Volume 7: "The Magenta Girls and the Sun Warriors" | Chapter 129: "A New Leader in the Board of Bravehearts"
After the elections for the new board were over, the Bravehearts and their allies are busy doing their own activities in the afternoon. Most importantly, the Rainbow Angels are ready for the second day of their training, in preparing for the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament.
At the Outdoor Basketball Court #6, located outside of the Recreational Center, the Radiant Fuchsia are on a special training that was set by Tsukikage (ツキカゲ).
Radiant Fuchsia: Sayaka Ashihara, Itsuko Horiuchi, Nanami Hachigō, Sayuri Hosaka, Rin Takamine, Shigemasa Araki, Masaki Kudo, Ibuki Kayama, Keisuke Kijima, Kanako Sugibayashi, Shinobu Matsuda, Natsuko Aozora, Yoshimatsu Yamagishi, Masaji Nobumoto and Masami Fujioka
Tsukikage: Momo Minamoto, Yuki Hanzoumon, Fuu Sagami, Mei Yachiyo, Goe Ishikawa and Hatsume Aoba
“Sayaka, since you want me to teach you a new special move, then I’ll be delighted if I will do it for you” said Momo.
“Oh, thank you, Momo-san! I haven’t played basketball aside from track and field because I want to become a police officer in the future” said Sayaka.
“Well, you need keep track on your stamina while you’re on the run. I know that you’re very good in observing everyone, but this is what I’m going to say to you” said Momo. Then, Momo would hold the baton, which is resembled to a spyce. “Do you what the item is?”
“It’s a baton, Momo” said Sayaka.
“Correct. Now, this baton is used for relay races, but for the sake of this training, you need to practice on your speed. When I run onto you, you need to open your hand, which will signal me to go near you and hand off the baton on to your hands. That will allow you to run with your baton. After that, pass the baton back to me and then, we’ll do together vice versa. Get it?” said Momo.
“Yes, Momo-san! I got it!” said Sayaka.
“Now, I will go far before I’ll run and when I’m about to go near you, open your hand and I’ll give the baton to you. Then, run and pass the baton back to me. Okay?” said Momo.
“Okay!” said Sayaka.
Momo, Yuki, Fuu, Mei, Goe and Hatsume would run through the left side of the end line while Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki are looking at them, preparing to run.
“Are you ready, girls?” shouted Momo, who is now on the end line alongside Yuki, Fuu, Mei, Goe and Hatsume.
“Ready!” said Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
“Then…” said Momo.
“…go!” said Momo, Yuki, Fuu, Mei, Goe and Hatsume.
Momo and the members of Tsukikage run from the end line as the song 「スパッと！ スパイ&スパイス」by Yukari Anzai, Manami Numakura, Akane Fujita, Aya Suzaki, Yuri Noguchi and Aya Uchida was played as the background song for the training of the Radiant Fuchsia.
Sayaka holds her hand to go for a signal as Momo is about to reach Sayaka. Momo holds the baton before giving it to Sayaka. Sayaka would run alongside Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki once Momo and the members of Tsukikage give the baton to them.
Sayaka and her friends run faster like the way Momo and the Tsukikage did earlier.
“Nice job, girls! Just keep it up!” said Momo.
Sayaka and her friends smile to Momo as they reach the end line before running back to reach Momo and the Tsukikage.
Momo opens her hand and then, Sayaka catches up to Momo before handing off the baton on to Momo, who will be running once again. Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki would also hand off the batons to the other members of Tsukikage before watching them running with Momo.
“Wow! That was very fast, Sayaka! Well done!” said Momo while running on her way to the end line.
“Thanks, Momo-san! Is this the part where I will practice my own special move?” said Sayaka.
“Of course, Sayaka! Now, you need to increase your acceleration when you’re in the court. You should also not to pressure out from your body, so that you’ll be able to dazzle off from your opponents, using your spin move” said Momo.
“Okay, I understand, Momo-san! I think that I have to plan on what move I’ll be using” said Sayaka.
“Then, you should practice with your speed, Sayaka. Now, it’s your turn again!” said Momo.
“Okay!” said Sayaka as she was able to receive the baton from Momo before running through the end line. Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki follow suit.
As Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki reach to the end line, Momo and the Tsukikage are observing the results of the drill. Then, when Sayaka and her friends are heading back to prepare for another pass.
“You can do it, girls!” said Fuu.
“We will about to run this time!” said Goe.
“Just pass the baton to me and I’ll run!” said Momo.
“Okay!” said Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
As they reach on to the Tsukikage, Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki were able to pass the baton to the members of Tsukikage.
“Great job, Sayaka! I’m so proud of you!” said Momo, who was delighted on her face after Sayaka was able to pass the baton to her perfectly.
“Thanks! I’m finally going faster this time! Right, girls?” said Sayaka.
“Yeah!” said Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
“Once I’ll continue improving my speed, I’ll be able to have my special move of my own! You can get yours too!” said Sayaka.
“Yeah, I agree, Sayaka! We’ll make sure that we’re going to win games at the elimination before bringing home with the championship!” said Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
“Of course, we will do, girls! Let’s keep on practicing until we have the special moves and our very own Complete Synchronization Skill!” said Sayaka.
“Yeah!” said Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
Meanwhile, the other teams are having their training of their own as well as to Kirihara-Team Takeda, Magome Elites-Team Suga, Temperate Celadon, Team Purple and Rainbow Angels.
At the basketball court in Magome, the members of Magome Elites-Team Suga are exhausted after their shooting practice. Ryuuichi doesn’t hesitate himself to see his teammates as he shouts at them.
“Oh, come on, boys! We must work hard before the tournament!” said Ryuuichi.
“I can’t believe that you’re unpredictable again, Ryuuichi-kun” said Yūya Okazaki.
“How can we concentrate on our shooting if you keep on shouting at us?” asked Haruki Namikawa.
“Then, you must listen to me, you bastard. We can’t win without losing the energy” said Ryuuichi.
“But you’re the leader of this team, Ryuuichi-kun. Aren’t you playing or mentoring?” said Noboru Ōkawa.
“Of course, I’m playing, but I’m also observing you” said Ryuuichi.
“Oh, I see. Then, you must lower your voice” said Noboru Ōkawa.
“Otherwise, we would be kicked out of this court for your actions” said Akira Sugiyama.
“Oh, fine, then, let’s get back to work, boys!” said Ryuuichi.
The members of the Magome Elites-Team Suga groan in frustration before saying, “Okay.”
While the members of the Magome Elites-Team Suga would resume their training, Nana and Mayumi are looking at Ryuuichi and the boys, but they’re not serious at Ryuuichi’s characteristics of being a true leader of the team.
“I can’t believe that my cousin is losing my patience again” said Nana.
“Yeah, this was happened every time he sees his groupmates being exhausted, but he wants them to work hard” said Mayumi.
“True, Mayumi, but I’m not feeling what I’m seeing after those guys have been exhausted from shooting” said Nana.
“Well, we should ask him later if he doesn’t want to grow his temper on them” said Mayumi.
“Good idea, Mayumi” said Nana.
Nana and Mayumi would continue watching Ryuuichi and the boys doing their shooting at the free throw line.
Then, at the basketball court in Kamata, the members of the Temperate Celadon are playing against each other in a 5-on-5 match that was supervised by Mieko Sugihara. Asumi was able to perform the playmaking skills as she passes the ball to Harumi Shimizu, who would shoot the ball with the layup.
“Alright! Great job, girls! Now, keep it up!” said Mieko Sugihara while clapping her hands, watching Asumi and her teammates doing their great job in using their team strategy, the Celadon Rush.
Asumi and Harumi smile to Mieko Sugihara before they switch their focus to defense. The Temperate Celadon is considered favorites in the tournament due to Asumi’s reputation as the Redhead Comet.
At the basketball court in Kugahara, Michiko Takeda and her new teammates from the Kirihara Middle School girls’ basketball are teaming up against the reserves of the team. Michiko tries to use her ankle breaking play, which is her new move. Michiko dribbles the ball back and forth before Maho Kitagawa stumbles to the ground. Michiko would shoot the ball with the floater after driving past Maho.
Back at the Misawa Resort Hotel, Team Purple, led by Himeko Katayama, uses the Outdoor Basketball Court #6 as the venue for their training. Ichiro Hosoya gives the ball to Himeko and her teammates while the girls are shooting their ball in the free throw line.
After their practice, the girls would go to the bench and drink their water. Himeko uses her towel to remove the sweat from her body.
“That’s a nice shot, Himeko!” said Sōichi Maeyama.
“Thanks. I’m feeling great that I’m finally prepared for the Fuchsia and Dragons Tournament, Sōichi-san. I can’t wait to have a match with Tomoka and her team, but I also want also to face a stronger team too. The draw will be held at the conference room and I will be representing for our team” said Himeko.
“That’s good, Himeko. I believe that you and Ichiro will be representing our team. You two are very expressive when it comes to future competitions in the Ōta League” said Sōichi.
“Yep. There are many teams they’ll be participating in that tournament. It’s going to be a big tournament in the Recreational Center, but I believe that the elimination round matches should be held outside the Center” said Himeko.
“I agree. I hope that we’ll be able to face some stronger teams in the group that the organizers we’ll be assigning” said Sōichi.
“Yeah, since we’re the new players in the varsity team, we have to show our guts to prove our opponents that we’re the new bravehearts in the team” said Himeko.
“You got that right, Himeko! We won’t let the senpais down!” said Sōichi.
Then, the scene would be changed to the Recreational Center where the members of the Rainbow Angels are playing against each other in the scrimmage. Banri and Jun are out for the meeting with the other representatives from different participants of the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament.
In the scrimmage for the boys, Subaru and Kazunari begin working together with their Complete Synchronization Skill, the Brave Rainbow Strategy. They would synchronize it with his teammates while shooting the ball with their jump shots.
As Kazunari passes the ball to Subaru with the overhead pass, Subaru performs the ankle breaking move, which Katsuya Kameda stumbles to the ground. Subaru shoots the ball with the jump shot perfectly and the ball drives to the basket.
“Nice release, Subaru! You rock!” said Kazunari.
“Thanks, Kazunari!” said Subaru as he and Kazunari give each other’s fist bump.
“I can’t believe that you’re working with the ankle breaker move since the first training” said Kazunari.
“Yep. I want to show Ryuuichi something that he doesn’t know about this move. Ryuuichi is not always serious when it comes to his rivalry with me” said Subaru.
“That’s true, Subaru. It has to be done to stop him with that move, but once he’s trying to stop you, you need to come up a plan to strike him out with a playmaking move” said Kazunari.
“Of course, we could! That’s going to make our team even better with some new moves to groove” said Subaru.
“You got it!” said Kazunari, who is smiling to Subaru after finishing his sentence.
Later, in the scrimmage for the girls, the girls of the Rainbow Angels are working hard with their new moves while Tomoka, Mimi and Aoi try to master their Complete Synchronization Skill. The name of the trio’s Complete Synchronization Skill is the Prism Sakura Connection. It is the merger of the Sakura Connection and Aoi’s relentless finish strategy.
In one play, Tomoka shouts at her teammates. “Showtime, girls!”
Mimi, Aoi, Anzu and Megumi smile on their faces before they would be joined by Tomoka as they create their zone. Tomoka passes the ball to Mimi and then, Mimi uses the crossover move on Ayame Isurugi. Once she is done doing the crossover move, she steps back from Ayame, who tries to steal the ball, and passes the ball to Aoi. Aoi shoots the ball with the three-point shot while Sawako Ishihara tries to block the shot by going for the shot contest. Aoi’s shot would be successful.
“Nice shot, Aoi-san!” said Tomoka and Mimi.
“Thanks, girls! Looks like we’re almost there in mastering that skill!” said Aoi.
“Yeah, but we need to synchronize it with the other members in our team” said Tomoka.
“You mean, Anzu-san and Megumi-san?” asked Aoi.
“Yeah!” said Tomoka and Mimi.
“Well, we should do that, so that those two girls will get contributions too!” said Aoi.
“Exactly! Both Anzu and Megumi are very good in shooting, but they can have playmaking skills too” said Mimi.
“I think that our connection should be expanded when we’re going to pass the ball to other teammates, so that they’ll have boost in acceleration. Since Mimi and I have been improving our acceleration, we can run pick-and-roll plays now” said Tomoka.
“You’re right, Tomoka. I forgot to know about that, but we’re ready to get grooving again!” said Aoi.
“You said it!” said Mimi.
“Now, let’s keep practicing this new strategy and hopefully, we’ll go for the best!” said Tomoka.
“Yeah!” said Mimi and Aoi.
The Prism Sakura Connection would also be used by fusing with the special moves of Anzu and Megumi, in order to give them their chances to shoot. Mimi passes the ball to Anzu while Tomoka passes the ball to Megumi. Then, while Anzu calls Aoi for the screen, Mimi runs through the corner and Anzu passes the ball to Mimi, allowing Mimi to shoot the ball with the jump shot.
Later, the scrimmage was over with Team Minato defeated Team Takao with the score of 40-30.
“Okay! Let’s wrap this training right here, girls!” said Subaru.
“Okay!” said the girls of the Rainbow Angels after Subaru blew his whistle to call the scrimmage to an end.
Later, at the bench, the girls of the Rainbow Angels are drinking their water with their water bottle. They would rest for about ten minutes.
“I’m glad that we worked out with the new Complete Synchronization Skill. I’m sure that we could mast it by tomorrow” said Mimi.
“Yeah, Mimi. Tomoka and I are thinking of synchronization with the other members of our team would be great as long as our teamwork is growing” said Aoi.
“Communication is the important way to create the Complete Synchronization Skill. It also requires team chemistry because it’s important that players should work as a team to get their job done” said Tomoka.
“That’s right, Tomoka. I would be expected if Megumi and Kazuko have agreed to use their Complete Synchronization Skill and then, we’ll integrate it to our own Complete Synchronization Skill” said Mimi.
“That way, we’ll be able to synchronize our moves and boost our chances to win the game” said Aoi.
“I think that it’s a good idea, Mimi! I know that we should have forgotten about that when my friends and I are on our first training last Tuesday. I would say about that, but our team has many things to deal with” said Tomoka.
“What are those?” asked Aoi.
“Improving the perimeter defense play and forming a zone that would make our team more focused on steals and blocks. It would be the advantage of getting more hustle and taking their opponents with the offensive breakdown” said Tomoka.
“So, I guess that your team is not worrying about their defense, despite Airi, Ayaka and Momoe are good in both defense and rebounding” said Mimi.
“Yes, they were, Mimi. I believe that Aoi had been working on defensive skills, but for those three, they should improve their defense” said Tomoka.
“Good point. I’ll try my best to train Airi, Ayaka and Momoe to improve their defense. Maybe, it’s their best time to take the stepping stone, in bringing playmaking time in your team” said Aoi.
“Yeah!” said Tomoka.
“I think that we should go to the restroom before we’ll continue about that” said Mimi.
“Good idea!” said Aoi and Tomoka.
Tomoka, Mimi and Aoi would go to the restroom to take a toilet break and later, leave the restroom to go back to the basketball court. They would suddenly be bumped by Michiko.
“Oh! Michiko! I’m glad that you’re here!” said Tomoka.
“Yep. I guess that you would be surprised to see me” said Michiko.
“Of course! So, what brings you here?” said Tomoka.
“Well, after our team had finished the training, we went to the sports store in Nishina. When we go there, we find some good stuff to buy for future needs. Also, I even bought this” said Michiko before showing the National High School Basketball Weekly.
“Oh! It’s the new issue of the National High School Basketball Weekly!” said Tomoka.
“That’s where the news related to high school basketball are here” said Aoi.
“Maybe, you can take it, Tomoka, so that you can read some articles in that magazine” said Michiko.
“Okay!” said Tomoka.
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that the news about the Nashiba High School was also there. You can check it out on page 44” said Michiko.
“Okay!” said Tomoka.
Tomoka would open the issue of the National High School Basketball Weekly and then, turns to page 44 where she sees Subaru and his teammates have hoisted the Young Players Cup trophy.
“Wow! That was awesome!” said Tomoka.
“What’s awesome, Tomoka?” asked Michiko.
“Would you look at that? Subaru’s moves were featured in that magazine! It includes his game-winning shot and his bravest moment in the final two minutes” said Tomoka.
“Subaru had been the star in the Kirihara Middle School boys’ basketball team and now, he’s about to reach his goal in becoming the best high school player in Ōta” said Aoi.
“I agree, Aoi! I never heard that news before it was broke out when his school’s basketball program was suspended last year. Now that he’s ready to return to the court, he’s about to show his new moves to his opponents he would be facing this season” said Michiko.
“Well, I’m glad that he’s being the alpha dog because of his true leadership in his team. I can’t wait to see him more when he’s competing for the Interhigh prefectural competition” said Tomoka.
“Yeah, but you know what, we should talk to Subaru about that. I guess that your training would be done too” said Michiko.
“Yep. It would be great if Subaru will be shockingly seeing the article about his team’s victory in the Young Players Cup in that magazine” said Mimi.
“Of course, Mimi! We should let him know that Nashiba hasn’t done anything what they want to prepare for a long time” said Aoi.
“Of course, he will!” said Tomoka, Mimi and Michiko.
Back at the basketball court, Subaru and Kazunari are talking with each other in a friendly conversation. Then, Tomoka, Mimi, Aoi and Michiko arrive to meet them.
“Oh, hey, girls! How’s it going?” said Subaru.
“Turns out that everything is eyeing on you after your team had become the champions of the Young Players Cup” said Tomoka.
“Really. Well, I’m not sure what that exactly means” said Subaru.
“Look at that magazine, Subaru. Your team is featured in the National High School Basketball Weekly” said Aoi as Tomoka shows the picture of Subaru and his teammates from the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team hoisting the Young Players Cup trophy after defeating the Mikagawa High School in the final.
Subaru was surprised to see him in the magazine and days to them, “Well, what do you know? Many of the journalists know that I want to prove myself that I’m the best basketball player in Ōta. I bet that Ryuuichi would be shocked to see this.”
“Well, it would be expected, Subaru. As far as concern, you and Ryuuichi aren’t on the top rankings for all point guards in Japan for the Class of 2012” said Aoi.
“According to the magazine, both you and Ryuuichi are ranked fourth and fifth respectively” said Michiko.
“Hmmm… that sounds like Ryuuichi and I are on neck and neck in the rankings after my school had reinstated our basketball program” said Subaru.
“That’s right, Subaru. I know that you’re the Braveheart Sensation, but it’s too soon to say that you’re the best player in Tokyo after you made your best performance in the final of the Young Players Cup” said Mimi.
“That’s true, Mimi. I’m glad that the magazine proves that I’m still better in Ōta, but in the entire city. Good thing that Ryuuichi is still trying to catch up on me” said Subaru.
“Yeah, this would take a long time to make it to the top and after a year, you may end up reaching to #1” said Kazunari.
“Of course, Kazunari, I wish that it will happen very soon” said Subaru.
“I agree, Subaru” said Kazunari.
“Speaking of school rankings, here are the latest power rankings for each school in Tokyo” said Tomoka as she turns the book to page 8, which is the power rankings for each school in Tokyo.
Subaru and Kazunari would look at the rankings and they look at Nashiba’s name in the top 35 to 50 teams.
“Whoa! That was surprising!” said Kazunari.
“Our team has been placed in the 35th-50th in the latest rankings for the best teams in Tokyo” said Subaru.
“Well, it looks like your team will end up moving up since the performance in the Young Players Cup, but aside from your school, other schools in Ōta have raised their rankings too, based on school recruiting and strengths and weaknesses of their players” said Aoi.
“The previous rankings, which is the Japanese High School Basketball Pre-Season Rankings, said that Nashiba has ranked eighty-fifth in the city, but not ranked in the entire country” said Michiko.
“So, what about Itoda Business High School?” asked Kazunari.
“Well, obviously, Itoda Business High School has been ranked down to #20 after being on top in the Pre-Season Rankings for the city, despite being the top high school basketball team in Minato” said Aoi.
“Are they have new players in their team?” asked Subaru.
“There are a bunch of well-developed prospects joining the team, but I was surprised that no one was coming from Ōta” said Michiko.
“The Itoda Business High School is in Minato and that’s why that school had focused on bringing some best players from different middle schools in Minato. Ryuuichi was an exception because his father was a technical engineer” said Tomoka.
“I hope that we might be able to battle them before the final four. This could be a war game between me and Ryuuichi due to our rivalry had been escalating to the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament” said Subaru.
“I agree, Subaru. Tomorrow, we will battle against those first year students who have joined our team. Maybe, we should be ready to battle them” said Kazunari.
“Yeah, the guys like Seiichirō, Seijirō and Chihiro have good talents based on their own nature and the style of play. I bet that we should be pleased by those guys if they perform well to defeat us, but I’m determined that we should play hard, Kazunari” said Subaru.
“Yeah, that’s true. So, what else I could see in the magazine?” said Kazunari.
“Well, there is an article about the people from the south of Japan known as Kyushu and Okinawa. I think that they’re about go on vacation in Tokyo to split their paths while on vacation” said Michiko.
“In addition, I believe that they’ll have a basketball tournament in the Misawa Resort Hotel right after the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament, which is the Blue Wind Cup. It is organized by your father, Subaru” said Tomoka.
“Well, I wasn’t surprised to see that news, Tomoka. When is going to be held?” said Subaru.
“I think that it’s a two-day tournament from May 7 to 8. May 8 is the last day of the Fuchsia and Celadon Week. Maybe, we should expect to see their moves and how they worked out against their opponents in the tournament” said Mimi.
“Well, I’m glad that the match between the Hasegawa Star and the Ōta Future All-Stars will be held at the Recreational Center at noon before the final matches will be held in the same place. So, is it a boys’ tournament or a girls’ tournament?” said Subaru.
“Unfortunately, the Blue Wind Cup is a tournament for boys only. Of course, the participants are coming from both Kyushu and Okinawa” said Aoi.
“Okay, I understand. I hope that I will see them when they’re here next week” said Subaru.
“Exactly, Subaru. Those guys from Kyushu and Okinawa are very different from us” said Kazunari.
“But also, they have their own moves too” said Aoi.
“I agree to those, Kazunari and Aoi! Maybe, we can watch those matches together” said Subaru.
“I hope so” said Kazunari while Aoi nods to agree with Subaru.
Later, Banri and Jun arrive shortly to meet the members of the Rainbow Angels. “Hey, everyone!”
“Oh! Banri and Jun are here! I’m glad that we’re going to find out which teams we’ll be taking on in the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament” said Subaru.
“Yeah!” said Tomoka, Mimi, Aoi, Kazunari and Michiko.
The members of the Rainbow Angels as well as the representatives from different teams, Michiko, Sayaka, Shigemasa, Himeko, Sōichi, Takashi and Asumi, are listening to Banri and Jun.
Rainbow Angels
Boys: Subaru Hasegawa, Kazunari Uehara, Yoshitsugu Tsuchiya, Masanobu Uehara, Kōichi Aoyama, Junichi Kamisaka, Kōsuke Minagawa, Dairoku Kaji, Mito Azaki, Katsuya Kameda, Jūbei Koga, Junichi Morizawa, Masahiko Morioka, Tadaoki Higaki and Junsei Watanabe
Girls: Tomoka Minato, Mimi Balguerie, Anzu Ogi, Megumi Kadokawa, Aoi Ogiyama, Nami Takashirō, Kazuko Kakimoto, Hanako Kotobuki, Kazue Ōgaki, Hitomi Takao, Ayame Isurugi, Kazue Futagawa, Fujiko Sasaki, Mizuki Koyama, Yurika Hashida and Sawako Ishihara
Others: Jiro Koganei, Jun Gotō, Banri Kashii, Shinsuke Nagatomo, Katsuhito Aoyagi, Ryōta Mikawa, Masanobu Yamada, Kimiya Katsura, Kotori Katsura, Mayumi Nagakura, Nanako Funatani, Akiko Miyazaki, Minako Kawaguchi, Yūki Sasaki, Kaiji Nakagami, Sōichi Aoyama, Naoko Andō, Natsuki Sakura and Yoko Shimizu
“Everyone, we’ll be drawn to Group A since we’re one of the home teams in the tournament” said Banri.
“That means, we’ll be taking on some good opponents before reaching to the knockout tournament” said Jun.
“That’s awesome, Jun! I can’t believe that we’re going up against some opponents from our group before moving on to the next round” said Tomoka.
“That would be an easy group to take because we want to make sure that we’ll defend our court when it’s clutch time” said Mimi.
“I agree, Tomoka and Mimi!” said Jun.
“So, what the groups would be looked like, Banri?” asked Subaru.
“Okay, then. I’ll show it to you” said Banri.
“Here are results of the draw for the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament” said Jun.
Banri and Jun give Subaru and Tomoka the results of the draw for the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament. Subaru and Tomoka are shocked to see the results of the draw.
“For the boys’ tournament, we’re taking on the Black Tigers of Kamata, the South Bay Ōta and the Winds of Den-en-chōfu” said Subaru.
“And for the girls’ tournament, we’ll be joined by the Radiant Fuchsia, the Katsura Swordswomen and the Nagamoto Flames, a community team composed of students from Shiromidai” said Tomoka.
“It’s a good draw for us because we’re hopefully going to win all games before facing off against some tough teams from the other groups” said Mimi.
“At least that the other teams have drawn to different groups, Banri” said Kazunari.
“Yep. For the other teams in the boys’ tournament, the Homewrecking Dragons are drawn to Group B, the Black Dragons of Ōta, the Radiant Fuchsia and the Temperate Celadon are drawn to Group C, the Azure Wind and Team Purple are drawn to Group D and the Magome Elites-Team Suga are drawn to Group F” said Banri.
“And for the girls’ tournament, the Azure Wind and the Black Dragons of Ōta are drawn to Group B, the Temperate Celadon are drawn to Group C, Kirihara-Team Takeda to Group D, the Homewrecking Dragons and Team Yotsuya-Odaka are drawn to Group E and Team Purple and the Prestigious Wind Ōta are drawn to Group F” said Jun.
“That’s good. Looks like we’re going to have separate paths for me and Ryuuichi. I bet that this would be an interesting draw for our team” said Subaru.
“Yeah, I’m sure that we can beat those teams out before battling against those tougher teams from the other groups, Subaru. The South Bay Ōta and the Winds of Den-en-chōfu are developed teams without the elementary school students while the Black Tigers of Kamata is a high school community team” said Kōichi Aoyama.
“Once we’re the winners of the group, we’ll battle against the fourth best third placed team” said Yoshitsugu Tsuchiya.
“Yeah, I’m glad that we’re ready to battle them for the first time, but we still have to finish working with some new moves” said Kazunari.
“That’s right, Kazunari. If we’ll try our best to master some new moves, we’ll finally have a lot of shocks and burns coming out to take them down for good” said Subaru.
“Yeah!” said the boys of the Rainbow Angels.
“Well, Tomoka, I’m glad that we’re both drawn in the same group. Group A is a not a bad group at all” said Sayaka.
“Yeah, Sayaka. We’ll face each other in the evening. Hopefully, I’m ready to battle you!” said Tomoka.
“Of course, Tomoka! I’m not going to get easy on you because I will some you my moves soon” said Sayaka.
“Well, me too, Sayaka! I will wait for you to face me as long as we’ll hopefully going to have victories before our match” said Tomoka.
“You bet!” said Sayaka.
“I guess that we’re drawn into different groups, Mimi. I’m sure that the draw was challenging to me” said Himeko.
“Yeah, it looks like some other groups are going to be tougher as expected” said Mimi.
“Well, not all of them” said Himeko.
“It’s nice to see the results of the draw where this could be a big challenge for all teams as well as looking at the results, it feels like we’re going to make at least two or three wins to advance to the next round” said Asumi.
“Yep. With the tournament is approaching, all talented players will square to show their talent in the court. By the end of the tournament, only one winner will be chosen” said Mimi.
“I’m sure that that I’m hyped for this, Mimi and Asumi. Let’s make sure that we’re all making it to the knockout tournament” said Himeko.
“Yeah!” said Asumi.
“Of course, Himeko!” said Mimi.
“I hope that you guys are prepared for the tournament, but we still have many things to finish with like the new moves and the new strategies” said Subaru.
“If we’re able to master those, we’re all set to win the tournament” said Aoi.
“No one will surprise us to see our moves because we’re determined to be brave and bold enough to win” said Kazunari.
“I’m definitely agree with that, Kazunari!” said Tomoka.
“Yeah, I know that this is more like a competition between the best players and that’s why we should get rolling and win!” said Mimi.
“I guess that we still have one more training to prepare for the tournament” said Jun.
“Which will be tomorrow, but tomorrow will be the match between our team and the first year high school students who joined our team” said Banri.
“Then, we’ll wait for Subaru and others to catch up with us while we’re on training” said Kazue Ōgaki.
“Good idea, Kazue!” said Junsei Watanabe.
“We’ll have to start the training without them for the first 30 minutes and then, they’ll be here to coach us” said Tadaoki Higaki.
“I think that you guys have an idea. We’ll appoint a temporary coach for tomorrow before Subaru and the boys of Nashiba arrive at the Recreational Center” said Kōichi.
“That way, he’ll be instructing to us about what should we do in tomorrow’s training” said Junichi Kamisaka.
“Yeah!” said the members of the Rainbow Angels.
“Guys, I think that you’re right. Without us, we can’t start the training without us. So, I will give it Jiro Koganei the first hour before Subaru and Kazunari will take over the rest of it. So, are we guys clear with this?” said Banri.
“Yeah!” said the members of the Rainbow Angels.
“I’m glad that I’ll be here to train you for tomorrow alongside Jun. So, let’s make sure that all of you will be ready for the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament” said Jiro Koganei.
“Let’s have the training tomorrow being the best for all of us before participating at the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament!” said Jun.
“Yeah!” said the members of the Rainbow Angels. The Rainbow Angels had finished their second training with a high note as both teams were able to work on their new moves and new strategies including the Prism Sakura Connection, a Complete Synchronization Skill made by Tomoka, Mimi and Aoi. With the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament is almost approaching, the Rainbow Angels are hopefully going make their final day the best night they have while Subaru and Kazunari are ready to take on Seiichirō, Seijirō, Chihiro and the other first year high school students in a scrimmage match at the Nashiba High School Gymnasium.
UP NEXT: Profile of the Radiant Fuchsia
Part 2
After the elections for the new board were over, the Bravehearts and their allies are busy doing their own activities in the afternoon. Most importantly, the Rainbow Angels are ready for the second day of their training, in preparing for the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament.
At the Outdoor Basketball Court #6, located outside of the Recreational Center, the Radiant Fuchsia are on a special training that was set by Tsukikage (ツキカゲ).
Radiant Fuchsia: Sayaka Ashihara, Itsuko Horiuchi, Nanami Hachigō, Sayuri Hosaka, Rin Takamine, Shigemasa Araki, Masaki Kudo, Ibuki Kayama, Keisuke Kijima, Kanako Sugibayashi, Shinobu Matsuda, Natsuko Aozora, Yoshimatsu Yamagishi, Masaji Nobumoto and Masami Fujioka
Tsukikage: Momo Minamoto, Yuki Hanzoumon, Fuu Sagami, Mei Yachiyo, Goe Ishikawa and Hatsume Aoba
“Sayaka, since you want me to teach you a new special move, then I’ll be delighted if I will do it for you” said Momo.
“Oh, thank you, Momo-san! I haven’t played basketball aside from track and field because I want to become a police officer in the future” said Sayaka.
“Well, you need keep track on your stamina while you’re on the run. I know that you’re very good in observing everyone, but this is what I’m going to say to you” said Momo. Then, Momo would hold the baton, which is resembled to a spyce. “Do you what the item is?”
“It’s a baton, Momo” said Sayaka.
“Correct. Now, this baton is used for relay races, but for the sake of this training, you need to practice on your speed. When I run onto you, you need to open your hand, which will signal me to go near you and hand off the baton on to your hands. That will allow you to run with your baton. After that, pass the baton back to me and then, we’ll do together vice versa. Get it?” said Momo.
“Yes, Momo-san! I got it!” said Sayaka.
“Now, I will go far before I’ll run and when I’m about to go near you, open your hand and I’ll give the baton to you. Then, run and pass the baton back to me. Okay?” said Momo.
“Okay!” said Sayaka.
Momo, Yuki, Fuu, Mei, Goe and Hatsume would run through the left side of the end line while Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki are looking at them, preparing to run.
“Are you ready, girls?” shouted Momo, who is now on the end line alongside Yuki, Fuu, Mei, Goe and Hatsume.
“Ready!” said Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
“Then…” said Momo.
“…go!” said Momo, Yuki, Fuu, Mei, Goe and Hatsume.
Momo and the members of Tsukikage run from the end line as the song 「スパッと！ スパイ&スパイス」by Yukari Anzai, Manami Numakura, Akane Fujita, Aya Suzaki, Yuri Noguchi and Aya Uchida was played as the background song for the training of the Radiant Fuchsia.
Sayaka holds her hand to go for a signal as Momo is about to reach Sayaka. Momo holds the baton before giving it to Sayaka. Sayaka would run alongside Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki once Momo and the members of Tsukikage give the baton to them.
Sayaka and her friends run faster like the way Momo and the Tsukikage did earlier.
“Nice job, girls! Just keep it up!” said Momo.
Sayaka and her friends smile to Momo as they reach the end line before running back to reach Momo and the Tsukikage.
Momo opens her hand and then, Sayaka catches up to Momo before handing off the baton on to Momo, who will be running once again. Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki would also hand off the batons to the other members of Tsukikage before watching them running with Momo.
“Wow! That was very fast, Sayaka! Well done!” said Momo while running on her way to the end line.
“Thanks, Momo-san! Is this the part where I will practice my own special move?” said Sayaka.
“Of course, Sayaka! Now, you need to increase your acceleration when you’re in the court. You should also not to pressure out from your body, so that you’ll be able to dazzle off from your opponents, using your spin move” said Momo.
“Okay, I understand, Momo-san! I think that I have to plan on what move I’ll be using” said Sayaka.
“Then, you should practice with your speed, Sayaka. Now, it’s your turn again!” said Momo.
“Okay!” said Sayaka as she was able to receive the baton from Momo before running through the end line. Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki follow suit.
As Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki reach to the end line, Momo and the Tsukikage are observing the results of the drill. Then, when Sayaka and her friends are heading back to prepare for another pass.
“You can do it, girls!” said Fuu.
“We will about to run this time!” said Goe.
“Just pass the baton to me and I’ll run!” said Momo.
“Okay!” said Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
As they reach on to the Tsukikage, Sayaka, Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki were able to pass the baton to the members of Tsukikage.
“Great job, Sayaka! I’m so proud of you!” said Momo, who was delighted on her face after Sayaka was able to pass the baton to her perfectly.
“Thanks! I’m finally going faster this time! Right, girls?” said Sayaka.
“Yeah!” said Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
“Once I’ll continue improving my speed, I’ll be able to have my special move of my own! You can get yours too!” said Sayaka.
“Yeah, I agree, Sayaka! We’ll make sure that we’re going to win games at the elimination before bringing home with the championship!” said Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
“Of course, we will do, girls! Let’s keep on practicing until we have the special moves and our very own Complete Synchronization Skill!” said Sayaka.
“Yeah!” said Itsuko, Nanami, Sayuri, Rin and Ibuki.
Meanwhile, the other teams are having their training of their own as well as to Kirihara-Team Takeda, Magome Elites-Team Suga, Temperate Celadon, Team Purple and Rainbow Angels.
At the basketball court in Magome, the members of Magome Elites-Team Suga are exhausted after their shooting practice. Ryuuichi doesn’t hesitate himself to see his teammates as he shouts at them.
“Oh, come on, boys! We must work hard before the tournament!” said Ryuuichi.
“I can’t believe that you’re unpredictable again, Ryuuichi-kun” said Yūya Okazaki.
“How can we concentrate on our shooting if you keep on shouting at us?” asked Haruki Namikawa.
“Then, you must listen to me, you bastard. We can’t win without losing the energy” said Ryuuichi.
“But you’re the leader of this team, Ryuuichi-kun. Aren’t you playing or mentoring?” said Noboru Ōkawa.
“Of course, I’m playing, but I’m also observing you” said Ryuuichi.
“Oh, I see. Then, you must lower your voice” said Noboru Ōkawa.
“Otherwise, we would be kicked out of this court for your actions” said Akira Sugiyama.
“Oh, fine, then, let’s get back to work, boys!” said Ryuuichi.
The members of the Magome Elites-Team Suga groan in frustration before saying, “Okay.”
While the members of the Magome Elites-Team Suga would resume their training, Nana and Mayumi are looking at Ryuuichi and the boys, but they’re not serious at Ryuuichi’s characteristics of being a true leader of the team.
“I can’t believe that my cousin is losing my patience again” said Nana.
“Yeah, this was happened every time he sees his groupmates being exhausted, but he wants them to work hard” said Mayumi.
“True, Mayumi, but I’m not feeling what I’m seeing after those guys have been exhausted from shooting” said Nana.
“Well, we should ask him later if he doesn’t want to grow his temper on them” said Mayumi.
“Good idea, Mayumi” said Nana.
Nana and Mayumi would continue watching Ryuuichi and the boys doing their shooting at the free throw line.
Then, at the basketball court in Kamata, the members of the Temperate Celadon are playing against each other in a 5-on-5 match that was supervised by Mieko Sugihara. Asumi was able to perform the playmaking skills as she passes the ball to Harumi Shimizu, who would shoot the ball with the layup.
“Alright! Great job, girls! Now, keep it up!” said Mieko Sugihara while clapping her hands, watching Asumi and her teammates doing their great job in using their team strategy, the Celadon Rush.
Asumi and Harumi smile to Mieko Sugihara before they switch their focus to defense. The Temperate Celadon is considered favorites in the tournament due to Asumi’s reputation as the Redhead Comet.
At the basketball court in Kugahara, Michiko Takeda and her new teammates from the Kirihara Middle School girls’ basketball are teaming up against the reserves of the team. Michiko tries to use her ankle breaking play, which is her new move. Michiko dribbles the ball back and forth before Maho Kitagawa stumbles to the ground. Michiko would shoot the ball with the floater after driving past Maho.
Back at the Misawa Resort Hotel, Team Purple, led by Himeko Katayama, uses the Outdoor Basketball Court #6 as the venue for their training. Ichiro Hosoya gives the ball to Himeko and her teammates while the girls are shooting their ball in the free throw line.
After their practice, the girls would go to the bench and drink their water. Himeko uses her towel to remove the sweat from her body.
“That’s a nice shot, Himeko!” said Sōichi Maeyama.
“Thanks. I’m feeling great that I’m finally prepared for the Fuchsia and Dragons Tournament, Sōichi-san. I can’t wait to have a match with Tomoka and her team, but I also want also to face a stronger team too. The draw will be held at the conference room and I will be representing for our team” said Himeko.
“That’s good, Himeko. I believe that you and Ichiro will be representing our team. You two are very expressive when it comes to future competitions in the Ōta League” said Sōichi.
“Yep. There are many teams they’ll be participating in that tournament. It’s going to be a big tournament in the Recreational Center, but I believe that the elimination round matches should be held outside the Center” said Himeko.
“I agree. I hope that we’ll be able to face some stronger teams in the group that the organizers we’ll be assigning” said Sōichi.
“Yeah, since we’re the new players in the varsity team, we have to show our guts to prove our opponents that we’re the new bravehearts in the team” said Himeko.
“You got that right, Himeko! We won’t let the senpais down!” said Sōichi.
Then, the scene would be changed to the Recreational Center where the members of the Rainbow Angels are playing against each other in the scrimmage. Banri and Jun are out for the meeting with the other representatives from different participants of the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament.
In the scrimmage for the boys, Subaru and Kazunari begin working together with their Complete Synchronization Skill, the Brave Rainbow Strategy. They would synchronize it with his teammates while shooting the ball with their jump shots.
As Kazunari passes the ball to Subaru with the overhead pass, Subaru performs the ankle breaking move, which Katsuya Kameda stumbles to the ground. Subaru shoots the ball with the jump shot perfectly and the ball drives to the basket.
“Nice release, Subaru! You rock!” said Kazunari.
“Thanks, Kazunari!” said Subaru as he and Kazunari give each other’s fist bump.
“I can’t believe that you’re working with the ankle breaker move since the first training” said Kazunari.
“Yep. I want to show Ryuuichi something that he doesn’t know about this move. Ryuuichi is not always serious when it comes to his rivalry with me” said Subaru.
“That’s true, Subaru. It has to be done to stop him with that move, but once he’s trying to stop you, you need to come up a plan to strike him out with a playmaking move” said Kazunari.
“Of course, we could! That’s going to make our team even better with some new moves to groove” said Subaru.
“You got it!” said Kazunari, who is smiling to Subaru after finishing his sentence.
Later, in the scrimmage for the girls, the girls of the Rainbow Angels are working hard with their new moves while Tomoka, Mimi and Aoi try to master their Complete Synchronization Skill. The name of the trio’s Complete Synchronization Skill is the Prism Sakura Connection. It is the merger of the Sakura Connection and Aoi’s relentless finish strategy.
In one play, Tomoka shouts at her teammates. “Showtime, girls!”
Mimi, Aoi, Anzu and Megumi smile on their faces before they would be joined by Tomoka as they create their zone. Tomoka passes the ball to Mimi and then, Mimi uses the crossover move on Ayame Isurugi. Once she is done doing the crossover move, she steps back from Ayame, who tries to steal the ball, and passes the ball to Aoi. Aoi shoots the ball with the three-point shot while Sawako Ishihara tries to block the shot by going for the shot contest. Aoi’s shot would be successful.
“Nice shot, Aoi-san!” said Tomoka and Mimi.
“Thanks, girls! Looks like we’re almost there in mastering that skill!” said Aoi.
“Yeah, but we need to synchronize it with the other members in our team” said Tomoka.
“You mean, Anzu-san and Megumi-san?” asked Aoi.
“Yeah!” said Tomoka and Mimi.
“Well, we should do that, so that those two girls will get contributions too!” said Aoi.
“Exactly! Both Anzu and Megumi are very good in shooting, but they can have playmaking skills too” said Mimi.
“I think that our connection should be expanded when we’re going to pass the ball to other teammates, so that they’ll have boost in acceleration. Since Mimi and I have been improving our acceleration, we can run pick-and-roll plays now” said Tomoka.
“You’re right, Tomoka. I forgot to know about that, but we’re ready to get grooving again!” said Aoi.
“You said it!” said Mimi.
“Now, let’s keep practicing this new strategy and hopefully, we’ll go for the best!” said Tomoka.
“Yeah!” said Mimi and Aoi.
The Prism Sakura Connection would also be used by fusing with the special moves of Anzu and Megumi, in order to give them their chances to shoot. Mimi passes the ball to Anzu while Tomoka passes the ball to Megumi. Then, while Anzu calls Aoi for the screen, Mimi runs through the corner and Anzu passes the ball to Mimi, allowing Mimi to shoot the ball with the jump shot.
Later, the scrimmage was over with Team Minato defeated Team Takao with the score of 40-30.
“Okay! Let’s wrap this training right here, girls!” said Subaru.
“Okay!” said the girls of the Rainbow Angels after Subaru blew his whistle to call the scrimmage to an end.
Later, at the bench, the girls of the Rainbow Angels are drinking their water with their water bottle. They would rest for about ten minutes.
“I’m glad that we worked out with the new Complete Synchronization Skill. I’m sure that we could mast it by tomorrow” said Mimi.
“Yeah, Mimi. Tomoka and I are thinking of synchronization with the other members of our team would be great as long as our teamwork is growing” said Aoi.
“Communication is the important way to create the Complete Synchronization Skill. It also requires team chemistry because it’s important that players should work as a team to get their job done” said Tomoka.
“That’s right, Tomoka. I would be expected if Megumi and Kazuko have agreed to use their Complete Synchronization Skill and then, we’ll integrate it to our own Complete Synchronization Skill” said Mimi.
“That way, we’ll be able to synchronize our moves and boost our chances to win the game” said Aoi.
“I think that it’s a good idea, Mimi! I know that we should have forgotten about that when my friends and I are on our first training last Tuesday. I would say about that, but our team has many things to deal with” said Tomoka.
“What are those?” asked Aoi.
“Improving the perimeter defense play and forming a zone that would make our team more focused on steals and blocks. It would be the advantage of getting more hustle and taking their opponents with the offensive breakdown” said Tomoka.
“So, I guess that your team is not worrying about their defense, despite Airi, Ayaka and Momoe are good in both defense and rebounding” said Mimi.
“Yes, they were, Mimi. I believe that Aoi had been working on defensive skills, but for those three, they should improve their defense” said Tomoka.
“Good point. I’ll try my best to train Airi, Ayaka and Momoe to improve their defense. Maybe, it’s their best time to take the stepping stone, in bringing playmaking time in your team” said Aoi.
“Yeah!” said Tomoka.
“I think that we should go to the restroom before we’ll continue about that” said Mimi.
“Good idea!” said Aoi and Tomoka.
Tomoka, Mimi and Aoi would go to the restroom to take a toilet break and later, leave the restroom to go back to the basketball court. They would suddenly be bumped by Michiko.
“Oh! Michiko! I’m glad that you’re here!” said Tomoka.
“Yep. I guess that you would be surprised to see me” said Michiko.
“Of course! So, what brings you here?” said Tomoka.
“Well, after our team had finished the training, we went to the sports store in Nishina. When we go there, we find some good stuff to buy for future needs. Also, I even bought this” said Michiko before showing the National High School Basketball Weekly.
“Oh! It’s the new issue of the National High School Basketball Weekly!” said Tomoka.
“That’s where the news related to high school basketball are here” said Aoi.
“Maybe, you can take it, Tomoka, so that you can read some articles in that magazine” said Michiko.
“Okay!” said Tomoka.
“Oh, I almost forgot to tell you that the news about the Nashiba High School was also there. You can check it out on page 44” said Michiko.
“Okay!” said Tomoka.
Tomoka would open the issue of the National High School Basketball Weekly and then, turns to page 44 where she sees Subaru and his teammates have hoisted the Young Players Cup trophy.
“Wow! That was awesome!” said Tomoka.
“What’s awesome, Tomoka?” asked Michiko.
“Would you look at that? Subaru’s moves were featured in that magazine! It includes his game-winning shot and his bravest moment in the final two minutes” said Tomoka.
“Subaru had been the star in the Kirihara Middle School boys’ basketball team and now, he’s about to reach his goal in becoming the best high school player in Ōta” said Aoi.
“I agree, Aoi! I never heard that news before it was broke out when his school’s basketball program was suspended last year. Now that he’s ready to return to the court, he’s about to show his new moves to his opponents he would be facing this season” said Michiko.
“Well, I’m glad that he’s being the alpha dog because of his true leadership in his team. I can’t wait to see him more when he’s competing for the Interhigh prefectural competition” said Tomoka.
“Yeah, but you know what, we should talk to Subaru about that. I guess that your training would be done too” said Michiko.
“Yep. It would be great if Subaru will be shockingly seeing the article about his team’s victory in the Young Players Cup in that magazine” said Mimi.
“Of course, Mimi! We should let him know that Nashiba hasn’t done anything what they want to prepare for a long time” said Aoi.
“Of course, he will!” said Tomoka, Mimi and Michiko.
Back at the basketball court, Subaru and Kazunari are talking with each other in a friendly conversation. Then, Tomoka, Mimi, Aoi and Michiko arrive to meet them.
“Oh, hey, girls! How’s it going?” said Subaru.
“Turns out that everything is eyeing on you after your team had become the champions of the Young Players Cup” said Tomoka.
“Really. Well, I’m not sure what that exactly means” said Subaru.
“Look at that magazine, Subaru. Your team is featured in the National High School Basketball Weekly” said Aoi as Tomoka shows the picture of Subaru and his teammates from the Nashiba High School boys’ basketball team hoisting the Young Players Cup trophy after defeating the Mikagawa High School in the final.
Subaru was surprised to see him in the magazine and days to them, “Well, what do you know? Many of the journalists know that I want to prove myself that I’m the best basketball player in Ōta. I bet that Ryuuichi would be shocked to see this.”
“Well, it would be expected, Subaru. As far as concern, you and Ryuuichi aren’t on the top rankings for all point guards in Japan for the Class of 2012” said Aoi.
“According to the magazine, both you and Ryuuichi are ranked fourth and fifth respectively” said Michiko.
“Hmmm… that sounds like Ryuuichi and I are on neck and neck in the rankings after my school had reinstated our basketball program” said Subaru.
“That’s right, Subaru. I know that you’re the Braveheart Sensation, but it’s too soon to say that you’re the best player in Tokyo after you made your best performance in the final of the Young Players Cup” said Mimi.
“That’s true, Mimi. I’m glad that the magazine proves that I’m still better in Ōta, but in the entire city. Good thing that Ryuuichi is still trying to catch up on me” said Subaru.
“Yeah, this would take a long time to make it to the top and after a year, you may end up reaching to #1” said Kazunari.
“Of course, Kazunari, I wish that it will happen very soon” said Subaru.
“I agree, Subaru” said Kazunari.
“Speaking of school rankings, here are the latest power rankings for each school in Tokyo” said Tomoka as she turns the book to page 8, which is the power rankings for each school in Tokyo.
Subaru and Kazunari would look at the rankings and they look at Nashiba’s name in the top 35 to 50 teams.
“Whoa! That was surprising!” said Kazunari.
“Our team has been placed in the 35th-50th in the latest rankings for the best teams in Tokyo” said Subaru.
“Well, it looks like your team will end up moving up since the performance in the Young Players Cup, but aside from your school, other schools in Ōta have raised their rankings too, based on school recruiting and strengths and weaknesses of their players” said Aoi.
“The previous rankings, which is the Japanese High School Basketball Pre-Season Rankings, said that Nashiba has ranked eighty-fifth in the city, but not ranked in the entire country” said Michiko.
“So, what about Itoda Business High School?” asked Kazunari.
“Well, obviously, Itoda Business High School has been ranked down to #20 after being on top in the Pre-Season Rankings for the city, despite being the top high school basketball team in Minato” said Aoi.
“Are they have new players in their team?” asked Subaru.
“There are a bunch of well-developed prospects joining the team, but I was surprised that no one was coming from Ōta” said Michiko.
“The Itoda Business High School is in Minato and that’s why that school had focused on bringing some best players from different middle schools in Minato. Ryuuichi was an exception because his father was a technical engineer” said Tomoka.
“I hope that we might be able to battle them before the final four. This could be a war game between me and Ryuuichi due to our rivalry had been escalating to the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament” said Subaru.
“I agree, Subaru. Tomorrow, we will battle against those first year students who have joined our team. Maybe, we should be ready to battle them” said Kazunari.
“Yeah, the guys like Seiichirō, Seijirō and Chihiro have good talents based on their own nature and the style of play. I bet that we should be pleased by those guys if they perform well to defeat us, but I’m determined that we should play hard, Kazunari” said Subaru.
“Yeah, that’s true. So, what else I could see in the magazine?” said Kazunari.
“Well, there is an article about the people from the south of Japan known as Kyushu and Okinawa. I think that they’re about go on vacation in Tokyo to split their paths while on vacation” said Michiko.
“In addition, I believe that they’ll have a basketball tournament in the Misawa Resort Hotel right after the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament, which is the Blue Wind Cup. It is organized by your father, Subaru” said Tomoka.
“Well, I wasn’t surprised to see that news, Tomoka. When is going to be held?” said Subaru.
“I think that it’s a two-day tournament from May 7 to 8. May 8 is the last day of the Fuchsia and Celadon Week. Maybe, we should expect to see their moves and how they worked out against their opponents in the tournament” said Mimi.
“Well, I’m glad that the match between the Hasegawa Star and the Ōta Future All-Stars will be held at the Recreational Center at noon before the final matches will be held in the same place. So, is it a boys’ tournament or a girls’ tournament?” said Subaru.
“Unfortunately, the Blue Wind Cup is a tournament for boys only. Of course, the participants are coming from both Kyushu and Okinawa” said Aoi.
“Okay, I understand. I hope that I will see them when they’re here next week” said Subaru.
“Exactly, Subaru. Those guys from Kyushu and Okinawa are very different from us” said Kazunari.
“But also, they have their own moves too” said Aoi.
“I agree to those, Kazunari and Aoi! Maybe, we can watch those matches together” said Subaru.
“I hope so” said Kazunari while Aoi nods to agree with Subaru.
Later, Banri and Jun arrive shortly to meet the members of the Rainbow Angels. “Hey, everyone!”
“Oh! Banri and Jun are here! I’m glad that we’re going to find out which teams we’ll be taking on in the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament” said Subaru.
“Yeah!” said Tomoka, Mimi, Aoi, Kazunari and Michiko.
The members of the Rainbow Angels as well as the representatives from different teams, Michiko, Sayaka, Shigemasa, Himeko, Sōichi, Takashi and Asumi, are listening to Banri and Jun.
Rainbow Angels
Boys: Subaru Hasegawa, Kazunari Uehara, Yoshitsugu Tsuchiya, Masanobu Uehara, Kōichi Aoyama, Junichi Kamisaka, Kōsuke Minagawa, Dairoku Kaji, Mito Azaki, Katsuya Kameda, Jūbei Koga, Junichi Morizawa, Masahiko Morioka, Tadaoki Higaki and Junsei Watanabe
Girls: Tomoka Minato, Mimi Balguerie, Anzu Ogi, Megumi Kadokawa, Aoi Ogiyama, Nami Takashirō, Kazuko Kakimoto, Hanako Kotobuki, Kazue Ōgaki, Hitomi Takao, Ayame Isurugi, Kazue Futagawa, Fujiko Sasaki, Mizuki Koyama, Yurika Hashida and Sawako Ishihara
Others: Jiro Koganei, Jun Gotō, Banri Kashii, Shinsuke Nagatomo, Katsuhito Aoyagi, Ryōta Mikawa, Masanobu Yamada, Kimiya Katsura, Kotori Katsura, Mayumi Nagakura, Nanako Funatani, Akiko Miyazaki, Minako Kawaguchi, Yūki Sasaki, Kaiji Nakagami, Sōichi Aoyama, Naoko Andō, Natsuki Sakura and Yoko Shimizu
“Everyone, we’ll be drawn to Group A since we’re one of the home teams in the tournament” said Banri.
“That means, we’ll be taking on some good opponents before reaching to the knockout tournament” said Jun.
“That’s awesome, Jun! I can’t believe that we’re going up against some opponents from our group before moving on to the next round” said Tomoka.
“That would be an easy group to take because we want to make sure that we’ll defend our court when it’s clutch time” said Mimi.
“I agree, Tomoka and Mimi!” said Jun.
“So, what the groups would be looked like, Banri?” asked Subaru.
“Okay, then. I’ll show it to you” said Banri.
“Here are results of the draw for the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament” said Jun.
Banri and Jun give Subaru and Tomoka the results of the draw for the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament. Subaru and Tomoka are shocked to see the results of the draw.
“For the boys’ tournament, we’re taking on the Black Tigers of Kamata, the South Bay Ōta and the Winds of Den-en-chōfu” said Subaru.
“And for the girls’ tournament, we’ll be joined by the Radiant Fuchsia, the Katsura Swordswomen and the Nagamoto Flames, a community team composed of students from Shiromidai” said Tomoka.
“It’s a good draw for us because we’re hopefully going to win all games before facing off against some tough teams from the other groups” said Mimi.
“At least that the other teams have drawn to different groups, Banri” said Kazunari.
“Yep. For the other teams in the boys’ tournament, the Homewrecking Dragons are drawn to Group B, the Black Dragons of Ōta, the Radiant Fuchsia and the Temperate Celadon are drawn to Group C, the Azure Wind and Team Purple are drawn to Group D and the Magome Elites-Team Suga are drawn to Group F” said Banri.
“And for the girls’ tournament, the Azure Wind and the Black Dragons of Ōta are drawn to Group B, the Temperate Celadon are drawn to Group C, Kirihara-Team Takeda to Group D, the Homewrecking Dragons and Team Yotsuya-Odaka are drawn to Group E and Team Purple and the Prestigious Wind Ōta are drawn to Group F” said Jun.
“That’s good. Looks like we’re going to have separate paths for me and Ryuuichi. I bet that this would be an interesting draw for our team” said Subaru.
“Yeah, I’m sure that we can beat those teams out before battling against those tougher teams from the other groups, Subaru. The South Bay Ōta and the Winds of Den-en-chōfu are developed teams without the elementary school students while the Black Tigers of Kamata is a high school community team” said Kōichi Aoyama.
“Once we’re the winners of the group, we’ll battle against the fourth best third placed team” said Yoshitsugu Tsuchiya.
“Yeah, I’m glad that we’re ready to battle them for the first time, but we still have to finish working with some new moves” said Kazunari.
“That’s right, Kazunari. If we’ll try our best to master some new moves, we’ll finally have a lot of shocks and burns coming out to take them down for good” said Subaru.
“Yeah!” said the boys of the Rainbow Angels.
“Well, Tomoka, I’m glad that we’re both drawn in the same group. Group A is a not a bad group at all” said Sayaka.
“Yeah, Sayaka. We’ll face each other in the evening. Hopefully, I’m ready to battle you!” said Tomoka.
“Of course, Tomoka! I’m not going to get easy on you because I will some you my moves soon” said Sayaka.
“Well, me too, Sayaka! I will wait for you to face me as long as we’ll hopefully going to have victories before our match” said Tomoka.
“You bet!” said Sayaka.
“I guess that we’re drawn into different groups, Mimi. I’m sure that the draw was challenging to me” said Himeko.
“Yeah, it looks like some other groups are going to be tougher as expected” said Mimi.
“Well, not all of them” said Himeko.
“It’s nice to see the results of the draw where this could be a big challenge for all teams as well as looking at the results, it feels like we’re going to make at least two or three wins to advance to the next round” said Asumi.
“Yep. With the tournament is approaching, all talented players will square to show their talent in the court. By the end of the tournament, only one winner will be chosen” said Mimi.
“I’m sure that that I’m hyped for this, Mimi and Asumi. Let’s make sure that we’re all making it to the knockout tournament” said Himeko.
“Yeah!” said Asumi.
“Of course, Himeko!” said Mimi.
“I hope that you guys are prepared for the tournament, but we still have many things to finish with like the new moves and the new strategies” said Subaru.
“If we’re able to master those, we’re all set to win the tournament” said Aoi.
“No one will surprise us to see our moves because we’re determined to be brave and bold enough to win” said Kazunari.
“I’m definitely agree with that, Kazunari!” said Tomoka.
“Yeah, I know that this is more like a competition between the best players and that’s why we should get rolling and win!” said Mimi.
“I guess that we still have one more training to prepare for the tournament” said Jun.
“Which will be tomorrow, but tomorrow will be the match between our team and the first year high school students who joined our team” said Banri.
“Then, we’ll wait for Subaru and others to catch up with us while we’re on training” said Kazue Ōgaki.
“Good idea, Kazue!” said Junsei Watanabe.
“We’ll have to start the training without them for the first 30 minutes and then, they’ll be here to coach us” said Tadaoki Higaki.
“I think that you guys have an idea. We’ll appoint a temporary coach for tomorrow before Subaru and the boys of Nashiba arrive at the Recreational Center” said Kōichi.
“That way, he’ll be instructing to us about what should we do in tomorrow’s training” said Junichi Kamisaka.
“Yeah!” said the members of the Rainbow Angels.
“Guys, I think that you’re right. Without us, we can’t start the training without us. So, I will give it Jiro Koganei the first hour before Subaru and Kazunari will take over the rest of it. So, are we guys clear with this?” said Banri.
“Yeah!” said the members of the Rainbow Angels.
“I’m glad that I’ll be here to train you for tomorrow alongside Jun. So, let’s make sure that all of you will be ready for the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament” said Jiro Koganei.
“Let’s have the training tomorrow being the best for all of us before participating at the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament!” said Jun.
“Yeah!” said the members of the Rainbow Angels. The Rainbow Angels had finished their second training with a high note as both teams were able to work on their new moves and new strategies including the Prism Sakura Connection, a Complete Synchronization Skill made by Tomoka, Mimi and Aoi. With the Fuchsia and Celadon Dragons Tournament is almost approaching, the Rainbow Angels are hopefully going make their final day the best night they have while Subaru and Kazunari are ready to take on Seiichirō, Seijirō, Chihiro and the other first year high school students in a scrimmage match at the Nashiba High School Gymnasium.
UP NEXT: Profile of the Radiant Fuchsia
