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

[Sherwin Riga]

I’m back from vacation and it's a lot of fun because I made new friends in my home province. Anyway, the series returns with the second part of the short arc, Ryōta Nakamura’s Diary of an Admired Folly. In the second part, Ryōta Nakamura was greeted by his friend from the summer camp named Satoshi Akimoto. Then, Satoshi teaches Ryōta a brand new special move that Ryōta will use in his upcoming match against Koneko Toujou’s peerage in Kyoto tomorrow. Also, the Winding Current will appear in this chapter as they will be teaming with Ryōta and the Innocent Charm to battle against the Family of Angels. This chapter will be focused on the friends of Ryōta Nakamura from the summer camp and on the next chapter, it will be the match between the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels. Also, I begin planning on what to do with Volume 5 and also, I begin drafting the last pieces of Volume 4, which includes the chapter that will be focused on the variant of Rating Game and basketball. It will be revealed very soon. So, enjoy reading Chapter 48!:)

Ryōta Nakamura meets his friend Satoshi Akimoto, the former team captain of the Shiromidai Elementary School men’s basketball team. They were together as friends when they were participating at the summer camp two years ago. While Satoshi taught Ryōta the latter’s new special move Chromatic Current, Ryōta believed that he wants to improve himself from releasing shots, so that he will be able to use his new special move in the future matches. Later, the Winding Current would arrive to meet Ryōta Nakamura after Jiro Koganei met Ryōta in the court. The strong and withstanding group had recognized Ryōta Nakamura because they were able to progress their performance during the summer camp. After meeting with the members of the Innocent Charm and the Family of Angels, the Winding Current will be joining the Bravehearts, so that Ryōta will be reuniting with his friends from the summer camp. Then, the Innocent Charm announces their partnership with the Winding Current to form a team and face-off against the Family of Angels, led by Junichi Kamisaka.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 48: “THE WESTERN WIND”​

Ryōta Nakamura and Satoshi Akimoto would meet each other at the basketball court of the Recreational Center at the Misawa Resort Hotel. They were together as friends when they enrolled to the summer camp two years ago. Satoshi was also one of the members of the Shiromidai Elementary School boys’ basketball team and a member of the Winding Current, a team based in Ōta, Tokyo.

“Who are you?” asked Ryōta.

“Don’t you remember me before? At the summer camp?” said Satsohi.

“Ah, yeah. You’re one of them who has good skills in shooting” said Ryōta.

“That’s right, boy. Now, you’re improving your shooting skills. I can’t believe that you know about that drill” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, it was to shoot 100 straight baskets without doing a mistake. My coach Seijirō instructed me to do this and I finally did. I never give up on trying to shoot one hundred times in a row” said Ryōta.

“Looks like you’re good in doing tougher challenges” said Satoshi.

“Tougher challenges?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, you should know about that when you’re in the summer camp. Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell your name” said Satoshi.

“Ryōta. Ryōta Nakamura. First year middle school student from Keishin Academy.”

“Ryōta, nice to meet you. It’s been a long since you’ve gone on your own after the summer camp. Well, I’m happy to be here to meet you. My name is Satoshi Akimoto. I’m a former student from Shiromidai Elementary School, part of the school’s boys’ basketball team and currently studying at Den-en-chōfu Middle School.”

“Oh, yeah. I finally recognize you. You’re one of the best players in the district tournament” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, it is true, Ryōta. I was one of the recipients of the district tournament’s All-Star Team. I’m also leading in shooting with more than 20 points per game” said Satoshi.

“You’re looking good right now, Satoshi. So, what are you doing in our court?” said Ryōta.

“My friends and I were hanging out here for a training for the Ōta League Invitationals Youth Division – Ōmori. It will be held in three weeks and my team will participate at this event” said Satoshi.

“Ah, okay. So, looks like you’re going to register for the tournament as well?” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, can you imagine that we’re going to represent our school in Den-en-chōfu and we will take out those opponents to win the title” said Satoshi.

“Well, big deal, but I have my team participating at the tournament as well” said Ryōta.

“Oh, you are entering to that tournament too?” asked Satoshi.

“Yes, Satoshi. I’m representing for the Pink Nobles” said Ryōta, but his teammates aren’t there because they’re still at the Golden Sun Restaurant.

“Where is your team, Ryōta?” asked Satoshi.

“Uh, Seijirō said that they’re eating their dinner. I’m staying here because I have to do the tougher challenge” said Ryōta.

“Hmm, I see. I’m glad that you’re accomplishing that challenge, but can you prove you can show your signature skills?” said Satoshi.

“Yes, I have, Satoshi. I’m working on this since yesterday. I’m going to use that move during the game between my team and Koneko’s team in Kyoto” said Ryōta.

“You’re going to Kyoto tomorrow? Really?” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, it’s a big deal that I have to go to Kyoto and meet Koneko” said Ryōta.

“Who is Koneko, Ryōta? Is she your crush?” said Satoshi.

“No, my friend. She’s one of the members of the Gremory Team in Kurenai. She has bare fists that can crush large objects and also, she uses Senjutsu. She has her sister Kuroka” said Ryōta.

“I understand. So, you’re going to have a revenge against her?” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, my team and I will go to Kyoto tomorrow morning and we’re going to meet her as soon as we have time to meet her. I heard that a new planet will be created in the crimson planetary system” said Ryōta.

“Well, if you want to prove Koneko and her team that you’re better than her, then I will teach you how to use your signature move” said Satoshi.

“Okay!” said Ryōta.

Satoshi begins to teach Ryōta how to use the signature move at the basketball court.

“So, what is your special move in playing Rating Games?” asked Satoshi.

“The Chromastatic Iron-Groundbreaker” said Ryōta.

“Well, that move was more chivalric and iron-bounded. Well, what if that move would be transitioned to basketball?” said Satoshi.

“Did you say “transitioned”?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, during the summer camp, I teach some special moves to use when I’m facing against some strong aces in the district tournament. It never misses when I use that move” said Satoshi.

“Wow! That’s amazing! But how are you going to translate that move to basketball?” said Ryōta.

“Uh, your shooting skills will be your key to that move. In order to master it, you have to shoot the ball first in normal position” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I got it” said Ryōta. Ryōta begins to shoot the ball in normal position like a free throw. The ball drives to the basket and Satoshi gives Ryōta a thumbs-up.

“I like that move. Now, in translating that move to basketball, you have to think first what your strength is” said Satoshi.

“My shooting skills are my specialty, but of course, I like to shoot tear drop shots and lay-up shots” said Ryōta.

“That’s good. Now, what I’m gonna say this is that you should use your stamina and agility to pull yourself faster. In basketball, there are some moves that are not risky to opponents. So, I should tell you that stamina contains your strength of your body. If your stamina is low, you have to regenerate by taking a rest” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I got it” said Ryōta.

“For some reasons, Ryōta, your stamina needs to power up your shooting skills, then the chromastatic effect would spark you up to make green releases when you’re in the game. Rather than using your normal shot, you have to be quicker if you can able to get the ball and shoot faster” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I understand. What else did you observe about my strength?” said Ryōta.

“About fighting against injuries. You can recover yourself by taking a rest for at least two to three hours. You are more refresher than being overslept. Now, injuries can hurt your chances of using your signature moves. And to my conclusion, you need to train more and improve your performance when you are stepping to the game” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I remember about that when I was thinking about my fight against Kuroka and Xenovia” said Ryōta as he remembered about what happened during the fight between him and Kuroka, Ravel and Xenovia. The flashback shows the fight between Ryōta and Koneko’s team. “I have to admit it, Satoshi. In my fight against Koneko’s teammates, I barely beat two, but when I battle against Xenovia, man, she’s so strong. She beat me with her powerful move from her Ex-Durandal.”

“Now, you remember about your experiences in fighting against Koneko and her teammates. I’m sure that you already learned your lesson about injuries may hurt your chances of using special moves either physical or verbal” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I feel like I’m going to push myself to bring the A-game against Koneko and her team” said Ryōta.

“If you want to match with Koneko’s level, you have to come up on an effected move” said Satoshi as he prepares to run. “Like this!” Satoshi runs faster to the perimeter area. “Now, you try.”

“Okay!” said Ryōta as he begins to run faster to the perimeter area.

“Great! Now, try running with your ball” said Satoshi as he gives the ball to Ryōta.

“Okay!” said Ryōta after he catches the ball.

“Now, go!” said Satoshi. Ryōta runs faster while dribbling the ball to the perimeter area.

“How do you like that?” asked Ryōta.

“It’s fine by me but do it again” said Satoshi. Ryōta runs faster, and this time, his speed got better the first one. “Great job! Nice speed out there!”

“Well, I’m sure that you’re good in running. But, Satoshi, how did you run in the game?” said Ryōta.

“When I run, I begin to feel like the ball is coming to either one side. Then, I have to dive for loose ball or get the ball from my teammates. It makes me so quick that I have learned that move. Of course, you have to run as fast as you can to make sure that you feel chromatic” said Satoshi.

“Yes, I got it!” said Ryōta.

“And one more thing, when you’re going for the rebound, don’t get the ball quickly or else, it’s considered a foul” said Satoshi.

“I understand, Satoshi” said Ryōta.

“Now, on the next part, you should be able to feel chromatic when you’re about to shoot the ball” said Satoshi. Satoshi would give the ball to Ryōta. “Now, test it out.”

Ryōta would shoot the ball slightly early and the shot misses with the ball have gone air ball.

“No, it’s not like that. You have to shoot the ball perfectly” said Satoshi.

“As I was saying, there are many things you have to deal with the shot meter” said Satoshi.

“Well, what about shooting the ball quickly?” asked Ryōta.

“Even you’re quick in shooting, you can’t create perfect releases” said Satoshi.

“Oh, I understand” said Ryōta.

“Now, pay closely as you can able to shoot the ball perfectly” said Satoshi as he shoots the ball perfectly in the free throw line. “Now, you try.”

Satoshi gives the ball to Ryōta and Ryōta shoots the ball. The ball drives to the basket and Satoshi observes Ryōta’s shooting.

“Well, it’s slightly late. Your shooting meter needs to be in the excellent mark when it comes to targeting the basket in the right time. Now, it wouldn’t be bad if you can shoot the ball with special moves, but you have to prove it to me that you shoot well” said Satoshi.

“Okay, I will!” said Ryōta. Ryōta would try shooting the ball as many as possible. On the other hand, Satoshi would observe Ryōta’s shooting performance. Not all the shots are either slightly early or slightly late, but all of Ryōta’s shots are sent to the basket.

“You don’t have to feel your enthusiasm, Ryōta. It’s your heart for you to make it” said Satoshi. Satoshi walks to Ryōta and pats the latter’s left shoulder. “All you have to do is think about you’re working on an A-team. It’s not bad if you can do it by yourself. I feel that you’re courageous, but you don’t want to feel humiliated, right?”

Ryōta nods, saying that he was agreed to Satoshi’s statement.

“Now, this is what you have to do. Until you made perfect releases ten times in a row, I’ll show you the trick” said Satoshi.

“Okay, I got it!” said Ryōta. Ryōta begins to shoot the ball, trying to make ten perfect releases in a row. However, not all of his shots are perfect release because the rating is not hitting very good. Then, Satoshi gives Ryōta a bottle of water to refresh him up and Ryōta would try again in shooting the ball perfectly. Then, Ryōta would release the shots perfectly and Satoshi is pleased with Ryōta’s perfect released shot. Ryōta would release the shot perfectly again and it would reach it ten in a row.

“Whew! That’s so close!” said Ryōta.

“You made it, Ryōta! You got perfect released shots! I can’t believe that you’re good in shooting in normal position. But it’s not over yet, we have to move on how to use your signature move” said Satoshi.

“I guess that I have to make these shots right with a chromatic speed” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, I will show you on how to shoot the ball with your good agility” said Satoshi as he demonstrates on how to shoot the ball with good agility.

“Wow! That’s so cool!” said Ryōta.

“Now, you try” said Satoshi as he gives the ball to Ryōta. Ryōta would shoot the ball with his agility. The ball drives to the basket while Satoshi observes Ryōta’s agility.

“Well, you seemed to pay me off. Good job, Ryōta!” said Satoshi.

“Thanks, Satoshi. My agility looks good right now. I can hardly shoot the ball with my agility” said Ryōta.

“You are one step away from using your signature move. Now, for the final step, you have to use your agility while holding the ball throughout the play. In case that the opponents are using the 2-3 zone defense or the box-and-one defense, you need to use your agility to power up your shooting skills. That’s where your signature move will be used” said Satoshi.

“Okay, I got it!” said Ryōta.

“Okay, then. Now, prove it to me that you’re going to master that move. I’ll be using my defense move while you’re going to shoot the ball. Understand?” said Satoshi.

“Okay, Satoshi. Well, if that’s what you want to guard me, then I’m going to beat you one-on-one!” said Ryōta.

“Sure, Ryōta. I accept your challenge” said Satoshi.

The one-on-one battle between Ryōta and Satoshi begins with Ryōta prepares his signature move to be used while Satoshi is guarding Ryōta. Then, Ryōta moves back and forth while using his agility and then, after five seconds, he drives past Satoshi to shoot the ball with the jump shot. The ball drives to the basket.

“Great job, Ryōta. Now that you’re good in shooting and running, you can able to power up your move into a signature move” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, it’s just the beginning, Satoshi. You know that your shooting skills are good, but can you beat me with my defensive skills?” said Ryōta.

“Well, we’ll about that, Ryōta. I’m gonna let you past me until you prove yourself to have a better agility” said Satoshi.

“Okay, Satoshi” said Ryōta.

“Good. Then, let’s duel!” said Satoshi.

The match continues with Ryōta playing defense and Satoshi playing offense. This time, Ryōta was able to get hustle points as he was able to block Satoshi’s shot. Then, Ryōta would run faster like a tiger and perform the crossover move on Satoshi. Satoshi was almost got his ankles broke, he can’t give up as he was able to catch up with Ryōta.

“I’m not going to let you shoot!” said Satoshi. Satoshi tries to steal the ball, but Ryōta swifts in to drive past Satoshi.

“Oh, too wide, Satoshi!” said Ryōta as he shoots the ball with his tear drop move. The ball drives to the basket.

“Wow! I’m impressed with your playing style, Ryōta! I’m sure that you will be able to master your special skill” said Satoshi.

“Okay, Satoshi. I’m going to show you my signature when my shots are perfectly released” said Ryōta.

“Good, it’s a deal!” said Satoshi. Ryōta smiles after Satoshi accepts Ryōta’s challenge.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat | Chapter 48: "The Western Wind"

Part 2​

The montage shows Ryōta was able to use his defensive skills on Satoshi and then, Ryōta was able to shoot the ball perfectly two times in a row. As Ryōta is leading by four points, Satoshi is ready to pay the price after he wasn’t able to score points. Satoshi would shoot his three-point shot outside the three-point line when steps back from Ryōta.

Then, later, Satoshi tries to steal the ball from Ryōta, however, Ryōta knows his drill to make sure that the match is over as he unleashes his chromic aura, allowing him to run quickly and shoots the ball perfectly. The match is over with Ryōta winning with the score of 5-2.

“Wow! You finally made it! I’m finally witnessing my friend become stronger. Like all the other participants at the summer camp, they are stronger too!” said Satoshi.

“Well, you guess it right, Satoshi. I can’t believe that I have finally learn my signature move” said Ryōta.

“It turns out that you finally made the signature shot, Ryōta” said the carmine-haired boy.

“Oh, Jiro, come out here” said Satoshi as Jiro Koganei walks to the basketball court. Jiro Koganei is one of the participants at the summer camp two years ago along with Satoshi and Ryōta and currently studying in Mikawa Middle School.

“Jiro, I guess that you recognize me as well” said Ryōta.

“That’s right, Ryōta. You are one of the participants that you’re good in shooting free throws and inside shots” said Jiro.

“You see, Jiro was one of the good playmakers when it comes to stepping up for his team. Unlike the other players, he is one of the 3-point specialists in the camp” said Satoshi.

“I like his three-point shooting skills to make the game splashier than just a normal game. Oh, by the way, Satoshi, where are the other friends from the summer camp?” said Ryōta.

“Well, Ryōta, you don’t want to get surprised because they’re finally right here” said Satoshi as the members of the Winding Current appear from the entrance of the Recreational Center.

“We’re the Winding Current and we’re representing the district of Ōta!” said the members of the said group one by one.

The Winding Current is composed of Satoshi Akimoto, Jiro Koganei, Daigo Kuroki, Tarō Kusaka, Kimiya Katsura (brother of Kozue Katsura), Kiyoji Ishizu, Kotaro Manabe, Kojiro Sawaki (relative of Kahele Hiraka) and Kazuto Fujioka. They are experts of using flying-based basketball techniques and their group is compared to Ginga’s Pupils. They wear a sky blue shirt with the “flying bird” symbol on the right side of their shirt.

“Satoshi, your group is awesome! I can’t believe that you create that group a year ago” said Ryōta.

“That’s right, Ryōta. We formed this group after a little reunion with my friends since the summer camp was finished. Also, we patriciate at the Ōta League last year where we failed to reach to the final after we lost at the hands of the Kamata Elementary School. Right now, we’re ready to compete for this year’s Ōmori tournament” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I bet that your team is composed of first-year high schoolers” said Ryōta.

“Of course, Ryōta, we’re currently first year middle schoolers just like you. We’re more ambitious to become game-changers, but of course, our key to success is to win against the toughest of the toughest in Ōta” said Jiro.

“We begin forming this group when we’re all sixth graders and we decided to name the group Winding Current because of our special skills are more like aerial or windy. Satoshi’s Aerial Hook Shot was one of the examples that has been considered less bulky. Our special skills are more compatible to normal and simple moves by forming a winding effect that can break the opponent’s defense by forming the shifts between our players” said Kotaro Manabe.

“When you discover this, you will see the wind shifting areas to areas. They are creating mismatches with the wind shifts by the speed of light” said Kojiro Sawaki.

“There’s no magic in our moves, but we came this idea by viewing the flying birds all over Japan” said Daigo Kuroki.

“So, are you interested on the Ōmori tournament, Ryōta?” asked Kimiya Katsura.

“Yes, Kimiya. My team will represent for the tournament. I’m the leader of the Pink Nobles” said Ryōta as the members of the Pink Nobles are finally appeared while Ryōta is happy to see them with a smile.

“Ryōta, we know that you are being confronted by one of the aces that came from Shiromidai Elementary School” said Kiyoshi.

“Yep. He is better known as The Western Wind. He came from west Tokyo before transferring his home to Ōta” said Ryōta.

“Well, you already know about Satoshi’s early life before moving to Ōta. I’m glad that you remember it” said Kimiya Katsura.

“Brother!” said Kozue Katsura. Ginga’s Pupils and Mimi appear from the entrance of the Recreational Center. Kozue and Kimiya were together as siblings and they have the same aspirations of being basketball players.

“Oh, sister! You come in meet me” said Kimiya Katsura.

“Yeah, brother. After all, we’re all alike” said Kozue as she shows the symbol of Ginga’s Pupils on her jacket. The symbol of Ginga’s Pupils is resembled to rays of the rainbow with different colors.

The Pink Nobles are surprised to see the symbol of Ginga’s Pupils. “Don’t tell me that Ginga’s Pupils are allies with the Winding Current” said Wataru Nakai.

“That’s right, you heard him. Our group, Ginga’s Pupils, are associates with the Winding Current. My brother works for the group and since we both came from Rokugo Nishi Elementary School last year, I was able to let my team work with them during summer. At least that we’re siblings, both groups were together as brave and bolder” said Kozue Katsura.

“Geez, I’m very confused of why both of you have been together playing basketball” said Ryōta.

“Ryōta, it’s because Kimiya was one part of our group as the brother of Kozue” said Asumi.

“Asumi? You know about your friends?” asked Ryōta.

“Yes, Ryōta. You see, we have many friends in different schools even in Keishin Academy. But there’s something special between the Katsura siblings. They came from a rich family, who were basketball enthusiasts. Kozue and Kimiya are able to play basketball since they were taught by their father, Kazuya. Since then, Kozue and Kimiya were able to participate at the district tournament to represent their school, Rokugo Nishi Elementary School” said Asumi.

“Ah, I get it. Since Kimiya was close to Kozue, he and the Winding Current have been friends with your team, Asumi. I bet that Kozue was a basketball enthusiast after all” said Ryōta.

“You got right again, Ryōta. The reason why these members of the Winding Current are here is because they are going to compete for the Ōta League Invitationals Youth Division – Ōmori” said Asumi.

“That’s right, Asumi. I pay a visit for Ryōta to see how he’s going in shooting a tougher challenge like I did two years ago. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have taught him a special move” said Satoshi.

“What’s the special move he had?” asked Kiyoshi.

“It’s the Chromatic Current. It’s the move that he can able to endure himself and he can able to run faster to allow easy passes and prefect released shots” said Satoshi.

“Sometimes, you never taught a winding move, but giving a lot time to accomplish a tougher challenge would make yourself ready to use a special move” said Jiro.

“My agility and stamina would allow me to use that move when I’m going to use misdirection plays” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, Ryōta, that special move would make yourself ready to make it to the next level” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, thanks, Satoshi. You’re my good friend” said Ryōta as he gives Satoshi a bro hug.

“Oh, I know that you’re ready to step up to beat Koneko and her team. It’s going to be a big bang to beat her team with that move” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I’m going to use this move when the time has come to make the court windier as it is” said Ryōta.

“That’s the spirit, Ryōta!” said Kiyoshi.

“You’re looking good!” said Wataru.

“By the way, why your team is composed of the four of you?” asked Jiro.

“Uh, you see, the other members are new students in our class. They said that they’re gonna come to our group real soon. So, don’t worry about our team yet. We’ll show our team once the new students are ready to join to our group” said Ryōta.

“Well, I see your expectations, Ryōta. It seems that you’re ready to compete for the tournament in three weeks” said Asumi.

“Yeah! This will not be an easy tournament for us, but this will be our first time to compete in the league” said Ryōta.

“You said it, Ryōta!” said Kiyoshi.

“Now, since you’re just the four of you in your team. I’m not going to battle you until you show me the full roster of your team. If your new members are here, then I’m going to allow you to face our team” said Satoshi.

“It will be a fun match to prepare for the Ōmori tournament, Ryōta. You must accept our agreement before it’s too late” said Jiro.

“Okay, I’ll accept your deal, Satoshi” said Ryōta.

“Okay, I’m happy with your answer. That would also make our members feel happy to have the deal is all booked. Probably, for now, I’m going to let you know if you want to say something for you to face us” said Satoshi.

“Satoshi, we already have a match for tonight. The Innocent Charm will face-off against the Family of Angels” said Ryōta.

“The Family of Angels? Yeah, I know that group already” said Satoshi.

“You remember them, Satoshi? The group has Jun and the Angels. Also, their members come from the Shining Camellia and the Homewrecking Dragons. It is said that the three groups have merged themselves to create a true friendship between best friends and bitter enemies of Tomoka” said Asumi.

“Oh, yeah. I get it, Asumi” said Satoshi before he talks to Ryōta. “You see, I’m not a classmate of either Hitomi nor Dairoku, but I’m from the section 6-3.”

“Section 6-3?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, you know that my former school’s basketball team has the players coming from the stronger sections. My teammates trust me when they want me to lead the team, but of course, I’m the ace of the team. The ace of the team is now studying in one of the schools in Ōmori” said Satoshi.

“I’m sure that you have your former teammates get their spots in different schools. Hopefully, you’re going to make it too” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, it was. They were great companions when it comes to leading the team, but someday, I want to lead my new team in a better way like my teammates did” said Satoshi.

“Are you sure that you’re gonna do it?” asked Ryōta.

“Of course, I do. That’s why I was not way like ambitious, but a respectful player can always have respect with the students and players. It’s important to be gentle and courageous when you step in to become the best in school” said Satoshi.

“Ah, I agree, Satoshi. I feel happy that you’re getting improved with your playing skills. Jiro and others have also improved their skills since they have been working with you for a long time” said Ryōta.

“My friends and I were competing in the Ōta League Youth Division last year. We didn’t able to win a single tournament, but we came so close when we compete in Tamagawa. The most important match we experience last year is when we face off against the former Kirihara students in the quarterfinals during the tournament in Shimomaruko. We won decisively by a margin and I become the Player of the Game. I even got part of the All-Star Team in that tournament. Such memories are filled with victories and defeats” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I wish that I would have the same thing if my team had lead the tournament. Of course, our team has been formed a few months ago.” said Ryōta.

“Oh, that reminds me, I was considering about our team’s opportunities to work with the Bravehearts” said Kimiya Katsura.

“Wait, what?!” said the members of the Pink Nobles.

“It’s their plan because since he’s my brother, you have to accept it. That way, the Bravehearts will have many opportunities to participate in different tournaments in the future” said Kozue Katsura.

“Wait, Kimiya, did you say work with us?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, we want to work with you, Ryōta. You see, my sister had already joining the Bravehearts since being part of Mimi’s team known as Team Aurora. I want to make opportunities to work with them because they are good in their roles. Of course, I want to help my sister and her team and that’s why our group had already been planning to join the Bravehearts” said Kimiya Katsura.

“Ah, I see. So, if you join the Bravehearts, then you’re going to help Team Aurora to improve their attributes and skills when they’re in the game” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, since we’re friends with you, Ryōta, we’re going to work together to improve our plays that make us stronger” said Kimiya Katsura.

“Ah, I will think about it” said Ryōta.

“Wait, Ryōta, you’re gonna think about it?” asked Satoshi.

“Ryōta, Mimi said to me that my brother wished to join us in order to continue our partnership between my group and his group. I don’t want to disappoint you if you decline my brother’s invitation” said Kozue Katsura.

“Yeah, if they don’t want to join, then it will affect our friendship with them. You have to accept the invitation, Ryōta” said Asumi.

“Uh, I suppose that I will answer, but…” said Ryōta.

“Satoshi is from Shiromidai Elementary School, Ryōta. You have to accept his invitation” said Nozomi.

“Huh? Who said that?” said Ryōta.

“It’s me, Nozomi” said Nozomi as the Family of Angels and high school group of the Innocent Charm appear at the entrance of the Recreational Center.

“Ah, okay, I got it” said Ryōta, who then turns to the members of the Winding Current and Team Aurora. “You see, Kimiya, it’s so nice that we meet for the first time since the summer camp, but I want to be with you and your friends together. It means that we’re going to work together just like we did in the summer camp before. I’m going to accept your invitation to join the Bravehearts.”

“Wow! You nailed it with a good and polite answer, Ryōta. I’m glad that we’re together again, this time with the Bravehearts” said Kimiya Katsura.

“Ryōta, you made it! Looks like we have another group that they’ll join in the Bravehearts” said Rei.

“It’s all thanks to you, the Bravehearts are going to have stronger basketball players for the boys” said Kiyoshi.

“Now that the Winding Current will join the Bravehearts, they will be able to join with us with the activities we have” said Kira.

“Since the Winding Current has their homes separated, they will be staying in their homes even Team Aurora will reside in downtown” said Misaki Nagaoka.

“Thanks, Ryōta, for making me join the Bravehearts. I guess that we’re ready to train for the Ōmori tournament” said Satoshi.

“Yeah!” said Ryōta.

“Hold on a second, Ryōta. You forgot about our match tonight: between us and your team” said Junichi Kamisaka.

“Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about that” said Ryōta.

“What is it, Ryōta?” asked Satoshi.

“You see, we’re going to have a match against the Family of Angels, but if you don’t mind, your team can join forces with us” said Ryōta.

“Well, okay. It’s a deal!” said Satoshi as he shakes Ryōta’s hands as Satoshi and Ryōta are signaling their partnership between the Winding Current and Ryōta.

“Hey, guys! We found ourselves new friends” said Ryōta as he introduces the members of the Winding Current, much to the members of the Innocent Charm’s surprise.

“Thank goodness, Ryōta! That means that our match against the Family of Angels will be now known as Winding Current-Innocent Charm vs. Family of Angels” said Kiyoshi.

“That’s right, Kiyoshi. We’ll going to show the players of the Family of Angels our true formation of a combined team” said Ryōta.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Innocent Charm.

“It looks like we have a new group that they’re going to join the family” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, it looks like Satoshi is hoping to get in to the game when our boys will battle against Ryōta and his team” said Jun.

“I don’t know what Ryōta was planning in that game because since the Winding Current is teaming up with the Innocent Charm, I think the best of the best will be battling against our team” said Hitomi.

“I’m very confident that the Innocent Charm had found their new friends and their windy moves should make the game windier out there” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, it’s more expecting to see both Satoshi and Ryōta going. I believe that they are going to face each other in the Ōmori tournament soon” said Sora.

“Ryōta had never been mischievous because he was cared for his team as well as for Hinata. I’m sad that his relationship with Hinata wasn’t last for long” said Sakura.

“There are many things that Ryōta had when he was part of the Bravehearts. His personality was being ambitious and he was able to step up for the Innocent Charm because he was getting along with Rei” said Masanobu.

“I expect to see Ryōta playing against Junichi for the first time since the Intramural tournament. Junichi was never afraid of Ryōta’s new move” said Kōme.

“It’s going to be a rematch from the semifinal of the Intramural tournament, but this time Ryōta and the Winding Current are joining forces together. They are using windy moves that can swish away like a hurricane” said Anzu.

“Oh, that reminds me, Kimiya Katsura was also known as the Brave Hurricane. He was very strong in doing dunk shots over his fellow power forwards or swingmen. I can’t wait to see him in the Recreational Center for the first time” said Kurumi.

“Junichi and Dairoku are ready to team up against Satoshi and Ryōta. It will be a deal for the wind” said Yūki Sasaki.

“I bet that they’re ready to have their match for the first time since the Hasegawa Cup here at the Recreational Center” said Mimi.

“Oh, look! Ryōta finally finished doing his team’s roster” said Hinata.

“Wow! I can’t wait to see Ryōta, Satoshi and Kimiya teaming up like they did in summer school” said Kagetsu.

The Chromatic Current is a team composed of the Innocent Charm and the Winding Current. The Chromatic Current’s starting five is composed of: Jiro Koganei (PG), Satoshi Akimoto (SG), Ryōta Nakamura (SF), Kimiya Katsura (PF) and Yoshitsugu Kimura (C). The team’s bench is composed of Kiyoshi Toshima (SF), Wataru Nakai (C), Daigo Kuroki (SG), Tarō Kusaka (PG) and Kojiro Sawaki (PF).

On the other hand, with Kyō Nukui and Masanobu Uehara aren’t going to play for this game, here is the roster of the Family of Angels. The starting five is now composed of Katsuei Kōno (PG), Junichi Kamisaka (SG), Mito Azaki (SF), Dairoku Kaji (PF) and Kōichi Aoyama (C). The team’s bench is composed of Kyōji Nogami (SG), Katsuya Kameda (PG), Ryōta Mikawa (SF), Shōzō Takamatsu (SG), Akiyuki Katsumoto (C) and Shigeru Hirashita (PF).

“They are ready to battle against the Family of Angels. The Family of Angels had Junichi Kamisaka being the shooting guard, replacing Kyō Nukui” said Rei.

“Yeah, it looks like they are ready to battle against our team, the Innocent Charm with the members of the Winding Current” said Hinata.

“It’s an all-out war between the wind and the dragon” said Kagetsu.

“Nobody has expected to see that type of match. It’s different from the Hasegawa Cup match between the Family of Angels and the Keishin Academy” said Mimi.

“True, Mimi. This match would be determined whose team is windier and braver” said Asumi.

“Good luck, team! You can do it!” said Tomoka.

“Don’t forget to smile!” said Jun.

“Okay, I got it! Team, let’s go!” said Junichi.

“The Chromatic Current…” said Hinata.

“…and the Family of Angels” said Kagetsu.

“The Battle for the Western Wind of Ōta” said Mimi,

“Fury and brave” said Kozue Katsura.

Yuichi Uchida releases the ball up high in the air while Yoshitsugu Kimura and Kōichi Aoyama jump high to see which team the tip has faster. In the end, it was Kōichi Aoyama getting the winning tip and Junichi Kamisaka gets the ball. The Battle for the Western Wind of Ōta has begun with both teams have their playing styles are prepared and the normal temperature makes the court even windier at night. With Ryōta had reunited with his friends from the summer camp, Ryōta needs to help his team to win the match before he and the Pink Nobles will go to Kyoto tomorrow.

“The battle is on!” said Hinata, Kagetsu, Mimi and Kozue.

UP NEXT: Chapter 49: "A Chromatic Evolution"

UPDATE: I misspelled the word "Prestigious". Instead of "Prestigious", it's "Prestigous". I almost forgot about that. So, I edited all of them. The title name for Volume 4 is now known as "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat".

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Tonight, there will be three parts. In this post, the introduction before Chapter 49. Then, the second and third post will be the new update, Chapter 49, with the title "A Chromatic Evolution". Enjoy!:)

Hello, readers! I have an important announcement to make. Details of Volume 5 of the Rooks, Knights and the Bravehearts are revealed with my ideas I came up in mind are here while I was finding anime pictures either from the Dengeki Bunko or other publications such as Kadokawa Shoten.

Things to remember:
Dengeki Bunko (電撃文庫) is a light novel imprint aimed at a male audience and has released more than 1,000 published novels in 25 years. This imprint is one of the most successful light novel imprints that has been popular by the youth since its first inception in 1993.

I finally had an interesting part where I begin to follow another Dengeki Bunko published work and it has an anime adaption series last year. The title of this publication is Eromanga Sensei (エロマンガ先生). This one is authored by Tsukasa Fushimi (伏見 つかさFushimi Tsukasa) and all illustrations are by Hiro Kanzaki. Like Tenshi no 3P!/Angels 3Piece!, Eromanga Sensei had an anime adaption which was released last year. The anime adaption was produced by A-1 Pictures aired from April to June 2017. The main character of Eromanga Sensei is Sagiri Izumi (和泉紗霧 Izumi Sagiri), who is a hikikomori who never leaves her room, even to eat, instead relying on her step brother to bring food to her room. On the other hand, Masamune Izumi (和泉正宗 Izumi Masamune) is the protagonist of the series and has been a successful writer who won an award for writing a light novel series.

It’s been an interesting idea that I should change the title name, but I'm going to keep the name of the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts. This could be an interesting way to see both Tenshi no 3P! and Eromanga Sensei in my series. Here are the details of Volume 5:

1. The Bravehearts will add a new group, composed of former Takahata Elementary School students, known as Team Groundwinger. It will be led by Yōko Yamazaki’s best friend, Naoko Arawa. This group is resembled to the chracters of Toaru Majutsu no Index, in which Naoko Arawa was a video game user and a fan of Toaru Majutsu no Index.
2. The characters of Eromanga Sensei will join the cast of the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts as they will be joining the Family of Angels.
3. The Gremory Team allows Team Hyodo to stay in the human world after Rias observed Issei and his friends on their performance in diceball.
4. Team Hyodo will be transferred to a prep school known as the Kikuchiba Academy and as a result, they will be taking its hiatus from Rating Game for two things: (1) to begin their internship with the humans and (2) to focus on basketball.
5. Team Aurora will leave the mansion before Airi’s birthday. During Airi’s birthday, Team Groundwinger and Team Silverwolf’s inclusion to the Bravehearts allow them to sleep in the room that Team Aurora stayed for a week.
6. Nashiba will play its first practice match against the Kikuchiba Academy.
7. Sagiri Izumi was revealed to be having a long relationship with Jun Goto because they were living in the same district in Ota. While Jun lives in Den-en-chōfu, Sagiri lives in Shimomaruko along with her brother Masamune.

I hope that you will know the details about the Volume 5 and hopefully, I will be updating the details about that soon. So, stay tuned for that and let’s move on to another topic. The third part of the short story arc, “Ryōta’s Diary of An Admired Folly” will be posted tonight as Chapter 49. It will be focused on the first part of the match between Ryōta Nakamura’s Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels. Hopefully, you will know about how Ryōta’s style of play paid off in his game against his friend Junichi Kamisaka. So, sit back and enjoy reading Chapter 49!:)

See the next post for Chapter 49.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat | Chapter 49: "A Chromatic Evolution"

The match between the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels begins with Ryōta Nakamura and Junichi Kamisaka face each other since their last encounter at the Intramurals in Keishin Academy. The Family of Angels tried their best to stop Ryōta’s strategy, but Ryōta Nakamura and his teammates have showed their performance well including Ryōta’s ankle breaking move on Junichi. In the second quarter, while not using his three-point shots, Ryōta had to focus on his goal: not to miss a single shot, which was a hard challenge for him because he returned his own challenge after he was part of the summer camp two years ago. Katsuya becomes a slasher when he shoots the ball with the layup after driving past Satoshi and Jiro, which makes Ryōta begins to unleash his own form with his agility going higher than expected. At the end of the second quarter, with the Chromatic Current uses the acceleration strategy, they are leading by fifteen points.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 49: “A CHROMATIC EVOLUTION”​

The match between the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels begin with Junichi Kamisaka gets the team’s possession after winning the tip-off. Ryōta Nakamura had remembered about his rivalry against Junichi Kamisaka during the Intramural tournament.

“I have beaten Junichi one-on-one during the Intramurals. Junichi is from section 6-B and Natsuhi said that Junichi was a reflexive shooting guard who can shoot three-point shots. I remember that match when I face him in the court” said Ryōta.

The flashback shows how Junichi was able to use three-point shots while Ryōta was struggling in using three-point shots. Later, Ryōta was able to beat Junichi by shooting tear drops and lay-ups in the paint. At the end, Ryōta uses his signature move, the Chromestruck, to shoot the ball quickly after the dribble.

“Wow! I can’t believe that you did a wonderful move to beat my team! I can’t wait to see you perform in the finals against Daisuke Kikuchi and the section 6-D” said Junichi, after he accepted defeat to section 6-C.

“Thanks, Junichi. I hope that you will root for us” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, Ryōta. Good luck in the finals. You will need it” said Junichi as he shakes the hand of Ryōta.

“Okay, I will!” said Ryōta as the flashback ends.

“Now, I have to make sure that my three-point shots will be better than the last encounter against Junichi. He is way too strong to use his three-point shots. I can handle this myself” said Ryōta.

Chromatic Current: Jiro Koganei (PG), Satoshi Akimoto (SG), Ryōta Nakamura (SF), Kimiya Katsura (PF) and Yoshitsugu Kimura (C)
Family of Angels: Katsuei Kōno (PG), Junichi Kamisaka (SG), Mito Azaki (SF), Dairoku Kaji (PF) and Kōichi Aoyama (C)

“Are you ready, Ryōta?” asked Satoshi.

“Yeah!” said Ryōta.

“Then let’s show those Angels what we got from the summer camp!” said Satoshi.

“Okay!” said Ryōta.

Junichi passes the ball to Mito, who shoots the ball with the jumper, but it misses. Ryōta gets the rebound and passes the ball to Satoshi.

“This is just the beginning, Angels! I will prove this to you!” said Satoshi as he throws the ball to Kimiya Katsura, who goes for the alley-oop. [Chromatic Current 2, Family of Angels 0]

“Amazing! Kimiya has able to dunk with his own style” said Kozue Katsura.

“Yeah, he gets more impact when it comes to his endurance. Flying-based styles are Kimiya’s specialty. He’ll make sure that winds are blowing all over the court” said Asumi.

Katsuei passes the ball to Mito, who runs to his team’s side of the court. Mito passes the ball to Katsuei, who drives past Jiro before battling against Satoshi.

“Whoa! Jiro against Satoshi? This is not gonna be a good match-up for Jiro!” said Nozomi.

“You think you’re going to stop me? Then, how about this!” said Jiro as he uses the drive to pass the ball to Dairoku. Dairoku shoots the ball with the jump shot and the ball drives to the basket. [Chromatic Current 2, Family of Angels 2]

“Way to go, Dairoku!” said Masami Nojima.

“Nicely done!” said Shigeru.

“Dairoku has the capability to shoot the ball with his power, but of course, this is his own specialty. His unique shooting makes his shots won’t miss” said Masanobu.

“Once Dairoku has the ball, he will shoot no matter what he gets” said Kyō.

Ryōta is dribbling the ball as he is ready to put his team to rally the game. Mito guards Ryōta, but Ryōta stays confident to be guarded.

“Why are you smiling?” asked Mito.

“How I can smile even that you’re guarding me? I guess that I’m going to put my show in the Recreational Center. Just watch this!” said Ryōta as he runs around with Mito before Ryōta goes outside of the three-point line to shoot the ball. The ball drives to the basket and the Chromatic Current gets its first three-point field goal. [Chromatic Current 5, Family of Angels 2]

“What does that move?” asked Rei.

“I don’t know, but I think Ryōta has mimicking one of the moves from his teammates” said Kagetsu.

“You think so, Kagetsu? Ryōta had never doing that move” said Rei.

“Ryōta has able to use the Dazzled Copy move in order to copy any moves from either his teammates or his opponents. The move Ryōta use was the Hurricane Shot” said Hinata.

“The Hurricane Shot? It’s different from Kozue’s signature move, the Maelstrom Rush Shot. Kozue and Kimiya have the same level of using that shot, but Ryōta must be using any of his opponents’ moves before using the Chromatic Current” said Erika.

“Ah, I get it now. That’s why Ryōta must be using any move that he wants when he faces off against his opponents” said Rei.

“So, you’re very determined to use that shot? Well, it’s not bad at all to use the Dazzled Copy, but I was surprised to see that move” said Junichi.

“You know, I’m very good in shooting easy shots, but I have learned the hard way to use three-points of my own. Like my teammates, there are special moves and I have to use any of these before working on to completely use my Chromatic Current” said Ryōta.

“I see. I’m very expected to see that move. But, can you able to stop my three-point shots?” said Junichi.

“Yes, I am, Junichi. I will be ready to stop you. Of course, when I’m going to use my windy tricks, you will see something unexpected in the end” said Ryōta.

“Okay, let’s duel!” said Junichi.

Katsuei passes the ball to Junichi and then, Junichi sees Satoshi and Ryōta running over him. “Those two are trying to stop my moves. Well, it’s time to see how they are doing.”

Junichi faces off against Ryōta while Satoshi guards Mito.

“Huh? Junichi facing off against Ryōta?” said Rei.

“Both of them are doing great in their last match, but this time, Ryōta had the advantage, thanks to his friends” said Misaki Nagaoka.

“Yeah, because of Ryōta had already learned to use any moves from his teammates with the use of Dazzled Copy, the Chromatic Current will be applied as long as he learned the moves” said Hinata.

“It’s one-on-one, Junichi. I’m gonna make sure that your shots will be missed” said Ryōta.

“Then, I’m going to use my level to shoot the ball easily until the match is over” said Junichi.

“But still I’m going to stop you!” said Ryōta.

“Fine, then. Let’s see who the stronger player is” said Junichi. Ryōta and Junichi begin moving back and forth and then, Junichi passes the ball to Mito, who would copy Junichi’s moves which makes Satoshi being confused.

“Junichi and Mito are leveling it up” said Hinata.

“This is not good for Ryōta at this point” said Rei.

Mito would pass the ball back to Junichi, who would go to the paint and shoot the ball with the tear drop, which the shot is good. [Chromatic Current 5, Family of Angels 4]

“I prove it to you when I did this in our last match but leveling the match into a harder level would make you and your team can’t able to defeat us” said Junichi.

“Oh, yeah, I don’t think so” said Ryōta.

“What did you say?” asked Junichi.

“I’m leading this team and I won’t get away with you until I’m going to prove it that I’m better than you” said Ryōta.

“Oh, you better watch out, Ryōta. I have already lost to you in our last match. It’s not going to be different when you beat me with that signature move” said Junichi.

“Okay, Junichi. Because I’m going to make it two in a row, at least so” said Ryōta.

“It’s not enough for you to see my playing style, Ryōta” said Junichi.

“Then I’m going to show my style. Whether you’re in the court or facing me, I’m going to drive past on you” said Ryōta.

“We’ll see about that, Ryōta” said Junichi.

The next play happens when Ryōta faces off against Junichi with Ryōta dribbling the ball.

“So, are you tougher than me? If so, then can you prove better against me?” asked Junichi.

“Well, I’m going to say that I’m tougher than you” said Ryōta. Ryōta would later have his ball disappear by a chromatic sound. “But you never see a guy who has found innocence and admires friends like me.”

The ball is now belonged to Kimiya as Ryōta’s invisible pass was effective. Junichi was shocked to see the ball being held by one of Ryōta’s teammates. “Is it magic?”

“No, Junichi. It’s my invisible pass with a chromatic sound like a sound of a sword” said Ryōta.

Kimiya would shoot the ball with the jump shot over Dairoku and the ball drives to the basket. [Chromatic Current 7, Family of Angels 4]

“So, who’s better now, Junichi? It’s me, of course!” said Ryōta.

“Way to go, Ryōta! Nice invisible pass, I’m impressed!” said Rei.

“You’re doing great tricks to surprise the Family of Angels” said Kira.

“Looks like you’re getting stronger right now” said Misaki.

“You see, Junichi. No one gets tricked by me and with my chromatic auras are sensing my fury to use any more, this game will be ours” said Ryōta.

“Oh, you’re good and ambitious, Ryōta, but this is just the beginning. We’ll see who the best player outside the varsity member is” said Junichi.

“Okay, you got your question and I’m going to show you” said Ryōta.

The montage begins with Ryōta and Junichi battle out back and forth with Junichi and Ryōta have never shoot three-point shots, instead they use close shots even Junichi’s teardrop. With only one minute remaining, the score is now tied at 11.

Ryōta sees Junichi being struggled after they exchanged their shots. Then, Ryōta is about get Junichi’s ankles being broken as he is doing the crossover. “Now, I’m going to make sure that you will see my chromatic move!” Ryōta would drive past Junichi and make Junichi fall and confuse. Ryōta would shoot the ball perfectly and the ball drives to the basket. [Chromatic Current 13, Family of Angels 11]

“What?! Did Ryōta break Junichi’s ankles?” said Megumi.

“He never did that in the Intramural tournament before!” said Nami.

“Yeah, that Ryōta is way too strong!” said Tomoka.

“Did Ryōta use his signature move?” asked Kagetsu.

“Yes, he did. The Chromestruck made him be the leading player in his team. Ryōta had never missed his shots in the whole game. His level of playing is now better than Junichi’s” said Hinata.

“Well, I guess he did that, so that he will able to rally the game” said Kagetsu.

“Yes, that’s correct, sister. Ryōta never give up in trying to become better against Junichi” said Hinata.

“I agree with the statement, Hinata. Ryōta is hopefully going to make his field goal shooting is perfect than the last game” said Kagetsu.

After a missed shot from Mito, Ryōta gets the rebound and then, passes the ball to Yoshitsugu. Yoshitsugu would drive past Kōichi and then, use the circle shot to score two points. [Chromatic Current 15, Family of Angels 11]

With a few seconds remaining, the Family of Angels had the last possession as they are trying to shoot a buzzer beater at the end of the quarter.

“We’re not done yet!” said Junichi.

“Yeah, we’re not done, Junichi. Let’s make them surprised with our moves” said Mito.

“Okay!” said Katsuei, Junichi, Dairoku and Kōichi.

Mito passes the ball to Dairoku and then, Dairoku would step back from Kimiya to shoot the three-point shot.

“You’re not gonna let this shot go!” said Ryōta as he leaps high, trying to block Dairoku’s shot.

“Sorry, Ryōta, it’s too late!” said Dairoku as he goes for the fake and steps back to shoot the three-point shot. The ball drives to the basket and the first quarter was ended with the Chromatic Current lead by just a point. [Chromatic Current 15, Family of Angels 14]

“Dairoku was able to get his shot good. Too bad Ryōta can’t able to block that shot” said Jun.

“I believe that Dairoku has mental strategies, in order to make his team leveling the game against Ryōta and his team” said Kyō.

“Dairoku feels comfortable when he made three-point shots and his releases were good. Whether he goes from any side away from the three-point range, he gets his own specialty, making his shots get buckets” said Sora.

“Looks like Junichi and his teammates are not having a great start because they can’t able to get their lead in the game. I wonder what Junichi’s plan for the second quarter will be” said Nozomi.

“Junichi might still play for another quarter while his teammates will be subbed for reserve players” said Sakura.

“Probably, but Junichi observes his team in the entire first quarter. We’ll see what happens” said Jun.

The members of the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels are going to the bench as the five-minute interval begins. The Chromatic Charm had a great start, but it’s most a disaster if Ryōta can’t able to shoot the ball perfectly.

“Junichi and his team are almost crack our faces, but we’re able to hold our lead” said Ryōta.

“It feels like you’re almost losing your power, team. Maybe, I have to put some of your guys to the line-up” said Akira Shimojō.

“Oh no, you don’t. Do you want us to be subbed for second quarter? No, you can’t” said Satoshi.

“Why, Satoshi?” asked Ryōta.

“We’re getting the lead, but we aren’t exhausted yet. And in case you know, we still have our strengths to use for the second quarter” said Satoshi.

“That’s right, Akira. You don’t bench us until we have time to exhaust” said Jiro.

“Okay, fine. Being a manager wasn’t look good. I don’t think our team chemistry is getting mixed up” said Akira Shimojō.

“Don’t worry, Akira. I will handle this” said Rina Minagawa. Rina Minagawa was assigned by Asumi to be the assistant manager of Akira Shimojō. Akira’s plan is to bench the members of the Winding Current, but Rina doesn’t like that idea. “Instead of subbing the members of the Winding Current, Yoshitsugu Kimura will be subbed to the bench and Kojiro Sawaki will play for the second quarter. Also, I will make Kojiro being the power forward and Kimiya being the center. I believe that Kojiro’s height has the same height as Kimiya’s because they’re power forwards. Of course, Kimiya is also a center, not Kojiro.”

“So, does that mean Kimiya can able to play as the center?” asked Jiro.

“Yes, he was, Jiro. Kojiro had being the power forward, but he didn’t play as a center because he’s not much taller than his original height during his fifth grade” said Rina.

“Oh, I understand about that, Rina” said Jiro.

“So, do I. I will make sure that Kojiro will be able to use his signature move, the Borealis Maelstrom. He usually becomes quicker when it comes to better agility. He can run while holding the ball and then, either pass or shoot. He is a fine relative to Kahele and so, he should be ready to take down the Family of Angels” said Rina.

“Okay, we got the point, Rina” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

“Good. I’m going to expect some good results, but we should be fine to maintain the lead” said Rina.

“Yeah, we’re going to maintain the lead until the first half ends” said Ryōta.

“Okay, Ryōta. You’ll be leading the team for the second quarter and I will allow your teammates to observe their opponents. On the other hand, these Angels have their ideas to try to get their lead. Whatever you do, don’t struggle” said Rina.

“We got it!” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

The game resumes with both teams send their players back to the court. Junichi Kamisaka and Dairoku Kaji return to the court for the Family of Angels.

Chromatic Current: Jiro Koganei (PG), Satoshi Akimoto (SG), Ryōta Nakamura (SF), Kojiro Sawaki (PF) and Kimiya Katsura (C)
Family of Angels: Katsuya Kameda (PG), Junichi Kamisaka (SG), Ryōta Mikawa (SF), Dairoku Kaji (PF) and Akiyuki Katsumoto (C)

“The Family of Angels had subbed almost the entire starting five except for Junichi and Dairoku. Dairoku should be surprised to see our new guy playing” said Rina.

“Are you sure that if that’s going to work, Rina?” asked Mimi.

“Yeah, Kojiro is not known to anyone in Ōta before, but he was born to a family of pilots. Kojiro was once lived in Kamakura before moving to Ōta during his fifth grade” said Rina.

“I’m sure that he will be able to bring his A-game with your own strategy” said Mimi.

“Yes, I would, Mimi. Just like the other teams who have good in flying moves, they are going to be able to turn things up in this quarter” said Rina. Rina and Mimi are happy to see the players are ready in the second quarter, but Akira Shimojō was not happy about this.

At the court, Satsohi and Ryōta Nakamura are surprised to see Ryōta Mikawa, who is last time playing with the Family of Angels during the Hasegawa Cup.

“Hey, Ryō-kun, how’s your playing style doing well in the game?” asked Ryōta Mikawa.

“I’m fine. This tougher challenge would make me good on shooting field goals. I want to end the game without missing a single shot” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Say, did you say “without missing a single shot” said Ryōta Mikawa.

“Yep” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Okay, since you made at least four shots with no three-point field goal attempts, I’m fine with your stats, but I’m a good three-point expert too!” said Ryōta Mikawa.

“Whoa, you’re kidding” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“I’m one of Megumi’s friends and I have to defend my team, even that you’re going to rally the game. Then, let’s settle this a battle!” said Ryōta Mikawa.

“Okay! I’m not going to force things without seeing your performance, Ryō-kun” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Well, you’re going to see my performance before your very eyes!” said Ryōta Mikawa.

“Alright, it’s time!” said Ryōta Nakamura.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat | Chapter 49: "A Chromatic Evolution"

Part 2​

Yuichi Uchida blows his whistle as the second quarter begins. Jiro passes the ball to Ryōta Nakamura. Ryōta Nakamura and Ryōta Mikawa would face each other.

“Mikawa-kun is ready to battle against Ryōta-kun. I can’t wait to see the two Ryōtas facing each other” said Sora.

“Well, I’ll say, Mikawa is one of the members of Team Kadokawa-Takao that they are considered handsome. For months, he was able to change his appearance while keeping his pin on the right side of his school uniform because he was recognized as a member of the student council” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, Tomoka, I deliver the idea of Mikawa being competitive, but of course, he is serious when he faces tougher opponents like the Chromatic Current” said Sora.

“Yeah, definitely” said Tomoka.

Ryōta Nakamura would begin to use his crossover move, but Ryōta Mikawa was able to reflect it with his defense.

“Whoa, he’s so fast! I can’t able to use my crossover move. I’ll have to put my teammates to do the trick” said Ryōta Nakamura as he passes the ball to Kimiya. Kimiya and Akiyuki would run to the paint and then, Kimiya passes the ball to Jiro. Jiro shoots the ball with the jump shot, but the shot was missed.

“Darn it! I’m going for the rebound” said Ryōta Nakamura. Ryōta Nakamura was able to get the rebound, but he finds himself in a situation. “That’s not good. Kimiya was cornered by two of his opponents. Hence, I’ll pass it instead to someone else.”

Ryōta Nakamura was able to pass the ball to Jiro. Jiro drives past Katsuya and shoots the ball with the three-point shot. The shot was missed, and Ryōta Nakamura gets the rebound.

“This is not good. Jiro have missed every shot, but Ryōta was able to get the offensive rebound. Ryōta was so fast that he can able to recover his team’s possession” said Kagetsu. Ryōta Nakamura would pass the ball to Satoshi.

“You’re wasting your time, Ryōta. You think your team have always got the possession?” said Ryōta Mikawa.

“It depends. If my teammates missed their shots, I will rebound the ball” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Your team seems to be struggling even one of your players is on a cold streak” said Ryōta Mikawa.

“I have some other players who were not struggling, but you’ll see what’s Plan B” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Plan B?” asked Ryōta Mikawa.

“Yep” said Ryōta Nakamura as Jiro passes the ball to Kojiro, who would shoot the three-point jumper outside the three-point line. The shot is good, and the Chromatic Current is now leading the game by four. [Chromatic Current 18, Family of Angels 14]

“Kojiro is starting to turn things up!” said Ai.

Kojiro looks different on his appearance when he plays for his school, the Ōmori Four Elementary School. Kojiro can shoot the ball with his winding shots.

“He can make the shot faster than a jet flying” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“So, are you serious?” asked Ryōta Mikawa.

“Yeah, I’m serious. Even I didn’t make a shot yet, I have my teammates backing up” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Oh, I’m serious right now, Ryō-kun. There are many times that I have to observe you before I’m going to stop you” said Ryōta Mikawa.

“This won’t be an easy game, Mikawa. I’m not controlling the match yet” said Ryōta Nakamura. Ryōta Mikawa realizes that Ryōta Nakamura is not controlling the match yet because he was not in hot streak.

Junichi currently holds the ball as he is driving past Satoshi before facing off against Jiro.

“Jiro, you have to observe before you stop him” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“No chance, Ryō-kun. He has anything about Jiro” said Ryōta Mikawa. Junichi would step back after a crossover move to shoot the ball. The ball drives to the basket and the Family of Angels begins to turn up the heat in the match. [Chromatic Current 18, Family of Angels 16]

“I’m sorry, Ryōta. I didn’t do anything. Junichi was so strong that he was able to do his own playing style” said Jiro.

“You have to focus on guarding him when he’s about to drive past on you. There’s no chance of time, you have to guard him” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Okay!” said Jiro.

Later, when Satoshi’s shot misses, Ryōta Mikawa gets the rebound and passes the ball to Junichi Kamisaka.

“This is it. He’s about to drive past Satoshi again, but I’ll have to do it” said Jiro as he joins Satoshi to form a double team on Junichi.

“Huh? What’s this?” asked Junichi.

“You don’t know where you’re seeing? I’m not letting you shoot!” said Jiro.

“Drats! He’s trying to stop me with the double team. I guess that I have no choice” said Junichi. As Junichi is about to drive past Satoshi, Jiro tips the ball, but Junichi keeps the ball alive for his team’s possession.

“No good. Tipping the ball is not a good idea. He has good IQ and he already observing me” said Jiro, thinking about Junichi’s intelligence in doing smart play strategy.

“I’m going to drive past both of you!” said Junichi as he was about to shoot the ball. Jiro would see the ball released by Junichi and the ball misses from the backboard.

“I’ll get it!” said Jiro as he is about to get the rebound while Satoshi, Katsuya and Ryōta Nakamura try to get the rebound. In the end, Katsuya gets the rebound and passes the ball to Dairoku.

“Well, Dairoku, it seems that you’re holding the ball, I’m going to let your shot will miss” said Kojiro.

“No, it won’t, Kojiro” said Dairoku as Dairoku shoots the ball with the jumper. The shot is good, and the game is now tied up. [Chromatic Current 18, Family of Angels 18]

“No way! How my teammates haven’t doing well?” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Our team has our stamina going bigger when it comes to the speed the players have. The more you run fast, the better you get hustle and acceleration” said Junichi.

“Oh, I’m not done yet, Junichi! We have Kojiro playing in the four. You don’t guess what’s going to happen” said Ryōta Nakamura.

It was Chromatic Current’s turn of possession and Ryōta needs to regain the lead of his team by shooting a two or a three. “Here, Kojiro!” Ryōta passes the ball to Kojiro.

Kojiro would drive past Dairoku before battling against Ryōta Mikawa.

“So, you’re going to drive past me, aren’t you?” asked Ryōta Mikawa.

“Nope” said Kojiro as he passes the ball to Ryōta Nakamura, who shoots the ball with the fadeaway jumper. “Our guy has a lot of things about you. You can’t let him miss.” The ball drives to the basket and the Chromatic Current regains the lead. [Chromatic Current 20, Family of Angels 18]

“Ryōta has never miss the shot. I think he’s not giving up for his team and us” said Hinata.

“Yeah. Go, Ryōta!” said Mie and Yumi.

Junichi dribbles the ball as they are trying to score back. “Ryōta is doing different already! I have to score it back before he could… what the?!” Junichi was shocked as Ryōta was able to steal from him.

“Ryōta’s stealing the ball!” said Kazuya.

“Unbelievable!” said Rei.

“He’s on fire!” said Akari Tamigawa.

Ryōta runs faster and shoots the ball with the floater without his opponents trying to stop him. [Chromatic Current 22, Family of Angels 18]

“Ryōta’s unstoppable force has arrived! Can he able to stop the Family of Angels with his own fury?” said Sora Fukutomi.

“Well, definitely, but check out his body” said Akira Shimojō. The members of the Innocent Charm and Winding Current look at the appearance of Ryōta Nakamura. His body is glowing his chromatic aura, which allows him to use the Chromatic Current.

“I can’t believe it! He’s heating up!” said Kiyoji Ishizu.

“That’s correct. Ryōta’s appearance was changed when he was about to use the Chromatic Current. Even he is known to admire students in Keishin, he had to give respect to his rivals when he played basketball. After all, the aura he got was more like a rainbow and Ryōta has many moves to perform while he rallies the team” said Asumi.

“Do you think that Ryōta’s chromatic aura came from his own mind?” asked Kozue Katsura.

“Yes, Katsura. His mind was controlling his emotions. When he feels happy, he had an impression on his friends and classmates. When he feels pain, he had to lose hope” said Asumi.

“Definitely, Ryōta will be able to use the Chromatic Current when he gets more agility and when he is exhausted, he wasn’t give up yet” said Kagetsu.

The next play happens when Dairoku tries to shoot the three-point shot, but it misses. Then, Ryōta Mikawa gets the rebound.

“I’m not going to let things away because of Ryōta Nakamura’s performance. I’m going to teach you a lesson, Ryōta!” said Ryōta Mikawa as he jumps high to dunk over Ryōta Nakamura. [Chromatic Current 22, Family of Angels 20]

“With only three minutes remaining, I need my team to power things up. Otherwise, we’re blown by Ryōta and his team” said Junichi.

“Junichi, could you switch our positions?” asked Ryōta Mikawa.

“Yeah! I’ll be guarding Ryōta Nakamura” said Junichi.

“And I’ll be guarding Satoshi. Those two will be able to work together with our strategy” said Ryōta Mikawa.

“Yeah!” said Junichi.

Jiro passes the ball to Kojiro. Kojiro sees Ryōta Nakamura being guarded by Junichi. “Junichi is guarding Nakamura. Well, it’s time to run the show!” said Kojiro as he jumps high to shoot the three-point shot and the shot is good like a storm. [Chromatic Current 25, Family of Angels 20]

“Nice three, Kojiro!” said Mimi.

“Great job, Kojiro! He’s heating the tide” said Kahele.

Satoshi tried to stop Ryōta Mikawa from shooting the ball. “I have to make sure that Ryōta will do a forced shot, but on the other hand, I have to stop him.”

Ryōta Mikawa moves away from Satoshi. “What the?!” said Satoshi as Ryōta Mikawa goes on to face off against Ryōta Nakamura.

“You’re not going anywhere, Ryōta! You’re mine!” said Ryōta Mikawa as he is about to dunk again, but Kimiya comes out of nowhere and blocks Mikawa’s shot.

“Ah!” said Junichi while Ryōta and the other players gasp.

“Kimiya has coming to the rescue!” said Kozue Katsura.

“You don’t forget about me?” asked Kimiya, which surprises Ryōta Mikawa. The ball is caught by Katsuya.

“Satoshi, Katsuya has the ball! Let you and Jiro guard him!” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Okay!” said Satoshi.

“Oh no! Katsuya was guarded?!” said Junichi as he sees Katsuya getting troubled after he was guarded by Satoshi and Jiro.

“The screen is getting stronger after a synchronization communication between Nakamura and Satoshi” said Akira Shimojō.

“I’m not gonna let you shoot, Katsuya!” said Satoshi. The next thing happens when Katsuya would drive past both Satoshi and Jiro and go for the layup. The layup shot is good, and the Family of Angels can’t give up. [Chromatic Current 25, Family of Angels 22]

“What just happened?!” said Satoshi.

“Is Katsuya synchronizing with Junichi too?” asked Jiro.

“You don’t get it what’s going on. Katsuya had his valiant personality makes him in serious mood. He can shoot the ball with his strength and he can able to rush past his opponents like a dragon” said Junichi.

“The roar of the dragon makes everyone hear to unleash its true domination” said Ryōta Mikawa.

“Now, did you understand what does that mean? Then, you can’t stop Katsuya’s plays, even you two of them tried to stop him” said Junichi. Satoshi and Jiro growl in anger while Ryōta Nakamura is not serious right now.

“Ryōta is not serious already?” asked Hinata.

“I think his chromatic aura still out there in the hands of his opponents” said Kagetsu.

“Yeah, you don’t have to give up, Ryōta! Your passion and charisma make me feel comfortable” said Hinata.

“If you feel struggling, don’t lose your hopes. It will feel worse if you keep struggling” said Kagetsu.

“DON’T GIVE UP, RYŌTA!” shouted Hinata and Kagetsu. The shout makes Ryōta finally snapped of his frustrations. Ryōta realizes that he had to stop struggling from facing the defeat at the hands of the Family of Angels.

“I don’t want to give up yet. It’s just the second quarter and I have to turn up the gears to put my struggling come to an end” said Ryōta, who was thinking about his team’s worst scenario.

Later, Ryōta remembers the words Satoshi said to him earlier when Satoshi teaches the signature move to Ryōta. “You have to use your agility while holding the ball throughout the play. In case that the opponents are using the 2-3 zone defense or the box-and-one defense, you need to use your agility to power up your shooting skills. That’s where your signature move will be used.”

“That’s it! I have to use my agility while hosing the ball. Then if one of the defenders tries to stop me, I will power my agility to shoot. I can’t give up right now. I’ll do it!” said Ryōta as Jiro passes the ball to Ryōta.

“Ryōta, what’s going on your aura?” asked Kojiro.

“My aura is now different. I have to use the celadon aura to use any moves that are windy or flying” said Ryōta.

“Oh, good. Are you ready to turn the tides up?” said Kojiro.

“Yeah, I’m ready!” said Ryōta. Junichi guards Ryōta Nakamura as the time is 2:18 remaining.

“So, you have gone different, Ryōta. I never expected to see how your appearance got change” said Junichi.

“Well, my struggling experiences are trying to help my teammates on getting on track and communicating with them to create synchronization moves. But of course, do you think that I’m ready to give up?” said Ryōta.

“Why, Ryōta?” asked Junichi. Ryōta begins to run faster with his agility as he drives past Junichi.

“Because I’m better than you are, Junichi” said Ryōta as he shoots the ball with the floater and the ball drives to the basket. [Chromatic Current 27, Family of Angels 22] “This is my way to get rid of pains in my body.”

“Ryōta is doing fine when it comes to shooting normal shots like easy picks and shots, but when he’s ready to heat up, his Chromatic Current will be his secret weapon” said Wataru.

“No one has ever experience that move before when he was part of the summer camp. I believe that he was able to prove himself as the Chromatic Knight” said Kiyoji.

“The Chromatic Knight? What a simple nickname for him, Kiyoji” said Wataru.

“Yep, it’s true that he was very known as an admired and courageous student in Keishin Academy and I want to let him become the next future star in Keishin Academy when he will be taking tryouts in the middle school’s varsity team” said Kiyoji.

“Ah, so that’s what your team is planning for him” said Wataru.

“Exactly, Wataru. You will see his future more different than his elementary school years” said Kiyoji.

“I’m no longer lingering pains in my body. It’s different when you take on different mismatches and looking to complete my goal will still be happened” said Ryōta.

“7-of-7 in the field, but he didn’t shoot a three-point field goal yet” said Tarō Kusaka.

“He is waiting to shoot a single three-point shot if he is outside of the three-point range” said Mie.

“Yeah, I hope that he would bank three-points before the end of the half” said Tarō Kusaka.

“Of course, he would do that in no time” said Kiyoshi.

“Thanks, everyone. I have to complete this feat before I have to go to Kyoto tomorrow” said Ryōta.

Ryōta Mikawa battles against Satoshi as Ryōta performs the crossover moves on Satoshi.

“Pass it to me, Ryōta!” said Katsuya.

“Okay, catch!” said Ryōta Mikawa as he throws the ball and Katsuya catches it.

“Got it!” said Katsuya as he is ready to battle against Jiro. Satoshi would join forces with Jiro to go for screen on Katsuya.

“I can’t believe that Katsuya is guarded again by Satoshi and Jiro” said Yuzuha.

“Katsuya had already doing that earlier, but with Ryōta Nakamura’s chromatic aura is sensing on his opponents’ moves, this would be a disaster” said Kurumi.

“Should Katsuya would get away with those two, then Ryōta Nakamura would try to even this up” said Kōme.

“Yeah, I agree with that, Kōme” said Yuzuha.

“You’re right about the smart play strategy Junichi use” said Kurumi.

Katsuya would drive past Satoshi and Jiro before Ryōta Nakamura stops Katsuya.

“You’re not going anywhere!” said Ryōta Nakamura.

“Oh, great. That guy is so strong. Really?” said Katsuya. Jiro and Satoshi run to join forces with Ryōta Nakamura for the triple screen on Katsuya. “What is this?!”

“A three-way screen against Katsuya?! This is impossible!” said Junichi.

“How Ryōta, Jiro and Satoshi have to guard Katsuya with their strong backcourt defense? Ryōta usually play as a shooting guard, but he can’t guard Katsuya since he is a small forward” said Megumi.

“The defensive duo of Jiro and Satoshi and the combination of windy strategies made by Satoshi and Ryōta make this a big screen to stop Katsuya from shooting at any time” said Nozomi.

“This is ridiculous. No one has doing the three-way screen in the game. I will move one out before another” said Katsuya as he breaks away the three-way screen. Jiro leaves the screen while Satoshi and Ryōta are still guarding him.

“Katsuya! Would you give the ball to me?” said Dairoku.

“Okay!” said Katsuya as he gives more power to pass the ball to Dairoku. Dairoku would perform the eurostep move before driving past Kojiro. Dairoku shoots the ball, but Kimiya blocks the shot this time.

“Not today, Dairoku! You ain’t going anywhere!” said Kimiya and the ball bounces outside the ball.

“Out of bounds. Dark uniform ball” said Yuichi Uchida.

“Oh, my goodness! Kimiya is blocking the opponent’s shot again! He is more like a monster” said Kahele.

“He can able to turn the tables around by using windy defensive plays” said Kozue.

“That’s great! Now, the Family of Angels will have to shoot the ball in 10 seconds. It’s already 1:52 remaining to end the first half. Ryōta had to pull one of the tricks on Junichi or else, the Family of Angels will gain points” said Akira Shimojō.

“Don’t worry, Akira. We’re going to lead this game!” said Ryōta.

“Okay, just remember your strategy” said Akira.

“You got it!” said Ryōta.

Ryōta Mikawa passes the ball to Junichi, who then shoots the ball with the three-point shot. However, Junichi’s shot misses and Satoshi gets the rebound.

“Got it! Here, Ryōta!” said Satoshi as he throws the ball and Ryōta Nakamura catches it.

“Look! Ryōta is running like a talon and he’s ready to jump!” said Hinata as the fast break applies for the Chromatic Current, allowing Ryōta to run faster, thanks to his greater agility. Ryōta shoots the ball with the layup and the shot is good. [Chromatic Current 29, Family of Angels 22]

“Wow! That’s amazing!” said Wataru.

“Looks like he’s unstoppable! Eight shots in a row! Junichi can’t able to stop him!” said Seiichi.

“That’s what we’re going to see Ryōta’s signature move: the Chromatic Current” said Hinata.

“Ryōta is now on fire! He is really a showstopper!” said Rei.

The Family of Angels can’t able to get their chances to fight back as Ryōta scores eight consecutive points to end the half with the Chromatic Current now holds their double-digit lead. [Chromatic Current 37, Family of Angels 22]

The whistle was blown by Yuichi Uchida as the halftime interval begins. The members of the Family of Angels and the Chromatic Current go back to the bench. While Akira Shimojō was impressed with Ryōta’s performance in the first half, Ryōta scores 24 points and he didn’t score a three-point field goal yet.

“Great job, Ryōta! You’re dominating the game!” said Jiro.

“Looks like you’re very strong now. I can’t imagine my friend has scored more than 20 points” said Satoshi.

“Oh, you’re doing great, Ryōta. I’m glad that you made me happy with your confidence back. I don’t know why you’re doing this all along” said Hinata.

“I bring the A-game to make sure that we’re going to win against the Family of Angels, but it reminds me of the final matchup between section 6-C and section 6-D. Those boys like Akitsugu, Nagamasa, Daisuke, Yoshinobu, Tsutomu and Wataru are really tried to defeat us, but Natsuhi and I were dominating the game” said Ryōta. The flashback shows how section 6-C defeated section 6-D in the Intramural basketball tournament final last January.

When the flashback ends, Ryōta feels happy after remembering that match. “I don’t know what to say, but I’m always being happy when I win. But this game is not over because it’s just the first half.”

“Yeah, you’re right, Ryōta. We still two more quarters and we need to finish the game with the win” said Satoshi.

“Oh, I’m supposed to say that, but you did. By the way, the other players need to step up. Apparently, all except Kimiya will take a rest for the third quarter. I will bring back Yoshitsugu to the game and adding Kiyoshi, Daigo and Tarō into the line-up” said Akira.

“Yeah, these reserves are not yet played a single minute yet, but it will be fine for them to lead the game. When they’re in the court, they’ll make sure that they’re going to maintain our lead” said Rina Minagawa.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

“Okay, team! Let’s maintain the lead!” said Rina as she and the members of the Chromatic Current are doing their teamwork chant.

“Yeah!” shouted the members of the Chromatic Current.

Meanwhile, the Family of Angels are not happy with the score after being outscored in the last two minutes.

“This is not good. I supposed that we’re going to lead all the way to the start of the second half, but some of your players are not enough to stop Ryōta Nakamura and his teammates” said Megumi.

“Junichi, I wonder what the other plans for the team are to get the lead” said Kyō.

“Well, I think the bench will try and see if they are good enough to beat the bench of the Chromatic Current” said Junichi.

“Hmm. That’s interesting, but we need one starter to stay for the third quarter. I don’t think the bench will get the advantage over the Chromatic Current’s bench” said Yūki Sasaki.

“Ah, I don’t know who should lead the third quarter” said Junichi.

“Me either” said Katsuei.

Megumi groans as the players of the Family of Angels have tried to pick any one of the starts to step up for the third quarter. “Well, I guess I have no choice, but…”

“Wait” said Dairoku. The entire Family of Angels are silent upon Dairoku said. “I should lead the game for the third quarter.”

“Uh, I’m sure that you’re going to do it for the third quarter. Don’t you, Dairoku?” said Masami Nojima.

“Yes, I will” said Dairoku.

“You made this decision, Dairoku. Then, I’m going to finalize the line-up for the third quarter. Katsuya on the point guard position, Kyōji Nogami on the shooting guard spot, Shōzō Takamatsu on the small forward spot, Dairoku on the power forward position and Akiyuki, you will be the center. Right now, we have to put the bench players some good performance if we’re going to able to score many points at the start of the third quarter. Are you ready to make this comeback going to happen?” said Megumi.

“Yeah!” said the boys of the Family of Angels.

“Alright, I hope that I will be happy if you’re going to make it. Then, let’s show the Chromatic Current what our team is” said Megumi.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Family of Angels. The match between the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels now continues to the third quarter. With their aces are resting for the meantime, the bench players from both teams are ready to step up as the Chromatic Current had a large lead in fifteen points. Dairoku hopes that the bench players will be able to recover the energy of the Family of Angels by scoring more than six points to cut the lead into single digits and possibly lead the game.

UP NEXT: Chapter 50: "The Secret of the Camellias" [Fiftieth chapter of the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts]

 

[Sherwin Riga]

I’m happy:) to announce that the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts series has reached 50 chapters! This is the first time that I ever make it in the series. Of course, to celebrate this, I will be giving you some a few updates for Volume 5. But first, I will not post Chapter 51 on Sunday, instead it’s on April 18. The reason of this is because I have to get many time with my family and also, it’s the birthday of one of my family members. So, I’m hyped that I’m going to post new updates for Volume 4 until May. Also, I’m start writing the draft for Special Chapter 6: “An Angelic Day in the Izumi Park”. This special chapter is a prelude for the homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons, which will be released in Volume 5.

Also, I have a lot of things that I will be working on. I will be updating Chapter 43 because I found out that in Japan, there is a National Foundation Day, not Chinese New Year, because Japan doesn’t celebrate Chinese New Year. Also, I will be reminding you all that when I’m done writing some drafts for Volume 4 including the Interludes 9 & 10 and Extras 1 & 2, I’m going to start doing drafts for Volume 5 on April 20.

Without further ado, here are a few updates about the details of Volume 5:

1. There are title names for each character who have their special abilities in middle school basketball and high school basketball. (i.e. Ryūsei Akatsuka as the Vermillion Dragon)
2. The first appearance for the characters from Eromanga Sensei will be on Chapter 57 while the first appearance for Team Groundwinger (Japanese: チームグラウンドワンガー) will be on Chapter 60.
3. One member of the Dazzled Hearts had wanted to become a baseball player for Keishin Academy.
4. In one special chapter with the title “The Origin of the Dragons of Ōta”, there will be some new characters that are going to be revealed in the future volumes. Aside from Ryūsei Akatsuka, Kentarō Iguchi will be appeared in this volume when one of the chapters features the Nashiba High School.

There you have it, a few updates for the series. Now, if you’re ready to read the next update, then here we go! In Chapter 50, in the fourth part of the short story arc, “Ryōta’s Diary of An Admired Folly”, Junichi Kamisaka and his Family of Angels team have created a comeback to cut the Chromatic Current’s lead to just two points. However, Akira Shimojō revealed to the members of the Chromatic Current that Junichi Kamisaka had a special move that can able to release the ball easily like what Tomoka did in the series. Will Ryōta Nakamura save his team against the Family of Angels or will the Family of Angels descend from the ground to survive the game? Enjoy reading Chapter 50!:)

The Chromatic Current had a great time to learn their own strategy in order to get their large lead before the first half ends. However, the Family of Angels returned the favor by having Katsuya Kameda leading the team to create a 20-7 run, but when Kimiya Katsura dunks over Kyōji Nojima, the Chromatic Current gets their lead back. During the game, some of the witnesses like head coach Akira Shimojō and Megumi Kadokawa have commented about how Junichi Kamisaka becomes a basketball player and also, he had a special move, which is a variant of floater, known as the Azure Shot. With Junichi Kamisaka and Ryōta Nakamura clash with each other to determine who the best slasher is, it will be a big match between the two unorthodox players who have been played together when they were young.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 50: “THE SECRET OF THE CAMELLIAS”​

The match between the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels heads to the second half with the Chromatic Current, led by Ryōta Nakamura, has able to outscore the Family of Angels in the end of the second quarter and get the largest lead in fifteen points. Dairoku Kaji and Kimiya Katsura will face each other while the bench players except for Yoshitsugu Kimura are ready to play in the third quarter.

Chromatic Current: Tarō Kusaka (PG), Daigo Kuroki (SG), Kiyoshi Toshima (SF), Kimiya Katsura (PF) and Yoshitsugu Kimura (C)
Family of Angels: Katsuya Kameda (PG), Kyōji Nogami (SG), Shōzō Takamatsu (SF), Dairoku Kaji (PF) and Akiyuki Katsumoto (C)

Jun Gōto worries about Katsuya Kameda, not being able to score points after he scored last when he drives past both Jiro Koganei and Satoshi Akimoto.

“I’m worrying about Katsuya. He wasn’t able to score points, despite that he is good in shooting. His skills are good enough to beat the other guards” said Jun.

“What’s the matter, Jun? Katsuya seems to be struggling. I believe that he wants to score points whenever he goes” said Kōme.

“Oh, yeah. He wasn’t afraid of his opponents, but when Jiro, Satoshi and Ryōta join forces to create a screen on him, that makes me afraid of what I see” said Jun.

“I guess Katsuya had to watch out on those when he is able to score more points in the game” said Kōme.

“Yeah, true, Kōme. I wish Katsuya breaks the run of the Chromatic Current. Ryōta Nakamura is stronger than Junichi Kamisaka. This match may look different when it comes to the endurance of the players” said Jun.

“The endurance of the players? Well, how interesting” said Kyō.

“Oh, Kyō. How did you know?” said Jun.

“Yeah, I wanna know about that” said Kōme.

“Okay, here how it goes. Every player has the stamina to keep an eye on for the game. If they are good enough to keep the stamina, they will be able to get flexibility and agility more when they are in the game. However, most of the people have the possibility of getting injured in the game. So, I guess this will affect the stamina if the players kept playing without warning” said Kyō.

“Ah, I get it. So, that’s what Satoshi know about when he had one of my friends play basketball. Another varsity player named Yasuji Arai, who was good in defending usually rest himself at the sauna for one to two hours. He is really a tough-looking student to make sure he’s ready to play basketball” said Jun.

“That’s right, Jun. Most of the members of Team Aurora and its associates are good in using stamina and performing non-vulnerable abilities” said Kyō.

“Yeah, I expect that Satoshi will be able to shoot field goals in the game. He is already a middle schooler now” said Kōme.

“At least we have one of the our batchmates has the same level as him, but he also used stronger skills” said Jun.

“Yeah, any player who has stamina has to watch out their potential risks of injuries. They’re more fascinating, I guess” said Kyō.

“Oh, yeah” said Kōme.

“They’re soaring high to represent their team for themselves as they watched the seagulls in the skies of Tokyo” said Jun.

“Yes, it is, Jun. Yes, it is” said Kyō, who is smiling when Jun said about their representation of Team Aurora and Winding Current.

Both teams score four points in the first ninety seconds at the start of the third quarter. For the Chromatic Current, Kimiya Katsura and Yoshitsugu Kimura score two points each. On the other hand, for the Family of Angels, Shōzō Takamatsu and Katsuya Kameda score two points each. The score is now 41-26.

Katsuya battles against Tarō Kusaka in the court. Katusya wants to mount a comeback against the Chromatic Current after the Family of Angels got humiliated in the last minutes of the second quarter.

“Katsuya, I’m going to guard Kiyoshi” said Dairoku.

“Okay!” said Katsuya. Dairoku and Shōzō would create a screen on Kiyoshi. “This will allow our team to turn the tables.” Katsuya would begin to use the crossover move before drives past Tarō.

“Huh?! Katsuya has able to use the Rumbling Dragon. He can drive past with his agility. I can’t believe that that copy was compared to Ryōta’s” said Misaki Nagaoka.

“The Chromatic Current has something with its agility, but Katsuya’s special skill makes him more capable of breaking mismatches” said Kira.

Katsuya shoots the ball with the tear drop, compared to Junichi’s. When the ball enters to the hoop, Katsuya smiles. “Our hopes are still alive.” [Chromatic Current 41, Family of Angels 28]

“What a player. He believes that he wants to rally his team for a comeback. I think the bench players need to help Katsuya to create a long run” said Junichi.

Kimiya Katsura tries to stop Katsuya’s dominance by using his own shooting skill, but it misses after the ball bounces off. “Argh! I should have known that shot is missed!”

Shōzō Takamatsu gets the rebound and passes the ball to Katsuya. “Katsuya, catch!”

“Thanks, Shōzō. Now, it’s time to pay their price!” said Katsuya as he jumps high to perform the floater. The Family of Angels is now getting a comeback. [Chromatic Current 41, Family of Angels 30]

“This is getting good, Jun” said Nozomi.

“What good are you knowing about Katsuya?” asked Jun.

“Katsuya can jump high to perform either floater or layup. His jumping ability can save his stamina and flexibility. I can’t believe that he is still have his energy to use” said Nozomi.

“Oh, Nozomi. How did you know about him?” said Jun.

“I met him at the park when he is getting along with Sayako Uehara. What an admired guy like him” said Nozomi.

“Nozomi, he thinks that you’re a good bassist when you perform with us during the concert” said Jun.

“Oh, yeah. I remember about him when Hitomi and her classmates get along at the church to watch us performing” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, I’m sure that he will admire you soon” said Jun.

“Admire me? Well, I’m happy to get admired, Jun” said Nozomi.

“Me, too, Nozomi” said Jun.

With four minutes left in the third quarter, the Chromatic Current begins to struggle after Katsuya begins to rally the Family of Angels for a comeback. “We have to equalize them to get more points” said Kimiya.

“But how, Kimiya? Are we supposed to shoot the ball back?” asked Daigo.

“Yes, Daigo. That’s the only way to do for the offense while we’re going to use the full court press when Katsuya is on his way to battle us” said Kimiya.

“Yeah, the full court press allows us to counter the offensive players to create turnovers” said Daigo.

“Of course, Daigo. I’m sure that this will work” said Kimiya.

“Here comes the ball, Kimiya!” said Daigo as Kiyoshi passes the ball.

“Okay!” said Kimiya as he was able to get the ball from Kiyoshi. Kimiya tries to shoot the ball with the perimeter jump shot, but it misses.

“Not again!” said Daigo.

“Kimiya seems to be struggling, Kozue” said Akira Shimojō.

“Struggling? I see. My brother had tried to stop Katsuya and his teammates, but Katsuya was too much for my brother” said Kozue Katsura.

“That’s definitely my point. This is not good. If Katsuya keeps his dominance up, we’re going to get outnumbered” said Akira Shimojō.

“Outnumbered?!” said the other starters of the Chromatic Current.

“That’s right. While Ryōta is resting, Kimiya will lead for a while. If things get worse, I have to change some strategies to equalize Katsuya’s level of dominance” said Akira Shimojō.

“Are you going to do this?” asked Ryōta.

“Yes, I will, but I will see the results of the bench players if they’re good enough to stop the Family of Angels. If not, I’m going to call a timeout” said Akira Shimojō.

“Oh, I’m sure this will be going to change” said Ryōta.

“Oh, yes, he will, Ryōta. You’ll be fine, but first, take another rest” said Kozue.

“Okay!” said Ryōta.

“Shōzō, make sure that these defenders aren’t going after you” said Katsuya.

“Okay!” said Shōzō as he was able to drive past Kiyoshi and Daigo. Shōzō would see Kimiya running to catch up with him. “Darn it! I should have known if he’s here. Catch, Kyōji!”

“Nice pass, Shōzō!” said Kyōji Nogami. “I’m going to shoot a three-point shot away from my opponents!” Kyōji would shoot the three-point shot away 250 meters away from the three-point line and the ball drives to the basket. [Chromatic Current 41, Family of Angels 33]

“Yes! He did it!” said Junichi.

“Kyōji always look out for his opponents if they’re going to stop his three-point mastery. No wonder if he will able to balance the game” said Megumi.

“So, you know about Kyōji’s tactics in using three-point shots” said Junichi.

“Yes, Junichi. He’s not going to lose his acceleration and flexibility when he’s shooting a three” said Megumi.

“Yeah, at least, he’s ready to pull a long run against the Chromatic Current” said Junichi.

“Definitely, he and his teammates would, but it depends on how it will last their comeback” said Megumi.

“Oh, I see” said Junichi.

As Daigo runs through the mid-range area, he is about pass the ball to Kiyoshi, when Kyōji tips the ball and steals it. “But how he did that?!” said Daigo.

“Kyōji is running faster than his normal appearance. He can’t lose his stamina because he was able to detect his opponent’s moves” said Kyō.

Kyōji would pass the ball to Katsuya, who shoots the ball with the layup. The ball drives to the basket and the Family of Angels is now on a 7-0 run. [Chromatic Current 41, Family of Angels 35]

“We need to score back, boys!” said Kimiya.

“Okay!” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

Kiyoshi scores a mid-range jumper from Shōzo. Then, Akiyuki scores a putback shot to even it up. Kiyoshi would score again by shooting another mid-range jumper. Kyōji would miss his shot after shooting slightly late from the perimeter. Kimiya gets the rebound. [Chromatic Current 45, Family of Angels 37]

Kimiya tries to score more points for the Chromatic Current, but Katsuya and Kyōji are in the paint, trying to stop the little comeback of the Chromatic Current. “Those two are using their defensive smart play. I can’t shoot the ball with those two guarding, but I will pass it to someone. Here, catch!”

Kimiya passes the ball to Tarō, who would perform the three-point shot. The three-point shot is good, and it counts for three points. [Chromatic Current 48, Family of Angels 40]

“Oh, yeah!” said Satoshi.

“Tarō shoots a three! Tarō shoots a three!” said Jiro.

“Don’t get too overexcited, Tarō. We’re gaining a momentum” said Ryōta.

With 2:25 remaining, Katsuya is now dribbling the ball to battle against Tarō. On the other hand, Katsuya’s teammates are using their strength to guard their opponents.

“Wow! I never thought that you’re giving up, but you are delighted with your shot. But what other surprises that we had?” said Katsuya.

“What surprises, Katsuya?” asked Tarō.

Katsuya didn’t answer, but he was able to perform the crossover move and Tarō stumbles to the ground, to the horror of the players of the Chromatic Current. Katsuya shoots the ball with the jump shot and the ball drives to the basket. [Chromatic Current 48, Family of Angels 42]

“Katsuya ankle breaks Tarō? That’s not cool!” said Satoshi.

“I have other strategies to make sure that we’re going to score more points. I can’t hold one player to get stumbled, but also, with my Rumbling Dragon move, my speed increases ahead of my teammates. That’s how my other strategy works. It only works for a brave and generous player, but no other players do that” said Katsuya. Katsuya walks away from his opponents.

The Family of Angels would continue their comeback until they finally able to tie the game with only 1:14 seconds left. Kyōji scores six consecutive points as well the tie-breaking shot.

“We have no time, boys! Let’s break their comeback!” said Kimiya.

“Okay!” said the members of the Chromatic Current. The Family of Angels turned a fifteen-point deficit (41-28) to a 20-7 run. The score is now tied at 48 and the Family of Angels didn’t have a lead yet.

“Catch, Kimiya!” said Tarō.

“Thanks, Tarō!” said Kimiya. Kimiya was able to drive past Dairoku, but Kyōji shows up to stop Kimiya.

“Kimiya, he’s trying to stop you!” said Satoshi.

“Don’t worry, I’m going to stop this run!” said Kimiya as he dunks the ball over Kyōji. [Chromatic Current 50, Family of Angels 48]

“Yes!” said Jiro.

“Kimiya dunks over Kyōji!” said Satoshi.

“Nothing can stop Kimiya now!” said Ryōta.

“Now that’s more I like it. Kimiya was able to stop the Family of Angels’ comeback. I doubt that we’re going to lose our lead, but we still have it back” said Akira Shimojō.

“I’m so happy that Kimiya had scored a dunk. He looks tougher when his team is on brink of losing their lead” said Kozue.

“Fifty-five seconds, boys! I don’t want to let our lead short-lived. We’re going to score more points before Katsuya and others are going to stop us” said Kimiya.

“Okay!” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

“Full -court press, let’s do this!” said Kimiya as the players of the Chromatic Current are on defensive mode and their strength is used, trying to stop Katsuya and his team to score a three or a two.

“Trying to defend your lead? Hah! It doesn’t matter, Kimiya. I’m going to drive you out of my way!” said Katsuya as he drives past Tarō and Daigo before shooting the ball with the mid-range jumper. The shot was missed after the ball bounces off from the hoop. “What?! It doesn’t work!”

“You forgot something?” asked Kimiya as Yoshitsugu gets the rebound and passes the ball to Kimiya. “I’m outsmarting you to end your comeback for your team!”

“Why, you!” said Katsuya as he gets mad after Kimiya runs away from him. As both of them face each other, Kimiya tries to repeat his shot by scoring a dunk, but when he is about to make it, Katsuya never gives up and lets Akiyuki blocking Kimiya’s shot.

The members of the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels gasp after the block. “What just happened?!” said Akira Shimojō.

“You don’t know that Akiyuki was able to block shots like yours. You’ll be disappointed as you’re never going to put another comeback this time!” said Katsuya as Akiyuki passes the ball to Dairoku.

With only 28 seconds remaining, Dairoku faces a difficult time as the Chromatic Current would form their 2-3 zone defense.

“Those boys are trying to stop us. With only less than thirty seconds remaining, I have to make the last shot of the third quarter before the starters are healthy again” said Dairoku.

“Sorry, Dairoku, but it’s no chance to beat our defense” said Kimiya as he tips the ball from Dairoku and gets the ball.

“Wow! Kimiya changes its strategy from smart play into windy offensive play” said Hinata.

“Go, Kimiya!” said Kagetsu and Mimi.

Kimiya would pass the ball to Daigo while Kyōji guards Daigo.

“Now, he’s trying to stop Daigo from getting his way to the basket” said Satoshi.

“This is bad” said Ryōta.

“We have no time! There are seventeen seconds left in the quarter” said Akira Shimojō.

Daigo and Kyōji would not move an inch while Daigo is trying to keep his team’s possession by using the time to end the third quarter. When the time reaches ten seconds, Daigo moves out of Kyōji and passes the ball to Kiyoshi, allowing Kiyoshi to shoot the jump shot, but Shōzō blocks the shot.

“Ah! He blocks the shot!” said Satoshi.

“No way!” said Jiro while the other players of the Chromatic Current gasp.

“He’s going for a three!” said Akira Shimojō.

“Don’t let that happen!” said Ryōta.

“Okay!” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

Kyōji passes the ball to Katsuya, who is staying away from the three-point line. Katsuya would shoot the ball while Tarō tries to stop him by jumping high, preparing for the block. The block attempt fails, but Katsuya’s shot was missed as the ball bounces off from the rim and the buzzer is sounded. The third quarter ends with the Chromatic Current maintains its lead with only two points. The score is 50-48.

“What a close call” said Ryōta.

“Although Tarō failed to block Katsuya’s shot, that shot was missed in the last second” said Satoshi.

“That would have been scored for the Family of Angels to tie the game” said Rei.

“But, thank goodness. We still have the lead for now” said Jiro.

The players would go back to the bench. Unfortunately for the Family of Angels, Kyōji Nogami becomes exhausted. And so, did for Akiyuki Katsumoto. Shōzō Takamatsu is the only bench player who’s not exhausted. Maybe, Junichi had a plan for him in the fourth quarter.

“I guess that we would have get the lead if the three-point shot is made” said Katsuya.

“I’m sorry, Junichi. I couldn’t have shoot perfectly. I would have lost my focus on shooting the ball when Tarō is trying to block my shot” said Kyōji.

“It’s okay, Kyōji. I’m not mad on you. It’s just figures when you almost got that shot” said Junichi.

“Yeah, Kyōji. You should accept your pride for us” said Akiyuki.

“Yeah, I’m glad that we’re able to get the comeback, but these players of the Chromatic Current are still gaining its momentum, even they have a short comeback” said Kyōji.

“I guess that the starts are going back to the game except for Mito, of course. Mito, since Shōzō is not exhausted yet, you will be back in the game later. But for now, there’s something I should let Ryōta and his teammates know about” said Junichi.

On the other hand, the players of the Chromatic Current are listening to Akira Shimojō’s plan of strategy for the fourth quarter.

“I’m sure that you’re all tired of playing, but I just want to let you know about one of the Shining Camellia has a special move” said Akira.

“Who is that?” asked Kimiya.

“Junichi Kamisaka. He is once a good player when it comes to strong style offensive play when he competed in the Intramurals. When I talk to Megumi during half time, she said to me that Junichi was one of the players that he is good in shooting three-point shots” said Akira. Then, a flashback shows about how Junichi and his friends from the Shining Camellia have experiences in playing basketball when Tomoka enters the Keishin Academy. “His performance in the Intramural tournament was almost got his game, but Natsuhi and Ryōta were able to stop Junichi’s dominance. From what I heard from Megumi, Junichi usually had his friends playing basketball court in the grounds outside the Nishina Stadium. He was so quick that he was able to do floaters and layups. But of course, he also had his pick and roll playing style because he was able to help his teammates to get more points. Although that he was good in offense, his defense was not good enough to defeat his counterparts like Ryōta Nakamura.”

“So, what’s the secret about Junichi Kamisaka and his friends?” asked Ryōta.

“Ah, Junichi had a signature move that he wasn’t used during the Intramurals. When I enter to the training of the Family of Angels a few weeks ago, Junichi did the signature move against his friends from Shiromidai Elementary School. Then, he used that move during the Hasegawa Cup. I don’t know what the signature move Junichi had, but you have to use your signature moves when you face off against Junichi. Your Chromstruck and Chromatic Current will make yourself good in increasing your agility” said Akira.

“Yes, I got it!” said Ryōta.

“But remember, you have to make sure that you have to power up your agility and shooting skills when your opponents are trying to stop you” said Akira.

“Okay! I got it!” said Ryōta.

“Good! Then, let’s make sure that we’re going to win the match!” said Akira.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Chromatic Current. The five-minute interval is over, and the fourth quarter is about to begin.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 50: "The Secret of the Camellias"

Part 2​

The Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels have their starters return to the court, however, a few didn’t like Mito Azaki and Kimiya Katsura. Mito Azaki is waiting for Shōzō Takamatsu while Kimiya Katsura is exhausted from playing after the third quarter. Kojiro Sawaki replaces Kimiya for the power forward position in the fourth quarter.

Chromatic Current: Jiro Koganei (PG), Satoshi Akimoto (SG), Ryōta Nakamura (SF), Kojiro Sawaki (PF) and Yoshitsugu Kimura (C)
Family of Angels: Katsuei Kōno (PG), Junichi Kamisaka (SG), Shōzō Takamatsu (SF), Dairoku Kaji (PF) and Kōichi Aoyama (C)

The flashback shows the members of the Shining Camellia playing basketball at the Recreational Center of the Misawa Resort Hotel. Megumi calls Junichi to meet him outside.

“Junichi! I’ll be waiting for you outside. We need to talk” said Megumi.

“Okay!” said Junichi. After a few minutes, Junichi goes outside to meet Megumi.

“Junichi, what’s something special with your move?” asked Megumi.

“Uh, it’s my shooting move that I learn from you and Tomoka. You see, I’m good in three-point shots, but it doesn’t mean that I’m going to use it for the Hasegawa Cup” said Junichi.

“Oh, Junichi. I know that you’re learning that move, but it’s different from mine and even Tomoka’s. Floaters are easy shots just like the layup. It’s easy to make points, but you’re so determined to follow that move. Tomoka and I were doing that during the practice for the Intramurals. As a friend, when you learn about that move, it’s your heart to make your passion in basketball growing. That’s why it’s your blessing to use the floater in the game. Am I right?” said Megumi.

“Yeah, Megumi. I’m fine that my floater is going to be my secret move to use. Also, I’m going to use my signature move in the Hasegawa Cup. I’m sure that you’re going to impress me when I did it” said Junichi.

“Yep. I’m always be happy if you’re going to use that floater in the game. We’ll see the expected results in the Hasegawa Cup” said Megumi.

“Thanks, Megumi for teaching this move” said Junichi.

“You’re welcome” said Megumi, who gives Junichi a smile. The flashback ends when Megumi remembers that day when she taught Junichi in using the special move.

“Ah, I’m sure that Junichi will be able to use that move to impress me. I know that he’s from section 6-B, but now, he’s part of our section this year. I wish that Junichi will be able to remember that move” said Megumi.

The game starts with Ryōta is dribbling to his team’s court. Shōzō is shown energetic to guard Ryōta. Junichi looks at both Ryōta and Shōzō battling each other. “I know that Ryōta is ready to perform the Chromatic Current move, but I haven’t show my signature move yet to him. I don’t want to lose the match against him, but it’s going to be a fair finish.”

Ryōta would pass the ball to Yoshitsugu while running to the paint. Yoshitsugu would run through the left while Kōichi follows him. After moving back and forth, Yoshitsugu passes the ball to Kojiro, who would release the ball and gives it to Ryōta for the dunk. The basketball counts when Ryōta dunks the ball in the hoop. [Chromatic Current 52, Family of Angels 48]

“Wow! He’s dunking the ball with the opponents trying to stop him!” said Hinata.

“Ryōta has been performing well since he hasn’t missed a shot. It’s his thirteenth field goal shot” said Rei.

“He would have been using a floater, but thanks to his teammate, he was able to get his dominance back” said Kana Uchida.

The Family of Angels gets the next possession when Junichi passes the ball to Katsuei. Katsuei would drive past Jiro before gets stopped by Satoshi.

“Not so fast!” said Satoshi, surprising Katsuei. However, Katsuei was able to counter it with the behind the back move and passes the ball to Junichi, who shots the ball with the layup. [Chromatic Current 52, Family of Angels 50]

“He counters it with the layup” said Tomoka.

“Junichi is showing best to beat Ryōta, but of course, both of them have their levels higher since they performed well in the first half” said Megumi.

“You can do it, Junichi!” said Jun. The members of Jun’s Angels are cheering for Junichi, giving Junichi more energy to use in the game.

Jiro would pass the ball to Kojiro before Ryōta appear at the low post. Kojiro uses smart play strategy to make sure that his teammates are running with their speed increasing. Kojiro throws the ball and gives it to Ryōta to use the finger roll. [Chromatic Current 54, Family of Angels 50]

“Another successful pass-and-assist made by Kojiro and Ryōta!” said Kana.

“This is going to be a war between two aces!” said Kagetsu.

“Ryōta had been competing against Junichi in the Intramurals last January, but this time, it’s going to be a battle between playmaking swingmen” said Ai Ohara.

“Ryōta and Junichi have battled each other during his youth days before they enter Keishin Academy, but I believe that either of the two will be victorious in the end” said Subaru.

“Ryōta was surely a playmaker, but Junichi had already good in shooting three-point shots. I can’t wait to see both Ryōta and Junichi battling each other” said Aoi.

Katsuei passes the ball to Shōzō and then, Shōzō uses his A-game offense to match with Ryōta. Shōzō would do the fake over Ryōta before passes the ball to Junichi. Junichi would shoot the three-point shot away from the line and the ball drives to the basket. [Chromatic Current 54, Family of Angels 53]

“Junichi is splashing the ball! He’s proving Ryōta that he’s better than him!” said Nami.

“Look at his expression, Nami. He’s gaining his momentum after the shot” said Megumi as Junichi would perform the three-point success gesture.

“Did he use that expression?” asked Ai.

“Yeah, it’s his emotion looks better because of his happy personality. His charisma allows him to use his gestures every time his shots are good” said Kira.

“Ah, I get it. I wonder if Ryōta would answer back” said Ai.

Satoshi would battle against Junichi as both of them are in the position. Satoshi would drive past Junichi before he passes the ball to Ryōta, who shoots the ball with the mid-range jumper. The ball drives to the basket and Ryōta is doing the #1 gesture. Junichi was shocked to see Ryōta doing that gesture. [Chromatic Current 56, Family of Angels 53]

“Well, since we’re both aces, we don’t know who the best ace is. But I remember about the time when we face each other in the Intramurals” said Junichi.

“Oh, yeah. Junichi, it’s quite a long time since I beat you with the circle shot” said Ryōta.

“Well, I’m still good in shooting three-point shots in the game. I’m not losing my cool when it comes to getting perfect shot” said Junichi.

“Oh, now you’re talking” said Ryōta. Junichi and Ryōta are arguing about their first game between each other during the Intramural tournament semifinals.

“Oh, great. This is more like arguing who the superior is” said Hinata.

“That’s not surprising” said Rei.

“I thought that was a fair match, now it’s a fight to be the best” said Akira Shimojō.

“I never see that interaction before. Junichi was surely wanting to become a better ace in the Family of Angels, but meeting with Ryōta would make us do a debate to see who the best ace in the block is” said Tomoka.

“Wow! Those two are strong playmakers. I love to see Junichi acting like a rock star” said Jun.

“Oh, he never did that before when he’s part of our team” said Kurumi.

“You think so? Junichi uses his emotions to show his expressions and I believe that he and Ryōta are companions when they met each other when they are ten years old” said Megumi.

“Wow, Megumi! You know about Ryōta?” said Tomoka.

“Yes, Tomoka. I recognize him as one of the members of the Winding Current. He was frequently become friends with Junichi before Junichi joins the Shining Camellia. Ryōta wanted to show Junichi his playing style when they face each other in the Intramurals because he wants to become a better playmaker” said Megumi.

“Oh, I remember that now. Megumi, are you sure that Junichi and Ryōta definitely become rivals because of their personalities?” said Tomoka.

“Yes, it was. Their friendship had been developing since they were playing together in the same district before Junichi joins the Shining Camellia, but I hope Ryōta and Junichi will learn their lesson in the end” said Megumi.

“Yeah, Megumi. That’s true” said Tomoka.

Junichi gets the ball from Katsuei to battle against Ryōta. On the other hand, Shōzō battles against Satoshi.

“So, you don’t know how I’m stronger enough?” asked Junichi.

“Now, Junichi. I’m better than you because I learn the moves from my friends from the Winding Current. That’s why it’s not going to be an easy game just like in our first match, but this is different” said Ryōta.

“Oh, so you want to prove me that you’re better than I am? Well, I have a surprise for you that my friend taught me for a long time” said Junichi. Junichi would drive past Ryōta with his speed before jumps high to shoot the floater.

Ryōta, his teammates of the Chromatic Current and the members of the Innocent Charm gasp after Junichi drives past Ryōta.

“Junichi had driven away Ryōta…” said Akira Shimojō.

“with his signature move?!” said Kimiya.

Junichi releases the ball while smiling to let the ball driving to the basket. [Chromatic Current 56, Family of Angels 55]

“Junichi had finally revealed his secret: his special move, the Azure Shot” said Megumi.

“The Azure Shot?!” said the members of the Family of Angels, even the players in the court.

“The Azure Shot is a variant of a floater that the player can jump high to release the ball with the azure aura emitted to the ball to create a sound of a dragon. Junichi had never taught the floater before just like Tomoka, but he was able to learn the move when I taught him to use floater. The floater is typically used by playmakers, slashers and swingmen, but of course, Junichi is capable of doing the roles as the shooting guard” said Megumi.

“Wow! I can’t believe that Junichi had proved better in becoming the better ace” said Tomoka.

“That’s correct, Tomoka. Junichi had been training for that move until he prepares to launch a secret weapon during the Hasegawa Cup” said Megumi. The flashback shows how Junichi Kamisaka uses his special move, the Azure Shot. While the flashback shows, Megumi said about the azure aura. “By the time he makes the shot, the azure aura is created for Junichi to prove himself being the leading guy in our team.” The flashback ends after Megumi explains about how the Azure Shot works.

“I guess that Junichi is ready to show his true formation and trying to get their lead” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, I hope so. Junichi had many things to perform moves like that, but the Azure Shot is the best key he will use” said Megumi.

“I’m perfectly fine when I’m using three-point shots, but my special move proves better than your special move” said Junichi.

“Well, my special move allows my chromatic auras to run faster when I’m holding the ball against defenders like you, but if you said that your special move is better than mine, then I don’t care if you will be able to outmatch me with that move” said Ryōta.

“So, are you seeking a challenge, aren’t you, Ryōta? I don’t have in mind if you’re going to challenge me, in order to determine the best, but both special moves are different to each other” said Junichi.

“Yeah, our moves are different, but in case you’re wondering, we have our auras in our body and since we’re not hitting in the popularity contest, I’m better than you because I’m part of the Winding Current and the Innocent Charm” said Ryōta.

“Oh, I get it. Since Ryōta came from the Innocent Charm, Ryōta is an admired guy, who takes pride and courage for his team. Also, since he came from the Winding Current, he is allowed to use any windy and aerial moves” said Akira Shimojō.

“Oh, yeah. Once he takes his pride, he will be more respectful to his teammates and his friends” said Rei.

“Yep” said Akira Shimojō.

“I’m fine with your answer, Ryōta. However, I have my pride as well. My pride is for the Family of Angels and that’s why Tomoka and Megumi feel delighted to see my pride personality ever since I’m part of this group. So, if that’s what you want to challenge me, then I’m ready to beat you” said Junichi.

“Okay, Junichi. I’m going to beat you first!” said Ryōta as Junichi and Ryōta end the confrontation with Ryōta gets the ball from Jiro.

Ryōta would battle against Junichi. Satoshi and Dairoku are worried about their aces.

“I’m not sure why Ryōta wants to face off against Junichi” said Satoshi.

“It’s because they have a rivalry in the Intramurals tournament, but of course, they were friends when they’re together at their area” said Dairoku.

“But what happened to the two after they decided to go separate ways?” asked Satoshi.

“When Junichi joins the Shining Camellia, he decided to train hard when he played basketball while he was given a training by Natsuhi and his teammates, in preparing for the Intramurals. On the other hand, Ryōta became teammates with Natsuhi and they trained together with their other classmates. Natsuhi gained a favor for his section and his teammates because he helped them to dominate the Intramurals, where Natsuhi and his section 6-C win the finals against Nagamasa Miwa and the section 6-D” said Dairoku.

“Ah, I understand about their relationship between the two. I hope that Ryōta would be able to defeat Junichi again just like he did in the Intramurals” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I would wish the same thing for Junichi. Those two are companions, but this is not all about their playing style, it’s their goal to be part of the varsity team” said Dairoku.

“Oh, I think that what those two are hoping for” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, Satoshi. They will eventually do it if they would” said Dairoku.

“Show me what you got, Ryōta. I’m waiting to see how you’re doing” said Ryōta.

“Okay, I will” said Ryōta. Ryōta would start doing the crossover move, but Junichi begins to observe him. When Ryōta drives past Junichi, there is no surprise, but Junichi keeps his defensive strategy. “This guy is trying to stop me, then I’ll have to do something else.”

“What’s he doing?” asked Jiro.

“Ryōta is going to use a different strategy to make sure Junichi getting surprised” said Satoshi.

“Surprised for what?” asked Jiro.

“You will see what happens” said Satoshi.

Ryōta would perform the behind the back dribble before driving past Junichi. Then, Junichi chases Ryōta, who is about to shoot the ball.

“Watch out, Ryōta!” said Jiro and Satoshi.

“I’m going to stop you!” said Junichi.

“No way, Junichi, no way!” said Ryōta as he performs the fake, which surprises Junichi, before shooting the ball with the one-handed slam. [Chromatic Current 58, Family of Angels 55]

“Alright!” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

“Ryōta did a one-handed slam shot over Junichi!” said Jiro.

“Now that’s what you call a surprise shot” said Satoshi.

“Wow! I got overwhelmed to watch that move. I thought that you’re going to dunk me, but instead a fake makes me confused” said Junichi.

“You see, Junichi, I got my moves taught from my friends and I will never hold things down when I’m going to unleash my true formation” said Ryōta.

“True formation?” said Junichi.

“Yeah, I’m not the one who will take you down, but it’s my teammates will about to take you and your team down” said Ryōta as he leaves Junichi. Junichi was so surprised to hear Ryōta’s words and was about to unleash his azure aura to pay Ryōta a price.

“Junichi, catch!” said Shōzō. Junichi gets the ball from Shōzō and performs the crossover dribble before driving past Ryōta to shoot the ball with the floater. [Chromatic Current 58, Family of Angels 57]

The next play happens when Ryōta passes the ball to Kojiro. Kojiro would use the same crossover move that Junichi did before he passes the ball to Satoshi. Satoshi would shoot the ball with the jumper and the ball drives to the basket. [Chromatic Current 60, Family of Angels 57]

“Both teams are scoring their baskets, but I don’t know whose team will finally miss the shot” said Jun.

“I can’t think of which team will finally miss the shot, but this match is going to be an all-out war between Ryōta and Junichi” said Kyō.

Later, the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels would engage battles and some of the shots were made, but the rest are missed. Shōzō misses the three-point opportunity and then, Jiro misses the three-point shot as well. Junichi receives a turnover after Ryōta gets the ball, however, when Ryōta passes the ball to Kojiro, Kojiro’s shot was blocked by Akiyuki. Akiyuki tried to shoot the jump shot, but it was missed.

“Only 1:46 remaining in the game and neither of the two teams score after a minute ago. I don’t know what happened to the players except for Ryōta and Junichi” said Kagetsu.

“Oh, I get it. Ryōta and Junichi are still having their energy left, but also, their players sacrificed their energies to Ryōta and Junichi. This is going to be an epic match to witness here” said Hinata.

Satoshi’s shot was blocked by Dairoku and then, Katsuei made the three-point shot to tie the game with only 1:25 left in the game. [Chromatic Current 60, Family of Angels 60]

“They tie the game again! This is not good for Ryōta and his team” said Akira Shimojō.

“Come on, Ryōta! Fight back for the shot!” said Kimiya.

Dairoku would battle against Kojiro, who is currently holding the ball. When both Dairoku and Kojiro are heading to the low post, Kojiro is about to shoot the ball with the finger roll, but Dairoku blocks the shot.

“Ah, he did it again!” said Rei.

“That block is his second time!” said Misaki.

The ball would go to Junichi and Junichi runs through the other side of the court.

“It’s the run and gun system, boys. Don’t let the ball shoot!” said Akira Shimojō.

“Okay!” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

“I have to run to the paint, in order to wait for Junichi to shoot the floater” said Ryōta as he is running to the paint faster. This makes Junichi questioned where Ryōta go.

“Ryōta is heading to the paint!” said Kana Uchida.

“Junichi, you have to pass the ball to me!” said Shōzō.

“Okay!” said Junichi as he passes the ball to Shōzō, but Satoshi and Kojiro guard Shōzō.

“Oh no, what is this?” asked Megumi.

“Satoshi and Kojiro are trying to stop Shōzō from shooting the ball. Shōzō’s only chance to get the lead is about to run out” said Hitomi.

“Shōzō, do it!” said Junichi.

“Okay!” said Shōzō as he drives past both Satoshi and Kojiro with the turnaround chase before shooting the ball with the finger roll.

“You’re not gonna let this happen, Shōzō!” said Ryōta. Shōzō shoots the ball with the finger roll, but Ryōta jumps high and tries to block Shōzō’s shot. This would cause the collision between Shōzō and Ryōta while the ball drives to the basket. Shōzō and Ryōta fall to the ground after the collision. [Family of Angels 62, Chromatic Current 60]

Yuichi Uchida blows the whistle to call a foul on Ryōta. “Dark uniform, foul. Number 4, blocking. One free throw, Light uniform number 9.”

“Ryōta!” said the players of the Chromatic Current.

“Shōzō!” said the players of the Family of Angels.

The players of the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels have seen both Shōzō and Ryōta getting their pains from the fall. The collision made both got side effects. Shōzō was exhausted, but his fatigue got high while Ryōta’s chromatic aura was about to fade.

“Ah… I can’t get up” said Ryōta as Junichi and Dairoku tries to get Shōzō up. After Shōzō gets out of Ryōta, Satoshi helps Ryōta to stand up. After he stands up, Ryōta feels okay, but his chromatic aura is about to fade out. “What happened, Satoshi?”

“You are about to block Shōzō, but you lose your control when you’re going to do it. Now that your chromatic aura is losing out its energy, you can’t able to get faster anymore” said Satoshi.

“Wait, what?! I can’t able to use the Chromatic Current anymore?” said Ryōta.

“Yes, Ryōta. It’s because you’re wasting your agility to stop Shōzō and the chromatic aura is about to wear off” said Satoshi.

“As what Satoshi said, you can’t use your Chromatic Current after you have exhausted from using your agility. The only remaining special move left is the Chromestruck” said Yoshitsugu.

“The Chromestruck? You mean I can able to use that move without the Chromatic Current?” asked Ryōta.

“Yes, it was, Ryōta. That’s the move that you used to defeat section 6-B in the Intramurals. This move is your last resort to stop Junichi” said Yoshitsugu.

“Oh, I understand” said Ryōta.

“Now, let’s win this match together! Will you trust me to do this?” said Yoshitsugu.

“Uhh… yes, I will” said Ryōta.

“Good. Then let’s make something different that we never put anyone else to play” said Yoshitsugu.

The whistle was blown by Yuichi Uchida as the Chromatic Current had a substitution. “Chromatic Current, member changes.”

Kojiro Sawaki was being substituted by Wataru Nakai. Yoshitsugu Kimura becomes the power forward while Wataru Nakai is the new center.

“Why Wataru is in the game? He hasn’t play a single minute in the match” said Daigo.

“I understand about what Yoshitsugu is trying to do because Wataru is a defensive specialist and with Kimiya resting, there are other options to replace Kojiro and that’s why Wataru is the best pick to replace him. He will be able to perform at least one block in the final minute” said Akira Shimojō.

“Oh, I get it. So, that’s going to be the last resort for us?” said Daigo.

“That’s exactly correct, Daigo. I hope that this will be going to work” said Akira Shimojō.

Shōzō is ready to shoot the bonus after he was fouled by Ryōta Nakamura. Shōzō releases the ball and the ball enters to the basket. The Family of Angels is now leading by three. [Family of Angels 63, Chromatic Current 60]

The game is about to close with fifty-eight seconds remaining in the game. Jiro passes the ball to Satoshi. As Satoshi is dribbling the ball, Ryōta asks Satoshi what he is going to do. “What are you going to do, Satoshi? Are you going to shoot?”

“Oh, Ryōta. I have to lead the ball for a while and you can’t shoot yet until the final seconds” said Satoshi.

“Final seconds? Wait, Ryōta, I’m going to shoot the last shot?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, you have to stop those players from the Family of Angels to make sure that you will have your gear back. Until you prove that you can stop them, then it’s your chance to finish it” said Satoshi.

“Okay, I got it!” said Ryōta.

“I know that you trust me, Ryōta, but it’s going to be… fine!” said Satoshi as he drives past Shōzō before jumps high to shoot the ball with his special move, the Nimble Circle Shot. The shot can’t miss, and the Chromatic Current is now leading by just one point. [Family of Angels 63, Chromatic Current 62]

Satoshi would shout the word “It’s not over yet!”

“Oh, Satoshi. You’re very strong” said Mimi.

“He finally unleashed his signature move” said Asumi.

“Satoshi’s yell gives the Chromatic Current some more power, in trying to stop the Family of Angels” said Kagetsu.

“They’re not giving up yet! They will have to finish the game with one more shot” said Kozue.

Junichi would battle against Ryōta, who is now losing his agility.

“Well, well, well, you’re losing your chromatic aura. You can’t able to use the Chromatic Current. As a result, our team will be going to win” said Junichi.

“Actually, Junichi. It’s not over yet” said Ryōta.

“Huh? What did you say?” said Junichi.

“We can’t give up yet. We still have our energy yet to finish the game!” said Ryōta.

“Oh, you think so? Then, I’m going to knock you off right now!” said Junichi as he is going to use the crossover move before Ryōta would use his strength to match Junichi’s level.

“I’m not going to let you shoot!” said Ryōta.

“Okay, I admit it, Ryōta. I can’t lose the match to you two times in a row. Not even I’m going to give up as well. I won’t pay your price with my dignity and pride for our team!” said Junichi as he drives past Ryōta and performs the Azure Shot. The shot is good, and the Family of Angels is now lead by three. [Family of Angels 65, Chromatic Current 62]

“Oh no! They’re now holding the three-point lead” said Kozue.

“This is bad” said Rina Minagawa.

“It’s too late to stop me now, Ryōta. I won’t give up until the end and I will crush you in the end!” said Junichi.

The players of the Chromatic Current start to give up after hearing Junichi’s words. “We can’t give up now! There’s only one hope left” said Ryōta.

“One hope left?” asked Satoshi.

“Yeah. Trust me and I’ll have to do it for our team and the Innocent Charm!” said Ryōta.

“Oh, okay” said Satoshi.

“Good. Then let’s give them what they missed for!” said Ryōta.

“We have eighteen seconds left and we have no time! Ryōta, do you know what to do?” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yes, Akira, I will do it!” said Ryōta.

“Okay, then let’s do it!” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

Jiro passes the ball to Satoshi. Satoshi would be guarded by Shōzō. Ryōta has to wait his time to shoot as his teammates are using their offensive strategy.

“Satoshi! Can I have the ball?” said Wataru.

“Wataru!” said Ryōta.

“Okay!” said Satoshi as he passes the ball to Wataru. Wataru would go to the low post while Kōichi guards him.

“I’m going to use my strength to pull Kōichi out of there” said Wataru as he drives past Kōichi before Shōzō runs to Wataru to stop him.

“You’re not going anywhere, big guy!” said Shōzō.

“Hmph! Trying to stop me? Do whatever you want, but you don’t miss something” said Wataru.

“What did you say?” asked Shōzō.

“You know there’s one guy that he will save us” said Wataru.

“By who?” asked the members of the Family of Angels.

“We don’t have time left! Just do it!” said Akira Shimojō as time is almost up with seven seconds.

“Six…” said Hinata.

Ryōta runs to the outside of the three-point line. “Wataru!”

“Okay, your wish is now granted!” said Wataru as he throws the ball. Ryōta catches the ball perfectly.

“Five…” said Hitomi.

“Thanks, Wataru!” said Ryōta.

“Four…” said Kagetsu.

“Don’t let him shoot, Junichi!” said Dairoku.

“Okay, I’ll handle this!” said Junichi as he runs faster to prepare the block.

“Three…” said Jun.

“It’s over, Ryōta!” said Junichi as he is about to block Ryōta’s shot.

“Two…” said Mimi.

“Shoot, Ryōta!” said the members of the Chromatic Current.

“Okay!” said Ryōta as he raises his arms high while the ball is holding and releases the ball. Junichi was shocked after Ryōta did his other special move, the Chromestruck, and the ball drives to the basket. The buzzer sounds, and the score is now tied at 65.

“What? The game is tied?” said Megumi.

“Oh my god, it is” said Kyō. The game ends with a tie as the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels score 65 points each. As a result, the game can’t end without a victor until the team which has the most points at the end of the overtime wins the game. Ryōta was relieved that his Chromestruck move is counted for three points. The players of the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels are looking at the scoreboard as their match is not over yet and it will continue as the tie forces the game into overtime.

UP NEXT: Chapter 51: "Stand Against the Azure Light"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

After the latest milestone has been accomplished with :D, I was able to finish Volume 4 with 4 extras being drafted and written by me.:D I finally got my goal accomplished because it’s been 2 months that I started Volume 4 and hopefully, I will start doing Volume 5 with Chapter 55. It’s still a month away to post Volume 5 on this forum because I’m going to post finished updates of Volume 4, which will start tonight. I hope you are all here to read the fifth part of the short story arc “Ryōta’s Diary of an Admired Folly”. This chapter is the deciding part where the two teams: Chromatic Current and Family of Angels; are going to battle in overtime. After that, Natsuhi Takenaka informed Ryōta Nakamura and Junichi Kamisaka about the Keishin Academy Middle School Boys’ Basketball Team. I hope that this new update was just done a few weeks ago when I wrote that in Word. Enjoy reading Chapter 51!:)

Ryōta Nakamura and Junichi Kamisaka would battle out in their deciding match after the Family of Angels was able to get their momentum back, but the Chromatic Current cut their run short. Also, both have their perfect statistics, meaning that both of them are battling out for their best to see who the best player is. At the end of the match, it was the Chromatic Current who got the victory with Ryōta Nakamura scores a three-point shot with his own special move. After that match, Natsuhi Takenaka approaches Ryōta and Junichi and informs them about the Keishin Academy Middle School Boys’ Basketball Team. Ryōta’s future is currently uncertain whether he will join the varsity team tryout in two weeks after he accepted the invitation by Natsuhi to join the tryout for the basketball varsity team.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 51: “STAND AGAINST THE AZURE LIGHT”​

The match between the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels end in a tie with both teams score 65 points. As a result, the match will be forced to overtime with only one team will win with the most points at the end of overtime.

The players of the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels return to the bench to begin their plans for overtime. Meanwhile, Ryōta Nakamura and Junichi Kamisaka are still at the court, talking in a conversation.

“You know, Ryōta, I was wrong about trying to beat you hard, but I was impressed with your Chromestruck move. That three-point shot was so amazing that you have saved your team. I thought that I’m going to stop you from shooting that move, but, I can’t. I’m trying to admit that you’re better than me because you are really good in shooting” said Junichi.

“Yeah, I thought that I’m going to give up, but I have one hope left and that’s why my teammates and I have pure fighting spirits to save us from losing the game. I’m sorry about what I did to Shōzō” said Ryōta.

“It’s okay, Ryōta. Everyone has many things to do when they’re stepping to the game. I know that you’re confident to join the varsity, but it’s not the week yet” said Junichi.

“Yeah, I understand” said Ryōta.

“Ryōta, you are a star, you scored a lot and you didn’t miss a single shot. For me, I did 8 field goals, 2 three-point field goals and I never miss a shot too. We never miss each other’s shot” said Junichi, who begins to feel happy.

“Oh, yeah. I got 35 points with one three-point field goal made and you got 22 points. Oh, I would have been in the varsity if I will do this, but I don’t know what to do when I’m entering to my first match soon” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, I never expect to have the better results between the two of us, but I have faith in you to be the star of the match. You always shine for your team and I’m just a prospect who has good in seeing azure light in the festival” said Junichi.

“Junichi, I won’t be worrying about you anymore. What do you say? Should we become friends again?” said Ryōta.

Junichi realizes that Ryōta is his neighbor in his area and he knows that Ryōta is such a good guy. “Well, I’m not going to be surprised anymore, Ryōta. Not anymore.”

“So, what do you say that we should play fair together until the end?” asked Ryōta.

“Yep. It’s a deal!” said Junichi.

Akira Shimojō and Megumi Kadokawa finish planning their strategies for their team and Yuichi Uchida blows his whistle to start the overtime game between the Chromatic Current and the Family of Angels. “Overtime game start!”

The Chromatic Current keeps their line-up, but for the Family of Angels, Shōzō Takamatsu was replaced by Mito Azaki. Mito Azaki didn’t play after the first quarter, but he’s now back in the game.

Chromatic Current: Jiro Koganei (PG), Satoshi Akimoto (SG), Ryōta Nakamura (SF), Yoshitsugu Kimura (PF) and Wataru Nakai (C)
Family of Angels: Katsuei Kōno (PG), Junichi Kamisaka (SG), Mito Azaki (SF), Dairoku Kaji (PF) and Kōichi Aoyama (C)

“Ryōta has 17-of-17 and 1 three-point field goal made. He can’t miss his shot” said Rei.

“There goes the same thing as Junichi. 22 points, 10-of-10 shots, two shots made from three-point field goals and he was committing one turnover” said Mimi.

“I think that Ryōta and Junichi are on fire right now. We don’t know who will win the match, but right now, with both Ryōta and Junichi are back in the game, we’ll see who will be the best ace in this match” said Asumi.

“Well, I guess it would be Ryōta, but I’m sure Junichi would be also the best player. We’ll see if either of the two can reign supreme at the end of the game” said Rei.

“Wataru had never played in the game. What’s he doing?” said Fujiko Sasaki.

“Wataru is going to battle against Kōichi because Wataru had the advantage of shooting contact shots as opposed to Kōichi” said Kaiji Nakagami.

“Will Kōichi be able to stop Wataru? I mean, Kōichi came alongside Junichi during the Intramural match and he is good in using his flexibility” said Fujiko.

“That’s right, Fujiko. His durability was good and as a result, he is flexible to touch the ball all the time” said Kaiji.

“Ah, okay. I think Kōichi will be able to beat Wataru with his flexible hands” said Fujiko.

“Yeah, he will” said Kaiji.

“Oh, here they come, Kaiji. It’s about time!” said Fujiko.

Wataru and Kōichi would face each other and Yuichi Uchida is about to release the ball high for the jump ball.

“Wataru is going to do the tip-off jump and I know that he’s better than me” said Yoshitsugu. Yuichi releases the ball, Wataru and Kōichi jump high and Wataru tips the ball. “Ah, I told you that he’s fast!”

The ball would bounce away from the tip and Ryōta gets the ball. “The time for the overtime is three minutes. It’s shorter than they think” said Kagetsu.

“I’m sure that those boys are going to be able to win the game even Wataru gets his time to play instead of being benched” said Hinata.

Ryōta passes the ball to Yoshitsugu. “Okay, it’s time to bring this game into a monstrous game!” said Yoshitsugu as he drives past Dairoku before battling against Mito.

“Well, Yoshitsugu, you’re not bad enough to beat me. Aren’t you?” said Mito Azaki.

“Not definitely” said Yosthisugu as he performs the isolation play and then shoots the ball with the jumper. The ball drives to the basket and the Chromatic Current gets the first two points in overtime. [Chromatic Current 67, Family of Angels 65]

“I’m better in shooting mid-range jump shots over low-post jump shots” said Yoshitsugu.

Katsuei passes the ball to Junichi and Junichi would battle against Ryōta. “This is it, Ryōta. We’re going to have a real battle in here.”

“Well, this is worth to be better than our first encounter” said Ryōta.

“Oh, it’s time!” said Junichi as he battles Ryōta with their movements and Junichi would drive past Ryōta before shooting the ball with the Azure Shot. The shot is good with the ball lands to the hoop. [Chromatic Current 67, Family of Angels 67]

“Well, you’re worthy to be dominant, Junichi, but I have my way to win” said Ryōta.

Satoshi passes the ball to Ryōta and then, Ryōta was able to outsmart Junichi before he passes the ball to Wataru.

“Now, shoot!” said Ryōta.

“Okay!” said Wataru as he is about to shoot his first field goal, but it misses.

“Aw, that’s not good” said Ryōta.

“I’ll take that!” said Katsuei as he runs to the other side of the court.

“Great rebound, Katsuei! I’m going to show Ryōta what the best player is” said Junichi as he is able to shoot the ball with the Azure Shot once again two hundred and fifty meters away from the basket. [Family of Angels 69, Chromatic Current 67]

“Junichi is now leading the game!” said Tomoka.

“Great shot, Junichi!” said Megumi.

“Nice job with your Azure Shot, Junichi!” said Fujiko.

Satoshi would battle against Mito and Junichi, who are guarding him to form a screen.

“That screen is very strong. I have to counter it. Hey, Jiro, here’s for you!” said Satoshi as he passes the ball to Jiro.

“Thanks, Satoshi! You’re grooving in to pass the ball!” said Jiro, who then ready to shoot the ball with the jump shot. “I’m not easy like a hawk, but I’m going to shoot!”

“Do you think you can do enough?!” said Kōichi as he blocks Jiro’s shot. Jiro gasps after his shot was blocked.

“Jiro had his shot blocked?!” said Akira Shimojō.

“No way! It did that during the Intramural match” said Misaki.

“This is not gonna be a great run for us” said Kimiya Katsura.

Mito gets the ball from the block and runs through the key. Mito jumps high to shoot the ball with the finger roll. “I’m gonna show you how it’s done like a mountain dragon!” The ball drives to the basket and the Family of Angels is now leading by four. [Family of Angels 71, Chromatic Current 67]

With 1:45 left in overtime, the Chromatic Current needs to rebound it back by shooting consecutive shots.

“Don’t worry, guys! I can’t hold them down at once, but I’m going on Plan B” said Ryōta.

“What is “Plan B”, Ryōta?” asked Satoshi.

“We have to use our special moves if we form the triangle pass” said Ryōta.

“The triangle inbound pass? That sounds like good plan, Ryōta. Let’s do it!” said Satoshi.

“Okay!” said Ryōta. When Jiro passes the ball to Yoshitsugu, Ryōta and Satoshi are ready to do the tringle inbound pass as they separate to their positions. Yoshitsugu would pass the ball to Satoshi and then, to Ryōta.

“What that move is?” asked Junichi.

“It can’t be!” said Mito.

“It’s the triangle inbound pass! The three players create a triangle and then, passes the ball to each other” said Kōichi.

“Do you know about that move?” asked Junichi.

“Yeah, but I saw it on television” said Kōichi.

With Ryōta is ready to shoot the ball, Junichi runs over to Ryōta as he is about to block Ryōta’s shot.

“I’m not going to let you shoot!” said Junichi.

“Nah-ah, it’s time to stand against the azure light!” said Ryōta as he performs the Chromestruck move and the ball drives fast to the basket. [Family of Angels 71, Chromatic Current 69]

“Ryōta is shooting the Chromestruck again!” said Rei.

“That’s eighteen in a row! Of course, Ryōta’s birthday is on May 18” said Hinata.

“How did you know about his birthday?” asked Sora Fukutomi.

“I know about his profile when I talked to him when we met each other a long time ago. I can’t wait to see his smile when he successfully makes his shot” said Hinata.

“It’s not over yet, Junichi! My team and I will be going to win!” said Ryōta.

“Oh, okay, but we still have the lead. You don’t have to stand a chance against us!” said Junichi.

“Really think so? We’ll see who stands tall in the end” said Ryōta.

“Fine! Assemble your positions, Angels! Let’s win the match!” said Junichi.

“Yeah!” said Katsuei, Mito, Dairoku and Kōichi.

“We’re not going to lose, boys! We have to win! Let’s do it!” said Ryōta.

“Okay!” said Jiro, Satoshi, Yoshitsugu and Wataru.

Meanwhile, the members of the Innocent Charm and Team Aurora are yelling “Defense! Defense! Defense!” to give the players of the Chromatic Current more energy to defend against the offenders.

“So, is that all you want, Junichi? Then, I’m right on cue to stop your streak!” said Ryōta as he is determined to stop Junichi from releasing shots.

Satoshi guards Mito, who holds the ball, in the key while Junichi was guarded by Ryōta and Jiro.

“They are trying to stop Junichi from releasing shots, in order to limit the scoring of the Family of Angels into just four points” said Hinata.

“They never give up and they wanted to win the game because it’s their destiny to become pride and prestigious” said Kira.

“Soon, the boys are hopefully going to train themselves, so that they are ready to stand against the other opponents in the Ōmori tournament soon” said Ai.

“That’s right, girls. The Innocent Charm has never lost their purified charm and it’s their duty to be admired and innocent” said Misaki.

When Junichi passes the ball to Dairoku, Dairoku shoots the ball with the finger roll, but Yoshitsugu blocks the shot. “Not in my house, Dai!”

The ball would be bounced from the block and Satoshi gets the ball. It was the first time that Satoshi had used his special move, the Winding Heavenly Boost. Satoshi’s speed is getting faster than his normal speed.

“Oh, my goodness! He’s so fast!” said Kagetsu.

Satoshi would pass the ball to Yoshitsugu for the alley-oop and Yoshitsugu dunks the ball. The game is now tied at 71 with only 78 seconds left in overtime. [Chromatic Current 71, Family of Angels 71]

“You’re going better, Yoshistsugu! Keep it up!” said Yumi Nakamura.

“Thanks, Yumi! I got this! With this new team style, our energy never stumbles” said Yoshitsugu.

“Wow! I can’t believe that Yoshitsugu had its signature move too!” said Yumi.

“Good for him, he’s finally going to make the Family of Angels pay their price” said Mie.

Wataru guards Kōichi, who currently holds the ball, in the battle of the giants. Wataru uses his strength to make Kōichi can’t able to use close shots.

“Kōichi, will you pass the ball to me?” asked Dairoku.

“Okay, Dai, if you say so” said Kōichi as he throws the ball. Dairoku jumps high to get the ball while Yosthisugu guards Dairoku.

“Dairoku, he’s trying to stop you” said Junichi.

“Well, you’re trying to stop me by blocking my shot. I have a better plan” said Dairoku as he steps back to shoot the ball with the fadeaway jumper. “I can’t resist on losing my flexibility, I can handle these shots for myself.” The ball drives to the basket and the Family of Angels regains the lead. [Family of Angels 73, Chromatic Current 71]

“Great shot, Dai! I know that you have become better!” said Kōichi.

“Yep. Looks like we’re ahead of winning the match if we can able to have full defense in trying to stop Ryōta and his team” said Dairoku.

“Well, we should be ready for that, Dai” said Kōichi.

“Okay!” said Dairoku. The members of the Family of Angels begin to form their defensive form, the 2-3 zone.

“Uh oh. The Family of Angels are forming the 2-3 zone!” said Jiro.

“Hmm, fascinating. Looks like you’re ready, Ryōta” said Satoshi, who dribbles the ball.

“Yeah!” said Ryōta. Satoshi passes the ball to Jiro. Katsuei notices about Jiro’s appearance where Jiro had activated his special move, the Storm Knocker.

“He’s doing the Storm Knocker move” said Katsuei.

“Don’t let him shoot!” said Junichi.

“Okay!” said Katsuei as he is about to block Jiro’s shot while Jiro is about to perform the circle shot. However, Katsuei tips the ball while Jiro releases the shot, which results to Yuichi calls a foul on Katsuei. The ball drives to the basket and Jiro’s two points are counted. The game is now tied at 73. [Chromatic Current 73, Family of Angels 73]

“Light uniform, foul. Number 8, blocking. One free throw, Dark uniform number 5” said Yuichi Uchida.

“Alright! The Storm Knocker draws a foul. Jiro’s getting serious right now” said Misaki.

“Now that Ryōta’s teammates have their strengths going up, they are standing to make their comeback more different than the Family of Angels did” said Kira.

Jiro is ready to take a free throw shot.

“One free throw” said Yuichi Uchida as Jiro is very confident to have his team regain the lead. Jiro would shoot the ball and the ball drives to the basket. This allows the Chromatic Current to regain the lead once again. [Chromatic Current 74, Family of Angels 73]

“Ryōta and his team are going to prepare their last ride. Their defense is going to be more different than what Shun and his teammates did in the Hasegawa Cup” said Kagetsu.

“I’m sure Ryōta will try to handle the defense of his team since Wataru is there. I hope Wataru will be able to stop Junichi and his team from shooting it” said Mimi.

“Alright, guys! Let your defense ready to take down those opponents. Wataru, I want you to observe those opponents out there” said Ryōta.

“Okay!” said Wataru.

“Jiro and Satoshi, make sure that you’re going to form the screen on Katsuei” said Ryōta.

“Okay! We got it!” said Jiro and Satoshi.

“Yoshitsugu, play smart against Dairoku. Dairoku is currently holding the ball” said Ryōta.

“Yes, I will play smart!” said Yoshitsugu.

“And I’m going to clash with Junichi on full force. Let’s finish them off!” said Ryōta.

“Yeah!” said Wataru, Jiro, Satoshi and Yoshitsugu.

Dairoku now battles against Yoshitsugu and then, when Yoshitsugu tries to stop Dairoku, Katsuei calls Dairoku for the pass.

“Dai, pass it to me!” said Katsuei.

“Okay!” said Dairoku as he passes the ball to Katsuei, but Jiro and Satoshi guard Katsuei.

“What is this?!” said Katsuei.

“You know that you’re trying to score back” said Jiro.

“But you have no luck. We’re stopping you!” said Satoshi. Katsuei gets mad after Jiro and Satoshi begin mocking Katsuei.

“Katusei, pass it to me!” said Junichi.

“Okay, Junichi, but you’re the last hope. Go!” said Katsuei as he passes the ball to Junichi.

“Got it!” said Junichi. Junichi would meet Ryōta once again.

“Well, well, well, looks like your team is trying to stop us with your full power, but there’s no chance that you’re going to beat me!” said Junichi as Junichi and Ryōta would battle each other one-on-one. Junichi and Ryōta are happy to play with each other while the members of the Innocent Charm and Family of Angels are remembering how Ryōta was able to stop Junichi.

“Well, you’re not giving up, aren’t you?” asked Ryōta.

“Yes, I am, Ryōta!” said Junichi.

The time is now 25 seconds remaining with only 7 seconds in the shot clock left. Junichi would move away from Ryōta and is about to shoot the ball.

“I’m gong to seize the moment to finish this match with my Azure Shot!” said Junichi as Junichi shoots the ball with the floater. Suddenly, Ryōta comes out to block Junichi to end Junichi’s shooting streak of 12. “What the hell!”

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 51: "Stand Against the Azure Light"

Part 2​

The members of the Innocent Charm and the Family of Angels mixed their emotions when Ryōta blocked Junichi’s shot. The ball would bounce and then, it sends out of bounds.

“Out of bounds. Dark uniform ball” said Yuichi Uchida.

“And there goes our chance of winning. We finally have the possession!” said Akira Shimojō. The players of the Chromatic Current are relieved to have their possession back. “Then let’s end this with the fair way!”

“Yeah!” said the players of the Chromatic Current.

With only 18 seconds remaining in overtime, the Chromatic Current now holds the possession while the Family of Angels will have its last chance to stop Ryōta and his teammates. Ryōta and Junichi would talk to each other.

“Junichi, are you disappointed after I’m blocking your shot?” asked Ryōta.

“Uh, not really. You are an amazing player and I should have known that you have a pure heart” said Junichi.

“I have?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, but I feel that you’re going to the middle school basketball team. I also want to be there because how good I am since we played each other when we’re kids” said Junichi.

“I have to admit, Junichi. You are my best friend and I don’t want to lose you because we spend together to play when we’re at home. But now, I heard that you’re going to stay at the mansion for middle school. I hope that I’m going to meet you soon” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, anytime you want to come to my home. We’re starting to realign the rooms for friends from Subaru’s team. I think you’ll eventually join the varsity team soon and when you do, we’re going to become together again, this time in the mansion” said Junichi.

“Okay, I’m going to accept your promise. But remember, this mansion belongs to the Bravehearts and everything goes with their aspirations to become varsity members of the basketball team. Got it?” said Ryōta.

“Yes, Ryōta, I got it!” said Junichi.

The match continues with Satoshi dribbling the ball with only 18 seconds left.

“I’m so happy that Junichi and Ryōta are ended up together again if Ryōta will join the varsity team, but right now, time to finish the game!” said Satoshi as he passes the ball to Yoshitsugu.

“Yep” said Yoshitsugu as he was able to drive past Dairoku and Mito before passes the ball to Ryōta.

“Alright, Junichi. I’m ready to finish the game, but either you block my shot or not, it doesn’t matter, we’ll win” said Ryōta.

“Okay, but I’m going first!” said Junichi. The time is now 7 seconds left and Ryōta is ready to shoot the ball. The players of the Chromatic Current and Family of Angels see Ryōta and Junichi their last play.

“Here I come!” said Ryōta as he releases the ball to shoot the Chromestruck and the ball drives to the basket. This results the Chromatic Current now leading by four. [Chromatic Current 77, Family of Angels 73]

The buzzer is heard, and the match is over with the Chromatic Current wins. The player of the Chromatic Current and the members of the Innocent Charm and Team Aurora are celebrating their victory.

“Yeah!” said Jiro.

“We did it!” said Satoshi.

“We finally win the match!” said Yoshitsugu.

“Yeaaah!” said Ryōta.

“We win the match! We win the match! Don’t you see Ryōta’s Chromestruck? That was awesome!” said Wataru, talking to Kojiro Sawaki.

“Okay, okay, okay, Wataru. Don’t get me overexcited!” said Kojiro Sawaki.

The members of the Family of Angels are seeing the members of the Chromatic Current celebrating their victory while Junichi feels pride for his team’s defeat.

“I feel confident when I saw Ryōta doing the Chromestruck move before my eyes. He’s a phenomenal. I could wait to see him playing in the varsity team” said Junichi.

“Oh, it’s you. Junichi Kamisaka. You’re from section 6-B before and now, you’re in section 1-B. I finally had plans for the middle school basketball team and Ryōta should be deserved to be part of that team. I’m planning to join the team because middle school basketball players in Keishin Academy are good in their special moves. Aside from their offense, their defense has able to stop their opponents. I hope that when I’m in the team, I will make sure that I’m going to perform my moves onto the fans” said Natsuhi.

“Oh, you know about Ryōta’s profile?” asked Junichi.

“Yeah, he was my teammate when we represent the section 6-C. He like to play jokes with Hinata and of course, he was closed to Rei Kanazawa and others. Sometimes, he never gives up his pride to play basketball. He should have deserved to be the best, but I’m the best player in Keishin Academy. I can’t let him become the best player until has proved himself” said Natsuhi.

“I see. Did you spot him in his class?” said Junichi.

“Uh, yes, I believe. Of course, he is in section 1-D, along with my teammates. I’m the only guy to be a member of section 1-C. The section 1-D has a few members of the Innocent Charm and Team Blue and Yellow. The other members of Team Blue and Yellow are in section 1-A even Kanae” said Natsuhi.

“Well, I hope that you’re observing him, so that you make him to join the tryout” said Junichi.

“Oh, what tryout?” asked Natsuhi.

“The tryout to take part of the middle school basketball team. The Keishin Academy has produced some of the good players and I believe that there are reserve teams as they are trying to progress their way to the main roster” said Junichi.

“That’s correct, Junichi. For first-timers even first year students, they have to join the tryout and if they proved well, they take part of the main roster. The others will be assigned to reserve teams and in order to improve it, they must win practice games against different schools in order to make progress to enter to the main roster. No matter that coach wants to put all of us into the first team, we’ll be going to step up in time for the middle school district tournament” said Natsuhi.

“The middle school district tournament?” asked Junichi.

“Yes, it is, Junichi. It will be held in July and one winner will represent Ōta at the Tokyo prefectural tournament. The Keishin Academy Middle School Basketball Team had made it to the prefecturals nine times, but not in the last ten years. They’re trying to produce some good talents, but they never got very well. This year, I doubt there are chances to win the district tournament will be slightly 100%, but the manager has already putting some things to do before the tryout starts” said Natsuhi.

“So, you’re hoping to join the Keishin Academy Middle School Basketball Team?” asked Junichi.

“Yes, I am, Junichi. Also, the counterparts, the Girls’ Basketball Team are planning to do tryouts for the first-timers and transferees. I don’t know if Tomoka and others are planning to join, but what I heard from Daisuke, the five of them may be exempted to join the tryouts and instead going to be part of the main roster because they are recognized as the first members of the Elementary School Girls’ Basketball Team” said Natsuhi.

“Hmm, interesting point, Natsuhi. These teams are hopefully going to have new players” said Junichi.

“Yes, they have. I’m liking the fact that when those new guys are coming out, the best players will make it to the main roster” said Natsuhi.

“I guess that you’re one of the hopefuls to go to the varsity team” said Junichi.

“Yeah, I hope so. Well, I’m going to talk with Ryōta for a bit. I’ll see you later” said Natsuhi as he walks away to go to the side of the Chromatic Current.

“Oh, Natsuhi. You’re finally here. I thought that you’re going tell me about something, but you are observing the boys” said Hinata.

“Yeah, that’s what I did when I’m seeing some potential in every group. Here, in the Innocent Charm, they are really good as innocent and naïve” said Natsuhi.

“Thanks, Natsuhi. I can’t believe that you’re finally here. How’s my performance in the game?” said Ryōta.

“Are you the one who used the Chromestruck?” asked Natsuhi.

“Yeah, Natsuhi. I used that shot when we’re facing against the section 6-B in the semifinals” said Ryōta.

“Oh, I get it. Well, I’m glad that I observe your performance in the game and… you never miss a single shot?!” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah! I never did that challenge before because I was missing shots when I’m competing in different competitions. I know that you are good in shooting mid-range shots, you’re indeed a star player. I’m just wanted to be a player who really likes to admire people” said Ryōta.

“When I started playing basketball, it was a good sport that I like, and I even become a member of the varsity team in Keishin. Of course, I’m still playing basketball with my friends” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah” said Ryōta.

“So, Ryōta, have you come up on planning to take the tryouts for the middle school basketball team?” asked Natsuhi.

“Uh, not yet what I heard, but I have never tried it out” said Ryōta.

“Oh, it’s going to be fun and of course, the manager will be able to test you to become a member of the team” said Natsuhi.

“You mean, that manager will observe me to see if I’m worthy to join the varsity team?” asked Ryōta.

“Yes, he was. That’s why the Keishin Academy Middle School Basketball Team is holding tryouts in three weeks. I don’t know how many will join, but it’s all expected to see that numbers out when the first tryout comes” said Natsuhi.

“As long as you’re going to join the tryout, Ryōta, you will be able to learn anything from the manager I’m sure that the tryouts are fine as usual” said Hinata.

“Well, what do you think? Would you mind that you will join the tryouts for the Keishin Academy Middle School Basketball Team?” asked Natsuhi.

“Yes, I do, Natsuhi!” said Ryōta.

“Good, as expected. I expect to meet you at the tryouts soon, but it’s going to wait for three weeks to be prepared for that one. I hope that you will have time to train and we’ll see the results if you can make it. I’m leaving, guys” said Natsuhi. Natsuhi walks away after the conversation, but Ryōta grabs the right arm of Natsuhi.

“Wait!” said Ryōta.

“What, Ryōta?” asked Natsuhi.

“I almost forgot to say this, but I have a question. Did you have plans to meet with other boys from different sections?” said Ryōta.

“Uh, to meet with other boys from different sections? Oh, you mean the other sections like 1-A, 1-B, and so on?” asked Natsuhi.

“Yes, Natsuhi. There are ten sections in the class and some of the other students are good in basketball” said Ryōta.

“I’m going to think about it, Ryōta. I’ll let you know when I’m coming up of a decision. See you later” said Natsuhi as he leaves to meet with the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts.

“So, Ryōta, is Natsuhi invited you to join the tryout?” asked Rei.

“Uh, not yet, I mean, yes” said Ryōta.

“Well, Hinata, Ryōta is now in luck to take part of the tryouts. I couldn’t wait to see if the other members of the Innocent Charm are going to join as well” said Rei.

“Definitely, Rei. I think the Innocent Charm will add some new members if we’ll be going to search for new members. This will be our start of expanding our group” said Hinata.

“Yeah, our team has many plans to do before Subaru or other girls will announce on who will be leading for the next month” said Rei.

“Yep. I hope that all of our plans will accomplished soon” said Hinata.

“Yeah” said Rei.

Jiro, Satoshi and Ryōta would talk in a conversation.

“Congratulations, Ryōta. Natsuhi is inviting you to join the tryout for your school’s basketball team” said Jiro.

“Way to go, Ryōta. I hope that your potential will be higher as long as you’re progressing” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. I never been taking part of the tryout since the summer camp. The tryouts are different than the summer camp because the summer camp would last for two months while the tryouts are opportunities to join the team” said Ryōta.

“Yep. That’s why you have to be prepared to join the basketball team, Ryōta” said Jiro.

“You earned your way to perform well and that’s why I want you to shine for the Keishin Academy along with Natsuhi” said Satoshi.

“I could be a pick and roll helper with Natsuhi” said Ryōta.

“No, Ryōta. It is going to join the varsity team in Keishin and that way, you have earned your credit for your good performance” said Jiro.

“Well, of course, not. I’m not holding down on anyone just because I’m going to gain respect to my friends and companions. I hope that I have my future gets brighter than ever” said Ryōta.

“Yes, you are, Ryōta. Let me explain this. Since you’re from the Winding Current not just because you have been trained hard, your destiny is now reaching upon you. I hope that you will be able to join the varsity team just like we did. I trust you and you will be able to stand to the azure light” said Satoshi.

“Wait. You mean, I have destiny to choose from?” said Ryōta.

“Yes, it is. I’m so excited that we would meet you and this is what you’re right now. You’re being a leader along with Rei with the Innocent Charm. That was your contribution in trying to make you better” said Jiro.

“Actually, I have been friends with Rei and others because they are great companions when it comes to sharing their activities with each other” said Ryōta.

“Yes, Ryōta. You’re very compassionate and taking your pride for your group. It seems that you’re ready to take on the next level and your future is depending on you. You earn it, you make it” said Satoshi.

“Thanks, Satoshi. Thanks, Jiro. I hope that my future is reaching to its promise land” said Ryōta.

“You sure are, Ryōta. You’re a great friend and a great companion” said Satoshi. Satoshi hugs Ryōta while Jiro would join as well as the members of the Winding Current.

“Oh, that’s what I called a bromance moment” said Hinata.

“Yeah, they are friends with winding connections” said Kagetsu.

After Satoshi and the members of the Winding Current are stopping the hug, Ryōta feels happy and gives a smile to the members of the Winding Current. Then, Ryōta has thought of something for tomorrow. “Oh, by the way, Satoshi, my team, the Pink Nobles, will be leaving early tomorrow to go to Kyoto. Our trip to Kyoto will be continued as planned and we should be arrived by 3:00 pm. We’re going to meet the Occult Research Club.”

“Wait a minute. Did you say, “Occult Research Club”?” said Kimiya Katsura.

“Yeah, that’s the name of the club and they came from the Kuoh Academy. Rias is the leader of the club, now being succeeded by Asia” said Rei.

“Oh, I get it. So, are you leaving Tokyo early tomorrow?” said Satoshi.

“Yeah, I’m going to battle against Koneko and her peerage with our team, the Pink Nobles. I’ll make sure that these members will be surprised when we’re ready to take them down” said Ryōta.

“I’m sure that you’re going to make it to Kyoto tomorrow, Ryōta” said Jiro.

“Yeah” said Ryōta.

“Now, I have an advice for you, Ryōta. If they are trying to give lustful actions, wind them up and they will be surprised. Get it?” said Satoshi.

“Yes, I got it!” said Ryōta.

“Whew, I’m so tired from playing and that game was fun” said Jiro.

“Yeah, we should be going, Ryōta. I hope that you will have a safe trip to Kyoto with your members and I hope that you will follow my advice. I’ll be trusting you more with your heart” said Satoshi.

“You can count on it, Satoshi! I’m going to make it to Kyoto with my friends and we’ll be going to beat Koneko and her peerage!” said Ryōta.

Satoshi, Jiro and the other members of the Winding Current give Ryōta a smile. “We’re going to support you, Ryōta. Good luck with your battle against Koneko!” said Satoshi as he, Jiro and the other members of the Winding Current wave goodbyes to the members of the Innocent Charm including Ryōta.

“Goodbye, Satoshi! Goodbye, Jiro! Goodbye, everyone! I hope that we’ll meet each other soon” said Ryōta.

“Okay, Ryōta. I’ll be meeting with you soon!” said Satoshi.

“Okay, Satoshi! See you around!” said Ryōta.

“Wow, that Satoshi is a great player. He’s the ace of the Shiromidai Elementary School. He can never stop his special move with his own speed” said Asumi.

“I guess that your buddy is hoping to meet you again” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yes, he will. I’m going to make sure that I have to perform well when I’m going to challenge Koneko and her peerage into a basketball match” said Ryōta.

“Well, it’s possible to have that or the Rating Games match” said Yoshitsugu.

“Yep. I almost forgot that my team will assemble together at the station in Tokyo at 7:30 in the morning. I have my friends to be invited to our team and hopefully, we’ll be going to Kyoto before the sunset” said Ryōta.

“Okay, I hope that you had a safe trip, Ryōta” said Hinata.

“Yeah, we’re going to celebrate if you return home on Sunday evening” said Kagetsu.

“Sunday evening? Why?” asked Ryōta.

“You know, there are classes on Monday. So, you don’t have to be late in the class” said Hinata.

“Okay, I’ll never be late in class, Hinata and Kagetsu. I promise” said Ryōta.

“Good. I’m always smile on you when you accept my favor. Rei and I were always trusting to each other and you could be the same, Ryōta” said Hinata.

“Really, Hinata?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, I’m glad that you’ll be able to admire you when you’re here” said Hinata.

“Just call us if you want to have time to talk. As far as I know, you have a phone in your bag” said Rei.

“Oh, yes, I have” said Ryōta.

“Good. I’m glad that you are ready to go with your friends to Kyoto. Seijirō will guide you to the Tokyo Station tomorrow morning. Don’t be late this time” said Hinata.

“Okay, I got it!” said Ryōta.

“I guess that we should leave the Recreational Center together to go back to the mansion” said Hinata.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Innocent Charm and Team Aurora.

The members of the Innocent Charm and Team Aurora would leave the Recreational Center to go back to the mansion. Ryōta and the Pink Nobles are finally ready to go to Kyoto to meet with the Occult Research Club including Koneko and her peerage.

Meanwhile, the Family of Angels are surprised to see Aya Miyakoōji. She was an associate member of Orange and Fuchsia and she was given time to meet with Asuna Hayashida and her groupmates after her class in Suzuridani Academy.

“Aya! Where have you been?” said Airi.

“I’m sorry that I’m late once again. My friends have invited me to go for a walk. I supposed that I could talk to you about the Dream Team that you said last night” said Aya.

“Oh, the Dream Team. Well, sure, but we should talk about it in the mansion, Aya” said Airi.

“Okay!” said Aya.

The members of the Family of Angels would go back to the mansion. They go to the living room with Aya joining while Nozomi gives a glass of water to the members of the Family of Angels.

“So, Aya, I listened to what Subaru said to us about the Dream Team. It’s his plan to create his own team to represent us for the Ōta League. Also, when we formed the Bravehearts, our group is supposedly exclusive to Subaru’s friends, but Tomoka made an idea that the Bravehearts should allow friends from Keishin Academy or other schools like in Nashiba and Kirihara to join. I know that it was Tomoka’s idea. That way, we create six groups. Right now, we’re planning to expand the group as we’re going to search for new students in Keishin and other friends who have came from other schools” said Airi.

“Hmm, interesting. So, you sure that you’re planning to expand the Bravehearts?” said Aya.

“Yeah” said Airi.

“I believe that most of the members from each group are coming from Keishin Academy, but some come from other schools like in Shiromidai Elementary School” said Saki.

“Yeah, good point, Saki” said Airi.

“Oh, I get it. Now, what are you planning to expand the Bravehearts?” said Aya.

“You see, the Family of Angels are just planning to expand their group. Also, with some schools are planning to enter cooperation with us, we’re going to have new groups to create” said Airi.

“Well, I think our school is planning to cooperate with you, Airi” said Aya.

“Really? Aya, you’re kidding” said Airi.

“Yeah, Airi. Since Manaka befriended Aoi at the camp long time ago, Manaka is planning to cooperate with Aoi and her friends by working together like a training. If she does that, I might be doing it the same thing. Oh, I had an idea. Maybe, I was planning if I have my teammates joining the Bravehearts since it was a nice group” said Aya.

“Of course, Aya! The Bravehearts is a group of friends with blessings and also, they are helping themselves to progress to the next level. Since we’re together, I might be allowing your team to accept their invitation to join the Bravehearts” said Airi.

“Oh, okay. Thank you, Airi! I know that you’re going to help me out to improve my skills. Oh, by the way, there are many teams who are closely associating with the students in Keishin Academy as well as in our school” said Aya.

“Well, I guess you’re right, Aya. There are many students who are associating with either students on the same class or in higher levels. We know that these students in Keishin are very respectful to each other. I know that they’re working hard to progress until they make it to college” said Airi.

“Ah, okay. Will you explain it to me about some groups in Keishin and in other schools?” said Aya.

“Okay, sure. I’m going to tell you” said Airi. Airi and Aya are talking about the Dream Team Subaru is planning. There are some teams who have been either associating with the students from Keishin Academy or other schools. With many groups socializing with the students, they recognize them and start cooperating with each other. The plans for the Bravehearts are not known yet, but only Subaru and his friends know about those things.

UP NEXT: Chapter 52: "Events Before The Homecoming"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

The series now hits 8,000 view counts and counting:D, so tonight, a new update is here and there's something that I want to make secrets unfold in two parts. This chapter will be divided into two parts. The first part is where the Bravehearts explain about the other teams that came from other schools so that, the Bravehearts plan them to join whenever they want. Also, these teams may be appeared in the future chapters of Volume 5 and hopefully, I will be explaining the profile of teams as soon as possible. The second part is the full story of how Ryōta Nakamura started his basketball career in Keishin Academy. This will include his relationship with Hinata Hakamada and his brotherhood friendship with Natsuhi Takenaka. After the flashback, Ryōta and the Pink Nobles are arrived in Kyoto and hopefully, going to meet Koneko Toujou and the Crimson Aurora Brigade. I hope that you will see some flashback moments of Ryōta Nakamura as well as I added some references from the previous updates that focused on Ryōta. Enjoy reading Chapter 52!:)

The Bravehearts and Aya Miyakoōji are talking in a conversation where the Bravehearts explained to Aya Miyakoōji about the other teams that came from the other schools such as the Azure Wind, South Bay Ōta, The Winds of Den-en-chōfu and many more. The Bravehearts are planning to enlarge their team by finding groups to join in the future including the Azure Wind, which is led by Kentarō Iguchi. The next day, Ryōta Nakamura and the Pink Nobles leave Tokyo for Kyoto. While travelling to Kyoto, Ryōta had remembered his past years when he started playing basketball in Keishin. Ryōta had finally contemplated his future as he and his team is ready to meet the Crimson Aurora Brigade, who creates their new planet for the crimson planetary system known as Akaihashira.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 52: “EVENTS BEFORE THE HOMECOMING”​

The Bravehearts and the Family of Angels are at the mansion along with Aya Miyakoōji, who is an associate member of the Orange and Fuchsia. Aya wants to know about the other groups that came from the other schools including Shiromidai Elementary School. The Keishin Academy students join the Bravehearts as well as some students from other schools like Jun Gotō, Yōko Yamazaki and Asumi Hiramatsu.

“Aya, do you remember what Subaru said when he said to us about his Dream Team?” asked Airi.

The flashback shows Subaru Hasegawa said about his plans for a Dream Team in Nishina.

“As my teammates and I reinstating the Nashiba High School Basketball Team, we wanted to form a dream team of players from Keishin, Kirihara and Nashiba by looking at our talents and skills” said Subaru.

The flashback ends, which leads to Aya responding an answer. “He said that he will form a Dream Team for his hometown.”

“That’s right, Aya. Subaru was born in Tokyo and he was a great basketball player in his area in Nishina, beating out his fellow friends before starting to play basketball in Keishin Academy, then in Kirihara Middle School and finally, Nashiba High School” said Airi.

“Ah, so that’s what he’s planning for you and your friends. I believe that it was his plan. Right?” said Aya.

“Yeah, that was his first plan. However, when I believed that the students from Shiromidai Elementary School are coming from Den-en-chōfu, so Subaru upgrades his Dream Team into an All-Star team based of more than three schools” said Maho.

“And with that, the Bravehearts was formed, composed of the six groups: the Family of Angels, Team Blue and Yellow, Dazzled Hearts, Orange and Fuchsia, Innocent Charm and Team Aurora” said Tomoka.

“Ah, so that’s what your team originates from those groups. I mean, the six groups have their members with their own kind of talents” said Aya.

“Yep. You’re right about that, Aya. Each group has their own specific interests and of course, not everyone likes to play basketball because some have interests in other sports” said Airi.

“For example, Kyōji Nogami plays baseball in Shiromidai Elementary School while Rei Kanazawa plays badminton in Keishin Academy” said Tomoka.

“Aya, I remembered about your former sport, gymnastics” said Saki.

“Oh, yes, it was. It was a great sport to have my flexibility going up when I joined the basketball team” said Aya.

“When one of the members have their previous interests, they already remembered their learnings from their former mentors before moving to basketball. Sounds like a few of the Bravehearts have already interested in other sports with their own interests” said Hinata.

“I’m sure that some of our members have interests in playing basketball because basketball is the top sporting program in Keishin” said Saki.

“Yeah, that’s true, Saki. Anyway, move on to the next topic. Since then, the Bravehearts have been created as a group of friends who were giving blessings and forming new friendships as they progress their studies and interests” said Airi.

“In case what Airi said, the Bravehearts have a lot of interests that we have. Aside from basketball, there are video games, cooking, fitness, exploration and many more” said Aoi.

“In recent weeks, the Bravehearts have a lot of things we need to prepare before the second week of April, which will be on April 11. On that day, the other members from different groups except for students from section 1-C and members of the Keishin Academy and Nashiba High School basketball teams will leave the mansion to go to their homes or their boarding houses” said Subaru.

“With the others gone to their homes, we’re going to start living in this mansion with our plans to make and we’ll allow anyone from the Bravehearts to visit the mansion every weekend” said Tomoka.

“Ah, I see. So, that’s why you’re planning to have at least your friends to live there” said Aya.

“Yes, of course” said Tomoka.

“Also, our team is planning to enlarge the number of members by visiting some schools to find groups. On top of that, Subaru and his team have received some pictures to know about the other groups” said Airi.

“This is the first picture. That picture composed of six members of the group called the Azure Wind” said Subaru.

“The Azure Wind? Oh, I know about those guys. There are the friends of my classmate Takashi Okubo. Also, I recognize those names. They are Kentarō Iguchi, Junichi Nakatani, Motoaki Kusaka, Tatsuya Matsui, Tokio Kokubo and Meiko Toriumi” said Jun.

“Hey, how did you know about those?” asked Aya.

“Those guys are great companions at Shiromidai Elementary School ever since they were young. They always play basketball together in Den-en-chōfu and they have their own mentors, Harumi Inoue and Misaki Araki” said Jun.

“The two middle schoolers are playing in the Niida Nishi Middle School basketball teams and they are already have their plans for the future to enroll at the Niida Nishi High School” said Nozomi.

“Meiko is so cute just like me and Tokio is a smart guy” said Sora.

“Wow! I never thought that you have those friends in your school” said Aya.

“Yeah!” said Jun, Nozomi and Sora.

“The Azure Wind bears the emblem with a stripe of sky blue and cerulean. Also, the phoenix is the animal that the members used to complete the logo” said Kyō.

“This group is closely associated with the Homewrecking Dragons because of the influence between one of the members of the Homewrecking Dragons named Akitoshi Hyūgo. Akitoshi becomes a basketball player in Shiromidai and has been close friends with Kentarō and his team. Also, Kazuya Hisayuki and Takahito Higashiyama are also friends with Akitoshi, so that’s why the two of them are joining the Homewrecking Dragons as well. As of now, the Azure Wind gives us the plans for their collaboration with the Homewrecking Dragons” said Kōme.

“When the members of the Homewrecking Dragons know about Kentarō Iguchi, they said that he is a rising star in our school because of his playmaking skills. Whenever he is in the class or in the court, his passionate fans love him” said Kurumi.

“He is known as the Azure Dragon. That nickname said to be fitted for him as one of the good playmaking specialists that can possess the special move, the Azure Flame” said Jun.

“When he is playing in the court, he is unleashing his aura to release good shots” said Yuzuha.

“Right now, Kentarō is a four-star player along with the team captain Takashi Okubo because of his great performance during the recent tournaments last year” said Sakura.

“Also, Kentarō is dating his fellow classmate and close friend Meiko Toriumi. The reason why both of them are dating together is because they were together in the same class since their first encounter” said Jun.

“Ah, what a love team. I’m sure that those two continuing their relationship until they are ready to move on to their new heights soon” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, Nozomi! I’m sure that they are going to become a future couple” said Jun.

“Of course, Jun! A couple must have their happy moments with their smiles on their faces” said Nozomi.

“Wow! They are surely a great couple since they were on the same group. What else did you find some information about the Azure Wind, Subaru?” said Aya.

“There are some members who were also close friends to the six great companions” said Subaru, who is showing the pictures of the other members of the Azure through his phone. “They are Maaya Ōtsuka, Yui Matsubara, Tomohisa Akaishi, Sayuri Araki, Tsubaki Iwase, Kazuya Hisayuki and Takahito Higashiyama.”

“Wow! They’re an awesome team for a nice and popular basketball player!” said Aya.

“Yeah! I agree with that, Aya. Kentarō had gained his attention to enroll in Niida Nishi Middle School because of his great performance during his fifth grade” said Sora.

“On top of that, he is compared to one of the players of Niida Nishi High School basketball team named Sakaki Shimazaki, a second year high school student” said Kyō.

“While Sakaki performed good mid-range jump shots, Kentarō had a high acceleration in using those shots with his own range of using the Azure Flame” said Sakura.

“Yeah, he’s surely a great player. Uh, Subaru, did you have plans on meeting with them?” said Aya.

“Actually, yes. Jun gave me the contact numbers of her classmates including her friends outside of her section. I might have time to call them tomorrow. I’ll make sure that they’re accepting their invitation to join the Bravehearts” said Subaru.

“Okay, Subaru! What about the other teams you have recognized?” said Aya.

“Yes, I have. There are the Cloud Eighteen, led by Kyōji Takenaga, Miracle Mikawa, led by Akiyuki Satō, Ōmori United, led by Daisuke Kaida, and Nashiba’s very own Furious Yield. Furious Yield is a group of kouhais, led by Takaaki Kimihara. They are good in defensive stops but failed to achieve a single tournament victory in the youth tournaments in the Ōta League. One of my classmates named Ryō Kisugi is a member of that team. He usually plays as power forward and center, but very different when it comes to use flexibility” said Subaru.

“I guess that you have recognize those teams. Which division are they?” said Aya.

“They are high school teams, Aya, and they’re competing for the Ōta League. It appears that all of them will compete for the Young Players Cup except for the Furious Yield because Nashiba had already representing their basketball team, that’s us” said Subaru.

“With these boys’ teams are mentioned, some of the girls’ teams I recognize when I was in middle school are Beautiful Camellia and Gracious Mistake. Then, when I’m entering Nashiba, the teams I recognize are the Fuji Squad, Blossom Takers and the Nashiba Azure Girls. My friends Kirara had a team, of course. Her team’s name is the Prestigious Kamata” said Aoi.

“They are a lot of teams that are commonly active in basketball while others have focused on different interests. Here in Niida Nishi, we have the Choral Club and the Paranormal Designers Club” said Sakura.

“Wow, those clubs are amazing! I can’t believe that some of the clubs are interested in different things, even it’s girls only club or boys only club” said Aya.

“Yeah, Aya. Since Ōta has a large population, most of the youngsters choose sports over other interests such as cooking, exploration, music and so on” said Kyō.

“At least that those clubs are looking forward to progressing just like the other clubs in different schools” said Aya.

“That’s correct, Aya. Different clubs have their own interests when it comes to the students liking their favorite band or their favorite food. Other than that, sometimes, many students prefer to become fans of their favorite seiyus and that’s where a fan club has been created in order to grow their interests with them” said Airi.

“That reminds me about my group has interests in cute girls like our group” said Hinata.

“Well, the Innocent Charm had a lot of members that are admired, innocent and naïve” said Airi.

“You should expect to see some cute girl clubs in Keishin and even in other schools. Just look at the Ōmori Pink Club. They are nice girls who have interests in their favorite color pink” said Kagetsu.

“You know about that group, sister?” asked Hinata.

“Yeah, at least that I have many friends who were influenced with that group. On the other hand, there are other groups that are interested in bunny dolls” said Kagetsu.

“Oh, the Wonderland is one of the recognized groups in Ōta because they love bunny dolls. I have a lot of plush dolls in my house, Kagetsu” said Hinata.

“Yep” said Kagetsu.

“So, Tomoka, what you and Jun are looking at?” asked Aya.

“Oh, Aya, these are pictures of two groups: the South Bay Ōta and the Winds of Den-en-chōfu” said Tomoka.

“I never heard those names before. What are they?” said Aya.

“The South Bay Ōta is a group of students who were developing players that aren’t good enough to make it to the main roster of their schools. Their leader is none other than Noboru Ōtsuka. The team has made it to the Ōta League because of their performance in their first year. They added some of the first year middle schoolers with the likes of Naozumi Yamada and Naomasa Ishida. With their experiences, they are planning to make it to their respective varsity teams if they are good enough. None of their members come from the Shiromidai Elementary School nor the Keishin Academy” said Tomoka.

“On the other hand, the Winds of Den-en-chōfu is a group of students who were coming from schools from Den-en-chōfu and its surrounding areas. As long as they are stronger enough to make it to their varsity teams, they are using versatile moves which they are used by professional players. It is led by Shigeru Natsuka, a first year middle school student who played in Mikawa Middle School” said Jun.

“Did you meet some of Hitomi’s friends in either of the groups?” asked Aya.

“Actually, no, Aya. I didn’t meet the members of the Winds of Den-en-chōfu, but Hitomi knows about that group. She will tell you about it” said Jun.

“Aya, I have some friends who have joined the Winds of Den-en-chōfu. They are Risa Kiyama, Chitose Honda and Nanami Shirakawa. All of them are now in different schools. So sad that they left Shiromidai to different schools, but hey, they are still friends with me” said Hitomi.

“Yeah, I guess so. Jun, in your section, what kind of interests they like?” said Aya.

“Music because of us and some of my other classmates loves to play sports” said Jun.

“Oh, I get it. Probably, they are really good in either music or sports” said Aya.

“Yes, it was, Aya” said Jun.

“While the music lovers like Noriko Masuda have greater interests to join the Family of Angels, those who are interested in sports are considered joining Team Aurora, Orange and Fuchsia or creating their own group” said Nozomi.

“Things are going to be different when the students from Shiromidai are most likely joining the Bravehearts in some other time” said Sora.

“I can’t wait to see my friends going to join the Orange and Fuchsia just like Rina Fujisaki and her team did because Asuna Hayashida needs some back-up players to fit the incoming sixth graders to compete as a whole team” said Kurumi.

“Well, I see that your friends have joined the Orange and Fuchsia. Can you look at the picture of your team?” said Aya.

“Sure, Aya. Here is the picture” said Kurumi as she shows the picture of Team Fujisaki.

Team Fujisaki: Rina Fujisaki, Rei Rakuyama, Minami Ōshima, Sakura Nobumoto, Chinami Nishida, Ryōsei Sakurai, Nobuo Momijidani, Masahiro Kurokawa, Mareo Koga and Kazurō Ikeda
Staff: Minako Machida and Kozue Hidaka

“Wow! They are mostly wearing light orange jackets! How cool they are, Kurumi!” said Aya.

“Yes, they are cool and awesome. When it comes to their loyalty to me, I respect them to lead their team since I’m already the Student Council President. Jun and I were formerly rivals, but right now, we’re friends because Kyō had an agreement with me, Kōme and Yuzuha about us joining forces with Jun and her band” said Kurumi.

“You’re always close to your brother, but I always have my respect on you because your friends are compassionate and brave like the other members of the Orange and Fuchsia do” said Aya.

“Yeah, Aya, I started to befriend you since you’re now an associate member of the Orange and Fuchsia. Also, Naoko Arakawa, Yuka Fukuhara and Kana Inoue are also members because they are Yōko’s friends. They are on different sections: Yōko is on 1-E, Naoko is on 1-H and Yuka and Kana are on 1-A” said Kurumi.

“Kurumi, I feel like I’m admired to be nice with you as well as that you’re already in the student council because they know that you’re respectful and admired” said Aya.

“Yeah, that’s true that I’m respectful and admired. Airi said to me that I have been closed to my brother, Kyō, and Jun since the formation of Jun’s Angels. A lot of bad times were completely forgotten when I joined that group” said Kurumi.

“Kurumi and I were not just bosom buddies, but we’re always together with Kyō when we hang out together” said Jun.

“So, Aya, you’re admired to be friends with Kurumi and I’m glad that you have a charm to show respect to her. It seems that you are hopefully going to become a full member of the Orange and Fuchsia, but I know that you’re going to be best friends with Airi because they know each other. I fully respect on you to be friends with Kurumi because she’s sweet and carefree” said Kōme.

“The members of the Orange and Fuchsia had lustful desires to be sweet and admired and I’m going to be respectful to you, Aya, because I’m Kurumi’s brother” said Kyō.

“Yeah, I know that you’re going to start befriending with me, but…” said Aya.

“Aya, my brother had a lot of lustful things about me, but you have to keep it secret. Is that okay?” said Kurumi.

“Oh, yeah, Kurumi. I will keep that secret for now” said Aya.

“Good. At least that you’re now part of the Orange and Fuchsia” said Kurumi.

“Yeah” said Aya.

“Aya, looks like you, Kurumi and Kyō have agreed to a friendship. I suggest that you will start growing your friendship with the members of the Orange and Fuchsia if you can take your desires to accept their friendship. Okay?” said Airi.

“Yes, Airi. I’ll take my desire to accept the members’ friendship” said Aya.

“That’s good, Aya. Be respectful to the members and have fun!” said Airi.

“Okay!” said Aya. Airi and Aya are smiling with each other while Kyō, Kurumi, Jun and Kōme are glad to see both of them feeling happy.

Hinata feels admired to look at Airi and Aya. “Oh, Airi and Aya are ready to work together after Aya joined the Orange and Fuchsia. Aya had also been admired by Kyō and Kurumi as they are finally become friends. That’s so sweet for them. I’m sure I’m going to say that to Ryōta and his team before they’re leaving.” Hinata smiles after saying this, hoping that she’s going to say about Aya and her friends to Ryōta and his team. Ryōta and his team are set to leave the mansion tomorrow morning to go to the Tokyo Station to leave Tokyo for Kyoto.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 52: "Events Before the Homecoming"

NOTE: Before reading this, I have a reminder about Ryōta Nakamura's new team. This part will feature the Pink Nobles as they will appear for the first time as Ryōta Nakamura's new team to represent for the Innocent Charm. Enjoy!:)

Part 2​

The flashback shows the two nine-year old boys, Ryōta Nakamura and Junichi Kamisaka, playing basketball together. Rei Kanazawa shows up to support both of them.

“I can’t believe that you beat Junichi, Ryōta. What a nice pick-up game” said Rei.

“No, thank you. I’m glad that I’m so good to play basketball with my friends. Is that right, Junichi?” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, we played a lot and it was fun” said Junichi.

“Good for you, you two. I think we should eat together at the Suzuran Shopping District” said Rei.

“Yeah!” said Ryōta and Junichi.

Later, they eat their food together at one restaurant that specializes ramen noodles.

“Are you sure that you’re going to play for the Keishin Academy, Ryōta?” asked Junichi.

“Yeah! I want to be there because I want to be the best in the district” said Ryōta.

“Well, you have to improve your skills first before you can make it, Ryōta” said Rei.

“Why, of course, Rei! What could possibly be wrong if I can’t make it to the team, but I’m going to play when I’m going to improve more” said Ryōta.

“Looks like you’re having a luck, Ryōta. You need it to earn it” said Junichi, patting Ryōta’s shoulders as a sign of good luck.

“Okay, I will!” said Ryōta.

Over the next months, Ryōta and Junichi work together to help their team to win youth tournaments under the name of Seven Wings Kamata. A year later, when Ryōta and Junichi left the group to join their respective teams, Ryōta begins to work hard while Rei is on his side.

Rei was thinking of Ryōta’s potential getting higher despite not being picked by the varsity team. “He has guts to create big shots, but he’s still not proving himself yet because he’s not yet ready to join the varsity team. I wonder what’s going on him.”

When Ryōta finished shooting shots, he walks to Rei. “I know that I wanted to join the varsity team, but it’s too hard to make it.”

“Well, I have an idea. Why don’t you create a group for us to participate at the Ōta League? This is where we’re going to make us stronger” said Rei.

“Okay, Rei, it’s a deal!” said Ryōta while shaking Rei’s hand. This would lead to the formation of the Innocent Charm. Unlike the other groups, the Innocent Charm has only participated at the Ōta League last year. After winning their first championship in Tamagawa against Team Windstrike, Hinata shows up to congratulate Ryōta.

“Congratulations, Ryōta! You finally win the championship!” said Hinata.

“Thanks. It’s my first successful run as a member of the Innocent Charm” said Ryōta.

“You’re an admired student who always wanted to be the best in the district. I hope that you can able to shoot the ball at least once” said Hinata.

“Oh, well, I’ll do that in some other time. By the way, what’s your name?” said Ryōta.

“I’m Hinata Hakamada, section 4-C.”

“Oh, you’re one of the top students in the entire batch. What a coincidence. I’m glad that you’re admired and innocent when those boys are wooing you” said Ryōta.

“Yep. Thanks for saying nice words to me. Anyway, what’s your name?” said Hinata.

“I’m Ryōta Nakamura, section 4-C. I usually play basketball for a long time, but I’m planning to join the varsity basketball team.”

“The varsity basketball team? Well, tryouts are going to be held in a week. So, don’t be late. I’ll see you there, Ryōta!” said Hinata as she leaves to join with the other girls.

“Okay, Hinata I’ll see you too! Bye!” said Ryōta as he finally got his joy. His first encounter with Hinata Hakamada was his first time that Ryōta finds an innocent and naïve student.

A few weeks later, the boys from Ryōta’s class arrives to the gym to prepare for the tryouts. Despite that Natsuhi and his team are staying for a year, Keishin Academy Elementary School boys’ basketball team is looking forward to recruiting more students to join for another season.

Ryōta showed his performance to be outstanding and he was able to perform mid-range shots. At the end of the session, Ryōta was picked to join the basketball team. “Ryōta, you’re now part of the Keishin Academy Elementary School boys’ basketball team. You will be wearing the jersey number 10” said the head coach Shintarō Fujita.

Ryōta was finally glad to join the varsity team after he impresses the coaching staff. Later, Hinata and Ryōta were together outside the gym.

“Wow! You finally found your place to join the varsity team. Congratulations!” said Hinata.

“Thanks, Hinata. I know that it was a good team to play, but I can’t wait to play with them” said Ryōta.

“You will be fine to play with them, but I hope that you’ll get more points to shoot” said Hinata.

“Yeah! I’ll do this for you whenever I want, Hinata!” said Ryōta.

“Okay! By the way, I have a question. I want to handle this. It’s the pendant I wear it since Suzuko gave it to me” said Hinata as she gave the pendant to Ryōta.

“Thanks, Hinata. So, why did you follow me?” said Ryōta.

“I want to tell you that I like your personality to be the best in the team. Well, should we start dating together?” said Hinata.

“Okay, I’m in!” said Ryōta. This is the first time that Hinata and Ryōta have been together for the team.

During the first practice match against Ikegami, Ryōta finally steps up and performing mid-range shots and layups. At the end of the game, Keishin defeated Ikegami, 48-32. Hinata feels happy to see Ryōta playing well in his debut. When Keishin enters to the district tournament, they were dominating against different opponents as they progress to their championship.

During the victory party of the Keishin Academy boys’ basketball team, Ryōta and Hinata were looking at the sky to see the fireworks.

“Wow! There a lot of fireworks sparking out in the sky” said Hinata.

“Yep. That’s why this is a gift for you, Hinata. Like I said before, when I win the district tournament, you and I will see the fireworks” said Ryōta.

“You sure that you keep your promise until you made it?” asked Hinata.

“Yeah” said Ryōta.

“Wow! That’s so sweet. Thanks, Ryōta, for giving this nice and wonderful gift for me” said Hinata.

“You’re welcome” said Ryōta as Ryōta begins to hold hands with Hinata.

Then, at the end of the school as a fourth grader, Ryōta, Rei and Hinata are celebrating their year-end party along with the other classmates in their block. When the new school year starts, Ryōta has gone to a good start when he plays for the Keishin Academy Elementary School boys’ basketball team. One day, Natsuhi Takenaka and Maho Misawa appear at the cafeteria to meet Hinata and Ryōta.

“Well, hello, Ryōta! It’s so nice to see you!” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah, it’s nice to see you too! Please, sit down” said Ryōta. Natsuhi and Maho are sitting down to chat with Ryōta and Hinata.

“Are you joining the varsity team, Natsuhi?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, Ryōta. It’s been a while since I never got into there, but I was able to have my performance very well. The coaches were impressed of my performance” said Natsuhi.

“Good for you, Natsuhi. Say, I hope that we’re going to become teammates in the same team” said Ryōta.

“Teammates? Well, for a coincidence, yes, I am” said Natsuhi.

“Then, let’s work together with your techniques” said Ryōta.

“Okay! So, when do we meet?” said Natsuhi.

“Uh, after the class, but the training sessions are held in three days in a week. So, it’s every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday” said Ryōta.

“Good. Then, I’ll go with you, Ryōta!” said Natsuhi.

“Great! You’re nice to be with our team, Natsuhi. Let’s play together!” said Ryōta.

“Okay!” said Natsuhi.

In one of the training sessions, Natsuhi and Ryōta are teaming together against the senpais (sixth graders) in a practice drill. Natsuhi and Ryōta are able to work together as their potential is getting grower. Then, Natsuhi and Ryōta practice their passing techniques to grow their relationship. While Natsuhi and Ryōta participating at the summer tournament in the Ōta League, both of them failed to meet with their girlfriends (Maho and Hinata), which resulted to both Maho and Hinata getting worried.

One day, at the start of the second term, Maho and Hinata are met by Saki.

“It appears that Natsuhi has not been with me for a month. What does he think?” said Maho.

“Yeah, this also happened to Ryōta. He said that he supposedly going to meet me, but all of a sudden, he’s not here. I don’t know if he’s ever coming back” said Hinata.

“Maho and Hinata. I have to tell you that those boys are doing the great job in keeping their domination, however, sometimes they have different personalities. In case you know, both Natsuhi and Ryōta are doing serious challenges, but they didn’t want to be with you because they’re very busy. I think you have to talk to them if you have time” said Saki.

“Well, I supposed I will do it” said Hinata.

“Yeah, me too. Should we work together, Hinata?” said Maho.

“Okay!” said Hinata.

From that day, Ryōta and Natushi were very serious as they want to keep their ambitions to be part of the varsity team. Maho and Hinata finally found Natsuhi and Ryōta outside the boarding house.

“Natsuhi! It’s me, Maho. I want to tell you something for a second… wait, uh, don’t go, Natushi! I want to say something about our relationship…” said Maho as she tried to talk with Natsuhi, but Natsuhi doesn’t want to talk with Maho anymore.

On the other hand, Ryōta met with Hinata. “Are you forgetting about me, Ryōta?” asked Hinata.

“Uh, no, Hinata. But…” said Ryōta.

“But what?” replied Hinata.

“I was so busy training with the other boys and I’m having a lot of time to train for the district tournament this winter. I don’t want to be absent along with Natsuhi in the first months of the second term, but you have to trust me, Hinata. I have to be at the training and I should not be absent in training” said Ryōta.

“Uh, my Ryōta, if you keep on focusing on your ambitions to be the best, then I don’t want to be serious. I’m not waiting to be with you for many hours and I don’t want that personality right now. You’re no longer admired, Ryōta, but you’re…” said Hinata.

“I just don’t get it, Hinata. When I promised to be with you, it was a lot of fun that we grow together like a great love. However, you’re not innocent enough to show some respect” said Ryōta.

“Then, what are you thinking about me?” asked Hinata.

“That you’re the top female student in the entire class” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, I’m the top female student in our class, Ryōta. But I don’t want your ambitious look on me because you’re acting weird. Acting weird means that you have lose your mind to other things like this. If you want to be with me, just come to me and let’s talk straight. I don’t want to be angry at you, but you always breaking promises to me” said Hinata.

“How could you say that to a basketball player, Hinata?” asked Ryōta, who is now angry.

“I mean, you’re getting into a different path and you’re not admired enough to be the best. I’m worrying about your future, Ryōta. That’s what I want to say. So, what do you think, Ryōta? Are we on the same page to be together or not?” said Hinata.

Ryōta was so concerned about Hinata’s attitude of being naïve and he wants to be with Hinata all the time, but he has many things to do in the basketball team. “Well, Hinata, I supposed that I want to have time to be with you together after the class, but it’s different this year. I’m going to have a training tomorrow afternoon. If you’re talking about not admired enough to be the best, then I don’t want to be with you anymore! I’m out of here!” Ryōta would walk away from Hinata, who was upset to see his boyfriend go.

The two relationships ended with a brokenhearted scene with Natsuhi and Ryōta are focusing on winning the district tournament. Later, the Keishin Academy Elementary School boys’ basketball team have once again won the district tournament and would participate at the prefectural tournament.

After winter, Hinata and Maho see Natsuhi and Ryōta doing other things instead of meeting them. This makes Hinata and Maho have an idea to surprise things up and that’s where Tomoka, Maho, Saki, Airi and Hinata forming the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team.

In the sixth grade, during the first training session, Ryōta and Natsuhi appear to be arguing when Natsuhi was selected as the captain of the team. After the session ends, Ryōta was assigned down to be the sixth man. During the first term, Natsuhi had found a new love and it was revealed to be Hinata Hakamada, Ryōta’s former girlfriend.

During the month of July, Natsuhi hangs out with Hinata and Maho while Ryōta was jealous of Natsuhi because his former girlfriend is now dating Natsuhi. Then, after the Kyoto trip, Natsuhi and Ryōta would meet each other at the hallway.

“Natsuhi, I want to apologize to you” said Ryōta.

“For what, Ryōta?” asked Natsuhi.

“That I’m being jealous of you because you are dating with my ex-girlfriend. I can’t believe that you’re hanging out with her and Maho. That love triangle is the set-up for Hinata to date with you, not Maho” said Ryōta.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. I’m not involved in the love triangle, Ryōta. I’m just wooing Hinata because she had a pure and innocent charm. She’s always on top to be the top female student in the entire class” said Natsuhi.

“You mean that the love triangle is between you, Hinata and Maho?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, it feels bad when I broke up with Maho, but dating with Hinata was not complicated to you being jealous” said Natsuhi.

“I understand, Natsuhi. Well, then, all I want to say is that I don’t want to be jealous with you because we’re together as teammates in the varsity team and classmates in the same class. I don’t want to bother you to date with Hinata. I just want to be respectful to you” said Ryōta.

“Uh, okay. It’s fine to apologize me, but I’m warning you. If you’re going to mess things up between me and Hinata, I’m not going to forgive you” said Natsuhi.

“Okay, I understand. I thought that you’re feeling upset after we argue each other, but I don’t want to be mad at you” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, I feel bad when you leave me alone after the argument, but I have learned the lesson at the end when I ended up dating with your ex-girlfriend. So, have you learned your lesson too, my friend?” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah, I learn my lesson, Natsuhi” said Ryōta.

“See, you have to move on from her and you have another chance to fell in love with someone” said Natsuhi.

“It’s okay, Natsuhi. I have dated another person. She’s from section 6-E and her name is Kira Kakimoto” said Ryōta.

“Whoo, looks like you’re having a second charm in your hands, Ryōta! So, do you think you can hang out with us?” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah, I guess. I’ll be getting along with my new girlfriend. Let’s make sure that we don’t mess our relationship, Natsuhi” said Ryōta.

“Promise?” asked Natsuhi.

“Yeah, it’s a promise!” said Ryōta as he and Natsuhi give each other’s hug, the friendship between Ryōta and Natushi was restored after bickering with each other for four months.

Ryōta and Natsuhi would begin working together once again to get their potentials higher and helped their section 6-C to win the Intramural tournament. In one time, Ryōta waves goodbye to Natsuhi, hoping that they will become friends forever.

Then, Ryōta and Hinata would meet each other earlier in the morning as Ryōta and the Pink Nobles are going to leave Tokyo for Kyoto.

“Ryōta, I want to tell you that good luck on your trip to Kyoto” said Hinata.

“Yes, Hinata, I will, and I promise that I will be home safe” said Ryōta.

“You have to be home as earlier as seven in the evening tomorrow. You don’t want to miss school classes, Ryōta. Just be safe when you’re back here in the mansion” said Hinata.

“Yes, Hinata. I’m going to be back home tomorrow and of course, I’m going to give you something that you will restore my heart back” said Ryōta.

“Okay! I’ll see you tomorrow!” said Hinata.

“Okay! I’ll see you tomorrow as well, Hinata!” said Ryōta and the Pink Nobles leave the mansion to go to Chiyoda, the site of the Tokyo Train Station. Just Ryōta is about to leave the mansion, he asks Hinata one more time. “Where are you going for today, Hinata?”

“Uh, I’m going to Den-en-chōfu along with my friends. Tomoka and the Family of Angels are going to the Homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons” said Hinata.

“Ah, okay! Good luck, Hinata!” said Ryōta.

“Thanks, Ryōta, and good luck to you and your team too!” said Hinata as she waves goodbye to Ryōta, who is earning respect for Hinata and hopefully going to reach Kyoto by afternoon. Later, Seijirō Hakamada, Ryōta and the Pink Nobles are arrived at the Tokyo Station in Chiyoda.

As Ryōta and the Pink Nobles are getting tickets from the counter, Seijirō gives Ryōta an advice. “Now, remember, Ryōta, your Pink Noble Crasher and Chromatic Current are the two special moves that you’re going to use when your team and Koneko’s peerage will face each other in a basketball game. Of course, the Chromastatic Iron-Groundbreaker can only be used when you’re battling against them in the Rating Games. It will depend on what you and Koneko will decide. However, if your team feels outnumbered by Koneko’s peerage, this is the pendant that you’re going to wear. Hinata gave me this earlier because you don’t forget to wear this when you’re in Kyoto.”

“Okay, I’ll wear it!” said Ryōta as he wears his pendant that he wears before when he was a fourth grader. “Wow! It’s shiny! What does the pendant mean to us?”

“It means that your admired and innocent personality allows you to increase your stamina and agility when you’re playing in either a basketball or Rating Game match. You will be fine if you feel down. I’m heading home now, Ryōta. I’ll see you tomorrow evening!” said Seijirō.

“Okay, thanks for the pendant, Seijirō! We’ll be back to Tokyo in no time!” said Ryōta as he and the Pink Nobles are going to the train, which is boarding for Kyoto. The flashback ends with Ryōta feels ready to face off against Koneko in Kyoto.

At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Gremory Team, the Unburden Kyoto and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum place the items in preparing for the creation of another planet in the crimson planetary system. Rias puts the magic circle in the middle of the Palace and the members of the Gremory Team have warped to Kyumito, Kurenai. When they reach to the Kyumito Imperial Palace, Rias gives the Code of Terraformation to Azazel. After the set-up was completed, Rias and the members of the Gremory Team are ready to begin the experiment.

“We’re ready, Azazel!” said Rias.

“Good! Then, let’s start the experiment! Everyone, show your abilities and put them to the small rock!” said Azazel.

“Okay!” said the members of the Gremory Team. The members of the Gremory Team would begin releasing the powers to the sky and the new moves Issei had insert themselves to a combined power. On the other hand, the members of the Unburden Kyoto use their fire and wind abilities while the members of the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum use their fairy and lunar abilities to join with the powers from the other powers of different teams. The barriers protect the places that the Crimson Aurora Brigade assigned to and the small rock becomes a large planet, thanks to the combination of different powers from different groups. Then, the second stage begins with the Four Great Maous and other mythological deities create power to terraform the newly-formed planet. And when the planet is now terraformed after an hour, the entire party becomes tired and the new planet is now shown with a crimson-like sky appear in the uninhabited area.

“What should be the nickname for this new planet, Azazel?” asked Rias.

“Uh, I don’t know, but it’s up to you to name the planet, Rias” said Azazel.

“Okay!” said Rias, who then talks with the other members of the Gremory Team. “What would be the name of the planet?”

While the members of the Gremory Team are talking about the name of the newly-formed planet, the members of the Unburden Kyoto and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum are exhausted from releasing their powers.

Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum: Kira Minato, Rina Matsunaga, Kozue Hirono, Airi Nojima, Yurika Natsuka, Yuka Shimura, Nami Hamada, Kazue Fujimaki, Maho Inoue and Yukiya Uehara

“I wonder when the Gremory Team are going back” said Kira.

“It appears that it’s already 4:35 and they’re not here after an hour” said Yukiya.

“Gee, I hope they’re withstanding after the experiment” said Rina Matsunaga.

The magic circle appears as the Gremory Team returns in the scene. Kira Minato shouted “There they are! They’re back!”

The members of the Unburden Kyoto and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum are glad to see the entire Gremory Team coming back from doing the experiment.

“Rias, how’s the experiment? Does it work?” asked Draylaine Masaki.

“It worked! Now that the Kurenese are going to see the second planet, they are finally ready to see the crimson skies as the new planet is born” said Rias.

“Oh, good for you, team! So, what’s the name of the new planet?” said Kira.

“We name the new planet called Akaihashira (Japanese: 赤い柱). It means “red pillar”. It was named after the 72 Pillars” said Rias.

“Oh, that’s a wonderful name. Say, Rias, since we’re exhausted from doing the experiment, do we celebrate?” said Maho Inoue.

“Yes, Maho. Of course, that we’ll celebrate. I hope that you’re all tired and let’s call for the celebration” said Rias.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Unburden Kyoto and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum.

The Gremory Team and its allies left the Kyoto Imperial Palace to celebrate their success in creating a new planet called Akaihashira. Later, the Pink Nobles, led by Ryōta Nakamura, had arrived in the Kyoto Station.

Pink Nobles: Ryōta Nakamura, Kiyoshi Toshima, Akira Shimojō, Wataru Nakai, Mie Furutani, Yumi Nakamura, Hikaru Sakamoto, Ichirō Furukawa, Sakiko Katsuragi, Takaya Noburizato, Yoshimaru Iijima, Eiji Uehara, Tsubasa Horihata and Naohiro Imayoshi

“We’re finally here, team! This is the place we’re going to stay for two days. Let’s get out there and see the view!” said Ryōta. Ryōta and the Pink Nobles left the Kyoto Station to take a look at the view of the largest city in the Kansai region.

“Wow! Magnificent place! There are a lot of people out here” said some members of the Pink Nobles when they see the people walking in the streets in Kyoto.

“You see, guys, this city formerly known as the imperial capital when it was the former site of the Imperial Palace. When it was moved to Tokyo during the Meiji era, the Kyoto Imperial Palace becomes one of the heritage places that tourists visit in the recent era” said Ryōta.

“I never explore this place like this, but it reminds me of a large town in Kamakura. This city has a lot of historical places to explore” said Hikaru Sakamoto, a student of section 1-D.

“Yep. Then, let’s take a break first before we’re going to visit the Crimson Aurora Brigade!” said Ryōta.

“Okay!” said the members of the Pink Nobles. Ryōta Nakamura and the Pink Nobles are ready to take on one of the members of the Crimson Aurora Brigade, Koneko Toujou, but before they will encounter her, they will take a break for a while to buy their food. Ryōta is determined to be ready to take on Koneko and his pride will never stop if he can able to surprise her when they will meet each other today.

UP NEXT: Interlude 9: "The Angelic Talk at the Mansion"

EDIT: Interlude 9: "The Angelic Talk at the Mansion" will be posted on April 25 (Wednesday) and Chapter 53: "Playing Like Flames" will be posted on April 29 (Sunday).

 

[Sherwin Riga]

After a few chapters that are focused on Ryōta Nakamura, a new update is coming tonight with an angelic interlude for Jun’s Angels! While Ryōta Nakamura’s The Diary of An Admired Folly takes place for the last two chapters which will be posted on two Sundays, it’s time for an Interlude, which features the main characters from Tenshi no 3P! In this Interlude, Jun’s Angels are discussing about their today’s event, which is the homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons. The Homewrecking Dragons is a group formed by Yumi Kaneda and Hitomi Takao and its members include most of the members from the Bravehearts including Takao, Masami Nojima and Masanobu Uehara. Also, Team Eromanga will be mentioned for the first time as they will appear soon on Volume 5. There will be two interludes and these will be served as teasers for Volume 5. Volume 5 will be released in May and I hope that I will be able to finish at least 10 drafts for them to be posted in this forum soon. The angelic week makes me busy working on new drafts for Volume 5 and I hope that these will be done soon! Enjoy reading Interlude 9!:)

It is April 3 and the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels are ready to meet the former and current members of the Homewrecking Dragons for the club’s homecoming. It would be a perfect day for the former members of the club to remember their past and now, they are looking forward to meet each other again. With things said, the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels have their discussions about that event held at the mansion. First, Jun’s Angels are discussing the event at the mansion. During their discussion, Jun said that she received a text message from a mysterious friend of hers and hopefully, her mysterious friend will recognize Jun's Angels when her mysterious friend will meet them tomorrow.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
INTERLUDE 9: “THE ANGELIC TALK AT THE MANSION”​

It is April 3, the day that the former members of the Homewrecking Dragons organize their homecoming in Shinjuku. The members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts are ready to meet with the other members of the Homewrecking Dragons, who were haven’t met each other before. Not only the other members of the Family of Angels will meet the other members of the Homewrecking Dragons, but also to the friends they have.

Before the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts are leaving the mansion for Shinjuku, they have their activities in the morning. First, Jun’s Angels have their time to take their bath before they will go down to the living room to discuss for today’s event.

At the bathroom, Jun, Nozomi, Sora, Kurumi, Kōme, Yuzuha and Kyō are taking the bath together in the bathtub. Sakura appeared as she is ready to take a bath with her friends.

“Oh, Kyō, looks like all of you are present in the bathtub? That’s great, I should join too!” said Sakura as she takes off her towel and enters to the bathtub with Kyō and his friends.

“Sakura, I’ve been waiting for you. What are you doing?” said Kyō.

“I’m done cooking some food for you and your friends because later, when we get to the homecoming, the members of the Homewrecking Dragons have brought some food for everyone including us to eat” said Sakura.

“Yeah, I’m sure that we’re going to eat some nice foods once they start the party” said Kōme.

“Yep. I’m sure that this homecoming will be most likely not extravagant, but their members will give us the surprise” said Kyō.

“Oh, that reminds me, Subaru and his team aren’t going to Shinjuku because they’re invited by Kumi Kaneda to visit her home in downtown Kamata. I’m sure that they will have a long time to stay” said Sakura.

“I see. Since Tomoka still have friends out there, maybe they are going to get along with her once they are ready to go to Shinjuku” said Jun.

“That’s right, Jun. It appears that the place we’re going today is in Shinjuku Gyo-en” said Nozomi.

“Shinjuku Gyo-en. That’s a nice wonderful place” said Yuzuha.

“It appears that this place has many floral plants out there. Of course, this is the place that has cherry blossom trees” said Kurumi.

“Yeah, the garden is a favorite hanami spot, and large crowds may be appeared to view the cherry blossom trees during the cherry blossom season” said Kōme.

“I guess that Yumi picked that place because it’s already cherry blossom season” said Sakura.

“That’s very nice to hear, Sakura. I expected to view those cherry blossom trees to bloom. I can’t wait to have our wishes come true” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, exactly. Kyō, I’m sure that the homecoming will be filled with enjoyment when we view the cherry blossom trees” said Sora.

“It should be. I always went there to see the cherry blossom trees blooming during spring and summer, but it should be fine that everyone will enjoy staying until nighttime” said Kyō.

“Yeah, of course! I like to view the cherry blossom trees because it gives me an opportunity to take on opportunities besides from trying to improve yourself. Kyō, I would be imagined that this place has a lot of people. We should be fine for that” said Jun.

“Prior to the homecoming, I have to contact some of the current members of the Homewrecking Dragons to come along in the Shinjuku Station. There are a lot of train stops right there” said Kōme.

“I believe that there are many members who have wished to view the cherry blossom trees since it’s springtime. Since Kōme is the vice president, I should follow what she wants. We supported the idea of making this place as the site for the homecoming because it’s the perfect spot for the members of the Homewrecking Dragons to do hanami” said Yuzuha.

“As soon as the hanami activity is a fine day to view, everyone will enjoy their day by spending time here and then, play recreational activities” said Kurumi.

“Yeah, Kurumi. Oh, that reminds me, Kōme, are you the president of the Homewrecking Dragons?” said Jun.

“Why, you know about my position, Jun. You see, I’m not the president of this group, Natsumi Yamazaki is the president. I’m currently the vice president of the club” said Kōme, who smiles after saying her words.

“Wow! I’m glad that you have been part of the club since you and Yuzuha joined that club last summer” said Jun.

“Yeah, I believe that Kurumi made some orders to appoint students as presidents of different clubs and societies in Shiromidai Elementary School” said Kōme.

“That’s right, Kōme. Last month, I appointed Natsumi Yamazaki as the president of the Homewrecking Dragons while Nozomi being the president of the Music Club. Jun and I were working some amendments, in order to organize activities in Shiromidai Elementary School starting May. The Student Council gives announcements to the students, so that they will know about the events in Shiromidai” said Kurumi.

“Ah, I remember now. With Kurumi and Jun have worked together in the Student Council, Nozomi and Natsumi were appointed as presidents of the Music Club and the Homewrecking Dragons. It would be a lot of time to have both Kurumi and Jun working in the office of the student council for some time” said Yuzuha.

“Yes, Yuzuha, you know about our duties in the council and we always help you to progress our school’s performance” said Kurumi.

“Since then, Kurumi and I finally agree to work in the student council after Hitomi and Yumi supported Kurumi’s ticket in the council elections” said Jun.

“I’m glad that you two are doing great in working in the student council, but of course, for Nozomi, Sora, Kōme and Yuzuha, they have their separate duties too” said Kyō.

“Yes, it’s true that I have to do my duties as well as the president of the Music Club. I joined the Music Club after summer and Kaori Nobunaga was impressed by my performance in the last concert. So, that’s why I become the president of this group, even though that I was active for a half of a year” said Nozomi.

“With Nozomi being the president, I was picked to be part of the executive board of the Music Club as the vice president” said Sora.

“On the other hand, Yuzuha and I have spent our time to be part of the Homewrecking Dragons. I was able to help Hitomi and her group in organizing activities and on the other hand, our club went to Kanagawa last December” said Kōme.

“The following month, Hitomi approached the two of us to be appointed next school year. Kōme becomes the vice president and I’m the sergeant-at-arms. We’re not called as the bosom buddies, but we’re cheerful and cute just like Jun and her band” said Yuzuha.

“Right now, the six of us are ready to do our duties in Shiromidai and we’ll hopefully going to succeed like the other officers did last year” said Jun.

“That’s very nice to hear, everyone. I think our time has come to prepare for the activities in the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels” said Kyō.

“Yeah!” said Jun, Nozomi, Sora, Kurumi, Kōme, Yuzuha and Sakura.

“I’m happy to hear about your positions and duties in Shiromidai. I hope that you’ll continue doing it and keep up the good work!” said Sakura.

“Yeah, we will, Sakura!” said Jun, Nozomi, Sora, Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha. Kōme yawned after she finished taking a bath, got out of the bathtub and turned to everyone.

“Looks like I’m done taking a bath. If you’re done in the bath, we should dress up at our room” said Kōme.

“Okay!” said Kyō, Jun, Nozomi, Sora, Kurumi, Yuzuha and Sakura.

After finished taking their baths, the members of Jun’s Angels have dressed their attires for the homecoming. As they walk down in the stairs, Kyō looked at the time.

“It’s 9:38 in the morning. Gee, we have to stay here longer before the afternoon” said Kyō.

“Yeah, we still have time to talk about everything in school. I hope that we would be able to hear about some plans for the Family of Angels” said Sakura.

“Of course, Sakura” said Kyō.

At the living room, Sakura gives the food to the members of Jun’s Angels and then, Nozomi serves the drinks.

“I’m glad that this breakfast was delicious than the ones my friends have” said Yuzuha.

“Sakura had a lot of time to cook breakfast when she was able to cook during weekends” said Sora.

“Oh, I get it. Sora, Sakura seemed to be nice to you. I want to know about the types of meals in a day” said Yuzuha.

“Well, I’m delighted to know about the types of meals. Anyway, there are different kinds of meals for a day. There is breakfast, lunch and dinner. Every time we’re in school, we ate breakfast and lunch. At the Little Wing Orphanage, we eat dinner’ said Sora.

“So, what favorite time of day you want to eat?” asked Yuzuha.

“Usually, lunch is my favorite time of meal to eat. I eat lunch a few because I always love to eat sashimi” said Sora.

“Ah, I love sashimi! There a lot of fish I eat when I was in Soryu Island, but in the mainland, I loved salmons and shrimps!” said Yuzuha.

“I’m very interested in eating sashimi because Sakura had a lot of time to catch fish in the coastal areas. Every time she catches, she used those to serve for food. She’s a real nice cook in our home” said Sora.

“Ah, that’s so great! Maybe I can be able to help Sakura to cook on some special sashimi” said Yuzuha.

“Okay, Yuzuha, but it should be done for Sakura because you should be able to help her cooking sashimi. I know that you’re going to do it at some time” said Sora.

“Okay, Sora, I will do it!” said Yuzuha.

“Kyō, what are you thinking about your future in Niida Nishi?” asked Sakura.

“Well, I want to have many opportunities to spend time studying with my friends including you” said Kyō.

“A student must improve on your weaknesses. Your subjects are almost flunked out, Kyō. I know that your grades are satisfactory when you finally came in to class every day. It seems that you are content in becoming a top student in our class” said Sakura.

“Well, I was never expected to get high grades when I finished first year high school. I survived with a lot of special activities that the teaches given to me prior to take on the final exams” said Kyō.

“Good for you, Kyō. I like your enthusiasm to make you better” said Sakura.

“Yeah, thanks, Sakura” said Kyō.

“You’re welcome” said Sakura, who then sits beside Kyō. “You know, Kyō, I don’t know who you engage with, but my sisters are really nice to you. Jun, Nozomi and Sora, they’re precious girls and Masayoshi had given time to hang out with you.”

“Yeah, sure it was, but I didn’t expect to see that happened” said Kyō.

“My responsibility to get along with you is really make me happy after you and I were together before. When I’m growing up, I’m going to be able to keep on practicing until I make it the right way” said Jun.

“For me, I even want to hang out with you just like Jun and Sora. I thought that you want to give up for us because you want to save your studies from being flunked out in school, but I got your back” said Nozomi.

“Kyō, I feel overjoyed when you are able to convince us to look at the view of the seas and sky. I feel cherished when I want to touch the sky, but I’m still small. Maybe, I will be able to grow up and hopefully, all my dreams are fulfilled” said Sora.

“Yeah, you three are nice companions. I love to get along with you because I was impressed with your performance at the first concert. I don’t want to feel pressured when Masayoshi decides to let the three live independently” said Kyō.

“Sure, we can, Kyō” said Jun.

“Uh, Jun, do you?” asked Kyō.

“Yes, Kyō. We’re glad that Masayoshi had allowed us to stay in the Little Wing Orphanage for another year before he will leave us soon” said Jun.

“Masayoshi had instrumented his plans in making the Little Wing Orphanage a nice place to meet, but I know that he’s been struggling about his future plans” said Nozomi.

“Right now, he allowed you, Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha to visit our home until Masayoshi leaves the orphanage” said Sora.

“Well, okay!” said Kyō.

“Well, Kyō, I think Jun and her band are ready to continue their plans for the Family of Angels. It will be a lot of time to create plans for the future and I hope that you will keep Masayoshi’s promise until Masayoshi leaves. Is that okay?” said Sakura.

“Sure, Sakura. I know that my plan works when it comes to executing the plans perfectly” said Kyō.

“Yeah, Kyō” said Sakura.

“Ah, I wonder what the activities that the members of the Homewrecking Dragons will do in the homecoming” said Kurumi.

“Well, there is a traditional dinner where the outgoing president will lead the dinner for thanksgiving. Also, there will be recreational activities for the former members and the design making contest for the best emblem. The club had accepted five former students their designs and it will be announced on the night to determine the winning emblem” said Kōme.

“What’s the rules about the emblem making contest, Kōme?” asked Kyō.

“Whoever has the best design based on the criteria what we adopt a few months ago wins the contest. The winning emblem will be used for the group of former members of their batch as a sign of continuing the legacy of being a member of the Homewrecking Dragons” said Kōme.

“Well, we don’t know who the victor for this contest will be, but our secretary Ryōhei Matsuoka holds the designs. Natsumi said to us that this contest benefits for the former members to remember their past as members of the Homewrecking Dragons and of course, our club has continued their progress with a lot of agendas we make in the future” said Yuzuha.

“Yeah, I hope that anyone in the group will about to see who will get the winning emblem” said Kyō.

“Yeah, these emblems will be viewed during the traditional dinner” said Kōme.

“I’ll expect to see the results, Kōme. The homecoming is filled with memories that the former members of the club will always be remembered as a member of the Homewrecking Dragons” said Jun.

“Yeah, I agree, Jun” said Kōme.

“It appears that Minami Konno of Rokugo-dote Dragon Workers and Ryūji Tamaki of Iridescence Squadron are coming to the homecoming party too! They will be joining with Natsumi Miyazaki to organize the homecoming” said Yuzuha.

“On the bright side, the event will start at three in the afternoon and hopefully, the hanami activity will be the last part of the event as a thanksgiving of every former member of the club” said Kōme.

“Oh, I also remind you, Kyō, that I want to come up on a decision where you plan to create your own group in your school” said Sakura.

“Uh, that was our idea, but…” said Kyō.

“I know that you are already doing well with Jun and her band as well as us. It means that you are willing to create the club for your new interests because Kōme had become happier when you convinced her to be on your side to join with Jun and her band. I hope that the time is now for you to create new friends in your school” said Kurumi.

“Hibiki, you know our promise a month ago that you will be planning to create a group just like the Homewrecking Dragons” said Kōme.

“Yeah, I did that. So, I came up my mind about that because after we created Jun’s Angels, I wanted to create a group for my school. Sakura and I have become friends since middle school and we’re planning to create our own group to create new friends in Niida Nishi High School. It seems that I’ll be ready to form a new group with me and Sakura will be the co-leaders” said Kyō.

“Really, Kyō?” asked Kōme.

“I will, Kōme! This is my opportunity to complete one of my plans that I have never done in school” said Kyō.

“Yeah, I’m happy that you’re ready to form a group, Kyō. I can’t cry without my joy had come out” said Kōme.

“Kyō, it’s time for us to prepare our new journey that we’re going to progress until we graduate together” said Sakura.

“Yeah, Sakura” said Kyō.

“Ah, Kyō and Sakura have already made their decision to create a new group for their school in Niida Nishi High School” said Jun.

“I guess that they are ready to explore their new interests when they finally form a group” said Nozomi.

“Whenever Kyō and Sakura choose their theme for their group, it’s their choice to form it right away” said Sora.

“Hey, everyone! I received a text message from my friend of mine!” said Jun, who had done reading a text message in her phone.

“Oh, I know who that person is” said Kōme.

“You know that person, Kōme?” asked Yuzuha.

“Yeah, of course, Yuzuha” said Kōme.

“Jun had a friend who is a middle schooler and she had just returned from school after staying at home for a long time. She and her brother were together at home, doing their light novel project” said Nozomi.

“She had created a lot of illustrations for her brother and she was known as “Eromanga Sensei”” said Jun.

“Who is that “Eromanga Sensei” you’re referring to?” asked Kurumi.

“Her name is Sagiri Izumi. She is living in Shimomaruko, along with her brother Masamune Izumi” said Jun.

“I’m also good illustrator just like her. I posted illustrations online to Hibiki to make him impressed of me. Oh, I’m so excited to hear that, Jun” said Kōme.

“Yeah, there’s also one more thing, in her message, she says that “She and her team will be doing another project that they are planning to do for Masamune’s next light novel installment. They want to join the Bravehearts because they love to meet new friends with their hearts and smiles. She hoped that if we can accept their invitation, she will let us know soon.” Wow, I can’t believe that Sagiri wants to join our team because she just lived in the same district” said Jun.

“Same district? Where, Jun?” asked Nozomi.

“Yep, it’s in Ōta. We live in Den-en-chōfu while Sagiri and her brother Masamune live in Shimomaruko. Since Shimomaruko is a busy place in Ōta, people come by to buy their goods for their family” said Jun.

“Well, it looks like we’re going to have new members for the Bravehearts, Jun. I would love to see their talents and interests of them” said Sakura.

“Of course, Sakura. Not only that we’re going to have new members in the Bravehearts, they will be able to help us doing their projects in no time” said Jun.

“I agree with that, Jun. I’m sure Sagiri will be able to meet you with your warmest smiles” said Sora.

“Yeah, Sora. They are expected to be here soon” said Jun.

“I believe that the Family of Angels will expand a new group if Sagiri and her team will join the Bravehearts” said Nozomi.

“That’s correct, Nozomi. As part of the plan that our group, the Family of Angels, is going to expand, we’re going to add some new members that are friends with us” said Kyō.

“In addition to that, the Family of Angels will explore some new interests when we’re going to organize activities” said Sakura.

“I expect that when Kyō and Sakura’s group and Sagiri’s group will be joining the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels, we will finally re-organize the entire group with our own set of officers” said Kurumi.

“While Tomoka had to continue her basketball career in Keishin, she will be leading the Family of Angels as the adviser of the group. She will be assisting our officers once the re-organization is done” said Jun.

“I expect that we’re going to keep the color lavender because it’s the primary color, but Japanese red and white will be accent colors” said Kōme.

“Yeah, as soon as our team will compete for the Ōta League, we will represent our groups to compete for tournaments” said Sora.

“I’m hoping that the members of the Rokugo-dote Dragon Works and the Iridescence Squadron will be planning to join the Bravehearts, but we’ll see if they’re joining the team” said Yuzuha.

“Yeah, we’ll hopefully going to do that in the future. Well, we still have time to do in the mansion before we’re heading to Shinjuku in the afternoon for the homecoming” said Jun.

“Oh, you’re right, Jun. Anyway, we should enjoy staying at the living room first and then, when it’s one in the afternoon, we’re ready to go!” said Kyō.

“Yeah!” said Jun, Nozomi, Sora, Sakura, Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha. The Family of Angels had talked about the homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons. Also, a new group will be joining the Bravehearts and it was revealed to be Jun’s friend Sagiri Izumi. Sagiri and her group are planning to join the Bravehearts and they will be going to the Misawa Resort Hotel tomorrow to talk with Tomoka and Subaru if they have their invitation to join the Bravehearts accepted.

UP NEXT: Chapter 53: "Playing Like Flames" [Part Seven of Ryōta Nakamura’s The Diary of An Admired Folly]

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4 is about to be finished soon and I’m going to post some extra updates after I will post Chapter 54 next week. I will reveal the schedule on Wednesday on when I’m going to post new updates to finish Volume 4. Also, I’m planning to update some chapters when I have time to edit some of the posts to correct some errors and mistakes from the last updates I got in my drafts. By the way, I’ll be ready to post Volume 5 updates by May and hopefully, I’m going to include some extra things that you’ll discover very soon. Now, for tonight’s update, diceball will be mentioned for the first time in this series. There are many variants of basketball in the human world and in this chapter, meet diceball. Diceball is a variant of basketball that combines Rating Game and basketball. This is the seventh part of Ryōta’s Diary of An Admired Folly where Ryōta Nakamura is trying to avenge his defeat against Koneko’s peerage after their first encounter at the Misawa Resort Hotel. Hopefully, you will understand about this variant of basketball that is existed in the DxD world, though it is not mentioned in the anime series of High School DxD. This will be the first game that Ryōta Nakamura and the Pink Nobles will be playing diceball and it is much different than just basketball and Rating Games. I hope you’re going to witness the first diceball match in the series! Enjoy reading Chapter 53!:)

Diceball is a variant of basketball that combines Rating Game and basketball. Diceball was first introduced by the Kuoh Academy in early years after their establishment with most devils are playing with their abilities and moves and it has been an alternative to basketball from the human world. After the Great War in Kurenai, diceball slowly declines a few years before foreigners decide to help the devils to learn basketball techniques and allow them to use special moves by using their abilities. Ryōta Nakamura and the Pink Nobles challenge Koneko Toujou and her team, but both teams have weaknesses in their respective sports (Pink Nobles are not good in Rating Games while Koneko Toujou and her team are not good in basketball). Yuto Kiba suggests them to face each other in a diceball match, which both Koneko and Ryōta accept. This will be the first time that a diceball match was sanctioned in the human world and Ryōta Nakamura hopes to defeat Koneko Toujou and her team once and for all.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 53: “PLAYING LIKE FLAMES”​

The Gremory Team and their allies, the Unburden Kyoto and the Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum, have successfully created the new planet known as Akaihashira (Japanese: 赤い柱). On the other hand, the Pink Nobles, led by Ryōta Nakamura, the former boyfriend of Hinata Hakamada, has recently arrived in Kyoto before the sunset. Ryōta Nakamura, who lead the Chromatic Current to a 77-73 overtime victory over the Family of Angels, is ready to meet Koneko Toujou and her peerage as promised during the first night of the Hasegawa Cup.

It’s five in the afternoon and the Gremory Team and its party left the restaurant in Kamigyō and walk back to the Kyoto Imperial Palace to go to the Shishinden. Rias Gremory converted the grounds of the Shisinden into a Rating Games venue, thanks to the use of the magic circle.

“This is it, everyone. This is going to be the ground for the battle between Koneko’s peerage and Ryōta Nakamura’s peerage. I thought that I have in mind in doing a Rating Game match, but we’ll make it two sports that they’ll test it out. It’s going to be Rating Games and basketball” said Rias.

“Oh, I see. So, I believe that Koneko is good in Rating Games, but that Ryōta guy is so good in playing basketball. I hope that both of them will match their intensity of level. Koneko is way superior than Ryōta” said Akeno.

“Hmm. It seems that this guy is not compared to me. I guess that Ryōta will have to put his own pride to face Koneko. However, Ryōta has never got into the Rating Games before” said Issei.

“Yeah, I believe that when he battles against me, I was able to beat him with one attack” said Xenovia.

“It seems that Ryōta guy is not giving up his pride for his proposed girlfriend” said Asia.

“Since it’s going to be an intense battle between Ryōta’s team and us, I’m not sure what’s going to be our strategy to beat him and his team” said Koneko.

“I wonder if you’re going to use your Senjutsu skills to crush your opponents, then use your bare firsts to attack them” said Yuto.

“Yeah, I know that it’s going to be an expected match-up that I have to face. I expect to see our team getting prepared, despite we’re receiving fatigues from the experiment” said Koneko.

“Oh, you’re going to be fine, Koneko. I’m very glad that you made a new planet and I wonder who will be living there” said Kuroka.

“Maybe, it’s going to be depends on the decision of the Kurenese government. They will handle those things to tackle” said Yuto.

“Yeah” said Kuroka, Koneko and Gasper.

“So, when they’re here, then we’re ready to battle” said Kuroka.

“Yes, it would be. With all powers are entrusted to each of our members, we’re ready for total absolution to face off against Ryōta’s team” said Koneko.

“Wait, Koneko. What if I’m going to join with you?” said Issei.

“Well, fine. I’m not afraid of you anymore, Issei. Just hold me back to play against Ryōta and his peerage” said Koneko.

“Okay, Koneko! I’m fine with those guys, but I’m not quite sure if Ryōta’s team has a lot of members out there” said Issei.

“They would be. I’m sure that they are quietly prepared to show their abilities. What else could be happened if both sides are clashing with each other?” said Elmenhilde.

At the entrance of the Shishinden, the Pink Nobles are standing to see the place. “This is it. That’s the place where we’re going to meet the Gremory Team.” Ryōta is assured to be ready to meet Koneko while the other members are feeling brave to look at Ryōta’s fiery determination.

Pink Nobles: Ryōta Nakamura, Kiyoshi Toshima, Akira Shimojō, Wataru Nakai, Mie Furutani, Yumi Nakamura, Hikaru Sakamoto, Ichirō Furukawa, Sakiko Katsuragi, Takaya Noburizato, Yoshimaru Iijima, Eiji Uehara, Tsubasa Horihata and Naohiro Imayoshi

“I’m sure that we’re going to see them” said Kiyoshi.

“Yep. I’m not bad enough to beat Koneko and her team, but there’s always a plan for us” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, definitely” said Kiyoshi. The Pink Nobles would enter to the Shishinden and when they finally reach to the central throne room and see the members of the Gremory Team and its allies.

“Well, hello, there. It’s been a few days that we meet each other, Ryōta” said Koneko.

“Yeah, I would say that the same thing” said Ryōta.

“Are you sure that you’re good enough to defeat us?” asked Koneko.

“Yeah, definitely. Of course, I’m looking forward to meeting you because we’re having a lot of time of training since last Thursday and that’s why we, the Pink Nobles, are ready” said Ryōta.

“Oh, I’m not a fan of the nickname, but I’m impressed with your style of your team. However, I’m not quite bad when it comes to releasing the flames over my opponents. We all know that we’re good in Rating Games. Do you seek your opportunity to test your pride?” said Koneko.

“Yes, Koneko. There are many things that we were able to master the abilities, but while we trained the abilities for the Rating Games, I was able to master my new special move in basketball” said Ryōta.

“So, you’re good in basketball? I see. I believe that Rating Games and basketball are quite different to each other. But I’m okay if we’re going to split into two games, what do you say?” said Koneko.

“Uh, you know that you don’t quite good enough to beat me in basketball, but also if you said that you’re putting the flames around us, then we would have been taking in a fatigue game” said Ryōta.

“Oh, I think you’re pushing about merging two sports, but I doubt that it would happen. Also, Rating Games is different from basketball. I have no coincidence that it’s impossible to create a variant kind of Rating Games” said Koneko.

“There is a variant of basketball, but with the components of the Rating Game known as diceball” said Yuto.

“Diceball?” asked Koneko and Ryōta.

“Diceball is a variant sport of basketball in the planet Kurenai, but the rules are different with the components of the Rating Game and basketball. Instead of a simple court, it is held in a Game Field, depends on the environment. The point system is different form basketball with lines are created to allow players to shoot in three areas. Shooting closely to the net will receive 1 point, shooting in the mid-range will receive 2 points and shooting outside the mid-range will receive 3 points. While the Rating Game allows anyone to use their powers, in diceball, the players will allow to use powers to increase your team’s dominance” said Yuto.

“The team will be composed of five players in the court and eight to eleven players in the bench, depends on the number of members you have. The time limit is 15 minutes with the 35-second shot clock and the number of quarters is 4. Timeouts are permitted if the ball reaches out of bounds, a player is injured or the coach’s decision. Game will end with the team that has many points wins. If the game ended in a tie, an overtime applies with the number of minutes will be cut short into half” said Ravel.

“There is a ranking system for teams to measure their strength in playing basketball. There are Top 10 teams in the diceball that are mostly popular because some of their players are ranked High-Class or Ultimate-Class Devils. Of course, these teams are stayed in the Top 10 for more than a year ever since diceball was invented. It benefits devils and other races to play basketball with their own power to use” said Rossweisse.

“There is a diceball league in Kouh which was popular in these days because of basketball players using their powers. Aside from that, different nations in Kurenai have learn about diceball and sent the best players to compete in the Kurense Diceball League” said Akeno.

“Oh, okay. So, Ryōta, how about we’re going to face each other in a diceball match?” said Koneko.

“Okay, I’ll accept the challenge” said Ryōta.

“Good. Get ready to get hammered with our team’s willpower and spirit!” said Koneko.

“We’ll see about that, Koneko!” said Ryōta as both teams are ready to play in a diceball match.

“Good luck to both of you! I’m expecting to see the results of the diceball game!” said Irina.

“Yeah!” said Rossweisse.

Before the game begins, Koneko’s peerage prepares for a meeting as Koneko talks to her teammates in her peerage.

Unburden Kyoto: Draylaine Masaki, Yumi Hashima, Akira Tamaki, Shinsuke Miyazawa, Asami Ibuki, Arisu Sasaki, Erika Okushita, Genji Takenaka, Chitose Maehara and Chen Kaizami
Broken Crystal Chrysanthemum: Kira Minato, Rina Matsunaga, Kozue Hirono, Airi Nojima, Yurika Natsuka, Yuka Shimura, Nami Hamada, Kazue Fujimaki, Maho Inoue and Yukiya Uehara

“Now, as you all know, we have the court advantage because we’re the first one to stay here. The Pink Nobles will play on the opposing side and this match will be not critical as Ryōta will be the leading player” said Koneko.

“Are you sure that he has special powers?” asked Kuroka.

“Yeah, he has. On the other hand, Yumi Nakamura is definitely a power stopper and she’s releasing the ball fast. I think we’re going to hand it to small players like Yumi Hashima” said Koneko.

“Yeah. But also, Elmenhilde and Issei must play on offense while I’m going to lead the game as the point guard. Since Issei is the big man, he should not be worry about his Sacred Gear to boost his shooting” said Gasper.

“Well, I’m going to do the ball handling role. As far as I know, each of us will have powers to use the blitz shot. The blitz shot multiplies your points depends on the area you shoot” said Issei.

“That’s right, Issei. Anything goes if we use the blitz shot. There are chances to multiply your points when you use the blitz shot” said Koneko.

“Yeah, that way, we’ll incase our points when one of our players have activated that ability” said Gasper.

“Of course, it is, Gasper. Everything will be depending on one player who has the possession of using the blitz shot. We can’t control the game until one player has activating the blitz shot” said Issei.

“Yes, it would. There are many ways that we’re going to use, especially that we can able to have more than one player who has the possession of using the special moves” said Koneko.

“Ah, so, this will be our opportunity to get large lead in the game. Just like some big teams who have high-tiered Devils who have stronger powers to score many points” said Elmenhilde.

“Yeah, we should expect to use that if we have to make a better strategy. So, there is one that we have to watch out. It’s the Chromatic Current and the Chromastatic Iron-Groundbreaker. These powers are chivalric and Ryōta had his mind in putting his “iron heart” roles to have his team powered up” said Koneko.

“Yeah!” said the members of Koneko’s peerage.

“Also, since this court is plain and has rocks, we have to use our fire abilities to add the flavor of the game” said Koneko.

“Well, you sure that you’re going to use that because if the opponents land on that flame, the fatigue level is increasing, and the player will receive minor bruises” said Ravel.

“Yes, it is, Ravel. Flames have colors and it depends on what I land. They would be suffering pain once they land that flame” said Koneko.

“I think it’s a great idea, Koneko. I’m sure that strategy will work out” said Issei.

“Yeah. On top of that, there are other things that we have to use the intensity of using flames while I learn Senjutsu. Nekomatas allow to use combined powers that creates torches to fill the power up high. I’m liking the fact that using my Shirone Mode will be doubling our chances of winning” said Koneko.

“That’s what we want to know, Koneko. Whenever you do, that ability should work when you face off against Ryōta” said Gasper.

“Sure, I would do that. As far as I know, destruction moves aren’t allowed to use. There are penalties that we’re going to watch out. The travelling, the 3-second violation and other turnovers will lose our possession, but if shooting fouls or blocking fouls are there, we have to either give up or score if the ball is on us” said Koneko.

“It will be a simple game to play diceball. We never play that, but let’s give it a try. We’re going to knock Ryōta and his team out with our fists and flames” said Kuroka.

“Yeah, Kuroka. Let’s do this!” said Koneko.

“Yeah!” said the members of Koneko’s peerage.

Meanwhile, the members of the Pink Nobles are sitting in the bench while Ryōta Nakamura stands up to talk with them.

“You’re wondering about your special move, Ryōta. If you want to use the Chromatic Current and the Chromestruck, you have to stick first with the Pink Noble Crasher” said Wataru Nakai.

“That’s right, Wataru. Ryōta, you can’t use your special moves until you finally be able to glow your aura up. I’m entrusting you to be the leader of the Pink Nobles. It’s your opportunity to lead our team to win” said Mie Furutani.

“Yeah, I was right about being a folly since I was entering Keishin Academy. Before I entered the basketball team, when I was a second grader, I was once not good in mathematics. It’s the subject that I really find it hard because I failed to get a passing score in each requirement. Then, I failed to pass the first term examinations in math. That’s why I was being a folly since I can’t remember thinking about multiplying and dividing” said Ryōta.

“So, you seemed to be bad in math. Aren’t you, Ryōta?” said Kiyoshi Toshima.

“Yeah, but then, I would have been flunked out in Keishin if I failed three math exams in a row. My math teacher gave me a failing mark for not studying well. It’s just a coincidence that I was able to pass in other subjects” said Ryōta.

“Hmm, I see. I must admit about your failure in math, but I got failed in science when I was in the third grade too” said Yumi Nakamura.

“You too, Yumi?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, cousin. It’s been a hard time to pass this subject because I failed to get a passing grade in a science exam. Then, I was able to get a tutorial from one of my relatives, who is an environmentalist” said Yumi Nakamura.

“Ah, so, after that, you finally get out of being failed in science?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, cousin” said Yumi Nakamura.

“Oh, I get it. Now, I realized that when I failed to get a passing grade in match, I was so stupid when I didn’t study anything. Then, my math teacher talked to my parents and said that I have to listen to him because if I can’t listen carefully, I would be flunked out of school. My grades when I was a second grader is mild as eighties except for math” said Ryōta.

“I understand about your past experience of trying to get out of the failing line, Ryōta.
I said to my students that when you study hard, you will progress your way to be on top” said Kiyoshi Toshima.

“Just like me, I once fail two subjects when I was in the fifth grade and then, I decided to get help from my schoolmates and even Hinata to cheer me up” said Akira Shimojō.

“See, Ryōta, you have to progress hard to be on top and I know that your math grades are not good as hell. You wouldn’t have been kicked out in Keishin. So, how’s the progress in your math?” said Kiyoshi Toshima.

“Ah, still bricking of it” said Ryōta, which surprises the entire Pink Nobles.

“Come on, Ryōta! I thought you’re going to become a leader in the Innocent Charm because you’re one of the friends of Rei. However, I’m not sure if you’re good enough to get a high grade in math” said Mie Furutani.

“Yeah, I understand” said Ryōta.

“What grade did the math teacher give you last term?” asked Yumi Nakamura.

“Ah, it’s 82” said Ryōta.

“I guess that’s not good enough to get into the basketball team” said Wataru Nakai.

“Yeah, I agree” said Mie Furutani while Kiyoshi Toshima shakes his head in disappointment.

“So, your grades in other subjects are sub-par good, but your math is not good enough. When did you enter the basketball team, your grades in math are “satisfactory”. You’re not improving your math after you tried hard to be the best in basketball” said Hikaru Sakamoto.

“You have to focus on your math assignment from now on, Ryōta. In middle school, there is no difference of teachers and lessons than the elementary school” said Kiyoshi Toshima.

“Yeah, you have to start improving your match skills to get high grades” said Mie Furutani.

“Yeah, I know that you’re concerned about math, but also I was bullied by some delinquent students in school” said Ryōta.

“What?” said the members of the Innocent Charm, getting surprised by Ryōta’s experience of being bullied in school.

“How did you know about that, Ryōta? You have experiences in Keishin, but it’s too hard to explain about getting bullied” said Yumi Nakamura.

“I’ll explain this. You see, every time I was alone in school, I was bullied by the delinquent students in Keishin. I don’t recognize those names at the time. But then, a year later, I was corned by those bullies, picking me for a fight. Then, when I was about to get punched by one of them, my classmates come in to save me. Those delinquent guys never forgive me for what they did to me after the fight. Later, when the principal found out that I was suffering injuries from the fight, I begin leaving the school for a month. It didn’t look better when those delinquent students are facing consequences. They bothered me every time I meet them at the hallway. After I realized that the delinquent students are no longer bullying me, I begin to play basketball. That’s why Junichi Kamisaka is my friend who took me to the basketball world” said Ryōta.

“So, before you play basketball, you get bullied by those delinquents?” asked Sakiko Katsuragi.

“Yeah, but when I play basketball, I begin to regain my confidence and I return school when I was gladly fine to meet my new students” said Ryōta.

“That’s nice, Ryōta. Of course, you have to forget the past and let it go. I know that you will be fine if you’re going to keep playing basketball. Not everyone is innocent, but they are admired and cute” said Sakiko Katsuragi.

“Yeah, that’s true” said Mie Furutani while the other members of the Pink Nobles agreed to Sakiko. “What do you say, Ryōta? Should we win the diceball match together?”

“Well, okay!” said Ryōta. Then, the members of the Pink Nobles are ready to take on Koneko’s peerage. “Then, let’s show what we got!”

“Yeah!” said the members of the Pink Nobles as they are done doing the talk and the starting five are heading to the court.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat | Chapter 53: "Playing Like Flames"

Kazuyo Nagai appeared at the Shishinden to become the referee for the diceball match. Kazuyo Nagai is one of the members of the Unburden Kyoto. The starting five of both teams are in the court.

Team Toujou: Koneko Toujou (PG), Gasper Bloody (SG), Yumi Hashima (SF), Ravel Phoenix (PF), Issei Hyodo (C)
Chromatic Current: Yumi Nakamura (PG), Kiyoshi Toshina (SG), Ryōta Nakamura (SF), Mie Furutani (PF), Wataru Nakai (C)

The starting five of both teams bow together behind Kazuyo Nagai. “Let’s have a good game!”

Kazuyo releases the ball high to start the tip-off. Issei gets the tip and Koneko gets the ball. The match begins with Team Toujou prepares to get their first basket.

Koneko would battle against Yumi. Koneko begins to use her Shirone Mode to drive past Yumi and shoots the ball with the circle shot. [Team Toujou 2, Pink Nobles 0]

“She’s playing like a flame. I think she’s ready to destroy us” said Ryōta. Then, he turns to his teammates. “Don’t worry, guys, I have a plan.”

Kiyoshi passes the ball to Ryōta and then, begins to show his own style of play as he was able to shoot the ball to tie the game. [Team Toujou 2, Pink Nobles 2]

“Wow! He’s very fast indeed!” said Hikaru Sakamoto.

“I can’t tell you more as he’s always bringing his strategies to rally the game” said Akira Shimojō.

“This is getting a big tense right here. Koneko and Ryōta are doing their performance at the start of the game. I’m not sure who will be reigning supreme at the end, but we can’t tell yet” said Rias.

The montage shows Koneko and Ryōta trade points with each other. Some are in the paint while some are in the mid-range. Following with trade shots between Koneko and Ryōta, the score is now tied at 12-12 with only 7 minutes remaining. Then, Issei is now holding the ball and looks like his teammates are observing their opponents.

“Koneko is the only member who shoots all shots. I think it’s time for us to shine, guys” said Issei.

“Yeah!” said Gasper, Yumi and Ravel.

Issei drives past Wataru before battling against Mie. “Well, looks like you’re having a boost to face me” said Mie.

“Yeah, I’m not losing my boost because we have our team spirit to increase our agility. Do you think you can stop me?” said Issei.

“Of course, not! I’m not going to give you an easy match whenever you will face me!” said Mie.

“Sure, I will!” said Issei. Issei and Mie would battle each other to determine who faster is. Then, Issei goes to the paint after driving past Mie and shoots the ball with the layup. The score is just one point. [Team Toujou 13, Pink Nobles 12]

“We’re not going to lose our lead, but still we withstand our strength in our team!” said Issei as he does the #1 gesture. Mie feels excited to see how Issei and others playing.

Yumi would battle against Koneko in the next play where Yumi is trying to find her answers to stop Koneko.

“So, you’re new to diceball?” asked Koneko.

“Yeah” said Yumi.

“Have you remembered about what our members said about the rules?” asked Koneko.

“Yeah, Koneko. The difference is that shooting in the paint scores two points in basketball, but in diceball, it worth one point only” said Yumi.

“Ah, I see. So, you saw Issei did earlier when he shoots the ball with the layup?” said Koneko.

“Yeah, he did. However, this is our chance to get our lead!” said Yumi.

“Oh no, you don’t!” said Koneko as Yumi is about to shoot the ball with the mid-range jump shot, but Koneko touches the ball in. The ball didn’t drive to the basket. Kiyoshi would get the ball and passes the ball to Mie. “Huh? It went to another player?”

“Yep. That’s why our offensive pattern creates with the frontcourt players allow to stay in the mid-range or low post to wait for the ball. You can’t expect to see that, Koneko?” said Yumi. Koneko feels frowned while Mie shoots the ball with the jump shot. The ball drives to the basket and the Pink Nobles get the lead for the first time. [Pink Nobles 14, Team Toujou 13]

“Wow! I can’t believe that Kiyoshi, Mie and Ryōta are forming their own pattern like a diagonal line” said Hikaru Sakamoto.

“Yeah, Hikaru. Those three are really good in agility and they can run to pass the ball to each other” said Akira Shimojō.

“One member must get the ball if one of the players misses the shot, then passes to the player who stayed in the mid-range. Then, that player will pass the ball to the one who is away from the three-point line if the opponent has greater defense than his or hers” said Ichirō Furukawa.

“That’s right, Ichirō. You know about the pattern. It is compared to a swift pass, even though two or three players must work together to form the pattern” said Akira Shimojō.

“Of course, Akira. There are two or three players who are able to do the overflow pass that allows the player who is the passer will use his/her speed to pass the ball to the other” said Ichirō.

“There are many things that Ryōta and others find their way to break mismatches and that’s why that move is considered a plan to break the opponent’s strategy” said Hikaru.

“Yep, exactly!” said Akira.

Ravel tries to shoot the ball with the jumper while stepping in the paint and the shot is good. [Pink Nobles 14, Team Toujou 14]

“They tied the game. Man, Koneko’s teammates have different powers to use and they are using their boost to increase their speed, thanks to Issei’s Sacred Gear” said Akira.

“I hope Ryōta is trying to turn the tables to match his opponent’s speed” said Hikaru.

“Yeah, definitely” said Ichirō and Akira.

The Chromatic Current continues to use the new offensive pattern as Ryōta, Mie and Kiyoshi continue to team up together. Also, Ryōta would face off against Koneko after Ryōta drives past Yumi.

“Koneko is facing off against Ryōta?!” said Asia.

“My goodness! Koneko is seeing Ryōta’s furious eyes!” said Akeno.

“Ryōta is not always using his windy skills anytime he gets but facing against her is not a good option to use his windy skills. Koneko was able to use her boost and then, begins to show signs of seeing Ryōta’s work” said Yuto.

“I’m sure that Koneko will be able to beat Ryōta in the fair way” said Asia.

“Yeah, I agree” said Yuto.

“Koneko, this is our first battle. I’m already learning my new special move when I was in Tokyo. How about yours?” said Ryōta.

“I never watched diceball because I’m frequently learning Senjutsu and Youjustsu. Our members have watched a diceball game while we’re in the train earlier. I thought that basketball and diceball are alike, but diceball is a variant of basketball with the composition of the court comes from the Rating Game” said Koneko.

“So, you taught about it before?” asked Ryōta.

“No, I didn’t. Regular sports are popular in Kuoh, but diceball is just a different kind of sport that can shoot in a Rating Game field. If you’re good enough to defeat me, then I’ll earn respect to you” said Koneko.

“Uh, okay. At least that it’s the first time to play against each other” said Ryōta.

“Yeah. Are you ready to shoot? I’m not eagerly intimidating if you’re good enough to stop me” said Koneko.

Ryōta grins and says, “I’m fine with that, Koneko.” Ryōta and Koneko would battle each other and then, while stepping between the two areas, Ryōta and Koneko have increase their speed, allowing them to run faster as they can. The Shirone Mode still activated and Koneko tried to steal the ball, but she failed.

“Ah, that Ryōta guy is faster than me! I have to stop this if he can able to perform a shot. Ryōta jump high to shoot the jumper while Koneko tried to block it. The ball disappears when Koneko touches the ball, allowing the ball to drive in to the basket. [Pink Nobles 15, Team Toujou 14]

“Ryōta made it! He gets the point with a jumper!” said Ichirō Furukawa.

“Attaboy, Ryōta!” said Yumi as she and Ryōta give high five to each other.

“Ryōta had never done this before, but the disappearing shot looks like a Chromatic Current” said Akira.

“Uh, it’s not a Chromatic Current, but it’s the small version of the Chromestruck” said Hikaru.

“How did you about that, Hikaru?” asked Akira.

“By using his speed to shoot the ball and then, when he is 3 ft away from the net, he can use his hands to do the circle shot or the jumper” said Hikaru.

“Ryōta had never done this before, but it modifies the version of Chromestruck if he is a few feet away from the net” said Eiji Uehara.

“Ah, I see. Ryōta had to do this move if he’s 3 feet away from the net” said Akira.

“Yes, he will do that shot, but to tell you the truth, the Chromestruck has been the move that Ryōta uses during his participation at the Intramurals” said Hikaru.

“Oh, I get it now. Thanks for the information, Hikaru” said Akira.

“You’re welcome, Akira” said Hikaru.

Koneko would battle against Ryōta where Koneko was able to match Ryōta’s strength but was not able to score after her shot was missed. Kiyoshi gets the rebound.

“Here, catch!” said Kiyoshi as he throws the ball to Wataru. Wataru would battle against Issei. As Issei tries to steal the ball from Wataru, Ravel and Hashima use the screen on Ryōta.

“Oh no! Ryōta’s been guarded by both Hashima and Ravel. This is not good for us, but I always have a plan” said Kiyoshi. Wataru passes the ball to Kiyoshi, who would shoot the ball with the same shot that Kimiya did in their last game against the Family of Angels. The ball drives to the basket and the Pink Nobles are now lead by 3. [Pink Nobles 17, Team Toujou 14]

“Great job, boys!” said Akira.

“See, those boys are working together even Ryōta has been guarded” said EIji.

“They have some alternate ways to stop Koneko’s team and it’s already four and a half minutes remaining. That way, they can’t lose their stamina with their boost” said Akira.

“There are chances that the Pink Nobles will be able to keep the lead at the end of the first quarter” said Hikaru.

“Probably” said Akira.

Yumi Hashima battles against Ryōta Nakamura while Issei Hyodo is ready to observe on Ryōta. Hashima performs the crossover and fake combination before passing the ball to Issei, who shoots the ball with the Dragon Shot. Issei’s shot becomes faster than Ryōta’s and Team Toujou cuts the Pink Nobles’ lead to one. [Pink Nobles 17, Team Toujou 16]

“Alright!” said Issei.

“Way to go, Issei!” said Rias.

“Is that the Dragon Shot Issei used yesterday?” asked Aika Kiryuu.

“Yes, it is, Kiryuu. The Dragon Shot is Issei’s special shot that he can able to boost his band handling and speed while releasing the ball to shoot” said Akeno.

“Issei had developed his shooting skills, in order to receive his special move in basketball. He likes to roar in to put his boost on him as he’s running in the court” said Asia.

“Ah, that was beautiful. I can’t wait to see Issei doing and also, Koneko needs to amplify her Shirone Mode when she faces off against Ryōta again” said Aika.

“Yeah” said Akeno.

Yumi Nakamura would pass the ball to Kiyoshi. Kiyoshi looks at Ryōta, who is guarded by Yumi Hashima. Gasper’s speed is better than Kiyoshi, but Kiyoshi had to keep his ball handling performance with him before he gets a turnover.

“I know that Kiyoshi is a swingman. Despite that I’m a small guard, I can detect his moves” said Gasper as he tips the ball away from Kiyoshi and Koneko gets the steal.

“Gasper steals the ball?!” said Akira.

“This makes the Pink Nobles’ first turnover after 10 minutes!” said Hikaru.

Koneko would run to the paint and shoot the ball with the teardrop, but Ryōta blocks the ball easily. “Don’t underestimate us, Koneko!” The block proves strong and the ball goes to Wataru.

“Everyone, fight back!” said Koneko.

“Okay!” said Gasper, Hashima, Ravel and Issei.

Wataru would drive past Issei before shooting the ball in the mid-range, but it was missed. Ravel gets the rebound and passes the ball to Issei. Issei uses his speed to make the fast break, but Ryōta stops him. In response, Issei drives past Ryōta and shoots the ball with the floater, but Mie Furutani blocks the shot. This makes two blocks in a row for the Pink Nobles.

“Issei’s shot got blocked?!” said Asia.

“I thought that Issei’s speed is the key to get easy shots” said Xenovia.

“You know about the weakness of yours, Issei. You know that Ryōta has able to steal the boost from you” said Yumi Nakamura. Ryōta gets the ball from Kiyoshi before running through the other side of the court. Koneko is not happy after her team got bricked of their shots.

“Koneko, I lost my speed. What just happened?” said Issei.

“It looks like Ryōta had the Chrome Stopper on you, which means that you speed decreases by the time Ryōta uses his endurance. I observed that way because Ryōta is a defiant specialist” said Koneko.

“Defiant specialist?” asked Issei.

“Yeah, I have to know that Ryōta is not just only using his shots, he is also good in defense” said Koneko.

“Ah, I see. Are you going to stop him?” said Issei.

“Yeah, I will stop him!” said Koneko as she runs over Ryōta as both of them would face each other again. This time, with Koneko trying to stop Ryōta’s fast break, Ryōta stops running to face off against Koneko. “I have no time for games, Ryōta! You think you can owe your boost to increase your intensity to make it dominant for your team? I’m not going to let this happen!”

“Yeah, who cares if I can able to steal the boost by using my endurance. You can’t match mine with your speed” said Ryōta.

“Well, that figures, Ryōta, because I’m going to stop you!” said Koneko.

“Not on my house!” said Ryōta as he performs the fake on Koneko before shooting the ball with the jumper and the ball drives to the basket. [Pink Nobles 19, Team Toujou 16] “There’s no way you can stop us with my fury!”

While Ryōta runs away, Koneko would use her Flame Defense mode, in order to prepare for counterattack.

As Koneko holds the ball, she calls Issei to go to the paint and then, runs faster like a flame as she had blue flames on her eyes to drive past her opponents before meeting with Ryōta again.

“Hmph! Trying to use your own ability to stop me? Hey, I’m afraid of you, Koneko!” said Ryōta.

“You think you can, Ryōta?” replied Koneko as she performs the crossover move, but when Ryōta uses his defense to stop her, Koneko breaks Ryōta’s endurance to shoot the ball in between the two areas. The ball drives to the basket and Koneko is not wasting her time to run. [Pink Nobles 19, Team Toujou 18]

“Ryōta! Are you okay?” said Yumi Nakamura as she runs to Ryōta, who got stumbled to the ground earlier.

“Man, Koneko is playing mind games. She had an intimidation with her special move” said Ryōta.

“I’m not sure if she’s good enough to stop her, then I’ll make sure that she had to immune herself from getting hurt” said Kiyoshi.

“In case you notice, Koneko uses her Shirone Mode at the start of the match. She said that she is using her technique strategy as well as increasing her stamina, flexibility and acceleration” said Yumi Nakamura.

“Yeah, I’m very confident that I’m going put all of those mind games to be dispelled as long as I still have the aura. I have to stop her if she’s trying to use her move again!” said Ryōta.

“Okay, then I’ll join with you!” said Yumi Nakamura.

“Me too!” said Kiyoshi, Mie and Wataru.

“Okay, I’m joining with you too, Ryōta. But what are you gonna do?” said Yumi.

“Mie and Kiyoshi will switch their places while I’m going to keep an eye on Koneko. If she’s trying to use her strength to lose my ability as a defensive specialist, I’m going to counter it” said Ryōta.

“Good, but are you sure that your plan will work, Ryōta?” asked Yumi.

“It will work, Yumi. Everyone, let’s stop them with our Pink Nobles strategy!” said Ryōta.

“Yeah!” said Yumi, Kiyoshi, Mie and Wataru.

As Yumi Nakamura is dribbling the ball, Koneko sees Kiyoshi and Mie switching their places.

“Mie with Gasper and Kiyoshi with Ravel? That’s odd” said Akira.

“What is it, Akira?” asked Hikaru.

“Kiyoshi will be trying to match with Ravel as Kiyoshi is trying to stop Ravel’s defense to allow Ryōta to shoot” said Akira.

“I guess that it would might Ryōta’s plan to counterattack Team Toujou’s breakthrough strategy” said Hikaru.

Yumi passes the ball to Kiyoshi while Ravel uses her hands to increase her defense.

“What’s he doing?” asked Akira Tamaki.

“Kiyoshi is trying to stop Ravel, instead of battling against Gasper. Ravel has wind abilities and she’s always using her hands to increase her strength in defense” said Draylaine.

“Oh, I see. That Ravel is surely a tempered girl to get easy picks against her opponents” said Akira Tamaki.

Ravel notices about Kiyoshi’s ball handling and then, tries to steal the ball. “If you’re not going to shoot, then I’m going to stop you instead!” As Ravel tries to squat the ball, Kiyoshi moves the ball to the left as a formation of a fake before moves the ball vice versa.

“Kiyoshi is a fine slasher and he can able to confuse his opponents by moving the ball in different directions” said Ichiro Furukawa.

“Go, Kiyoshi!” said Tsubasa Horihata and Naohiro Imayoshi.

Kiyoshi would finally pass the ball to Ryōta, who shoots the ball with the three-point shot. The ball drives to the basket after the ball becomes invisible. [Pink Nobles 22, Team Toujou 18]

“Bullseye!” said Ryōta.

“Great shot, Ryōta! You’re the best!” said Hikaru.

“Go get them, Ryōta!” said Eiji.

“Ryōta is countering our strategy with his own. I can’t believe that he’s a good three-point specialist” said Issei.

“Well, his team’s defense is not different as a cat can run fast. I’m not going to let that happen!” said Koneko.

“Yeah, Koneko! We’re going to reverse things around!” said Ravel.

“Exactly! Then, let’s fight!” said Koneko.

“Yeah!” said Gasper, Yumi Hashima, Ravel and Issei.

Later, different plays are seen with Team Toujou is gaining their momentum. Gapser shoots the ball with the Phantom Shot and then, after Kiyoshi misses the shot, Gasper rebounds the ball and Ravel shoots the ball with the three-point jumper. This will allow Team Toujou regaining the lead with the score 23-22.

“Great job, everyone! Now, on defense, we go!” said Koneko.

“Yeah!” said Gasper, Yumi Hashima, Ravel and Issei.

With only 3 minutes remaining, Team Toujou had a great defense to stop the players of the Pink Nobles. Hashima steals the ball from Yumi Nakamura while Issei blocks Wataru’s shot. When Koneko attempts to steal the ball from Ryōta, Ryōta would glow his aura to drive past Koneko and shoots the ball with the hook shot. However, Koneko comes back, trying to block Ryōta’s shot, which she failed to do so and the ball drives to the basket. [Team Toujou 23, Pink Nobles 23]

“Ryōta and Koneko are clashing with each other as both offense and defense are on the same level. Koneko saved time to stop Ryōta’s opponents while Ryōta uses his stamina and acceleration to stop Koneko’s opponents from shooting the ball” said Akira Shimojō.

“Wow, now that’s going to be an intense battle, it would be different from the last match as Ryōta had to use his own strategy, in order to defeat Koneko’s own strategy” said Naohiro.

Koneko is not done yet as she was able to drive past Yumi Nakamura and Mie Furutani before shooting the ball with the layup, which is good. [Team Toujou 24, Pink Nobles 23]

Then, Team Toujou’s Gasper steals the ball, using his Nightview Stealer to give the ball to Yumi Hashima, who dunks the ball with one hand to extend Team Toujou’s lead to two. [Team Toujou 26, Pink Nobles 23]

“Team Toujou is trying to rally against our team. This is not good for Ryōta to see that after the first quarter ends” said Hikaru.

“But there’s a miracle happen. It would have been a great idea to stop Team Toujou, but they find them hard after Koneko and her team didn’t lose their stamina” said Eiji.

“Yeah, I agree” said Hikaru.

Then, Kiyoshi score two points with his mid-range fadeaway while a turnback jumper by Mie Furutani while in the front low post area, makes the game tied again with 26 points.

“We have 80 seconds remaining to stop Team Toujou, everyone. Let’s keep our formation out from another” said Ryōta.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Pink Nobles.

The Pink Nobles surprise the members of Team Toujou with their combined strategies paid them off to allow Team Toujou to miss shots or receive turnovers, but Team Toujou countered it with Issei added his hustle points as he blocked Kiyoshi’s shot and stopped Wataru from shooting the ball. Neither two teams score a point in the last minute with a few seconds remaining.

With 12 seconds remaining after Gasper missed the shot, Kiyoshi gets the rebound and passes the ball to Mie. Then, Mie would see Ryōta, who is on the paint standing out there, and passes the ball to him, but Koneko would run to stop the fast break as she is trying to steal the ball.

“Watch out, Ryōta! Koneko is trying to steal the ball!” said Akira Shimojō.

“I’m not going to let you get the ball!” said Koneko.

“You think so?!” said Ryōta as Yumi Nakamura uses her Misdirection Pass to allow Ryōta getting the ball. Ryōta would shoot the ball with the hook shot and the ball drives to the basket. The first quarter ends with the Pink Nobles gets the last laugh.

“End of first quarter. The scores are Pink Nobles 27, Team Toujou 26” said Kazuyo Nagai.

Koneko and Ryōta feels exhausted after playing the first quarter while the other players from both teams are exhausted as well. “Well, Koneko, I’m not losing my aura if you think that you’re going to stop, but I had my back with my cousin. She’s playing better than your sister, Kuroka” said Ryōta.

“What?! Are you mocking my sister, Ryōta? That’s unacceptable! I should have known that you had a relative on your back!” said Koneko.

“Yep” said Ryōta.

“You know what, Ryōta, my sister Kuroka had a lot of things about you and if you think that your cousin is better than my sister, then I should crush you!” said Koneko.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Calm down, Koneko. Stop being selfish!” said Kuroka as she restrains Koneko.

“But why, Kuroka? Why did you come in to restrain me?” said Koneko.

“You’re right about what Ryōta said. I should have played together with you, but I’m not ready yet to play. It seems that I should have perform well before you and I will join forces in the second half” said Kuroka.

“Yeah, I understand” said Koneko.

“Okay, now calm down and say something to Ryōta before he’s going to hurt you” said Kuroka.

Koneko would think about what she will say to Ryōta and after a few minutes, she made up her mind. “Well, Ryōta, you want to know about the superiority between us and yours? Then, I’m not going to hesitate to call a serious challenge” said Koneko.

“How?” asked Ryōta.

“I’m putting a wager for this match!” said Koneko. The players of the Pink Nobles and Team Toujou gasp after hearing what Koneko said.

“What? What did you say?” said Ryōta.

“So, you’re going to put this match up for stakes?” asked Ryōta.

“Yeah, Ryōta. I don’t want to lose my pride and determination, but I will say it to you. So, if our team wins this match, you will never be going to use your special move, the Chromatic Current, again” said Koneko.

“You gotta be kidding me!” said Katase.

“That pride of yours will be lost if he loses” said Elmenhilde.

“Your Chromatic Current won’t be used anymore, all of your attributions will be decreased, and you can’t restore it until you want to prove yourself to be better than me. But if your team wins this match, I’m going to gain respect on you and also, I’m going to let the Unburden Kyoto to have one young member to join your team. What do you say? Do you agree with this, Ryōta?” said Koneko.

“So, you’re no longer playing mind games, huh? Then, it’s a deal!” said Ryōta, who shakes hands with Koneko. Koneko grins after Ryōta accepts the wager.

“Good, then I’ll be waiting for you in the second round” said Koneko.

“Okay, but remember, it doesn’t matter whether both of us will meet again. So, Koneko, I’ll show you what I’ve prove better to beat you!” said Ryōta.

“Okay, Ryōta, bring it on!” said Koneko.

“Sure!” said Ryōta. Ryōta and Koneko have agreed to a wager and Ryōta should keep his signature move, Chromatic Current and Koneko will gain respect on Ryōta, or Ryōta will lose the Chromatic Current forever. It will be a gamble that Ryōta had to win this match, in order to prove Koneko that he is the best. The Pink Nobles and Team Toujou have tied the game and it will take a long time to see whose team reign supreme is.

UP NEXT: Interlude 10: "Shining Camellia's Talk Before The Homecoming"

Interlude 10 "Shining Camellia's Talk Before The Homecoming" will be posted on May 2 (Wednesday) while Chapter 54: "Respect or Deceit?" will be posted on May 6 (Sunday).

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Earlier, I read some PMs and Gmail messages and I realized that one of the users said that this series is considering to be published on FanFiction, but I’m not ready to move on to publish on another site because I may end up lose my interests in this forum if I’m going to do this.:( The reasons of this are two things: (1) I have been following this site nearly a year since I always checked this site every other day and (2) I’m very passionate to post new updates of Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts in this site. So, that’s why this series will be continued in this site and I’m going to post new updates as soon as possible. For tonight, I will be posting tonight’s update: the second Interlude for Volume 4 with the title, “The Shining Camellia’s Talk Before the Homecoming”. I will be explaining about this at the bottom of the post. So, enjoy reading Interlude 10!:)

At the Recreational Center, the rest of the members of the Family of Angels are discussing their topics for the events to happen in the next few days. In their own discussion, Megumi planned to organize the Festival of Winds, a send-off activity for the rest of the members of the Bravehearts as they will be leaving the mansion of the Misawa Resort Hotel to go back to their respective homes. Also, Airi is expected to invite her friends to come to her birthday party while revealing that one of her friends will be forming a new group. The Family of Angels and the Bravehearts will go to Shinjuku Gyo-en later in the afternoon to attend the homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
INTERLUDE 10: “THE SHINING CAMELLIA’S TALK BEFORE THE HOMECOMING”​

The members of Team Gotō, the Shining Camellia and the Bravehearts are staying at the Recreational Center to watch the members of Orange and Fuchsia are on training.

Family of Angels: Composed of five teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Shigeru Hirashita, 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, 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, Mito Azaki and Kiyoto Miyaji
Team Kadokawa: Megumi Kadokawa, Nami Takashirō, Kotoe Kanō, Fujiko Sasaki, Ryōta Mikawa, Shōzō Takamatsu, Junichi Kamisaka, Akiyuki Katsumoto, Kaiji Nakagami, Kazue Futagawa, Chitose Ayano, Shizuka Tojo, Sayoko Nagata and Minako Kawaguchi

“Shigeru, what do you plan for your friends to join our team? I mean, you’re from the Homewrecking Dragons and Asumi let you join our team because she needs a young member of the Homewrecking Dragons who has friends with us” said Hitomi.

“Uh, yeah, Hitomi. I joined the Family of Angels through the recommendation of Asumi because you and your friends have enjoyed exploring different places that was part of the Japanese history subject. My friends are also coming from the Homewrecking Dragons and I want them to meet with you again even they some of them are now in different schools. I know that I wanted to join with you, but I never got into that group in the first place” said Shigeru Hirashita.

“Ah, since you’re from the Homewrecking Dragons, did you meet Kōme and Yuzuha?” asked Masanobu.

“Yeah, I did. Kōme and Yuzuha told me that I want to have a little research about Japanese mythology. I did that when I was doing some assignments after school. Kōme was impressed of my research because she told me that all information about the Japanese mythology are existed as told by the legend” said Shigeru.

“I guess that you must be a writer too, Shigeru. Did you ever write a short story?” said Hitomi.

“Uh, not yet, Hitomi. I never did that, but all I have is the research about Japanese mythology. Kind of something that I can remember because legends were told in different occasions based on history” said Shigeru.

“Well, being a writer should know about everything you have from the research in order to create a story. I guess that it’s your plan to create a new story” said Dairoku.

“I never expect to do this, Dairoku, but I’ll think of it about my new story” said Shigeru.

“Sure, Shigeru. Now, Megumi and I have planned to put some activities for the following week. Since then, Subaru and others might end up being busy because I believe that his school’s head coach will be heading to Minato for the general assembly” said Hitomi.

“I was thinking if Shigeru’s friends from the Homewrecking Dragons will join the Family of Angels and I think it would be fine to do that because Shigeru is the youngest member of Team Gotō. Asumi said to me that anyone from the Homewrecking Dragons must join the Family of Angels or the Orange and Fuchsia” said Megumi.

“The Orange and Fuchsia? Yeah, Kurumi had her friends join that group to make sure that they will be representing from Shiromidai despite that the others are from Keishin” said Airi.

“Yeah, it seems that the Homewrecking Dragons are considered an elite club, but since then, that group had a lot of things to improve” said Tomoka.

“You’re right about that, Tomoka. The reason why Asumi wanted Shigeru to join Team Gotō is because Asumi and Shigeru are close friends and Shigeru had known about the Japanese mythology and Japanese history. Asumi suggested that to us before” said Megumi.

“Are you sure that Shigeru will invite his friends to join the Family of Angels?” asked Tomoka.

“Probably, yes” said Megumi.

“Ever since Shigeru is now part of Team Gotō, Shigeru said to us before that in some time, he will invite his friends to join our group” said Masami Nojima.

“I feel like some fifth graders are actually knowing about Jun’s Angels, but not the Family of Angels. So, unlike the other fifth graders, they have recommendations to join the Family of Angels, but they don’t know about it” said Nanako.

“Then, if Shigeru had his team ready to join the Family of Angels, then we will be able to balance the group which is now composed of sixth graders and first year middle schoolers” said Anzu.

“Yeah, I know that there is something what we need because there are times that the students from Shiromidai have known about the Family of Angels and they wanted to join the group because they are interested in exploration, music and speculative fiction” said Kyōji Nogami.

“Looks like that your plans are progressing, everyone. I believe that the plans of expanding the Bravehearts are working as of now” said Saki.

“Yeah, it’s true, Saki. Oh, by the way, Megumi, Hitomi and I are organizing the next activity to be held next week” said Tomoka.

“Next week? But that’s where everyone who aren’t part of the lists of students who will be permanently staying at the mansion will be leaving on April 11” said Akiko.

“Yeah, I don’t know about that because my friends and I are already living at our homes” said Michiko.

“Hmm, I see. Really though, that will give us some time to stay here before we’re going to go back to our homes” said Katsuei Konō.

“Yep. On April 11, that day will be known as the Festival of Winds. It means that we’re going to organize the activities as this will be the last activity for everyone of us together before each group will be assigned to go to their new homes” said Megumi.

“Subaru and I were working on this because we already have the lists of members on who will be residing at the mansion. That will be the Bravehearts, members of Team Kadokawa-Takao, members of the Nashiba High School boys’ and girls’ basketball teams and some members of the Homewrecking Dragons” said Tomoka.

“Ah, I get it. So, that means, the rest of the members of the Bravehearts will be going to their homes?” said Akiko.

“Yeah” said Tomoka.

“The Festival of Winds will be an activity that we’re going to celebrate the winds that faces different directions. Since we’re in the west, the winds will blow to the west here at the mansion” said Megumi.

“Of course, not only that the winds will be blowing to the west, every time we’re looking at the view, we’re going to hear the winds blowing in different directions” said Hitomi.

“Oh, the winds are breezy as it faces any direction” said Hinata.

“Yep. The Festival of Winds will be a thanksgiving event that we should hear the winds blowing in different directions. Of course, there are many teams in Ōta that are related to winds, breezes and airs. I’m sure that the Azure Wind will be arrived soon” said Kazue Futagawa.

“Yeah, exactly. I can’t believe that we’re going to watch the winds blowing and even though winds aren’t existed, they can hear some noises blowing our minds” said Megumi.

“I’m expected that the Festival of Winds will take place outside the mansion, which is in the garden. That way, by the afternoon, we’re going to hear the winds while we’re eating” said Junichi.

“That’s right, Junichi. The Festival of Winds is one of the events that we’re going to celebrate for the month of April. And so, after this, we’re going to wait for the Golden Week, which is a week that has many holidays hit on a week” said Junichi.

“The events that we already know is a proposed tournament that was suggested by Megumi and Asumi. I hope that it will push through soon” said Natsuki Sakura.

“Yeah, definitely” said Megumi.

“Aside from that, we have the Ōmori Invitationals in Ōmori where the Innocent Charm will participate. I don’t know if anyone else will participate” said Maho.

“I expect that Ryōta and his team will finally prepare to compete because I know that he wants to have his team of his own despite that he is a member of the Innocent Charm” said Kagetsu.

“Well, I believe that the Ōmori Invitationals will be held in three weeks and then, the Ikegami Invitationals will be held next month” said Natsuhi.

“Did you know about the Invitationals, Natsuhi?” asked Megumi.

“Yeah, every month there is an invitational tournament that would be divided into different set of tournaments by age limit. The Ōmori Invitationals is held every month of April while the Ikegami Invitationals is held every month of May. Then, it rotates the locations of the invitational tournaments, depends on what the Ōta League Committee will be assigning locations to host those. Ginga said to me that there are many tournaments to be held in the Youth Division because it is focused on developing the young players in keeping the popularity of basketball in the district” said Natsuhi.

“The Ōta League has a set of tournaments organized by the committee. It means that we’re assigned to the Youth Division. The age limit will be between 11 and 15. I think everyone in the Bravehearts are allowed to enter that event” said Mimi.

“Yeah, Mimi. Of course, Subaru and the First Bravehearts, that’s us, will pick the groups to participate at the invitational tournaments. That means, the Innocent Charm will be participating at the Ōmori Invitationals. We don’t know who will be participating at the Ikegami Invitationals, but we’ll let everyone know when it reaches the month of May” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, we know about the events in the Ōta League. I hope that we’re going to participate in the events that we’re assigned to” said Michiko.

“On top of that, the summer break will be longer because of the major tournaments to be held in Tokyo. I’m sure that we’re going to plan on those when it’s almost the end of the first term, that’s for sure” said Nami.

“Now, if we’re done talking about the Festival of Winds, we’re going to focus on our today’s activity: the homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons” said Hitomi.

“I heard that this event will be held in Shinjuku Gyo-en, the garden that has cherry blossom trees growing” said Tomoka.

“How did you know, Tomoka? When did you get that information?” asked Akiko.

“It’s from Yumi Kaneda. I contacted her earlier about the details of the event. She says that the event will start at three in the afternoon. Then, the basketball game will be held outside the garden. We should be able to prepare for the thanksgiving dinner at 6:30 and then, the emblem making contest will be held too to determine the best design” said Tomoka.

“Oh, so that’s why Anzu and Nanako making the emblem a few days ago during the Hasegawa Cup” said Kyōji.

“That’s correct. You see, the two of us made the emblem and we passed it to Yumi Kaneda during the first night of the Hasegawa Cup during the meeting at the conference room in the Recreational Center” said Anzu.

“We know that one design should be used as a legacy of the batch’s members because we want to continue the legacy of the Homewrecking Dragons. We want to remember the club that explores different places in the country and celebrate events in the district and in the city” said Nanako.

“As the two of them said, they’re representing their emblem as the growing dominance of the club through the exploration of different places around the country. I hope that this design will be used once the judges will declare the winner later tonight” said Hitomi.

“I’m sure that this design will be the favorites to have the best design” said Ayane.

“Probably, but we’re not sure about it. It will be announced later” said Hitomi.

“Ah, okay, I got it” said Ayane.

“So, the basketball game will be held in Shibuya. Then, we’re going back to Shinjuku-gyoen to prepare for the thanksgiving dinner. The fireworks display will be the last activity as well as the turnover of presidency between Hitomi Takao and Natusmi Yamazaki” said Masanobu.

“We should be able to go to Shinjuku before three and we should start the recreational activities there before heading to a basketball court somewhere in Shibuya” said Anzu.

“That’s right, Anzu. Since this homecoming is going to be a reunion of friends, I’m sure that some of the members of the Homewrecking Dragons who aren’t know about us will finally know at the end of the event” said Fujiko.

“That’s true, Fujiko. For those who aren’t members of the Homewrecking Dragons, they’ll be invited as guests for this event and they aren’t allowed to participate at the recreational activities. They will be only allowed to participate at the traditional dinner” said Masami Nojima.

“Since I’m still part of the Homewrecking Dragons for this school year, I would be participating the homecoming activities as a staffer. Kōme and Yuzuha will be part of the homecoming committee, together with Natusmi and Ryōhei” said Shigeru.

“Yeah, Shigeru. I hope that Kōme will be able to give you some duties for the event” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, Tomoka” said Shigeru.

“Unfortunately, with Subaru and his friends will be going to downtown Kamata to go to Kumi’s house, that means that they’re not going to come at the homecoming” said Masami.

“That’s right, Masami, but we still have the Bravehearts to be invited at the homecoming” said Tomoka.

“Oh, okay” said Masami.

“Now, there’s one more thing that we have to talk about: who should be occupying the room of Team Aurora if Team Aurora will be moving tomorrow” said Tomoka.

“Well, while we’re at our room in the mansion, Jun told me that she had a friend of mine from Shimomaruko who loves to draw illustrations in the pen tablet. Her name is Sagiri Izumi” said Hitomi.

“Sagiri Izumi. Well, I don’t know about her, but what I heard from some of my students said that she usually used her penname as “Eromanga Sensei”. She had a brother named Masamune Izumi, a high school student who is also an author and a recipient for winning the best light novel in a contest” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, also, they will be here tomorrow, and they said that they will be holding another light novel project for Masamune to write” said Hitomi.

“I wonder what he will write for his next installment. Maybe, there’s something about speculative fiction or just fantasy” said Tomoka.

“Uh, they don’t mention about the theme, Tomoka. However, they will let us know about when they’re here tomorrow” said Hitomi.

“Oh, okay” said Tomoka.

“I think these members are coming from Shimomaruko and it’s almost a mile away from our home” said Tsubaki.

“Yeah, Tsuba. Students in Keishin said that Masamune Izumi had a lot of time to work on the light novel since he entered high school. He would have dated his foster sister Sagiri if Sagiri had a different surname” said Hiiragi.

“Yeah, Tsubaki and Hiiragi. Both Masamune and Sagiri are together as siblings in a family lived in Shimomaruko” said Saki.

“I hope that they will be coming to the mansion to know that project thing” said Natsuhi.

“Oh, what a great news about that, Hitomi. I’m sure that they’re going to show their works like the illustrations and the writings” said Hinata.

“Also, I think they are interested to join the Bravehearts. Can’t they?” said Airi.

“Yes, Airi. Jun said to me that they are interested to join the Bravehearts because they know about the Keishin Academy basketball team” said Hitomi.

“Oh, I get it. It seems that they are also watching basketball games at home” said Hinata.

“Yeah, Hinata” said Hitomi.

“Since your team had interests in exploration, why you guys will be helping them when they’re here. They will be knowing about your experiences as members of the club” said Maho.

“Ah, yeah, Maho” said Hitomi.

“The Bravehearts and I have contacted my friends to come to my birthday on Monday. It’s almost there to celebrate my birthday” said Airi.

“I know about Yōko Yamazaki, your friend, but I found out that you have some friends in your former school” said Megumi.

“Of course, Megumi. Before I was in Keishin in the fifth grade, I was a student from the Takahata Elementary School and that’s where I found my first friends. One day, Hinata visited my former school and she said to me that I might transfer to Keishin because it’s a great school to enjoy there. Then, I was right about what Hinata said and so, I bid farewell to them, in order to transfer another school to Keishin. In my time in Takahata, there are Yōko Yamazaki, Naoko Arakawa, Yuka Fukuhara and Kana Inoue. I believed that they are still friends with me after I left Takahata” said Airi.

“Good for you, Airi. I’m glad that you still have your friends aside from Keishin because you are the Prismatic Bird” said Kagetsu.

“You soar high to shoot the ball and you know that you are good in defensive abilities, Airi” said Mimi.

“Oh, yeah. I always had a good flexibility and ball handling. I’m sure that Yōko had the same thing because we were both companions just like Maho and Saki, but Yōko played as small forward. She had a great time to train the ball and always using her strategy to break her opponents’ defense” said Airi.

“I’m glad that they will be going to your birthday, Airi. As for the young sixth graders, we’re ready to come to your birthday” said Mimi.

“As what we promised, we went to the fashion store to buy a perfect dress for you to wear it on special occasions. I hope that we were able to save our budget for our team” said Masami.

“Yeah, Airi!” said Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“With your admiration to the students in your section, you’re surely prestigious you are, Airi” said Kagetsu.

“Wow! Thanks, Kagetsu and friends. I feel that it’s time for me to train hard to keep my flexibility and strength harder to succeed” said Airi.

“Yeah, Airi. Well, we should be ready to prepare our lunch before we’re heading to Shinjuku. So, are you ready?” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the members of Team Gotō, the Shining Camellia and the Bravehearts.

“Then, let’s go!” said Tomoka.

“Okay!” said the members of Team Gotō, the Shining Camellia and the Bravehearts. With the plans for the Family of Angels are ready to execute, Megumi and her friends are ready to meet expectations as they are ready to go to Shinjuku Gyo-en for the homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons. Also, Airi had her friends invited to her birthday, which will be a surprise party to celebrate her birthday. Hopefully, the members of the Family of Angels the Bravehearts are ready to bring their smiles at the homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons.

Explanation of the title: Why "The Shining Camellia's Talk Before the Homecoming", not "Watch the Winds Blowing"?
Originally, I name the title for this interlude as “Watch the Winds Blowing”, but there are many discussions that the members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts talking about including Airi’s birthday and the future appearance of Sagiri Izumi and her team. I decided to change the name of the title as “The Shining Camellia’s Talk Before the Homecoming” because the other members of the Family of Angels including the Shining Camellia and Team Gotō will be sitting along with the Bravehearts to talk about topics that they are preparing later in the following chapters.

UP NEXT: Chapter 54: "Respect or Deceit?" [Last chapter for Volume 4]

On Sunday, along with the next update, I will explain the details of how this series, Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts, works including some of the things that I have found Easter eggs in this series. Thanks for reading!

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Hello! I’m back again with another update of the series, Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts! I apologize for being busy at the moment and I was able to let you know that I will show you how the story works. In eight months I made this series, I haven’t mentioned how the story works because I don’t what to say, but it’s going to be divided into different sides where one group will be mainly focused on their goals while the school year progresses. I hope that you will understand how the story, Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts, works once you finish reading it. Next time, I will be trying my best to add some more informational posts every month. Enjoy!:)

HOW THE STORY WORKS?
6 Things to Know about the Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts​

WHAT IS ROOKS, KNIGHTS AND BRAVEHEARTS?

The series, Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts, is a crossover story between Ro-Kyu-Bu!, Tenshi no 3P! and High School DxD. The series would not only include the major characters from the three installments (the first two are authored by Sagu Aoyama while the third, High School DxD, is authored by Ichiei Ishibumi), but also a few characters from the other anime series and the original characters I made to fit the names for each group based on their interests. In this series, it is divided into different groups based on their interests.

STORY ARCS AND SIDES

The story is divided into different sides: the Bravehearts Side, Family of Angels Side, Team Blue and Yellow Side, Dazzled Hearts Side, Orange and Fuchsia Side, Innocent Charm, Team Aurora Side and Burnt Leaf Side. Each side will be based on the arcs that the series is focused on. Volume 1-3 is focused on the Bravehearts while starting Volume 4, the story is divided into different sides for each group that will be discussed below. For every volume, it will be focused on each group that are members of the Bravehearts: for example, Volume 4 will be focused on the Family of Angels and the Occult Research Club while Volume 5 will be focused on all groups. Future volumes will be revealed as the series progress and I will dictate the name of the group to be focused on when the next volume comes.

THE GROUPS

Team Bravehearts
This group is composed of the members of the Nashiba High School and Keishin Academy. This group is focused on their basketball career in their schools. When Subaru Hasegawa forms the Bravehearts, he said that his team may become one of the rising stars of the Ōta League as his team will represent the two schools: Nashiba and Keishin Academy. Aside from that, there a few members of the Kirihara Middle School that might be included because Subaru and Aoi have their experiences in that school. Their goal is to improve their skills and techniques of their members and to excel their academic subjects by helping each other.

Family of Angels
This group is composed of friends of Tomoka Minato from Keishin Academy and Shiromidai Elementary School. This group also includes Michiko Takeda’s Team Takeda, Jun Gotō’s Lien de Famille and Kōme Ogi’s Dragon≒Nuts. They have the compassioned hearts and brave smiles because of the friendship between their members and Tomoka Minato and Jun Gotō. This group had completely focused on bringing peace and prosperity in their schools. From angelic hopes to purified dreams, the Family of Angels had become more active in socializing people in Nishina and Nishi-Shiromi. Later, in Volume 5, Team Eromanga was added to the group as part of their project in collaborating with the Bravehearts.

Team Blue and Yellow
This group is composed of friends of Maho Misawa. This group also includes Natsuhi Takenaka and his teammates from his basketball team. Maho Misawa and Natsuhi Takenaka’s relationship have gone bitter when Natsuhi Takenaka plays seriously when playing basketball. This allows two factions to rival out with Naoko Sugisaki representing the Colorful Fireworks and Daisuke Kikuchi representing the Blue Chromes. With their rivalry gone to an end after both groups sign a peace treaty, Team Blue and Yellow begins to more focused on video games and basketball. In Volume 4, the friends of the Takenaka twins joined the group as part of the agreement between both Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow.

Dazzled Hearts
This group is the largest of all the six groups and composed of friends of Saki Nagatsuka, Masami Fujii and Tsubaki and Hiiragi Takenaka. From the love of Japanese cuisine to the double affair of companions, the Dazzled Hearts have their compacted relationship with other groups because they have their full cooperation with the other friends who were close friends of their members. Saki Nagatsuka, the leader of the Dazzled Hearts, gives some bewitched and admired advices to her friends, in order to follow the hearts of their friends in the group. In Volume 4, the group lost their almost half of their members, the friends of the Takenaka twins, but added in return as the friends of Masami Fujii have joined the group as a compensation of the agreement between both Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow.

Orange and Fuchsia
This group is composed of friends of Airi Kashii and Kurumi Nukui. This group is one of the two groups that have students from Keishin and Shiromidai. It was said that this group had been focused on working out with sports and complexion because their members have been active in outdoor activities. Airi Kashii and Kurumi Nukui have called her friends to create a group in order to participate at the sporting activities. This group had also been active in fitness activities, so that their members are fit to play for the competitions. In Volume 5, they are associated with Team Groundwinger, a group composed of the former students of Takahata Elementary School.

Innocent Charm
This group is composed of friends of Hinata and Kagetsu Hakamada. This group also includes some of the members of the Pink Haired Students Club of Keishin Academy. Their members are really more focused on fashion and desire because the sisters Hinata and Kagetsu Hakamada have let their friends to come to their side to go shopping. Rei Kanazawa and Erika Satō are close friends of Hinata and Kagetsu Hakamada since they enter Keishin together form their first grade until its current year. This group also been having a closed relationship with Team Aurora.

Team Aurora
This group is composed of friends of Mimi Balguerie. This group also includes Ginga’s Pupils, a group of basketball players who were trained by Ginga Hasegawa. Whenever they are together, they focused on their ambitions that Ginga Hasegawa gave to his pupils. Two members Kazuko Kakimoto and Mizuki Koyama are the only two members who joined the Keishin Academy Elementary School girls’ basketball team. Their members were focused on socializing Tokyoites when they go outside and explore different areas in Tokyo.

Burnt Leaf
This group is composed of Team Hyodo and the members of the Kikuchiba Academy High School basketball team. Issei Hyodo created this group in order to allow his team to train their skills in basketball. This benefits the Kikuchiba Academy as they tried to end their spell which is they didn’t advance beyond the second round in the last ten years and also, to improve the skills and techniques of the members of Team Hyodo. Issei Hyodo, not only the leader of Team Hyodo and the Burnt Leaf, but also the member of the Kikuchiba Academy High School boys’ basketball team. This group is not a member of the Bravehearts.

MAJOR AND MINOR TOURNAMENTS

In this series, there are tournaments run by different organizations like the Ōta League Committee, the National High School Basketball Federation and many more. The major tournaments last of two or more volumes while the minor tournaments last for only one volume. Examples of the minor tournaments are Hasegawa Cup, Ōta League Invitationals and Intramural tournaments. Examples of the major tournaments are the Ōta District Tournaments for Elementary Schools and High Schools, Interhigh Tournament, National Sports Meet, Winter Cup and Ōta League All-Star Tournament.

THE CHARACTER DESIGNS

Throughout the series, every character wears his/her uniform. Each group has five uniforms: the school uniforms, the casual uniforms, the jersey uniforms, the plain shirts and the outdoor uniforms. The school uniforms are worn by students who entered schools every school day. The casual uniforms are worn by the Bravehearts that are assigned by their groups. Each group has their official colors and their members must wear their casual uniforms by the group’s colors. The jersey uniforms are only worn by the basketball varsity teams of Keishin and Nashiba. The pain shirts are only worn by most of the Bravehearts that they used during the training and other tournaments. The outdoors uniforms are worn when they go to different places. For example, students will wear swimsuits if they will go swimming. Team Bravehearts is the only group that their members will wear their own based on their favorite colors.

WHEN THE NEXT VOLUME COMES OUT?

By the time one volume ends, I will post some extras, served as addendum for the recently finished volume, before moving on to the next volume. Also, the next volume will be released by a week or two weeks once I’m done completing the volume. There are two things that I did before doing a new chapter in a new volume: brainstorm ideas or teasers by doing interludes. Brainstorm ideas are much organizing and I always do that to describe the details of the next volume. On the other hand, doing interludes will serve as a teaser to the next volume. The interludes will be known for the introductory of a new arc. Also, extras and supplements will be added at the end of the chapter, so that you will know about the profile of the characters and groups. Special chapters are the chapters that are focused on how the characters remembered their experience prior to the series. Also, some of the special chapters may take place between the two arcs instead of flashback to the past year.

I hope that you understand the “6 Things to Know about the Rooks, Knight and Bravehearts”. The next post will be the last chapter of Volume 4, Chapter 54: “Respect or Deceit?”

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 54: "Respect or Deceit?"

While I wasn’t posting for a week, I decided to correct some of the dialogues and I will be editing most of the posts soon that once Volume 4 is done. Of course, this update will be the last chapter of Volume 4 before the Special Chapter, to be released next week. This chapter is the eighth part of “Ryōta Nakamura’s Diary of an Admired Folly”. So, sit back and enjoy reading Chapter 54!:)

Ryōta Nakamura and Koneko Toujou have leveled their performances for their teams during the diceball match. In one event, Koneko Toujou collides with Ryōta Nakamura, who tried to regain the lead with the Chromestatic Iron-Groundbreaker, and both fall to the ground. The members of the Pink Nobles and the Gremory Team worry about Ryōta and Koneko after the incident, which have no choice but to substitute Ryōta and Koneko separately at the start of the second half. Just then, Ryōta Nakamura and Koneko Toujou are finally healed through the combination of Asia Argento’s Twilight Healing and Koneko Toujou’s own Senjutsu healing. When both Ryōta and Koneko comes back to the diceball court, they promise to each other that the fate will be depended on the results of the diceball match between the Pink Nobles and Team Toujou. Will Team Toujou rally the game to disintegrate Ryōta Nakamura’s Chromatic Current or will Ryōta Nakamura turn the tide to keep his pride for the Pink Nobles to defeat Team Toujou?

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
CHAPTER 54: “RESPECT OR DECEIT?”​

In the previous chapter, Ryōta Nakamura accepted Koneko Toujou’s wager in whether he will lose his signature move, the Chromatic Current, or Koneko will finally gain respect on him.

While the diceball match has been progressed, Akira Shimojō and Yuto Kiba commented their teams’ progresses during the second and third quarter of the match.

At the start of the second quarter, Akira Shimojō commented while watching the match in the bench. “At the start of the second quarter, Ryōta begins to perform impressively in the first five minutes as he scored 17 points including 4 three-point shots and drawing a foul against Kuroka, the backup small forward for Team Toujou.”

“Then, Koneko score 11 of 23 points during the rest of the second quarter when she unleashes her Senjutsu into her body increase her speed. She turned the deficit into a large rally with a 23-6 run. Koneko gets 25 points in the game while Issei gets help from her to add 6 points from his 3 points in the first quarter” said Yuto Kiba.

“When Ryōta shows hard, he scored 39 points while putting their largest lead in 16 points. On the other hand, Koneko showed to Ryōta what diceball important and with the 23-6 run, it turned from 33-49 to 56-55. With Issei shooting a three-point shot to regain the lead, we have to fight back as soon as possible” said Akira Shimojō.

“Koneko was furious and intimidating when her blue eyes glows her mind when she played diceball. On top of that, she was able to score 27 points in the half. But then…” said Yuto as the second quarter is about to end with Koneko holding the ball while Ryōta guarding her. “…things have gone wrong for both Koneko and Ryōta.”

“Come on, Koneko, you can do it!” said Asia.

“Don’t make a mistake!” said Irina.

“Just focus on the match!” said Rossweisse.

Kiyoshi Toshima saw Ryōta Nakamura glowing his aura to prepare for his Chromatic Current after his earlier performance, however, Koneko seemed to be exhausting.

“So, is that what you think, Ryōta? You had a monster performance earlier before I regain my Shirone Mode to turn the tables out” said Koneko.

“Yeah, it seemed to you’re too strong, but you seem to forget about one thing” said Ryōta.

“And what is that?” asked Koneko. Ryōta unleashes his special move, the Chromestatic Iron-Groundbreaker, as he steals the ball from Koneko by tipping the ball hard. Kazuyo Nagai didn’t see what Ryōta doing.

“It should have been a reaching foul!” said Xenovia.

“But Nagai didn’t see that!” said Asia.

“Darn it! He’s picking a steal using his special move. I have to stop him before he shoots the ball” said Koneko. Ryōta would run to the court faster as he is about to use the hook shot, but Koneko stops him and collides on Ryōta while blocking the shot. This would result to both Koneko and Ryōta being down to the ground while the ball bounces off the rim and the time expires. The score is 56-55 for Team Toujou.

“Koneko!” said the members of the Gremory Team.

“Ryōta!” said the members of the Pink Nobles.

Ryōta stands up but feels something hurt on his body when Koneko tries to block Ryōta’s shot. It comes from the flame that Koneko used. As a result, Ryōta suffered minor bruises on his body when Akira Shimojō checked him. On the other hand, Koneko was hit by a slam from Ryōta, which makes the flame put on Ryōta’s body.

“Hmm… I see. This is not good” said Akira Shimojō.

“What is it, Akira?” asked Yumi Nakamura.

“He has minor bruises on his body when he and Koneko collide onto each other. The flame is just minor when it connects onto his body” said Akira Shimojō.

“So, what’s the result? Does he going to play for the next quarter?” said Yumi Nakamura.

“I have no choice, but to sit him down the entire third quarter. Until he is healed from those bruises, he is cleared to play for the fourth quarter. On the other hand, Yumi, I’m going to sit you down too along with the other bench. I don’t know what to do if Ryōta sits out the entire third quarter. If he keeps playing, he might end up suffering worse” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yes, I understand, but you have to admit, Akira, I’m not the one who should lead the team if he’s not here. Someone who could take his place for a while” said Yumi Nakamura.

“Okay, I get it. I will be able to put up the starting five for the third quarter. Hikaru!” said Akira Shimojō as he called Hikaru to talk with him. “You are one of the new members, right?” Hikaru nods. “Good, then I’m going to lead the third quarter with the other new members.”

“Wait, what? Playing alongside the new members? Hey, Akira, we already know about basketball, but diceball is different from that sport because it’s a variant in Kurenai” said Hikaru Sakamoto.

“I understand, but can you give me a favor? Do your role in the third quarter. I entrust you and this is your chance to shine” said Akira Shimojō.

“Okay, I got it!” said Hikaru.

“As soon as Ryōta is healed, he will be with you soon” said Akira Shimojō.

“Okay!” said Hikaru.

As Hikaru, Ichirō, Sakiko, Eiji and Yoshimaru are going to the court against Team Toujou, Akira Shimojō is ready to use the secret weapon for his team.

Team Toujou: Yukiya Uehara (PG), Yuka Shimura (SG), Akira Tamaki (SF), Seiichi Matsuda (PF), Eiji Motohama (C)
Pink Nobles: Ichirō Furukawa (PG), Hikaru Sakamoto (SG), Eiji Uehara (SF), Yoshimaru Iijima (PF), Sakiko Katsuragi (C)

While both teams are playing, Asia and Kaori Katase meet Ryōta Nakamura at the bench of the Pink Nobles.

“How do you feel, Ryōta?” asked Asia.

“I’m fine, Asia. I feel a little hurt. That slam was very hard. I supposed that I could play, but…” said Ryōta. Ryōta was about finish his sentence when Koneko arrives.

“I’m the one who should hurt myself instead of you” said Koneko.

“Koneko? What are you doing here?” said Asia.

“If it wasn’t your aura colliding with my flame, you could have hurt me instead. However, I know that you’re trying to become a basketball player because you’re giving passion to yourself” said Koneko.

“See, Ryōta, Koneko didn’t blame you if it was an accident, but you’re able to wear off your aura when she’s trying to block your shot” said Asia.

“Yeah, I get that from the point. If I keep my aura, I could have hurt you more” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, at least I’m not hurt after you collide with me when I’m trying to block your shot” said Koneko.

“Oh, okay, I see that point, Ryōta and Koneko. It seems that you two have your auras, right?” said Katase.

“Yeah” said Ryōta and Koneko.

“From what Asia and I observed, Ryōta was able to wear off his aura when Koneko is about to block your shot, but when he snaps off his aura, Koneko’s flame proved too strong for his body to suffer minor bruises on his body. When you, two, fall to the ground, Ryōta hurts his body while Koneko hurts her right arm a little from the slam Ryōta did” said Katase.

“That was a nice observation you have, Katase” said Asia.

“Yeah, I remember about anything from the start of the match. But as you can see, diceball allows player to use abilities from the Rating Game because they have their own powers to gain his or her advantage” said Katase.

“But that’s not all, flagrant fouls are committed if one of the players play rough as that play may lose his or her focus on playing” said Asia.

“So, I get it about that right now. When I used my flames to protect me from losing my acceleration, the Shirone Mode had its own secrecy: the Flames of Zen” said Koneko.

“The Flames of Zen?” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, it protects the body when you are entering the Zen Defense relaxation. It will wear off if it no longer uses in a Rating Game match” said Asia.

“While I was meditating, my flames are used to feel better even in my body” said Koneko.

“So, I get it now. So, that’s why you’re hurting your right arm after we fall down, Koneko” said Ryōta.

“That’s correct” said Koneko.

“Now, both of you must know that if both abilities collide if you’re using your body, there are side effects that will make both of you will feel different” said Asia.

“Yeah, I understand” said Ryōta and Koneko.

“So, what do you think, you two? Will you keep the wager for Ryōta, Koneko?” said Katase.

“On second thought, I might think about it” said Koneko.

“Okay, I hope that you’re all cleared to play for the fourth quarter. I might be seeing a winning team if they are tough enough to make their performance better than the first half” said Katase.

“Yeah, Katase. Hopefully, my team will win despite that most of our members aren’t learn to play diceball” said Koneko.

“A few of my friends play basketball, but since diceball is different than basketball, I supposed that we could learn more about it if we can warp us to Kurenai” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, but since you’re from the human world, you don’t know about that sport” said Asia.

“Oh, I get it. So, it’s true. There are many variants of basketball that we never known, but in the end, you might end up learning that kind of basketball for yourself” said Ryōta.

“Yes, it was, Ryōta. Sometimes, there are many players in Kurenai have to learn both basketball and diceball from the basic ways to the advanced ways. I’m sure that you will remember that match in the end to give your thoughts of playing that kind of sport again” said Asia.

“Well, I’ll see what I will do” said Ryōta.

“Good. I hope that you two will try your best when the fourth quarter comes out. For now, I will heal your bruises, Ryōta” said Asia.

“Okay, Asia!” said Ryōta as Asia begins to use her Sacred Gear Twilight Healing to heal Ryōta’s bruises in his body.

“Oh, can I do that too, Asia? Please?” asked Katase.

“Okay, Asia, you can do that just like mine” said Asia.

“Okay!” said Katase.

“Thank you so much for healing my bruises” said Ryōta. Koneko would also heal Ryōta’s wounds by using a different flame, this time, it is colored celadon. That color allows anyone to heal injuries. “Oh, you too, Koneko?”

“Yeah, I would have to if you are going to trust me, Ryōta” said Koneko.

“Sure, let it heal!” said Ryōta.

As Asia, Katase and Koneko heal the bruises of Ryōta together, Akira Shimojō feels happy to see Ryōta and Koneko together.

“Ryōta had admitted that he could have suffered worse if he can’t wear off his aura when Koneko is trying to block his shot. But thank goodness, he’s ready to get back in action” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yeah, I agree. But what about Koneko?” said Yumi Nakamura.

“She’s already healed by herself because of her healing powers made of flames” said Akira Shimojō.

“I can’t believe that Ryōta finally know about Koneko. It would have been bad if Ryōta hurts Koneko with his aura” said Yumi Nakamura.

“True, but hopefully, they will finally respect each other, depends on that result of the match” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yeah” said Yumi Nakamura.

Yumi Nakamura and Issei Hyodo would comment the progress of their respective teams during the third quarter. Yumi Nakamura said about her team’s progress in the third quarter. “In the third quarter, while my cousin Ryōta had a speedy recovery, our team was able to get their largest lead. At the end of the third quarter, we turned from a one-point trail into a 21-point lead. The score is 99-78. It was all thanks to two players: Hikaru Sakamoto and Eiji Uehara, who shared 13 points, while the other players score 19 points. What a big lead that we’re gaining the advantage to win the match.”

“In our team, while Koneko and I have been resting, my friends got poor performance because Matsuda and Motohama committed a combined total of 11 turnovers. Every time, either of the two has the ball, Hikaru, Eiji, Yoshimaru and Sakiko steal the ball from them to gain their team’s advantage. What should we do if we got trailed by many as 21? What a disaster! I think I’m about to blame them for not getting a good performance in the match!” said Issei.

“We finally reach the start of the fourth quarter, but Ryōta and Koneko decide to stay in the bench while Kiyoshi and Wataru returns to the court. Meanwhile, Issei returns along with Ravel and Gasper to the fourth quarter. Kuroka will play as the small forward as she will play diceball for the first time. This is where Issei performed big by scoring the first 7 points to cut the lead to 13. However, we fight back with Hikaru and Issei trade their baskets ahead before Yuto called a timeout with only 9:18 remaining. The score right now is 110-94” said Yumi Nakamura.

“Ryōta, you’re back! I think you’re good enough to heal your bruises” said Kiyoshi.

“Thanks, Kiyoshi. I have been thinking if I’m going to rest for another minute because I’m not ready yet, but I’m back in the game!” said Ryōta.

“Oh, good for you, Ryōta. Now that you’re back in the game, it looks like you’re trying to help us keeping the lead” said Hikaru.

“Well, I’m off to a great performance, Ryōta. Will you help us win the diceball match and make Koneko respect on you?” said Eiji Uehara.

“Oh, yes, I would!” said Ryōta.

“Great! All of us will make our performance more effective like the other Innocent Charm members in the last match. This time, we’ll form the Future Five in our team!” said Hikaru.

“That’s us, we’ll do for the innocent and purity in the name of the Pink Nobles!” said Ryōta, Yumi, Eiji and Sakiko.

On the other hand, Koneko was also cleared to play for the fourth quarter. Yuto Kiba was glad to have her healed after she healed her bruised right arm.

“It’s back to be here, Yuto. I know that Ryōta has been generous to me after I talked to him about my biggest secret” said Koneko.

“I feel good for you, Koneko, but when I thought that you’re not gonna play for the rest of the match, we feel worried if you can’t make it. At least that you’re back in the game” said Yuto. Then, he talks to the members of Team Toujou. “Now, listen up. It seems that Kuroka had been helping Issei in the first five minutes. I like Kuroka’s way of using her magic pass as contrast to Gasper. So, let’s make Kuroka and Gasper doing the Black Pass Overflow while Koneko, Ravel and Issei will use their boosting powers. Issei, keep using the Balance Breaker. You need that to make momentum for yourself.”

“Okay, I got it!” said Issei.

“Now, we’re down by sixteen points and we need to turn things around in the match. We should not worry ourselves because Issei will be leading alongside Koneko. So, in order to win the match, work together to create the Complete Synchronization Skill” said Yuto.

“Okay, we got it!” said Koneko, Gasper, Kuroka, Ravel and Issei.

“Then, let’s take you all back to the game! What do you say, Team Koneko?” said Yuto.

“Yeah!” said Koneko, Gasper, Kuroka, Ravel and Issei.

“So, let’s fight and win! All for one…” said Yuto.

“…and one for all!” said Koneko, Gasper, Kuroka, Ravel and Issei. With the members of Team Toujou are now back in the match, this diceball match is now going to be on a higher level with Ryōta and Koneko activating the Enhance Mode. The Enhance Mode is where a player will increase full power for his special move. The color of the aura will be varied, depends on the character’s special move.

Ryōta and Koneko finally meet each other again at the court.

“Looks like we’re back in the game. I’m so glad that you finally trust me because I helped you heal your body to feel you good” said Koneko.

“Yeah, thanks, Koneko. I know that you’re feeling great that you’re also healed” said Ryōta.

“Of course, not, Ryōta! I’m sorry about the wager I tell it to you whether you will lose your special move, the Chromatic Current, or make me gain respect on you” said Koneko.

“Nah, I’m okay with that. Don’t surprise me if you’re going to pull something big” said Ryōta.

“But, I have another plan if you lose. Instead of losing your signature move, maybe I should be with you for a whole day to feel you better” said Koneko.

“But Koneko, I’m going to leave Kyoto tomorrow afternoon. I can’t be with you for the whole day in Kyoto. I promised Hinata that I will be back to Tokyo before nighttime” said Ryōta.

“Well, okay. I’m fine with you if you lose the match, but I don’t want to tell it to your friends about it” said Koneko.

“Okay!” said Ryōta.

“You’re surely a brave noble, Ryōta. I think you’re ready to settle this match as the real battle” said Koneko.

“Sure, Koneko. This time, it won’t be easy just like before” said Ryōta.

“You said it and it’s done! Let’s finish the match fair and square!” said Koneko.

“Okay!” said Ryōta. Ryōta finally don’t want to be deceit if he will end up hanging with Koneko tomorrow before returning home to Tokyo. However, Ryōta will defend his team to win the match for sure.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Chapter 54: "Respect or Deceit?"

Part 2​

The game continues with both teams face each other. The montage shows how Ryōta and Koneko battle with each other. While Koneko and her team tries to push their chances in getting a comeback, Ryōta was able to stop Koneko on offense, allowing him to score a point in the paint. [Pink Nobles 111, Team Toujou 94]

Team Toujou: Koneko Toujou (PG), Gasper Bloody (SG), Kuroka (SF), Ravel Phoenix (PF), Issei Hyodo (C)
Pink Nobles: Yumi Nakamura (PG), Hikaru Sakamoto (SG), Ryōta Nakamura (SF), Eiji Uehara (PF), Sakiko Katsuragi (C)

“That makes him 40 points in a game. He’s an unstoppable force!” said Mie Furutani.

Koneko and Kuroka performs the pass-and-shoot play over Ryōta and Yumi where Kuroka perfectly releases her jump shot in the post. [Pink Nobles 111, Team Toujou 96]

“Nice shot, Kuroka!” said Ravel.

“Thanks, Ravel. With Koneko back in the game, we should be fine to win the match for sure!” said Kuroka.

“Yeah!” said Ravel.

Hikaru drives past Gasper before passing the ball to Eiji and Eiji shoots the three-point shot. The shot misses and Kuroka gets the rebound over Ryōta. Kuroka passes the ball to Gasper.

“Gasper is holding his speed and stamina while using the immunity flame” said Xenovia.

“I don’t realize that he uses his immunity flame to prevent harm from his opponents” said Rossweisse.

“That’s what Gasper did when he uses his Forbidden Balor View. He has a shield to protect himself from being burnt out of stamina” said Akeno. Gasper throws the ball and Issei dunks the ball over Sakiko. [Pink Nobles 111, Team Toujou 97]

“Yes!” said Issei and Gasper.

“At the end, Gasper doesn’t want to get his stamina run out because he was able to survive with his ability” said Akeno.

“So, Gasper had to put his attention to his opponents, in order to keep his team going to use the run-and-gun strategy” said Xenovia.

“Yeah, you got it right, Xenovia” said Akeno.

Hikaru was able to drive past Kuroka, who switched places with Gasper, and pass the ball to Ryōta. With Ryōta’s observation on Gasper, things are going to be different when he faces Gasper.

“This boy has his own strategy to endure himself from playing. I hope that I can be able to stop him” said Ryōta, but when he is about to drive past Gasper, Gasper stops him as fast as he could. “Darn it! He’s strong! I have to keep an eye on him before he’s using his hustle.”

Ryōta and Gasper would battle each other and then, when Gasper is about to steal the ball from Ryōta, Ryōta swipes the ball to Eiji, who in turn drive past Ravel and shoots the ball with the dunk. The dunk counts for a point, which makes the Pink Nobles not giving up. [Pink Nobles 112, Team Toujou 97]

“Eiji has strong ball handling when he is in the court. He can push his strength to defeat his fellow forward-centers around himself” said Ichirō Furukawa.

“Hikaru and Eiji were strong-willed players who keeps their dominance for Ryōta while Ryōta is resting in the game” said Akira Shimojō.

Ravel begins to use her Immortality ability to drive past Eiji and Ryōta before shooting the ball with the hook shot. [Pink Nobles 112, Team Toujou 98]

Ryōta passes the ball to Yumi, but when Yumi tried her best to stop Koneko, Yumi shoots the ball forcefully and the shot misses.

“Go, get them!” said Ryōta and Koneko as the players from both teams collide each other to determine who gets the ball. It was Gasper who gets the ball and dribbles faster to the other side of the court.

Gasper sees Issei without an opponent and throws the ball to Issei to shoot the ball with the three-point jumper. The ball drives to the basket and Team Toujou is now almost there to cut the Pink Nobles’ lead to single-digits. [Pink Nobles 112, Team Toujou 101]

Then, Hikaru and Ryōta would perform the pick and roll strategy with Hikaru drives past Kuroka before Ryōta shoots the ball in the perimeter. The ball drives to the basket and the Pink Nobles keeps their double-digit lead alive. [Pink Nobles 114, Team Toujou 101]

“Both teams are trading baskets once again. Ryōta has 42 points and he has to break another record with 50 points in a game. He never did that game before, but let’s see what happens” said Akira Shimojō.

When Gasper drives past Hikaru before meeting with Ryōta, he passes the ball to Koneko, who shoots the ball in the perimeter and misses the ball. Issei gets the rebound and passes the ball to Koneko. Koneko tries again to shoot the ball and this time, her shot is good. [Pink Nobles 114, Team Toujou 103]

Only five minutes remaining in the game with the Pink Nobles are still leading the game. Ryōta would see Koneko guarding Yumi hard. In trying to keep his team’s dominance, he passes the ball to Eiji. When Eiji shoots the ball with the three-point shot, the shot misses with an air ball and the ball goes out of bounds.

“Out of bounds, gray uniform ball” said Kazuyo Nagai.

“This is not good. Eiji starts to lose his focus on shooting threes. We should help him” said Wataru.

“Okay!” said Akira Shimojō.

When Gasper passes the ball to Ravel, Gasper believes that Sakiko is in the paint. “Issei, help Ravel out!”

“Okay!” said Issei as he goes to meet with Sakiko.

“Perverted guy, you’re boosting enough to help your team, but it doesn’t matter if you’re going to give your best shot!” said Sakiko.

“Of course, I am. Then, after the match, I’m going to pamper you at our home” said Issei.

“Oh, really? I guess you’re pushing your plans to be the Harem King. Then, sure, but first, I have to observe on Ravel. I think she’s going to pass the ball to you” said Sakiko.

“Are you sure?” asked Issei.

“Yeah” said Sakiko as Ravel passes the ball to Issei and Issei starts his challenge against Sakiko.

With Sakiko trying to stop Issei, Sakiko uses her hands to prevent Issei from shooting the ball easily. However, Issei had a trick to use. “You don’t know what you’re defending, girl? I have a surprise for you.” Issei grins as he shoots the ball that is similar to the hook shot but looked like a floater. The ball drives to the basket, to Sakiko’s surprise. [Pink Nobles 114, Team Toujou 104]

“Issei had released the ball up high?!” said Wataru.

“It can’t be?!” said Tsubasa Horihata.

“No way! Issei did that shot for real?!” said Akira Shimojō.

“I can’t struggle against anyone who has strong defense, but I can’t keep my pressure out just because you’re good. It gives me a headache if I ain’t shoot hard” said Issei.

“So, you’re saying that you had a disappearing shot you got. Aren’t you, Issei?” said Sakiko.

“Yep. And to keep doing on this, I would be stronger than my other teammates in a diceball match!” said Issei, who laughs in an indecent way.

“Ah, Issei had to be wooing girls and then, forcing his way to beat them out for sure Hmph, such a perverted guy” said Koneko.

“Yeah, I have to believe in that, Koneko” said Ravel.

Yumi would battle against Koneko while Hikaru observes on Koneko to know what Koneko do. When Koneko clashes with Yumi, Yumi tried to counter it with her movements.

“Koneko had used her movements, trying to stop Yumi from moving or shooting. However, Yumi had to counter it with her ow style. Yumi’s playing style differs from Koneko because Yumi sways the ball diagonally while Koneko tries to steal the ball. It would be Yumi’s playing style that proves her to gain her team’s momentum” said Hikaru.

Yumi passes the ball to Ryōta, who shoots the ball in the perimeter. The shot is good and Ryōta now has 44 points in the game. [Pink Nobles 116, Team Toujou 104]

Ryōta looks at Koneko, who is just smiling at him patiently. “I guess that Koneko doesn’t care about being a strong and selfish guy anymore.”

Koneko thinks about Ryōta after Ryōta successfully shoots his field goal. “Ryōta has missed three shots in the second quarter in the perimeter, but he knows about his weakness and that’s why he comes out to prove himself that he can shoot with his purified heart.”

Gasper passes the ball to Kuroka, who looked serious. Kuroka passes the ball to Koneko, who would drive past Yumi before facing off against Ryōta. Koneko turns the tables into a better one when she steps back while Ryōta tries to block the shot and Koneko shoots the ball with the fadeaway shot. The ball drives to the basket and Koneko finally prepares for her team’s Complete Synchronization Skill. [Pink Nobles 116, Team Toujou 105]

Yumi drives past Ryōta and then, drives past Kuroka before shooting the ball with the hook shot. Koneko finally blocks Ryōta’s shot and the ball goes to Ravel. Ravel would run as fast as she could as she shoots the ball with the hook shot of her own. [Pink Nobles 116, Team Toujou 106]

Then, another miserable offense by the Pink Nobles when Hikaru tries to pass the ball to Yumi, but Kuroka steals the ball. Kuroka passes the ball to Gasper, who shoots the ball with the circle shot away from the paint. [Pink Nobles 116, Team Toujou 107]

Kazuyo Nagai blows her whistle and calls a timeout for the Pink Nobles. “Pink Nobles, timeout!”

The Pink Nobles are in the bench where Akira Shimojō is talking to his teammates.

“I’m concerned about the strategy that you use earlier. I don’t think you’re good enough to keep your lead” said Akira Shimojō.

“But we already know about that. As I was also complaining about Hikaru and Yumi miscommunicating with each other” said Ryōta.

“Ah, man. I told you, Yumi and Hikaru, to work on using the pattern where Yumi should get the ball from Hikaru if Hikaru is stepping on the tip of the free throw circle. I don’t want to lose my faith on both of you” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yeah, if you think that you’re not good enough to get the ball, you should have used your acceleration” said Yumi.

“I don’t care if I lose my acceleration because I didn’t use that when I was going to pass the ball to you, Yumi” said Hikaru. Then, Hikaru and Yumi would continue arguing with each other.

“That’s enough, you two! I don’t want to give a damn thing that we have to keep our core as one. I don’t want to let you blow our lead for purpose. We should work together as a team” said Ryōta.

“Yeah, I understand” said Yumi and Hikaru. Then, Yumi talks to Hikaru.

“You’re right about what Ryōta said, Hikaru. We can’t lose the game on purpose because we have a lack of teamwork. I should have trust you on trying to develop our strategy to win the game. If it’s your first time to play, then you have to follow what Akira or Ryōta said” said Yumi.

“Yeah, I’m alright to be playing with you, but let’s put all the problems down and we’re going to start working together” said Hikaru.

“Yeah!” said Yumi.

“See, you two. I think I have a better plan to end this match once and for all!” said Ryōta.

“What are you gonna do, Ryōta?” asked Hikaru.

Ryōta borrows the drawing board from Akira. “I have a plan.”

The timeout ends, and the Pink Nobles are back in the game. Eiji and Sakiko were substituted by Mie Furutani and Wataru Nakai.

Team Toujou: Koneko Toujou (PG), Gasper Bloody (SG), Kuroka (SF), Ravel Phoenix (PF), Issei Hyodo (C)
Pink Nobles: Yumi Nakamura (PG), Hikaru Sakamoto (SG), Ryōta Nakamura (SF), Mie Furutani (PF), Wataru Nakai (C)

“What Ryōta’s playbook going to be?” asked Sakiko.

“Ryōta had to put his entire team on using the stamina left from his playing time because Ryōta and his teammates are good enough to get their speed back. With that stamina, they will allow to use the special moves and abilities to defeat Team Toujou” said Akira Shimojō.

“Oh, I get it. Since Ryōta was leading the team, he can help his teammates whatever he wants because he’s the leader of the Pink Nobles” said Sakiko.

“That’s right, Sakiko. No matter what Ryōta do for his team, it’s his own destiny to succeed” said Kiyoshi.

The game resumes with only 3:24 remaining in the game. Yumi passes the ball to Hikaru. The pink and silver auras glow on the members of the Pink Nobles as the Complete Synchronization Skill of the Pink Nobles are activated. On the other hand, the Zen Burning Resiliency of Team Toujou was activated as well with Koneko begins to look and observe at her opponents.

“With both teams activate their Complete Synchronization Skills, this will become a real battle between both teams at the same time” said Rias.

“This would be bigger than the other diceball matches for the beginners, of course” said Akeno.

“Yeah, I’m sure that Issei and others will finally learn anything despite that diceball is not his favorite sport. Usually, volleyball and tennis are fitted for him to be part of the team” said Rias.

“Dodgeball is much harder because it compares to kickball” said Asia.

“Oh, I believe so, But Issei and others are ready to keep Koneko’s strategy at bay” said Rias.

“They’re hopefully going to walk away with the win if they’re in great shape” said Asia.

“Yep” said Rias.

Hikaru would drive past Gasper and the pass the ball to Ryōta. Ryōta would run outside of the perimeter area to shoot the ball with the three-point shot and the shot is good. [Pink Nobles 119, Team Toujou 107]

“The Chromatic Current is finally back for real this time!” said Kiyoshi.

“I told you that Ryōta had a destiny in his hands to defeat Koneko and her peerage!” said Akira Shimojō.

“Ryōta never hesitates to shoot, but he wants to bring his glory for what he had done during the elementary school district tournament a few years ago” said Kiyoshi.

“Yeah, he is expecting to go back to Keishin if he can participate at the tryouts for the middle school basketball team” said Akira Shimojō.

Gasper throws the ball and Issei catches it. Issei would shoot the ball without his opponents trying to stop him and the shot is good. [Pink Nobles 119, Team Toujou 109]

Yumi passes the ball to Hikaru, who drives past Gasper and Kuroka, before battling against Issei. “Issei is going to be serious if he can able to stop Hikaru with his own ability” said Rossweisse.

Hikaru jumps high over Issei to shoot the ball with the layup, but Issei jumps high as well and blocks the ball with the Balance Breaker. The ball would go out of bounds and Kazuyo Nagai declares the verdict. “Out of bounds, dark uniform ball.” The Pink Nobles would keep their possession.

“Sorry, Issei, but is this how your blocking the easiest way to stop us? No, that’s how the Chromatic Current CSS does” said Hikaru.

“What do you mean?” asked Issei.

“The Chromatic Current CSS allows the use of misdirection and disappearing abilities while using the stamina in the game. It allows the ball to be “invisible” and when you thought that your team will receive a possession, the ball hits the sideline of the court and our possession is still ours” said Hikaru.

“Well, how do you know about that, Hikaru?” asked Issei.

“It’s a combination of invisibility and trickery of our Complete Synchronization Skill” said Hikaru.

The Pink Nobles would continue their possession with Ryōta passes the ball to Yumi, who shoots the ball with the jump shot in the low post. The shot counts for a point. [Pink Nobles 120, Team Toujou 109]

Then, Ravel tried to shoot the ball with her variant of a disappearing shot and the ball drives to he basket. [Pink Nobles 120, Team Toujou 112]

“Wow! Ravel finally cuts the Pink Nobles’s lead to single digits!” said Irina.

“Looks like Team Toujou now have chances to turn things around!” said Elmenhilde.

Ryōta would pass the ball to Mie, who was able to drive past Ravel before shooting the ball with the fadeaway jumper in the perimeter. [Pink Nobles 122, Team Toujou 112]

Then, Koneko drives past Yumi before battling against Ryōta and Hikaru. Koneko would drive past both Ryōta and Hikaru with the Flaming Fists special move, allowing her to shoot the ball with the floater. [Pink Nobles 122, Team Toujou 113]

“Koneko finally did the Flaming Fists special move! She’s heating up to score points!” said Le Fay Pendragon.

Ryōta passes the ball to Hikaru and then, Gasper begins to battle against Hikaru. Gasper and Hikaru would clash each other with their movements are getting the intense of the game. When Gasper steps on the flame that Koneko creates earlier, Gasper sheds the flames out easily, thanks to his immunity flame. Hikaru would shoot the ball with the hook shot away from the key and the shot is good. [Pink Nobles 124, Team Toujou 113]

“With only a few minutes left in the game, we will finally witness the true winner of this diceball match!” said Rias.

As Koneko drives past Yumi and is ready to pass the ball to Issei, Ryōta gets the ball with the steal and then, runs very fast.

“What the hell is this?!” said Koneko.

“Did Ryōta run faster with his speed getting high?” asked Kiyoshi.

Ryōta would jump the ball and release the ball as he performs the hook shot. [Pink Nobles 125, Team Toujou 113]

“Wow! Amazing!” said Eiji.

“Ryōta had 48 points in the game and he’s finally on fire!” said Yoshimaru.

“Nothing can stop Ryōta now!” said Takaya Noburizato.

Team Toujou had their defense weakened during the final minutes in the game, allowing the Pink Nobles to shoot 5 more points, including Wataru’s two-point mid-range shot and Yumi’s fadeaway shot. Then, in the final seconds, Ryōta would battle against Issei and then, Ryōta would drive past Issei to shoot the ball with the hook shot, ending the game with 49 points. This would have been 50 if he was away from the frontline. The final score is 131-113 and the Pink Nobles walk away with the victory.

“Time’s up! The Pink Nobles win the game!” said Kazuyo Nagai with the members of the Pink Nobles celebrated their victory. The victory for the Pink Nobles would allow Ryōta to keep his special move and one of the Unburden Kyoto members will join the Pink Nobles in the foreseeable future.

“Yes, we won! It’s all thanks to you, Ryōta! You finally made it!” said Yumi Nakamura.

“I’m glad that you have won the game for us!” said Akira Shimojō.

“You are definitely the HERO of the match!” said Kiyoshi Toshima.

“Thanks, everyone! I finally beat Koneko and her team with all of our players have performed well and I’m very happy with that!” said Ryōta.

“We should start celebrating the party, Ryōta!” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yeah!” said Ryōta.

The players of the Pink Nobles and Team Toujou would go to the circle to thank Kazuyo Nagai, who officiated the diceball match, as they bow together before her. “Thank you very much!”

As the members of the Pink Nobles are celebrating, Koneko and Kuroka walk over to Ryōta and his team to congratulate them.

“Congratulations, Ryōta. You beat me fair and square. I knew that you’re doing phenomenal in the diceball match. I’m glad that you finally earn your respect to me” said Koneko.

“Yeah, Koneko. It seems that your hatred of me is no longer your problem anymore” said Ryōta.

“That’s right, Ryōta. Koneko finally earn respect to you because you have been performing very well. It’s been a while that I want to earn respect to you as well” said Kuroka.

“You really do, Kuroka? Okay!” said Ryōta as he and Kuroka shake each other’s hands as a sign of respect between the two.

“Oh, I’m so glad that Kuroka has also earning respect to Ryōta. I guess that I won’t be worrying anymore because he finally begins to respect me for the first time” said Koneko.

“Ryōta, we should go out and celebrate for our victory outside!” said Akira Shimojō.

“Oh, yeah. We should tell about this match to Hinata. She’ll know about the match!” said Ryōta.

“Of course, Ryōta! After the celebration, we should sleep somewhere in Kamigyō. Then, tomorrow afternoon, we’re going home. We don’t want to be hurry for another class!” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Pink Nobles.

“Then, let’s celebrate!” said Akira Shimojō.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Pink Nobles.

The members of the Pink Nobles leave the Shishinden and the Kyoto Imperial Palace to celebrate their team’s victory. Meanwhile, the Gremory Team and its allies have a meeting outside the Shishinden.

“Everyone, I know that we’re going to leave this place to take a rest at the Ancestral House. Of course, that we don’t know if the Unburden Kyoto has a young member” said Rias.

“A young member of the Unburden Kyoto?” asked Issei.

“Yeah, as per the condition, one of the young members of the Unburden Kyoto will join Ryōta’s team” said Rias.

“Yeah, we know about that, Rias. In fact, the Unburden Kyoto has composed of members between the 20s and 30s. I said to Ryōta that if they win, one of the members of the Unburden Kyoto will join Ryōta’s team. I don’t know who refers to that person” said Koneko.

“I understand about what you said, Koneko” said Draylaine.

“Draylaine, did you have a young member in your team?” asked Akeno.

“To be honest, our team don’t have a young member in our team, but there’s one person who should be able to join Ryōta’s team. That person came from the Akatsuka clan and I recognize him as one of the descendants of Kanehira Akatsuka. His name is Ryūsei Akatsuka and his nickname is known as the Vermillion Dragon” said Draylaine. The Unburden Kyoto didn’t have a young member they have because this group is composed of mostly between the 20s and 30s. However, Draylaine recognized Ryūsei Akatsuka as one of the young basketball players that currently holds the title, the Vermillion Dragon. Despite this, Koneko understands about the fact that the Unburden Kyoto didn’t have a young member and hopefully, Ryōta and the Pink Nobles will meet Koneko and the Gremory Team again before heading back home to Tokyo.

UP NEXT: Special Chapter 6: "An Angelic Day at the Izumi Park"

By the way, I edited the ending of Chapter 53: "Playing Like Flames" because I found out that I have the original ending of the chapter in one of the drafts. Then, I decided to combine the two endings into one big ending for that chapter. You will see that both Chapter 53 & 54 are connected to the sequence of the match between the Pink Nobles and Team Toujou.

The next update, Special Chapter 6: "An Angelic Day at the Izumi Park" will be posted next week on May 16 (Wednesday). And after that, I'm going to post the Extras for Volume 4 soon!

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Hello, everyone!:D I’m back once again and this is where I have been preparing to post the last updates for Volume 4 before heading to Volume 5. I finished those last month and it’s time for me to post this!:D I apologize for not posting last night, but this update is finally here! Also, I decided to put the schedule on updating the previous chapters on hold because I thought that I can do it, but I might be thinking I will do that next month. Now, on to tonight’s update: in case you know, this Special Chapter is a teaser for Volume 5 and this is where the first time that the Family of Angels have organized its first event in a Valentine’s Day gathering. I hope that you will enjoy reading this update because after this update, I will post Extras starting Sunday. And I have been writing not two, but FOUR Extra chapters! It’s so amazing that I did the fastest way to complete Volume 4, which will end on May 23. So, get ready to read the Extras in the next update where how the other groups of Bravehearts did in the afternoon of April 3. Enjoy reading Special Chapter 6!:)

Before the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts will visit the Shinjuku Gyo-en for the homecoming of The Homewrecking Dragons. They remembered their first gathering at the Izumi Park. The Izumi Park is the place where Kyō Nukui, Jun Goto, Nozomi Momijidani and Sora Kaneshiro met each other on May 3. On February 14, it’s Valentine’s Day and the Shining Camellia and the Bravehearts are going to meet with Jun’s Angels for the first time at the Izumi Park. It was a fun, exciting and memorable day that they meet each other and they enjoy their activities at the park. Also, not only they are going to enjoy playing recreational games, but also the thrills and loves are there with memorable moments for the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts, dubbing this event as the best Valentine’s Day gathering for the group.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
SPECIAL CHAPTER 6: “AN ANGELIC DAY AT THE IZUMI PARK”​

“The Family of Angels is one of the Original Six Groups of Bravehearts, led by Megumi Kadokawa and me, Jun Goto. This group was formed as a unity between best friends and bitter enemies after the merger of the Shining Camellia (Keishin Academy), the Homewrecking Dragons (Shiromidai Elementary School) and my group, Jun’s Angels (Shiromidai Elementary School). Some of the members are focused on music like me, some are focused on exploration like Anzu, some are focused on basketball like Tomoka and finally, some are focused on leadership like Akiko. These members are well-respected and determined because of their pure hearts that allow every member of this group has given an opportunity to lead the future in the district of Ōta, Tokyo.” Jun Goto said in an introductory of how the Family of Angels gather together for the first time after the creation of the namesake group. The picture Jun showed to the members of the Family of Angels is the group picture of themselves.

It is February 14. It is Sunday and it is a pleasant day for everyone to find their true love and hang out together at the park. The members of the Family of Angels have gathered together for the first time at the Izumi Park. This story is all about how the members of the Family of Angels are getting along together in Valentine’s Day.

Jun Goto continued the introduction with the flashback showed about what happened on that day. “Before the event happened, a few days ago, the members of the Family of Angels have sent invitations to their friends to come at the Izumi Park on Sunday. They are hopefully going to see their friends wearing clothes that are beautiful and cute. Hopefully, this day will be memorable and fun to be remembered.”

Before every member of the Family of Angels go to the Izumi Park for their first-ever gathering, the three groups have their things to do at their homes. First, the Shining Camellia had a meeting with Tomoka and her friends.

Team Miyazaki: Akiko Miyazaki, Natsuki Sakura, Satsuki Ōkuma, Katsuei Kōno, Asami Nakagawa, Miki Akizuki, Kōichi Aoyama, Mito Azaki and Kiyoto Miyaji
Team Kadokawa: Megumi Kadokawa, Nami Takashirō, Kotoe Kanō, Fujiko Sasaki, Ryōta Mikawa, Shōzō Takamatsu, Junichi Kamisaka, Akiyuki Katsumoto, Kaiji Nakagami, Kazue Futagawa, Chitose Ayano, Shizuka Tojo, Sayoko Nagata and Minako Kawaguchi

Bold means member of section 6-C

“Junichi, these friends of mine are my teammates from the Keishin Academy girls’ basketball team. They are Maho, Saki, Airi, Hinata, Mimi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Masami, Kagetsu, Subaru, Aoi and Natsuhi” said Tomoka, who introduced Junichi Kamisaka to the varsity team.

“Hi! It’s so nice to see you here and I came from the section 6-B along with Ryōta Mikawa and Shōzō Takamatsu. Nami said to me that these girls are brave and beautiful” said Junichi.

“Thanks, Junichi. We all know that we’re brave and beautiful girls in our team” said Saki.

“Yeah, I came from section 6-B and I always want to hang out with our boys when we have time to enjoy” said Junichi.

“That’s great, Junichi! I know that you’ll be fine if Megumi and your team are ready to get along with you” said Saki.

“Yeah, of course!” said Junichi.

“So, you must be Junichi, Ryōta and Shōzō. How nice to see you! Natsuhi, these guys are from the Shining Camellia and it looks like they are here for the gathering” said Maho.

“Wow, what a coincidence that you’re all here. I’m glad that you remembered me during the Intramurals” said Natsuhi.

“Yeah, it’s been a long time that we’re all here to celebrate Valentine’s Day. I’m sure that Hinata is getting along with you” said Ryōta.

“Oh, no, no, no, Ryōta. You sure that Hinata and I were together? Well, I’ll be knowing that Hinata is currently my type for me because I’m having a hard time to decide whether to date these two girls” said Natsuhi.

“Well, you seemed to be tougher to decide, but I’ll go if you go” said Hinata.

“Yeah, thanks, Hinata” said Natsuhi.

“So, Natsuhi was always bragging about me, but we’re fixing our relationship to be fine. It seems that you’re getting along with Megumi, Junichi” said Maho.

“Eh, yeah, it’s true that I have getting along with Megumi. Sometimes, we usually play games with Nami and Kotoe. Of course, you see, Kotoe was just planning to enroll in Kirihara, but sometimes she was considered to enroll in Keishin” said Junichi.

“Oh, I know that Kotoe has already joining your team, but you and Megumi are worked hard to form the Shining Camellia” said Hinata.

“Yep and it’s fine to make this group a happy team” said Junichi.

Hinata smiles when she hears the word “happy”. “Well, I’m glad that you have cooperating with your friends as well as Tomoka trusted you to be Megumi’s date.”

“Of course, Hinata! What are friends for?” said Junichi.

“Yeah, it is” said Hinata.

“Are you sure that you are deciding to choose to enroll in Keishin for middle school?” asked Airi.

“Yeah, I also thinking about enrolling in Kirihara. It should be fine to decide before the midterm examinations which is this week” said Nami.

“Oh, my! I can’t believe that the midterm examinations are being held this week! Well, I’m sure that I’m going to help you because Asuna and I were always helping some friends in each section. Nami, I’m sure that you should be fine to join our group study with me” said Airi.

“Oh, okay! It’s a deal, Airi!” said Nami.

“Thanks, Nami! With that, we’re going to pass the midterm examinations for sure!” said Airi.

“Yeah!” said Nami.

“Megumi, are those your classmates?” asked Mimi.

“Yeah, they are my classmates. This is Akiko Miyazaki, Natsuki Sakura, Satsuki Ōkuma, Katsuei Kōno, Asami Nakagawa, Miki Akizuki, Kōichi Aoyama, Mito Azaki, Kiyoto Miyaji, Fujiko Sasaki, Akiyuki Katsumoto, Kaiji Nakagami, Sayoko Nagata and Minako Kawaguchi. They are 14 of them” said Megumi.

“Wow! They are nice friends of you! Looks like you have a team of your own” said Mimi.

“Thanks, Mimi. They are companions when it comes to bringing friendship to anyone who trusts Tomoka. Now, this gathering will be a fun day to enjoy. I’m just hoping that they are ready to go to that gathering” said Megumi.

“Yeah, I’m that you’re very prepared, Megumi. Tomoka told me about how your group formed” said Mimi.

“Oh, yeah. Since Tomoka and I were buddies and we have the same section in section 6-C, we decided to form this group as a group of Tomoka’s friends. Of course, we always enjoy hanging together at the park and shopping some goods and treats. It’s been a while that we formed that group when Tomoka was in our class” said Megumi.

“Good for you, Megumi. I hope that you’re going to continue to lead your team” said Mimi.

“Yeah, hopefully, I will be joining with Tomoka and her friends to enroll in Keishin in middle school, but also, someone came to Subaru and gave the calling card to him. That guy came from Kirihara Middle School and it’s where my older sister studied in second year middle school” said Megumi.

“So, looks like you have opportunities to choose from those two” said Mimi.

“Yeah, Mimi. We’re greatly prepared to go to Keishin, but if Tomoka and others are going to Kirihara, it doesn’t matter that our group will follow them too” said Megumi.

“Okay, good luck with that!” said Mimi.

“Thanks, Mimi” said Megumi.

“Akiko, I guess that your dress was so nice. I believe that you grown up already after your birthday a few months ago” said Kagetsu.

“Yep. This birthday gift was so nice and beautiful. I can’t believe that I will finally wear this in the gathering later afternoon” said Akiko.

“My birthday will be on Saturday and hopefully, I want that dress too! It’s so nice that I will wear this when I’m going to walk out outside and take pictures of different places in Kamata” said Kagetsu.

“You sure that you’re ready to go to the gathering, Kagetsu? I believe that Jun invited me to come because it’s a special day for the Family of Angels” said Akiko.

“Yeah, you’re right. Well, I hope that the gathering is filling our memories through the limelight” said Kagetsu.

“I hope so, Kagetsu. This day is just like a holiday, but no matter what special day is, it’s going to the day that we will remember” said Akiko.

“Yeah, I agree, Akiko” said Kagetsu.

“Natsuki and Satsuki, I’m glad that you have the same hairclips as mine” said Hiiragi.

“Where did you buy those?” asked Tsubaki.

“We bought those in Shinjuku. Can you imagine that we have the beautiful hairclips in all of Japan?” said Natsuki.

“I’m sure that you’re wearing those, but Hiiragi and I wear our hairclips every day. So, you shouldn’t be confused if you know about us” said Tsubaki.

“Well, that’s nice, Tsubaki and Hiiragi, but it’s been a long time that we wear the same accessories for ourselves” said Satsuki.

“Despite we’re not twins, we’re neighbors and as always, Akiko gave us some bracelets too!” said Natsuki.

“Wow, that was beautiful, but I bet that I have the colorful bracelet I bought from a store in Shimomaruko” said Hiiragi.

“This bracelet has the finest garments in all of Ōta and it costs 2,500 yen” said Tsubaki.

“Heh, that’s funny. I thought that you have a challenge against us, but we’ll see who the beautiful duo is” said Satsuki.

“Oh, yeah, fine. It’s a great way to go for a greeting jab” said Tsubaki.

“Okay, calm down, both of you!” said Masami. Masami and Kazue Futagawa arrive to meet with Natuski, Satsuki, Tsubaki and Hiiragi. “I think it’s better that we have to stop this argument and by the way, this is an important day for the Shining Camellia.”

“Why there is an important day for you two?” asked Hiiragi.

“It’s because the Family of Angels will gather together for a Valentine’s Day activity” said Kazue.

“A Valentine’s Day activity?” asked Natuski, Satsuki, Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Yep, and to make this short, this activity will determine how your love treats you and it will be a fine day to go on a group date this year” said Masami.

“Well, yeah” said Tsubaki, Hiiragi, Natsuki and Satsuki.

“I’m sure that you will find your true love, girls. It will be a fun day to get along with the boys” said Kazue.

“Yeah!” said Natuski, Satsuki, Tsubaki and Hiiragi.

“Everyone, we should be go to the Izumi Park in Den-en-chōfu for an hour. We should be there by three in the afternoon. So, let’s go, everyone!” said Tomoka.

“Yeah!” said the Bravehearts and the members of the Shining Camellia.

Then, the members of Team Gotō and the Family of Angels are at the Fureai Park Footbridge as they are seeing the vehicles below the footbridge.

Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Shigeru Hirashita, 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
Others: Asumi Hiramatsu, Noriko Masuka, Yumi Kaneda and Yuki Sasaki

“What a nice view, Jun. It seems that winter season is about to be over and I hope that the cherry blossom trees will be grown by spring” said Shigeru.

“Yeah, it’s a month away to see the cherry blossom trees blooming and I wonder what could be special for us” said Jun.

“Well, what could be special for us is that as Angels, they have their faith, hope and love as well as respecting to one another” said Nozomi.

“Wow, I agree with that, Nozomi. What else you have to say about something special for our group?” said Jun.

“It’s going to be all about sharing. Sharing means to give your blessings to anyone else” said Hitomi.

“I’m sure that there is something special for us and that’s why we want to prepare for the future as we’re going to progress until we grow up in the future” said Asumi.

“I assumed that our future will be brighter as long as we continue to stick together” said Yuzuha.

“Yeah, Yuzuha” said Asumi.

“I see. So, that’s why we’re challenging us after the formation last month” said Kyō.

“Yeah, it means that our group has been ready to take the new heights as we’re heading to another level” said Jun.

“I know that the Shining Camellia, the Homwrecking Dragons and Jun’s Angels have merged themselves to create the Family of Angels. It’s been a symbol of friendship with harmonious smiles and gracious dreams” said Masami Nojima.

“Yeah, when we start forming the group, everyone smiles as the faith in our group is the way to live as one team” said Kurumi.

“No matter what the expectations are coming into our team, it’s time for us to step up to give cherish things that make people in the community happy” said Kōme.

“That’s right, Kōme. This gathering is going to the first thing that we have to share together, enjoy together and get along together as a one family” said Sakura.

“Yep, Sakura. It’s going to be the first time that we’re going to hold the gathering as one Family of Angels” said Nozomi.

“When we planned to create the Family of Angels, it’s more like a big community that everyone gives cherish things, purified hearts and enriching lives” said Sora.

“Upon reaching the end of the day, these happy memories will never forget. It’s the faith that has been stored for us to progress and hope” said Jun.

“Yeah, it’s true. Oh, by the way, the invitees are now heading to the Izumi Park” said Kyō.

“That’s great! They are ready to see us when we reach to the park. Well, everyone, I’m glad that you’ll be delighted and it’s for fun to enjoy this day” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of Team Gotō and Jun’s Angels.

“Then, let’s go to the park!” said Jun.

“Okay!” said the members of Team Gotō and Jun’s Angels as they are walking together on their way to the Izumi Park.

Meanwhile, at the Izumi Park, the members of the Shining Camellia and the Bravehearts are staying in their respective gazebos, waiting for Team Gotō and Jun’s Angels. Some members of Team Gotō are members of the Homewrecking Dragons.

“Jun and her friends are finally here, Tomoka!” said Maho.

“Ah, they’re here! Jun, I’m finally glad that we see you again!” said Tomoka as she runs to hug Tomoka.

“Tomoka! Are you finally glad to see me?” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said Tomoka.

“Looks like you have changed, Tomoka. I think you’re pretty and beautiful” said Jun.

“Thanks, Jun. My mother bought these because it feels like that I want to wear this on a special occasion like this” said Tomoka.

“Yep. Uh, Tomoka, this gathering is all for us and you’re glad that I make it” said Jun.

“Yeah, Jun. I’m glad that we’re going to start the gathering together. I mean, Hitomi and others have celebrated the National Foundation Day last Thursday” said Tomoka.

“Oh, yes, it was, Tomoka. Last Thursday, we celebrated the National Foundation Day festivity in Den-en-chōfu and we have a lot of fun to remember how Japan was founded by a great emperor according to the legends” said Hitomi.

“Yeah, I didn’t go there because my family and I have a gathering at home, meeting with my cousins” said Tomoka.

“So, it looks like we’re all here and I see Chinami Isurugi and Miyaka Mizuno, coming in the gathering too!” said Jun.

“Hey, Jun! We feel that we’re going to see some lovebirds hanging in one place” said Chinami Isurugi.

“Yeah, Jun. Is the gathering already started?” said Miyaka Mizuno.

“Uh, not yet, Isurugi and Mizuno. We’re just having prepared for the event. So, don’t be excited. Okay, Tomoka, it feels like this gathering will be not only to have a Valentine’s Day activity, but I have recreational board games I brought for all of you!” said Jun.

“Really, Jun? You brought some board games?” asked Nami.

“Yeah, Hitomi gave me these board games because I want everyone on test your critical thinking in playing these games” said Jun.

“Ah, I get it. So, that’s why this is really a Valentine’s Day activity” said Nami.

“Yes, it was, Nami. So, are we ready to start the gathering activity?” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels.

“Okay, then let’s start!” said Jun as the gathering activity begins with the members of the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels are ready to enjoy their day.

Part 2 will be on the next post.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Volume 4: "The Charm, The Prestigious and The Cat" | Special Chapter 6: "An Angelic Day at the Izumi Park"

Part 2​

At the start of the gathering activity, the first activity is the card games. In which, whoever gets five cards around the park wins the game. It was won by Team Kadokawa.

The second activity is the “Pass the Message” game. Each member must read the sentence stated in the paper, so that they will remember the sentence when they are passing the message to the next member. Once the person remembers the sentence that was said by the fourth person, he/she must write the sentence.

“We should start the first round!” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Family of Angels.

Team Kadokawa: Megumi Kadokawa, Tomoka Minato, Akiko Miyazaki, Natsuki Sakura, Satsuki Ōkuma
Team Kamisaka: Junichi Kamisaka, Ryōta Mikawa, Shōzō Takamatsu, Kazue Futagawa, Chitose Ayano
Team Miyaji: Kiyoto Miyaji, Miki Akizuki, Kōichi Aoyama, Mito Azaki and Kiyoto Miyaji
Team Gotō: Hitomi Takao, Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Kyōji Nogami
Team Nukui: Kyō Nukui, Kurumi Nukui, Kōme Ogi, Nozomi Momijidani, Sora Kaneshiro
Team Hiramatsu, Asumi Hiramatsu, Shigeru Hirashita, Maaya Tachibana, Chinami Isurugi, Miyaka Mizuno
Team Kaneda: Yumi Kaneda, Masami Nojima, Yuzuha Aigae, Kenshō Maehara, Anzu Ogi
Team Okamura: Kazuo Okamura, Kazuyo Nanase, Kojō Izuki, Seiichi Maeyama, Tetsuo Sugibayashi

“Each member must remember the word before the last member to write the sentence in a whiteboard. Whoever who gets the correct answer wins the match. It will be a single-elimination tournament and one team will be declared the winner of this activity” said Sakura.

In the first match, Team Gotō faces off against Team Kaneda. While Yumi Kaneda remembered the sentences and let her groupmates to know about it, Hitomi Takao made a mistake when she forgot to remember the word. In the end, Kenshō Maehara wrote in the whiteboard, “A very symphonic celebration happened.”

“Team Kaneda wins and advances to the second round!” said Jun as Yumi Kaneda and her teammates celebrate their win.

In the second match, Team Hiramatsu and Team Miyaji clash each other. At the start, both teams remember the sentences written from a piece of paper and then, Miyaka Mizuno writes the sentence in the whiteboard. The word in the whiteboard is “Nothing beats music.”

“Team Hiramatsu wins in a very nice Japanese writing and advances to the second round!” said Jun. Miyaka’s Japanese writing skills was very beautiful and magnificent.

In the third match, Team Kadokawa would go one-on-one against Team Okamoto. While Tomoka and Tetsuo will be the ones who will write the sentences, Megumi and Kazuo tell their teammates to know the sentence in the piece of paper.

“Tomoka made a great performance in her recent Japanese subject activity. I’m sure she’ll remember about the lessons that the teacher gave us” said Saki.

Tomoka and Tetsuo would write the sentences in the whiteboard. After this, Masanobu and Sakura observe the writings of Tomoka and Testuo. “Hmm… it seems that both of them have able to get the right answer” said Masanobu.

“I guess, you’re right. Either of them has written the correct answer” said Sakura.

“Ah, I see. Well, looks like we have a draw. Both wrote “A peaceful country remains standing tall.” Well, let’s try this again, but this time another piece of paper will be picked!” said Jun.

Then, Megumi and Kazuo would let their teammates to remember the sentence and Tomoka and Tetsuo write their sentence in the whiteboard. Masanobu and Sakura check at the two whiteboards to see which one is correct.

“The sentence written in the piece of paper is “The land of the warriors descends from chaos.” So, which one is correct?” said Jun.

Sakura and Masanobu announce “Team Kadokawa made the correct sentence, but for Team Okamura, they forgot to add a word that should have been corrected.”

“I guess that Team Kadokawa wins the round and they will advance to the second round!” said Jun.

“We did it, Tomoka! Looks like we’re going to the second round!” said Megumi.

“Alright, what a great team!” said Tomoka as she and Megumi give each other’s high fives.

In the fourth match, Team Nukui was able to defeat Team Kamisaka with Nozomi wrote “I give you a cherish moment of my life.”

“We’re down to four remaining and it will be a big challenge between themselves. So, the first second round match will be Team Hiramatsu vs. Team Kadokawa and the other match will be Team Kaneda vs. Team Nukui” said Jun.

“The first second round match will be Team Hiramatsu vs. Team Kadokawa. Each team member must remember the sentence before the write will write the sentence he/she remembered from his/her teammates on the whiteboard. We’ll determine who will be advancing to the final round” said Masanobu.

“Okay! Ready, set… go!” said Jun as Asumi and Megumi tell Shigeru and Akiko to remember the sentence that was written from the piece of paper. Then, this would continue to the other teammates. Finally, when Miyaka and Tomoka remember everything from their groupmates, they write the sentence in the whiteboard.

When Miyaka and Tomoka are done writing their answers on the whiteboard, Masanobu and Sakura walk to the two to see who which one is correct.

“The sentence in the piece of paper is “The waves splash through while the horizon sets above the view.” I think we’ll determine the winner of this match” said Jun. Then, Jun found out that Miyaka made the correct answer. “Alright, and the winner of this match is Team Hiramatsu! They’re going to the final round!”

Tomoka feels happy even she loses the match against Team Hiramatsu. “I guess, I lost. I missed one way to correct the sentence, but I’m good.” Tomoka feels respected to Miyaka because of her defeat.

“The next match will be Team Kaneda vs. Team Nukui. Kenshō and Nozomi are going to write their answers while Yumi and Kyō are going to memorize the sentence from this piece of paper. So, let’s get going!” said Jun.

The match begins with Team Kaneda and Team Nukui have competed to determine the opponent for Team Hiramatsu in the finals. Sora didn’t have time to get lazy while playing the activity as she whispers to Nozomi the sentence from a piece of paper. Then, Nozomi starts to write the sentence before Kenshō would do the same thing. At the end, Nozomi made the correct answer with her writing in the whiteboard says, “Songs can be made with melody and rhythm.”

“Team Nukui won by getting the right answer and now, they are going to face off against Team Hiramatsu in the final round of the second activity” said Jun.

“Alright, Kyō, looks like it’s up for grabs to win this activity. I hope that you made the right answer to get. So, I will be the one who should remember the sentence from the piece of paper Jun had” said Nozomi.

“Okay, Nozomi. I got it!” said Kyō.

“And remember, you need to improve your Japanese writing skills before you will have a mid-term exam in this week. Got it?” said Nozomi.

“Yes, Nozomi, I will do it!” said Kyō.

Jun asks Nozomi and Asumi to memorize the sentence from the piece of paper and Nozomi and Asumi memorize the sentence. “Okay, ready… go!”

Nozomi and Asumi whisper to their groupmates as both teams are engaging competition to see who will win the second activity. When Kyō remembered what Kurumi said, Sora thinks about both Kyō and Kurumi working together. “Those two are really worked hard to help our team win. I think Kurumi had a change of heart after she said earlier that she is no longer jealous of Kyō.”

Kyō writes the sentences from a whiteboard while Miyaka follows suit. When Kyō done writing the sentences in Japanese, Miyaka was confused on what the last words in the sentence. Sakura and Masanobu declared the results. “Kyō made the correct answer with the sentence, “It’s better to smile and respect if they cared for you”” said Sakura.

“That means that Team Nukui wins the activity! Congratulations, Kyō and the team! You’ve done it very well!” said Jun as Kyō, Kurumi, Kōme, Nozomi and Sora are happy with the result. Miyaka feels sympathetic after her team lost the match.

In the third and final activity, each team must represent to members to compete in a race with only one leg to be used. Megumi and Tomoka, Junichi and Kazue and Kōme and Kyō compete each other in the final stretch. With Junichi and Kazue is about to win the match, Kōme and Kyō jump together to reach the finish line.

“And the winner is… Kōme and Kyō from Team Nukui!” said Jun.

“Kōme and Kyō made their comeback that allows their opponents to get surprised” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, nice job, Kyō and Kiryume” said Sora.

“Kōme and Kyō have been developing their relationship since their date last Thursday. Jun knows about this because she knows that Kōme had a chance to meet Kyō in person” said Kurumi.

At five o’clock in the afternoon, the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts eat their foods. Kyō, Jun, Nozomi, Sora, Sakura, Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha prepare their foods to be served and each member of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts picks their foods to eat.

While eating, the members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts are enjoyed talking with each other. Later, in the second part of the gathering, Jun and Kyō are finding a boy and a girl to do the love test.

“This is the next part we’re going to do, the love test. Everyone is free to take this activity for no charge. Who wants a volunteer to take part of the love test?” said Jun.

The members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts are question about what the love test is. Then, after they remember about what the love test is, someone volunteers to take part of the love test. “I’ll do!”

“Oh, it’s you, Megumi. Please, come in” said Jun.

“Who will be your partner?” asked Kyō.

‘Uh, Junichi” said Megumi as she points on Junichi.

“Oh, Junichi Kamisaka. He’s fierce as he is. So, I’m glad that you’re going to come to this activity. Come in” said Kyō.

“Ah… no thanks” said Junichi.

“Come on, Junichi. Don’t be afraid. It’s just for fun” said Jun.

“I would glad that I’m going to participate, but I never love on someone” said Junichi.

“What?” said the members of the Shining Camellia.

“Oh, Junichi, it’s your chance to test your love and I hope that you will be fine at the end of this activity” said Megumi.

“Okay, fine. I’ll do it!” said Junichi as he walks to Megumi.

“Well, what a fine couple that we’re going to do the love test. Megumi and Junichi, please, sit down” said Jun.

After Nozomi and Kurumi prepare their things for the love test, Kyō holds the poem to read a love poem. While Kyō reading the poem, Sora commented, “Kyō had never been a great composer long time ago, but with his help of us, he finally start writing and composing songs for us. In his recent workpiece, “the Truth of Love”, the lines are looked like charming and incentive, in which he feels sympathetic and I don’t know if it’s a bad poem. Kyō had finally learned his way to write poems before he composed his songs with the help of me, Nozomi and Sora. Also, Sakura, Kurumi, Kōme and Yuzuha have shared their poems to us when we hold our first activity in Fureai Park. That was so interesting that we were able to have our poems being impressed with the poems filled with lines and words.”

After Kyō finished reading his piece, Megumi and Junichi clap their hands.

“You see that, Junichi? This poem makes me feel admired that someday, I will have a loved one on my lap” said Megumi.

“Well, I would too, Megumi. I think that I was right about being a passionate and fearless person. It means that I wanted to have a true love who is sweet and carefree” said Junichi.

“Oh, yeah, I think you’re referring to me, Junichi” said Megumi. Junichi was shocked that the sweet and carefree person was Megumi, which makes the members of the Shining Camellia feel amazed.

“Oh, I was” said Junichi.

“I wonder if you and me will become partners. That way, you will find your secrets into your heart. I promise” said Megumi.

“Well, I’m fine with that, but I want to express my feelings because you helped me working on our assignments and then, you feel happy when I finally overcome my fears of losing. It’s fine that I want to be with you on my side. I guess that you will love me if you can feel your desires” said Junichi.

“Oh, for love and joy, I will, Junichi” said Megumi.

“Really, Megumi?” asked Junichi. Megumi nods as she agrees to be with Junichi. “Okay! I think it’s time for us to be partners after all.”

“Yeah, Junichi. Oh, by the way, here’s for you” said Megumi as she gives the card to Junichi.

“And this is for you, Megumi” said Junichi as he gives the rose and chocolate to Megumi. “I hope you like it, Megumi. I think that you’re so sweet and carefree to be with you and I know that you’re ready to move on.”

“I know, Junichi, I know. Thanks, Junichi, for these gifts” said Megumi.

“Thank you, Megumi. This card feels me overjoyed to make me fall in love with you” said Junichi.

The members of the Shining Camellia had said “oohs” and “aaws” after seeing Megumi and Junichi are feeling happy to be together for the first time.

“And that’s that. Looks like we have our two-lovely people are finally fall in love. They feel satisfied with their gifts and they know each other for a long time” said Jun.

“Yeah, Jun. I think they are officially partners. Okay, who’s next?” said Jun as the members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts are wanting to take part of the love test.

Later, Natsuhi and Hinata hold their hands during their love test after Kyō instructed the two to hold hands for a minute.

“I would have been doing this with him if he’s not ending my relationship long time ago, but I believe that Natsuhi was able to do anything for Hinata” said Maho.

“Although that he is serious and adamant, he is sincere to any female student in Keishin. This would have been a good idea if Natsuhi wants to rely on you long time ago” said Saki.

“Yeah, I almost had it, but I’m okay to be with Natsuhi, even he has to do this all by himself” said Maho.

When the love test is ended, the final part of the gathering is the fireworks display. The friends of Kyō Nukui and Sakura Toriumi prepare their fireworks to be sparkled. This makes the big gathering event even more enjoyable.

The fireworks begin to spark as the first batch of fireworks booming through the sky.

The members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts are happy to see the fireworks really sparked and they said the “oohs” and “aahs” when the fireworks are displayed. It even continues with the set of fireworks booming through the sky.

After the fireworks display, the gathering event was finished with the group picture. As Kyō finished setting up the camera for the group picture, the camera flashes with the members of the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts smiled in happiness and joy.

“After the gathering was ended, this is the time that they have to part ways with each other. It was a fun activity to make the Valentine’s Day a full of lovebirds and everyone feels happy and overjoyed with their activities and interval acts” said Jun.

When the time is now 8:18, the members of the Family of Angels is about to part ways with each other as this gathering event was their best activity they have since the formation of the namesake group.

“Jun, thank you so much for inviting this event. I think you’re the one who makes this event happened because you came up on ideas like this” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, Tomoka. We, Jun’s Angels, have organized many events anywhere we want. Because of the formation of the Family of Angels, this is going to be a network of friends that we will be able to lead the community in the future” said Jun.

“On the bright side, we couldn’t thank you if you are able to contribute us during the teambuilding activity. It was very important to organize this event. But thank goodness, you and your friends are really the bravehearts in our group” said Nozomi.

“Yeah, I agree with that Nozomi. Tomoka, I’m very glad that you have the ideas coming up before Hitomi and Asumi help Jun to coordinate this event’ said Sora.

“Well, at first, it was a big way to celebrate our first month anniversary of this team and I know that you and your friends have been able to organize this event. I know that everyone in the Family of Angels are ready to take their interests to the next level. We would shine ourselves as future leaders of the community” said Tomoka.

“Yeah, it seems that everyone in the Family of Angels have worked hard in creating this event and on top of that, you really deserved the right way to make this event happen” said Kurumi.

“In case the other members of the Family of Angels have given support to celebrate this event, the gathering would have been a grand welcome for us. It’s not yet our first year anniversary, but it’s just the setting for us to create more events” said Kōme.

“After the Christmas Party, we come up on communicating with you and your friends to form the Family of Angels. It took a few weeks to form this group because everyone in Jun’s Angels have kept their pride, courage and prosperity” said Yuzuha.

“Well, thanks, everyone. I know everyone is expected to make their opportunities to lead in the future. As long as that we’ll be able to organize new events soon, everyone in the group will be able to share their blessings and give them cherish moments to everyone in our group” said Tomoka.

“Ah, yes, it is. I wonder if you’re planning to come to the Little Wing Orphanage soon. I believe that we’re hopefully going to plan another event, which will be before the finals. The finals will be in the second week of March for the graduating students while the week before the spring break for the non-graduating students” said Sakura.

“Oh, better yet, we’ll let you know if you have an idea to organize an event, Tomoka. I think it’s on your decision whether to organize an event or not” said Kyō.

“Okay, I will do it!” said Tomoka.

“That’s very nice. Alright, we’ll see you around, Tomoka! I hope we’ll meet each other again soon” said Jun as the members of the Family of Angels waved their hands goodbye to the members of the Shining Camellia and the Bravehearts.

“Okay, we’ll see you soon, Jun and the Angels! Bye!” said Tomoka while the members of the Shining Camellia and the Bravehearts wave their hands goodbyes.

“And so, there are many memories being filled when we finished the gathering event. It was a lot of fun that we ever made since the Christmas Party and I appreciated their support when the members of the Family of Angels wanted to support the gathering at the same time. It’s the first major event for the Family of Angels since the formation of the namesake event. These memories were never lost, and I hope that another gathering event will be held very soon” said Jun as she finished telling the story about the Family of Angels’ first gathering. Then, she puts the picture on cabinet, which is filled with pictures.

Family of Angels: Composed of five teams
Team Gotō: Anzu Ogi, Nanako Funatani, Dairoku Kaji, Shigeru Hirashita, 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, 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, Mito Azaki and Kiyoto Miyaji
Team Kadokawa: Megumi Kadokawa, Nami Takashirō, Kotoe Kanō, Fujiko Sasaki, Ryōta Mikawa, Shōzō Takamatsu, Junichi Kamisaka, Akiyuki Katsumoto, Kaiji Nakagami, Kazue Futagawa, Chitose Ayano, Shizuka Tojo, Sayoko Nagata and Minako Kawaguchi

“Wow! Amazing! That gathering was so awesome! I can’t wait to have that event again!” said Akiko.

“Yeah, you’re organizing events for us since the formation. I hope that for this month, we’re going to have successful activities we organize” said Megumi.

“Okay, okay, okay. I know that it’s been a long time that I never lost my memories when we formed the Family of Angels, but it’s not all about our past memories we have to forget, but we think about the present year. It’s our new opportunity to start stepping up like all of us” said Jun.

“Yeah, it’s not about the past we will keep as memories, but I believe that the Family of Angels have to put the name of respect, courage and progress for us to lead in the future” said Nozomi.

“Of all the things we made for the Family of Angels, our time has come to keep our promises to get the treasures of opportunity” said Sora.

“Just like the gathering event, we spend a lot of time to celebrate the first month anniversary of the Family of Angels and it’s been a while that we want to get know to anyone” said Kurumi.

“Tomorrow, it will be the homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons in Shinjuku. We should fine a place to enjoy the party and I know that it’s going to be fun” said Kōme.

“Also, I found out that without Subaru and his team, who will be heading to Kumi Kaneda’s home in Kamata, the Bravehearts will keep their core to join with Tomoka for the homecoming event” said Yuzuha.

“Well, we didn’t decide yet whether to have my friends coming to the homecoming” said Tomoka.

“Oh, I’m sure that you will have your friends coming to the homecoming party. The homecoming will be held in south of Shinjuku and we should see the Hanami trees blooming” said Jun.

“For that, there are times that we’re going to organize events. In case we will be going to the mansion every weekend, I think it’s fine for us to organize and we’ll let the Bravehearts know what we do in the future” said Sakura.

“Aside from that, the Family of Angels have focused on finding the roots on some of the stronger youth players and I expect that when the real competition comes, it’s going to be a real challenge for each of us” said Kyō.

“Yeah, it’s been a while that we’re planning to participate at the tryouts for the Keishin Academy middle school basketball team. I hope that we’re going to keep this plan coming until Tomoka had decided what to do next week. Is that right, girls?” said Saki.

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

“I’m sure that we’re going to keep our core together until the mansion will be permanently owned by us. So, that means, it’s optional to enter our mansion at no charge” said Tomoka.

“Well, we’ll think about that. But anyway, it’s time to go back to Kamata and go back to the mansion!” said Jun.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Family of Angels and the Braveheaerts. The memories in the gathering had never lost when it comes to the group’s respect, courage and progress. It means that the members of the Family of Angels have never lost their pride as they enjoyed their priorities even that they are ready to lead the Bravehearts in the future. It’s been a quite say that everyone in the Family of Angels and the Bravehearts will always remember the event and hopefully, this will do in tomorrow’s homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons.

UP NEXT: Extras 1: "No More Troubles After One Day" [It will pair up with Extras 2: "When One Ground Hits, One Hurricane Executes" for the two posts in a day update!]

ADDENUM: In case you notice, Nami Tamayama is now Nami Takashirō and Kotoe Kano is now Kotoe Kanō.

On the next update, on May 20 (Sunday), there will be two updates in a day to be posted and these extras will be focused on the other groups of the Bravehearts outside the Family of Angels.

 

[Sherwin Riga]

Despite the last update didn't go well:( for the first time, tonight, it will be two updates in a day for Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts! These Extra chapters will be focused on the other groups outside the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels. There is no Extra chapter for Team Aurora because they will be featured in the next volume. The first extra Chapter will be focused on both The Wisteria Club and the Foul Play Crew as what happened to both groups after the agreement between the Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow. The second extra Chapter will be focused on the Orange and Fuchsia where they have some plans for their friend, Airi Kashii, on her birthday. The next two Extra chapters will be posted on May 23 (Wednesday). So, sit back, relax and enjoy reading the first two Extra chapters!:)

The first post will be "No More Troubles After One Day". In this extra Chapter, you will see a new set of characters came from both sides.

After the Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow agreed to balance their number of members, The Wisteria Club and the Foul Play Crew finally end their shot argument ever since the reshuffling of students. The Wisteria Club is composed of students who were friends with Masami Fujii while the Foul Play Crew is composed of students who were friends with the Takenaka twins: Tsubaki and Hiiragi Takenaka. They promise each other that they will not fight each other for arguments they made and hopefully, they will work together for the Bravehearts as well as to Masami Fujii and Tsubaki and Hiiragi Takenaka.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
EXTRAS 1: “NO MORE TROUBLES AFTER ONE DAY”​

The Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow have balanced their number of members after the Bravehearts have an agreement with them about balancing the membership of both Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow. The two new group names are The Wisteria Club and the Foul Play Crew.

At Basketball Court #4, located outside of the Recreational Center, Foul Play Crew battled against The Wisteria Club for the first time since the reshuffle. The Wisteria Club is almost there of winning the match with the score of 19-16.

The Wisteria Club: Composed of four teams
Team Matsuda: Mieko Matsuda, Shiori Satō, Jirō Kitagawa, Katsuko Miyazawa, Tomoko Sasaki, Naomi Ishimoto and Nobunari Adachi
Team Nobutoki: Michiko Nobutoki, Suehiro Nishida, Jin Akagawa, Ichirō Hanazawa, Kaori Makihara, Nobuko Ariyoshi, Yūki Kamimachi and Nobunaga Takii
Team Gotō (KA): Sukehiro Gotō, Takahiro Sugihara, Minami Okamura, Kishō Sadatomi, Risa Nosaka, Chisato Tachibana, Nagisa Murayama, Arisa Hidaka, Ryūsei Kadokawa and Erika Ishihara
Team Natsuka: Yuka Natsuka, Ryōhei Akatsuki, Kenshō Nobumoto, Rikichi Akaishi, Shōta Hagiwara, Taisuke Hamada, Nobuko Fujihara, Yuriko Satō and Itsumi Kanada
Staff: Masako Fujii

Foul Play Crew: Composed of three teams
Team Shimojō: Ken Yamamoto, Aya Shimojō, Shinobu Higashimura, Keiko Hosada, Kanehira Satō, Ryūichi Sagawa, Ryūta Murozono, Kenta Hisakawa and Shōji Nozawa
Team Asakura: Akari Asakura, Mitsugi Nagasawa, Ryōsuke Kanemoto, Asuka Aragaki, Michitarō Ibuki, Kimiko Furihata, Toshihisa Ōnishi and Minami Ishizuka

The Wisteria Club: Sukehiro Gotō (PG), Jirō Kitagawa (SG), Jin Akagawa (SF), Takahiro Sugihara (PF), Ichirō Hanazawa (C)
Foul Play Crew: Mitsugi Nagasawa (PG), Ryōsuke Kanemoto (SG), Ken Yamamoto (SF), Shōji Nozawa (PF), Shinobu Higashimura (C)

“Come on, Sukehiro! You can do it!” said Mieko as the members of The Wisteria Club are cheering for Sukehiro Gotō. Sukehiro is facing off against Ryōsuke Kanemoto. Then, Sukehiro drives past Mitsugi with his speed and shoots the ball with the layup. Masako Fujii blows her whistles as the game is over.

“Game over. The Wisteria Club 21, Foul Play Crew 16. The Wisteria Club wins the match!” said Masako Fujii. The members of The Wisteria Club are celebrating their victory with the players on the court.

“We finally won, Sukehiro! We finally teach Ken and Shinobu their lesson!” said Takahiro.

“Yeah, I can’t believe that their mistake is their mistake. That agreement equalizes the membership of the Dazzled Hearts with Team Blue and Yellow” said Sukehiro.

Ken Yamamoto and Shinobu Higashimura appear to congratulate Sukehiro Gotō and Takahiro Sugihara. “I’m impressed with your performance, you two. I’m not mad at both of you because you’re still my classmate” said Ken.

“Yeah, it’s been a while that we finally face each other after what happened last Thursday” said Sukehiro.

“It’s a mistake that Team Asakura had moved away from Team Nobutoki since the reshuffle happened. Masami made the reshuffling changes the landscape of the Dazzled Hearts” said Shinobu.

“It seems that the four of us have played hard after shifts and turns happened to both teams” said Takahiro.

“Yeah, Takahiro” said Sukehiro while Ken and Shinobu nod as they said yes. “It was a great for the four of us and I hope that we’re going to work together as a team in the next tournament.”

“Yeah!” said Takahiro, Ken and Shinobu.

“Alright, everyone! I had a major announcement!” said Mieko Masuda. The members of The Wisteria Club and the Foul Play Crew are listening to what Mieko said. “Now, because of the reshuffling agreement that was approved yesterday, I won’t be worrying about with the “not getting along” again. Since the new members are here, I will give you an introduction to Team Natsuka.”

The members of Team Natsuka stand up together to meet with Mieko.

“Now, in case you notice, the compensation made a big improvement for the Dazzled Hearts because a new group had arrived as they are group buddies together with Masami and they are the new members to lead the new team for the Dazzled Hearts” said Mieko.

“The Wisteria Club is now filled with students from 6-A, 6-C, 6-D and 6-F. Masami was so happy that former and current classmates of her are joining forces for the first time” said Shiori Satō.

“Here are the new members of our new team, Team Natsuka. They arrived for the first time because Masami told them to arrive early to meet with her in the recent hours ago. She said that unlike us, these students have been in the camp for her family business a few years ago. Please, introduce yourselves” said Suehiro Nishida.

“Okay! We got it!” said the members of Team Natsuka.

“My name is Nobuko Fujihara. I’m the sister of Nobuhiro Fujihara. I’m once a classmate of Masami during first grade along with Yuriko and Itsumi. I liked to cook sashimi dishes because Masami taught me about those types of dishes.”

“My name is Yuriko Satō. I’m the sister of Genji Satō. I like to cook sashimi foods and my family had been friends with Masami since Masami and I are childhood friends and we were able to play together at the Nishina Park.”

“My name is Itsumi Kanada. I’m the brother of Isami Kanada. I begin to befriend Masami because I always come to Sushi Fujii to eat tofu and sushi. It was so delicious to eat those and some day, I want to work with Masami as the cook.”

“My name is Taisuke Hamada. I’m from section 6-A and my father is working in a luxury hotel in Saitama. I have been friends with Masami when we were able to cook tofu and rice at her home. So far, Masami was always enthusiastic to me because my interests in sashimi.”

“My name is Shōta Hagiwara. I’m from section 6-D. Despite that I’m a classmate of Mimi and Kagetsu, Masami and I were together as friends for a long time. She was sweet and energetic when it comes to her excitement to cook tofu and other sashimi products in her restaurant.”

“My name is Rikichi Akaishi. I’m from section 6-F. I’ve been friends with Masami because we were closed as neighbors. She and her friends are very good in cooking, but I always being helped by Masami when I found trouble in finding the right ingredients.”

“My name is Kenshō Nobumoto. I’m from section 6-F. My parents ran a restaurant business in Setagaya, but together with my siblings, we were able to stay together under one house. Masami visited my home every time we were writing our assignments together.”

“My name is Ryōhei Akatsuki. I’m from section 6-A. I was good in making sashimi because my family had run a fishing industry to sell seafood animals to different hotels for gourmets. Masami and I were coming up on creating a gourmet restaurant away from the Misawa Resort Hotel. I came up on that idea while Masami was in the mansion.”

“Finally, my name is Yuka Natsuka. I’m from section 6-A and I’m the leader of Team Natsuka. Since being a close friend to Masami, I was influenced to her family business because I always spend there to eat with my family members. Masami and I are always together to go shopping in Shinjuku to buy some unique accessories for her restaurant, Sushi Fujii.”

“Okay, everyone. Now that you know about the members of Team Natsuka. Here are the things that they like. They were frequently good in cook because of Masami’s mastery of cooking sushi, tofu and other sashimi products” said Michiko Nobutoki.

“Also, when it comes to her family business, all of them were invited to eat at Sushi Fujii” said Jirō Kitagawa.

“They were together since they were kids and now, they grow up and start learning to cook foods” said Jin Akigawa.

“Masami said that these guys are hopefuls to be part of her family business and someday, they might be able to get their jobs as soon as they are good in cooking” said Nobunaga Takii.

“The three of us, me, Shiori and Jirō, were good in cooking and we were able to connect with those new members through chat. Masami wanted them to be part of the Dazzled Hearts, in order to start planning her own restaurant before the entrance of the Misawa Resort Hotel. But hopefully, her restaurant will be beautiful just like her family business in Sushi Fujii. Saki and Masami were engaging in poster girl competitions, but they were finally together when they were able to work together during the gourmet fair last November” said Mieko Masuda.

“So, I hope that you will be able to meet the new members of The Wisteria Club, everyone! It’s their first day here in the group and remember, before April 11, we should be able to settle our plans to the Bravehearts for the next activities once we’re officially moving to our homes” said Jirō Kitagawa.

“Okay, if there’s nothing you can ask about them, then feel free to talk with them. Thank you very much for coming at our club, members of Team Natsuka!” said Shiori Satō.

“You’re welcome!” said the members of Team Natsuka.

“Everyone, as what Mieko, Jirō and Shiori said, the members of Team Natsuka are good in cooking, especially sashimi dishes. It’s been a long time that Masami had to bring her friends to join our team” said Michiko Nobutoki.

“Now, for the members of Team Blue and Yellow, I will be glad that since you respect defeat against us, well, I’m glad that you will be ready to enjoy eating lunch later on. Of course, with Masami joining along with her friends to go to Shinjuku for an important event for Tomoka’s friends, we’ll be able to start cooking our food right in the mansion” said Masako Fujii.

“You can talk with them whatever you want, and we should be ready to cook some food for the other members of the Bravehearts later tonight” said Suehiro Nishida.

Aya Shimojō, Masako, Mieko, Shiori and Jirō come out to meet with Sukehiro, Takahiro, Ken and Shinobu.

“Well, boys, I had been impressed by your performances during the game and especially, when Takahiro blocked Shinobu’s shot” said Masako Fujii.

“Thanks, Masako!” said Takahiro.

“So, I was planning if the four of you will be working together, despite that Team Gotō and Team Natsuka will be part of the Dazzled Hearts. Then, I have to come up an idea for the members of Team Gotō to train hard because the next tournament for us will be probably held soon” said Mieko.

“Yeah” said Sukehiro and Takahiro.

“Since the problem is over, we don’t have troubles anymore. Since both the Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow were able to equalize themselves, we should be fine to get along together. Just like Saki’s friends and Maho’s friends were able to get along in the same page, we should be able to keep our friendship walk together” said Aya Shimojō.

“Yeah” said Ken, Shinobu, Sukehiro and Takahiro.

“I’m sure that you’re all fine with the agreement yesterday. So, I hope that you will able to enjoy meeting with the members of Team Natsuka” said Jirō.

“Exactly, there are times that we would be able to walk together on the same page, but on the other hand, they might end up splitting the two if either The Wisteria Club or the Foul Play Crew is busy” said Shiori.

“Well, then, we should play another match, everyone!” said Mieko.

“Okay!” said Ken, Shinobu, Sukehiro and Takahiro.

The match between Team Natsuka and Team Shimojō begin with Itsumi Kanada gets the winning tip for Team Natsuka. Then, when Itsumi passes the ball to Yuriko, then to Nobuko, before passing the ball to Yuka Natsuka. Yuka Natsuka would shoot the ball with the one-hand layup dunk. “Great job, Yuka! You’re very great!” said Mieko.

“Thanks, Mieko! Looks like this is my first time I’m going to play basketball and I will be happier if I will be able to help my team to win” said Yuka Natsuka. The Wisteria Club had introduced the new group known as Team Natsuka. They were Masami’s good friends who were able to participate at the camp for a few years ago. Now that the Wisteria Club and the Foul Play Crew have created peace with each other. They ready to compete for the next competitions that the Bravhearts compete in the next month.

UP NEXT: Extras 2: "When One Ground Hits, One Hurricane Executes"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

The next post will be "When One Ground Hits, One Hurricane Executes". In this Extra chapter, the Orange and Fuchsia's adviser Istuko Kanehira talked to the members of the Orange and Fuchsia about what they will do in preparing for Airi Kashii's birthday.

The Orange and Fuchsia is busy training at the Recreational Center when Itsuki Kanehira announced that a new group will be joining the Bravehearts on Airi’s birthday. Also, not only that they will be invited to celebrate Airi a happy birthday, the members of the Orange and Fuchsia are going to help Airi to make her birthday party the best she ever had since her last birthday last year. They promised that they will keep their friendship with Airi because they get along together with Airi in Keishin Academy and in the Kashii Sports Gym, the working place that Airi and Banri worked out every day.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
EXTRAS 2: “WHEN ONE GROUND HITS, ONE HURRICANE EXECUTES”​

The Orange and Fuchsia are training at the Recreational Center all morning. The training is about to be over when Itsuko Kanehira calls out the entire group to gather up in a meeting. Yōko Yamazaki was so glad that she finally trained hard after she was able to practice her special move, the Hawkeye Shot. That move used to look at the ball and release it with one hand to shoot after she jumped high like a hawk.

Orange and Fuchsia: Composed of four teams
Team Hayashida: Asuna Hayashida, Shizuka Ōta, Mitsuki Kaneshiro, Ai Tsukada, Erika Iguchi, Kazuyo Miyazawa, Miki Hishida, Yuriko Akinaga, Chiyo Goto and Yōko Yamazaki
Team Aoyagi: Kenshō Aoyagi, Ichirō Kanehira, Shōsuke Koyama, Kojiro Miwa, Hirokazu Chijimatsu, Junpei Hayano, Kentarō Nakamatsu, Tsunehisa Nakayama, Naruhisa Ishikawa and Kōichirō Akaike
Team Ogura: Minami Ogura, Tomoko Aoyama, Miyako Hisamura, Sakura Matsuoka, Maho Okamura, Kazue Tamaki, Chōei Utsumi, Shigehisa Deguchi, Tatsuya Aso, Hisahito Hishida, Eijirō Fukuda and Ryōsei Wakui
Other: Aya Miyakoōji
Staff: Itsuko Kanehira and Kaori Kashii
Team Fujisaki: Rina Fujisaki, Rei Rakuyama, Minami Ōshima, Sakura Nobumoto, Chinami Nishida, Ryōsei Sakurai, Nobuo Momijidani, Masahiro Kurokawa, Mareo Koga and Kazurō Ikeda
Staff: Minako Machida and Kozue Hidaka

“Everyone, I had an announcement to make. Kaori and I were talking about some of the students from other schools. And I found out that Naoko Arakawa, Yuka Fukuhara and Kana Inoue are forming a group of their own. They said that they will be affiliating with the Orange and Fuchsia, but of their own” said Itsuki Kanehira.

“So, does that mean that they are coming to the Bravehearts?” asked Aya.

“Yeah, they are Airi’s friends, but also most of them are from Yōko’s former school, Takahata Elementary School” said Itsuki.

“My friends and I were always hanging out together when we were staying in Takahata. Right now, when we split ourselves to other sections, my friends have planned to create a group to join the Bravehearts. However, they won’t be siding with the Orange and Fuchsia, but they will try to create their own group” said Yōko.

“I’m sure that your friends are preparing themselves to participate on Airi’s birthday” said Shizuka Ōta.

“Yeah, the reason why Naoko and her friends are coming to Airi’s birthday is because since Airi had a lot of friends she met, Airi allowed anyone to come to her birthday. It’s been a while that those girls are going to come by to the mansion and enjoy the birthday party” said Yōko.

“I guess that your friends are going to Airi’s birthday. It wasn’t for you who called them to come to Airi’s birthday” said Kenshō Aoyagi.

“Well, no, Kenshō. I didn’t say that I will call them to come to Airi’s birthday. It’s what Airi did when she had an important day since she is a member of the Keishin Academy basketball team” said Yōko.

“Yeah, that’s true. Being a member of section 1-C is also her opportunity to help her new friends to grow each other’s friendships. Tomoka had a lot of her friends coming to that section because they are from the Family of Angels” said Ichirō Kanehira.

“To push our plans to lead the Bravehearts, we have many groups planning to join the Bravehearts as they wanted to gain opportunity to help themselves” said Mitsuki Kaneshiro.

“Aside from that, there are many things that Tomoka and others did. Right now, the members from other groups have their plans to do while the team leaders like Risa Nagasaki, Rei Kanazawa, Daisuke Kikuchi and Megumi Kadokawa have attended a few meetings with the Bravehearts” said Chōei Utsumi.

“Since then, each group will lead the activities every month. This month is for the Family of Angels. I don’t know if any other teams are going to step up to lead the activities soon” said Rina Fujisaki.

“Oh, yeah. Yes, it is, Rina” said Asuna.

“The first thing that we have to put our action going is that one of the members must learn to play their basic plays” said Ai Tsukada.

“Now, since we’re done with that, I’m going to continue conducting some activities in the Recreational Center in the other days. So, don’t worry about that, but let’s focus on Yōko’s friends” said Itsuko.

“At that time, Yōko had remembered about them when they were getting along to read books, play video games and attend fitness lessons” said Shizuka Ōta.

“From what I know about them is that those guys are liked to play video games in an open house. Usually, Yōko invited them to play video games. On the other hand, they usually become customers to Airi’s family business, the sports gym” said Yuriko Akinaga.

“Of course, that Airi had met a lot of her friends coming from her companions or her family. Define “enthusiasts” means that she is a fitness enthusiast who likes to enjoy hanging out with her friends” said Shōsuke Koyama.

“I’m familiar about your friends, Yōko. Does your friends have played basketball?” said Minami Ogura.

“Maybe” said Yōko.

“I mean, does your friends learn to play basketball?” asked Minami Ogura.

“Yeah, but some of my friends doesn’t refer to play basketball. They like to play volleyball or swimming. They depend on either of the two, but Naoko, Yuka and Kana were usually play basketball together. Even though those three are not varsity players, they like to support me when I compete for the district tournament. My team lost in the second round of the tournament at the hands of one of the good teams in Ikegami. I remember that it’s Ikegami Daichi Elementary School” said Yōko.

“I remember about what you did in your school is that you usually play card games with them” said Ai.

“Ah, yeah, we did that when it’s breaktime. Usually, there are a lot of my friends that are good in card games. Kojō Koyama was known as “The Great Ace”” said Yōko.

“What is ‘The Great Ace’?” asked Kojiro Miwa.

“That title usually used for a higher ranked official of a group known as the Ace Seven” said Yōko.

“Ah, I remember that, Yōko” said Kojiro Miwa.

“Of course, in my former school, I usually like to walk around to look at the students in Takahata. My younger brother Yūji is already a fifth grader and he was a great cade player like Kojō, but also, he was introduced by one of my prodigies, Akihito Nomura, to basketball because I was part of the basketball club. Until then, he is hopefully going to follow my footsteps to enroll in a large middle school in Ōta” said Yōko.

“I see. It looks like you have a family of players, Yōko” said Shōsuke.

“Yeah, Shōsuke. My elder brother, a second year high schooler named Ryōhei, played football. My parents are good in playing basketball. Then, a cousin of mine in Setagaya named Yuriko Ikeda, was a football player” said Yōko.

“Wow, that was a nice profile of your family. I thought that you will be going to enroll in Yaguchi, but Airi made you be part of our group” said Asuna.

“Of course, Asuna. Just like some other good girls in Yaguchi, they loved to play the ball and it’s their own priority during weekends” said Yōko.

“Yeah, I agree with that, Yōko” said Asuna.

“By then, I have been wondering what Naoko and others are up to for Airi’s birthday. I expected to see them what’s going on, but we’ll see if they have created a group” said Yōko.

“So, you said, those girls are video gamers. Right, Yōko?” said Tsunehisa Nakayama.

“Yep” said Yōko.

“I think they are good in competing in kart games and party games. Role playing games are different than they thought” said Tsunehisa.

“Actually, Tsunehisa, my friends have never played an RPG game, but I’m sure either one of them are planning to buy a video game, in order to give it a try” said Yōko.

“I’m sure that those girls are ready to be there for Airi’s birthday” said Tsunehisa.

“Yeah, they will be there because Airi had managed to teach her friends some stretches to create flexibility of their muscles” said Yōko.

“Yeah, that’s correct, Yōko. Anyway, I wanted to create some expectations for Airi’s birthday and that’s why we should be ready to give her a present for sure” said Itsuko.

“Oh, yeah” said Asuna, Kenshō, Minami, Rina and Yōko.

“Now, since I’m the advisor of Airi’s group, I will be preparing some things to do when we’re going to make Airi’s birthday a big and surprise activity to enjoy. Tomoka and I were collaborating this because since the Orange and Fuchsia is a member of the Bravehearts, everyone will be contributed to make a big successful activity” said Itsuko.

“For that, my sister Airi likes to wear a beautiful dress to make her feel gorgeous” said Kaori.

“Of course, Kaori. For starters, each of us must have a birthday present. Show me some hands if you already bought a present for Airi’s birthday” said Itsuko. Most of the members of the Orange and Fuchsia raise their hands. “Okay, good. Now, the next thing that we want to do is that anyone must make a birthday cake for Airi. I was planning to do that on Mitsuki’s birthday a month ago, but Mitsuki’s parents are arrived lately to finish making a birthday cake for Mitsuki” said Itsuko.

“Are you sure that the birthday cake should be sweet and delicious?” asked Kōichirō Akaike.

“Yeah, probably. Of course, Kaori and I have bought some fruits as ingredients for the birthday cake. I love oranges and pomegranates because they are citrus fruits and so easy to eat it out” said Itsuko.

“On the other hand, each group must have their contributions for Airi’s birthday, but remember, choosing one of the goals that you need to throw a big successful party doesn’t mean that you have great efforts for our team. It’s optional to do that if you want to make one or more activities for that” said Kaori.

“That’s right, Kaori. One way or another, we should be working together as a team” said Minako Machida.

“Now, I will give you the assigned activities in preparing for Airi’s birthday. Team Hayashida will be teaming up with Team Aoyagi for the birthday cake making alongside me and Kaori. Then, Team Ogura and Team Fujisaki will be doing the decorations of the party alongside Minako and Kozue” said Itsuko.

“I’m sure that you will be ready to start working on those for a few days before reaching Monday. However, since we have classes on Monday, we should finish doing our activities by the time it hits 12 midnight on the day Airi turns 13” said Kaori.

“Elsewhere, there will be a lot of guests to visit the mansion for the birthday party including the family members of the Kashii family and her relatives” said Kozue Hidaka.

“That’s why we have to work together to finish the preparations for the party. Is that all?” said Minako.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Orange and Fuchsia.

“Good. There’s also one more thing that we have to talk about. Our homes were located in Kamata and Ōmori. Yaguchi is the district that the Misawa Resort Hotel locates. It means that we should be fine that some of our guests came from other districts in Ōta. If I remember correctly, some students don’t know how to locate the Misawa Resort Hotel. For starters, it is located in Yaguchi and because of that, downtown Kamata was just lied in the border of Yaguchi and Kamata. If you want to make sure that your friends will finally know about the Misawa Resort Hotel, say the address to let them inform about that place. Understand, everyone?” said Itsuko.

“Yeah, we understand” said the members of the Orange and Fuchsia.

“Ōta’s nearest river is the Tamagawa River which borders Tokyo and Kanagawa. I’m sure that you have to remember using the map to locate the places you want. Minako has a lot of maps she bought and if you want to borrow those, ask her to use it. Remember, our group has been engaging fitness activities and we will start doing this by the next weekend after we leave the mansion on April 11. Got it?” said Kaori.

“We got it!” said the members of the Orange and Fuchsia.

“Also, the group will re-organize once we add some new members from Keishin or any school around Kamata. As of now, we don’t have plans to do, however, as long as we’re going to do this after a few weeks, we’re all set” said Itsuko.

“Now, if you must know, each leader of the group from different groups will be going to the mansion every Wednesday. The meetings will be held at the mansion or at the Suzuran Shopping Street, located at upper area of Yaguchi” said Kaori.

“Then, when the meeting is done, every group will give time to do for a few days before the weekend. Of course, the Recreational Center is open for the public and we should be able to ask any member of the Bravehearts to open for training. Also, since the first tournament will be held in Ōmori, the Innocent Charm will be there to train for a week. So, if the tournament that we will be targeting is almost two weeks away, we should start training and we should be on a great shape to play in that event” said Itsuko.

“Finally, after April 11, we will go back to our homes. If we want to talk to us, everyone must start communicating with each other online through chat. It’s very important that we have to deal with some things to do and once we’re ready to execute the plans, everyone will work together at the same time” said Kaori.

“Uh, Kaori, if my friends from Suzuridani will be coming to join the Bravehearts, please, consider them to join our team” said Aya.

“Well, you came up with the decision, Aya. I told you that you have to decide on what to do with your friends if they were given an opportunity to join the Bravehearts. I will be talking with your head coach on Monday about that, but we’ll see if your friends will be joining the Bravehearts” said Kaori.

“Okay, Kaori!” said Aya.

“Now, a reminder from the Bravehearts, they are going to leave the mansion to go to Shinjuku Gyo-en at three in the afternoon for the homecoming of Tomoka’s former club in Shiromidai Elementary School. If I remember correctly, that group had a lot of exploration activities they did for the last two years. Team Fujisaki, will one of your representatives be able to come to the homecoming?” said Itsuko.

“None, Itsuko. All members of Team Fujisaki aren’t members of the Homewrecking Dragons. Some of them are members of the student council and the rest are participating in Volunteers Club” said Rina Fujisaki.

“Hmm, I believe that there’s no any member from our group will join the homecoming activity. Well, then, by the time the dusk sets, we should start working on preparations for Airi’s birthday” said Itsuko.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Orange and Fuchsia.

“Let’s make sure that we’re going to finish the preparations before the day Airi turns 13. Alright, if one is done, then the next one should be executed on the next day” said Itsuko.

“Yeah, we got it!” said the members of the Orange and Fuchsia.

“Alright, then training is dismissed!” said Itsuko. The Orange and Fuchsia had finished the agenda as they will start preparing their set-up for Airi’s birthday. After six groups created during the spring, another group will be created by the time Airi is turning 13. Many friends and relatives of Airi will be coming for the birthday and hopefully, this one will be the enjoyable day to celebrate.

UP NEXT: Extra 3: "The Picture Takers" [it will pair up with Extras 4: "The Two New Charming Relatives" on the next update!]

I hope you're all enjoyed reading the first two Extra chapters! This is the penultimate update for Volume 4 as I will close out Volume 4 with two more Extra chapters on May 23 (Wednesday). Get ready to read the next update as I will post the last two Extra chapters for Volume 4 before I will kick off Volume 5 on the fifth week of May!

 

[Oo Suguri]

I remember that I still keep 24 episodes of Ro-Kyu-Bu until now.

It was when I watched the first episode.
Wednesday, ‎August ‎27, ‎2014, ‏‎12:34:52

It brings back the memories.
Of course, getting worked up is a normal thing and my positive impression about Ro-Kyu-Bu never changes at all!
Sometimes quantity might be better to express a person's heart. Be sustainable to continue your writing life. (❤)

 

[Sherwin Riga]

I remember that I still keep 24 episodes of Ro-Kyu-Bu until now.

It was when I watched the first episode.
Wednesday, ‎August ‎27, ‎2014, ‏‎12:34:52

It brings back the memories.
Of course, getting worked up is a normal thing and the positive impression never changes at all!
Sometimes quantity might be better to express a person's heart. Be sustainable to continue your writing life.

Thanks for the kind words, Oo Suguri!:) It's been a while that I watched Ro-Kyu-Bu! last year before I begin liking the series a lot! Also, this contributes me to writing this series because I want to explore the basketball careers of Tomoka and her friends during their middle school years. But I will plan on what to do in the future volumes as soon as possible.

---------------ROOKS, KNIGHTS AND BRAVEHEARTS---------------

Tonight, Volume 4 will be completed with one more update I’m going to post. After this, on the next update, I will start posting a new chapter of Volume 5. The two Extra chapters feature the Dazzled Hearts, Team Blue and Yellow and Innocent Charm. I hope that I will close out Volume 4 tonight and move on to Volume 5 because I will try my best to continue drafting new chapters of Volume 5. Of course, there will be some thrills and excitements include Subaru’s first match for Nashiba High School after the suspension of his school's boys’ basketball program. I’m so excited that I’m ready to post new updates of Volume 5 and hopefully, I can hit a one-year mark as soon as I will continue drafting chapters in the future. For now, enjoy the two Extra chapters of Volume 4!:)

The first post will be "The Picture Takers". This is where the Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow do their own activities at the Recreational Center while Saki, Maho, Natsuhi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami are going to Shinjuku Gyo-en for the homecoming of Tomoka's former club, the Homewrecking Dragons.

While Maho, Saki, Natsuhi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami leave the mansion to go to the homecoming of Tomoka’s former club, the Homewrecking Dragons, the Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow have their own activities at the Recreational Center. The members of the Dazzled Hearts are doing an activity where they will take their pictures of the guests playing at the Recreational Center. On the other hand, the members of Team Blue and Yellow are playing volleyball where one of Naoko’s friends, Haruyo Kusaka, Saori Minagawa and Asumi Ishida, are good in playing volleyball, but they didn’t make it to the varsity team last year.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
EXTRAS 3: “THE PICTURE TAKERS”​

The Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow split their activities for today while Maho, Saki, Natsuhi, Tsubaki, Hiiragi and Masami leave the mansion to go to Shinjuku to accompany Tomoka and her friends at the homecoming of The Homewrecking Dragons.

The members of the Dazzled Hearts are sitting at the hotel entrance while Risa Nagasaki fixes her camera, so that she will take pictures later on.

Dazzled Hearts: Composed of three 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 Hiraki: Kyoko Hiraki, Yurika Akagawa, Yōji Noshitani, Tarō Sakurai, Ryōsuke Hanamura, Rikiya Koga, Ayane Murakawa and Miyū Ikeguchi
Staff: Akira Nagatsuka

“I guess that we’re all here, everyone!” said Risa Nagasaki.

“Yeah, Risa. Saki told me that while she and her friends are heading to Shinjuku, I will be in charge for the dinner. I don’t know if anyone of you are interested to cook for dinner” said Ran Mikazuki.

“Possibly, but there are a lot of things that we have to do in the mansion before we’re going to leave the mansion next week” said Atsuko Maeyama.

“I thought that we’re going to have training, but when I found out that the Orange and Fuchsia is currently using the Recreational Center for their training, we should find some other things like hobbies” said Yoshiko Shindō.

“Yeah, Yoshiko. The hobbies for our group can be used as free activity for a day. Which means, we should start taking photos at the Misawa Resort Hotel” said Aoi Otsuji.

“That’s right, Aoi. It’s already 12:35 and I can’t think of doing hobbies on the other day. So, I decided to have the cameras right here. Akira brought those because Akira is a good photographer” said Risa.

“Uh, I’m sure that photography is the easiest activity for everyone because it’s where you have to witness an event that you store in for” said Yōji Noshitani.

“Yep. That’s why, everyone is ready to take pictures. So, each group will be divided into three groups. Team Maeyama, Team Hiroki and us, Team Nagasaki” said Yoshitsugu Nakagawa.

“We have to take at least 10 pictures that are using a sports equipment. Of course, we should take pictures at any place in the Recreational Center” said Akinori Mitobe.

“Of course, we should be reminded that while taking a picture, you have the right setting to take a picture. All shots should be shown at the camera when you’re doing the activity. I’ll be waiting for you to come back and see how you are doing in that activity. So, are you ready, everyone?” said Akira Nagatsuka.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Dazzled Hearts.

“Then, let’s start taking pictures!” said Risa.

“Okay!” said the members of the Dazzled Hearts.

The three groups begin to take pictures with Ran Mikazuki, Tadamoto Inoue and a new member of Team Hiraki, Rikiya Koga, capture shots in different areas in the Recreational Center. In one hour, each group must capture 10 pictures either playing in the court or in the outdoor places. When Team Nagasaki and Team Maeyama finished taking their photos, they showed the pictures to Akira Nagatsuka outside the building of the North Wing of the Recreational Center. Only Team Hiraki still finding their way to finish taking pictures.

Rikiya Koga and Team Hiraki are walking to the second floor of the North Wing where they are staying at the bowling court. Rikiya takes a picture of a young man preparing to roll the ball to create acceleration. When he’s done taking a picture, Rikiya gathered his groupmates at one of the tables.

“We only have two more pictures left to finish this activity” said Rikiya.

“But we don’t have time left. It’s almost ten minutes remaining before Akira called us to go back outside” said Yurika Akagawa.

“Yeah, it appears that we’re running out of time, Rikiya. We should take a picture at the other side where that’s the billiards room” said Yōji.

“Okay! Everyone, let’s go!” said Rikiya as Team Hiraki enters to the other room where people are playing billiards in the billiard room. “Okay, it’s your turn, Kyoko. Take a picture of a young man using a cue to aim for the ball.”

“I got it, Rikiya! I’ll do this!” said Kyoko. Kyoko sits in the chair to take a picture of a young man and captures it. Then, Kyoko walks over to Rikiya and shows the picture.

“Wow! Fascinating. Well, then, we’re almost done, folks. Now, there is one place left remaining that we didn’t saw earlier” said Rikiya.

“I know where that place is, Rikiya!” said Tarō Sakurai.

“Yeah, Tarō, where is that place?” asked Rikiya.

“It’s in the volleyball court!” said Tarō.

“Okay, then, we should head to the other end before the staircase. Let’s go!” said Rikiya.

Rikiya and Team Hiraki walk to the volleyball court located at the front end of the second floor. Between the staircase and the table tennis room, the volleyball court is filed with players who play volleyball. At the volleyball court, Team Hiraki founds out that the members of Team Blue and Yellow are there to play. While Daisuke, Tsutomu, Yoshinori and Akitsugu are very good players in basketball, Haruyo Kusaka, Saori Minagawa and Asumi Ishida are good in volleyball, but they didn’t make it to the varsity team.

Team Blue and Yellow: Composed of three teams
Team Sugisaki: Naoko Sugisaki, Kyōsuke Fumizaki, Asumi Ishida, Haruyo Kusaka, Tarō Matsuba, Saori Minagawa, Kishō Ogata, Nagamasa Miwa, Hirono Yamanaka, Miori Misawa, Ryōsuke Hanamura, Rikiya Koga, Ayane Murakawa and Miyū Ikeguchi
Team Kikuchi: Daisuke Kikuchi, Tsutomu Fukada, Yoshinori Toshima, Akitsugu Wakui, Hiroto Makara, Hiroshi Arakawa, Shinji Masuda, Ryūichi Kitajō and Hideo Akiyama
Team Minato: Kanae Hashimoto, Kazumi Tanaka and Yukari Uchida

“Well, look we finally see, everyone. Kyoko and her team, how are you doing?” said Daisuke.

“We’re going to take a picture for our activity today. We thought that your team is ready to play video games, but I found out that some of your members are here to play volleyball” said Kyoko.

“That’s right, Kyoko. My friends have played volleyball because they are good in aiming the target to spike the ball. Also, I supposed that we will meet each other for the first at the Recreational Center because your new members should experience their first day to be part of the Bravehearts” said Naoko.

“Ah, I get it. Naoko, these are the new members: Ryōsuke Hanamura, Rikiya Koga, Ayane Murakawa and Miyū Ikeguchi” said Kyoko.

“Hi, Naoko!” said Ryōsuke, Rikiya, Ayane and Miyū.

“Nice to meet you, the four of you! I expect that you finally here because you guys are formerly from section 6-D” said Naoko.

“Yeah, Naoko. I’m now currently part of section 1-E along with Ayane” said Rikiya.

“On the other hand, Miyū and I were staying in section 1-F” said Ryōsuke.

“Well, I guess that you’re finally know about your new friends, Ryōsuke, Rikiya, Ayane and Miyū” said Naoko.

“Thanks!” said Ryōsuke, Rikiya, Ayane and Miyū.

“It’s almost running out of time and we need to take a picture of you and your friends playing volleyball. We need that to finish our activity” said Rikiya.

“Oh, okay, Rikiya. I will be right back!” said Naoko as she goes back to the volleyball court to continue playing. “Okay, Rikiya, you can capture anywhere you want.”

“Alright, count on it, Naoko!” said Rikiya as he is now aiming at the capture on the volleyball players. When Rikiya captures the last picture, she shows the last picture to Naoko and her friends.

“Wow! I can’t believe that you made a nice picture of us playing” said Naoko.

“Yeah, looks like you are very good in taking pictures, Rikiya” said Asumi Ishida.

“I’m glad that you will show it to your leader. Your leader is always hanging out with Miori after class” said Haruyo.

“Okay, we’ll show it to Akira for him to see the pictures we capture” said Rikiya.

“Good. Should we come with you, Rikiya?” said Naoko.

“Then, okay. At least that we’re together before” said Rikiya.

“Oh, really?” asked Naoko.

“Yeah” said Rikiya. Team Blue and Yellow and Team Hiraki would go down using the staircase and exit the Recreational Center. Akira sees Team Hiraki and Team Blue and Yellow as Rikiya and his team have finished taking ten pictures.

When Akira sees the pictures of different groups from their cameras, Akira compiles the pictures on his computer and shows it to the members of the Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow.

“Looks like you are able to finish doing the activity. Also, my favorite in all of the picture is this” said Akira as he shows the picture of Naoko and her friends playing volleyball, which was taken by Rikiya.

“Oh, I can’t believe that this picture was picked. Akira likes to pick pictures that are perfectly fitted for his journal report” said Risa.

“What is his journal report?” asked Yoshitsugu.

“Akira is a writer for his club, the Kirihara Middle School Journal, the official school newspaper of the Kirihara Middle School. Despite Saki will be staying in Keishin, Akira hopes that he will become one of the editors next year. He’s been informed by the club’s editor-in-chief Tatsunori Yamada that the next publication will be coming in one week before the registration of students to enter clubs for this school year” said Risa.

“I’m sure that when are we going to join, I prefer that we should go to the cooking club or the literature club” said Ran.

“Yep. Every year, the club has their own rights to open a schedule for registration of students to enter a club for a year. It’s not just an extra way to enjoy in Keishin Academy Middle School, there are a lot of activities that the middle school students have compared to ones from the elementary school” said Akira.

“In that case, we should have interests to join the clubs as long as we’re going to register at different clubs. Of course, with our size of our team is between middle and large, a few may take sports while others may take culinary clubs” said Risa.

“That’s right, Risa. As the school year starts, the first lessons will be taken before the next lessons comes out. Each teacher will give you some scope of the subjects as we’re going to participate the discussions every day. Then, at the middle of the term, there will be mid-term examinations while at the end of the term, there will be final examinations. In order to progress to the next term, you must past with at least a satisfactory grade. If you’re good enough to get an excellent mark in any of your subjects, you will be able to get an award for being a good student that has A or A+ grades” said Akira.

“It’s not going to be a competition that we have to get, but it’s going to be a competition between different schools who have produced excellent students and I think high school will be a crucial part for us because entering a high school may be easy to get high grades. We’ll have more time to finish the requirements in order to pass the subjects at the end” said Atsuko Maeyama.

“Yeah, that’s true, Atsuko. Right now, the top middle school in Ōta is the Mikami Junior High School. This school is basically used their own school system, which allows foreigners to enroll there. Mikami had been dominating in basketball and that’s why Keishin needs to get past on them if they make it to the final round. There’s also Kirihara Middle School, Hashida Middle School and Shizuno Middle School, all are located in Kamata” said Risa.

“Yeah, there are a lot of schools that we have to take on in the district tournaments. Hopefully, we have one or more members of the Dazzled Hearts going to compete for the district tournaments. It’ll be a test to determine which school has its best is” said Yoshitsugu.

“Boys, looks like we’re going to be more serious when we get to the major tournaments in Ōta. Is that right, boys?” said Daisuke.

“Yeah!” said Tsutomu, Yoshinori, Akitsugu, Nagamasa and Kishō.

“Hopefully, any one of us will be entering to the volleyball girls’ varsity team. There are no turning backs and no hesitations. Should we do that, girls?” said Naoko.

“Yeah!” said Haruyo, Saori and Asumi.

“The tryouts will be held after the Golden Week, but of course, there could be successes and failures at the end. So, if you’re ready to take part of the varsity teams, you have to prove yourself to be good at” said Akira.

“Yeah!” said the members of the Team Blue and Yellow and the Dazzled Hearts.

“I think they are all agreed to you, Akira” said Risa.

“Good. Now, everyone, each school has a lot of developments when it comes to sports. It should be fine that the best way they will get good talents is to show yourself to be good at. It doesn’t matter whether you trained yourself or not, it depends on what to do when you enter the tryouts” said Akira.

“Not only for that, there are a lot of students, who are hopefully going to play for their school and excelling their progress of their sport which will increase the reputation of being the best in Ōta. I’m sure that we should expect some big competition when we’re going to reach to the major tournaments soon” said Kana Yamada.

“So, everyone, I hope that I’m going to see some true expectations with flying colors and hopefully, you will be representing your school for your pride and courage” said Akira.

“Yes, sir!” said the members of Team Blue and Yellow and the Dazzled Hearts.

“Now, I will be waiting at the mansion because while the Bravehearts are heading to Shinjuku, we’ll be heading to the Suzuran Shopping Street to buy everyone’s needs. That way, we should be prepared to move back to our homes and start today to move on from last year. This year, we should be ready to progress. So, I will be waiting here at the mansion, okay? I’ll see you later, everyone!” said Akira as he shuts down his computer and leaves to go back to the mansion.

“Okay, see you, Akira!” said Risa. Risa would talk to his groupmates as well as the members of Team Blue and Yellow. “Okay, everyone, now we should go back to the mansion at two o’clock in the afternoon and then, we’re going to the Suzuran Shopping Street to buy some stuff we need for future activities. You can play for a half an hour for now.”

“Okay!” said the members of Team Blue and Yellow and the Dazzled Hearts. Team Blue and Yellow and the Dazzled Hearts split up to play sporting activities. While the others are heading to different places at the Recreational Center, Team Hiraki and Team Blue and Yellow are staying.

“So, what should we do, Naoko?” asked Ryōsuke.

“Well, we should go the volleyball room. We can play volleyball right there alongside you and your team, Ryōsuke!” said Naoko.

“Well, sure” said Ryōsuke.

“I hope that you are ready to battle us since it’s our first time that we are members of the Dazzled Hearts. It will be a great match to get before all of us will head to Yaguchi and the Suzuran Shopping Street” said Ayane Murakawa.

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

“But wait, there’s more!” said Rikiya.

“More? About what, Rikiya?” asked Naoko.

“We only have a half an hour to play at the Recreational Center before we head back to the mansion and prepare ourselves to go to the Suzuran Shopping Street” said Rikiya.

“Oh, okay!” said Naoko.

“Good. Let’s play volleyball!” said Ayane, Miyū, Ryōsuke and Rikiya.

“Yeah!” said the members of Team Hiraki and Team Blue and Yellow. The new members of the Dazzled Hearts are enjoyed taking pictures including the one that Naoko and her friends playing volleyball. The Dazzled Hearts and Team Blue and Yellow are hopefully going to start planning on what sports they will play for this school year. In two weeks, they will register their membership to different clubs in Keishin Academy Middle School and they will be ready to participate at the activities the school have.

UP NEXT: Extras 4: "The Two New Charming Relatives"

 

[Sherwin Riga]

The second post will be “The Two New Charming Relatives”. It features the new members of the Innocent Charm to replace their members who joined the Pink Nobles.

The Innocent Charm have acquired new members after the creation of the Pink Nobles. In compensation of the creation of the Pink Nobles, Rei Kanazawa welcomed Kumi Sagami, Akiho Kurimoto, Akira Tayama, Shōijirō Miyashita, Shintarō Ōsumi, Kenta Achiba, Shinobu Hirasawa, Hajime Shimizu and Sayaka Akatsuka. Among the new members, there are two members who are connected to the members of the Bravehearts: Shinobu Hirasawa (relative of Sora Kaneshiro) and Hajime Shimizu (the sister of Harumi Shimizu, the vice captain of the Shiromidai Elementary School). The new members are receiving expectations and they are planning to get along with the Innocent Charm once they are ready to start their new journey in Keishin Academy Middle School.

VOLUME 4: “THE CHARM, THE PRESTIGIOUS AND THE CAT”
EXTRAS 4: “THE TWO NEW CHARMING RELATIVES”​

The Innocent Charm and the Prestigious Charm are playing bowling at the second floor of the North Wing of the Misawa Resort Hotel, which is also known as the Recreational Center. Without Ryōta Nakamura and the Pink Nobles, the Innocent Charm and the Prestigious have played a bowling match.

While the friendly match between the Innocent Charm and the Prestigious Charm is ongoing, the eight new members of the Innocent Charm have their conversation. They were formerly coming from section 6-D and 6-E. The only exception is Hajime Shimizu, who is the sister of Harumi Shimizu. Harumi is a friend of Asumi Hiramatsu and the vice captain of the Shiromidai Elementary School girls’ basketball team. Hajime was just transferred from Shiromidai Elementary School after she was graduated from that school. One of the new members is Shinobu Hirasawa, who is a relative of Sora Kaneshiro and formerly a student of section 6-D.

Innocent Charm: Composed of four teams
Team Kanazawa: Rei Kanazawa, Kazuya Uehara, Yoshitsugu Kimura, Kana Uchida, Ai Ohara, Kira Kakimoto, Misaki Nagaoka, Akari Tanigawa, Kumi Sagami, Akiho Kurimoto, Akira Tayama and Shōjirō Miyashita
Team Fukutomi: Sora Fukutomi, Koji Nakagaichi, Sakura Uehara, Daiki Mitsugi, Ryōta Inoue, Machiko Kogure, Seiichi Abe, Shintarō Ōsumi, Kenta Achiba, Shinobu Hirasawa, Hajime Shimizu and Sayaka Akatsuka
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, Daisuke Ōhata, Kishō Ono, Michiya Toriumi, Motoichi Miyaji, Akira Miyaji and Shinjō Uchida
Others: Akira Ōkawa, Ryō Nagashima, Asami Miyazaki and Aya Tachibana
Staff: Yuichi Uchida, Kumi Takamura, Seijirō Hakamada, Suzuko Hakamada and Kuni Hakamada

Kumi Sagami, Akiho Kurimoto, Akira Tayama, Shōijirō Miyashita are sitting their chairs at Table #4 while Shintarō Ōsumi, Kenta Achiba, Shinobu Hirasawa, Hajime Shimizu and Sayaka Akatsuka are sitting their chairs at Table #5.

“It’s so nice that this is your first time to visit the Recreational Center, Hajime” said Akira Tayama.

“Thanks, Akira. I talked to my sister that I will be here for a week before I’ll be back home to my sister’s house. Harumi and I were together at Shiromidai Elementary School before I enrolled at Keishin Academy a few months ago. I already graduated from Shiromidai Elementary School a few months ago and I was so excited that I will be studying at Keishin Academy” said Hajime.

“Well, I hope that you are enjoyed being part of our section. So, why are you joining the Bravehearts?” said Shintarō Ōsumi.

“Uh, Asumi invited me to join the Bravehearts a few days ago after the first day of school. When Asumi and Harumi are about to part ways, Asumi patted on my left shoulder, saying that I might be joining the Bravehearts if I can meet her the next day. Then, yesterday, Asumi, Harumi and I were staying at Nishi-Shiromi Square where the other members of the Shiromidai Elementary School girls’ basketball team are joining along with them. Asumi said that joining the Bravehearts will allow me to have new friends in Keishin Academy and missing my former students doesn’t mean they are no longer getting along with you, but they have time to talk to me if they want to. I’m the first student from Shiromidai Elementary School to join the Innocent Charm. Rei came by to meet me at the station before I’m heading back home. She said that the re-organization was just a big set-up to create a board before the end of the first term” said Hajime.

“Wow! What a long story you have, Hajime!” said Shinobu Hirasawa.

“Thanks, Shino. I’m glad that I’m finally become a member of the Innocent Charm and I’m glad that we’re going to become together as friends” said Hajime.

“Yeah, Hajime. What are friends for? It’s your desire to progress us into the future” said Kumi Sagami.

“Yeah, I agree about that. After I joined the Bravehearts, Asumi asked me if what team I should join to represent them. I thought that I want to join the Family of Angels, but I decided to pick the Innocent Charm because I want to create a different faction for the students of the Shiromidai Elementary School. Both Family of Angels and Orange and Fuchsia have formed their own factions for the students of the Shiromidai Elementary School including Team Gotō, Jun’s Angels and Team Fujisaki” said Hajime.

“People from Shiromidai Elementary School have transferred to different schools like in Yaguchi Middle School, Miraku Middle School and Tamagawa Middle School. A few students have also enrolled at the Den-en-chōfu Middle School like Satoshi Akimoto, the member of the Winding Current” said Kenta Achiba.

“Yeah, a few students I met have either transferred to those schools or enrolled at Keishin Academy. Hitomi Takao is one of my friends I recognize as one of the leaders of the Homewrecking Dragons. I wish that I want to be a leader someday” said Hajime.

“Well, we’re lucky to have you being part of the Innocent Charm. In other groups, there are some students from Shiromidai Elementary Schools who have joined the Bravehearts and I expect that you will be able to come with us soon” said Sayaka Akatsuka.

“Also, I expect that Hinata will be coming here later tonight. Hinata had informed us that everyone from the Innocent Charm have their bowling game for them while she will be heading to Shinjuku along with her friends” said Shōijirō Miyashita.

“Well, I supposed that I’m going to meet here, Shōijirō, but I’ll have time to meet her once she’s back from Shinjuku later tonight” said Hajime.

“Okay, Hajime” said Shōijirō.

“Now, I wonder what we are going to do today. I mean it will be a gauntlet bowling game where the loser being replaced by a different team. I bet that this will be a harder challenge to get” said Akira.

“As far as I know, the bowling room is opened from 10:00 a.m. up to 10:00 p.m. Can the gauntlet last for at least six hours?” said Kenta.

“Probably, because it will be a clash between anyone who can be able to be the survivor for this bowling gauntlet. We didn’t have a game yet” said Akira.

“So, you liked to play bowling, Akira?” asked Hajime.

“Yeah, I like to play bowling because my family and I have enjoyed bowling at one of the shopping malls in Chiyoda and when I want to compete for a national competition, I have to try hard to win matches against some of the great bowlers” said Akira.

“I’m glad that you’re ready to play later on” said Hajime.

“Yep” said Akira.

“Well, Hajime, the Innocent Charm usually have their pendants they wear when they go outside to do leisure activities. Recreational activities are most probably the best activities we did outside. Also, they usually go around at the North Wing because they are interested to play sports or buy stuffs” said Shinobu.

“So, that’s why we’re here only for the weekend, but when we’re leaving the Misawa Resort Hotel, we’re going to go separate ways” said Sayaka.

“Well, there’s an idea that when we are going to visit some places every weekend” said Shinatarō.

“Uh, I supposed that we should do that, however, there are times that the Bravehearts may allow anyone to come at the mansion. The mansion will be permanently owned by the Bravehearts and to be used as a boarding house” said Shōijirō.

“We didn’t hear about some plans because we don’t know about the future plans for them. It might be take a few days to accept proposals to the higher year students” said Akira.

“There are a lot of students who have maintained their cleanliness in every room in Keishin and the student council has decided to enact segregation activities that we have to save our environment. The teachers will give us some schedules to clean our room and then, by the end of the month, we will dispose the garbage to any factory that can recycle items. It is to save Mother Earth from pollution and to reduce the use of plastic” said Shinobu.

“Exactly, Shinobu! Now, there are other things that the future plans will come out to execute their actions. That way, we should be able to help each other and by the time the Bravehearts will hold a leadership election, anyone from the Innocent Charm will be ended up being the leader for a month” said Sayaka.

“Usually, my former section 6-5 have conducted missions to accomplish ourselves in being the one of the top sections, however, the section 6-2 are good enough to win their award. We placed second behind them, but we were able to receive recipients to the officers of my former class” said Hajime.

“Ah, okay, I see. So, since you’re from Shiromidai, do you want to know about your sister and her team?” said Shōijirō.

“Well, I guess that I should tell it to you, but of course, not, I hope that you will understand about the facts about my former school” said Hajime. Hajime showed the picture of the Shiromidai Elementary School girls’ basketball team. The picture includes Coach Mieko Sugihara, Michiko Takeda, Aya Masamune, Teruko Sugiyama, Chinami Kasai, Mao Asakura, Asumi Hiramatsu, Harumi Shimizu, Kanako Kikuchi, Naoko Ichida, Akane Mutō and Tomoko Kusumoto.

“Michiko Takeda is one of the students who saved her team by performing the floater at the end of the game against the Suzuridani Academy. Shiromidai have won the district tournament to represent Ōta at the prefectural tournament, where they lost in the third round of the prefectural tournament at the hands of a school in Machida” said Hajime.

“Then, what happened after Asumi and your sister being appointed as captain and vice captain of your former school’s basketball team? I want to hear about their plans and hopes to return to the prefectural tournament” said Shintarō.

“After Michiko’s graduation, Asumi was assigned to become the captain of the Shiromidai Elementary School and that’s where my sister being appointed as the vice captain. When Michiko decided to go to Kirihara, Asumi began her duties as the captain of the team and their target is to make it to the prefectural tournament for their second straight year. Asumi wished that she will be leaving Den-en-chōfu for Yaguchi for middle school because there are a lot of graduates transferring to that area for this year” said Hajime.

“Ah, so Asumi is planning to enroll in Yaguchi aside from Tamagawa and Den-en-chōfu. Am I right, Hajime?” said Kumi.

“Yeah, Kumi. Asumi had a lot of middle schools she had made up for her plans for next year. This would be the same for my sister. When I enroll at Keishin, I decided to don a new uniform, compared to the one from Shiromidai, because it’s my first time that I enter to the middle school building on the first day of school. I didn’t meet Hitomi Takao and her friends yet” said Hajime.

“I’m sure that you’re ready to take progress to the next level in Keishin, but I hope that your sister will be enrolling in Keishin Academy” said Shinobu.

“Well, I’m going to think about that because it’s too early to decide that” said Hajime.

“Yeah, I understand. Oh, that reminds me, my close relative Sora gave me a message a few minutes ago. She says that she and her friends will be heading to Shinjuku to go to Shinjuku Gyo-en. I’m sure that there’s an event that was organized by the Homewrecking Dragons” said Shinobu.

“The Homewrecking Dragons. I recognize that name, but I didn’t join that group because I was closed to my sister. Anyway, I joined the Science Club and I was able to pass the Science exams with my research I got” said Hajime.

“To be fair, Hajime, if you’re interested in participating at any subject clubs, this may be different to the Homewrecking Dragons. So, why are you joining the Science Club?” said Shinobu.

“I’m very familiar to know about the ecology and forestry. I wanted to take a course in forestry because I wanted to save the environment and try to work on projects that the government had” said Hajime.

“Well, I’m glad that you want to become an environmentalist, Hajime. Sometimes, when you take part of tree planting projects, it contributes your opportunity to become a future leader” said Akira.

“Yeah, I hope that I might be given a position by the government by the time I’m graduated as a college graduate. This will take many years to make that happen, but first, I will pursue myself to be best in Science” said Hajime.

“Well, good for you, Hajime. I hope that you will keep up the good work!” said Sayaka.

“You bet!” said Hajime.

“My profession if I will be graduated in college will be becoming an engineer. Sora said to me that engineering is the best course for anyone who has good engineers in a large company” said Shinobu.

“I see. By the way, who’s Sora, Shinobu? Is she your sister or not?” said Akira.

Shinobu laughed a little bit, then said, “Actually, Sora is my relative from my mother’s side.”

“Your mother’s side?!” said Kumi, Akiho, Akira, Shōijirō, Shintarō, Kenta, Hajime and Sayaka.

“No way, Shinobu! Is she your cousin or what?!” said Akiho.

“Sora and I were formerly together when we were toddlers, but when I heard that Sora’s father passed away, we were no longer connected to each other” said Shinobu.

“Are you sure that Sora being adopted after her parents passed away?” asked Kumi.

“Yeah, Kumi. Sora is currently living with her sisters in the Little Wing Orphanage” said Shinobu.

“Ah, okay. Tell me how Sora was connected to them and how they were doing at their place” said Kumi.

“Sora, Nozomi, Jun and Sakura were sisters because they were orphans. When Sora’s parents passed away, she decided to keep her surname even that she was adopted by Masayoshi Sawatari. Despite that he didn’t marry a female person, he adopted the four of them to become his “children”. Masayoshi had worked when he and the girls organized concerts at the Little Wing Orphanage. I don’t know what’s going to happen because ever since Sora didn’t have her parents anymore, Sora and her sisters were able to enjoy practicing their performance for the concert and also, giving advices to her friend, Kyō Nukui. I’m sure if I will meet her at some time” said Shinobu.

“Wait a minute, Shinobu. That doesn’t mean that you and Sora are cousins?” said Sayaka.

“Yes, it was” said Shinobu.

“On the other hand, did you not meet Sora again after her parents are gone?” asked Shintarō.

“Yeah, unfortunately, Sora didn’t able to meet up with her relatives like me until when she was adopted by Masayoshi along with Nozomi, Jun and Sakura, I finally begin to have happier lives at the Little Wing Orphanage. Sora conducted the Little Wing Policy that allows her friends to follow what the rules are” said Shinobu.

“Well, I’m glad that you know about Sora even though you aren’t longer connected with her. Aren’t you?” said Kenta.

“Yeah. Sora’s father is a Kaneshiro while my mother is also a Kaneshiro. Although she is no longer a member of the Kaneshiro clan, Sora becomes friends with Nozomi, Jun and Sakura. Maybe, I was thinking if Sora will enroll at Keishin Academy, but it’s up to Jun or Masayoshi to decide about that” said Shinobu.

“Uh, is Sora going to Keishin Academy?” asked Kumi.

“I don’t know if she will transfer to that school, but I’m not sure if I will be able to talk to her right now because she’s currently leaving for Shinjuku for the homecoming” said Shinobu.

“If Sora’s your relative, then you should meet her in Shinjuku, Shinobu. You should leave early before they leave the train for Shinjuku” said Akiho.

“Okay, I’m going to ask Sora Fukutomi if I’m going to leave the mansion, so that I can meet with my cousin” said Shinobu.

“Sure, you can do that after the match is over, but I hope that you will be on time to meet with her” said Kenta.

“Okay!” said Shinobu.

“So, there’s one member who is Sora’s relative and then, that girl who is the sister of a basketball player in Shiromidai. I guess that both you and Hajime aren’t getting to know each other. did the two of you met each other before?” said Kumi.

“Uh, no, Kumi. I didn’t meet with him before” said Hajime.

“Uh, no, Kumi. I didn’t meet with her before” said Shinobu. Hajime and Shinobu say those together except the last word because Hajime uses “his” for Shinobu while Shinobu uses “her” for Hajime.

“I get it. I supposed that we should continue talking about that, but Shinobu, you should join with Sora and her friends right now to meet her. I know that you and Sora are reconciled since Sora was longer connected to you more than years ago” said Kumi.

“I hope that you will be able to meet with her as soon as you’re joining with her” said Akiho.

“I want to tell you that you enjoy your safe trip to Shinjuku, Shinobu” said Shōijirō.

“Shinobu, it’s your chance to meet Sora for a long time because not only you join the Bravehearts, but you will finally reunite with her” said Sayaka.

“Yeah, go for it, Shinobu!” said Akira.

“Sora’s waiting for you outside the mansion, Shinobu. Just don’t motivate yourself” said Kenta.

“Even if you’re trying to catch up with Sora, you will finally be able to meet her” said Shintarō.

“Okay, I will! Thanks, everyone! I’m gonna ask Sora Fukutomi if I can leave now” said Shinobu.

“You don’t have time to talk to Sora-chan, Shinobu. I will explain this to her when you leave. Okay?” said Hajime.

“Okay, Hajime” said Shinobu. Shinobu stands up and brings his bag to leave the bowling room. “I’ll see you later tonight, guys! I’ll let you know when I finally going to meet Sora!”

“Okay, see you later, Shinobu!” said Kumi.

“Bye, Shinobu!” said Kenta and Hajime.

“Just come to the mansion after the homecoming!” said Sayaka.

“Okay, I will! Bye, everyone!” said Shinobu. Shinobu left the Recreational Center of the Misawa Resort Hotel to meet Sora Kaneshiro and the Family of Angels along with the Bravehearts outside the mansion. Even Shinobu had a relative in Sora Kaneshiro, he had to reconcile with her since Sora’s parents passed away when Sora was a little girl. Shinobu is ready to leave the mansion to get along with the Bravehearts and the Family of Angels as they will be going to Shinjuku Gyo-en, the venue of the homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons.

UP NEXT: Chapter 55: "Homecoming of the Homewrecking Dragons" [First chapter of Volume 5]

That concludes Volume 4 with 15 chapters, 2 interludes, 1 special chapter and 4 extra chapters are all present. The next update will be a new volume and a new chapter as the series will enter Volume 5. (I have to work on getting a new title for Volume 5.) I will also change the introduction post because I have to declare that this series is now a crossover of Eromanga Sensei, Ro-Kyu-Bu!, Tenshi no 3P! and High School DxD. See you on May 27 (Sunday) for the first update of Volume 5!