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[Chapter V] | Swim Class

Score after score, the gap between Himuro's team and Tejima's was getting larger. The ones that lost couldn't believe it. In their own best efforts, they weren't even able to manage to even get a single score off the third and second-years, and yet, here they were, getting shown up by the last first-year team. Not only that, two of the members were from Class D, the Point Guard leading them from the same class. They couldn't help but feel inferior to them. But of course, that was true, Asahi was superior to them in pretty much all regard of abilities and skill. And he's been playing since middle school and he and his former teammates have won championship after championship. Their middle school's motto was to win at all costs. This went hand in hand with his own teachings, winning is like breathing.

Only one whole minute was left on the timer. With an arm reeled back, Tejima hurls the ball nearly halfway, meeting Miyaji near the center line. Quickly grabbing it, the second-year Shooting Guard sped down the court as fast as he could. With finesse and style, dribbling the ball behind him and even tossing it into the air a little to stylishly evade the Small Forward and Shooting Guard of Asahi's team. Stopping at the three pointer line, coming to a complete stop as he quickly got into position, his form showing nearly a bit of perfection in them. A good jump into the air, he pushes the ball forward, a breath being exhaled as he watches the ball spin toward the hoop. His form was nearly perfect, no reckless spinning on the basketball whatsoever. It could make it into the basket flawlessly.

If only it were that easy.

The Power Forward on Asahi's team, Sudou, had quickly jumped into the air. While his build and imposing nature didn't rival Tejima's, it was certainly big and offered a bit of intimidation. Not only that, he had a fiery personality, which combined with his exploding nature and raw talent of power. Having leapt with great height, he easily blocked the ball, making Miyaji click his tongue in annoyance. Once landing onto the ground, Sudou quickly prepared himself to bulldoze his way down the court in order to land a dunk.

"Sudou! Pass it to me!"

That chilling aura soon ran down his spine. That all-too familiar feeling he first felt at the convenience store. With what seemed to be a troubled sigh, Sudou tosses it behind him, landing perfectly into the fingertips of Asahi Himuro.

With a neutral expression, calm breathing as he made his first dribble, Asahi made his move. First passing it to the Small Forward on his team, avoiding the first third-year that goes to stop him. The Small Forward soon passes it back into Asahi's hands, two second-years heading up to the red-haired teen to stop him. However, like he had displayed before, Asahi used that same dribbling technique, the two second-years attempting to turn on the pivot of their heels, it was as if they slipped, soon falling onto their rears as Asahi quickly ran past them. But not before seeing the intimidating gaze of his eyes, those glowing red rings around his irises as they told them to lower their heads.

His final obstacle was Tejima Kenshiro, the captain and Center of the opposing team. With what seemed to be a proud grin, his big arms fanned out in a defensive manner, he crouched down.

"Come!" Tejima shouted. "First-year brat!"

Asahi simply scoffed in amusement. "You're certainly powerful, Tejima-senpai. But... This is my win."

The red-haired teen leapt off his feet, Tejima doing the same. A very exaggerated shout came from the top of Tejima's lungs, putting all of his strength into stopping the first-year in front of him. However, he gasped, all of his air quickly leaving his lungs. A low pass performed by the red-haired first-year down to his teammate below him, the boy's arm having moved in a mere blink of an eye. It was like Tejima had failed to process the actions of Asahi, even though he was staring right in front of him. However, that was because his eyes had been so focused into Asahi's own red irises, seeing how they glowed brightly as they exuded that commanding aura the boy had. A formidable Point Guard is what Asahi was, yes, but for Tejima to feel slight bits of fear was quite impressive. Just staring into the boy's eyes long enough, which his gaze was like a hawk stalking its prey, was almost terrifying. Like an impending, insurmountable amount of force being placed onto his shoulders that was just being thrust upon him like an anvil, his vision locked onto Asahi as it seemed that the red-haired boy was like he was floating in the air.