as she leaves to go to the cook to serve the feast. Minako, Miori, Subaru, Aoi, Satsuki and Tae would continue their conversation. Minako pulls a family picture to show her family.

“That’s my father Fūga and my mother Moe. And then, that’s six of us. The eldest of the six is yours truly. Then, Michiko, Miwa, Mitsugi, Maho and finally the youngest is Miori. That’s all of us in the family picture” said Minako.

“All of us were still studying and Minako will be graduating next year. Michiko will be an incoming second year student in college, Miwa will be a second year student in high school, Mitsugi will be a third year student in junior high school, Maho will be a first year student in junior high school and finally I will be an incoming fifth grade student in Keishin” said Miori.

“So, you are all grown up. That’s great! I hope that you will finish your studies, Minako” said Subaru.

“Thanks, Subaru. I will be working at my family’s company where I will be managing the human resources group” said Minako.

“Congratulations, Minako! Keep up the good work and then you’ll finally succeed” said Aoi.

“Thank you, everyone” said Minako. She would look at the time and her watch says it’s 11:40. “Okay, team meeting!”

All of the members of the Keishin Academy boys’ and girls’ basketball clubs were all lined up as the team meeting begin.

“Since it’s almost noon, my sister Michiko will bring you a treat” said Minako.

“A treat! Cool! That’s awesome!” said the members of the Keishin Academy boys’ and girls’ basketball clubs.

“Maho will be back before 5:30 and that’s why you need to pack up your things and we should leave the center immediately. Understand?” said Minako.

“Yes, sister!” said the members of the Keishin Academy boys’ and girls’ basketball clubs.

“Good. I also announce that the students of Nashiba High School will be organizing the Hasegawa Cup next week before classes start on April 1. If you’re interested, then you should ask Subaru or Aoi for details. Then, let’s wait for the food” said Minako.

“Okay!” said the members of the Keishin Academy boys’ and girls’ basketball clubs.

“I almost forgot your names, boys. So, what are your names?” said Subaru.

“Ichiro Hosoya. Sōichi Maeyama. Toshiya Shimura. Masafumi Mitamura. Hisamitsu Tsuchida.”

“Okay, boys, we should continue the training later on, but right now we should take an hour-long break” said Daisuke.

“Yes, coach!” said Ichiro, Sōichi, Toshiya, Masafumi and Hisamitsu.

“Well, here are your food, everyone!” said Michiko as the feast is now served and Subaru, Aoi, Minako, Satsuki, Tae, Tsutomu Fukada, Akitsugu Wakui, Yoshinori Toshima, Daisuke Kikuchi, Ichiro, Sōichi, Toshiya, Masafumi and Hisamitsu are starting to eat their food together.

Miori, Himeko, Chiyako, Mizuko, Yuka, Kana, Hana and Asuka fled as she went to the hallway where Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa and Kishō Ogata are waiting for them.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Miori. Did you bring some food for us?” said Kishō.

“Yes, Kishō. Here’s your food for my sister’s friends” said Miori as she gave the feast to her sister’s friends. “This is our feast, girls” Miori and the members of the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club have their own feast as well. “And let’s eat!”

“Yay!” everyone shouted as they begin eating their food.

Then everyone shouted “Thanks for the food!”

As they begin eating their food, Miori was excited to see her sister’s friends enjoy eating their food.

“I noticed that you brought your friends here” said Miori.

“Yes, Miori. They are friends of Tomoka and Maho. The three of them have their names: Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida” said Kyōsuke.

“You see, these three of them are friends of Tomoka, but Kazumi and Yukari decided to stay in Keishin for junior high school. Kazumi is one of the members of the section 6-C girls’ basketball team during the intramurals as a back-up power forward. Kanae will join Tomoka and her friends to enroll at Kirihara” said Naoko.

“Well, then, it’s been nice to be here at the resort hotel, but of course, since you decided to stay in Keishin over the other schools, I will be allowing you to sleep at the mansion” said Miori.

“Okay, Miori. We’ll sleep with Megumi and her friends” said Kanae, Kazumi and Yukari.

“That’s great! Since we have some new members in the group, maybe we should prepare our activities at my home” said Haruyo.

“That’s a great idea, Haruyo. When we’re having a one-day break tomorrow, can we stay at your house?” said Naoko.

“Okay, I’ll announce this. Everyone, tomorrow, we’ll go back to our houses and then by afternoon, let’s meet up at my house. Is that okay to you, guys?” said Haruyo.

“Yes!” said Naoko, Kyōsuke, Asumi, Haruyo, Tarō, Saori and Kishō.

“What about you, Kanae, Kazumi and Yukari? Can you come to our house?” asked Haruyo.

“Okay, but since Tomoka didn’t notice us, maybe we should meet her later on” said Kanae.

“I’m sure we’ll meet her again after graduation” said Kazumi.

“Me either” said Yukari.

“Sure, you can, Kanae, Kazumi and Yukari. Make sure that at 1:00, you are all arrived” said Haruyo.

“Okay!” said Kanae, Kazumi and Yukari.

“We have us and then three of them that they aren’t part of the group. I almost forgot that Akitsugu, Daisuke, Yoshinori and Tsutomu should join in our stay” said Haruyo.

“It’s alright, Haruyo. I’ll talk to them later on” said Asumi.

“Good. We should announce it later tonight in our room” said Haruyo.

“I wonder what Hasegawa Cup is” said Saori.

“The cup is in honor of Subaru Hasegawa, the manager that coaches the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club. The cup will be contested for both boys and girls” said Tarō.

“Only sixteen teams will compete in both divisions and whoever wins the tournament will get the trophy” said Kishō.

“Okay, Tarō and Kishō. I’m sure this will be the competition that we’ll see. I agree on what Asumi said. We should tell the boys that they should participate too” said Saori.

“Okay, Saori” said Kishō.

“Everyone, as all of us are officially members of the team, we should plan our next activities for this week and next week. Is that okay to you, teammates?” said Himeko.

“Yes, Himeko” said Chiyako, Mizuko, Yuka, Kana, Hana and Asuka.

“Okay, good. We’re also planning our activities too” said Himeko.

“Then it’s settled! Let’s wait the boys to meet with us about the cup” said Miori.

“Okay!” said Himeko, Chiyako, Mizuko, Yuka, Kana, Hana, Asuka, Kanae, Kazumi, Yukari, Naoko, Kyōsuke, Asumi, Haruyo, Tarō, Saori and Kishō. They continue eating their foods and then later they have rest for a half of hour before returning to play again.

UP NEXT: Interlude 1: "The Hasegawa Cup"

After the interlude, I will post Chapter 15 which will be the Michiko's appreciation day and also Jun organizes a bicycle race to honor Michiko Takeda. It will be posted this weekend. Also, I will post the members of the Bravehearts by group.
 
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Happy Halloween to everyone! It's finally here: the first Interlude of the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts! This interlude will focus on the background of the Hasegawa Cup and the Ōta League. It will be a short story and another interlude will be posted after Chapter 18. Also, a bonus supplement will be posted at the end of the interlude. So, enjoy reading Interlude 1!

Subaru Hasegawa calls a meeting with Team Blue and Yellow and the fifth graders of the Keishin Academy Basketball Team to start lecturing about the Hasegawa Cup. The cup is organized by the members of the Nashiba High School Basketball Team including Subaru himself due to his efforts in managing the Keishin Academy girls' basketball club. Also, a full story about the suspension and re-establishment of the Nashiba High School Basketball Team will be covered. Then, Subaru and the girls (Aoi, Satsuki and Tae) will be lecturing the background, rules and qualification of the Hasegawa Cup and the calendar of activities of the Ōta League, a league based in Ōta Special Ward, Tokyo, Japan.

VOLUME 2: "FRIENDS AND RELATIONS"
INTERLUDE 1: “THE HASEGAWA CUP”

“Team meeting, everyone!” said Subaru as he uses his whistle to call the members of Team Blue and Yellow, led by Naoko Sugisaki and Daisuke Kikuchi, and fifth graders of the Keishin Academy Basketball Team to start the team meeting as Subaru will say an important announcement.

“If don’t know about me for the first time, I’ll introduce myself. I’m Subaru Hasegawa of the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team. I’m the coach of the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club and it is been my honor that I made this new tournament for next week. It will be a spring break tournament before the classes start on April 1. Aoi, Satsuki, Tae, Banri, Kazunari and I are major proponents of trying to reinstate the Nashiba High School Basketball Team and it was a very successful try, thanks to Kazunari being elected as my school’s student council vice president. For the first time that the Nashiba High School has officially organized in honor of me, the Hasegawa Cup” said Subaru as the members of Team Blue and Yellow and Team Hosoya were surprised to see the leader of the Bravehearts creating the cup in honor of himself, who managed the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club to success including the ForM Cup.

“It’s been my honor that not only me as your organizer of this tournament, but the members of Nashiba High School Basketball Team itself. Satsuki, Tae and Aoi, please come in” said Subaru as the members of the two groups clapped their hands for Aoi, Satsuki and Tae.

“You see, we’re members of the Nashiba High School girls’ basketball team while Subaru is one of the members of the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team. Of course, we begin to appeal to the administration of the Nashiba High School as we tried to reinstate our basketball team in Nashiba. It was a long story when the boys’ team’s manager Shin Mizusaki got caught for sexual harassment that causes the basketball team to be suspended for a year. When we found out that the basketball program was suspended, we decided to go separate ways. We and Subaru were decided to go to Keishin Academy along with Banri, Kazunari was filing an appeal to the administration of our school while others would end up either playing for other schools or abruptly rest their basketball careers” said Aoi.

“After the success of Keishin Academy at the ForM Cup and the eventual loss to Suzuridani Academy at the national qualifiers, the administration of the Nashiba High School announced that with the success of the original members who have taken their part-time jobs in other schools, our basketball program was reinstated, and we’re decided to rebuild our team for the first time” said Satsuki.

“With the target is the Winter Cup, we’re hopefully going to make it for the first time in our school’s history. With 50 schools competing, two will represent Tokyo and it’s our chance to change our lives once we’ll come out from our program’s suspension. The power of Nashiba High School should be used to win games. Our practice games will be held by the end of April and let’s wait for the announcement from the basketball program director” said Tae.

“Thank you, Aoi, Satsuki and Tae. Now, back to the main topic, the Hasegawa Cup” said Subaru. The members of the two groups were excited to compete at the cup soon.

“The Hasegawa Cup is the elementary school basketball friendly tournament in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan. It is an idea made by our friend Kazunari Uehara when we met Ryuuichi Suga and friends at the park in Nishina. When Ryuuichi said that he will beat us without our guts, then he said that we will crush Itoda with the Dream Team we plan for Nashiba. After the girls were graduated, we decided to spend our vacation here at the Misawa Resort Hotel. We’re founding the Bravehearts as the legacy of the first formation of the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club. Also, the group has decided to partner with the boys’ basketball club, in order to work together to win the qualifiers for the National Championship” said Subaru.

“The National Championship is composed of the last year’s champion and runner-up, 48 schools from different prefectures including two from Tokyo. Our plan is to have Keishin and Kirihara win the qualifiers before the main tournament as the quarterfinalists from Ōta qualifiers will advance to the Elementary school and Middle School Regional Tournaments for the National Championships. All team in high school including Nashiba will participate at the Interhigh qualifiers for two spots at the Interhigh tournament” said Aoi.

“The Hasegawa Cup is basically exclusive for the community of Ōta and we decided to collaborate with other elementary schools, middle schools and high schools to form our own league which will be the Ōta League. Also, the domestic cup will be the important part as the winners of each tournament will advance to the Tokyo qualifiers of the Emperor’s Cup and the Empress’s Cup. Keishin had participated the qualifiers, but lost to Kirihara Middle School in the second round after beating Nishina Middle School in the first round. In the boys’ competition, Keishin lost in the second round to Willows of Ōta after receiving a bye in the first round. The Ōta League was held in January to determine our ward’s representatives for the prefectural qualifiers of the Emperor’s Cup and the Empress’s Cup” said Satsuki.

“The Hasegawa Cup became the first tournament listed for the line-up of competitions for the Ōta League. Before the cup was founded, there is theelementary school basketball tournament in Ōta as the Ōta League will invite the champion and runner-up to enter to the Ōta League Cup. But now, since we have the cup, only one team will represent to qualify while the drawing for the Ōta League Cup was changed. The Bravehearts are planning to create our own team when we developed our group and we need new members to train hard and in the future, we will succeed in domestic tournaments” said Tae.

“The tournament is divided into two groups: the boys’ tournament and the girls’ tournament. There will be 16 teams in both tournaments to determine the winning team. Keishin and Suzuridani are very good teams to beat this year and also, Shiromidai in Tamagawa. The cup will be held on March 28 to 31 with the qualifiers on March 28 to 29 and the tournament itself on March 30 to 31. For the Bravehearts Group, it will be four games to determine the teams to determine the four teams to qualify for the tournament. The rest of the teams will be qualifiedthrough their own system. The winners of the cup will be advanced to the Ōta League Cup in January” said Subaru.

“We contact other schools to participate at the cup and while the Hasegawa Cup will be held next week, the elementary school, middle school and high school basketball tournaments will be held by July. Ginga is recently planning to create his own team composed of under-20 players. I hope that his team will play for the Ōta Partners Cup. Also, the main elementary school basketball tournament will be held in July before summer. Last year, the Keishin girls’ basketball club didn’t enter at the cup because we didn’t complete our roster before the summer ends. Finally, when we completed our roster with Mimi and her teammates joining, we were invited to play for the qualifiers of the National Championship” said Aoi.

“After the Hasegawa Cup, the invitational cups will be held, and we should participate at those tournaments before the Ōta Basketball Tournament begins. The qualifiers for National Middle School Basketball Championship and Interhigh will begin soon and Kirihara and Nashiba should win the games we’re drawn with. During the summer break, the National Middle School Basketball Championship and Interhigh will be held, and after that, a two-week rest will be implemented to allow players to rest to prepare for second term in school” said Satsuki.

“The only mini basketball tournament ForM Cup will be held in October and only teams below 12 will compete for the competition. Mimi’s team and Himeko’s team should be fine to participate at the cup. After this, the qualifiers for the National Tournament will be held in December, starting with the Ōta qualifiers, then the Tokyo regionals and finally the main tournament itself to be held in Saitama” said Tae.

“After a winter break, the Ōta League Cup will be held on the second week of January and it will be composed of champions from the invitationals and main competitions in Ōta and invited teams under the supervision of the Ōta League Committee. The winners of boys’ and girls’ tournament will be qualified to be our ward’s representatives for the prefectural qualifiers of theEmperor’s Cup and the Empress’s Cup. Also, we’ll have the Ōta All-Star Basketball Tournament to be held in February to conclude the season. The five teams (Elementary School, Middle School, High School, College and Society) will play in a single round-robin tournament and the top two teams will face each other in the final, the next two teams will face each other in the third place game and the last place team will be out of the tournament” said Subaru.

“In addition, all schools will organize intramurals in January, in order toallow the students to play. Since Ginga Hasegawa was one of the directors of the Ōta League Committee, he and the other members of the board will unveil the calendar for the tournament. Ginga, Nayu and Mihoshi are having a family meeting today at the mansion. By the way, they’ll also be here on Friday” said Aoi.

“So, did you understand about the cup and the league?” asked Subaru.

“Yeah” said the members of Team Blue and Yellow and Team Hosoya.

“Subaru, I have a question” said Kyōsuke.

“Okay, go ahead” said Subaru.

“The Hasegawa Cup will be held next week, and the National Mini Basketball Tournament will also be held next week. If a school was invited by the Prefectural Basketball Association to participate at the National Mini Basketball Tournament, can the school will have alternates?” asked Kyōsuke.

“That’s a great question, Kyōsuke. Yes. If one of the grade schools is invited by the Prefectural Basketball Association to participate at the National Mini Basketball Tournament, the school will have a second team to compete. Any team can replace the main team in the Hasegawa Cup if that happens. Apparently, none of our schools are invited yet” said Subaru.

“Oh, okay” said Kyōsuke.

“Why Mihoshi is not here?” asked Asumi Ishida.

“My aunt is staying at the mansion and currently having a meeting with my parents and she’ll know when the meeting is done” said Subaru.

“Oh, okay” said Asumi Ishida.

“Are you sure that when we’re going to compete against the counterpart, the incoming sixth graders?” asked Naoko.

“Yes, Naoko. That’s another great question. The Battle of the Leaders will be held on Sunday at the Recreational Center of the Misawa Resort Hotel between the Keishin Academy Basketball Team and the male and female leaders of each group. Naoko and Daisuke, you are leaders of Maho’s friends and Natsuhi’s teammates. Of course, since Natsuhi’s teammates are mostly basketball players, Daisuke, maybe you should let the other students to play on Sunday” said Subaru.

“Okay!” said Daisuke.

“Everyone, here are the lists of teams to participate at the cup. So far, three groups were confirmed to play for the Bravehearts and that is from Team Purple, Team Takeda and Team Balguerie” said Satsuki.

Team Bravehearts: Mimi Balguerie, Kagetsu Hakamada, Masami Fujii, Tsubaki Takenaka and Hiiragi Takenaka
Staff: Tomoka Minato, Saki Nagatsuka, Airi Kashii, Hinata Hakamada and Maho Misawa

Team Purple: Composed of two teams
Team Katayama (girls): Himeko Katayama, Mizuko Fujisaki, Yuka Suehiro, Chiyako Kayama, Hana Mikimoto, Asuka Yokoi and Kana Hanaoka
Team Hosoya (boys): Ichiro Hosoya, Sōichi Maeyama, Toshiya Shimura, Masafumi Mitamura and Hisamitsu Tsuchida

Family of Angels: Composed of two teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Akiko Miyazaki, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Hiroshi Yamanaka, Megumi Kadokawa, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa

“What is Team Gotō?” asked Tarō.

“That is a group of friends of Jun Gotō, Tomoka’s friend from Shiromidai Primary School” said Aoi.

“Can they’ll participate at the cup?” asked Tarō.

“Yes, Tarō. They will be part of Family of Angels as Team Takeda and Team Gotō will join forces to create a team” said Aoi.

“Wow, they’re both composed of students from Keishin and Shiromidai” said Haruyo.

“Yep” said Aoi.

“They will be competing like two friends cooperating themselves” said Satsuki.

“That’s what I want to plan that soon, Satsuki” said Aoi.

“Yeah, maybe we’ll hopefully going to be competing in the invitationals” said Satsuki.

“Oh, yeah, Satsuki” said Aoi.

“I almost forgot that the invitationals will be held from April to July and your team will be called by the committee to invite you for the event” said Satsuki.

“Well, that’s a great idea, Satsuki. Thanks for reminding me about it” said Subaru.

“While the school classes are ongoing, there will be invitationals to be held and it will be strictly open for teams who aren’t members of the varsity teams” said Aoi.

“Make sure that you’ll be trained hard to participate at the cup” said Satsuki.

“Okay!” said the members of Team Blue and Yellow and Team Hosoya.

“Can we show the name of your team to be registered at the cup?” asked Subaru.

“Okay!” said Naoko as she pulled a paper that was named “Team Blue and Yellow”.

Team Blue and Yellow: Composed of three teams
Team Sugisaki: Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa, Kishō Ogata and Miori Misawa
Team Kikuchi: Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Yoshinori Toshima and Akitsugu Wakui
Team Minato: Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida

“Team Blue and Yellow. That’s a good name. Where did you get that from?” said Subaru.

“It was derived from the hair colors of Natsuhi and Maho” said Naoko.

“Very good idea on creating a group. So, let’s register it to the list” said Subaru.

“Now, here are the game rules for the cup. It will be played 6 minutes in 4 quarters. That would approximately 45 minutes to finish one game. The team wins the game will advance to the next round and then, it will be down to two remaining teams to face each other in the final” said Tae.

“With many schools are competing for the cup, I hope that the crowd will be composed of students from elementary school to college as well as school teachers and basketball staff” said Satsuki.

“On the bright side, some society teams will be invited including Rena Ashihara’s Dark Star Nights. We allow society teams in Ōta to make the cup more interesting” said Tae.

“Okay, on to the qualifiers” said Subaru.

“The qualifiers will be held on March 28 to 29 where different schools will have their qualification system to represent the local teams. The exemption is the varsity teams of their schools. The winners of the qualifiers will be advanced to the main tournament. In Keishin, there will be 4 local teams to participate” said Aoi.

“So, whoever has the best player from the first year junior high school group will battle against the worst player from the sixth grade group, and then, it’s vice versa. Until team pairings are done, the qualifiers will be played on Monday” said Subaru.

“However, if Team Katayama will invite a group to compete for the qualifiers, we should adjust the pairings” said Aoi.

“Then it’s the same process, but the pairings will be shuffled” said Satsuki.

“We will finalize the teams on Sunday before the qualifiers begin. After the qualifiers, the 16 teams from both tournaments are in and the tournament is on” said Tae.

“And that’s how the qualifiers in the Hasegawa Cup goes through the process” said Subaru.

“So, did you understand the process in qualifying for the Hasegawa Cup?” asked Aoi.

“Yes” said the members of Team Blue and Yellow and Team Hosoya.

“Then, good. We should wait for the other teams to confirm their participation at the cup” said Aoi.

“Yeah, the registration is until Sunday. We contacted other schools to wait their confirmation and I hope they will be accepting their invitations soon” said Subaru.

“Yep” said Aoi.

“Okay, everyone. We will have a 3-on-3 exhibition match between Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida and Naoko Sugisaki, Haruyo Kusaka and Saori Minagawa. Kanae and Naoko, are your teams ready?” said Satsuki.

“Yeah!” said the Kanae, Kazumi, Yukari, Naoko, Haruyo and Saori.

“Then, let the game started!” said Subaru.

The game between Team Hashimoto and Team Sugisaki will begin shortly as both teams are ready to play in a three-on-three exhibition match. Kanae and Naoko grin to each other as they wear their armbands for the game.

As a bonus, here is the first supplement of the series: the members of The Bravehearts!

SUPPLEMENT 1: THE MEMBERS OF THE BRAVEHEARTS

Team Hasegawa: Students of Nashiba High School
Nashiba High School Basketball Team: Subaru Hasegawa, Aoi Ogiyama, Banri Kashii, Kazunari Uehara, Satsuki Kakizono and Tae Mishōji
Keishin Academy: Ginga Hasegawa and Mihoshi Takamura


Team Bravehearts: Mimi Balguerie, Kagetsu Hakamada, Masami Fujii, Tsubaki Takenaka and Hiiragi Takenaka
Staff: Tomoka Minato, Saki Nagatsuka, Airi Kashii, Hinata Hakamada and Maho Misawa


Team Purple: Composed of two teams
Team Katayama (girls): Himeko Katayama, Mizuko Fujisaki, Yuka Suehiro, Chiyako Kayama, Hana Mikimoto, Asuka Yokoi and Kana Hanaoka
Team Hosoya (boys): Ichiro Hosoya, Sōichi Maeyama, Toshiya Shimura, Masafumi Mitamura and Hisamitsu Tsuchida


Family of Angels: Composed of two teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Akiko Miyazaki, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Hiroshi Yamanaka, Megumi Kadokawa, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa


Team Blue and Yellow: Composed of three teams
Team Sugisaki: Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa, Kishō Ogata and Miori Misawa
Team Kikuchi: Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Yoshinori Toshima and Akitsugu Wakui

Team Minato: Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida

Dazzled Hearts: Composed of four teams
Team Nagasaki: Ran Mikazuki, Risa Nagasaki, Yoshitsugu Nakagawa, Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada

Team Matsuda: Mieko Matsuda, Shiori Satō, Jirō Kitagawa and Katsuko Miyazawa
Team Misawa: Kyoko Hiraki and Yurika Akagawa
Team Shimojō: Ken Yamamoto, Aya Shimojō, Shinobu Higashimura, Sukehiro Gotō, Takahiro Sugihara and Keiko Hosada
Staff: Akira Nagatsuka and Masako Fujii

Team Hayashida: Coach Itsuko Kanehira, Asuna Hayashida, Shizuka Ōta, Mitsuki Kaneshiro, Ai Tsukada, Erika Iguchi, Kazuyo Miyazawa, Miki Hishida, Yōko Yamazaki, Kentarō Nakamatsu, Tsunehisa Nakayama, Naruhisa Ishikawa and Kōichirō Akaike
Staff: Kaori Kashii


Innocent Charm: Composed of four teams
Team Kanazawa: Rei Kanazawa, Kiyoshi Toshima, Ryōta Nakamura, Kazuya Uehara, Yoshitsugu Kimura, Kana Uchida, Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto and Misaki Nagaoka

Team Satō: Erika Satō, Miho Hikasa, Chiwa Furukawa, Aoi Kayano, Yuki Hashimoto, Natsume Ishikawa, Kazumi Togashi and Rina Ōtsuka
Team Hatano: Naoki Hatano, Shun Hinouchi, Ryōhei Suzuki, Kōji Yamada, Satoshi Miwa and Daisuke Ōhata
Others: Akira Ōkawa, Ryō Nagashima, Asami Miyazaki and Aya Tachibana

Ginga’s Pupils: Kahele Hiraka, Asumi Hiramatsu, Chiyo Masuda, Makoto Matsuda and Kazue Matsuoka
Staff: Yuichi Uchida, Kumi Takamura, Seijiro Hakamada, Suzuko Hakamada and Kuni Hakamada

All of the team names will be revealed on the following posts starting November.

UP NEXT: Chapter 15: "Michiko, Aim to Win!"
 
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This month of November will be a long journey to continue doing Volume 2 and it seems that I was satisfied with the drafts I made because I will be planning to finish Volume 2 by the end of the month. Of course, I will add some Easter eggs to the series where I will add some ideas from the real-life basketball system in Japan where basically I will be doing the Hasegawa Cup arc by December. I will be able to finish Volume 2 before doing the Special Chapter 2 featuring Asumi Hiramatsu and Mimi Balguerie. I hope this month of November will be my favorite time to post new chapters of Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts. Enjoy reading Chapter 15!:)

From the band Baby's breath to Tomoka's friends, the Family of Angels is a team composed of Team Gotō and Team Takeda. It was Tomoka Minato's idea to create a team for her childhood friend Michiko Takeda as the Hasegawa Cup will be commenced on March 28 to 31 as part of the district league: the Ōta League. Jun Gotō and her friends have hosted the appreciation party for Michiko as part of the friendship of the three angels of bravery, composed of Jun, Tomoka and Michiko. Also, a bicycle race was held for Michiko to compete against her friends Hitomi Takao and her teammate Asumi Hiramatsu. Will her team survive past to beat her friends or will she falls to either a group of friends who have been sided with Tomoka and Jun all the time or her teammates who helped the team to beat Suzuridani in the district tournament for the qualification of the prefectural tournament?

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 15: “MICHIKO, AIM TO WIN!”

Jun’s Angels have prepared their equipment and decorations for the appreciation party.

“Everyone! The bicycle race will be the first activity for Michiko’s appreciation party, and then followed by the party itself including our performance that we practice” said Jun.

“That would be a great idea, Jun. Of course, should we include Tomoka and Maho as organizers of this event?” said Nozomi.

“Of course, Nozomi. As you all know, Tomoka is our friend” said Jun.

“Okay!” said Nozomi.

“Kyō, did you have the ingredients for the cake?” asked Sora.

“Yes, we have, Sora. Sakura and I have the ingredients” said Kyō.

“Good. Sakura, did you let the Dragon≒Nuts prepare their ingredients for the lunch?” said Sora.

“Yes, Sora. They are cooking right now” said Sakura.

“They are currently planning to cook okazu and noodles” said Kyō.

“That’s okay. They already learn to cook okazu and noodles” said Nozomi.

Kurumi appeared from the kitchen and she saw her brother and her groupmates. “Brother, did you have the ingredients for the cake?”

“Yes, sister. Sakura and I have the ingredients. We’ll be here later on. Wait for me!” said Kyō.

“Okay, just come here to the kitchen, brother” said Kurumi as she went back to the kitchen to continue cooking with her bandmates Kōme and Yuzuha.

“Jun, Sakura and I will be going to the kitchen. It’ll take an hour to cook the cake, okay?” said Kyō.

“Okay! Make sure that the cake is baked once it’s done” said Jun.

“Sure, Jun” said Kyō as he and Sakura went to the kitchen to start cooking the cake.

“I wonder what Tomoka and her friends we’re up to” said Sora.

“She said that they’re currently in the square to part ways before she, Maho, Michiko and her friends will arrive at the Tamagawa Park” said Nozomi.

“That’s great! I hope they reach there before the bicycle race starts” said Jun.

Tomoka, Maho, Michiko, Ayane, Kozue, Aika, Megumi, Nami, Kotoe, Hiroshi, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Mimi, Kagetsu, Masami, Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Aya, Natsuhi and Banri were heading to the town proper of Nishina where they’ll part ways to go back to their own home.

“This is it, everyone. We’ll be right back at the square before the sunset comes” said Saki.

“Okay, Saki! Stay safe at home!” said Tomoka.

“Bye, everyone! See you later!” said Maho.

“We’ll see you later, everyone!” said Natsuhi.

“Okay! We’ll see you later, everyone!” said Airi.

“Me too, everyone. See ya, guys!” said Masami.

“I hope you go home safe and sound! See ya!” said Kagetsu.

“Okay! Take care yourself at home!” said Hinata.

“Bye, everyone!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Bye, everyone! See you later at the square!” said Mimi.

“See you later, everyone!” said Aya.

“Take care, everyone!” said Banri.

They wave their goodbyes as they parted ways at the square where they will go to their separate homes. Of course, they will go back to the square by five in the afternoon.

Tomoka, Maho, Michiko, Ayane, Kozue, Aika, Megumi, Nami, Kotoe and Hiroshi went to Tamagawa where the appreciation party will take place at Michiko’s home and also, the bicycle race.

“What did you do in Shiromidai?” asked Maho.

“Maho, I’ll tell you. When there’s no training, I decided to chat with my friends outside the school including Tomoka. Once I was in the class, I politely answered all the questions from my teachers. My adviser Hanako Inoue always gives me extra points in my Math class all the time” said Michiko.

“So, you’re good in Math, right? That’s awesome!” said Tomoka.

“Thanks, Tomoka and Maho. I was very calm when no one teases me about you” said Michiko.

“It seems that you are very compassionate as you are. You have to be gentle and pure as you ever find new friends when you grow up” said Tomoka.

“Wow, you’re great in advice, Tomoka!” said Michiko.

“Yes, I am” said Tomoka.

“You see, Tomoka and I were close friends and we know that we always do training and I really love the shooting skills that she gave it to me” said Maho.

“I also try to shoot at the range you get” said Megumi.

“Me either, Maho. I believe that your skills are really awesome!” said Hiroshi.

“Playing basketball is my favorite hobby and it was my time to know about the techniques in playing. I could give you a session for that soon” said Maho.

“Yeah, can we teach it, please?” asked Hiroshi.

“Okay!” said Maho.

“Thank you, Maho! I’m so proud of you!” said Hiroshi.

“You’re welcome” said Maho.

“I will be kind if I will be planning to do the activities before the Hasegawa Cup” said Michiko.

“Well, the Hasegawa Cup will be next week and it will be a tournament between teams who were in Nishina. These teams will be competitive as we are” said Tomoka.

“So, are you going to participate at the Cup?” asked Michiko.

“I don’t know, Michiko. I’m thinking Mimi and her teammates will give a chance to play” said Tomoka.

“Those girls are good like your teammates, Tomoka. You should let them play while you’ll be the coach for a while” said Nami.

“I will do it! But in order to participate, you need to create a team of at least 5 players, but not more than 10 players. Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Masami and Kagetsu will be representing Keishin, but I need to ask Mimi to add some back-up players to complete the roster” said Tomoka.

“The tournament will be a one-day event on Tuesday. That means that sixteen teams for both boys and girls will compete for the trophy made by the students of Nashiba High School” said Maho.

“I will have time to plan to participate” said Michiko.

“Okay, but make sure that you’ll need to register at the room of Subaru before the day of the tournament” said Tomoka.

“Okay, Tomoka. I will” said Michiko.

“Sounds like Mimi and her teammates will play for Keishin for the first time without hesitations” said Maho.

“Yeah, Maho. I hope that Himeko and her teammates will participate, too, so that both teams will represent Keishin in the tournament” said Tomoka.

“My father said that tournaments are not crucial, but it gives your team to settle the strategies to win the game. Michiko is from Shiromidai, but I hope that she will make a choice before the tournament starts” said Maho.

“Yes, she’ll surely wait to enter the tournament before the classes start” said Tomoka.

Later, Tomoka and her friends are finally arrived at the Tamagawa Park where Kaori and Shinobu Minato appeared along with Tomoka’s friend Akiko Miyazaki. Miyazaki will be enrolling at Kirihara Middle School, along with her crush Masayuki Hamada.

“Tomoka! Maho! Everyone!” said Kaori.

“Mom! Dad! Akiko! We’re finally here!” said Tomoka as she hugged her parents and Akiko at the park.

“How are you doing right now, Tomoka? Are you felt great today?” said Shinobu.

“Yes, father! I’m happy to be with my friends again. Why are you here?” said Tomoka.

“My daughter, we decided to go to the park to see you and your friends having time with Jun and the Angels. The appreciation party will start with the bicycle race” said Kaori.

“Since you’re here, Tomoka. I give your friends a shirt for the bicycle race. And I’ll be participating the race too!” said Akiko.

“Wow! You’re good in biking, right?” said Tomoka.

“Of course not, Tomoka! We ride our bicycles when you and your teammates have fun on the road” said Akiko.

“Yeah, that’s true, Akiko. I won’t be riding this time as well as Maho because I’ll be with Jun and her friends to organize the race” said Tomoka.

“Okay! I hope we’ll win the race today!” said Akiko.

“Okay, good luck everyone!” said Tomoka.

“Don’t lose the race, guys!” said Maho.

Akiko, Michiko and her friends are ready to participate at the bicycle race. On the other hand, Tomoka, Maho, Kaori and Shinobu are heading to the organization desk where Jun, Sora and Nozomi are preparing the event by decorating their table with stereos are packed with music.

“Tomoka! Maho! Finally, you came here with your parents” said Jun.

“Yep! They’re here for you to give this food” said Tomoka. Kaori and Shinobu gave Jun a gallon of strawberry ice cream.

“Thank you, Kaori and Shinobu! You’re too kind!” said Jun.

“You’re welcome, Jun!” said Kaori.

“So, how’s the medals and the trophy?” asked Tomoka.

“The medals are designed with cherry blossoms on it” said Nozomi.

“The trophy is just a small plate and we’ll make sure that when the winning team comes, they’ll receive these prizes at the end of the race” said Sora.

“That’s great, Sora and Nozomi!” said Tomoka.

“The race will begin in fifteen minutes. So, come with Jun while Maho and the two of us will be commenting the race” said Sora.

“Oh, sure” said Tomoka. Tomoka, Kaori and Shinobu joined with Jun to the podium while Maho, Sora and Nozomi wait to see the other members of the Angels to facilitate the events.

“Are feeling happy right now, Tomoka?” asked Jun.

“Yeah, Jun. I feel happy right now. At least we’re together” said Tomoka.

“Of course, Tomoka. Thanks to your parents, maybe you should share your ideas for the speech later on” said Jun.

“Of course, Jun” said Tomoka.

“I hope my daughter is good in the speech. She has high grades in language and reading” said Kaori.

“I’ll do my best, mother!” said Tomoka.

Team Akiko are now wearing their bicycle clothes to prepare for the event. Asumi Hiramatsu and her teammates are here to see Michiko again.

“Michiko!” said Asumi. “I finally missed you! How are you today?”

“Fine, I’m bringing my teammates here to compete for the trophy” said Michiko.

“She’s passionate like my friend Tomoka” said Akiko.

“Well, at least you’re back for some fun. But I would like to meet my teammates if you don’t know us, Akiko” said Asumi. “This is Harumi Shimizu, Kanako Kikuchi, Naoko Ichida, Akane Mutō and Tomoko Kusumoto”

“Hello! Hi!” said the members of Asumi’s team.

“Hello! Nice to meet you!” said the members of Akiko’s team.

“On the other hand, we’re ready to have our training soon for the Hasegawa Cup” said Asumi.

“So, you’ll participate at the cup too, Asumi?” asked Michiko.

“Of course, Michiko. We, the Shiromidai Elementary School girls’ basketball club, are fierce and competitive. We’re good in shooting and we have our best team in the town” said Harumi.

“That’s nice. Your battlecry is not as crazy as the other teams do” said Ayane.

“They’re one of the four teams who try to take the representation for Ōta at the district qualifiers. They lost in the finals against a strong team, but their pride and glory never lose their hopes” said Kozue.

“So, where’s the third team?” asked Michiko.

“They are Jun’s friends from the higher level and also, they’re good in music. Of course, they’re also Tomoka’s friends. They’re graduated from Shiromidai and currently prepare for junior high school” said Asumi.

“Well, that’s great!” said Michiko.

“The names are Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara” said Harumi.

“These members are one of Tomoka’s friends that they never turned on her. They like to be with Tomoka as long they wanted to keep their friendship like they started when she’s on fourth grade. Of course, all but Anzu, Nanako and Dairoku will be in Tamagawa Junior High School. Anzu, Nanako and Dairoku will be enrolling at the Kirihara Middle School” said Akane.

“That’s great news, Akane! I love to see Anzu going to Kirihara like the other friends” said Hiroshi.

“I hope Anzu, Nanako and Dairoku will finally meet me for the first time since the last encounter in the same place Subaru and Ryu meet during the graduation day” said Akiko.

“Yep! And they’re all here!” said Naoko. Team Takao appears as they wear their team clothes given from Jun. They would later see Team Akiko and Team Asumi. Hitomi introduced to the team.

“Hello, my friends. We’re Tomoka’s friends who were never turned back on her” said Hitomi.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
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"Michiko, Aim to Win!" Part 2

“So, you’re Tomoka’s friends, right?” asked Michiko.

“Yes, Michiko. We wanted to be always on Tomoka’s side and since you are the one as well as your friends have turned back on her, I’m offering you a challenge!” said Hitomi.

“Okay, Hitomi. Since I’m your friend of you, don’t make bad things to me” said Michiko.

“Fine. I’ll give some respect to you and your friends if you win. But if we win, we can’t forgive you what you have done to Tomoka two years ago” said Hitomi.

“Okay, it’s a deal!” said Michiko as she shook hands on Hitomi while the members of Michiko’s team shook hands with the members of Hitomi’s team.

“I hope you learn the lesson at the end of the game” said Hitomi as she fled along with her teammates.

“Michiko, are you ready to take out both teams?” asked Akiko.

“Okay! Girls, we have to make sure that we need to aim the top three in the race to win the team competition! Understand?” said Michiko.

“Yes, ma’am!” said Michiko, Ayane, Kozue, Aika, Megumi, Nami, Kotoe and Hiroshi.

On the other hand, Asumi Hiramatsu, Harumi Shimizu, Kanako Kikuchi, Naoko Ichida, Akane Mutō and Tomoko Kusumoto are also ready to take part of the race.

“Let’s win the race for Jun and the Angels!” said Asumi.

“Let’s do it!” said the members of her team.

Finally, Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara are wearing their helmets as they’re ready to ride their bicycles for the race.

The song 「STAND UP! 」 can be heard in the stereos as the race is about to begin.

“Welcome everyone to the bicycle race at the Tamagawa Park!” said Jun.

“Before we start, I would like to give a round of applause for Michiko Takeda!” said Tomoka. The Shiromidai Elementary School students were clapping their hands to give Michiko a standing ovation. Michiko waves her hands as she and her team is ready to compete against Team Takao and Team Hiramatsu.

“Of course, she’s a very close friend of mine who never forgets me about what we did when we’re classmates. As of now, she will be going to Kirihara Middle School for junior high school starting April 1. Michiko, can you say about anything what you want to express for your friends?” said Tomoka.

“I would like to thank Jun and the Angels for organizing this event and she’s my biggest fan when it comes to music” said Michiko.

“Thanks, Michiko!” said Jun, Sora and Nozomi.

“And of course, to Tomoka, my childhood friend and we’ll be best friends forever. It’s been a long time to meet you again since we finally start conflicting to each of us. This time, I’ll support you and your teammates because you helped and completed me since you developed your friendship of mine” said Michiko.

“I know you are emotional, but me too, I was so glad you are growing up already” said Tomoka.

“Thanks, Tomoka. I would also like to thank my friends Ayane, Kozue, Aika, Megumi, Nami, Kotoe, Hiroshi and Akiko for trying to cheer me up for the race” said Michiko.

“That’s right, Michiko! You’re the girl of the hour, my friend!” said Akiko.

“So, if you’re excited to see me win, let’s start the race right now!” said Michiko as she concluded her speech with her heart speaking. The students of Shiromidai Middle School are chanting for the three teams as Sakura and Kyō are in the starting line where they will let them start the race with a commanding word.

“On your mark,” said Sakura.

Michiko and her teammates grin as Tomoka and Jun cheer them.

“Get set,” said Kyō.

Team Hiramatsu and Team Takao are very confident to each other as they are also looking forward to win the race today.

“Go!” said Sakura and Kyō as the three teams start riding their bicycles and the race was began.

Michiko, Hitomi and Asumi were on the top three at the start of the race. As the three leaders clash for the top, the other members begin to go neck and neck to see who the best team is.

“And here comes Team Hiramatsu and Team Takao are clashing while Team Takeda taking the high lead with the members are going to catch up on the three leaders” said Maho.

“And this is going to be a relay race between the two teams” said Sora.

“That’s right, Sora and Maho. It looks like Akane and Masami Nojima are trying to get past Kotoe” said Nozomi. “I wonder what the two members are up to.”

Akane and Masami Nojima are trying to find an opening in order to get past the members of Team Takeda. However, Masami Nojima would stop moving as she have to let loose to prevent from being out of the race.

“Whew! I’m almost out of the race, but the members of Team Hiramatsu are going to reel in against us” said Masami Nojima. “Everyone, try to watch out from those cones. If you are passing out of the cone, you’re out of the race.”

“Okay!” said the members of Team Takao except Hitomi Takao, who is still on the top three.

“Harumi to Asumi. Harumi to Asumi” said Asumi.

“Yes, Asumi” said Harumi.

“Can you let the members to fin the opening before entering to the middle part of the race” said Asumi.

“Okay, Asumi” said Harumi. “Everyone let it loose to watch out from a sharped curve.”

“Okay!” said the members of Team Hiramatsu as they are able to stay on the race just like Team Takao.

Meanwhile, Team Takeda are still in the lead with all of the members are on the top ten, which was never broken after two kilometers.

“If one of the members from either Team Takao or Team Hiramatsu gets past on anyone of us, we should need back-up” said Akiko.

“Akiko!” said Ayane.

“We should get in to the forest in a minute” said Aika.

“Okay, everyone, let’s go!” said Akiko as Team Takeda, Hitomi and Asumi reach to the middle part of the race, the forest.

Two members of Team Hiramatsu Harumi and Kanako have met Kotoe and Nami and they manage to get past on them, however, the other members of Team Takeda are far away from them.

“Well, we should try to sneak some other members before the others try to stop us” said Kanako.

“Okay, Kanako. I got it!” said Harumi.

Nami and Kotoe would try to get past the two and they still need to put them out. Meanwhile, Masami Nojima and Dairoku Kaji have get past the other members of Team Hiramatsu before seeing the four bikers are clashing to see who’s first.

“That would be very difficult to get on a multiple group of bikers. We need an opening, Masami” said Dairoku.

“Yeah, let’s see what have to do” said Masami Nojima.

Later, Ayane and Aika are trying to get past Hitomi while Michiko and Asumi are now facing each other. Aika would get past Hitomi and Ayane would do the same. However, Hitomi fights back when she moves faster she manages to get past Ayane, but fails to beat Aika, who is now heading to meet Asumi.

“Oh, no! That girl is so strong! I need to get past on her before we reach to the final mark” said Hitomi.

“I would say that you won’t able to get past Aika. Then, let’s see who’s faster of the two of us” said Ayane.

“Okay, sure” said Hitomi.

As Michiko, Asumi, Ayane, Hitomi and Aika were managed to get out of the forest to move on to the final one kilometer to see who reaches the finish line. Akiko would meet Ayane and Hitomi where Hitomi gets past Ayane again, but Akiko managed to see an opening by drifting it to the right and now she’s trying to meet up with Aika and Michiko.

“I’ll make sure that my other teammates have able to get out of the forest in a minute” said Hitomi.

Meanwhile, at the forest, members of Team Takao and Team Hiramatsu are almost there to get out of the forest.

“Do you hear what Hitomi said?” asked Anzu.

“Yes, what did she say?” asked Nanako Funatani.

“We should get past those bikers from Team Hiramatsu to get out of this forest” said Anzu.

“Okay! Then, here we go!” said Nanako Funatani. The members of Team Takao were able to get past the other bikers before seeing Team Takeda as well as Masami Nojima and Dairoku Kaji.

“Hey, Masami! Dairoku! We’re here!” said Anzu.

“Guys! Let’s finish this race with the fate of the race is in our hands” said Nanako Funitani.

“Alright, girls, let’s move out of their way!” said Nami.

“Right!” said Kozue, Megumi, Kotoe and Hiroshi. The members of Team Takeda and Team Takao went neck and neck like the earlier, but Akane and Harumi would arrive as well from behind, getting past on some members of both Team Takeda and Team Takao to move in to the top 10.

“Alright!” said Akane and Harumi.

As the top five (Asumi, Michiko, Akiko, Hitomi and Aika) are reaching to the finish line, Michiko and Asumi were racing to see whose team wins and on the other hand, Akiko, Hitomi and Aika are clashing for the third place.

“Well, Asumi. This is going to finish the race together” said Michiko.

“Yeah, Michiko. At least we’re teammates and also as soulmates” said Asumi.

Michiko and Asumi would grin to each other as they finally reach the finish and who gets first.

“And Michiko wins the race in the individual competition by getting past Asumi. Asumi placed second and now here comes the three” said Nozomi.

“Way to go, Michiko!” said Tomoka.

“You aim well to win for us!” said Jun. Michiko and Asumi smile on Tomoka and Jun.

“Here comes Akiko and Aika are moving in against Hitomi” said Maho.

“And of course, the other members are relying to see who gets first on the three” said Sora.

Hitomi gets beaten by Akane and Harumi, allowing Akiko and Aika to finish the race as third and fourth place. However, Hitomi would place fifth after getting back their place to get past Akane and Harumi.

“And Akiko and Aika from Team Takeda have able to finish the race” said Sora.

“Same goes to Hitomi, Akane and Harumi” said Maho.

“Don’t forget that Nanako, Kozue and Nami were able to finish the last three spots for Top 10” said Nozomi.

“Guys, we won! Our team gets the most number of points by place” said Michiko as Akiko, Aika, Nami and Kozue were jumped in joy as Team Takeda wins the team building activity.

With that, the race is over and here is the Top 10 who manages to finish the race.
1.) Michiko Takeda – Team Takeda
2.) Asumi Hiramatsu – Team Hiramatsu
3.) Akiko Miyazaki – Team Takeda
4.) Aika Sagawa – Team Takeda
5.) Hitomi Takao – Team Takao
6.) Akane Mutō – Team Hiramatsu
7.) Harumi Shimizu – Team Hiramatsu
8.) Nanako Funitani – Team Takao
9.) Nami Tamayama – Team Takeda
10.) Kozue Hanabusa – Team Takeda
WINNING TEAM: Team Takeda (Michiko Takeda, Akiko Miyazaki, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Hiroshi Yamanaka, Megumi Kadokawa, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa)

At the appreciation party, Michiko, Tomoka and Maho were joined by Jun’s Angels to perform their song 「STAND UP! 」. After the performance, Jun’s Angels and Tomoka, Maho and her friends begin their conversation as they eat their strawberry ice cream.

“It’s delicious!” said Nozomi.

“This strawberry ice cream is the best ice cream I ever eat!” said Sora.

“Me too! So, your parents are helpful in bringing some goods” said Jun.

“Yeah. My parents are I have bought some stuff as well as I know that it was my personal choice to buy anything that likes my color” said Tomoka.

“You’re very intelligent, Tomoka” said Sora.

“Thank you, Sora” said Tomoka.

“Tomoka, when are we going to your house?” asked Kōme.

“Maybe, but some other time. I hope that my parents would be pleased to meet you” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said Kōme.

“Wow! Our bandmates are really like you, Tomoka! We should also come to your house, too if you have time” said Jun.

“Sure, Jun. Make sure that when you’re done in the class, come to our school to travel from here to my house. Is that okay to you, Jun?” said Tomoka.

“Okay, we will go to your house after our class ends” said Jun.

“That’s great!” said Tomoka as she smiled on Jun, Nozomi, Sora and Kōme as she will allow Jun’s Angels to come to her house at some time. Meanwhile, Maho, Kyō, Kurumi, Sakura and Yuzuha were eating their food.

“Here is your food, everyone!” said Yuzuha as she gave the food to Kyō, Kurumi, Sakura and Maho. Then, they eat their food, which are noodles with vegetables.

“Kyō, these foods are delicious! I think you’re good in cooking” said Maho.

“Yeah, we decided to bring this food to all of you for supporting us in contributing our funds for Michiko’s appreciation party” said Kyō.

“You see, your sister is good in leading. I’m thinking she can help us in planning our activities for next week” said Maho.

“Sounds like it’s a good idea, Maho! We should have a vacation after the first day of class by weekend. We should make sure that it’s fun to spend the vacation. My parents are looking forward to visit your resort hotel next week for the tournament” said Kurumi.

“Really? That’s awesome! My parents allow our guests to enjoy staying at our resort hotel. Of course, since Jun, Nozomi and Sora don’t have their parents, they’re orphans. I think their relatives will come too!” said Maho.

“Of course, Maho!” said Kurumi.

“Kyō, I wonder if Shiromidai will participate at the Hasegawa Cup” said Yuzuha.

“Their coach Mieko Sugihara said that they are ready to train for the tournament next week” said Kyō.

“I heard that Miraku Middle School is a strong contender in Shibuya and that means that one of Asumi’s friends Chiyo Masuda may be here for a visit” said Yuzuha.

“Wow, that way, Asumi is having more friends as she influenced them from the summer training camp by Ginga Hasegawa” said Yuzuha.

“Maybe, Chiyo will be coming on Thursday at the resort hotel where she will be spending with her family to stay there” said Kyō.

“That’s awesome, Kyō!” said Yuzuha.

“We should expect to see a reunion very soon” said Kyō.

“Yeah, Kyō” said Yuzuha.

“So, Kyō, are you excited to watch the tournament next week?” asked Sakura.

“Yeah, Sakura. I really need some hardwork to play basketball, but I hope I may end up playing at the tournament soon” said Kyō.

“Well, that would be nice if you practice with Subaru and his friends when we’re going to the resort hotel again” said Sakura.

“Yeah. I’m sure that Shiromidai will meet the other members of the Bravehearts on Thursday and also, we should ask Masayoshi if Asumi and her teammates will say in our house for tomorrow” said Kyō.

“Sure, Kyō” said Sakura.

“I hope that Masayoshi would agree to your idea because I wonder if they are ready to compete against Mimi and her team” said Maho.

“I’m sure they will be ready to have a match on them” said Sakura.

“Okay, I’m glad that we should be ready for next week, but on Thursday, we should start organizing our activities as well as the things we need to do before the break” said Maho.

“Okay!” said Kyō, Kurumi, Sakura and Yuzuha.

Michiko, Akiko, Megumi, Hitomi, Asumi, Anzu, Kyōji, Harumi, Kanako and Naoko are having a conversation. It seems that Michiko is very happy right now as she finally re-affirms her friendship with Tomoka’s friends who were never turned away from Tomoka.

“I agreed about what you want to do in the future. I’m surprised that you beat me fair and square” said Hitomi. “I should forgive you and I finally start being nice to you again like the old days.”

“Wow, that’s great, Michiko! It seems that your friendship with them is back!” said Akiko.

“Yeah, this time, I won’t lose them” said Michiko.

“That’s great!” said Akiko.

“Everyone, let’s talk about the Subarashii Naoki Yamamoto. He is a great basketball player in Tokyo” said Kyōji.

“Yeah, he’s a beast like his other Japanese counterparts” said Anzu.

“I really think he should be in a Japanese basketball league when he will finally play professionally” said Hitomi.

“He’s 18 years old and he’s in the University of Tokyo right now. I believe that he will be “Icon of Japan” when he prepares his first game in the league soon” said Kyōji.

“I wonder when we will meet him” said Anzu.

“Maybe, he will be ready for the interuniversity league soon. So, we’ll wait until the time comes, we should say hi to him” said Hitomi.

“Okay!” said Anzu and Kyōji.

“Michiko! Congratulations on your win in the race! It was very memorable that you did at the end of the race when we’re together at the finish line” said Asumi.

“Well, I supposed that I was very good in playing basketball, but I never heard of cycling. I once compete in a bicycle race and I lost. This time, I learn to ride the bicycle with my friends along with Jun and her friends. It’s a long story, but you should learn to ride your bicycle for your body to less fat” said Michiko.

“I like you explaination, Michiko. I will try to do cycling practice soon” said Asumi.

“Okay!” said Michiko. “Akiko is a cycling expert and she always compete in youth competitions in nationals.”

“I see. So, is she a basketball player just like you?” said Asumi.

“Yeah. She’s one of the members of the back-up players in Tomoka’s section during their intramurals competition. She’s a point guard like Saki” said Michiko.

“Sounds like she is also going to Kirihara too, Michiko” said Asumi.

“Yeah, aside from Tomoka’s teammates, her friends in her section have also transferred to Kirihara starting April 1. I hope I will meet them soon” said Michiko.

“Then, go for it, Michiko. You have to aim high when you play in the real game” said Asumi.

“Okay!” said Michiko.

“Wow! I really like cycling and basketball. My training in cycling with my parents helps me to ride my bicycle all by myself” said Harumi.

“I really like to compete at cycling competitions and also, I always trained by my friends to learn the basic skills in cycling” said Akiko.

“You’re very good in cycling, Akiko. I hope you keep up the good work, my friend” said Naoko.

“Yeah, I will. Thanks, Naoko” said Akiko.

“You’re welcome” said Naoko.

“Megumi, you’re one of Tomoka’s classmates in Keishin, right?” said Kanako.

“Yeah” said Megumi.

“I got interests in playing at Kirihara because I wanted to be part of the rebuilding process that they are doing right now” said Kanako.

“So, you’re going to Kirihara next year after you graduated in Shiromidai. Is that right?” said Megumi.

“Of course!” said Kanako.

“It appears that you have a potential in playing for my school next year. It seems that Asumi hasn’t plan yet on what school is going to next year” said Megumi.

“Oh, I see” said Kanako.

“So, are you having time with your friends, Michiko?” asked Tomoka.

“Yeah, they’re having fun, chatting about interests in basketball and cycling” said Michiko.

“That’s great, Michiko!” said Tomoka. “We should enjoy this party before the sunset comes.”

“Oh, sure, Tomoka. Let’s enjoy the party, everyone!” said Michiko.

“Yeah!” everyone shouted together. Michiko has many friends in Shiromidai like Tomoka in Keishin. Of course, Michiko really loves to enjoy talking with her friends all along. Michiko hopes that when they’ll meet new friends in Kirihara, she’ll be glad to enjoy staying in her new school. Tomoka and Michiko were best friends and because of that, Tomoka finally appreciates Michiko and her passionate personality.

Here is the list of members of Family of Angels:
Family of Angels: Composed of two teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Akiko Miyazaki, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Hiroshi Yamanaka, Megumi Kadokawa, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa


UP NEXT: Chapter 16: "Cooks in the Restaurant"
 
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On this post will be the next chapter of the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series. This will be the third part of the Spring Break Tuesday Activities as new groups were created to prepare themselves for the Hasegawa Cup. It was confirmed that with Family of Angels confirms their participation for the cup, other members of the Bravehearts begin to form new teams for the event. Enjoy reading Chapter 16!:)

Saki, Masami, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi went to the Suzuran Shopping Street to go back to their own restaurants for a day. An unexpected visit from their friends happened with Saki and Masami gave them a rice platter meal and their friends would love it. This is would cause many people in Suzuran to go to the Nagatsuka and Sushi Fujii to eat the new Rice Platter Special. With many friends went to both restaurants, they are planning to create the new group known as the Dazzled Hearts. The group is composed of friends of Saki, Masami, Tsubaki and Hiiragi which also includes the members of the Keishin Academy boys' basketball club.

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 16: “COOKS IN THE RESTAURANT”

Saki, Masami, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi have arrived at the Suzuran Shopping Street. While they saw people entering to shops and restaurants, they have to talk about their friends outside basketball where they will be arrived soon.

“I have an idea, Masami. Why we’ll let our friends come to us, so that they will know how to cook ramen or sushi” said Saki.

“Yeah. We should help them because they love Japanese cuisine. As of now, we should work together to cook a perfect platter for our group” said Masami.

“A perfect platter…” said Tsubaki.

“…for our group?” said Hiiragi.

“That’s right, TsubaHii! Masami and I will create a perfect platter that we haven’t made before” said Saki.

“The ingredients are in our shop and let’s make sure that we still have those for us to create a platter” said Masami.

“Sure, Masami. What about you, Natsuhi and TsubaHii? Did you have friends to visit our restaurant?” said Saki.

“Of course, my friends of mine will arrive at both of your restaurants” said Tsubaki.

“I expect that my friends should love your specialty” said Hiiragi.

“You see, my sisters have friends in their section as well as some good players in the boys’ basketball club. But since the boys are in the gym, only their friends will arrive as expected” said Natsuhi.

“Well, we should bring the food to them when we’re at home” said Saki.

“Oh, you’re right. I almost forgot that each of us will have their own food to give the food to the new members of the Bravehearts” said Masami.

“We should do that later tonight” said Tsubaki.

“Of course, Tsubaki. Our dinner will be served by us” said Hiiragi.

“Yeah, we should work together, guys. Let’s make this platter that we never forget” said Saki.

“Yay!” said Masami, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi. They finally go to “Nagatsuka” and “Sushi Fujii” where they will temporarily split up for a while where Saki’s friends, Masami’s friends and TsubaHii’s friends will arrive soon.

Later, Saki’s brother, Akira, and Masami’s sister, Masako, enter to their shops as they saw Saki, Masami, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi.

Akira saw Saki cooking a rice burger at the kitchen.

“Saki, I’m home!” said Akira.

“Brother! I finally came back from the resort hotel. I hope you missed me, brother. And guess what, I became a member of the Bravehearts” said Saki.

“Saki, I missed you, too and since you want to stay with Subaru and others permanently, I wanted to give these ingredients to you for your specialty” said Akira.

“Thanks, brother! Maybe you should work with me and Masami” said Saki.

“Who’s Masami?” asked Akira.

“Masami is one of my teammates in Keishin and of course, she’s my childhood friend when we grew up in Nishina” said Saki.

“Oh, I remember her. She gives the food to me and it is a platter. Remember when both families have a picnic a year ago?” said Akira.

“Yeah, that’s why you should work with us, so that we will make the best platter we had” said Saki.

“Okay!” said Akira.

Meanwhile, Masako saw Masami, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi at the table where they are planning to cook a platter.

“Sister, I’m home!” said Masako.

“Masako! I knew you always come to our restaurant for a week. So, what’s new in our restaurant?” said Masami.

“I ordered some ingredients for your specialty, Masami. And by the way, Akira came by to see me earlier and he said that your friends will arrive soon” said Masako.

“That’s great! I hope my friends will love my specialty which is the tofu platter” said Masami.

“You looked beautiful today, Masami. Where did you buy it?” said Masako.

“I bought this dress at the Dressing Shop last Staurday. You see, I love lavender and wisteria” said Masami.

“Oh, you’re hopefully going to cheer your friends up when they see you again” said Masako.

“Of course, sister. Saki and I will create a new specialty to our customers” said Masami.

“Well, I can help you with that” said Masako.

“That’s great, everyone! My sister will help us to create the platter” said Masami.

“Yeah!” said Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi.

“So, what are we going to do, Masako?” said Masami.

“We should talk to Saki and Akira to start cooking” said Masako.

“Okay!” said Masami.

Saki, Akira, Masami, Masako, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi went out to the street to plan out their ideas for the platter they make.

“So, the customers have enjoyed eating our specialty in both restaurants” said Masami.

“Of course, Masami. But I wonder if we can create a platter composed of inari-sushi and chāhan” said Saki.

“Then, we should add tendon, too!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Oh, you’re right. Maybe this rice platter should have toppings” said Masami.

“I guess we should add some fewer vegetables to make this delicious” said Tsubaki.

“That way, the chāhan will be more delicious when you eat this” said Hiiragi.

“You’re a good thinker, Tsubaki! Vegetable, it is!” said Masami.

“Another thing that we need to make sure that the rice platter should be delicious is that we need to cook at least two tempuras while the chāhan should have vegetables on it” said Saki.

“You’re brainstorming your ideas, Saki and Masami. I hope your customers love your new specialty” said Akira.

“I hope that your plan will work” said Masako.

“Yeah!” said Masami and Saki.

Later, at the Nagatsuka, Saki and Akira work on cooking vegetables and chāhan at the kitchen. Saki and Akira’s father Akinori saw both of them cooking their platter.

“I guess you two are cooking together and I hope that the platter should be delicious. Will you make this new specialty to be available to the public?” said Akinori.

“Yeah, father. We collaborate with Masami and her sister Masako. Masami was cheerful to me since we’re usually became friends in Keishin and in Suzuran” said Saki.

“You’re great, Saki. Of course, I wanted to make sure that the customers would love this specialty and also, we should keep the old specialty to be featured as specials” said Akinori.

“Yep” said Saki.

“So, Akira, you’ll be an incoming second year student in Kirihara Middle School” said Akinori.

“Akira, you’re in Kirihara Middle School, too?” asked Saki.

“Yeah. Masako and I were classmates in Kirihara and since we’re the two of us, I hope that we should continue working together in our business” said Akira.

“I would be glad to, but since I’m with my friends as well as Subaru, I’m sure that I can work at the restaurant at the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Saki.

“So, you’ll be working at that restaurant, too?” asked Akira.

“Maybe, but I wonder that if I will be working at the hotel while being a student, I have to take my position to you. Can you take care of my position as a cook?” said Saki.

“Saki, if you’re with them together, then I might need to cook some food at night and especially, you need time to return to us one day if you have time” said Akira.

“Okay, brother. I have to talk to Subaru, so that we should plan this with my friends to work at my restaurant” said Saki.

“Oh, sure” said Akira.

“Saki, I wonder that when you’re playing at Kirihara with Tomoka and your teammates, you need your star power to dominate the game” said Akinori.

“I will be trained with my teammates at the Misawa Resort Hotel and at the Kirihara Middle School Gymnasium” said Saki.

“So, will you stay at the Misawa Resort Hotel?” asked Akinori.

“Maybe, every time and when the class starts, I should come home on Sunday and I will have time to come back after” said Saki.

“What about the holiday week?” asked Akira.

“Oh, yeah. I will come home too when it’s holiday” said Saki.

“Okay, Saki. If that’s your choice, then I’ll have to talk to your friends’ parents regarding your stay at the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Akinori.

“Okay, sure, father. You should come next week after the tournament” said Saki.

“What tournament, Saki?” asked Akira.

“The Hasegawa Cup. That event will be held next week to honor of my mentor Subaru Hasegawa, who managed the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club” said Saki.

“That’s great, Saki! I’ll be there next week before the classes start” said Akira.

“Then, it’s settled, brother and father! We should continue cooking our platter before my friends come” said Saki.

“Sure, Saki!” said Akira while Akinori smiled a little bit as he always agreed to Saki when it comes to supporting her daughter while cooking the restaurant’s specialty.

Meanwhile, Masami, Masako, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi have cooked their tempura, inari-sushi and vegetables separately at the Sushi Fujii.

“Where’s our father, Masako?” asked Masami.

“He’s cooking tofu and he doesn’t have to talk to you while you’re cooking” said Masako.

“Oh, okay” said Masami.

“I will be wondering if we should combine the two ingredients into one rice platter” said Masami.

“Yeah, we need to cook these foods and serve this up when it’s done” said Masako.

“I’m glad that you cooked inari-sushi all the time” said Masami.

“Yeah, it’s my job to cook this food and the customers will eat this for them to pay their money to us” said Masako.

“Did you like cooking?” asked Masami.

“Of course, Masami. I’m sure the customers will love this new flavor” said Masako.

“It sure is” said Masami. “Is the tempura fried, TsubaHii?”

“Not yet, Masami. It’s not fried as expected” said Hiiragi.

“I’m sure it will be fried in thirty seconds” said Tsubaki.

“Okay, TsubaHii, just keep it up” said Masami.

“Sure, Masami!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“So, how’s the tempura, sisters?” asked Natsuhi.

“It’s getting fried and we need to pick it up” said Tsubaki.

“Yeah, just give to me after you pick it up” said Natsuhi.

“Okay!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“I hope this tempura will be served and cooked” said Hiiragi.

“Then, we should give this to Saki and Akira when it’s done to combine our ingredients into one rice platter” said Tsubaki.

“Yeah” said Hiiragi as Tsubaki picked two pieces of tempura and placed it to the plate.

“Well, now you learned to cook tempura, sisters. But I’m sure that the tempuras should be fine” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah, Natsuhi!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Masami, the tempuras are fried and cooked” said Natsuhi.

“Excellent! Now, we need to keep this up, so that we need to combine this and the one from Saki’s into one new flavor” said Masami.

“So, Masami, did you have interests on cooking?” asked Natsuhi.

“Of course, Natsuhi. My father had run this business when he married my mother, who also usually cooks sushis. You see, my family has enriched in business like the Nagatsukas, but of course, our rivalry with them was very different when it comes to see who the best restaurant is” said Masami.

“How do you work hard with your father at your restaurant?” asked Tsubaki.

“Back then, I was good in cooking when I was nine years old and I saw Saki cooked well, too. We were back then as childhood friends, but as when I got problems with my family business, I have to concentrate myself in trying to beat my friend’s restaurant. We always lose to them with our popularity still lacks it, but when I was helped by her when I got problems with Rena, I finally become patient to her and to start entrusting my childhood friend when it comes to competition, you have to accept defeat if you think that your chances of winning are fading” said Masami.

“I always count on you, Masami and when your childhood friend is in your back, helping with her can make your friendship with her more developed than before. I knew you want to be friends with her for the rest of your life” said Hiiragi.

“You should trust your friends, so that your patience will be greatly developed” said Natsuhi.

“You’re right, Natsuhi. I have to continue my friendship with Saki and I have to beat “Nagatsuka” when the time has come” said Masami.

“It’s done and served, Masami” said Masako.

“Good! Then, we should give it to Saki to make this new specialty a trend for the day” said Masami.

“Yeah!” said Masako, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi. The cooks from both restaurants have combined their ingredients to create a new rice platter. The rice platter is done and served to be eaten by customers.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
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"Cooks in the Restaurant" Part 2

Later, Masami’s friends and Saki’s friends arrive at the Sushi Fujii and the Nagatsuka respectively.

Ran Mikazuki, Risa Nagasaki and Yoshitsugu Nakagawa were Saki’s friends while Mieko Matsuda, Shiori Satō and Jirō Kitagawa were Masami’s friends. They saw Saki and Masami cooking and they are ready to eat the rice platter that Saki and Masami create.

“Hi, Saki!” said Ran, Risa and Yoshitsugu.

“Hello, my friends! Welcome to our restaurant. Can I take your order?” said Saki.

“I’ll order three Rice Platter Specials, please” said Risa.

“Sure, Risa. The rice platter will be served in five minutes” said Saki.

“Sure, Saki!” said Ran, Risa and Yoshitsugu.

“Hi, Masami!” said Mieko, Shiori and Jirō.

“We’re here at table five to sit here” said Mieko.

“Great! Welcome to Sushi Fujii! Can I take your order?” said Masami.

“I will order the Rice Platter Special” said Mieko.

“Me too, Masami! I’ll order the Rice Platter Special, too!” said Jirō.

“I’ll take one of the Rice Platter Special, too!” said Shiori.

“Okay, coming right up!” said Masami.

Saki and Masami have gone to the kitchen to see if the Rice Platter Special is now ready to be served.

“Is it done?” asked Saki and Masami. Akira, Masako, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi show the rice platters and it is now finally served.

“It’s done, Saki!” said Akira.

“It’s done, Masami!” said Masako, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi.

“Then, let’s see what the customers have to say about this specialty” said Saki and Masami.

Saki and Masami give the rice platters to the customers and the customers begin to eat the Rice Platter Special. When, they eat the Rice Platter Special, the customers begin to love this specialty.

“How does it taste like?” asked Saki.

“It’s delicious! I love this food!” said Risa.

“Yummy! It’s so good!” said Ran.

“Wow! This food is my favorite!” said Yoshitsugu.

“How do you like my new specialty?” asked Masami.

“It’s so delicious, Masami!” said Mieko.

“It’s so good!” said Shiori.

“I like the inari-sushi in this platter!” said Jirō.

Saki and Masami smile on the customers since the customers like the Rice Platter Special. Later, the customers went to both the Nagatsuka and the Sushi Fujii to try to eat the new Rice Platter Special. The new customers would eat their food and they reacted “It’s delicious!”, “It’s so good!” and “I like this specialty! / I like the Rice Platter Special!”

It seems that the customers of the Nagatsuka and the Sushi Fujii have liked the Rice Platter Special after all. The new trend of the Rice Platter Special made the customers eat the new specialty made by Saki and Masami.

“What do you think, Akira?” asked Saki.

“They liked your specialty and your cooking was so good!” said Akira.

“Wow, thank you, my friends. I think that the new trend of our restaurant’s new specialty pays us off with the money we collect” said Saki.

“It sure is, Saki” said Akira.

“The customers at Sushi Fujii were eating our Rice Platter Special and they love it” said Masami.

“Yep. I might be thinking that since you’re the poster girl, you should send flyers to the people around the shopping street to eat the Rice Platter Special” said Masako.

“That’s a great idea!” said Masami.

“Masami, I heard that one of your friends wanted to talk to you” said Natsuhi.

“Okay, Natsuhi, I’ll go there” said Masami.

“Well, Saki and Akira, do you ever cook that specialty all by yourself?” asked Ran.

“Yeah, Ran. I made this with the help of my friends from Sushi Fujii” said Saki.

“Say, you’re now cooperating with Masami for the first time since the S-Gourmet Food Fair” said Risa.

“I like your rice burgers and this one. I can’t be full without eating this!” said Yoshitsugu.

“My friend Yoshitsugu has interests on your restaurant, Saki. I think he likes your style of cooking” said Ran.

“Of all the hobbies I did, cooking was my top priority and then basketball” said Saki.

“I believe that your friends out there are also eating the Rice Platter Special too” said Risa.

“Oh, that was so sweet. Maybe we should gather up outside after you’re all done eating” said Saki.

“Yeah!” said Ran, Risa and Yoshitsugu.

“By the way, Saki, I realize that when you grow up to be the chef of this restaurant, someday I want to be part of the crew” said Yoshitsugu.

“Okay, you can be with us if you want” said Saki.

“Sure, Saki” said Yoshitsugu.

Meanwhile, at the Suzuran Shopping Street, Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada, friends of Saki, saw the poster of the Rice Platter Special and they went to “Nagatsuka” to eat the Rice Platter Special.

“Hi, Saki! We’re here to order the Rice Platter Special” said Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada.

“Sure, you can seat with my friends on table six” said Saki.

“Okay!” said Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada.

At the Sushi Fujii entrance, Jirō, Shiori and Masami were giving flyers to the customers. Katsuko Miyazawa talks to Masami about the Rice Platter Special.

“So, Masami, that food is so delicious! I wonder if your friends would come to eat that food, then your restaurant’s reputation may go up” said Katsuko.

“Yeah, Saki and I were collaborating this and it’s the second time to do this after the S-Gourmet Food Fair. I wonder if I can ask Saki’s family to merge both companies to create a new business” said Masami.

“That would be a great idea, Masami. But, I have a problem. Working with Saki at her restaurant is affecting your restaurant’s reputation. What will you do?” said Katsuko.

“I will ask them to form a restaurant at the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Masami.

“That’s great! But where?” said Katsuko.

“At the entrance of the mansion and also, the Misawa owns a restaurant known as the Coastwave Restaurant” said Masami.

“I love the Coastwave Restaurant. It has many flavors to eat at any choice. That restaurant is good in fine gourmet” said Katsuko.

“I know, Katsuko, but I wonder if I can ask TsubaHii and Natsuhi’s parents to construct the restaurant for us to stay there” said Masami.

“Then, go for it! I knew I can support your idea, but when you’re graduated in college, you can now own that restaurant” said Katsuko.

“Okay! I will definitely try my best when I’m here” said Masami.

“Yeah, Masami. I will be worshipping you when I eat there” said Katusko.

“Wow! You trust me for a long time and I think you should send the flyers to the customers” said Masami.

“Okay, Masami. I’ll do it!” said Katsuko.

TsubaHii’s friends Ken Yamamoto, Aya Shimojō, Shinobu Higashimura, Sukehiro Gotō, Takahiro Sugihara and Keiko Hosada saw the people at the Nagatsuka and the Sushi Fujii. They would visit the Sushi Fujii to see Natsuhi, Tsubaki and Hiiragi. On the other hand, Maho’s friends Kyoko Hiraki and Yurika Akagawa would visit “Nagatsuka”.

“It seems that you missed us, Saki. We’re from section 6-A and we’re Maho’s friends” said Kyoko and Yurika.

“So, you must Maho’s friends, too. That’s nice. So, where are you enrolling?” said Saki.

“We’ll stay at Keishin Academy for junior high school” said Kyoko.

“We decided to be ready to enroll at Keishin for junior high school and I am hoping that I’ll join the basketball club soon” said Yurika.

“That’s good, Yurika. I hope you’ll be ready to play with the students from higher levels” said Saki.

“Yeah, Saki. I’ll definitely try my best” said Saki.

“It seems that your friends are enjoyed eating your Rice Platter Special and I hope that we’ll eat that too” said Kyoko.

“Okay, have a seat” said Saki.

“Otsuji, you’re from 6-D in Keishin, right?” asked Risa.

“Yeah, Risa. I’ll be studying at Kirihara Middle School by next week. It’ll be great that we’ll be schoolmates again since in Keishin” said Aoi Otsuji.

“Kana, you’re from 6-D too and I believe that you’re the one who said to me about going to enroll at Kirihara by chat” said Yoshitsugu.

“Yeah, you’re right. I was saying that because I finally am ready to study there with you, Yoshitsugu” said Kana Yamada.

“I’ll be glad to, Kana. Well, since there are 45 students went to Kirihara, they followed Saki and her teammates with their own choice. I think you should join our group, Otsuji and Kana. We’re members of Saki’s Team and because we’re going to make this new group a memorable part we never forget” said Ran.

“Okay!” said Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada.

Kyoko and Yurika would enter the restaurant to greet Saki and her friends.

“Hello, my friends! We’re Maho’s friends” said Kyoko and Yurika.

“You must be Kyoko and Yurika. I supposed we’re partners, but we already have a group we create” said Risa.

“Yeah, but we’re staying at Keishin Academy for junior high school” said Kyoko.

“However, we’ll be taking part of the group as members” said Yurika.

“Okay! Then, we’ll call this group as Team Nagasaki. Our team will represent not only the friends of Saki Nagatsuka, but from Keishin Academy. Is that okay to you?” said Risa.

“Yes, Risa! Team Nagasaki, it is!” said Kyo and Yurika.

“Then, it’s settled! We’ll inform this to Saki when we’re outside” said Risa.

“Okay!” said the members of Team Nagasaki.

“Saki, it looks like your friends are ready to be with you on the future and also, it’s awesome that you should take part of it when Tomoka and your teammates were busy” said Akira.

“Okay! I heard that Akiko will be on Tomoka’s side while some of Tomoka’s friends will be on Maho’s side. That means that our side will have two members from 6-A. When they’re done, we’ll bring these rice platters to the Bravehearts later” said Saki.

“Sure, Saki” said Akira.

“I hope they will come tomorrow, but not for now. I can ask them to come at our home tomorrow” said Saki.

“Okay, Saki. Go ahead” said Akira.

“Sure” said Saki.

Meanwhile, at the Sushi Fujii, Masami’s friends and TsubaHii’s friends have met each other since the semifinals game of the intramurals competition. It looks like Team Matsuda and Team Yamamoto were rivals to each other whilst Masami was a friend of Tsubaki and Hiiragi through being part of the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club.

Ken Yamamoto, Shinobu Higashimura, Sukehiro Gotō and Takahiro Sugihara were members of Keishin Academy boys’ basketball club as fifth graders. They never met the incoming fifth graders Ichiro Hosoya, Sōichi Maeyama, Toshiya Shimura, Masafumi Mitamura and Hisamitsu Tsuchida because they never saw them in the intramurals competition. The other incoming sixth graders who were members of the Keishin Academy boys’ basketball club were Naoki Hatano, the son of Touko Hatano, and Shun Hinouchi, a friend of Mimi Balguerie and Kagetsu Hakamada.

“Hello, friends of TsubaHii! I can’t believe that you came here to eat the Rice Platter Special” said Mieko.

“Of course, Mieko. I supposed that the boys of Team Matsuda were appeared, but I only saw Jirō Kitagawa” said Ken.

“The boys of our group will be here by weekend, so I would expect to see a rematch soon” said Mieko.

“Well, we’ll see about that” said Ken. “By the way, Tsubaki and Hiiragi invited us to eat at the Sushi Fujii.”

“If you remember us before, we’re going to introduce you. I’m Aya Shimojō and I’m the manager of our section during the intramural competition.”

“My name is Keiko Hosada and I’m the assistant manager to Aya Shimojō and also a member of the girls’ team for our section.”

“I’m Ken Yamamoto. I’m the team captain of our section and a crush of Tsubaki Takenaka.”

“I’m Shinobu Higashimura. I’m one of Ken’s best friends and also a crush of Hiiragi Takenaka.”

“I’m Sukehiro Gotō. I’m one of Ken’s best friends and I’m the slasher of this team”

“And I’m Takahiro Sugihara. I’m one of Ken’s best friends and I’m formerly an athlete for track and field.”

“We’re members of Keishin Academy boys’ basketball club known as the Bravehearts Six” said Ken, Shinobu, Sukehiro and Takahiro.

“Unfortunately, Naoki and Shun aren’t here. So, we just four out of us we’re here today” said Shinobu.

“I’m sure that we’ll have this meeting settled today while eating the Rice Platter Special” said Sukehiro.

“Sure, Suke. What are you gonna talk about?” said Mieko.

“We talk about the plans for the Hasegawa Cup” said Ken.

“Are you going to compete at the Hasegawa Cup?” asked Natsuhi.

“Yes, Natsuhi. The six of us will be competing as we’re representing the boys’ basketball club” said Takahiro.

“The cup is important to us in order start the season along with the counterparts. This event will be our breaking ground to see who the best team in Nishina is. Since you and your friends are now junior high school students, they won’t compete for the competition. Instead, they will coach us” said Shinobu.

‘Like he said, this will be the first competition for us this year and since we’re sixth graders, we’re reaching to the time we’ll graduate soon” said Aya Shimojō.

“Once a student of our section, always a student of our section” said Keiko.

“We defend our section for glory and conquer” said Ken.

“You’re going to the Hasegawa Cup, right? Then, who will also participate at the cup?” asked Tsubaki.

“Tsubaki, elementary school teams like Shiromidai, Haneda and Kamata Minami are also invited to participate at the cup” said Sukehiro.

“Daisuke called to me earlier and he said that the incoming fifth graders will compete at the cup as well” said Natsuhi.

“Since we’re facing the young ones, we’ll going to find out who the best grade level is” said Hiiragi.

“Well, since we talk about competition, then we can work together as a team” said Ken.

“You really do so?” asked Natsuhi.

“Of course, Natsuhi” said Ken.

“I hope we should create a team that we can build, so that we can win the tournament altogether” said Tsubaki.

“Okay, Tsubaki. If that’s your idea, then I’ll accept this!” said Ken.

“Me, too!” said Sukehiro, Takahiro, Shinobu, Aya Shimojō, Keiko, Hiiragi and Natsuhi.

“We can tell the others to join forces” said Hiiragi.

“Okay!” said Tsubaki, Sukehiro, Takahiro, Shinobu, Aya Shimojō, Keiko, Tsubaki and Natsuhi.

They went out to see Masami and her friends and TsubaHii would say to them. “We finally form a team for the cup!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Oh, Tsubaki and Hiiragi! You surprise me!” said Masami. “A team for the Hasegawa Cup? Okay, then we should call this team as Dazzled Hearts.”

“Sure, Masami. That’s why we’ll create this team together!” said Tsubaki.

“For the cup” said Hiiragi.

“That’s right, TsubaHii! This will be going to make sure that we’ll be the next Bravehearts since Natsuhi is the member of the first group” said Ken.

“So, if the first group will have to do their stuff, we should do the same thing” said Natsuhi.

“Alright, then we should call Saki and her friends to tell about it” said Masami.

“Okay!” said the members of Dazzled Hearts.

Dazzled Hearts went to “Nagatsuka” to tell Saki and her friends about forming their team for the cup.

“Saki, we finally call this team as “Dazzled Hearts” and we’ll represent our team for the Hasegawa Cup” said Masami.

“Okay, that’s great! Now, we’ll represent the Keishin Academy Basketball Team that we have the players coming from the sixth grade” said Saki.

“So, that means that we should be ready for that next week” said Tsubaki.

“With this team, we’ll win the competition with our own numbers” said Hiiragi.

“Yep. My sisters are always excited about competitions” said Natsuhi.

“Well, we should call a team meeting!” said Saki.

“Yeah!” said Saki’s friends and the members of Dazzled Hearts.

Saki, her friends and the members of Dazzled Hearts went on a meeting at Natsuhi and TsubaHii’s home to start the meeting.

“Everyone in the meeting is present including Kyoko and Yurika, whom were friends of Maho at Keishin. I expect that we should prepare ourselves to compete at the Hasegawa Cup” said Saki.

“Now, here is the description of the Hasegawa Cup. There are 16 teams in the cup. The local teams in Keishin will be competing in the qualifiers on Sunday to represent their teams and the teams that were exempted in the qualifiers are our team Dazzled Hearts and Team Katayama. So, the teams who aren’t exempted will up competing against each other” said Natsuhi.

“The Keishin Academy Basketball Team will play against the leaders of each team who will be present at the Misawa Resort Hotel in a warm-up match. Since Team Takeda didn’t have their boys on the group, they will have to finalize their team. I called Tomoka while we’re heading to Takenaka’s house. She said that Akiko has many friends who will be in Kirihara and they’re from 6-B and 6-C. I’m sure she will accompany with them on Thursday” said Saki.

“For the fun part, we’ll have one player from the incoming fifth graders to be part of our team in the warm-up match. Then, the second part is that we will draw lots and assign the matches to see who will be facing for the qualifiers. Other schools may represent either one or more teams to compete at the cup” said Tsubaki.

“It will be a two-day tournament which means that the game will be played 6 minutes in 4 quarters and the game will last for 45 minutes. So, we have four courts at the resort hotel. That means that 2 courts will be reserved for the boys’ tournament and the other two will be reserved for the girls’ tournament. The first round and the quarterfinals will be played on next Tuesday and the semifinals and the final will be played on next Wednesday” said Hiiragi.

“Whoever wins three games in a row including the final will receive the trophy made by Subaru’s friends from Nashiba High School. The trophies will be represented after the finals of the boys’ and girls’ tournament. This cup will be held every year and since Subaru helped the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club, we decided to create this cup in order to have a local tournament to be played in Nishina town” said Masami.

“So, now you understand about the description of the cup, and then let’s move on to the teams competing in the Bravehearts Group. We need four teams to represent and should they win the qualifiers, they will be competing at the cup. It will be the team of the seventh graders against the team of sixth graders. That would be eight games to be held at the Misawa Resort Hotel on Sunday” said Saki.

“Remember that we can’t compete against each other of the same level. We will play against the teams from the lower level unless it may be adjusted due to some reasons. Since Himeko is there, maybe they’ll represent at least one team, so that it will be fit for eight teams if one team wanted to withdraw from the qualifiers” said Natsuhi.

“The Bravehearts will watch the qualifying games to determine who will be qualified to the Hasegawa Cup. On the other hand, teams outside Keishin and inside Nishina and its neighbors will compete as well. Also, there is a chance that a collective team may play for the cup. I would figure it out when the registration of teams is done” said Tsubaki.

“Suzuridai and Shiromidai will compete for the cup earlier as well as our team, the Keishin Academy Basketball Team. It appears that maybe our rival Rena Ashihara will represent the Dark Star Nights, a team of aggressive players of Ōta instead of representing Suzuridani because she joined that team a few years ago” said Hiiragi.

“This event will be the start of our new journey for the Bravehearts and also, it will be the last two days of spring break before April 1. Our spring vacation in the Misawa Resort Hotel would only last for three weeks and on April 3 and 4; we’ll have to spend our time to enjoy at the resort hotel. Another week-long break will be on the Golden Week and I hope that we should have a break at our homes for just two to three days” said Masami.

“Now that the mechanics of the cup are done, everyone, are you agreed to this?” asked Saki.

“Yeah!” said the members of Dazzled Hearts.

“Okay! Then, we should take our practice outside the house and after that; we’ll part ways to go home to our houses. Is that okay to you, guys?” said Saki.

“Yes!” said the members of Dazzled Hearts.

“By the way, do you want to come to our home tomorrow at the mansion, Team Nagasaki?” asked Saki.

“Yes, Saki! We’ll come to visit you and your friends!” said the members of Team Nagasaki.

“Okay! Then, let’s start our training!” said Saki.

“Yay!” said the members of Dazzled Hearts. Saki, Masami, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Natsuhi have let the members of the Dazzled Hearts as well as Saki’s friends to practice their basketball skills in order to prepare for the Hasegawa Cup. The four girls would play with their own game with Saki and Masami traded passes and Tsubaki and Hiiragi would defend their team.

Here is the list of members of Dazzled Hearts:
Dazzled Hearts: Composed of four teams
Team Nagasaki: Ran Mikazuki, Risa Nagasaki, Yoshitsugu Nakagawa, Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada

Team Matsuda: Mieko Matsuda, Shiori Satō, Jirō Kitagawa and Katsuko Miyazawa
Team Misawa: Kyoko Hiraki and Yurika Akagawa
Team Shimojō: Ken Yamamoto, Aya Shimojō, Shinobu Higashimura, Sukehiro Gotō, Takahiro Sugihara and Keiko Hosada
Staff: Akira Nagatsuka and Masako Fujii

UP NEXT: Chapter 17: "The Orange Blossoms"
 
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So, moving on to the next chapter where this part will be Airi's part as she, her brother Banri and her friend Aya went to house of the Kashiis as they finally return home from their stay in the Misawa Resort Hotel. Then, they went to the Kashii Sports Gym to meet Airi's friends. Also, this chapter will also have some secrets about the Hasegawa Cup where Team Hayashida will be confirmed to compete and also, the Suzuridani Academy basketball team is back! But without Miyu and Rena. This chapter will be part of the Spring Break Tuesday Activity and there will be more details about the Hasegawa Cup. Enjoy reading Chapter 17!:)

One of my favorite characters from Ro-Kyu-Bu! is Airi Kashii. She has many friends in Keishin Academy and she usually quiet in her class. She is the tallest member of the Keishin Academy girls' basketball club and she is close to Tomoka and Hinata. Her friends of mine were also customers of her family's sports gym that was run by her parents. Airi will be happy to see her friends again as she will be joined by her brother Banri and Aya to return to her home and to see what's going on on the Kashii Sports Gym. Her friends would form Team Hayashida led by Itsuko Kanehira and the team leader Asuna Hayashida. Also, Yōko Yamazaki, Airi's friend, would also join the team as she'll be enrolling in Kirihara Middle School while the boys Kentarō Nakamatsu, Tsunehisa Nakayama, Naruhisa Ishikawa and Kōichirō Akaike will play for Asuna's team at the Hasegawa Cup.

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 17: “THE ORANGE BLOSSOMS”

Airi, Banri and Aya have arrived at Airi and Banri’s home where they pay a visit to Airi and Banri’s parents. Ayumi and Junichi Kashii have been present at home before and after working at the Kashii Sports Gym. Airi, Banri and Aya came in to see Ayumi, Junichi and Kaori.

“Hi! We’re home!” said Airi, Banri and Aya.

“Welcome back, Airi and Banri! And welcome to our home, Aya” said Kaori as she smiled on her siblings and Aya.

Airi and Banri’s sister Kaori Kashii was recently graduated in Nashiba High School and she’s enrolled at the University of Tokyo. Airi Kashii is one of Tomoka’s teammates at Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club, Banri Kashii is Subaru’s friend from Nashiba High School and Aya Miyakoōji is the new team captain of the Suzuridani Academy Elementary School basketball club.

“Here are your favorite sunflowers you always wanted!” said Airi.

“Thanks, Airi. I will put these in the garden for a second” said Kaori as she leaves to the garden to put the sunflowers at the flower stand.

“Wow! Kaori is seemed to be tall right now and she is always cooperating with us every time” said Banri.

“It really is, brother. I’m sure we’re going to check out our sports gym later” said Airi.

“Airi, I never went there and as you all know, I didn’t go to this place when I was part of the basketball club. It’s my first visit here. Do you have close friends aside from Tomoka and others?” said Aya.

“Yes, of course, Aya. My friends are also customers at our gym. I really like your plain orange shirt” said Airi.

“Thanks, Airi. By the way, that’s my school’s PE shirt” said Aya.

“Okay” said Airi.

“Airi and Aya, why don’t you sit down here and we’re going to talk about in the future” said Ayumi.

“Okay, sure!” said Airi and Aya as they both sit down in the couch.

“Banri, sit down, too” said Ayumi.

“Sure, mother” said Banri as he sits down beside Airi.

“I was expected that you are always quiet, Airi. Your friend is also quiet too. Is your friend Aya your classmate?” said Ayumi.

“No, mother. She’s from Suzuridani Academy and she’ll be an incoming sixth grade student” said Airi.

“That’s right, Airi. Suzuridani Academy is my current school, but next year, after graduating there, I’ll be enrolling at Kirihara Middle School” said Aya.

“That’s great!” said Junichi. “I hope your friend will follow your footsteps, my children and I believe that our customers were more loyal to us when they enjoyed relaxing and exercising at the sports gym.”

“I believe that Kaori stays there when I’m gone. I lend the keys to her to open the gym before my sister and I left for the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Banri.

“I saw the customers use the new equipment we bought from my father’s friends” said Kaori.

“You should come to our gym, Aya. It’s fun to stay here for an hour. I’ll be calling my friends to come at our sports gym” said Airi.

“Well, that’s a great idea. But also, my teammates will come to the sports gym, too. Rena won’t be coming because she has other plans” said Aya.

“Oh, what a shame” said Junichi.

“What’s happening with her, Aya?” asked Airi.

“As you can see, she had been a member of the Dark Star Nights. She has influenced with her old friends before entering Suzuridani. I believe that you protected me from Rena. I wonder when the time she’ll come to your gym” said Aya.

“Well, I believe that she has other interests on her own. Just leave her for a while” said Airi.

“Okay” said Aya.

“So, where’s your coach Manaka?” asked Airi.

“She’s not going to the sports gym and she’s currently having a meeting in my school” said Aya.

“Oh, I hope she’ll be here to visit you soon, Aya” said Airi.

“Yeah, Airi. She’ll definitely come very soon” said Aya.

“Father, can I show the report cards to Aya?” asked Banri.

“Sure, son” said Junichi. “I’ll get it at the table.” He went to the table to get the report cards of Banri and Airi, and then give it to Banri.

“Thanks, father” said Banri as he shows the report cards to Aya with Banri’s grades and Airi’s grades are very high.

“Wow! You are good in most of the subjects including math and Japanese studies” said Aya.

“Yep. We studied together to get high grades and I was happy about the result since I followed the rules from my teachers” said Airi.

“My sister is a member of the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club and being a basketball player was not very hard for her” said Banri.

“So, you’re doing great in playing basketball, right?” asked Aya.

“Yeah, Aya. I hope I can study more while having time to answer some assignments together with my brother” said Airi.

“Good for you, Airi” said Aya.

“So, Kaori, will you accompany them to the sports gym?” asked Ayumi.

“Okay, mother” said Kaori. Kaori call Airi, Banri and Aya as they’ll be going to the sports gym to see the customers enjoy relaxing and exercising. “Guys, let’s go to the gym! I can’t wait to see your friends enjoying here.”

“Sure, sister!” said Airi, Banri and Aya.

Kaori, Airi, Banri and Aya leave their house to walk to the Kashii Sports Gym. Meanwhile, Satsuki Kakizono’s friend Itsuko Kanehira and Airi’s friends met together at the entrance of the Kashii Sports Gym. One of Airi’s close friends Asuna Hayashida asked Itsuko about returning to play basketball for Nashiba.

“Itsuko, I believe that Satsuki was a good player and she likes to defend her team with her own style of defense. You’re a power forward and you also helped her in defending the team” said Asuna.

“That was in our recent intramural competition in Nashiba before the basketball team was re-instated. Right now, I must keep coaching you and your friends to see how you improve and when you play in the real game, your team can dominate the game. By the way, the Hasegawa Cup is coming next week, and your team will be competing for the qualifiers” said Itsuko.

“Yeah, we’re not different as the other sections, but we’ll try our best to win the match” said Asuna.

“Then, good! Let’s wait Airi to see you again” said Itsuko.

“Sure!” said Asuna.

Aside from Asuna Hayashida, the names of Airi’s friends were Shizuka Ōta, Mitsuki Kaneshiro, Ai Tsukada, Erika Iguchi, Kazuyo Miyazawa and Miki Hishida. The names of the boys who befriended Airi in Keishin are Kentarō Nakamatsu, Tsunehisa Nakayama and Naruhisa Ishikawa. All of them will be enrolled at Kirihara Middle School.

Later, one of Tomoka’s friends Kōichirō Akaike appeared to meet Airi’s friends and Itsuko.

“So, why are you hanging here at the entrance?” asked Kōichirō.

“We came here to say “hi” to Airi, but she isn’t here yet” said Asuna.

“Well, I hope she arrived very soon” said Kōichirō.

“Very soon? I don’t think so” said Airi as she surprised Kōichirō with Banri, Kaori and Aya appear as well.

“Airi! Why are you surprising me?” said Kōichirō.

“Airi! You’re back! I miss you so much after we’re graduated from Keishin” said Asuna.

“Yeah, I miss you too, Asuna. My friends, how did you miss me so much?” said Airi.

“A lot, Airi” said Shizuka, Ai and Miki.

“I thought you and your teammates will stay in Keishin, but I believe that you’re going to Kirihara for junior high school. Is that right, my girl?” said Erika.

“Yeah. We’re going to Kirihara Middle School for junior high school as well as our friends of mine from other sections” said Airi.

“Wow! Your friends are also enrolled at Kirihara too” said Asuna.

“Yep. 45 of them and most of them will be part of our group known as the Bravehearts. On the other hand, some of our friends have stayed in Keishin” said Airi.

“The Bravehearts?” said the friends of Airi.

“We never heard that group before” said Ai.

“Our group is led by my teammate and friend Tomoka and my mentor Subaru. They are very good in basketball and they are all-around playmakers. I know. Do you could join our group when we’re going to let you to come to our home?” said Airi.

“Yeah, Airi. We’re friends of you and some of your friends aren’t here, but we decided to call them to come soon” said Erika.

“As long you’re here, Airi, we should play basketball together” said Mitsuki.

“Yeah, Mitsuki. Now if you excuse me, I will open the gym. I apologized that I’m not in my home. My sister Kaori is working without me and my brother because I was in the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Airi.

“Well, okay” said Airi’s friends, Kōichirō and Istuko as Airi opened the gym.

“Come in, everyone!” said Airi as she, her siblings, Aya, her friends, Itsuko and Kōichirō would enter the gym. Airi’s friends saw the equipment and weights display at the gym. Aya was excited to visit her friend’s gym.

“So, Airi, your gym is nice and clean. I hope you’re going to work here after you graduate in college” said Aya.

“Yeah, Aya. I feel happy about working at the gym because I worked out here. You see my teammates have interests in basketball. Tomoka always practice her basketball skills, Maho would do the same, Saki works at her family restaurant and Hinata plays plush toys along with her sister Kagetsu. What about your hobbies, Aya?” said Airi.

“My hobbies are doing gymnastic and basketball skills. When I was a third grader, I became an athlete for gymnastics and represent for my school. Until I was seen by Manaka to let me join the try-outs to become a member of Suzuridani Academy Baksetball Team” said Aya.

“So, did you end up being a member of the team?” asked Airi.

“Of course, Airi. Manaka told me that someday I will become the team captain of my team once Miyu and others are gone to junior high school” said Aya.

“That’s so sweet. Being a captain of the team is a hard task to do when you’re in the team” said Airi. “You have to lead the team and follow strategies that were made by your coach. Many coaches lead the strategy to the players and when the plan works; your team can dominate the game.”

“Of course, I will play fair with my own strategy to use in order to win the game. I heard that Manaka will return to play for her high school team. She also applied for a college to take and she and her teammates will take their aptitude exam by summer. I want to keep playing basketball while handling my studies in order to become the best of the section” said Aya.

“I never thought about what you’re planning in your studies and by the way, you will learn everything in no time” said Airi.

“Thanks, Airi for your advice. I love it!” said Aya.

“Yeah, you’re welcome” said Airi. Team Hayashida, Airi, Banri, Kaori, Aya and Kōichirō have entered to the basketball gym.

“So, this is the training ground for players to practice their shooting and dribbling. My younger sister always went there along with you, my friends” said Banri.

“I hope you are good in time to enjoy the fun at the gym. So, explore this place to enjoy being fit and healthy” said Kaori.

“Okay!” said the members of Team Hayashida and Kōichirō.

The members of Team Hayashida and Kōichirō begin exploring the gym and use their equipment to start their one-hour session.

“Come on, Aya. Let’s have some fun at the gym!” said Airi.

“Okay!” said Aya as Airi accompanied her to the free throw line to start their exercise.

Kōichirō saw Itsuko, Kentarō Nakamatsu, Tsunehisa Nakayama and Naruhisa Ishikawa at the treadclimber.

“So, how do you use that thing?” asked Kentarō.

“Watch this” said Itsuko as she demonstrates the way of using the treadclimber. She moves her body parts while using the treadclimber.

“Wow! You’re amazing with that equipment. I wanna try too!” said Kentarō.

“Sure, after a minute” said Itsuko.

“Okay!” said Kentarō, Tsunehisa and Naruhisa.

“So, is this what you made in your fitness class?” asked Kōichirō.

“Yeah, of course. Hey, you’re one of Tomoka’s friends, right?” said Itsuko.

“Yep. My name is Kōichirō Akaike and I’m one of Natsuhi’s teammates in our section during the intramural competition.”

“Oh, I believe that you’re with Natsuhi in the intramural competition. That’s nice” said Itsuko. “By the way, my name is Itsuko Kanehira. I’m an incoming second year student of Nashiba High School and also a friend of Satsuki Kakizono.”

“Did you play basketball?” asked Kōichirō.

“Of course, Kōichirō. I represented the Nashiba High School girls’ basketball club as a power forward. I also befriend Aoi and Tae as teammates” said Itsuko.

“When did your start playing basketball?” asked Kōichirō.

“When I was nine years old, I played basketball with my friends in my former school before being part of the varsity team” said Itsuko.

“I think you’re great when it comes to playing basketball and I believe that you compete in the competitions like the national qualifiers” said Kōichirō.

“Yeah” said Itsuko as she gets out of the treadclimber, giving the boys to try using it. Kentarō smiled on Itsuko as he enjoyed using the treadclimber.

“I believe that those boys are enjoyed playing basketball and also exercising their bodies to be healthy” said Itsuko.

“I wonder if in Kirihara, there is a fitness class” said Kōichrō.

“Yeah, in third year. In our school, we usually did that in our first term when we’re doing fitness exercises. My favorite part is that I compete in a 100 meter sprint activity” said Itsuko.

“Your stamina is good in your health. I hope I would do the same thing” said Kōichirō.

“Of course, you can, Kōichirō. Everyone can start their own fitness exercises, so that you’re healthy. Remember to eat healthy foods and brush your teeth three times a day” said Itsuko. “I did that every day along with my teammates.”

“Wow! You’re awesome with your advices you give. By the way, are you a trainer?” said Kōichirō.

“Yeah, I trained my pupils to train hard and try not to do badly. The girls you saw are my pupils, of course” said Itsuko.

“So, that’s why you are training with them like your teammates” said Kōichirō.

“That’s right. Subaru also coaches his girls as he’s the mentor of your school’s girls’ basketball club. I hope that Satsuki and I will meet each other again” said Itsuko.

“Come on, Kōichirō. This thing is so refreshing!” said Tsunehisa.

“Okay” said Kōichirō as Tsunehisa gets out of the treadclimber, allowing Kōichirō to use the treadclimber.

“Itsuko, you’re getting stronger with your teammates as your school’s basketball team is back as usual” said Tsunehisa.

“Yep. Our team is back in business, but we need to prepare ourselves to go to the Misawa Resort Hotel for the Hasegawa Cup. I’m one of the organizers of this cup” said Itsuko.

“So, can we put our team to the tournament?” asked Tsunehisa.

“Yes, you can. Sixteen teams will enter to the two-day tournament and whoever wins all games will receive medals and a trophy made by our friends” said Itsuko.

“That’s so cool! We should register by–” said Tsunehisa.

“Friday!” said an orange-haired girl. Tsunehisa would shriek as Yōko Yamazaki appeared out of nowhere. She just came in to visit her friend Airi. She is the team captain of the Takahata Elementary School girls’ basketball club and became one of the good small forwards in the district.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
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"The Orange Blossoms" Part 2

“Oh, you must be Yōko Yamazaki. You’re from Takahata Elementary School and I believe that you’ll be enrolling at Kirihara Middle School” said Itsuko.

“Yes, coach! I’m here to visit my friend Airi” said Yōko.

“Sure, Yōko. I almost forgot. My name is Itsuko Kanehira. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you, too, Itsuko” said Yōko.

“Yōko, my name is Tsunehisa Nakayama. And this is Kōichrō Akaike, Kentarō Nakamatsu and Naruhisa Ishikawa.”

“Hi!” said Kōichrō, Kentarō and Naruhisa.

“Nice to meet you, boys. Maybe we should go to the gym to see Airi” said Yōko.

“Okay!” said Itsuko, Kōichrō, Kentarō, Tsunehisa and Naruhisa.

Team Hayashida, Yōko, Kōichrō, Kentarō, Tsunehisa, Naruhisa and Itsuko went to the gym and saw Asako Matsubara of Suzuridani Academy, who played one-on-one with Aya. Asako would play against Aya and her skills were equal to her opponent. Later, Aya would block Asako’s shot, allowing Aya to do the jumper behind her. The one-on-one match ends with Aya winning with the score of 5–3.

“Asako! Do you remember me?” said Yōko.

“Oh, it’s you, Yōko. You’re from Takahata Elementary School. I believe that you’re going to enroll at Kirihara Middle School, right?” said Asako.

“Yep!” said Yōko.

“Yōko!” said Airi as she comes to her to greet and hug her. “I miss you so much, my friend. Where have you been?”

“I was visiting this district to see you, Airi. I forgot something. Here’s your gift” said Yōko. She gives Airi a bracelet, and then she gives the bracelets to Asako and Aya.

“Thank you, Yōko. You’re cheerful and happy today just like me” said Airi.

“Same thing as being cheerful and happy” said Asako.

“By the way, I wonder if you are waiting your teammates in Suzuridani” said Yōko.

“My teammates are here. They’re here and I’m an incoming fifth grade student in Suzuridani and I’m expecting to join the Suzuridani Academy Basketball Team” said Asako.

“Yume Nakano seems to be helping Aya already” said Yōko.

“Yup. She’s the vice captain of the team and I’m the point guard who masters jumpers” said Asako.

“So, you’re good in jumpers and you’re good in defense” said Airi.

“Yeah, Airi. Aya told me to join the club when we’re having a tryout” said Asako.

“You’re doing great in the training and it seems that you’re ready to compete against teams in this ward” said Airi.

“Well, it was fun playing with my new teammates in Suzuridani. How about we should have a meeting with both parties to have plans in participating the Hasegawa Cup?” said Ayako.

“Okay!” said Airi.

Team Hayashida, the Kashiis and the members of the Suzuridani Academy Basketball Team sit down at the center court.

Sitting at the left are: Asuna Hayashida, Shizuka Ōta, Mitsuki Kaneshiro, Ai Tsukada, Erika Iguchi, Kazuyo Miyazawa, Miki Hishida, Kentarō Nakamatsu, Tsunehisa Nakayama, Naruhisa Ishikawa and Kōichirō Akaike.
Sitting at the center are: Airi Kashii, Banri Kashii, Kaori Kashii, Aya Miyakoōji, Asako Matsubara and Itsuko Kanehira.
Sitting at the right are: Momoe Tachibana, Nobu Okuda, Yume Nakano, Wakana Kitano, Sakura Akaike, Manaka Iwamura, Ayako Nobidome and Hanako Nobidome.

“I hope you’re here and we’re going to talk about the Hasegawa Cup” said Airi.

“This is Itsuko Kanehira, a second year student of Nashiba High School and one of the organizers of the Hasegawa Cup” said Banri.

“Hi!” said the members of Suzuridani Academy basketball team.

“She’s a good trainer and also a player of Nashiba High School girls’ basketball club” said Airi.

“She plays as a small forward and a power forward” said Kaori.

“Well, Itsuko. Why are you coaching these girls?” said Sakura.

“You see, while Aoi and Airi train each other with the members of Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club, I decided to look at the lists of friends of Airi. When I was about to finish reading the names, I was bumped by Asuna. I said I didn’t mean to hurt you and she said that it’s okay because she was unhurt. Then, she accompanied me to visit the section 6-F. There I saw the girls who were cheerful like Airi. I finally befriend them and start giving them a basketball practice. Then, our team is competing at the intramural competition to face off against 6-D and we lost by a slim point. They were pleased with my teaching and they decided to be with me for the rest of the school year. And that’s the story of why I become a trainer and a coach of this group known as Team Hayashida” said Itsuko.

“I believe that your story is long, and I think it has the same story with our coach Manaka” said Nobu.

“Yeah, Manaka and I were friends during our summer camp two years ago. Aoi said that Manaka was a great player in the ward until she ruptured her knee that she will require a surgery. She’s out for a year until she finally healed her knee before Miyu’s graduation” said Istuko.

“You’re a good trainer, Itsuko. I wonder if one of us will become trainers to coach the players in the future” said Yume.

“Well, since you ask this, I’ll explain. I never got into training the players or setting up strategies for the game. I finally learn from my manager Kirara when the school suspends our basketball program. I went to begin my intern as a trainer and it was not hard to do that. I can tell you that when it comes to training and coaching, you need to make sure that the players will trust you and the morale of the players will increase when you make these things right. I became more confident to be the coach because being a coach was my part of my dream plan like Subaru and other friends did. It’s not about coaching, but to trust your pupils and build their team to make them strong” said Itsuko.

“So, what are the basic things when it comes to coaching?” asked Wakana.

“Well, you have to be a good athlete” said Itsuko.

“Yeah. What are more things to qualify as a coach?” said Sakura.

“In order to become a trainer, you must be a healthy person and try not to eat too many foods” said Itsuko.

“Next” said Manaka Iwamura.

“You have to be a good leader” said Itsuko.

“Then, what else?” asked Hanako.

“To be good in a sport that you know” said Itsuko.

“And what’s the last one?” asked Momoe.

“To become a trainer, you must be good in grades. That’s all for that” said Itsuko.

“Wow! You’re good in describing on how to become a trainer” said Aya.

“Why, thank you, Aya” said Itsuko.

“Okay, guys. My brother will announce the teams to participate at the cup. So, go ahead” said Airi. Banri would pull off the list from his bag.

“Here are the lists of teams to participate at the Hasegawa Cup as of today” said Banri. The members of Team Hayashida and Suzuridani Academy Basketball Team saw the lists of teams in the list.

The lists of teams are listed as follows:
Team Bravehearts: Mimi Balguerie, Kagetsu Hakamada, Masami Fujii, Tsubaki Takenaka and Hiiragi Takenaka
Staff: Tomoka Minato, Saki Nagatsuka, Airi Kashii, Hinata Hakamada and Maho Misawa

Team Purple: Composed of two teams
Team Katayama (girls): Himeko Katayama, Mizuko Fujisaki, Yuka Suehiro, Chiyako Kayama, Hana Mikimoto, Asuka Yokoi and Kana Hanaoka
Team Hosoya (boys): Ichiro Hosoya, Sōichi Maeyama, Toshiya Shimura, Masafumi Mitamura and Hisamitsu Tsuchida

Family of Angels: Composed of two teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Akiko Miyazaki, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Hiroshi Yamanaka, Megumi Kadokawa, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa

Team Blue and Yellow: Composed of three teams
Team Sugisaki: Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa, Kishō Ogata and Miori Misawa
Team Kikuchi: Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Yoshinori Toshima and Akitsugu Wakui
Team Minato: Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida

Dazzled Hearts: Composed of four teams
Team Nagasaki: Ran Mikazuki, Risa Nagasaki, Yoshitsugu Nakagawa, Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada
Team Matsuda: Mieko Matsuda, Shiori Satō, Jirō Kitagawa, Katsuko Miyazawa
Team Misawa: Kyoko Hiraki and Yurika Akagawa
Team Shimojō: Ken Yamamoto, Aya Shimojō, Shinobu Higashimura, Sukehiro Gotō, Takahiro Sugihara and Keiko Hosada
Staff: Akira Nagatsuka and Masako Fujii

Team Hatano: Naoki Hatano and Shun Hinouchi

Other schools:
Shiromidai: Coach Mieko Sugihara, Asumi Hiramatsu, Harumi Shimizu, Kanako Kikuchi, Naoko Ichida, Akane Mutō and Tomoko Kusumoto
Haneda
Kamata Minami
Suzuridani
Dark Star Nights: Rena Ashihara
Miraku Middle: Chiyo Masuda

“It has more than 10 teams. So, are any other teams will participate at the cup?” asked Wakana.

“Yeah, there’s more. The registration will be closed on Sunday. So, make sure that you have the roster you make before the tournament starts” said Kaori.

“Since there are too many teams for Keishin, the qualifying games will be used to determine the four teams to compete. Also, each team from the Bravehearts Group will represent the girls’ team and the boys’ team. I confirm that the Family of Angels will have two teams: Team Gotō and Team Takeda. The boys will represent Team Gotō while the girls will represent both teams” said Airi.

“I never see that name before” said Mitsuki.

“It was a text message from Tomoka on my cellphone that Michiko and Jun will join forces to create a team for the Hasegawa Cup” said Airi.

“Oh, okay” said Mitsuki.

“Airi, here are the names for our team Team Hayashida” said Itsuko.

“Thanks, Itsuko” said Airi as she reads the names of who will be representing Team Hayashida at the Hasegawa Cup.

Team Hayashida: Coach Itsuko Kanehira, Asuna Hayashida, Shizuka Ōta, Mitsuki Kaneshiro, Ai Tsukada, Erika Iguchi, Kazuyo Miyazawa, Miki Hishida, Yōko Yamazaki, Kentarō Nakamatsu, Tsunehisa Nakayama, Naruhisa Ishikawa and Kōichirō Akaike

“Okay, I see. Itsuko, the four boys will join the team as well. You need to complete the roster of your boys’ team in order to compete for the qualifiers, okay?” said Airi.

“Sure, Airi” said Itsuko.

“Kōichirō, we have a problem” said Kentarō.

“What is it?” asked Kōichirō.

“We are few in our boys’ team. So, we need to call our friends to complete this team” said Kentarō.

“That way we can compete in the qualifying games” said Tsunehisa.

“So, Kōichirō, do you have your friends from Keishin?” asked Naruhisa.

“My friends have announced that they will stay in Keishin for junior high school. So, I can contact to them later on” said Kōichrō.

“Okay, you can do that later” said Naruhisa. “But right now, the Kashiis are going to say something.”

“The Team Hayashida will have their girls’ team to participate at the cup, but their counterparts, the boys, will find some other members to complete the roster” said Airi.

“You have to fill out the members once you form a complete roster, Itsuko” said Banri.

“Okay!” said Itsuko.

“Also, I have announced that Yōko Yamazaki and her team Team Hayashida will battle against the Suzuridani Academy Basketball Team in a practice match at the Recreational Center in the Misawa Resort Hotel on Sunday before the Bravehearts will battle against the leaders of each team” said Kaori.

“It was a match made by Aya to see how Yōko and her team play when they will battle against Aya’s team” said Airi.

“My team will now have new players like Asako, but I don’t know if Rena will arrive soon. But this match will be prepared before the Hasegawa Cup” said Aya.

“The draw will be on Monday with the representatives of each team will be here to determine the draw. It will be held at the Recreational Center with Subaru and his friends will lead the proceedings of the draw” said Airi.

“That’s right, Airi. Since I’m one of the organizers of the tournament, I will let the representatives to visit at the Recreational Center to determine the tournament match-ups. The tournament will be held in two days on March 30 & 31” said Banri.

“Also, March 31 will be the last day of our spring break vacation before we’ll go back to school on the next day” said Kaori.

“So, I hope you enjoy the spring break vacation and I will be glad if we can have plans for you to stay at the Misawa Resort Hotel soon” said Airi.

“Okay!” said the members of Team Hayashida.

“We should have a 3-on-3 match between me, Asako and Momoe against Yōko, Asuna and Shizuka” said Aya.

“Oh, sure, Aya. Then, let’s start the game!” said Airi.

The game starts with Aya playing with the ball as she battles against Yōko. Aya would do the jumper, but the ball bounces off from the rim and Yōko gets the rebound.

“Wow! I like my friend Yōko has some good skills and she wanted to make sure that her team will win for me” said Airi.

“Catch, Shizuka!” said Yōko as she passes the ball to Shizuka.

“I’m on it!” said Shizuka, who currently holds the ball, as she dribbles the ball to the zone.

Shizuka would manage to get past Asuna and she tries to get the jumper. But Aya comes out to block Shizuka’s block.

“Take this!” said Aya as she strongly blocks the shot of Shizuka and then both teams are trying to get the ball. Asako manages to get the ball for her team.

“Well, Asako was a strong girl and she’s a point guard and a shooting guard who can use her defense to defend against her opponents” said Ayako Nobidome.

“It sure is, Ayako, but I hope my teammate will continue to develop my defensive skills” said Hanako Nobidome.

“Yep” said Ayako Nobidome.

Asako passes the ball to Momoe and Momoe would shoot the ball with the jumper. The ball manages to hit the hoop and the score went to Aya’s team.

“Momoe had a great start in the game after Aya blocking her opponent’s shot” said Nobu.

“I’m glad that she will improve her shooting once she’ll be trained by Manaka soon” said Yume.

“I hope so, but with Asako on the team, maybe she would try to synchronize her communication with her” said Wakana.

“Of course, Wakana. They’ll do it” said Nobu.

Asuna would get the two points for her team after she did a contested jump shot. Then, Asuna steals the ball from Asako and passes the ball to Yōko. Yōko would see the opening to pass the ball to Shizuka.

“Catch, Shizuka!” said Yōko as she passes the ball to Shizuka.

“Okay!” said Shizuka.

“Then, shoot before Aya blocks you” said Yōko.

“Alright! I hope this will work” said Shizuka as she goes for a jumper. The ball would reach to the net and the score is now 5–2 for Yōko’s team.

“Way to go, Shizuka! You’re doing great!” said the members of Team Hayashida.

“Thanks, everyone! This is my first three-point shot I made it successful with seeing my feet I land to” said Shizuka.

“She did very well in trying to put her luck on her own game. It seems that she can’t resist herself from struggling and her shot was magnificent in my eyes” said Itsuko.

“Is Shizuka is much taller than her friends?” asked Airi.

“Yeah, she has great potential in blocking shots, but of course, she can’t make mistakes when it comes to shooting at any range” said Itsuko.

“I must say that centers are big time defenders and of course, they can use their acceleration and stamina to block shots easily and shoot well. I became happier when my acceleration is now higher than before. I wish I would finally do a three-point shot in the game perfectly using my acceleration someday” said Airi.

“Yep, I can’t wait to see you shooting high” said Itsuko.

“Yeah, of course” said Airi.

Aya would defend the ball against Yōko. “I wonder what would be your style if you battle against me.”

“I will show you what you have perform this a long time ago” said Yōko.

“Sure” said Aya. Yōko would try to make sure that Aya will lose her balance to take the consequences. Aya would still be strong, but she moves right to the zone. Yōko would do the same thing. Aya would shoot the ball while Yōko would try to block. Aya shoots the ball and when the ball is about to shoot, Yōko use her finger to tilt the ball, so that the ball can’t hit to the hoop. The ball enters to the hoop and it’s a score for Aya’s team.

“Wow! You use your finger to tilt the ball to make sure the shot is missed, but it’s too late to do that when I did my jumper like Airi did” said Aya.

“Well, you’re strong, but this game will not end until the team reaches 10 wins the game” said Yōko.

“Sure, Yōko. Let’s finish this once and for all!” said Aya.

“Yeah!” said Yōko.

The game continues with Yōko passes the ball to Shizuka. Shizuka would use the Ice Age that Saki used.

“This is what our team did from our training” said Shizuka as she imitates Aya’s movements while get past Momoe and Aya. She and Asako were battling each other. At the end, Shizuka was ready to shoot the ball by stepping back once.

“Well, here I come!” said Shizuka as she jumps to shoot the ball and the ball enters to the hoop and it was another three-point field goal by her.

“Wow! She did it again!” said Mitsuki.

“Well, Shizuka had mastered three-point shot ability” said Ai Tsukada.

“You’re awesome, Shizuka! We love you!” said Erika Iguchi.

“Thanks, guys! I’m no longer bad at three-point shots after all” said Shizuka.

“She did that shot like the last time, but this time the stepback three-point shot was good” said Airi. “Maybe Shizuka and her team is about to prepare themselves for the tournament.”

“Yeah, Airi. They will finally learn everything my teachings” said Itsuko.

Aya’s shot was missed as the ball nearly makes it and Yōko gets the rebound. She decided to pass the ball to Shizuka again, and then Shizuka passes the ball to Asuna. Asuna would get to the zone and saw Yōko who’s on the key which Asuna and Yōko would do the zone alley-oop and it was scored as Yōko’s team wins the game 10–4.

“Well done, girls!” said Itsuko. “You made it with my teachings you used like the intramurals. So, it seems that you’re all exhausted. I’ll get some drinks from the refrigerator.”

“Okay!” said Yōko, Asuna and Shizuka as Itsuko leave the gym to get the drinks at the refrigerator.

“You’re awesome, girls! Now that’s what you get when your team gets high teamwork and you have made the shots very well” said Airi.

“Yeah, thanks, Airi” said Yōko.

“I hope you can use that again when you and your team will have a rematch against them on Sunday” said Airi.

“Okay!” said Yōko, Asuna and Shizuka.

“Yōko!” said Aya.

“Aya!” said Yōko as she and Airi come to meet Aya.

“You’re strong and resilient. I wish I would do the same thing. But then, it was a good game for me” said Aya as she shook hands with Yōko.

“Yeah, I had a good game too when it comes to challenge. Is that right, Aya?” said Yōko.

“Yeah, let’s have a match again at the Recreational Center on Sunday. I promise” said Aya.

“Yeah, I promise” said Yōko.

Itsuko gives Aya and Yōko fresh water drinks to make sure that they’re hydrated.

“They show respect to each other. Is that right, Kashiis?” said Itsuko.

“Yeah!” said Airi, Banri and Kaori.

“Airi, Yōko and Aya did a sportsmanship handshake like your teammate Tomoka did to Miyu. I wonder what will be Aya’s future when she’ll be with you at Kirihara next year” said Banri.

“Yeah, you can teach Aya some moves to improve her skills” said Kaori.

“Yeah. I will be delighted to see each other again, but this time both of them will be stronger as they get. I love these two playing hard and I wish I will have a rematch with Aya soon” said Airi. Yōko and Aya have a good game and they learn the lesson that it’s not the strength what they used; it’s the skills that you used to dominate the game. Airi, Banri and Kaori would let her friends to do practice at the gym. At the end, the Kashiis made them happy to enjoy their fun at the Kashii Sports Gym.

Here is the list of members of Team Hayashida:
Team Hayashida: Coach Itsuko Kanehira, Asuna Hayashida, Shizuka Ōta, Mitsuki Kaneshiro, Ai Tsukada, Erika Iguchi, Kazuyo Miyazawa, Miki Hishida, Yōko Yamazaki, Kentarō Nakamatsu, Tsunehisa Nakayama, Naruhisa Ishikawa and Kōichirō Akaike
Staff: Kaori Kashii


UP NEXT: Chapter 18: "Charmed Allies"
 
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Hello!

I’m back once again for another Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts chapter! I apologize for not posting last Friday and yesterday because of Internet problems:(, but it’s back again for because tonight, Chapter 18 will be finally posted. I’m gonna also tell you that I’m almost finish Volume 2 with two more chapters I need to write. The Chapter 24 (“Orphans and Redheads”) and Special Chapter 2 (“Asumi Hiramatsu: The Opposite of Rena Ashihara) will be drafted starting tomorrow until Friday. After that, I will start planning ideas for Volume 3 as the title of the new volume: “The Charming Sensation”. On Friday (November 17), I'll post Chapter 19: "The Unforgotten Shadow" which will be a DxD chapter and the debut of Shin Mizusaki. I’m happy to tell you that Volume 2 will be finished by the first week of December once I finished Chapter 24 and Special Chapter 2. I’ll post Extras after the Special Chapter 2 and then, Volume 3 will start on December 8 (Friday). Stay tuned for another updates of RKB series!;) In the meantime, enjoy reading Chapter 18:)!

Hinata Hakamada is the smallest member of the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club. She always speaks to her teammates and Subaru respectfully and she admires anyone who was favored by boys. Her famous Innocent Charm was her nickname and her special skill while playing for Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club. Her team composed of Rei Kanazawa, Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto and Kiyoshi Toshima. Additionally, Team Satō, Team Hatano and Ginga’s Pupils will take part of the Innocent Charm group. Also, there are many secrets about Hinata, Kagetsu and Mimi as the Hakamdas and Mimi will be joined by her family relatives and friends to gather up for the formation of Innocent Charm. Get ready to be pinkish and innocent as Rei and her groupmates will compete for the Hasegawa Cup.

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 18: “CHARMED ALLIES”

Hinata, Kagetsu and Mimi have arrived at the condominium in Ōmori. The Hakamadas were lived in a condominium that is exclusive for the Pink Haired Students Club members. Hinata and Kagetsu were included as residents of this condominium. Mimi was invited by Kagetsu to join the group because she’s a close friend of her and always enjoy playing with her like her sister Hinata did.

Hinata and Kagetsu were close friends as sisters and they always enjoyed playing with plush toys at their home. Mimi, on the other hand, is a Japanese French citizen because her mother is a Japanese while her father is a French. Mimi and Kagetsu were close friends to each other and Hinata befriends her after both Mimi and Kagetsu join the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club. Tomoka and Ginga are Mimi’s mentors in basketball while Hinata is Kagetsu’s mentor in basketball.

“Mom! Dad! We’re home!” said Hinata as she, Kagetsu and Mimi enter their room. They saw Asami and Yuichi Hakamada, who greet their daughters and Mimi a welcome.

“Hinata! Kagetsu! Welcome home!” said Asami as she hugged her daughters while Mimi was smiled to Asami and Yuichi.

“Asami, I decided to stay at the mansion of the Misawa Resort Hotel and I will be with my teammates to stay there for junior high school” said Hinata.

“My sister is always misses you and so did I” said Kagetsu.

“Well, how’s your stay in the mansion?” asked Asami.

“It’s very cozy to live there and of course, I would like to give you this” said Hinata as she gives the bracelets to Asami and Yuichi.

“Wow! You brought those bracelets” said Asami.

“Yeah. These bracelets are nice to wear when you go out there to travel” said Hinata.

“That’s a wonderful bracelet you bought, Hinata” said Asami.

“Mom, I brought a necklace just for you” said Kagetsu as she gives the necklace to Asami.

“Kagetsu, this necklace was beautiful, and its pink beads are shiny” said Asami.

“Hinata and I were doing those bracelets and necklace at night before going to sleep at the mansion” said Kagetsu.

“You’re good in designing, Kagetsu. I feel that I wanted to say thank you for making these garments” said Yuichi.

“Yeah, you’re welcome. Mimi, can you show your gift to my parents?” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, of course. Here’s your gift” said Mimi as she gives the book to Asami and Yuichi.

“A drawing artbook. The drawings are nice. Who made these?” said Asami.

“I made the drawings. While Hinata and Kagetsu were drawing, Airi, Tomoka and I were drawing some plans and flowers. My favorite drawing is the pink chrysanthemum” said Mimi.

“Looks like these drawings are very creative and you have a signature, too” said Asami.

“Yeah, it’s more like creative in drawing and I wanted to draw some designs in the future” said Mimi.

“Okay, I hope you do well, Mimi” said Asami.

“Thanks, Asami” said Mimi.

“So, what’s the news, Asami and Yuichi?” asked Hinata.

“I almost forgot that last Saturday was Kagetsu’s birthday. So, I made this birthday cake for you” said Yuichi.

“Wow! It’s so beautiful! Thank you, Yuichi!” said Kagetsu.

“You’re welcome” said Yuichi.

“Since you are enrolled at Kirihara Middle School along with your friends like Tomoka and Airi, I brought these notebooks to use it on your first day of school” said Asami.

“Wow! These notebooks are the things I can write” said Hinata.

“That’s right, Hinata. I decided to give these notebooks to you and your sister Kagetsu, so that you can write anything what you want” said Yuichi.

“Thanks, Asami and Yuichi. You are my good parents” said Hinata and Kagetsu.

“Oh, thank you, Hinata and Kagetsu” said Asami and Yuichi.

“Mimi, do you want a new notebook?” asked Kagetsu.

“Sure. I’ll get one” said Mimi as she gets a notebook.

“Happy belated birthday, Kagetsu!” said Mimi and Kagetsu.

“Thanks, sister and Mimi!” said Kagetsu.

“By the way, here’s your birthday gift, Kagetsu” said Asami.

“Really?” asked Kagetsu.

“Yeah” said Asami. Kagetsu unwrapped her birthday gift and it was a headband with a flower on it.

“It’s so beautiful! I like this design! Thanks, Mother!” said Kagetsu.

“You’re welcome” said Asami.

“Kagetsu, I also receive this gift to you. It’s a set of coloring materials you need for school” said Yuichi.

“Thanks, Father!” said Kagetsu.

“My daughters and Mimi, it appears that our daughter Suzuko is already a third year junior high school student in Kirihara. She’s already doing a part-time job in Kirihara as a cook” said Yuichi.

“Wow, that’s awesome, Dad! When she will be coming back?” said Hinata.

“Maybe after noon. She’ll come along with Seijiro, who will be a first year high school student in Nashiba. Also, he’s a good friend of Subaru and Banri” said Yuichi.

“Okay!” said Mimi, Kagetsu and Hinata.

“Now, my daughters and Mimi, are you ready to go back to school soon?” asked Asami.

“Yeah!” said Mimi, Hinata and Kagetsu.

“Good! Then let’s eat our lunch before I’ll be back for work!” said Asami.

“Okay!” said Mimi, Hinata and Kagetsu.

Hinata, Kagetsu, Mimi, Asami and Yuichi have enjoyed eating their lunch at the dining areaand also ate the birthday cake. Mimi talked to Kagetsu and Hinata about her former friends in Hawaii.

“When I was in Hawaii, I had some friends who played basketball. My father works in Hawaii, so I decided to study in Hawaii for a year before I return to Japan to transfer another school to Keishin” said Mimi.

“So, did your friends end up transferring to Japan?” asked Hinata.

“Only five of my friends left Hawaii to go to Japan. Even there’s a Hawaiian Japanese student who just recently studied at Takahata Elementary School. Her name is Kahele Hiraka, a twelve-year old student just like me” said Mimi.

“So, you’re the oldest member in the team, right?” asked Hinata.

“Yeah, I left Japan when I transferred to Hawaii for fifth grade, but then I ended up going back to Japan and I ended up transferring to Keishin. My friends also transfer their homes to Japan, but we’re divided as they either live in Nara or Aichi” said Mimi.

“When you enroll at Keishin, are you happy with the decision through Ginga and your parents?” asked Kagetsu.

“Yes” said Mimi.

“So, how did you befriend me at first?” asked Kagetsu.

“When I was first time going to Keishin, it was a calm place to study and I like the environment I saw. There is a beautiful façade and a lot of rooms I went there than my former schools. Then, later, I met you when you are with Hinata. We hang out at the cafeteria and I like the ramen noodles. We finally talk each other and finally, you are happier than my other friends, Kagetsu” said Mimi.

“I like your compassionate personality and I recognize you when we finally together playing for Keishin” said Kagetsu.

“It’s fine when I was a calm and humble girl. I nod to you every time and you nod to me back” said Mimi.

“That’s why people who are calm and humble are being generous and polite to others” said Kagetsu.

“Oh, you looked fine when you are with Kagetsu, Mimi. I will ask you a question. How did you play basketball after you return to Japan?” said Hinata.

“That’s a nice question of yours, Hinata. You see, I saw Subaru and Tomoka playing basketball and then, Ginga accompanied me to train basketball just like in Japan. I met Asumi Hiramatsu and Makoto Matsuda, who are also Ginga’s pupils. I wanted to become an apprentice to him, so I decided to train hard playing basketball by mastering the jumpshots and also, my technique is a turnaround jumper” said Mimi.

“So, that’s why you are very good in playing basketball, Mimi” said Hinata. Mimi nod to Hinata. “Anyway, continue” Hinata let Mimi to continue her story.

“I went to Ginga’s home to meet Tomoka for a match. I lost and overwhelmed and also, I made a mistake with a foul by colliding my arm with her arm. I didn’t hurt her, but Tomoka said that it was okay to get a foul. When we made a match, we have mixed reactions because my teammates aren’t supposed to help each other. At the end, we admitted a defeat and I respect on Tomoka and her teammates. During the mini basketball tournament, we were strong at the time, but at the end, we fell to Tomoka and her teammates again. On the bright side, I made a turnaround jumper that keeps my team chances on winning before Tomoka finally did a floater to win the game” said Mimi.

“Then, we ended up joining the team, but Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami didn’t” said Kagetsu.

“Yep. During the food fair, our teammate Masami was embarrassed by Rena, just like Natsuhi’s twin sisters Tsubaki and Hiiragi got overwhelmed. Then, that’s the time our cooperation with Saki, Tomoka, Airi, Maho and you, Hinata” said Mimi.

“Oh, we made the idea of rice burgers and Masami felt happy at the end” said Hinata.

“That’s right, Hinata. Masami, Tsubaki and Hiiragi would enter the team and the 10-girl roster was finally completed, making the team finally participates at any major competition like the qualifiers for the National Championship” said Mimi.

“That’s a long story that I made a friend more compassionate, Mimi” said Yuichi.

“Yeah, Yuichi. I believe that I was so surprised that when Hinata got graduated, I begin to think about my plans to stick her and become mutual friends. Kagetsu reminded me that Hinata has been wooed by the boys in Keishin” said Mimi.

“Oh, it seems that’s going to be an interesting topic I wanted to share” said Hinata.

“Okay, then go on, Hinata. I’m sure your topic is interested” said Asami.

“Thanks, Mom. Now, when I was in Keishin for the first time as a first grader, I was calm and expressionless. I didn’t talk to my friends before and when I talk to Natsuhi Takenaka, he is a handsome guy just like Subaru” said Hinata.

“Then, a year later, I enrolled at Keishin, so we’re finally together. Right, Hinata?” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, it was, Kagetsu. However, I got sick when you didn’t remind me to fetch me at school because you’re stern. That’s why when you help me to remove my fever, you made me happy and you promised to me not to be stern anymore when you fetch me to any place” said Hinata.

“Yeah, I was probably made a mistake on doing that, but it won’t happen again, Hinata” said Kagetsu.

“Okay, I’m sure you’ll be with me anytime” said Hinata.

“Oh, okay” said Kagetsu.

“When the four of us, Maho, Saki, Airi and I, were together, we shouldn’t have another member to join. That’s why we saw Tomoka alone and she joined us to form the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club. Keishin is just a young academy unlike the other schools in Nishina. I probably tell you that Keishin has many rooms and it has four floors. Our room is at third floor and it was a nice place to see the view of the school” said Hinata.

“The gymnasium is located closer to our building, Hinata. We saw you and your teammates including Tomoka. And that’s why we decided to be with you and your teammates in the basketball club” said Mimi.

“Oh, of course, I tell you about that. When you and my sister came to our room, you were decided to catch up with us for a bit. Right, Mimi, Kagetsu?” said Hinata.

“Yes, Hinata” said Mimi and Kagetsu.

“I recalled that visit since it’s my first time visit another room” said Mimi.

“Oh, yeah, we just visit your room and it was so nice to meet you and your teammates. I recalled that, and I have to make sure that we’re having a short rivalry with you and your teammates” said Kagetsu.

“Oh, it was a short competition to see who the best batch is” said Hinata.

“Yeah, Hinata” said Kagetsu and Mimi.

“During the class, I have so many friends in the class and aside from Tomoka, Maho, Saki and Airi, there are some boys who were friends with us including Kōichirō Akaike. Yeah, he’s a friend of Tomoka, but I remind him that he’s a friend of Natsuhi” said Hinata.

“Kōichirō is a nice friend of Tomoka and he was compared to my classmate Shun Hinouchi. He’s also a handsome man, too” said Mimi.

“Yeah, he’s a good student and he even talk to Tomoka about his friendship with Natsuhi” said Hinata.

“So, that’s why he came in to help Natsuhi and his classmates winning against section 6-D in the final of the intramurals” said Kagetsu.

“Of course, Kagetsu. On the bright side, he’s a great shooter” said Hinata.

“That’s nice for him. He should be good when we’ll join the Kirihara Middle School” said Kagetsu.

“Oh, how did you know, Kagetsu?” asked Hinata.

“I chatted him whether he will follow the girls to Kirihara and he said yes” said Kagetsu.

“Okay, we should talk about that” said Hinata.

“Okay!” said Kagetsu and Mimi.

“Since there are 18 of us leave for Kirihara, I will tell you the statistics. The five of us plus Natsuhi were the first to transfer to Kirihara while 6 friends of Tomoka, 4 friends of mine and 2 friends of Maho are following suit to transfer to Kirihara. The rest of our class stay in Keishin for junior high school” said Hinata.

“That’s too many leaving Keishin for Kirihara. So, the others stay?” said Mimi.

“Yeah, they decided to stay in Keishin, but they still got their influence with us” said Hinata.

“I hope those who stay will still be with us very soon” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, they surely can, Kagetsu” said Hinata.

“I wonder what would be your friends competing at the Hasegawa Cup, Hinata” said Mimi.

“Oh, that would a great idea, Mimi. And since my parents are done eating, we should talk about that later, okay?” said Hinata.

“Sure, Hinata” said Mimi.

“We’re leaving now, Hinata, Mimi and Kagetsu. I hope you have a nice stay at the mansion” said Asami.

“Stay safe when you’re at home” said Yuichi.

“And also, happy belated birthday, Kagetsu!” said Asami.

“Okay, we will, Mom and Dad. Bye!” said Hinata.

“Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad! Thanks for the food and my birthday gifts!” said Kagetsu.

“Goodbye, Asami and Yuichi! Have a great day at work!” said Mimi. Hinata, Kagetsu and Mimi wave their goodbyes to Asami and Yuichi as the Hakamada parents will go back to work.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
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"Charmed Allies" Part 2

It’s 1:15 in the afternoon and the condominium is now full of guests and residents live in different rooms. Kumi Takamura, Suzuko Hakamda and Seijiro Hakamada arrive at the Hakamadas’ room as Hinata, Kagetsu and Mimi greet them.

“Hi, guys! Come in!” said Hinata.

“We have a lot of things to discuss” said Kagetsu.

“Oh, sure, sisters” said Suzuko.

“I believe that you are all here and you are glad to enjoy our discussion” said Mimi.

“Oh, thank you, Mimi” said Suzuko and Seijiro.

“Actually, I didn’t remember that girl, Suzuko and Seijiro. Are you Mimi Balguerie?” said Kumi.

“Yes, I am. I’m the new team captain of the girls’ basketball team” said Mimi.

“So, nice to meet you, Mimi” said Kumi.

“Nice to meet you, too, Kumi. You are Miho’s relative and I believe that you’re a first year student in Nashiba High School, right?” said Mimi.

“Oh, yes, Mimi. I’m her niece and also, I’m also Subaru’s cousin” said Kumi.

“You know Subaru, our coach?” asked Hinata.

“Yep. I realized that I never been here before, but Seijiro is my classmate in. We hang out there to know about cooking and we like to stay at the cafeteria and he likes to practice a lot. The coach impressed his skills and he became one of the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team members” said Kumi.

“You’re very good in basketball, cousin. I like your potential to be the big man and I believe that you’re going to be with Airi’s brother Banri and Subaru in the team. They’re good players” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, Gettan. I’m sure that there’s a lot of students in Nashiba have been train for the team and Subaru and Banri picked me to join the team” said Seijiro.

“Why are you being called as the “Crimson Big Man Maker”?” asked Hinata.

“It’s because of my hair color carmine and my techniques and skills are higher than the other power forwards. I prefer to play as the center, but I decided to be the power forward in Kirihara before I went to Nashiba. Since you are going to Kirihara, are you excited to be here?” said Seijiro.

“Yes, cousin. I believe that Subaru gave the idea of going to his former school to compete for competitions, but if I stay in Keishin along with my teammates, I would have need Subaru his internship part-time job to manage the junior high school team. He wanted to be with us and that’s why we form the organization as “the Bravehearts”. I’m happy to tell you that you’re going to play alongside Subaru and Banri. It’s so good to be with us” said Hinata.

“The Bravehearts? What a nice name you got, Hinata” said Suzuko.

“Why, thank you, sister” said Hinata.

“Well, Hinata, my cousins are doing well with your friends and I believe that Kira and Ai will be at the Misawa Resort Hotel on Friday” said Seijiro.

“Oh, you’re right, cousin. How do you know that my friends are gonna be here?” said Hinata.

“I was asked by those girls and they said that they wanted to see you again. I said to them that they’ll see you on Friday. That’s why we need to create a team for the Hasegawa Cup. I’m one of the organizers of the event along with Suzuko although she’s still a student from Kirihara, but she’ll be helping you friends for the competition” said Seijiro.

“Wow! Aside from being the basketball player, you’re an organizer, too?” said Hinata.

“Yes, Hinata. Then, I believe that we should start planning those by visiting our room, okay?” said Seijiro.

“Oh, sure!” said Hinata.

“That’s great, Hinata! Now, your friends will be here, we’ll finally going to build a team for the event” said Mimi.

“Yeah, of course, Mimi” said Hinata.

“I also expected to call my friends to visit our room to plan for the Hasegawa Cup. I’m sure that we should be ready to play against teams from the Ōta Ward” said Kagetsu.

“Okay, Kagetsu! Then, let them come, so that we should begin forming the group” said Hinata.

“Okay!” said Kagetsu.

“Since my friends are the same as Kagetsu’s, but I have some of my friends in the training center where Ginga is our instructor” said Mimi.

“Well, you have friends, too?” asked Kumi.

“Yeah” said Mimi.

“Since they’ll be here soon, we’ll start planning to create a team for the Hasegawa Cup” said Suzuko.

“Since it’s a week before the tournament, we should register this to Subaru later tonight when you get home” said Kumi.

“Okay!” said Mimi, Kagetsu and Hinata.

“I apparently believe that the other friends of your teammates are going to participate at the cup, too” said Suzuko.

“Oh, that’s great! I believe that Tomoka, Maho, Saki and Airi have form the teams for their friends to compete for the event” said Hinata.

“My teammates Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami have their friends form the Dazzled Hearts. It includes the members of the boys’ basketball club” said Kagetsu.

“That’s great! It’s down to the three of us, Kagetsu and Mimi” said Hinata.

“Yeah!” said Kagetsu and Mimi.

“While they’re gonna be here soon, maybe I should give you some juice to refresh yourselves” said Suzuko.

“Okay!” said Seijiro, Kumi, Hinata, Kagetsu and Mimi.

Later, the doorbell rings as someone wanted to visit the room. Hinata stands up to open the door. Then, it was revealed to be Rei Kanazawa, Hinata’s close friend and her friends Kiyoshi Toshima, Ryōta Nakamura, Kazuya Uehara, Yoshitsugu Kimura and Kana Uchida.

“Hi, Hinata! We missed you so much!” said Rei as she and her friends hug Hinata.

“Oh, I’m so happy to see you again since graduation, Rei” said Hinata.

“Uh, yeah. I believe that you’re going to Kirihara Middle School. And so, do we” said Rei.

“Oh, that’s great! I believe that we’re going to be together again along with my teammates” said Hinata.

“I believe that you are with your teammates during the visit with Subaru’s friends” said Kiyoshi.

“Yeah! We came to visit to the park after the graduation. I believe that we are having time to enjoy at our new home in the mansion. Maho had allowed her home to be our new home for us including Subaru and his friends” said Hinata.

“You’re really good right now, Hinata. I believe that we are here to plan for the next week’s event” said Ryōta.

“Oh, it seems that you’re all here why all of you will sit down and enjoy some drinks” said Hinata.

“Okay!” said Rei, Kiyoshi, Ryōta, Kazuya, Yoshitsugu and Kana.

Later, another one rings the doorbell.

“Who is it?” asked Kagetsu as she opened the door. It was Erika Satō, the Keishin Academy Student Elementary School Council President, and her group of friends namely Miho Hikasa, Chiwa Furukawa, Aoi Kayano, Yuki Hashimoto, Natsume Ishikawa, Kazumi Togashi and Rina Ōtsuka.

“Erika! Welcome back to our home!” said Kagetsu.

“Wow! I can’t believe that your sister had her friends to be here. Just like the old days, Kagetsu” said Erika.

“Yep. Everyone, this is Erika Satō. She’s the current President of the Keishin Academy Elementary School Student Council” said Kagetsu.

“Hi, Erika!” said Rei, Kiyoshi, Ryōta, Kazuya, Yoshitsugu and Kana.

“It’s been so nice to meet you, senpais. I believe that I have some plans for the event and also the future of the Keishin Academy Basketball Team” said Erika.

“You really do, Erika?” asked Kagetsu.

“Yep. And it’s all here!” said Erika as she showed the profile of students of Keishin Academy to find the new managers for the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. Hinata’s friends read the names of who are potentially to be part of the coaching staff of the Keishin Academy boys’ and girls’ basketball club.

“You see, Erika had visited the junior high school and high school classes to give the students the papers to apply to be part of the coaching staff of our basketball team. Our program retains the boys’ basketball team head coach, but he need his associate coach and assistant coaches. At the end, here are the final lists of candidates to take part of the coaching staff” said Kagetsu as she shows the lists of names for the staff of the elementary school team of the Keishin Academy Basketball Team.

Keishin Academy Basketball Team
Boys’ Team (Elementary School)
Head Coach
Shintarō Fujita
Manager
Yuichi Uchida – brother of Kana Uchida and a first year high school student
Assistant Coaches
Kenta Sugihara – a first year high school student
Ichirō Satō – older brother of Erika Satō and a second year high school student
Shōzō Eda – a second year high school student
Tarō Kitajō – a first year high school student

Girls’ Team (Elementary School)
Head Coach
Ginga Hasegawa – father of Subaru Hasegawa
Manager
Mao Kayano – a first year high school student and sister of Aoi Kayano
Assistant Coaches
Jirō Matsuoka – a third year junior high school student
Hitomi Hakamada – a second year junior high school student, a basketball player and sister of Seijiro, Shinapachi and Kuni Hakamada
Atsuko Hatano – a first year junior high school student and daughter of Touko Hatano
Ayaka Hikasa – a second year junior high school student and sister of Miho Hikasa

“All of those are new in the team?” said Rei, Kiyoshi, Ryōta, Kazuya, Yoshitsugu and Kana.

“That’s right! All of them were picked when we have a cooperation between me and the student council presidents of the junior high school and high school. Also, your relatives are officially part of the coaching staff. Shinapachi, a first year junior high school student, had become a player in the junior high school team” said Erika.

“Shinapachi’s age is a year away from you, Hinata. He’s a strong player and can defend his team with the zone created by Kenta Kihara” said Suzuko.

“Oh, he’s alright when it comes to defense and he created defensive stops to take the advantage of his team” said Hinata.

“Aside from that, his height is the same as Seijiro” said Kagetsu.

“Wow! I can’t believe that he is a power forward and a center” said Hinata.

“Yep” said Seijiro.

“Miho, I believe that these new members will be able to beat the opponents in our ward during the tournaments they organize” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, Kagetsu. I hope that they will start training and hopefully they will lead to the championship” said Miho.

“It sure is” said Kagetsu.

“Kagetsu, we should start the plans for the Hasegawa Cup” said Kazumi.

“Oh, okay!” said Kagetsu. “Everyone! We’ll start meeting right away, so let’s start this meeting with the formation of the team to participate at the Hasegawa Cup.”

“Well, I wonder what will be the name of the team” said Kazuya.

“Probably, the Charmed Angels” said Kiyoshi.

“Uh, no. Jun and her friends have already used the name of Angels” said Hinata.

“Oh, sorry” said Kiyoshi.

“What about Pink Haired Group?” asked Ryōta.

“Uh, Ryōta, some of our friends’ hair colors aren’t pink nor magenta. I think you should name something else” said Aoi Kayano.

“Oh, okay. What else, Kana?” said Ryōta.

“The Valiant Peaches” said Kana.

“Well, that would be nice, but I don’t think that would be a great idea” said Yuki Hashimoto.

“Pink Swordsmen and Pink Swordswomen” said Chiwa.

“That’s a great idea, Chiwa. Although we need to find something close to that name” said Yoshitsugu.

“What about…” said Rei. Then, she snapped her fingers to know a perfect name for the team.

“the Innocent Charm?” said Rei and Erika.

“Oh, that’s a fantastic name you got. That’s my special skill when I’m doing some wild shooting skills” said Hinata.

“Innocent Charm? That’s perfect!” said Kagetsu.

“Looks like all of you have come up on the name. I believe that the Innocent Charm will be our official name for the group” said Mimi.

“Okay! Innocent Charm is officially entering to the Hasegawa Cup!” said Hinata, Erika, Rei and Kagetsu.

“Yay!” said the friends of Hinata and Kagetsu as they cheered in joy to have their team joining the event next week.

“Now, we should start finding some members of the team” said Hinata. “Since Rei and my other friends will join forces with Erika and her friends, we should add some more members like the Boys of ShuNaoki.”

“What is the Boys of ShuNaoki?” asked Kana.

“That group is composed of Naoki Hatano, Shun Hinouchi, Ryōhei Suzuki, Kōji Yamada, Satoshi Miwa and Daisuke Ōhata. They are very good in playing basketball and of course, Naoki and Shun are members of the Keishin Academy boys’ basketball club” said Rina.

“Well, we should add that group to the list” Hinata.

“Is that okay that we will have the boys’ team to compete?” asked Kagetsu

“Okay!” said Miho Hikasa, Chiwa Furukawa, Aoi Kayano, Yuki Hashimoto, Natsume Ishikawa, Kazumi Togashi and Rina Ōtsuka.

“Well, there’s one problem. Since Naoki and Shun are varsity players to play for the team of the sixth graders of the boys’ basketball team, we should have our boys to compete too” said Hinata.

“Oh, okay!” said Kagetsu. “The boys will play alongside Kiyoshi, Ryōta, Kazuya and Yoshitsugu while Rei and Kana will play with Erika and her group.”

“Well, that would fine if Ai and Kira will also join the team” said Seijiro.

“And even Misaki Nagaoka” said Suzuko.

“Okay, Seijiro and Suzuko. I will add those to the girls’ team and while for the boys’ team needs to add some back-up player” said Hinata.

“I talked to Himeko and she said that her boys won’t be part of the group. I think the other sections can be the best to complete the roster” said Mimi.

“Well, that would be nice to see some other sections to join the group” said Erika.

“Miho, do you have other players to invite for the team?” asked Kagetsu.

“Well, Kagetsu, section 5-D will be going to be with us while sections 5-E and 5-F will be with the Dazzled Hearts” said Miho.

“Oh, who are the good players?” asked Hinata.

“We have Akira Ōkawa and Ryō Nagashima for the boys and Asami Miyazaki and Aya Tachibana for the girls” said Miho.

“Okay, then, contact them to join the group” said Hinata.

“Sure, Hinata!” said Miho.

“My friends from Ginga’s Basketball Training Center will also take part of the group. They will not play for us, but they will instead play with their own teams” said Mimi.

“Okay, Mimi. We should finalize the team and then, we will talk about anything else” said Kagetsu.

“Sure, Kagetsu” said Mimi.

“Okay, everyone, are we finalize the lists of names for Innocent Charm?” asked Kagetsu.

The lists show the names of the members of the Innocent Charm:
Innocent Charm: Composed of four teams
Team Kanazawa: Rei Kanazawa, Kiyoshi Toshima, Ryōta Nakamura, Kazuya Uehara, Yoshitsugu Kimura, Kana Uchida, Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto and Misaki Nagaoka
Team Satō: Erika Satō, Miho Hikasa, Chiwa Furukawa, Aoi Kayano, Yuki Hashimoto, Natsume Ishikawa, Kazumi Togashi and Rina Ōtsuka
Team Hatano: Naoki Hatano, Shun Hinouchi, Ryōhei Suzuki, Kōji Yamada, Satoshi Miwa and Daisuke Ōhata
Others: Akira Ōkawa, Ryō Nagashima, Asami Miyazaki and Aya Tachibana
Ginga’s Pupils: Kahele Hiraka, Asumi Hiramatsu, Chiyo Masuda, Makoto Matsuda and Kazue Matsuoka
Staff: Yuichi Uchida, Kumi Takamura, Seijiro Hakamada, Suzuko Hakamada and Kuni Hakamada

“Yes!” said the members of Innocent Charm.

“Good! We have Team Kanaza, Team Satō, Team Hatano and Ginga’s Pupils” said Kagetsu. “Okay, are we gonna give this registration paper to Subaru?”

“Yes, Kagetsu!” said the members of Innocent Charm.

“Okay, good! Hinata, they’re accepting the team’s formation” said Kagetsu.

“Okay! We’ll all set to play for the Hasegawa Cup, guys! On Friday, you should come to the Misawa Resort Hotel for the gathering of the teams” said Hinata.

“Yeah!” said the members of Innocent Charm.

“Okay, everyone! I had an announcement to make. On Thursday, Ginga’s Pupils will be here at the Misawa Resort Hotel. Tomoka said that Asumi is one of Mimi’s friends that she met at her friend’s appreciation party. Then, on Friday, since you’ll be coming at the resort hotel for the gathering, you need to wear the color shirts for the day. Then, on Sunday, Rei and Kiyoshi, you will be battling against The Bravehearts to show your skills and techniques in basketball as they’ll determine the draw on who will be pairing your teams with in the qualifiers” said Suzuko.

“Wow! That’s interesting” said the members of Innocent Charm.

“I will tell you something” said Rei.

“Okay, Rei, go on” said Hinata.

“I want to build my own fantasy world. My fantasy world is made of a small town with the buildings are architecturally Art Deco. These buildings are almost the same as in Keishin and also there is a gym that is looked like the Ōmori Sports Arena and the Nishina Sports Gymnasium. Aside from those, there is a port where people arrive or leave the country. I wanted to become an architect like Tsubaki and Hiiragi from Kagetsu’s batch” said Rei.

“For me, there are so many things I want to explore, and I want to build a land that redesign the old architectural buildings from the past. I even wanted to look like the World Fair or the Expo. Tokyo is a bid city and when the new world was born in the Solar System, I want to colonize the uninhabited land to create a colony” said Kiyoshi.

“Oh, you’re dreaming about your fantasy, Rei and Kiyoshi. I believe that we should create our own fantasy world by team building” said Hinata.

“Yeah, Hinata. That would be nice that the Innocent Charm will be a group of architects, designers and photographers. I believe that we should build our own community to have our dreams come true” said Rei.

“Oh, that’s a great idea!” said Hinata. “Okay, everyone! We will be getting the drawing materials and papers to start planning your dream world” said Hinata. She, Rei and Kiyoshi would bring the materials to start building their own world for the team.

“Alright!” said the members of Innocent Charm. The team members begin drawing their own fantasy world, so that they are planning to play with these materials in the future. While Hinata and Kagetsu are planning to let the members to stay at the Misawa Resort Hotel for a year, the Hakamadas planning to leave the condominium once Seijiro was graduated from Nashiba in three years.

“So, Seijiro, after graduating in three years, we’ll move out of the condominium for a new home?” asked Suzuko.

“Yeah, cousin. I believe that we’re planning to move to beside the resort hotel, so that we should live there with the cousins together” said Seijiro.

“Oh, that’s a great idea. This would take three years to build a new home. Kagetsu said to me that her teammate Masami is planning to build her own restaurant while trying to attract the customers to enjoy eating sushis at the Sushi Fujii. Misako, her sister, said that they are hopefully going to buy a lot to create a new restaurant a few miles away from the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Suzuko.

“Oh, yeah. I believe that Kagetsu’s teammates are having their own dreams. I wonder what would be the dream for us. Maybe we should build our own community?” said Seijiro.

“Well, cousin, that’s a great idea! I say that we will build our own community once we’re all graduated from college. That way we should invite our friends to stay there and enjoy for the rest of their lives” said Suzuko.

“Yeah, let’s build it for the future” said Seijiro.

“Sure” said Suzuko.

An hour later, the members of Innocent Charm arranged their drawings to build a fantasy world that would cost a large money to build.

“There! That’s better!” said Erika as she put the last piece of drawing to complete the community map of their fantasy world. The buildings and houses were drawn as well as the gym and the port that Rei was dreaming.

“That would fit our community map for future use” said Hinata.

“Yeah, this will be our new world to be used for building a fantasy world” said Erika.

“You’re right, Erika” said Kagetsu.

“Hinata, I possibly want to thank you for sharing your ideas in planning to build our fantasy world. We should do that every night after dinner” said Rei.

“What about assignments?” asked Hinata.

“Yeah, we should finish our assignment before playing. Is that okay to you, Hinata?” said Rei.

“Yes, Rei. We’ll do that when we have time after doing our assignment, but right now, you and your groupmates will start training for the cup” said Hinata.

“Okay!” said Rei.

“What time is it, Hinata?” asked Kagetsu,

“Oh, it’s 3:30. Remember what Tomoka said that we should go back to the mansion before 6” said Hinata.

“Yeah, we only have two and a half hours to go to stay in this area” said Kagetsu.

“Well, what are we waiting for? We should borrow your plush toys to play at your bedroom” said Mimi.

“Yeah, Mimi. That’s my Mimi, everyone!” said Kagetsu.

“Okay, everyone! We should play my plush toys at my room” said Hinata.

“Yeah!” said the members of Innocent Charm. Hinata, Kagetsu and Mimi have let their friends to build their team known as the Innocent Charm. They were cherished and naïvete friends of the three. They like to play with them by using their imaginations and toys that Hinata have. Hinata, Kagetsu and Mimi were happy to see their friends again and they enjoyed their playtime with their friends at Hinata’s room.

Here is the list of members of Innocent Charm:
Innocent Charm: Composed of four teams
Team Kanazawa: Rei Kanazawa, Kiyoshi Toshima, Ryōta Nakamura, Kazuya Uehara, Yoshitsugu Kimura, Kana Uchida, Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto and Misaki Nagaoka
Team Satō: Erika Satō, Miho Hikasa, Chiwa Furukawa, Aoi Kayano, Yuki Hashimoto, Natsume Ishikawa, Kazumi Togashi and Rina Ōtsuka
Team Hatano: Naoki Hatano, Shun Hinouchi, Ryōhei Suzuki, Kōji Yamada, Satoshi Miwa and Daisuke Ōhata

Others: Akira Ōkawa, Ryō Nagashima, Asami Miyazaki and Aya Tachibana
Ginga’s Pupils: Kahele Hiraka, Asumi Hiramatsu, Chiyo Masuda, Makoto Matsuda and Kazue Matsuoka
Staff: Yuichi Uchida, Kumi Takamura, Seijiro Hakamada, Suzuko Hakamada and Kuni Hakamada

UP NEXT: Interlude 2: "Team Hashimoto"
 
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For tonight, I will post an interlude for Volume 2 of the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts. Enjoy!:)

After Subaru lectured to the members of Team Blue and Yellow about the Hasegawa Cup, he decided to have a one-on-one match between Team Hashimoto and Team Sugisaki. One of Tomoka’s classmates name Kanae Hashimoto is a good shooting guard and a back-up player for Tomoka. She is differed from Akiko Miyazaki for her special skill: the floater. With Kanae tries to test herself with her team facing against Naoko Sugisaki and her team, this would be determined by the members of Team Blue and Yellow on who will be triumphed at the end: is it Kanae or Naoko?

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
INTERLUDE 2: “TEAM HASHIMOTO”

The game between Team Hashimoto and Team Sugisaki begin with Naoko dribbling the ball as she faces off against Kanae. Naoko passes the ball to Saori and then, Saori would do the hook shot as the ball drives to the basket. Team Sugisaki scores the first two points of the game.

“Wow! Naoko and her teammates are good. I believe that they are doing well since the intramural competition” said Miori.

“I think they are paying off against the other sections before losing to Tomoka’s team in the semifinals, but at least they tried to settle their strategies during the game” said Himeko.

“Yeah, they’re stronger than ever, but this would take time to beat their opponents for the Hasegawa Cup” said Kishō.

Kanae passes the ball to Kazumi, allowing the latter to go crossover move and passes the ball to Yukari. Yukari faces off against Haruyo.

“Haruyo, this is our rematch, but can you think you can beat me?” said Yukari.

“I should’ve won the match, but Tomoka and others are so strong. Okay, Haruyo, that’s your call, but right now, I will beat you this time!” said Haruyo. Haruyo steals the ball, much to Yukari’s shock.

“Catch, Naoko!” said Haruyo.

“Okay!” said Naoko as Haruyo passes the ball to her. Kanae tries to stop Naoko as they face each other again.

“I wonder what would be her plan to beat Naoko” said Asumi.

“I think Kanae uses Ice Age as she will try to steal the ball once she has the time to do the right way on beating the attacker” said Kyōsuke.

“Obviously, she did that during the intramurals and the reserves were also good like Tomoka and her friends did” said Kishō.

“Aces and players were deserved to play time when they will use the strategy to size up their skills” said Asumi.

“Yeah, definitely” said Kyōsuke.

Naoko would shoot the ball after she moves her way from Kanae, but misses. Kazumi gets the rebound. Then, she passes the ball to Kanae, allowing the latter to shoot the three-point shot. The shot was good and it’s a lead change that allows Team Hashimoto to lead the game.

“Subaru says that Tomoka’s teammates and her friends have played well during the intramurals and also, some of her friends are doing great in learning the skills. Shiny Gift and Ice Age were used by Team Hashimoto” said Asumi.

“Yep. That’s true, Asumi. Kanae would need time to finish her opponents off the play. I will actually be fine if the three are helping us during the Hasegawa Cup” said Tarō.

“Oh, reminds me. I forgot that where are the other boys to fill the team” said Asumi.

“Actually, we receive a text from Natsuhi. It appears that Hiroshi Arakawa, Shinji Masuda, Hiroto Makara, Ryuuichi Kitajō and Hideo Akiyama are confirmed to join our team because Team Kikuchi wanted back-up players for our team” said Tarō.

“Great! You should be ready to face some of the teams in Keishin and in Ōta. I’m sure you’ll going to see many of those when the cup begins” said Asumi.

“Yep” said Tarō.

The game continues with Naoko passes the ball to Saori and Kazumi and Yukari would switch place. Kazumi is trying to steal the ball from Saori, but Saori is strong in acceleration. Kazumi would catch her to go one-on-one.

“I will crush you first before your teammates” said Saori.

“Not gonna happen, Saori!” said Kazumi.

“We’ll see. Ready, Haruyo?” said Saori.

“Okay!” said Haruyo.

Kazumi calls Kanae to prepare the defend call as Saori passes the ball to Haruyo while running through the key. Kanae would settle her own strategy to prepare the next play. Haruyo would shoot the ball with a hook shot, but Kanae blocks the ball. However, Haruyo gets the offensive rebound and passes the ball to Saori. Saori would be defended by Kazumi again. Both walk through the zone and Saori would do the pick and roll action to shoot the ball with the floater. The score is now 4-3 for Team Sugisaki.

“So, you’re going to play your strategy to beat me? I guess we’ll going to see who the best team is” said Saori.

“We’ll definitely make this game better than our last encounter” said Kazumi.

“Sure, Kazumi. I won’t get easy on you” said Saori.

“Me, too, Saori” said Kazumi.

Kanae passes the ball to Kazumi while Saori goes defensive mode. However, Kazumi would pass the ball to Yukari, making Saori immobilize. Yukari would battle against Haruyo with Yukari currently holds the ball.

“Let me show you how it’s done!” said Yukari as she did the hook shot to score two points for Team Hashimoto.

“How did you do that?” asked Haruyo.

“You see, I did this while Tomoka and I were training, and she taught me to do that” said Yukari.

“Well, I’m not going to lose this game, Yukari” said Haruyo.

“If that’s what you want, then I will prove it to you. Kanae, get ready!” said Yukari.

“Okay, Yukari! We’ll make sure that Team Sugisaki can’t win!” said Kanae.

“So, you’re going to make sure to win the game with your strategy, Kanae. Alright, let’s make this showdown started” said Naoko.

“Okay!” said the members of Team Sugisaki and Team Hashimoto.

“Oh, no. Naoko did that before in the intramurals, but loses the game. But maybe this showdown will be looked crazier than before” said Kyōsuke.

“I hope we will make that the girls will win this match” said Kishō.

“Wow! These members of Team Sugisaki are getting crazier than the last time they play against your girls, Subaru” said Aoi.

“That’s right, Aoi. During the intramurals, when 6-D tries to win the game when they’re trailed, they score 12 straight points to get the lead, but when Tomoka and her teammates are back in the game, they lose in the end. Tomoka is definitely using her own strategy to beat Naoko and her teammates” said Subaru.

“Yeah” said Aoi.

“I hope Team Hashimoto will get revenge from Team Sugisaki for what they did last time” said Subaru.

Saori passes the ball to Haruyo and then, Naoko calls Haruyo to get the ball through her hand signal.

“Alright, catch!” said Haruyo as she passes the ball to Naoko. Naoko would do the jump shot to score two points for Team Sugisaki.

“We did it! We let them lose with our own strategy!” said Naoko.

“You’re doing great, Naoko! You can do it!” said the members of Team Sugisaki.

“Come on, Kanae! These girls are doing beast mode. You have to beat them and cut their defensive play” said Daisuke.

“Okay, Daisuke!” said Kanae.

“Daisuke, are these girls are hopefully going to cut them down?” asked Akitsugu.

“They’ll definitely will and this time, it’s going to be neck and neck for sure” said Daisuke.

Kazumi would shoot the ball with the hook shot and her shot was good. The score is now 7-6 for Team Hashimoto. Later, Naoko would shoot the ball with the jump shot once again and her shot was also good. This is going to be a back and forth match that is compared to the intramural game.

“They’re going to see who gets the team with the most points at the end of the game wins” said Satsuki.

“Yeah, Satsuki. Remember, this game is one quarter with six minutes. The game is now a minute and 42 seconds remaining and both teams would decide to see who has the most points in that game. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins” said Aoi.

“I hope Team Hashimoto would win, but Team Sugisaki was gaining on them” said Tae.

“Well, we’ll see who will win at the end of the game” said Aoi.

“So, this is going to be a new level for both teams” said Subaru.

“Yeah, Subaru. Like the old days, but with improved skills” said Aoi.

Kanae and Naoko would face each other to determine whose will beat the strategy.

“Now, that you’re strong, maybe I will be trying to copy your skills by myself” said Kanae.

“Okay, then show me” said Naoko.

“Of course, Naoko. I’ll definitely do it” said Kanae as she imitates the moves that Naoko did earlier, but Naoko still determine to stop her.

“I hope that it’ll work” said Kanae as she did the euro post on Naoko.

“Huh? A euro post? How did she make it?” said Naoko as she shoot the ball with the floater and Team Hashimoto regains the lead once again.

“While my friends and teammates have experiences in playing basketball, I begin playing basketball with them until I got something new with my advanced skills. I never did this before, but I will be hopefully going make it soon” said Kanae.

“Wow! Kanae did a euro post and a floater altogether. I think she is imitating Naoko’s move, but with Tomoka’s idealization of the floater was added, Kanae did great with that situation” said Tsutomu.

“I’m impressed with her skills and she’s going to have the same level as Tomoka and her friends” said Yoshinori.

“Yep. That’s what her classmates wanted to expect to happen. Even though we’re Natsuhi’s teammates, we’ll going to have the same level as them as soon as they’re ready to improve themselves” said Daisuke.

Haruyo would pass the ball to Naoko and this time, Kanae is the defender.

“So, you’re going on the same level as mine? I wonder what would be your plan to beat me in this play” said Naoko.

“Actually, I decided to go on another strategy that was compared to Tomoka and others, but this is my own work” said Kanae.

“Well, you might expect to win this match, but I will end the game with us being victorious” said Naoko as she decided to do the turnaround jumper and the ball drives to the basket to allow Team Sugisaki to lead the game again.

“Well, how’s that for the dagger of the game?” asked Naoko.

“You know what we’re almost finishing this game, but I hope that your moments will be spoiled by my teammates” said Kanae as she passes the ball to Yukari. “I’m not going to let your victory to be happened!”

“Alright, Yukari! Finish it!” said Kazumi.

“Okay, I’ll show my move earlier!” said Yukari as she’s going to repeat her move earlier and the ball would enter to the basket as Team Hashimoto now getting the lead once again with the score of 11-10.

“Wow! It’s getting higher than it’s expected!” said Daisuke.

“Both Naoko and Kanae were expected to lead the game with the same level they have” said Aoi.

“I hope which one of them will be victorious at the end of the game” said Kyōsuke.

With only fifteen seconds remaining, Naoko passes the ball to Haruyo while Yukari and Kazumi double teams Naoko. Haruyo faces off against Kanae.

“Darn it! I can’t pass back to Naoko, but Saori is still here. Saori should get out of the key to get to the three-point line” said Haruyo, then she’s going to pass the ball to Saori. “Sorry, Kanae, but the game is about to be over! Catch, Saori!”

Kanae gasped while Naoko smiles to see Saori preparing the game-winning shot.

“That’s not going to happen!” said Kazumi. Saori would shoot the ball with the three-point shot, but the ball gets rimmed and out and the game is over with the win by Team Hashimoto.

Subaru blew his whistle to end the game as he declared Team Hashimoto the winners of the game.

Team Kikuchi and Team Hashimoto would cheer themselves as they finally win the game that Kanae wanted to beat Naoko since their last 3-on-3 game. It was the first win for Kanae in the 3-on-3 game.

“I lost?” said Naoko. “I can’t believe that I was beaten by one of Tomoka’s teammates in the intramurals outside from the varsity team. I think I was going to let this happen, but Kanae did her teammates a strategy to beat me and my team.”

“So, Naoko. It’s a good game that we had. I like your shots earlier and I appreciate it” said Kanae.

“Well, I have no faith in you when it comes to losing, but I decided to admit my defeat” said Naoko as she shook hands with Kanae while her teammates would do the same thing.

“Since I’m good with our teammates, can we finally team up in the cup?” asked Kanae.

“Sure thing, Kanae. Let’s win this tournament that we’ll ever going to promise” said Naoko.

“Well, it’s a symbol of respect and sportsmanship. I can’t believe that they are finally going to team up. With Michiko and Akiko joining, so did with Kōichirō and Kentarō, Tomoka’s classmates will have a different level to settle the competition. I hope Tomoka will finally wait to see this” said Subaru.

“This is going to be a big expectation for Team Blue and Yellow. At least that we’re going to have a new rivalry between them and us” said Himeko.

“Oh, you’re thinking about facing them?” asked Aoi.

“Of course, Aoi. Ichiro and I are ready to see goosebumps when we’re going to face them in the Hasegawa Cup” said Himeko.

“I agree with that point, Himeko. But I hope that you’ll be lucky when the draw comes on Sunday” said Aoi.

“Yeah, Aoi. Subaru, after this, we’ll going to continue the training with the boys” said Himeko.

“Okay, Himeko. Just finish the training until it’s 5 in the afternoon” said Subaru.

“Okay!” said Himeko as Team Purple will continue their training after ten minutes where Team Sugisaki, Team Kikuchi and Team Hashimoto will have their water break. Later, Himeko and Ichiro smile as they were having a practice for their team to compete at the Hasegawa Cup.

Here are the lists of members of Team Purple and Team Blue and Yellow:
Team Purple: Composed of two teams
Team Katayama (girls): Himeko Katayama, Mizuko Fujisaki, Yuka Suehiro, Chiyako Kayama, Hana Mikimoto, Asuka Yokoi and Kana Hanaoka
Team Hosoya (boys): Ichiro Hosoya, Sōichi Maeyama, Toshiya Shimura, Masafumi Mitamura and Hisamitsu Tsuchida


Team Blue and Yellow: Composed of three teams
Team Sugisaki: Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa, Kishō Ogata and Miori Misawa

Team Kikuchi: Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Yoshinori Toshima, Akitsugu Wakui, Hiroshi Arakawa, Shinji Masuda, Hiroto Makara, Ryuuichi Kitajō and Hideo Akiyama
Team Minato: Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida

UP NEXT: Chapter 19: "The Unforgotten Shadow"
 
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Hey, everyone! I finally finished Chapter 24 and Special Chapter 2, but these will be posted by the end of November. Probably, I finally finished Volume 2 and this may take at least a month to finish Volume 2. I will finally start to think of adding some twists by adding some ideas from Kuroko's Basketball/Kuroko no Basuke because I wanted to combine this series and Kuroko's Basketball/Kuroko no Basuke to be more interesting since it's a crossover series and also to add some new characters from Kuroko's Basketball/Kuroko no Basuke as well. It's going to make things omake since I will be planning to start brainstorming for Volume 3. Stay tuned for more updates of plans for Volume 3!:D So, enjoy reading Chapter 19!:)

It's been two months since the reinstatement of the Nashiba High School basketball team, Shin Mizusaki is planning to play for college, but he forgotten about anything he made since he was accused of sexual harassment against the daughter of an adviser of the basketball team. With Kazunari and the Occult Research Club will try to help Shin from removing his bad memories and torments as they are ready to cooperate with the new basketball team coaching staff in order to make sure that Shin will play for college basketball starting summer.

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 19: “THE UNFORGOTTEN SHADOW”

“How are you doing right now, Tatsuya?” asked Kazunari Uehara as he was walking to the town in Ota while he is calling with Tatsuya Higa, his classmate from Nashiba High School. Kazunari is planning to go to Kuoh Academy to see Issei Hyodo and his friends as they are planning to explore their school’s basketball team.

“I’m having a vacation at the Misawa Resort Hotel. It was so nice to enjoy there. There are many rooms and I love the place like the garden and the recreational center. I like it!” said Tatsuya.

“Whoa! Easy, boy. Don’t get too excited. I’m talking about where the Nashiba High School Basketball Team is planning to go to the resort hotel for the tournament” said Kazunari.

“Oh, the tournament. I believe that the members are currently on vacation. And I see some new members of your group, playing basketball” said Tatsuya.

“Well, they are the Bravehearts” said Kazunari.

“What did you say?” asked Tatsuya.

“The Bravehearts is a group of students from Keishin Academy who were most of the members are from the basketball club. Subaru is our leader and he leads the team through a new style of plays and skills” said Kazunari.

“That’s so cool! I will be happy if you can call them” said Tatsuya.

“Currently, they aren’t here. They have some activities to do, Tatsuya. Since you’re my classmate, I need you to join our organizing team of the Hasegawa Cup” said Kazunari.

“The Hasegawa Cup? Oh, the tournament for ages 12 and below. That’s so cool, Kazunari! I will take part of the organizing group to help you” said Tatsuya.

“Okay, sure. Well, we should talk later on because I’m already at Kuoh Academy” said Kazunari.

“Kuoh Academy?” asked Tatsuya.

“The school that Issei is studying right now. Currently, I’m on investigating the school’s basketball team where I need to make sure that this team needs to be improved” said Kazunari.

“Okay, Kazunari. Good luck on your investigation” said Tatsuya.

“Thanks. Bye!” said Kazunari as he hangs up his cellphones as he saw the sign of Kuoh Academy. Later, Kumi Kaneda appears to see Kazunari.

“Well, well, well. If isn’t Kazunari, my classmate. How are you doing right now?” said Kumi Kaneda.

“I’m currently investigating the Kuoh Academy Basketball Team. This school needs to improve their program because they always lose their games in major competitions” said Kazunari.

“Oh, I see. So, that’s why you’re here” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Yeah, Kumi. Come and join me to take you to this school” said Kazunari.

“Okay!” said Kumi Kaneda as she and Kazunari went to the Kuoh Academy to visit to the school’s gymnasium.

When they appear at the gymnasium, Serafall Leviathan was there as she trained the basketball players by doing drill practice.

“Hi, Sera-chan!” said Kumi Kaneda and Kazunari.

“Oh, you are here. I believe that you are here to investigate our basketball program. I’ll introduce myself. My name is Serafall Leviathan and I’m the manager of the Kuoh Academy girls’ basketball team and also I’m the devil king in charge of foreign affairs.”

“Nice to meet you, Sera-chan!” said Kazunari. “My name is Kazunari Uehara, a student from Nashiba High School.”

“And my name is Kumi Kaneda, a student also from Nashiba High School”

“Kazunari and Kumi, nice to meet you and this is our basketball team. Our team captain is an agile and strong player. Her name is Asami Shimizu, a shooting guard and a classmate of Issei Hyodo in her class” said Serafall.

“Wow, she’s beautiful, Kazunari. She looked like Kirara from our school and she has the same level as Tomoka” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Yeah” said Kazunari.

“I believe that the basketball team is rebuilding because they have a large number of losses in the major tournament for the last ten years” said Kumi Kaneda.

“That’s right. Our previous manager Junichi Furukawa had coached this team for two years before he resigned to coach another school in Edogawa” said Serafall.

“Yeah, what a shame for him” said Kazunari.

“He coached the team and only wins four games in his two years of coaching in Kuoh. He was dissatisfied about the losses of their games and that’s the time he handed the resignation letter to the athletic director before he went to Edogawa to coach his new team” said Serafall.

“That’s interesting. So, I believe that Kuoh Academy Basketball Team needs to improve their skills and techniques. The playbook should be different than the ones from Junichi” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Yeah, I get rid of Junichi’s playbook and replace it with one of my own based on the run-and-gun offense” said Serafall.

“Giving the players an opportunity to take the offense and defense will make sure that the team will improve their plays” said Kazunari.

“So, are you gonna do it?” asked Kumi Kaneda.

“I don’t know what you’re asking, Kumi, but I’ll try” said Serafall.

“Sure!” said Kazunari and Kumi.

“Before we start this drill practice, I will take you to Asia and Issei for you to talk about your plans to improve our program” said Serafall.

“Sure, Sera-chan!” said Kazunari and Kumi.

“Okay, you’re glad to see me and I hope we should meet each other later” said Serafall.

“Okay!” said Kazunari and Kumi. Serafall accompanies Kazunari and Kumi to visit the building of the Occult Research Club. At that building, Asia calls Rias about plans for the future while Issei and Koneko play their card game.

“Here we are! Kazunari, Rias said that you are one of the friends of Subaru that you went there in the other day” said Serafall.

“Yeah, I believe that we’re here to talk about the future projects for Kuoh Academy” said Kazunari.

“Of course, Kazunari. See you later!” said Serafall.

“Okay, thanks, Sera-chan!” said Kazunari and Kumi.

“Well, Kazunari, you’re back. You’re one of Subaru’s friends, right?” said Issei.

“Yeah, we’re here to propose a plan for your school’s basketball team” said Kazunari.

“So, did you plan it out?” asked Koneko.

“Not yet. But I was thinking that we should help you to train with them” said Kazunari.

“Oh, okay. I’ll call Asia. She’s calling with Rias” said Issei.

“Sure” said Kazunari and Kumi.

“Asia! We have visitors!” said Issei. Asia hangs up her phone after finishes her conversation with Rias.

“Kazunari and Kumi. I believe that you’re here! As you can see, Rias and her friends are enrolling at the Ōta Magic Academy. It’s a mile away from our school” said Asia.

“That’s great! What do you plan for the basketball team, Asia?” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Well, I supposed that we trained the players to make sure that they’re good to play for the Interhigh tournament this summer. Serafall is the manager for the girls’ team while Shinobu Suehiro is the manager for the boys’ team” said Asia.

“I’m sure that they are working well with the players. So, what are the players look like?” said Kazunari.

“There are young second and third year students and we need some new players coming from the junior high school or from other schools” said Asia.

“Recently, a student from Edogawa came to our school and he will be joining the group. His name is Reiji Matsutomo and he’s a first year student” said Issei.

“Reiji is good in using jab steps and pump fakes. He’s a nocturnal basketball player who plays basketball at night along with his friends” said Koneko.

“For the other players, we have some good players when the Sports Department of the Kuoh Academy made an intramural competition. I believe that some of the good players are having their potential high as they wanted to be part of the basketball team” said Issei.

“Probably there are very good players in your class, Issei, but in Koneko’s class, they are excellent players. I believe that the boys’ and girls’ teams were hopefully going to become contenders at least” said Kazunari.

“I hope so, Kazunari. I hope so” said Asia.

“Since this school is a magic academy, but also a sports academy” said Kumi Kaneda.

“That’s right, Kumi! Kuoh Academy is good in sports and magic, but we can’t allow magic while playing for sports because we confiscated these magic items for the safety of the players” said Asia.

“My classmates are hopefully going to take part of the basketball team, but I hope that they’ll make it” said Issei.

“Since Serafall is a second year student, she wanted to make sure that the team needs cooperation and once the cooperation exists, they will lead the game through the end” said Koneko.

“Wow! That was great! I can’t wait to see the team going to compete at Interhigh!” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Me too!” said Kazunari.

“Well, you’re in! Kazunari, since you have your basketball team in Nashiba, maybe we should arrange a match, so that we could settle this friendly game” said Issei.

“Okay! When?” said Kazunari.

“Next month before the recruitment week, of course” said Asia.

“Oh, okay! Alright, Asia, Issei and Koneko, we’re in!” said Kazunari.

“Good! Now, do you have other plans aside from that program?” said Asia.

“Well, there are some other sports we need to improve as well” said Kazunari.

“Okay, what sports?” asked Asia.

“Soccer and volleyball” said Kazunari.

“Uh, soccer. We have that on our school and they’re competing in the Ōta High School League. For volleyball, we have that, too. I believe that they need some new players to make sure that it’s complete” said Asia.

“Well, Asia, in our school, our soccer and volleyball programs were good and also baseball and swimming. I believe that our school has many ways to enjoy sports and with 15 sections, we have the freedom to choose any sport. When our basketball program was suspended, we decided to do part-time jobs or playing with other teams” said Kazunari.

“So, the basketball program was suspended last year? Wow, that’s a shame, Kazunari. What happened?” said Issei.

“It’s because of our manager Shin Mizusaki made a sexual affair with an 11-year-old daughter of an adviser of the athletic department. This leads to the suspension of our program for a year until thanks to me and my friends, the program was re-instated and we need to rebuild this team for the next competitions” said Kazunari.

“So, where’s Shin Mizusaki?” asked Issei.

“He’s prepared for college and wondered about his basketball career to be over after the suspension of their program. With him possibly taking part of his college team, we’re hopefully going to need to support him to play in college” said Kazunari.

“Well, I have to say that Shin Mizusaki needs to be patient and I believe that we should inform him that he needs to play with Subaru and his teammates” said Issei.

“Yeah, I wonder what would be your plan to see him” said Subaru.

“Well, I have to tell you that we have a representative for the sports affairs name Chinami Tamayama. She’s good in counseling and I contact her to visit here and she said she’ll come in a minute” said Issei.

“So, Issei, since you have that option, there are some options that are proposed by our school. I talked to Kirara Shimazaki and she said that she need to talk to Shin about his plans for the future and I also talked to Teiichi Sugimoto and he said that Takehiro Furukawa will give Shin some time to train while he’s in college” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Oh, your friends have give options to him, too?” asked Issei.

“Yep” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Well, I should talk to him about that” said Issei.

“Good! I think you can come to Nashiba High School to meet them” said Kazunari.

“Oh, okay, Kazunari! We’re in to visit that school” said Issei.

“Well, Kumi. We have them to visit Nashiba to talk to the managers of our basketball club” said Kazunari.

“Yeah!” said Kumi Kaneda.

“But before that, I will meet the basketball teams right away. So, you wanna come?” said Asia.

“Sure, Asia!” said Kazunari and Kumi.

“So, Asia, are these from Nashiba right? Then, I have to talk to our members if we can go to Nashiba High School for a visit” said Koneko.

“Uh, I guess you should call them and then, we’re ready to go” said Asia.

“Okay!” said Koneko.

“Come on, Kumi! Let’s go back to the gym!” said Kazunari.

“Okay!” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Then, let’s go to the gym!” said Asia.

“Yeah!” said Issei, Koneko, Kazunari and Kumi.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
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"The Unforgotten Shadow" Part 2

Later, they went to the gymnasium to see Serafall again. There, Asami Shimizu and Reiji Matsutomo were taking a break from practice to see Issei, Asia and Koneko.

“Issei! You’re arrived at last!” said Asami.

“Actually, it was a nice to meet you, Asami. I believe that you’re doing great in practice” said Issei.

“Wow! That’s so sweet to express me. Thank you, Issei” said Asami.

“Thank you, Asami” said Issei much to Asia and Koneko’s shock.

“Issei, that girl is also a member of the Occult Research Club?” asked Asia.

“Yeah, she asked me to join the group since she’s my classmate and I accepted her to the group” said Issei.

“Well, I believe that you’re having time to let your friends join the team” said Koneko.

“Why, yes, Koneko. Actually, a three-way deal between the club, my classmates and the student council happened to start practicing their own sport to represent our school” said Issei.

“I think that was great since the student council had given the powers and lead action to have the job done” said Asami.

“So, Issei, are your friends here?” asked Reiji.

“Yeah, Reiji. Reiji, this is Kazunari Uehara and Kumi Kaneda” said Issei.

“Hi!” said Kazunari and Kumi.

“Nice to meet you, you two!” said Reiji.

“I supposed that we’re here to say that your basketball skills are good” said Kazunari.

“Oh, that’s great, Kazunari! Thank you” said Reiji.

“You’re welcome, Reiji. I believe that since you’re from Edogawa, how you worked out in playing basketball?” said Kazunari.

“It was fine to say the least and I was here to study and play. So, Kazunari, what brings you here in Kuoh?” said Reiji.

“We’re investigating this basketball team and I need to check the players of who are weak and strong” said Kazunari.

“Well, go ahead. I’ll be glad that you have seen us earlier” said Reiji.

“Sure, Reiji. Kumi, let’s check the players” said Kazunari.

“Okay!” said Kumi Kaneda as she and Kazunari have checked the players to see who are strong and weak in the team. At the end of the investigation, none of them are weak, but they saw strong players from the younger levels.

“It seems that none of the players are weak, but I saw the potential of your players from the younger levels. Reiji, I believe that you’re the strongest of the youngsters” said Kazunari.

“Well, I was very excited to join this team, but I’m sure that I will be hopefully going to play in big schools three years after my playing time in Kuoh” said Reiji.

“That’s okay that you’re good in playing basketball. I believe that you must be part of the clan” said Kumi Kaneda.

“What clan?” asked Reiji.

‘The Matsutomo-Minagawa Clan of Edogawa” said Kazunari.

“Oh, you’re right. I came from that clan through my father” said Reiji.

“Well, that’s the reason why you wear the blue armband on your left arm” said Kazunari.

“Yeah, Kazunari. It was used as a willpower and fighting spirit of our clan” said Reiji.

“Well, you’re expressive as my teammates” said Kazunari.

“I believe that you’re a great player, too. I saw your players while having a friendly match four years ago” said Reiji.

“Oh, you remember that match before?” asked Kumi Kaneda.

“Yeah, I came from Takahata Elementary School Basketball Team and you’re from Den Enchofu Elementary School” said Reiji.

“That match was alright where we won against your team by thirteen” said Kazunari.

“It was a memorable match that I made during the District Tournament and then, I became stronger when I enter in junior high school. We fought well including against Shizuno Middle School where we beat them by six during my third year” said Reiji.

“Oh, you’re beating Ryuuichi Suga in the district tournament. That’s awesome! How did you know that?” said Kazunari.

“Well, through our offense and defense, we tried to make them immobilize and we did thrice. All of them were in the final quarter. Then, I got fouled by Suga and I made a perfect release of my free throw to seal the game” said Reiji.

“At least, you’re very good in playing in that game and you’re good like your former teammates. What happened after that?” said Kazunari.

“We lost in the semifinals, but we did a good fight to stop their defense” said Reiji.

“So, how are you going to play in Kuoh?” asked Kumi Kaneda.

“Well, I will use the new playbook that Suehiro gives” said Reiji.

“Can you show it to us?” asked Kazunari.

“Okay!” said Reiji.

“Reiji! I think we should go to Nashiba High School to talk with Shin Mizusaki” said Asami.

“Yeah, I’ll show it to you later on. Alright, Kazunari and Kumi, maybe you’re going to meet him again” said Reiji.

“Oh, sure!” said Kazunari and Kumi as Reiji, Asami, Kazunari, Kumi, Issei, Asia and Koneko would walk outside the gym to go to the bus and at the bus, Irina and Yuto appear.

“So, Issei, we should go to Nashiba High School to talk with the managers” said Irina.

“That’s right, Irina. We have to deal with Shin Mizusaki” said Issei.

“So, I believe that we’re going to Subaru’s school to talk with their basketball team” said Yuto.

“Yeah. I can’t wait that when we deal this, I’m sure that Shin will play college with the help of their managers” said Issei.

The bus leaves the Kuoh Academy to go west as they will go to the Nashiba High School. At the bus, Kazunari and Kumi were ready to visit their school while Issei and Asia are playing their games at their phones.

“Subaru, I have a question” said Kazunari as he calls Subaru on the phone.

“Yes, Kazunari. What do you want?” said Subaru.

“You see, we’re going to Nashiba High School to talk with our manager and Shin Mizusaki about Shin’s future because after he played well outside Nashiba through the competitions at the Ōta League” said Kazunari.

“Well, I’m planning to see him whether he will play for college or not, but since you’re going to Nashiba to see him, you have to give me some updates of him. Is that okay, Kazuanri?” said Subaru.

“Okay!” said Kazunari.

“I know you can count on you and since you’re the student council president, you need to solve the problems and concerns they have” said Subaru.

“Sure, Subaru. I’ll make sure that the problem is solved at the end of the day” said Kazunari.

“Well, then, I’m having time with Maho’s friends and the members of our group and Miori said to you that maybe later we should plan things for the cup because Mihoshi is currently talking with my parents about the plans for our basketball team” said Subaru.

“Okay. I’ll see you later, Subaru. Bye!” said Kazunari as he hangs up his phone.

“Bye, Kazuanri!” said Subaru as he also hangs up his phone while seeing the fifth graders playing each other.

“So, what did he say?” asked Kumi Kaneda.

“I believe that I can handle the progress report of Shin to him after the visit at the Nashiba High School. I need your help, Kumi” said Kazunari.

“So, what help do you want to solve this problem?” asked Kumi Kaneda.

“I have to see Shin’s update on whether he will end or continue his basketball career because I believe that Shin needs support aside from the new manager Takehiro Furukawa, whose father is also from Nashiba” said Kazunari.

“Oh, okay, Kazunari. I’ll make sure that Shin is okay when he decided to plan out his basketball career whether he will continue or end. It appears that the girls’ team vice captain Saori Aoyama said that Shin wanted to support us for the Hasegawa Cup and I believe that he wanted to coach a team” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Uh, interesting. It looks like Shin Mizusaki is open for his coaching job for the Hasegawa Cup. Hey, I don’t know if there’s a team that he can coach for the tournament” said Kazunari as he checked the lists of teams to participate at the tournament. Later, he found out that Shin’s former team in elementary school Mikawa Elementary School had a vacant position for manager since Shinobu Mizusaki, his father, is the current head coach. “Maybe this school needs a new manager.”

“Let’s see. Oh, this is his elementary school, the Mikawa Elementary School. Maybe, this one is a great idea, but I’m sure that he competes in the Ōta League, but didn’t manage any team” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Well, I’m thinking that this should help him regain his confidence in managing a team after what he had done last year” said Kazunari.

“Well, the option says that he should train to play in college since he got his choices when his team was suspended” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Oh, yeah. I hope that will work. Then, he will have many options to do and managing in Mikawa Elementary School would be a good bet while giving consultations and training for him will be the other options to be the best. Once he will decide later on, maybe we should give the options to him” said Kazunari.

“Yeah, sooner or later, maybe Shin will join our committee for the Hasegawa Cup” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Yeah, you’re right, Kumi. I hope this will happen” said Kazunari. Then, he asked Kumi Kaneda about her clan. “So, are you working with the Kaneda Clan?”

“Yes, Kazunari. You see, my sister Yumi is a former student leader from Shiromidai Elementary School and now, she’s currently enrolled at Tamagawa Middle School along with Jun’s friends from higher level” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Oh, you even know Jun Gotō?” asked Kazunari.

“Yep, she’s a singer and she is capable of organizing events for the school. I believe that her leadership was very good. She wished that she would run for presidency in Shiromidai Elementary School Student Council, but she ended up elected as the secretary. Kurumi Nukui became the President of the Council in a landslide victory and my sister said that both Kurumi and Jun are very good in leadership because they have their campaigns very good” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Oh, I believe that they are friends with your sister, Kumi. I will say that its school is governed by churchgoers and a few of the orphans spread their faith like Asia did” said Kazunari.

“Of course, Yumi and I were Catholics like Jun and Kurumi” said Kumi Kaneda. “In Ōta, we have a few communities that has a large Christian population located at Tamagawa and that’s why we live there.”

“Yeah, you’re a very devoted Catholic and then, I wonder what would be your plan in the future when you go to college” said Kazunari.

“As a second year student in Nashiba, I will continue to work with the Kaneda Clan and I’ll make sure that when the clan passes the torch to me, I will be the heir of the clan form my father” said Kumi Kaneda.

“It seems that you’re very good in leadership, Kumi. So, where are we now?” said Kazunari.

“It looks like where in Nashiba High School” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Oh, yeah. Everyone, let’s go to the gymnasium!” said Kazunari.

“Okay!” said Issei, Asia, Koneko, Irina, Yuto and Kumi Kaneda as Kazunari and the group went to the gym to visit Shin Mizusaki and the coaching staff of the Nashiba High School Basketball Team.

At the gymnasium, Shin Mizusaki and the players from the Nashiba High School basketball team. Saori Aoyama greets Kazunari and Kumi. “Welcome home, Kazunari! It’s been a week since the encounter with Ryuuichi Suga.”

“Well, it was been a while, Saori. I’m hanging together with Subaru and his friends” said Kazunari.

“Good. I think we have a problem with Shin Mizusaki” said Saori.

“Oh, okay” said Kazunari as Shin doesn’t shoot the ball perfectly. Shin came out of the suspension of his team to play for the Ōta League known as Team Mizusaki. He’s also a player-coach of his own team and led his team to the final of one of the invitational tournaments only to lose to Daisuke Kaida’s Ōmori United.

“I can’t do it” said Shin as he misses shots trying to make the ball reaches to the basket.

“What’s wrong?” asked Saori.

“I can’t shoot anymore after I made a special training with our new manager Takehiro. He thinks that I didn’t made shots at the perimeter, but I made it well during the invitationals” said Shin.

“Well, you have to target the basket by shooting the ball with your own skill. Watch this” said Saori as she demonstrated the jump shot to Shin and the ball enters to the basket. “See, Shin. I told you that you have to aim for the basket. Now, you try.”

“Okay, here goes” said Shin as he shoots the ball and the ball enters to the basket like Saori did earlier. “I made it! Thanks, Saori! You’re a great coach and your teaching works!”

“See, I told you to aim at the basket to shoot. By the way, Kazunari said that we should about your future after Nashiba” said Saori.

“Oh, sure, Saori” said Shin.

At the meeting between Shin and the managers, the managers Takehiro and Kumi Nakajima need to plan things with Shin.

“I’m going to train here while in college?” asked Shin.

“That’s right, Shin. Since you are in college, I talked to your coach in your school and he said that you need to undergo training with us for a while. I have to admit that you need to be with us for a special training. Since I have the duties as the manager of the team, I need you to join with us after your classes are done” said Takehiro.

“Well, I’m sure that it will work out for me” said Shin.

“You’ll be fine, Shin. I believe in you and it appears that you have some letters” said Kumi Nakajima.

“Oh, the letters, okay” said Shin. “Let’s see what you got here.” As he reads the letters from different institutions, he found out that he will be playing his team for the Ōmori Invitational this May.

“Oh, I finally gonna participate at the invitational! Yes, woohoo!” said Shin as he was so happy that his team will participate at the Ōmori Invitational. Takehiro and Kumi Nakajima finally praise him to have him and his team invited to the event.

“So, it’s your chance to win this event. I wanted to win this tournament for us and I believe that you should do it by yourself” said Takehiro.

“Yeah, I promise” said Shin.

“Promise us not to lose this event?” asked Kumi Nakajima.

“Yeah, Kumi! No problem! I’ll do it for my former colleagues and my teammates” said Shin.

“Glad that you’re happy with this letter” said Kazunari.

“Yeah, Kazunari. I’ll be hoping that my team will end up victorious” said Shin.

“Good for you, Shin. Because I have another plan” said Kumi Kaneda.

“What is it?” asked Shin.

“Your father wants to come back to your former school to become the manager of the Mikawa Elementary School for the Hasegawa Cup” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Mikawa? Well, I supposed I can do it, but what are other options?” said Shin.

“Take part of our committee for the Hasegawa Cup?” asked Kazunari.

“Uh, I would rather coach my father’s team for the Hasegawa Cup” said Shin.

“Then, good. I’ll make sure that your friends will react about coaching your father’s team for the event” said Kazunari.

“Oh, sure. I hope I will be facing against any team in the tournament” said Shin.

“The draw will be on Monday and I believe that you have to come on Monday to determine the draw. Also, on Sunday, I heard that Subaru’s class will battle against your team, Shin. Do you want the match to be happened?” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Sure, I’ll do it!” said Shin.

“Then, it’s all settled! I will be excited to see your team playing against Subaru’s classmates on Sunday at the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Takehiro.

“The Misawa Resort Hotel? That’s the place where I did an incident before” said Shin.

“Oh, my god! You gotta be kidding me, Shin! I think you should keep your patience high when you go there” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Yeah, one time I lost my patience, I fought against my classmates during the intramurals and I got a suspension for a day” said Shin.

“You have to keep your cool to win that game. I’ll be rooting for you” said Kazunari.

“Me, too! It’ll be fine to cheer your team to win!” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Well, thank you, Kazunari and Kumi. I will be ready on Sunday to battle against them” said Shin.

“Attaboy, Shin!” said Takehiro as he gives Shin a buddy hug to support Team Mizusaki for the game against Subaru’s classmates.

“Wait guys! I almost forgot about when you have some time to train before the game?” said Shin.

“Here at the gym, Shin! Just call us if you want to train here” said Takehiro.

“Okay, thanks, Takehiro!” said Shin.

“You’re welcome!” said Takehiro.

Later, the training was finished and Kazunari and Kumi Kaneda have to leave Nashiba to go home.

“If you want to continue our investigation, just call us!” said Kazunari.

“Okay, Kazunari! Bye, guys! See you soon!” said Issei and Asia.

“See ya, guys!” said Kumi Kaneda and Kazunari.

“Wow! At least Shin finally gains its focus on playing and coaching” said Takehiro.

“For me, Shin needs to improve his basketball and coaching skills to help his team to win games” said Kumi Nakajima.

“Takehiro and Kumi, I think we should go back to Kuoh Academy for our work” said Asia.

“Yeah, we want to go back to our training at the gym” said Asami.

“Okay, good luck with your team, Asami and Reiji!” said Takehiro.

“Take care of you two!” said Kumi Nakajima.

“We will. Bye!” said Asami, Reiji and the members of the Occult Research Club as they leave the Nashiba High School to go back to Kuoh Academy for their works to be done.

Meanwhile, Kazunari and Kumi Kaneda were in the taxi as they are heading back home.

“So, Kazunari, are you excited about the Hasegawa Cup?” asked Kumi Kaneda.

“Yeah, Kumi. It seems that it’s one week to go before this event and I have to give this progress report to Subaru about Shin” said Kazunari.

“Oh, yeah. I hope that we will continue the investigation Kuoh Academy about trying to improve their basketball program. I hope that when I’m going to watch the Hasegawa Cup, this will be a new competition for the youngsters” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Yeah, Kumi. I was thinking if we’re going to gather a meeting on Monday for the students of Nashiba High School for the event” said Kazunari.

“Oh, you’re right. Maybe I can come, but do you have anything else you want to do before the event?” said Kumi Kaneda.

“I have plans to go back to Kuoh Academy by Thursday to continue the investigation, but I have to ask Subaru if I can have time to leave my home to visit Kuoh Academy again” said Kazunari.

“Well, if that’s your plan, then I’ll be joining with you” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Oh, okay, Kumi, you’re on!” said Kazunari.

“Thanks, Kazunari. I knew you can count on you with that investigation” said Kumi Kaneda.

“Anytime, Kumi, anytime” said Kazunari.

The taxi stops at the taxi stand as Kazunari and Kumi Kaneda leaves the taxi and they’ll walk home. Later, while the bus moves to the Kuoh Academy, Reiji and Asami asked Issei about going to visit Issei’s home.

“Uh, Issei, can you visit your home?” asked Reiji.

“Pretty please, Issei? I’m so excited to visit your home” said Asami.

“Okay, you two, you’re in!” said Issei.

“Yeah!” said Reiji and Asami.

“So, Issei, are you going to let the two come to your home?” asked Asia.

“Yep, Asia. Well, we should plan something for next weekend after the first day of classes” said Issei.

“Well, what do you have in mind?” asked Asia.

“About going to Kyoto for two days” said Issei.

“What are you gonna do at Kyoto?” asked Irina.

“To visit the first home of the Dragon Crimson Clan” said Issei.

Issei said this because Rias wanted to go back to her ancestors in Kyoto to know about the secrets of their clan. Also, the other clans that are part of the Dragon Crimson Clan are planning to join with Rias and her friends to visit Kyoto on April 3 & 4. It seems that Issei had some plans to do with the clan as he and his members of the Occult Research Club will go on a vacation in Kyoto along with the Dragon Crimson Clan.

UP NEXT: Chapter 20: "A Family Affair"
 
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I finally begin planning to write Volume 3 by brainstorming the ideas and I will write new chapters for that volume by the time I finish brainstorming. Here is the plan that I was hoping for in order reveal the secret of the Kirihara Middle School’s basketball director.

When I was watching the series finale of Ro-Kyu-Bu! SS, I found out that Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinata will stay in Keishin for middle school and let Subaru to be their coach for their own team. It seems that I planned an idea for Chapters 26 and 27 that during the intramurals, the basketball director of Kirihara Middle School talks to Subaru about the performance of their players and decided to let them enroll at Kirihara Middle School. But when Ginga talks to the basketball director of Keishin Academy about this after meeting with Subaru and his friends, the Keishin Academy’s basketball director knows this and they will meet with the Kirihara Middle School’s basketball director when the deadline of the registration of teams for the Hasegawa Cup reaches that day.

I currently plan this for the future chapters and I will be giving you the full teaser for Volume 3 when I finish brainstorming ideas in the future. Also, I will be planning to write Special Chapter 3 about Miyu Aida and Rena Ashihara of Suzuridani Girls' Academy. They will talk about how their relationship maintain after their first game in the district tournament against the Keishin Academy. By the way, by December, I’ll be posting new chapters for Volume 3 soon. So, stay tuned for that and enjoy reading Chapter 20!:)

When the problems of Shin Mizusaki were solved, the Occult Research Club and the members of the Dragon Crimson Clan have planned a vacation in Kyoto in order to meet their fellow descendants from the first patriarch. Also, if the members of the Occult Research Club have revealed many secrets and mysteries about their clan, they believe that they were born as supernaturalism was existed and so, Sona had decided to use the “mirror” world, in order to create a “crimson” world in the alternate universe. When the meeting is done, they are hopefully ready to visit Kyoto next week to see the mysteries and secrets of the Dragon Crimson Clan.

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 20: “A FAMILY AFFAIR”

“Well, Asami and Reiji, I will be glad if you can come to our home later on. But right now, when we’re back to Kuoh Academy, the training is waiting for you” said Issei.

“Okay, Issei! We’re glad that you’re here!” said Asami and Reiji.

“Sure! Anytime, you two” said Issei.

The Occult Research Club, Asami and Reiji were on their way back to the Kuoh Academy to finish their duties for the day. As the bus will about to move back to the school, Irina asked Koneko about the plans for Kyoto.

“As what I said, Koneko, Rias is planning to gather all of us for a team meeting later on” said Irina.

“Well, I supposed that we should be aware that the opening of classes will be on April and I’m sure that a vacation will fall on a Saturday that is April 3. I’m sure Rias will tell us something” said Koneko.

“Then, Asia and I will talk about the plans we need to make sure the vacation is set” said Irina.

“Well, obviously, I’m sure that would be nice to be prepared soon, but I hope that the members will agree to this” said Koneko.

“Koneko, there are some members who might join us in order to look at the historical site in Kyoto where the Dragon Crimson Clan originates in that area” said Asia.

“Well, I guess that the secrets to this are not known to the public” said Koneko.

“Exactly! So, I wonder what’s inside in the clan’s historical site” said Asia.

“I don’t know, but Rias and the Gremories know this, so, please, don’t spoil it” said Koneko.

“Okay, Koneko, got it!” said Asia.

The bus finally stops to the Kuoh Academy as the Occult Research Club is now back to work for the rest of the day. Later, rumors surrounding the Kuoh Academy Basketball Team that a possible addition to the team may happen next week. Asami and Reiji would visit to the gym.

“Hey, everyone! How’s it going?” said Reiji.

“I found out that a new member may join to this team soon” said Atsushi Hamada.

“What? You’re kidding. I’m sure what would be his appearance look like” said Reiji.

“Well, he’s a power forward and he came from Shibuya and he has great skills like us” said Kiyoshi Akaike.

“Who is he?” asked Reiji.

“His name is Hideki Mitobe and also, a first year student enrolled at Kuoh Academy” said Atsushi.

“Oh, I believe that this guy will be taking part of this team” said Reiji.

“That’s right, Reiji! I think you and that guy will have to train together when he’ll be here for the first time” said Kiyoshi.

“Well, I’m sure that the new guy may be stronger than us” said Reiji.

“We’ll see” said Atsushi.

“So, Asami, how’s the visit to Nashiba High School?” asked Yurika Higuchi.

“Well, it was a fine school that has a basketball program and I met Shin Mizusaki” said Asami.

“So, that guy was interesting to me and I heard that name in the news about his actions against the daughter of an adviser of the athletic department” said Sumire Tosaka.

“Yeah, I think he is now in training with his team, so that he can play in college as soon as possible. Right now, Nashiba is a contender in the future competitions, so I’m sure that our boys may need strength to beat them” said Asami.

“Oh, I see. So, Kuoh needs our boys the strength to win games. That would a great idea, Asami” said Yurika.

“Me too! I wonder the boys are going to plan this team when they’ll face each other in a friendly match” said Sumire.

“Well, I figured it out that the boys must be good in magic defense, but maybe the staff can give the boys a hard training every weekend” said Asami.

“Yeah, that’s why I want to know if the boys are doing great as of now because they might be up to something with the new guy name Hideki Mitobe” said Yurika.

“Oh, that guy is so food and I can think of me and him going together” said Sumire.

“Well, I don’t know, but he hasn’t been popular yet since his great strength and versatile skills are outclassing his opponents” said Asami.

“That’s true, Asami. We will wait to see him, girls” said Yurika.

“Yeah!” said Sumire and Asami.

“Everyone! Enough talking about this!” said Serafall as the members of the Kuoh Academy Basketball Team stop talking about the news about Hideki Mitobe. Then, she continues talking with the team. “Players, I almost forgot that all of you will have a friendly match against Kikuchiba Academy girls’ basketball team on Saturday.”

“Wow! A match against Kikuchiba? That would be great, girls!” said Yurika.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Kuoh Academy girls’ basketball team.

“Boys, we have a match against the Nashiba High School on Sunday at their court, but it seems that some of their members are not gonna participate because they become organizers for the Hasegawa Cup. So, right now, this match against Nashiba will test to see who the team gets the stronger strategy and the other with the weaker strategy” said Shinobu while talking to the members of the boys’ basketball team.

“Well, how will you figure it out about their strength?” asked Reiji.

“We’ll see about that when the game starts” said Shinobu.

“Okay, everyone! The training is finished, you may dismiss” said Serafall and Shinobu.

The members of the Kuoh Academy Basketball Team have left the gym and later pack their things to go home. Asami and Reiji, who were refreshed again, went to the fountain of the Kuoh Academy.

“Reiji, are you actually a member of the Matsutomo-Minagawa Clan?” asked Asami.

“Yeah, Asami. I’m the eldest of the four children of Eikichi and Reiko. Of course, my younger siblings are studying in Ōta since all except my younger sister were graduated from Edogawa” said Reiji.

“Well, at least you follow your father’s footsteps to become the heir to the clan” said Asami.

“Yep. I will be the leader someday, but still I wanted to explore the Kuoh Academy since this school has many buildings and their environment was nice” said Reiji.

“I meant to say is that your blue armband you’re wearing all day is sacred. How did you get that?” said Asami.

“It was given from my grandfather when I was born as an infant. The symbol of this armband represents the goodwill and resiliency of the clan’s history” said Reiji.

“Well, for that time, it was so great to join some gathering with your clan members” said Asami.

“Yeah, my siblings trust me to do it and they always seen me playing basketball. I was so glad that I wanted to build a family someday” said Reiji.

“Well, then, are you prepared to be determined if you wanted to be with me?” asked Asami.

“Well, yes” said Reiji.

“Good!” said Asami.

“But what I say is that you’re prettier than my former classmates from Takahata Middle School” said Reiji.

“Oh, you’re so sweet, Reiji!” said Asami.

“Well, thank you, Asami!” said Reiji. Then, he saw the watch that it says 5:12. “Oh, Asami. I almost forgot that Issei said that maybe we should join us.”

“Oh, okay!” said Asami.

“Then, let’s wait for Issei and others to join us!” said Reiji.

“Okay!” said Asami. Ten minutes later, Issei and the members of the Occult Research Club were arrived from the building and Asami and Reiji would join the group to visit the Hyodo Residence.

Later, when they arrived at Issei’s home, the members of the Occult Research Club, along with Asami and Reiji went to the room of Issei to wait the others to enter. When the members of the Occult Research Club finally arrived at Issei’s room, Rias opens her computer to call her fellow clan members to begin the chat.

“Millicas! Seekvaira! Sairorg! Ajuka! We have an urgent meeting!” said Rias as she called the members of the Dragon Crimson Clan to start the meeting. Millicas Gremory, Seekvaira Agares, Sairorg Bael and Ajuka Beelzebub were appeared via the chat organizer where they are ready to talk with Rias Gremory about the clan’s trip to Kyoto on April 3 to 4.

“So, Rias, what’s up?” asked Millicas.

“I have plans with regards of going on a vacation in Kyoto with the members of the Dragon Crimson Clan” said Rias.

“Well, I believe that we’re hopefully going to visit there to go to the clan’s historical site” said Issei.

“I see. Rias, I believe that we should go there before I believe that there are secrets in the clan. Of course, the members of the Occult Research Club would be allowed to take part of this expedition” said Sairorg.

“Yeah, Sairorg. I think they are my friends and I hope that when we go there, we should be ready to explore our old place” said Rias.

“It sure that this expedition will be different from before, but maybe Issei and his friends should help you out when we go there” said Millicas.

“Yep, my nephew. I believe that the family name of Gremory will grow responsibility to know everything with the clan” said Rias.

“Of course, Rias. I believe that there are some members of the clan were hopefully going to know the secrets and actions may be ordered under the leader of the clan” said Seekvaira.

“Who?” asked Rias, Millicas, Sairorg and Ajuka.

“Zeoticus” said Seekvaira.

“I believe that my father may know about this” said Rias.

“That’s right. There are many secrets in the clan saying that the Dragon Crimson Clan has collected members rise from the rebelled Crimsons in Kyoto to the division of the clan by creating new family names based on the “devil” world. The names Gremory, Bael, Belial and Lucifer were adapted from the first patriarch of the clan name Nobunori Karashima whose new name is Geoticus Duraregu” said Ajuka.

“Seeing the fact that the community of Dragon Crimson in Kyoto and Tokyo have been increased since the modern era” said Sairorg.

“We were coming from the devils and we thought that we were “aliens”, we have our original names until the leading patriarch names any one of the group. With that, we were descended from the rebelled Crimsons, who were crimson-colored military uniforms who wanted to build a new community for the first ancestors of the Dragon Crimson Clan” said Millicas.

“Well, it seems that there any many secrets to be known by the members and I say that the other clans have other secrets basically from the historical accounts and legends. We bear the name Dragon Crimson Clan or Karakurenai Clan as the constructive group of inhabitants seek for occultism” said Rias.

“You got it right, Rias. Then, I wanted to know that they are some members want to read some accounts to see how the Karakurenai Clan exists from the descendants of the famous Nobunori Karashima. They were once being famous on the Crimson Movement that was accomplished until the deportation during the Second World War” said Seekvaira.

“So, where are the places that we should go to Kyoto?” asked Rias.

“The Karakurenai Temple and the tomb of the original Karashimas” said Millicas.

“That’s sacred, Millicas. Maybe there are many ancestors die for the name of Karakurenai and wish to be buried with Nobunori. It seems that we should prepare the old ways” said Ajuka.

“Valon Zagan said that there any some members of the clan have use the clan’s initiation to bring the souls alive. It was existed in the legends, but I don’t think we should do it all by ourselves” said Sairorg.

“Well, we should do it” said Rias.

“Okay, Rias. But one question: can these friends of yours may need safety while doing this?” said Sairorg.

“Yes, Sairorg. I will protect my friends from harm” said Rias.

“Oh, good. We should be ready for the initiation and the places we go” said Sairorg.

“Basically, the idea of a crimson world was all sacred, but one day when a world was formed, we should bear the ideas to create a crimson world” said Rias.

“That’s right, everyone! I think the plan to create a crimson world would be a great idea until the days’ future past as long as our descendants will inherit this” said Millicas.

“Indeed! Are we clear to build this in the future?” said Seekvaira.

“Yes! We’ll hopefully make this happen” said Sairorg, Rias, Millicas and Ajuka.

“Okay! Now, can we move on to something what we are born from: the Karakurenai Clan” said Seekvaira.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
"A Family Affair" Part 2

Seekvaira would tell the story about the Karakurenai Clan and its existence until its modern era.

“The Karakurenai Clan was born from the merchants and colonial legitimists at the time during the Meiji era. Originally, they were born as Japanese, but later, they were influenced outside Japan with foreigners. Basically, the clan has 72 third-generation members descended from the second-generation members. It was said that these people were born under the idea of creating new names when the seventy second was born” said Seekvaira.

“One day, Nobunori dies old in his nineties and later his children die too due to their old age. Then, the seventy-two begin to set their own journeys and later the great Takehiro Karashima have called on a meeting to gather them for a meeting and said that all will change their names based on what he read the secrets of occultism. Then, occultism became the new religious focus for the family despite of Shinto learnings continue” said Millicas.

“A hybrid of Shintoism and occultism was born before the Second World War as they were against the policies of the Showa Emperor. It seems that they have purpose on trying to support the Emperor and they decided to keep it secret. Once the war was ended, the members of the Karukurenai Clan begin to shift from militarism to politics as they even want a better place in Japan. So, they transfer their homes to Tokyo and their descendants like us were lived ever since” said Rias.

“The reason why the Karukurenai Clan never lost its honor during the Second World War is because their members want to fight for the Emperor and after the nation becomes more democratic in the 50s, they begin working on creating a crimson world. How long were basically need to use this for the fact that creating a new world would take this too long to finish for many years” said Ajuka.

“By then, the Karukurenai Clan said their names in Goetic instead of Japanese because they use this for secretive purposes. No one has ever reveal it because they wanted to use both names as they wanted to live in the name of the clan. How long we ever been here? We have many members of the clan who thought about occult and magic and this should take any time we ever commit for the family and the clan” said Ajuka.

“So, that’s why the members of the Karukurenai Clan have been developed as ritual defenders who wanted to respect each other’s families” said Issei.

“That’s true, Issei. And not all of us have respected to each other, but also the members of the clan. We wore the crimson armband as a sign of being a member of the clan. If someone marry a person who is from another clan, he/she may renounce its rights to wear this armband and be removed from the clan” said Rias.

“So, I thought that everyone is allowed to marry a member of the Karukurenai Clan, but what about the other clans?” said Asia.

“The other clans have some other ideas based on what they did in the past and in the present. Of course, they can’t allow marry any one of us unless a female member can renounce his/her family name and join to another clan” said Millicas.

“The other thing is that a new cadet of a strong family can be made if a member of the family has many children. We see this at least 8 members have too many children” said Rias.

“Yeah, I think you’re all famous from leading the clan since they have hairs red or crimson-like. Why are you adopting the name Karukurenai Clan?” said Yuto.

“Its name “karukurenai” means foreign crimson” said Ajuka.

“So, that’s why all of you were sporting red hairs and wearing the clan’s uniforms. Are the name “karukurenai” appeared in your shirts?” said Akeno.

“Yes, Akeno. The name bears on our clan’s crest in shirts and fortunately, we decided to keep the logo in Kyoto to recognize every one of us that we’re coming from the clan” said Seekvaira.

“So, what are you planning to build a crimson world in the future?” asked Koneko.

“As what I said earlier, the crimson world was all sacred. It has many things they ever made as people believe that the crimson world can be created by exploring the universe to colonize a new land. It depends on the shape of the planet we ever plan in the future, so that we should live there in the future” said Rias.

“The existence of the crimson world is very huge to make, and it has been projected and when we’re transported to that world, we will create timewarps to jump to another world, but it will take it too long to have this one” said Xenovia.

“I assured that when we created the crimson world outside the Solar System, we should transport everything we need and the only we can exist is an alternate world that can differentiate both worlds when we explore the new world” said Irina.

“That’s right, Irina and Xenovia. Our plans to create the new world should be done once the initiation is done and according to the historical accounts, we should do that before summer. We can’t have this world to be destroyed. Once we created the crimson world, we should live there permanently” said Sairorg.

“The Five Great Karukurenais are currently lived in Kyoto and we have to meet them before we will start the initiation” said Rias.

“So, that’s what you’re planning, Rias” said Ravel.

“Yeah. Being a member of the Karukurenai Clan has many responsibilities and that’s why, Ravel, you have to do your duties too” said Rias.

“Okay, Rias. So, after summer, we’re now going to that place: the crimson world” said Ravel.

“Yep. It’s going to make things differently and we should begin inheriting the new land and we should start doing this before reaches summer” said Rias.

“On the other hand, our forms will be differed once we’re transported to the crimson world. It seems that the work of a devil can only be made to extract evil powers” said Seekvaira.

“So, all of our powers will be formed once we’re in this new world. I can wait to see how the new world works” said Gasper.

“Yep. There are also some changes when the culture of the crimson world exists” said Sairorg.

“Then, it will be fine to live, and the population will be changed depends on the creation of a new world” said Rosseweisse.

“As you can see, the crimson world cannot copy the replica of planet Earth and the population would be changed, but with a limited number of people that was projected to live in this new world” said Millicas.

“The best part is that once the new world was formed, we will explore the new world and timewarps will be created to warp to another world” said Seekvaira.

“Hmm. So, the planet Earth will be safe without us and our powers will be passed to someone who will inherit this” said Azazel.

“I know what about us” said Asami as she and Reiji want to inherit powers from them.

“So, are those two are new members of the club, Rias?” asked Azazel.

“Asami is the member of the club, but Reiji isn’t” said Rias.

“Hmm. I’ll say that these two can give powers to use it in the crimson world while the body double will be created” said Azazel.

“That’s a great idea! Maybe the body double should be created to mimic your characteristics and movements you have” said Rias.

“So, we should to this before the weekend, Rias” said Millicas.

“Sure!” said Rias.

“Good! Now, we can explain about what should look the equivalent of Kuoh Academy” said Ajuka.

“I think it is Kikuchiba Academy” said Sairorg.

“Kikuchiba Academy? That’s my school that I’m going to battle soon” said Asami.

“Oh, I see. Maybe I can tell you that Kuoh Academy and the Kikuchiba Academy were looked the same. Of course, we should let the members join the conversation” said Rias.

“Okay!” said Asami.

Rias contacted Sona to join the conversation, then she asked her to call Miki Shimizu and Sumire Shiraishi to join the conversation as well. Later, Miki and Sumire appears on Rias’ computer to join the conversation.

“Hello, Miki! Hello, Sumire!” said Asami and Rias.

“So, you two are welcomed to this conversation and since you’re from the real world, we’re from the Karukurenai Clan. I’m Rias Gremory and this is Asami Shimizu” said Rias.

“Hey! That’s my younger sister” said Miki.

“Oh, I know why you are here” said Sumire.

“Yeah, I can believe that we’re going to be teammates when my body double will be in the new world, along with Reiji Matsumoto” said Asami.

“Wow! I know what you are thinking, and it seems that you will be with us soon” said Miki.

“Okay!” said Asami.

“So, you must be Reiji. Nice to meet you, Reiji” said Sumire.

“Nice to meet you, Sumire. Guess what, Asami and I were dating” said Reiji, much to the members of the Occult Research Club’s shock.

“Whoa! You say what?!” said Issei.

“Yeah, the two of us will have our body double to the crimson world while we’re going to play with your school, Miki and Sumire” said Reiji.

“Oh, that’s so sweet” said Miki.

“What love is the most splendor thing” said Asami.

“I guess that you’re the guy who loves another new student” said Issei.

“I think we should be keep this secret, guys. I think the other viewers are speechless” said Reiji.

“Okay, fine. Just continue the conversation. We’re listening” said Millicas.

“Yeah, go on, Reiji” said Sona, Rias, Seekvaira, Sairorg and Ajuka.

“Oh, I was hoping that when the two of us will play for the Ōta League” said Reiji.

“Are you sure that you’ll be with us for the invitationals?” said Miki.

“Yeah!” said Asami and Reiji.

“Sure, you two. You can count on us when you’re going to be ready to play soon” said Miki.

“Okay, we’ll do it!” said Asami and Reiji.

“It’s fine that you two will be ready for the future competitions” said Sumire.

“I hope that your plan works before playing against us, Asami” said Miki.

“Of course, sister!” said Asami.

“Then, Rias, when the body double will be made to the crimson world, we’ll take care of those two when you and your friends are transported to the crimson world” said Miki.

“Of course, you can count on us when it will be done” said Rias.

“Good! Then, we’ll see you on the match, Asami and Reiji” said Miki.

“Okay! Bye, Miki! Bye, Sumire!” said Asami and Reiji as the screens of Miki and Sumireturn black.

“So, Rias, are these two will be playing for us for one game?” asked Sona.

“Yep, when the body doubles are here in the crimson world, we’ll make sure that this will be looked different when the crimson world is formed” said Rias.

“I wonder what would be your plans in Kyoto” said Sona.

“We should go to the Karukurenai Temple to visit the Five Great Karukurenais” said Rias.

“Well, I think this planet has a mirror world, which means that we’re living in Japan, but the part is that we’re different than the humans” said Sona.

“Yep. That’s why when we go to Kyoto, we should build the crimson world when the initiation is done” said Rias.

“I didn’t tell the others that we’re living in the mirror world, so that’s why the barrier was here to reflect the Kuoh Academy” said Issei.

“Hmm. Interesting. So, your friend Kazunari is a human and also, Kumi” said Yuto.

“I believe that when we build this crimson world, we’ll have a different appearance for the humans” said Asia.

“Is that so?” asked Sona.

“Yep. It is basically where the barriers we made is to cover the mirror world to use the warp, so that everyone can jump to another world” said Asia.

“You’re correct, Asia. That’s why these humans are great intelligent thinks and I should tell you that they visit there with the barriers we check on and we used that to photocopy the people to use to convert it to the crimson world” said Millicas.

“So, what’s the conclusion, Millicas?” asked Sona.

“There are chances that the “photocopied” people will be converted to the crimson world” said Millicas.

“Hmm. Interesting. So, that’s why the photocopies we made from the barriers are used to copy the pictures and use for the crimson world project” said Sona.

“Yeah, exactly correct, Sona” said Sairorg.

“Will you come to our trip to Kyoto?” asked Seekvaira.

“Yes, Seekvaira. I’ll also have my representatives from the Aurea Academy to come to the expedition too. That way, we’ll explore the secrets of the Karukurenais” said Sona.

“Hmm. Okay, Sona. You’re welcomed to come to our expedition” said Azazel.

“Okay, Azazel. Thank you, everyone” said Sona.

“You’re welcome, Sona” said Rias, Sairorg, Seekvaira, Millicas and Ajuka.

“So, how’s work in Aurea Academy” asked Ajuke.

“Just to create my own invention, the barrier photocopy formulator” said Sona. “So, that would be used to create a new world by copying those pictures.”

“So, we should know that the mirror world was used to reflect the other world that is differed from what you see” said Yuto.

“Yeah. We will finally have the time to create the crimson world in order to allow the photocopies that Sona creates and the ideas we build to come to life” said Rias.

“So, what are the other ideas to create the new world?” asked Millicas.

“Maybe we should add magic in the crimson world since the mirror world has magic” said Sona.

“That’s a great idea, Sona!” said Rias.

“Okay, Sona, if magic should be existed in the crimson world, we should have that invention come to life as well” said Sairorg.

“Okay, anything else?” asked Rias.

The members of the Occult Research Club said either “none of the above” or “no ideas to be added” while others nodded to say “no”.

“Okay, it’s all clear. We have them in the plans to create” said Rias.

“Okay, Rias. We should have our dinner right now and all of you, we’ll see you on Friday night” said Millicas.

“Okay!” said Rias, the she turned to the members of the Occult Research Club “Friday night, everyone. We should leave early before Saturday.”

“Okay, Rias!” said the members of the Occult Research Club.

“Alright, we’re ready!” said Rias.

“Good! Then, let’s make this expedition to be the best, guys!” said Ajuka as the screens of Ajuka, Seekvaira, Sairorg, Millicas and Sona turn black. Later, Rias close her computer.

“Okay, everyone!” said Rias. “I think we should be ready to visit my ancestor’s home and I hope the mirror world will be transported to the crimson world” said Rias.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Occult Research Club.

“Then, let’s eat before we play. Okay, guys?” said Rias.

“Okay!” said the members of the Occult Research Club. The members of the Occult Research Club would later eat their dinner as Issei’s parents give them some delicious ramen noodles and tempura.

Later, Asami, Reiji, Ravel and Gasper play video games in the television.

“Well, Asami, Reiji, I think you’re enjoying playing video games” said Ravel.

“Yeah, I love to play this thing. I think these games are sometimes have ratings. For example, some games are rated Mature” said Asami.

“It looks like you’re good in describing everything” said Gasper.

“That’s true. I believe that observing the items in order to play is the most important thing you have to watch out” said Reiji.

“There are many games I like to play on my home. My brother Riser usually likes to play games that are related to women” said Ravel.

“Oh, yeah” said Reiji.

“So, your brother is seemed to be travelling elsewhere, but I heard that he will be joining the expedition soon” said Asami.

“Well, it seems that he will come to our expedition until his own training to use fire weapons are finished” said Ravel.

“Will he show up to battle against some enemies? I think he’s a great shooter in firing some opponents” said Reiji.

“Yeah, he can shoot at any opponent, but his skills are much not a little bit” said Ravel.

“So, what do you have in mind with you dating with Gasper?” asked Asami.

“Well, since you ask for it, I’ll explain. There’s no right or wrong if I would date this guy, but I was thinking that I would love Issei, but I’m thinking that I had to have two lovers with him and Gasper” said Ravel.

“Well, I guess you have the point in dating me despite that I want to be with you while Issei is the real guy to date him” said Gasper.

“Oh, do you think we’re gonna test the two you to date?” asked Reiji.

“No, I wouldn’t” said Ravel.

“Me, either” said Gasper.

“Fine. How about you will play together while battling against us?” asked Ravel.

“Oh, okay. That would be great if we will win against you” said Asami.

“Okay, but don’t cry if you lose” said Ravel.

“Sure, Ravel” said Asami.

The game starts with Asami and Reiji play well against Ravel and Gasper. At the end of the game, Asami and Reiji win against Ravel and Gasper.

“Oh, I lost” said Ravel.

“Yes! You see what I was thinking? We cooperate each other” said Asami.

“Well, I didn’t want to cry if I lose this match, but I appreciate your win” said Ravel.

“Thank you, Ravel” said Asami.

“Reiji, did you enjoy a lot?” asked Gasper.

“Yeah, I enjoyed. What about you, Gasper?” said Reiji.

“Me, too. I think we’re doing fine when it comes to cooperate to each other, but I admit it. I wanted to win against you to know your strength and weakness of you” said Gasper.

“Well, I guess you’re testing me again” said Reiji.

“Yeah. Let’s play again!” said Gasper.

“Okay!” said Asami, Reiji and Ravel.

“Well, what do you know, Issei. They’re playing well together. At least, they cooperate with each other” said Rias.

“Yeah, I think they develop their relationship, but I hope they improve yet more. Rias, when the crimson world was formed, maybe there are no restrictions for polygamy” said Issei.

“Well, I hope that will work out” said Rias. The members of the Occult Research Club and the Karukurenai Clan have finalized their plans to go to Kyoto on April 3 & 4. Rias, Sairorg, Seekvaira, Millicas, Ajuka and Sona are ready to explore the secrets of the Karukurenai Clan. The Occult Research Club is also joining the expedition team to know more about the clan that was originated during the Meiji era.

UP NEXT: Chapter 21: "Subaru's Dream Plan"
 
I finally finish my ideas and scenarios for Volume 3 that will be drafted soon. Of course, these are spoilers for the upcoming chapters and the Hasegawa Cup. I have many ideas what I will do in the next part of the series. Also, I will be planning to finish Volume 2 by the first week of December before starting to post new chapters for Volume 3 starting with Special Chapter 3 (Miyu and Rena). Here are the ideas and scenarios so far for Volume 3:

The plan is:
For Chapters 25-27 and 29-32:
  • The guests from Kuroko no Basuke/Kuroko’s Basketball will appear on Chapter 26 as Tetsuya Kuroko, Shintaro Midorima, Daiki Aomine, Kazunari Takao, Junpei Hyūga, Kōsuke Wakamatsu, Ryō Sakurai, Rinnosuke Mitobe and Shun Izuki will appear as Ginga’s friends from Seirin High School, Shūtoku High School and Tōō Academy. The characters from Kuroko no Basuke/Kuroko’s Basketball will appear at any chapter I will be planning, and I will create a special chapter for them soon.
  • When Kirihara’s basketball director meets Keishin’s basketball director, they decided to plan things out: Subaru’s girls (Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinata), along with Natushi and his teammates, will remain in Keishin in exchange of some of the members from Team Takeda and Team Miyazaki to enroll at Kirihara Middle School. Megumi Kadokawa would announce that she will stay in Keishin upon hearing this, causing a three-way rivalry between Team Takeda, Team Miyazaki and Team Kadokawa. When Kadokawa forms her new team, she has 7 members from section 6-C and 5 members from section 6-B on her team.
  • Then, the other members of those were following the girls having decided to rescind their enrollment in Kirihara to stay in Keishin. Then, Jun announced that she and her group will enroll at Tamagawa Junior High School earlier as expected. In order to prevent chaos on the Family of Angels, Megumi will insert to play for Team Guardians.
  • When Miyu and Rena appear, they will step up to unite with Keishin for the Sunday’s match between the Bravehearts and the Guardians.
  • On the lists of members of Team Takeda, 13 members of the Family of Angels will enroll at Kirihara (Bold means that student will enroll at Kirihara Middle School):

    Family of Angels: Composed of four teams
    Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
    Jun’s Angels: Jun Gotō, Nozomi Momijidani, Sora Kaneshiro, Kyō Nukui, Sakura Toriumi, Kurumi Nukui, Kōme Ogi and Yuzuha Aigae
    Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Megumi Kadokawa, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa

    Team Miyazaki: Akiko Miyazaki, Natsuki Sakura, Satsuki Ōkuma, Katsuei Kōno, Asami Nakagawa, Miki Akizuki, Kōichi Aoyama and Mito Azaki
  • Anzu Ogi (Kōme’s older sister), Nanako Funatani and Dairoku Kaji would announce that they will not enroll at Kirihara and decide to enroll at Keishin Academy Middle School while resenting Akiko in the first place.
  • To end Chapter 27, Subaru and his girls have a party with the leaders of each group as they will finally prepare to play for Keishin after the decision of the Keishin Academy’s basketball director and Kirihara Middle School’s basketball director.
  • With the Miyu and Rena’s trust on Tomoka and the girls, Aya would announce to her teammates that she will be leaving Suzuridani after graduating next year to enroll at Keishin for middle school.
  • In the Bravehearts vs. Guardians match, the Bravehearts will include Miyu Aida and Rena Ashihara while the Guardians will include Megumi Kadokawa. Miyu will begin a new rivalry against Michiko while Rena will be less determined when she will play for the Bravehearts.
  • When Megumi’s team arrive during the match, they will make sure that Megumi is better than Michiko and Akiko. After the match, Megumi announced that her friends including Junichi Kamisaka (Tomoka’s cousin) will be joining Family of Angels. On the other hand, Nami and Kotoe left Team Takeda to join Team Kadokawa.
  • In the qualifiers, the fifth graders will battle against the sixth graders. Which means that only four teams will compete from the eight teams to compete.
  • All members of Ginga’s Pupils will reveal their respective schools aside from Mimi and Asumi. They will appear on Chapter 27. Kahele will speak Hawaiian-Japanese hybrid when she talks to the Bravehearts.

    Ginga’s Pupils: Kahele Hiraka, Asumi Hiramatsu, Rina Minagawa, Makoto Matsuda, Kazue Matsuoka, Kotori Katsura, Mika Mizushima, Hiroe Yamagiwa and Noriko Toyama

For Miyu and Rena (Special Chapter 3) and the Hasegawa Cup:
  • Miyu will become the coach of Rena, so that Rena will be able to learn to play 5-on-5 basketball by using her new moves from Miyu.
  • Assumed that Rena will improve her skills during the next three games of the District Tournament, she will play better in her games against her opponents at the Hasegawa Cup including Keishin.
  • In the Hasegawa Cup, the first round and quarterfinal games will be displayed as montage in order to move on to the semifinal matches. Also, Keishin Academy 6th Graders vs. Keishin Academy 5th Graders will be a full-length match as well as the Final between Keishin Academy 6th Graders and Suzirdani Girls’ Academy.
  • When Miyu begins to trust Tomoka and her friends, she may end up befriend them and said that she is the one who let the girls remain in Keishin over enrolling in Kirihara.
  • Rena will no longer do dirty tricks to TsubaHii and Masami during the Final after she did a proper apology to them and promised not to repeat any offensive actions to them in a game against Tsubaki’s team.
  • Although Aya joins the Bravehearts, she will play for Suzuridani for one more year before transferring to another school in Keishin. That means that Michiyo Tsuchiya will be appeared as the sixth woman.

For Chapter 38-39:
  • It will be divided into four scenes in one chapter. That will be eight scenes on what happened to the Bravehearts and their opponents after the Hasegawa Cup.
  • On the fourth scene in Chapter 38, the parents of each members of the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball club along with Ginga and Nayu Hasegawa will appear at the restaurant where they prepare some plans for the future.


For Sundown and Dusk (Special Chapter 4):
  • When Tomoka and Airi met Hinata’s friends whom Hinata invite, they decided to spend their enjoyment with them at the Misawa Resort Hotel. It will take place after the fourth round match between Suzuridani and Shiromidai. Also, Mimi, Asumi and Ginga’s Pupils will also appear in this special chapter.

I hope that when I’m start writing new chapters in advance, these will be finished at least one to two days and will be posted very soon. By then, I will finish Volume 2 to start posting Volume 3. But in the meantime, here is Chapter 21 with the title “Subaru’s Dream Plan”. Enjoy!:)

After the activities were done, the Bravehearts finally regroup again as they are about to eat their dinner made from Saki and Masami. Subaru is finally ready to talk to his friends and his parents about his long awaited plan for the future as the Bravehearts will start recreating basketball in Nishina by organizing the Hasegawa Cup. Then, he wanted to make sure that his friends including his girls were enjoyed playing basketball. Since his family is good in basketball, Subaru wanted to take opportunity to play alongside his friends in Nashiba High School. Of course, there are proposals made by the Bravehearts and all they have to do is to execute the plans and then accomplish it before next year. Everybody knows that Subaru is the Braveheart Sensation during his days in Keishin Academy and in Kirihara Middle School.

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 21: “SUBARU’S DREAM PLAN”

Subaru, Aoi, Satsuki and Tae continue to train with Team Blue and Yellow and Team Purple for an hour before the clock reaches 4:50. It’s an hour remaining to see the other members home from their activities. Himeko, Naoko, Ichiro and Kishō went on a conversation as they are all exhausted from the training and playing.

Team Purple: Composed of two teams
Team Katayama (girls): Himeko Katayama, Mizuko Fujisaki, Yuka Suehiro, Chiyako Kayama, Hana Mikimoto, Asuka Yokoi and Kana Hanaoka
Team Hosoya (boys): Ichiro Hosoya, Sōichi Maeyama, Toshiya Shimura, Masafumi Mitamura and Hisamitsu Tsuchida


Team Blue and Yellow: Composed of three teams
Team Sugisaki: Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa, Kishō Ogata and Miori Misawa
Team Kikuchi: Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Yoshinori Toshima and Akitsugu Wakui

Team Minato: Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida

“Himeko, I know you’re very strong like the other girls do and I wonder what is your plan in building the team for the competitions to come” said Naoko Sugisaki.

“I believe that when I’m going to be ready to join the team, we’ll hopefully going to win the district tournament and I’m going to help the boys to lead the tournament, in order to compete against the best teams in each ward and district” said Himeko.

“I think you’re right, Naoko. Maybe we can help Team Purple to lead the team in the upcoming competitions and also, Mimi always like to train with them when it comes to call the shots to start the training” said Kishō.

“Yeah, Kishō. I assumed that we are fully trained and we’re all set to compete against teams for the Hasegawa Cup” said Himeko.

“So, did I, Himeko” said Ichiro.

“Are you planning to win the tournament?” asked Kishō.

“Yep. That’s why I decided to create Team Purple to represent our class’ basketball team to beat Mimi’s teams and other teams at the Hasegawa Cup” said Himeko.

“I could tell you that when we’re going to win the tournament, we’ll make sure that we’re reaching our potential in our team when we play in future competitions” said Ichiro.

“Well, you have planned your way to beat us or our friends. But you two, I believe that in Subaru’s thoughts about strengths and weaknesses, there are limitations that you have to watch out because once you use your skills too much, the weakness will enter to your team and would lose your game” said Naoko.

“I supposed that our potential was small, but when we compete against other teams, maybe we will be finished for sure” said Himeko.

“If your potential is small to beat teams, then it will falter your efforts in the game. That’s why you have to train hard as long as you’re going to make it to the top. Since then, the tournament is part of the Ōta League and there are times that you will face against some elites like the Dark Star Nights or the Willows of Ōta. I will tell you, Himeko. As long as you can make it, in the end, you will reach your destiny for your team and your potential to become a superstar” said Naoko.

“Okay, Naoko. That’s great. I mean, if our team will improve more, we’ll hopefully going to gain our chances of winning, right?” said Himeko.

“Of course! That’s why start training hard and make sure that your strengths and weaknesses would be used to settle a strategy to beat teams” said Naoko.

“Okay!” said Himeko.

“By the way, Kishō, I heard from my friends from the lower levels that once the boys’ basketball team will win the district tournament this year, we’ll make sure that we’ll finally become contenders for the prefectural tournament” said Ichiro.

“Oh, that’s why you’re planning to win competitions” said Kishō.

“Yeah. I believe that we’re ready to play for the Hasegawa Cup and we’ll show the others who we are” said Ichiro.

“That’s neat, Ichiro! Maybe we should train together while the others have many things to do” said Himeko.

“Okay!” said Ichiro.

“You two will go out there and let your teammates train. By the time, we’ll meet each other in the tournament, it’s all about challenge” said Kishō.

“Yeah!” said Ichiro and Himeko.

“Well, do your best, you two! I trust you because you are in passion to commit for the team” said Naoko.

“Thanks, Naoko! Thanks, Kishō!” said Ichiro and Himeko.

“Say, maybe we should talk to Subaru that we should play video games before Maho’s back” said Naoko.

“Sure!” said Kishō, Ichiro and Himeko. The four would talk to Subaru to ask him a favor.

“Yes, what do you want?” asked Subaru.

“Maybe if you want to play video games at the game room, would you come?” asked Naoko.

“Oh, okay! I’ll tell Aoi, Satsuki and Tae to go there and play for a half of hour” said Subaru.

“Sure!” said Naoko, Kishō, Ichiro and Himeko.

Meanwhile, Team Takeda, Tomoka and Maho are walking to Nishina afterMichiko’s appreciation party is over. Michiko was glad that she and her team will play together with Team Gotō. While walking, Tomoka calls her friends on her cellphone.

Family of Angels: Composed of two teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Hitomi Takao, Masami Nojima, Kyōji Nogami and Masanobu Uehara
Team Takeda: Michiko Takeda, Akiko Miyazaki, Nami Tamayama, Kotoe Kano, Hiroshi Yamanaka, Megumi Kadokawa, Ayane Shirakawa, Haruko Kōyama, Kozue Hanabusa and Aika Sagawa


“Hello, guys! Where are you?” said Tomoka.

“We’re here at the fountain and Masami and I were creating rice platter special meals. Do want to eat it? Just visit at the square at 5:30” said Saki.

“Okay!” said Tomoka and Maho.

“I believe that you’re doing great in making an experiment for you two, Saki and Masami” said Maho.

“Thanks, Maho!” said Saki and Masami.

“Saki, I believe that Family of Angels will participate at the Hasegawa Cup” said Tomoka.

“Really, Tomoka?” asked Saki.

“Yeah! It seems that Michiko will play for the team and also, Jun promised me to add some members to the list, so that Michiko and her team will participate at the cup” said Tomoka.

“That’s great, Tomoka! Of course, my friend Risa created a team composed of friends of mine as well as Masami’s and TsubaHii’s” said Saki.

“Yōko and Asuna have created a team for my friends while sourcing some boys for the boys’ team” said Airi.

“My sister and I have created a charming team to compete for the cup and I believe that Asumi Hiramatsu was Mimi’s friend during the basketball camp run by Ginga” said Hinata.

“So, you say that my teammate Asumi is a student of Ginga’s camp?” asked Michiko.

“Of course, Michiko! That’s why not only your teammate helps you, but for us” said Maho.

“Oh, I get it. Maybe she said to me that she met many friends at the camp and her team led to win the invitationals” said Michiko.

“Actually, Michiko, you will finally be going to step up to defeat your teammates AND your friends” said Tomoka.

“Yep. I will be ready to step up!” said Michiko.

“That’s my Michiko!” said Aika.

“She’ll never lose her cool when she plays!” said Ayane.

“And of course, I gotta have a surprise for you” said Tomoka.

“Really, Tomoka?” asked the members of the Bravehearts.

“Yep. Just wait and see. We’re on our way to the town” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said the members of the Bravehearts.

“I’ll see you later!” said Tomoka.

“We’ll be here soon!” said Maho.

“Okay! See ya, Tomoka! See ya, Maho!” said Saki as Tomoka and Saki hang up their cellphones.

“I can’t believe that they’ll come right away, guys!” said Saki.

The members of the Bravehearts nod in joy.

“I wonder what Tomoka and Maho give us” said Airi.

“Well, I think she’ll be giving something sweet. Oh, I love sweets!” said Hinata.

“Yeah! It’s going to be something delicious like an ice cream” said Tsubaki.

“Ice cream” said Mimi. “Oh, I remember that before, Tsubaki.”

“You really think so?” asked Tsubaki.

“Yep! When we ate the strawberry ice cream while Jun and the Angels were here” said Mimi.

“Ah, I know that. Maybe, Tomoka always love desserts even strawberries” said Kagetsu.

“Me either, I love desserts!” said Hiiragi.

“Saki, are they come?” asked Masami.

“I think she’s on their way to us” said Saki.

“Well, I’m glad that we have our treats here” said Masami.

“Yeah, I hope when they’ll come, we’ll eat these at the mansion” said Saki.

“Okay!” said the members of the Bravehearts.

Back at the Misawa Resort Hotel, Subaru and his friends along with Team Purple and Team Blue and Yellow play their video games. It seems that they’re enjoying playing and Subaru was very happy to enjoy playing with them.

“Subaru! Everyone! It’s already 5:30 and Ichiro and his teammates will leave to go home” said Miori.

“Oh, okay! I’ll help you, Miori” said Subaru.

“Sure!” said Miori. Ichiro and Kishō shook hands as Ichiro, Sōichi, Toshiya, Masafumi and Hisamitsu will leave the Misawa Resort Hotel to go home.

“Good luck and see you around, Ichiro!” said Kishō, who grins on Ichiro.

“Yeah! Good luck with your training!” said Ichiro.

“Okay! Bye!” said Kishō.

“Bye, everyone!” said Ichiro, Sōichi, Toshiya, Masafumi and Hisamitsu as they leave the game room to go home.

“Alright! Who wants to play more?” said Subaru.

“I do! Me too! I wanna play!” said the members of Team Blue and Yellow and Team Katayama.

“Okay! Let’s continue playing!” said Subaru.

“Yay!” said the members of Team Blue and Yellow and Team Katayama as they continue to play their video games. Of course, they will finish playing the games at exactly 5:50 as they will leave the Misawa Resort Hotel to return home to the mansion.

Tomoka, Maho and Team Takeda finally arrives at the square where they meet their friends. The Bravehearts are finally grouped again while Kazunari arrives as well.

“Hello, everyone!” said Kazunari as he waved hello to the Bravehearts.

“Kazunari! So, how’s the investigation of the Kuoh Academy Basketball Team?” said Tomoka.

“The basketball team is fine, and I heard from my classmate Kumi that Kuoh Academy is actually the mirror world of the Kikuchiba Academy” said Kazunari.

“So, how did you know?” asked Saki.

“According to the map, Kikuchiba Academy was located right here and when visit there, it was named Kuoh Academy. I believe that Kuoh Academy is existed in a mirror world that Sona Sitri creates” said Kazunari.

“I see” said Saki.

“So, why are you all here?” asked Kazuanri.

“We were here to reunite with our friends from their activities at their own homes” said Tomoka.

“Of course, we have these treats going to give them” said Maho.

“Well, okay. I believe that you are all here and Shin Mizusaki will be with us for a while before heading to play in college through a special training” said Kazunari.

“So, Shin will be with us for a while and I expected to see playing with you and Subaru soon” said Tomoka.

“Of course, Tomoka. I investigated about him a year ago and I decided to react that he has been accused by the daughter of an adviser. Kumi and I were investigating this, and Shin will be doing special training with us, so that he will finally play in college. I will have a meeting with the Nashiba High School Basketball Team on Sunday which means that we’ll add new teams to the Bravehearts” said Kazuanri.

“That’s great!” said Tomoka.

“It will be a big expansion of our group once the members of the Nashiba High School Basketball Team will join us soon” said Kazunari.

“Wow! Great news, Kazunari!” said Hinata.

“Banri and I will help the young members of the Nashiba High School Basketball Team to train to make sure that they’re going to become fully trained for the future competitions they compete” said Airi.

“Kazunari, do you mind that when Airi and Banri have created activities, can I join them?” asked Aya.

“Of course, Aya. I’ll be glad that you’ll develop your friendship with them” said Kazunari.

“Yeah, thanks” said Aya.

“Kazunari, this is for you” said Tomoka as she and Saki give the ice cream and rice platter meal to Kazunari.

“Oh, thank you, Tomoka and Saki. What are those?” said Kazunari.

“That’s the strawberry ice cream that was given from my parents” said Tomoka.

“And this is the Rice Platter Special Meal that Masami and I create for our restaurants The Nagatsuka and Sushi Fujii” said Saki.

Kazunari eats one piece of strawberry ice cream and the Rice Platter Special Meal and when he ate it all, he is happy in joy. “It’s so delicious! I love those!”

“Tomoka, this is the Rice Platter Special Meal that we’ll eat later at the mansion” said Saki.

“Oh, thank you, Saki. You’re a good “sister”” said Tomoka.

““Sister”? Well, I never heard that name before, but thank you, Tomoka” said Saki.

“You’re welcome, Saki. And this is the strawberry ice cream that we’ll serve as our dessert” said Tomoka.

“Why, thank you, Tomoka” said Saki.

“You’re welcome, Saki. Anyway, let’s go back to the mansion, guys!” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said the members of the Bravehearts as they leave the square to return home at the mansion.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
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"Subaru's Dream Plan" Part 2

Back at the Misawa Resort Hotel, Subaru, Aoi, Satsuki and Tae and members of Team Blue and Yellow and Team Katayama are leaving the game room to go to the exit of the Recreation Center. Later, they walk to the garden as they are heading home to the mansion.

“Now, that was fun, Subaru! Let’s play again soon!” said Haruyo.

“Anytime, Haruyo, but I’ll be busy with my teammates and my friends. I’ll come if I have time” said Subaru.

“Miori, are you thinking about your brother will join the staff for Team Blue and Yellow?” asked Aoi.

“Yeah, Minako said to me that my brother will be planning to join Team Blue and Yellow as a member of the staff. You see, Mitsugi is a third year junior high school student and he’s currently helping his classmates in Kirihara Middle School. Since he wanted to be part of the human resources division of our father’s company, my father let him work at his office for weekends” said Miori.

“So, will Maho accept his proposal to join the team?” asked Aoi.

“Well, yes, because our family has a tradition that every one of us will do their responsibilities as a member of the family” said Miori.

“On the bright side, you are hoping to assist Himeko and her teammates in training” said Aoi.

“I wonder it that helps because I wanted to be close with Himeko and her teammates when they’re in training. I hope that when I help them, they will let me join the basketball club for sure” said Miori.

“Ah, so, that’s why you’re trying to follow your sister’s footsteps to become a basketball player” said Aoi.

“Yep. I wanted to play basketball with my sister and she always let me play playing basketball since her friends begin to grow their friendship with her” said Miori.

“Then, your father wanted to marry Kishō when you’re growing older” said Aoi.

“Of course, I wanted to be with him all the time when Maho and her friends play video games and of course, we’re too young to marry. I will be saying that when we’re working with my father’s company, I will finally allow marrying him” said Miori.

“You’re right, Miori. Only men can marry any daughter of a businessman with a specific rule: to develop her friendship when it comes to work. Daisuke and Natsuhi were trying to do this the same thing because their parents are working in a large business” said Kishō.

“Yep. With that, we should be fine to stay at the resort hotel as usual” said Miori.

“Okay” said Kishō, who grins at Miori, who became blush on him.

“Oh, I think you’re getting developed with the admiration you deserve” said Aoi.

“Yeah, I think we should keep working on this and make sure that we’re going to marry soon” said Miori.

“Sure, Miori!” said Aoi.

“Subaru, are your friends arrived at home?” asked Himeko.

“Oh, yes, they’re finally here. Tomoka called me earlier” said Subaru.

“Oh, that’s great!” said Himeko.

“I’ll be glad that we should eat the treats they have with their inspirations” said Subaru.

“Of course, Subaru” said Himeko.

As they finally reach the mansion, Subaru, his friends, Team Blue and Yellow and Team Katayama stopped at the door. Subaru saw murmurs at the house, suspecting a surprise. He opened the door and was surprised by Tomoka, Akiko, his parents Ginga and Nayu, his aunt Mihoshi and the members of the Bravehearts.

“Surprise!” said the members of the Bravehearts, Tomoka, Akiko, Ginga, Nayu and Mihoshi. Subaru, his friends, Team Blue and Yellow and Team Katayama were shocked to see Subaru’s parents.

“Oh, everyone! What a surprise welcome I ever had since my birthday! So, what’s the surprise, Tomoka?” said Subaru.

“You see, my parents gave us the strawberry ice cream, Saki and Masami made the Rice Platter Special Meal that was popular five hours ago and your parents made a special dish just for you!” said Tomoka.

“Oh, really? Thanks, guys! That’s really great! Mom, Dad, why are you here?” said Subaru.

“Son, we missed you so much and I wanted to visit to this mansion because I wanted to talk about your future and your plans with the girls” said Ginga.

“I made this special dish for you and also your friends and the girls” said Nayu.

“Well, I think my future and my dream plan will be the main topic that I will talk about while eating this awesome treat” said Subaru.

“Thanks, Subaru! I know you are good in special dish and that’s why Tomoka, Saki and Masami share their food to you too” said Nayu.

“After eating, Subaru, let me know about your future and your dream plan” said Masami.

“Yeah, I wanna hear your plans for the Bravehearts” said Saki.

“It seems that since you are the leader of our group, I wanna know your thoughts and ideas for the future” said Banri.

“Come on, Subaru! Let me hear anything” said Airi.

“Oh, talking about his future would be great to hear” said Hinata.

“I think you’re admiring your “brother”, Hinata” said Kagetsu.

“If you are going to talk about the future, then we’re ready when you are going to execute your plans, Subaru” said Mimi.

“The more you talk about your future, the better you will succeed later” said Tomoka.

“I know you can count on you, Subaru. I trust you with my friends and now it’s up to you to contemplate your future” said Akiko.

“I think he will be ready to step up and his future will contemplate about bring Nashiba to the top” said Aoi.

“Yeah, Subaru! Since you’re the leader, I wanna hear about anything you want” said Maho.

“We should be ready for the next chapter, Subaru. What thoughts you have and then we’ll execute all of this” said Natsuhi.

“Let me know about anything, Subaru!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“I hope you fine something important in your life, Subaru” said Aya.

“Subaru, you should step up to lead the Bravehearts and by the time we’re entering college, we should tell everyone of what you planned for the future” said Nayu.

“Come on, son. What is your dream plan in your and life and your future?” said Ginga.

“Everyone is trying to help you on what you plan for the future, Subaru. I wanna hear about your ideas and plans to make sure that we’ll start executing those in the future” said Mihoshi.

“Okay, everyone! I know you are excited and I wanna say that I am one of the organizers who made the Hasegawa Cup, in order to show the youngsters to play in the real game. My friends and I were coming from the Nashiba High School. Now, my dream plan is to recreate basketball in Nishina and since it will be part of the Ōta League, your friends will finally step up to play with you” said Subaru.

“Wow! Recreating basketball in Nishina would be a big task to do so and since you’re young to make it happen, we’ll going to help you” said Ginga.

“Me, too! I wanna help you, Subaru!” said the members of the Bravehearts.

“Okay, everyone! You can count on me!” declared Subaru as the members of the Bravehearts were excited to make basketball more popular in Nishina with the Hasegawa Cup as well as projects made by his father Ginga.

“But, of course, let’s eat first!” said Subaru.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts. The members of the Bravehearts were eating their Rice Platter Special Meal while Subaru eats the special dish Nayu and Ginga give earlier. After eating, Subaru talks about his future and his dream plan.

“My dream plan is the recreate basketball in Nishina and our community in Nashiba High School wants to collaborate with the Ōta League Committee to allow the Nashiba High School and its partners to participate at the basketball tournaments. Also, I wanted to build my own team in the future” said Subaru.

“What’s your team you’re going to create?” asked Tomoka.

“As you can see, I wanted to build the team that composed of players from Keishin, Kirihara and Nashiba. Last week, I talked about the Nishina Dream Team where we will participate in future competitions” said Subaru.

“I think you find something better, Subaru. The Family of Angels had confirmed its participation at the Hasegawa Cup while the Dazzled Hearts, Team Hayashida and the Innocent Charm follow suit to participate. Of course, each team has a different set of groups created from the leaders” said Tomoka.

“I guess that they are many teams have created in order to manage the team. If the team fails to succeed, the team is disbanded, but if the team survives or dominates, the team may succeed” said Saki.

“Someday, I wanted to build my own team in order to participate at the invitationals” said Akiko.

“Uh, Akiko. I thought you are part of Team Takeda in the first place” said Michiko.

“Well, I wanted to form my own team to participate at the league and I was thinking if I will have my friends joining the team. Since there are 18 students enrolling at Kirihara Middle School in our section, there are some other members who aren’t enrolled at Kirihara would also planned to join our team” said Akiko.

“Akiko, I have many friends that I trained them before the Intramurals. I can help you with that plan. Since you’re my friend, you have the freedom to choose anyone” said Tomoka.

“Akiko, my goodness, if you’re building a new team, you will leave the current team for a new team. So, is your team joining the Hasegawa Cup?” said Subaru.

“Of course, Subaru. But my team will still part of the Family of Angels” said Akiko.

“Okay, Akiko, if that’s your choice, then do whatever you want, but you’re still part of the Family of Angels” said Michiko.

“Okay, Michiko” said Akiko.

“Sometimes I have to be happy with my friends and I want to hang out with them to enjoy playing basketball. When I’m going to have a job, I will be giving less time to play basketball. So, my future is that I will enroll at the University of Tokyo along with my teammates” said Subaru.

“Well, I like your idea because since we’re buddies, we will work together to make sure that we’re going to help our team to win” said Banri.

“I’m very delighted to enroll at the University of Tokyo and since I wanted to lead the school’s student council, I will be sometimes going busy with my work in the council. Instead, I will use my time management for my playing time and working time” said Kazunari.

“My future is that I will be working with the basketball players and I should be happier if I will help your dream plan because I inspired that idea from my friends” said Aoi.

“Giving less time to play basketball, so that we can work our part-time jobs as soon as we’re going to win the Interhigh tournament” said Satsuki.

“As what Aoi said, helping the basketball players in the community should be applied as long as that you improved your coaching skills” said Tae.

“Well, we can do this together, in order to enroll in college” said Subaru.

“Yeah, Subaru, we’ll do it!” said Banri, Kazunari, Aoi, Satsuki and Tae.

“My other plan in the future is that when summer comes, I will be spending time with you before and after the Interhigh Tournament” said Subaru.

“We want to watch the Interhigh Tournament to see you playing” said Maho.

“But if you have time to watch the Interhigh, then go ahead” said Aoi.

“Okay! At least, we’re going to participate at the Middle School District Tournament” said Maho.

“Well, since the Middle School District Tournament and Interhigh Tournament are held in summer, maybe we’ll meet each other after the game” said Kazunari.

“I supposed that we can play the game, and then watch your game. I think it’s possible to do that” said Saki.

“Of course, Saki. It depends on the schedule we play for the tournament” said Subaru.

“Okay! I know you will be fine if you’ll be ready to play for Nashiba” said Saki.

“Yeah. Also, Ginga, since the Ōta League will begin soon, can we get the schedule of the league, so that we will plan things for the future?” asked Subaru.

“Okay! But by Sunday, I will give the schedule to you” said Ginga.

“Sure, father. That way we will watch the league after the class” said Subaru.

“Okay” said Ginga.

“You see, for us, going to Kirihara Middle School will be the first step in trying to improve our basketball skills in the future” said Tomoka.

“I wonder when our friends from other sections will become classmates in our section, we’ll make sure that we’ll going to train them for the intramural competition” said Saki.

“Tomoka, I believe that our friends will be joining with us and when Maho’s parents allow our friends to stay here, we should adjust the room assignments for every one of us” said Airi.

“Yeah, Airi. The members of the Nashiba High School Basketball Team will occupy at least one room while others will be reserved for us” said Tomoka.

“Oh, even the team leaders and their teams will be assigned to stay, the mansion will be looked like a hotel. I wish that the mansion will be converted to a hotel” said Hinata.

“Hey, I can say that the Misawa Resort Hotel has planned to construct another phase where we’ll create a new building and a function hall for the guests to stay” said Maho.

“I can’t believe that if they will build a new building, the mansion will be hoarded by our friends” said Tsubaki.

“Maho, what about they will construct a new building beside the mansion like a hostel?” asked Hiiragi.

“Yeah, that would a great idea, Hiiragi” said Maho.

“Nice thinking, sister!” said Tsubaki.

“I can’t say the bad way, but I will make these situations on the good way” said Hiiragi.

“That’s true, Hiiragi. Building a new hostel would fit all our friends to stay here” said Kagetsu.

“If that happens, then the Bravehearts will have two housings to stay: the mansion and the hostel” said Mimi.

“Of course, Kagetsu and Mimi. Maybe our room assignments will be adjusted once we have many members in our group. But what about those who will work at the proposed restaurant that would be run by Masami?” said Hiiragi.

“I’ll allow my friends to sleep at that area by making a dormitory for the people who will work at my own restaurant” said Masami.

“I think you have a great idea!” said Hiiragi.

“Okay, team! We should let our friends to stay at the new hostel once the new building was completed. It should take it at least two years” said Tsubaki.

“Okay!” said Mimi, Kagetsu, Masami and Hiiragi.

“Okay, Team Balguerie. You can have your friends sleep at the new buildings while you will stay with us” said Tomoka.

“Sure, Tomoka!” said Mimi, Kagetsu, Masami, Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Now, since we’re planning to have a hostel for each team to sleep, then we need a basketball court for that area” said Subaru.

“Oh, that would make the residents to play instead at the Recreational Center” said Hinata.

“Well, that is a good idea, Subaru. I’ll make sure that when we play there, we should make sure that we’ll have many residents to stay here” said Maho.

“The basketball courts in the Resort Hotel was here to use for practice games, but the basketball court at the Recreational Center is looked like a gym and can have official games like the warm-up games, games of Ōta League and National Tournament qualifiers” said Airi.

“There are six courts used at the Resort Hotel. The first and second courts are officially our basketball court while the third up to sixth courts are optional if there are many guests and residents play” said Saki.

“Of course, we avail these courts for free since being permanent residents in the mansion. But when the basketball court at the new building was completed, that court would be our permanent training court for us to train or play while the first and second courts at the Resort Hotel will be no longer leased by us” said Tomoka.

“I believe that when the new building was here, our friends may end up switch places from the mansion to that area. At least that we’re permanent residents of the mansion” said Hinata.

“Okay, girls. I will approve the plan to Maho’s parents and when it’s done, our members will occupy two buildings to stay here” said Subaru.

“Okay!” said the members of the Bravehearts.

“Finally, one of my future plans to make is that the basketball court at the Recreational Center will be the official court for the Nishina Dream Team while the basketball courts at the Misawa Resort Hotel will be used for trainings of the Dream Team and the Bravehearts. The Bravehearts will still use the seven courts as well as the new court that was proposed by Team Balguerie” said Subaru.

“We’ll make sure that when the Nishina Dream Team will be created, we’ll finally use the Recreational Center as the main venue for our team” said Kazuanri.

“I hope the gathering will be held before summer and this time, we will begin the journey to compete against teams from the Ōta League and in Japan” said Banri.

“Not only the boys will compete to represent the Nishina Dream Team, but the girls too” said Aoi.

“That’s right, Subaru. Now, that’s the time to step up to represent our team” said Tomoka.

“Even the other members wanted to represent our team, we will create many teams to have them compete” said Mimi.

“Of course, Mimi. We’ll play for the reserves team or the teams we create” said Kagetsu.

“I should be ready to build my team, but once I’m part of the Dream Team, they’ll hopefully make sure that I will play for the team to represent Kirihara and Nishina” said Akiko.

“And that’s all the plans I have as of now. Next time, I will explore some plans in the future” said Subaru.

“Okay, everyone! It seems that we’re going home now. I’ll see you on Friday. Tomorrow and on Thursday, I will have a meeting with the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball team to take my decision to coach the team while the list that Kagetsu give to me will be submitted to the athletic director” said Ginga.

“For now, enjoy your spring break vacation!” said Nayu.

“Okay, Father! Okay, Mother! Have a safe trip when you come home!” said Subaru.

“Bye, everyone!” said Ginga and Nayu.

“Bye, Ginga! Bye, Nayu!” said the members of the Bravehearts. Ginga and Nayu would leave the mansion as they will head back home.

“I supposed that we should go back to the room because tomorrow, Team Takeda and Team Blue and Yellow will have a day-off. Don’t worry, they’ll be back on Thursday” said Subaru.

“Subaru, may I ask you a favor?” asked Akiko.

“Yes, Akiko. What do you want?” said Subaru.

“I will stay with Tomoka and I will register my team to Family of Angels when it’s done” said Akiko.

“Okay!” said Subaru. “Alright, everyone! Tomorrow, Saki said to me that her friends will come tomorrow to visit us. Then, the rest of the teams will be here on Thursday along with Team Takeda and Team Blue and Yellow. So, let’s make sure that tomorrow will greet them welcome. So, let’s enjoy the rest of the night, everyone.”

“Okay!” said the members of the Bravehearts. The leader of the Bravehearts Subaru Hasegawa has finally planned everything what he will do in the future and he and his organizers will be joined by Ginga Hasegawa as organizers of the Hasegawa Cup. Tomoka and her friends are contemplating their future as they are going to improve their basketball skills to dominate the competition. Subaru Hasegawa became known as “The Braveheart Sensation” for his shooting skills like floater, lay-up and jump shot.

UP NEXT: Chapter 22: "The Family of Blue Stars (Part 1)"
 
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Since then, I supposed that I have to start writing new chapters for Volume 3 and I have to tell you that it will take 1 1/2 to 2 months to finish Volume 3 if I remember correctly. By the way, I will make sure that I will post Chapters 22, 23, 24 and Special Chapter 2 right away before doing some Extras stuff. While I write Chapter 25, here is the next chapter for the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series. It is the first part of The Family of Blue Stars featuring Akiko Miyazaki, Ran Mikazuki and Risa Nagasaki. Enjoy!:)

While the members of Team Takeda and Team Blue and Yellow have to go home for a day in order to prepare for tomorrow’s activities, Akiko Miyazaki wanted to form her own group through her friends Ran Mikazuki and Risa Nagasaki. Ran Mikazuki, Risa Nagasaki and Akiko Miyazaki were close friends as they were known as the Family of Blue Stars. As Akiko is the only member of section 6-C that joined the group, she was able to talk to them through chat. Now, Akiko realizes that she had to create her own team, in order to allow her team to be part of the Family of Angels. The Family of Blue Stars became popular in music and of course, they have their own hobbies: cycling, cooking and reading novels. Also, Risa has many friends on the section 6-G as her batch is consisted of 7 sections instead of 6. Thus, the Dazzled Hearts are almost completing their roster with the rest of the friends of Masami, Tsubaki and Hiiragi will come tomorrow.

VOLUME 2: “FRIENDS AND RELATIONS”
CHAPTER 22: “THE FAMILY OF BLUE STARS” (PART 1)

The next day begins with Team Takeda (except for Akiko Miyazaki) and Team Blue and Yellow (composed of Team Sugisaki, Team Kikuchi and Team Hashimoto) leave the mansion to go to their respective homes. They’ll be back home tomorrow as the gathering of teams will be held tomorrow in preparing for the training for the Hasegawa Cup. While on their way to the fountain of the square, they saw Team Nagasaki, led by Risa Nagasaki. Team Nagasaki is part of the Dazzled Hearts.

Dazzled Hearts: Composed of four teams
Team Nagasaki: Ran Mikazuki, Risa Nagasaki, Yoshitsugu Nakagawa, Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada

Team Matsuda: Mieko Matsuda, Shiori Satō, Jirō Kitagawa and Katsuko Miyazawa
Team Misawa: Kyoko Hiraki and Yurika Akagawa
Team Shimojō: Ken Yamamoto, Aya Shimojō, Shinobu Higashimura, Sukehiro Gotō, Takahiro Sugihara and Keiko Hosada
Staff: Akira Nagatsuka and Masako Fujii

“Hiroshi!” said Ran and Risa.

“Hey, Ran! Hey, Risa! It’s so nice to see you again after graduation” said Hiroshi.

“So, are you going to compete at the Hasegawa Cup?” asked Risa.

“Yeah, I’m going to compete with Team Sugisaki and the only member of the section 6-C to be with them” said Hiroshi.

“Wow! Good for you, at least you’re ready to compete for the event” said Ran.

“Yep. Hey, I heard that my classmate Akiko is planning to create a team to compete for the Hasegawa Cup. So, you need some new members to complete your roster” said Hiroshi.

“Yeah, we called my teammates from 6-A and 6-D because Saki said to have many friends from 6-A and 6-D. I’m from section 6-D along with Risa and Yoshitsugu” said Ran.

“And I’m from section 6-A with Kana” said Aoi.

“And we’re representing the Dazzled Hearts. Our leaders are me, Mieko Matsuda, Ken Yamamoto and Aya Shimojō” said Risa.

“Wow! Since you’re from that group, by the way, we’re representing the Family of Angels. I’m Michiko Takeda and I’m the leader of this group. The other group to represent Family of Angels is Team Gotō. Especially, Akiko will create her own team to be part of us as well” said Michiko.

“For our team, we’re Team Blue and Yellow. We’re representing Maho’s friends and Natsuhi’s teammates. Of course, we’re believed to be one of the strongest force of the boys’ division” said Hiroshi.

“I’m Naoko Sugisaki. I’m the leader of Team Sugisaki and this is Daisuke Kikuchi, one of Natsuhi’s teammates and the leader of Team Kikuchi” said Naoko.

“So, are you all competing for the Hasegawa Cup?” asked Yoshitsugu.

“Yes!” said Michiko, Hiroshi, Naoko, Daisuke and Nami.

“We’re ready to compete, but some teams need to add more members to complete the rosters for the tournament” said Michiko.

“So, where are the other members of your team, Ran?” asked Nami.

“You see, Nami, the others will be here later in the afternoon to meet with the Bravehearts. Also, if you have time, just spend time eating Rice Platter Special Meal made by Saki and Masami. It’s so delicious and it’s popular in the town yesterday” said Ran.

“Okay, but thanks, Ran. We’re already eating the meal last night. By the way, we’ll return to the mansion tomorrow and I expect to have a gathering with the teams competing for the Hasegawa Cup” said Hiroshi.

“Well, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll go home first. Enjoy playing with Tomoka and her friends at the mansion” said Michiko as Team Takeda leaves the conversation.

“Take care of yourselves, Michiko!” said the members of Team Blue and Yellow and Team Nagasaki.

“Well, Hiroshi! Since you’re the new member of Team Blue and Yellow, I was thinking if you can show some moves” said Risa.

“Yes, I would have to, Risa. Like this” said Hiroshi as she performs the hook shot without the ball.

“Wow! You’re amazing. I can’t believe that you’re doing well during the intramural tournament” said Yoshitsugu.

“Yeah. Team Blue and Yellow are always playing video games and we wanted to expect our team to compete for video game competitions” said Hiroshi.

“This is going to expected, Hiroshi. By the way, we’re on our way to visit the mansion to see Saki and her friends. So, enjoy having fun at home, guys!” said Risa.

“Okay! Bye, everyone!” said the members of Team Blue and Yellow as Team Nagasaki and Team Blue and Yellow part ways along the road.

Team Nagasaki, Akira and Masako went to the entrance of the mansion and Risa pressed the button of the doorbell to make it ring.

The Bravehearts are appeared at the basketball court of the Misawa Resort Hotel. Saki and Masami see Team Nagasaki.

“Hello, Saki! Hello, everyone!” said the members of Team Nagasaki.

“Everyone, welcome! So, we meet again” said Saki.

“I hope you’re all granted by your parents to visit here” said Masami.

“Here? Why are they here?” asked Akiko.

“You see, Akiko, every one of us asked them to visit the mansion on the other day, so that they will train for the Hasegawa Cup. Then, they accepted their invitations and they will be here starting today with Dazzled Hearts and the rest will be tomorrow” said Saki.

“Well, it’s so nice to see you, Team Nagasaki. Welcome to the Misawa Resort Hotel!” said Maho.

“Thanks, Maho! I can’t believe that we’re here before” said Risa.

“Oh, you do?” asked Hinata.

“Yes! We’re here as being invited by Saki to spend here for two days during the Christmas break” said Risa.

“I hope that we’re going to spend here before the classes start” said Airi.

“Yep. As you all know, we’re representing Dazzled Hearts” said Risa.

“Oh, I expect to see that team before my friends come tomorrow” said Hinata.

“Since you’re here, we’re going to introduce ourselves” said Tomoka.

“We’re the Bravehearts and Subaru Hasegawa is our leader of the group” said Maho.

“We recruited members to join the team as they wanted to follow Tomoka and her teammates in Kirihara. Also, some of the members came from the Nashiba High School like me” said Subaru.

“Since you’re here, we wanted to have our friends to join this group and we’re hopefully going to compete at the Ōta League. So, you’re welcomed to join our team” said Saki.

“Wow! Are we become members?” asked Risa.

“Yeah! You can have any privilege you want” said Saki.

“Thanks, Saki!” said the members of Team Nagasaki.

Later, Team Nagasaki, Saki, Masami and Akiko were sitting at the bench while others were playing basketball.

“Recently, Subaru has many plans in the future and of course, the Misawa Resort Hotel is expected to create a new hostel for you to stay here” said Saki.

“Really? A hostel for us?” asked Ran.

“That’s right, Ran. Since we’re planning to create the hostel in order to lessen the residents of the mansion to stay” said Masami.

“That’s so cool, Masami! Maybe our members will stay at the hostel while we’ll stay with you” said Masako.

“Okay, Masako and Akira. You can be with me at the other room to sleep” said Masami.

“Okay!” said Masako and Akira.

“Wow, I wanted to visit there to sleep with my friends” said Risa.

“I can feel it when we’re going to live there. I spend my time to stay in my house with my family” said Kana.

“You sure that the hostel will be reserved for us?” asked Yoshitsugu.

“Of course, Yoshitsugu. Subaru said that with many members in the Bravehearts, he wanted to have the members to sleep in two places: the mansion and the hostel. With the hostel going to be built by summer, the Bravehearts will occupy that building for the new members to stay here. The fee is expected to be worth 1,000 yen like the hotel rooms” said Saki.

“I can have my family members to stay there and while I’ll be working at the new restaurant that Masami plan” said Aoi Otsuji.

“Well, you can do that. I’m sure that Maho’s parents will approve our plans because I think this should allow the Bravehearts to have members to stay at the new building” said Saki.

“Now, on to the training. Let’s go to another court!” said Masami.

“Okay!” said the members of Team Nagasaki. Team Nagasaki, Saki, Masami and Akiko went to the third basketball court to make this place as their training spot for today.

“Until now, I wanted to create a new group to compete for the Hasegawa Cup. It seems that Michiko was doing great in creating a team. However, since 6-B is the section that I want to make the students join my team aside from my classmates, I will be glad to have my classmates play with the other students” said Akiko.

“Well, I’m sure that you’re going to make it, but for us, we need some members to join our team. I hope that we should register it or play as Dazzled Hearts. I begin planning that we’re trying to expand our team and of course, I have many friends on my section” said Risa.

“Actually, you two are planning to have your team and I’m sure that you need to contact them to come tomorrow” said Saki.

“That way, you’ll have more members on the team. It appears that some of the members of the section 6-D are belonged to either Team Sugisaki or Team Kikuchi” said Masami.

“I’m sure you need to fill up the complete roster before Friday” said Saki.

“Okay, Saki. We’ll do it!” said Risa and Akiko.

“I looked at the website of the Kirihara Middle School. 45 were originally enrolled from Keishin, but when I checked back today, there are 65 members enrolled from Keishin. That means that some have changed their minds from staying at Keishin Academy. Since there are seven sections not six sections in the sixth grade in Keishin, we’re planning to add new members of the group” said Akira.

“The seventh section is where we are looked forwardto expand our team because Risa has many friends on that section. While on top on that, Saki has befriended 7 from that section” said Masako.

“Hmm. I think you need to add your members to the team before Friday” said Saki.

“Sure, Saki. We’ll do it to complete our roster” said Akira and Masako.

“Good! Since you’re here, I think you two will have to play one-on-one, Akiko and Risa. That way, you will show your skills” said Saki.

“Risa, you have to show your skills to Saki. I hope she’ll be pleased with your performance” said Yoshitsugu.

“Okay, Yoshitsugu! I’ll do it!” said Risa.

Risa and Akiko would start playing one-on-one. Risa would dribble the ball to face off against Akiko. Risa would do the crossover move and she would shoot the ball with the hook shot. Risa leads the game with two points.

“That’s a great shot, Risa!” said Akiko.

“Well, I decided to train with Saki when we’ve a break and after class” said Risa.

“I’m sure you’re going to see my own shot” said Akiko.

“Sure, Akiko. Go on, I’m here to impress you” said Risa.

“Okay!” said Akiko. Akiko would dribble the ball and later do the isolation step. Then, she managed to get the two points by using the floater to drive the ball to the basket.

“Well, I expected to see both players going have their talents good. I would say that Akiko would be fit for our team in Kirihara, but since the only five of us are official members of the roster, I will put Akiko to the reserves roster” said Saki.

“I really think Akiko should be leading her team and I believe that she’ll be ready to step up in the Hasegawa Cup soon” said Masami.

“Yep” said Saki.

Later, Risa and Akiko traded points as they posted their moves including their techniques they learn from Saki and Tomoka. The score would be tie at 8 points.

“I can’t believe that they are doing pretty well, and no one has missed the shot. Unbelievable!” said Ran.

“Risa is not using her Ice Age yet while Akiko didn’t use her Shiny Gift either” said Aoi Otsuji.

“As of now, these two are good point guards and I think they are ready to face each other at the Hasegawa Cup” said Kana.

“Even the two are good point guards, they might compete together in the tournament I suppose” said Yoshitsugu.

“Yoshitsugu, Akiko is a member of the Family of Angels and she won’t leave her team since she announced that she’ll create her own team” said Saki.

“Oh, you’re right” said Yoshitsugu.

Risa and Akiko would continue trading their shots until it reaches 18 points. The game will end if one player shoots a three-point shot. At least the two had missed at least two shots.

“Okay, Akiko. I hope this game will end with this shot goes through” said Risa.

“We’ll see about that, Risa. I hope that when we compete against each other, we’ll make sure that this game will be important for us” said Akiko.

“Sure, Akiko. Okay, here I come!” said Risa as she did a three-point shot to score three points and end the game with the score of 21-18. The game ends with Risa winning the one-on-one game.

“Wow! You’re doing great, Risa! Your Ice Age seem to be good while observing the area in the game” said Akiko.

“Yep. I think I’m exhausted, Akiko. Maybe we should go to the mansion and we’ll rest here before the others return” said Risa.

“Okay!” said Akiko as Team Nagasaki, Saki, Masami and Akiko would leave the basketball court to go to the mansion.

Part 2 will be on the next post.
 
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"The Family of Blue Stars (Part 1)" Part 2

As they enter to the mansion, they saw the other members of Dazzled Hearts seating at their couches.

“Hi, guys!” said the members of Team Matsuda and Team Yamamoto.

“Saki, we’re here with your friends from section 6-G” said Aya Shimojō.

“Oh, my friends are here! Hi, guys!” said Saki.

“Hi!” said the students of 6-G.

“Well, Risa, that’s my friends from section 6-G. They are Atsuko Maeyama, Shizuko Ōhata, Tadamoto Inoue, Minami Kihara, Miho Ōsawa, Yoshiko Shindō and Akihiro Hata” said Saki.

“Hello! Nice to meet you, everyone!” said Risa.

“Nice to meet you!” said the students of 6-G.

“I think you have them as members of your team and Dazzled Hearts for the Hasegawa Cup. Alright, I’ll receive some juice from the refrigerator” said Saki as she left to get a pitcher of juice and empty glasses.

“I hope you’re comfortable to visit here, everyone. My name is Risa Nagasaki and I’m the leader of the group Team Nagasaki. This is Ran Mikazuki, Yoshitsugu Nakagawa, Aoi Otsuji, Kana Yamada, Kyoko Hiraki and Yurika Akagawa” said Risa.

“Next, it’s us: Team Matsuda. My name is Mieko Matsuda and joining the group on my side are Shiori Satō, Jirō Kitagawa and Katsuko Miyazawa”

“And our last group is Team Shimojō. I’m Aya Shimojō, leader of the group. And this is Ken Yamamoto, Shinobu Higashimura, Sukehiro Gotō, Takahiro Sugihara and Keiko Hosada”

“Together, we are Dazzled Hearts, fortunes of blue, wisteria and yellow” said the members of the Dazzled Hearts altogether.

“As you all know, I’m one of Saki’s friends from the section 6-G and we’re all here to enroll at the Kirihara Middle School, thanks to Saki” said Atsuko, who was given a glass of juice from Saki.

“It’s so nice that we’re the section of light blue fanatics. The reason why we’re going to Kirihara is because I thought you are going to stay at Keishin for junior high school, but when Saki selected us to transfer to Kirihara Middle School after the intramurals, you decided to follow suit” said Tadamoto.

“Yeah, Saki made me a leader of Team Nagasaki because she’s my close friend and I wanted to believe in giving blessings to my batchmates especially for you” said Risa.

“Yoshiko and I were always having fun with you eating some rice meals when Saki invited us to go to her restaurant: the Nagatsuka. These foods are delicious, and we love it!” said Miho.

“We couldn’t have done without you to be on our side because I heard that you’re going to Kirihara Middle School and since we’re planning to go to Kirihara, that’s the time we’re ready to face new challenge” said Akihiro.

“Assumed that we’re going to be classmates” said Yoshiko.

“Well, I believe that since you’re here for the gathering, maybe I will lecture about the Hasegawa Cup” said Masami.

“The Hasegawa Cup?” asked Atsuko Maeyama, Shizuko Ōhata, Tadamoto Inoue, Minami Kihara, Miho Ōsawa, Yoshiko Shindō and Akihiro Hata.

“That’s right! This tournament is organized by Subaru Hasegawa and the members of the Nashiba High School Basketball Team. We believe that the teachings Subaru did to dominate the games last year prove to be our mentor and Subaru wanted to organize this tournament for the students of Keishin Academy. This is why we are inviting everyone to compete against teams from Ōta like Suzuridani, Miraku and Takahata” said Saki.

“Right now, since the team is already confirmed their participation for the Hasegawa Cup, we need some back-up members to play for Team Nagasaki. That’s why I called you to come to our home to join Team Nagasaki” said Akira.

“I believe that Team Nagasaki will play as one while Team Masuda and Team Shimojō will play together as one team, but need to complete the roster right away” said Masako.

“Other teams have fill their rosters and hopefully, they’re ready to compete against your teams” said Masami.

“Before you smile, your passion and desire touch your heart and be comfortable to others. That’s the quote I was heard from my father” said Saki.

“I hope that when we’re handling the strategies we made, we’ll make sure that we’re going to win the tournament. As of now, I wonder what would be your thoughts on completing the team, Atsuko and company” said Akira.

“I want to make sure that we’re hoping to find some new players and help the members to learn basketball skills” said Atsuko.

“Hideki Eda was supposed to be here, but he’s busy because he’s on vacation. He’s going to Kirihara Middle School to be with us” said Tadamoto.

“When all of us we’re here at Kirihara, we would expect that new fresh faces have to take new challenges from the new teachers” said Minami.

“That’s true, Minami. When Kirihara was founded, students found new focus on progressive policies maintained by the Educational Board and of course, Kirihara was one of the fast-growing junior high schools in Ōta” said Masami.

“Currently, there are 10 sections in the current first year junior high school class and I believe that since we’re picked randomly, I wonder what would be our stand in the class” said Yoshiko.

“I even ask about what would be our group in our time in Kirihara, but actually, I will be using the name “Dazzled Hearts” to Kirihara” said Ran.

“That’s a great idea, Ran! Maybe we should use that name to expand our group” said Risa.

“Oh, that would nice if we can meet some new faces outside Keishin” said Kana.

“Some of our friends remain in Keishin, but they will be here on time with Subaru is planning to form a Keishin-Kirihara union” said Aoi Otsuji.

“Aside from this, while working at the union, we’re going to cook with Saki and Masami at the Nagatsuka or the Sushi Fujii during weekends” said Yoshitsugu.

“Okay, everyone! It seems that you want to expand your specialties to Subaru’s plans. As you can see, you can feel free to talk with him tomorrow” said Saki.

“Okay, Saki!” said the members of Team Nagasaki.

“As of now, we’re planning to find a perfect lot to construct a new restaurant at the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Mieko.

“Say, do you have some blueprints?” asked Masami.

“Yes, we have, Masami. Here are the projections and designs for the new restaurant” said Mieko.

“I will be hoping that the contractors from the Misawa Resort Hotel will build this building soon” said Masako.

“Definitely. I’m very glad that with these blueprints and proposals, we can have the restaurant in business” said Masami.

“For sure, Masami. I will be hoping to make it happen” said Saki.

“Risa, since we need more players for the boys’ team to compete for the cup, I’m sure Hideki will recruit at least three or four” said Atsuko.

“Actually, that’s my plan to expand the team, but I hope they’ll be here tomorrow” said Risa.

“Okay, Risa. The team must complete their roster before Friday. I hope you find it good” said Atsuko.

“Yep. They’ll be here tomorrow for sure” said Risa.

“Since my friends are busy, maybe we should watch videos of Subaru playing” said Saki.

“There are a lot of videos that Subaru collects for his own skills to use” said Masami.

“Then, let’s go to Subaru’s room” said Saki.

“Okay!” said the members of Dazzled Hearts. The Dazzled Hearts, Saki, Masami and Akiko went to Subaru’s room where they will watch some of clips from Subaru’s playing years in Kirihara. When they watched the clips, Saki thinks that she wanted to imitate the skills Subaru use. Later, Akiko writes about the observation of Subaru’s performance during this playing years in Kirihara.

“Akiko, what are you writing?” asked Ran.

“I’m writing about the observation of Subaru’s performance in Kirihara because I want to review that to practice my skills” said Akiko.

“Trying to improve your skills would be fine for you to show your guts and I believe that you have to master your skills once you try hard to make it” said Ran.

“I think about Tomoka’s, but Subaru’s skills are different from her and I should try learning the basketball moves including jump shot and floater” said Akiko.

“As you can see, Tomoka and Subaru have the same level of playing skills like their teammates. So, if you want to have that level, you have to improve your basketball moves further” said Ran.

“Oh, I should start doing it once Tomoka calls me a training for our team” said Akiko.

“Okay, you should try joining Ginga’s camp. I think he explored everything in Japan” said Ran.

“Okay, but no thanks. I will be training with Tomoka and her friends as soon as possible” said Akiko.

“Okay, you can be more competitive if you make it” said Ran.

“I will do it, Ran” said Akiko.

“Good. I will wait here at the basketball court outside the mansion to practice” said Ran.

“Okay!” said Akiko. Akiko and Ran would leave the room to go outside and to go to the basketball court outside the mansion where Akiko starts to practice her shooting skills and basketball moves.

“You’re doing great, Akiko. I wonder what would be your special skill” said Ran.

“It’s the Dazzling Gleam where I wanted to combine the special skills of Tomoka and Subaru they use. Probably, the floater of mine will be the same as theirs, but with my own version” said Akiko.

“May I show it for me” asked Ran.

“Okay! I hope this will work” said Akiko. Akiko begins to dribble the ball and then, she goes through the key and use the floater to drive the ball into the basket. Ran impresses Akiko for what she saw. In Subaru’s room, Saki and Masami watch the two having a practice.

“Well, she is going to be able to be with us when she will play for our section” said Saki.

“Yeah, I will say that she will have her own team to run for the tournament, but she would still affiliate with Family of Angels” said Masami.

“I agree” said Saki.

“That was an awesome move, Akiko! I love it!” said Ran.

“Thanks, Ran! Do you think I can go one-on-one with my skill?” said Akiko.

“Sure, Akiko” said Ran. Ran and Akiko play one-on-one practice game where Akiko use her new skill after she practiced earlier. Akiko made all of it while Ran was able to defend her at one occasion where she steals the ball from Akiko and was able to shoot the ball with the jumper.

Later, at night, Dazzled Hearts, Saki, Masami, Akiko, Akira and Masako eat their dinner on their own rather than joining with Subaru and his friends.

“Akiko, did you contact your friends to come tomorrow?” asked Ran.

“Yeah, of course. They said that they will come after asking their parents their permissions to visit the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Akiko.

“That’s great! Since you learned your special skill, now you can have a rematch with me tomorrow” said Risa.

“I hope you’re going to do well, Akiko. I know how about Risa, Ran and I will play against you and your friends in a three-on-three match” said Atsuko.

“Oh, okay! I think that would be great if we would able to practice before the game” said Akiko.

“Sure!” said Ran, Risa and Atsuko.

“Akiko, why are you saying to Michiko last night that you want to create your team, but still you are part of Family of Angels?” asked Saki.

“I think Michiko’s team was a nice team for me to join, but since Michiko is Tomoka’s childhood friend from Shiromidai, I wanted to create my own team with my friends as well as in section 6-C” said Akiko.

“Oh, I think you want to battle against Michiko’s team further after you join her team” said Saki.

“Yep” said Akiko.

“Okay, but first I have a question for you. Have you list some of your friends to be with your team?” said Masami.

“Yes. I have Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida on my team” said Akiko.

“Hey! Those three are from Team Blue and Yellow. I don’t think you have to acquire them. Just ask Naoko to let these three of them join” said Kana.

“I supposed I could talk to her, but if not, then I can have some other friends who are going to be with me. I believe that I will pick some members from section 6-C. Since they are 18 of them leave Keishin for Kirihara, I think the rest of them might be the one I will get” said Akiko.

“Rei Kanazawa and her friends came from section 6-E and since Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto and Misaki Nagaoka are from section 6-C, they aren’t going to join your team since they are part of Innocent Charm” said Atsuko.

“I believe that since Tomoka’s friends are mostly from section 6-B and 6-C, then I will be fine if I can combine both sections into one team” said Akiko.

“You can create that team that you are planning except the fact that you don’t get some members from Team Takeda” said Yoshitsugu.

“Oh, I guess I can wait for them to join my team” said Akiko.

“Good. I hope that your friends will be here tomorrow because the gathering of teams will be held on the same day” said Ran.

“What?” asked Akiko.

“That’s right. Since I’m the leader of Dazzled Hearts, I will gather my teams to talk about the plans for the tournament” said Risa.

“Should all teams come, then we’re all set to begin the training” said Saki.

“Then, on Friday, you have to finalize the roster to beat the deadline of the roster” said Masami.

“Once your team is registered, the qualification will begin on Monday for the Bravehearts Group and the draw for that event will be held the day before the qualifiers” said Akira.

“I wonder what would be your plan to decide: play for Family of Angels or play for your team” said Masako.

“I can’t decide it yet. Maybe I can ask Michiko and others to know about this” said Akiko.

“Good. Then, I hope you find it solved” said Risa.

“Yeah, thanks, Risa” said Akiko.

“Hmm. It seems that the Family of Angels will have a third team. I believe that they will decide on what they will do for the tournament” said Saki.

“Yep. I’m happy to see Akiko doing her new skills she had” said Masami.

“So, Akiko, can you come to the new room for Team Nagasaki for the meantime because your team will have a new room assignment soon” said Saki.

“Okay!” said Akiko.

The Dazzled Hearts, Saki, Masami and Akiko went to the sixth room on the second floor. Mihoshi appeared at the sixth room as she fixed some bed sheets for them to sleep.

“Here is your room, Team Nagasaki” said Mihoshi as she finishes her cleaning of the sixth room.

“Wow! It’s beautiful. They’re all blue” said Risa.

“Thanks for cleaning the rooms for them to stay, Miho” said Saki.

“You’re welcome, Saki. I should go to Subaru’s room to sleep. Good night!” said Mihoshi as she leaves the room to go to Subaru’s room.

“Good night!” said the members of Dazzled Hearts, Saki, Masami and Akiko. The sixth and seventh room are now assigned for Team Nagsaki and Team Matsuda-Shimojō. Ran Mikazuki, Yoshitsugu Nakagawa, Aoi Otsuji, Kana Yamada, Kyoko Hiraki, Yurika Akagawa, Atsuko Maeyama, Shizuko Ōhata, Tadamoto Inoue, Minami Kihara, Miho Ōsawa, Yoshiko Shindō, Akihiro Hata, Akira Nagatsuka, Masako Fujii, Saki Nagatsuka, Masami Fujii and Akiko Miyazaki went to the sixth room while the members of Team Matsuda and Team Shimojō will share their room on the seventh.

“Welcome home! You’re here to stay in this room” a letter noted by Saki, who wrote it last night before the Dazzled Hearts arrive.

“I wonder what is inside” said Akiko.

“Wow! These are blue bed sheets. Where did you get that?” asked Minami.

“Oh, these blue bed sheets and pillows were coming from the Misawa Resort Hotel. We borrow it so that you can sleep here” said Saki.

“That’s great!” said Minami and Miho.

“Akiko, make yourself at home and tomorrow, your friends will arrive. Bye, Akiko! Bye, everyone! See ya, tomorrow!” said Saki as she and Masami leave the room to go back to their own room: the first room.

“Bye, everyone!” said Masami.

“Bye, Saki! Bye, Masami!” said the members of Team Nagasaki.

“I can’t believe that we’re going to stay here for one school term” said Risa.

“Yep” said Atsuko.

“I will be delighted to stay here, and I think we should assign everyone to sleep at any area” said Yoshitsugu.

“Okay!” said the members of Team Nagasaki.

It was 9:45 in the evening where Team Nagasaki have assigned their beds to each of their members to sleep. Akira, Yoshisugu, Tadamoto and Akihiro were drawing their uniforms for the team.

“Nice drawing, Akihiro. I think this will fit our body” said Tadamoto.

“Yeah, I guess that we should have that when we’re going to have another tournament soon after the Hasegawa Cup” said Akira.

“Oh, I have an idea! We need to complete the boys’ roster to play for the team. I believe that we still have a lack of number of players, but I think Hideki will arrive late” said Yoshitsugu.

“I chat with him and he said that he will be with his friends to come on Friday. I hope that the roster will be completed soon” said Akihiro.

“Well, I possibly wait to see playing soon” said Akira.

“Yeah, Akira” said Yoshitsugu, Tadamoto and Akihiro.

“Yoshitsugu, did you remember playing along Natsuhi’s teammates?” asked Akira.

“Yeah, from the intramurals match. The 6-C are receiving byes for the tournament while others will play for the quarterfinals. The section 6-D battle against section 6-F in that match and then we did well as we won the game. Facing against Natsuhi in the finals was a hard match, but we failed to beat them” said Yoshitsugu.

“Hey! I think Kōsuke Hasegawa will be joining the team as a member of 6-D. He is one of our classmates that they will stay for Keishin for the junior high school. He will be here tomorrow along with Akinori Mitobe” said Tadamoto.

“That’s great! Now we have five members of your roster, we need at least some of the back-up players to power this team up” said Akira.

“I’m sure we should wait the others to confirm their invitation to the gathering tomorrow” said Yoshitsugu.

“Yeah!” said Akira, Tadamoto and Akihiro.

“Everyone! We should sleep now! Good night!” said Masako.

“Good night!” said the members of Team Nagasaki and Akira as the members of Team Nagasaki sleep in their beds. With Akiko is ready to create her own team to compete for the Hasegawa Cup, the Family of Angels are ready to overpower their opponents before the main tournament begins. On the other hand, Team Nagasaki prepares their roster to be complete as they are added some new members for the team. Also, a familiar set of new faces were revealed as the section 6-G are confirmed to participate at the Hasegawa Cup as members of Team Nagasaki and Dazzled Hearts. Hopefully, a possible match between the two groups may happen with Akiko promised herself to play with Michiko and her teammates to play against a team from Dazzled Hearts in the cup soon.

Here are the updated lists of members of Dazzled Hearts:
Dazzled Hearts: Composed of four teams
Team Nagasaki: Ran Mikazuki, Risa Nagasaki, Yoshitsugu Nakagawa, Aoi Otsuji and Kana Yamada, Kōsuke Hasegawa, Akinori Mitobe and Yūki Ando
Team Maeyama: Atsuko Maeyama, Shizuko Ōhata, Tadamoto Inoue, Minami Kihara, Miho Ōsawa, Yoshiko Shindō, Akihiro Hata and Hideki Eda

Team Matsuda: Mieko Matsuda, Shiori Satō, Jirō Kitagawa and Katsuko Miyazawa
Team Misawa: Kyoko Hiraki and Yurika Akagawa
Team Shimojō: Ken Yamamoto, Aya Shimojō, Shinobu Higashimura, Sukehiro Gotō, Takahiro Sugihara and Keiko Hosada
Staff: Akira Nagatsuka and Masako Fujii

UP NEXT: Chapter 23: "The Family of Blue Stars (Part 2)" (Two more chapters remaining for Volume 2!)
 
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walls. wrote on Otokonoko's profile.
reupload please RJ01024113 RJ01108764 RJ01010114 RJ386849 RJ01050049
xorthalndor wrote on Ryzen111's profile.
Hi Ryzen!
Can you please up
戦巫女ホノカ ―コンプリートパック―
to the latest 1.0.7? Thanx!
Deladela2000 wrote on Ryzen111's profile.
Hello, Ryzen.
Can you reup this game?
Deladela2000 wrote on Shine's profile.
Hello, Shine. Can you reup RJ081433?
ヨコシマ wrote on Shine's profile.
こんにちはshineさん
ラボスイーパー~ドロシーの秘密研究記録~ https://www.dlsite.com/maniax/work/=/product_id/RJ01282013.html
新しいバージョン 1 .04 が公開されました
更新をよろしくお願いいたします