The sun was shining intensely, students said they could see the heatwaves blasting off the surface of the colossal star, but they were exaggerating. This heat would have been disfavored if it wasn't for the dazzling breeze that ran through everyone's hair. With the help of the cherry blossom trees - which were running down the path towards Yamamura Academy - a shadow was cast above all booths and students, but did not implement an eternal darkness upon them. With that in mind, this gorgeous day would be the first for many new students. Returning students would have already caught a sense of this image, it happens every spring. First years will experience the old school Yamamura welcome from all the booths lining up along the same path as the cherry blossom trees. Those light pink leaves were floating all around at all times. They didn't get in the way though, most students were actually fond of such delightful view.

The booths, set up by all the presidents of certain clubs, were the essence of Yamamura Academy. These clubs aided every student, helping them stay interested in their preferred study, helping them academically. Since Yamamura Academy focused primarily on its academic success, which was the reason for its high rank in the Japanese School Board, from the fifty-plus clubs, only one stood out.............the Basketball Club. In the entire school, not a single sport is implemented. Math, science, history and language were the four basic clubs which received most popularity. Some clubs don't even get member sign-ups, therefore they are funded for no reason. That little detail was what started the Basketball Club.

Kimura Teshira, currently a third year student, is known as the president of the Basketball Club. He was the reason the club exists today. During his first year at Yamamura Academy, Kimura Teshira was capable of convincing the school board to drop underpopulated clubs and invest in a Basketball Club. It wasn't as easy as one would think. Fist, he had to petition against the board, getting signatures from students that would prefer a Basketball Club over the Garbage Disposal Club.........Yes, the board funded a student's club where members would go around the school helping collect trash and throwing it in the dumps. Its sad. Anyhow, after a couple of months of striking and the use of persuasive tactics, Kimura was capable of getting the board on board.

Time skip to Kimura's third year and this is where we are:

Kimura Teshira, senior student of Yamamura Academy sat outside the school gates. Along side him, other booths, passing out flyers and sign up sheets, manipulating the new students into joining their clubs. Kimura was also passing out tryout flyers to everyone that entered through the colossal steel gates. He didn't understand why the school wouldn't allow the booths to be in the school yard instead of outside its walls. Anyhow, Kimura's face was as crunched up as a toasted toaster strudel. He was most obviously enraged that, one: he was left in charge of getting at least five people to sign-up for the basketball club, his coach nowhere in sight, and two: the fact that NO ONE WAS SIGNING UP!!!!

From nine-hundred plus students entering this.....this 'Cathedral', not a single one has signed his college rule bring piece of paper labeled 'Basketball Club Sign-Up'. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the 'science' or 'mathematics' clubs, which didn't really make any sense. "Didn't even know those clubs existed. Who in the world adds and subtracts for fu......." Kimura paused, due to a sudden approach.

A six foot student now stood right before Kimura. The captain couldn't believe the stature of this being. He looked like a statue. The captain thought to himself:

"It's about damn time....." but he spoke too fast.

"Where can I find the gee club? I mean, I looked everywhere! Can you help?" the statue spoke

Kimura's right eyelid began to twitch uncontrollably. His right nostril soon followed the quick jerking motion. Kimura stood as his eyes locked on to his blank piece of paper. He forced himself to point in the direction of the gee club as all his muscles tensed severely.

Once the statue was out of his sight, Kimura growled thuderously like a wolf piercing through its prey. With a sudden flutter, the captain sat back down on his blue chair and huffed loudly. He nearly blew all the papers off the table. Once his rage came to a conclusion, he returned to wait for a hopeful bunch of basketball players. But if he didn't, the board would eliminate the Basketball Club for good.

"What!? You can't just kick me out!" Michiko said to her fellow club members of the Math Advanced Club. A senior student who looked for all the world like a stereotypical geek cleaned his glasses than said, "I'm sorry Michiko, but you're getting through this too easily and showing others, the other members can't grow in their skill," and received a swift kick where men do not want to be kicked before Michiko walked away.

Poetry Club, Asian Heritage Club..... Basketball Club? Michiko looked at this club for a few seconds, and before she could talk herself out of it she walked to the booth and asked, "D......do y-you have a po....position for a c.....c....coach?" to the quite cute captain.

With his face planted on the table, his miserable failure could be seen by the surrounded students. Everyone who passed by probably murmured something about Kimura's melancholy. Listening to all the other club presidents enjoying themselves was making his ire condition worse. There was only about twenty minutes before the board had the clubs disband and go to class. There were hardly any students outside anymore, getting an entire basketball team to sign-up would be impossible.

But suddenly, Kimura's luck seemed to change as a voice appeared before him. Since his head had been down at that exact moment, he didn't really know who stood before him, but didn't really care. As his turned his head towards the speaker, he was astonished. For some odd reason, a pretty young girl, about sixteen-seventeen years old, was asking him whether the position for coach was available. First off, why in the word was this girl stuttering? She physically breathtaking. Her hair was long and pink, her complexion as pure as the sun itself, her body...........don't get me started on her body. The point is, if anyone should have been stuttering, it'd of been Kimura. But in order to be respectful, Kimura stood and introduced himself. "I'm Kimura Teshira. Third year student at Yamamura Academy, nice to meet you."

Then he sat back down, took the pen which lay beside the sign-up sheet and gave it to her. "Currently, the only person in this Basketball Club is me. I started it during my first year, not sure if you heard about it, hardly anyone has. But forget about the past. To answer your question: Yea, the position for coach is open. But.....ummm.......Do you have any experience?" he questioned. "I'm not saying I don't want you to join! I just........I just want to have a good season, you know?" he added. "This is my last year at Yamamura, I want to go out fighting, unlike the past two years. You can sit if you want" Kimura said, pointing at the chair beside her.

Even if she didn't have experience, Kimura would not reject her entering the club. He needed people and as of right now, beggars can't be choosers.

(2days ago)

Izumi head fakes trying to get past her brother Taki but to no avail because he's learned to read her moves like no one else can. He blocks her drive forcing her back to dribbling defensively all the while grinning like a cat with a trapped mouse.

"Come on sis an do something or are you scared?" he chuckles as he quick steps from foot to foot ready for her next attempted drive.

Pivoting she resorts to a classic wide elbow stance with a street move back step hip thrust which causes him to jump back allowing her the chance to counter pivot an break out.
She giggles as she rapid-fire dribbles to the net. Her brother does have his one weakness on the court an she's more than willing to exploit it. Since her body began changing he's more and more squeamish about touching certain parts of her or having them touch him.

She's about to make her layup when as if by magic Taki is there beside her and snatches the ball out of the air mid flight.

Izumi spins and gives pursuit to her brother's quickly retreating form and comes to a screeching halt as she see's him set the top of the key and give the ball a lazy flick for three points.

"Seventeen to twelve sis, you better show some hustle if you don't want me to smoke you" he says taunting her

Taki sees the look in Izumi's eyes an thinks "Dam she's scary" as he sees the flames of her competitive nature still burning brightly

His sis an he were the stars of their junior high teams back where they're from but the new school they're transfered to doesn't even have a team girl or boys.. This means that they'll just have to content themselves playing each other.

As Izumi retrieves the Ball Taki watches her realizing once more how much like their mom she's becoming. His sister is a beautiful girl and she'd probably have a boyfriend by now if she wasn't always around him.

He's so lost in worrying that he's making his sis am old maid that she drives past him and gets two points on a hook shot.

"Izumi to Taki, come in bro can you hear me she says as she catches her ball

"Izumi why is it that the only dresses you wear are your school uniform?" he asks absentmindedly barely catching her bullet pass at his head

"Why are you worried about my fashion choices Bro, you going Ecchi on me?" she giggles

"Gross sis, don't even go there" he says acting as if he'll be ill

The two resume their game of full court 1x1 driving so hard that by the time Taki's watch sounds the buzzer they're both drenched in sweat and he's out scored her by 25 points. Most people would be discouraged by loosing by so much but not Izumi for it is her brother's skill and her constant pitting of her own against it that made her Queen of the court back where they come from. Taki for his part knows that always having a ready sparring partner like Izumi has kept his skills at a level few boys his age could match.

They both head over to the court sinks for a quick clean up.

_________________________________

(The First Day of School)

Izumi was hanging off her brother's arm and firing off various questions about the proper use of English grammar.
Taki rolled his eyes hoping she'd quit but knowing she wouldn't.

Taki are you listening to me? Izumi ask shaking his arm

"I'm trying not to but you're not making it easy an could you let me go?
People think we're dating" Taki says turning slightly red as she pulls his arm tightly to her chest an rests her head on his shoulder.

"You brute are you saying you don't love me anymore?" she teases in a pouty tone her eyes big and looking as if she cry at any moment

"AAAAARGG! ; WE ARE NOT DATING! screams Taki in frustration as Izumi dances out of his reach only to back right into Kimura's booth with her bottom.
Taki is eyes smoking with anger approaches his sister as if he wants to strangle her

Izumi not seeing the table lands on her back her head landing almost in Kimura's lap.

"Hello she says with a giggle looking up at the Basketball captain

Not taking up the offer of sitting yet Michiko bowed to the captain of the team at a 90 degree angle and said, "Pleased to meet you Teshira-sempai!" rather hurriedly, then continued at a normal pace as she stood back up from the bow, "M....my name is...... is....... Michi..... chi.... Michiko Kyo.....Kyoko, second year student," and gave a small smile. That smile dropped when his question about experience hit her.

"Experience? Well I've never coached before..... but...... I've done theory, researched coaching techniques a little bit..... but if you can get a better coach that's alright..." Michiko responded, her head down and her biting her lip a bit, hoping she'll get opportunity to coach. In thought Michiko didn't notice the blonde young man behind her.

Masaru gave a smile and made it obvious he was scanning over the pink haired girl beside him, then said to the guy sitting down, "Guessin' your the captain? I'll sign up, I hope our members can play, I don't wanna be held back. I'd tell you my name but I'm sure you saw me in the third place team last year, be glad you've got the brilliant Masaru Susumu on your team," and chuckled, putting a hand on Michiko's shoulder.

As she continued to struggle as she spoke, Kimura couldn't help but smile. He felt a as if, for once, [i[he[/i] was on top of the food chain. He was underestimated the last two years. The teams he had created were nothing but the worst. They didn't respond to his leadership, nor did they really care about basketball. It was as if the only reason they joined the Basketball Club was because there wasn't anything else. They weren't terrible, the students knew the fundamentals of the sport, but none of em' could actually put those core elements to the test. Its about the basketball team, not the basketball player. A single person cannot do it all.

"Look here Michiko. The fact is, I don't know how this year will turn out. I was the first student out here to set my booth up, yet I'm the only one without a signature. You're the first person to show up to actually sign-up, therefore I'm giving you the position as coach. All i ask is that once the team is built, you don't let us lose"

He looked down at his paper and wrote down her name on the sign-up sheet then passed her the pen. "Write down your phone number, address, and just sign the bottom" he explained with a smile.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you in the gym. Better bring your best training routine, were aiming for the top this year" he said, as a sudden figure or figurine appeared beside Michiko. A white blonde loudmouth just happened to pop up from nowhere. His indirect way of speaking was disrespectful. Then he explained who he was, though he was right, it wasn't necessary. Second year "Copy Cat" Masaru Susumu. From what Kimura knew, this player had the ability to basically mimic another players best moves, but due to his basic abilities, he made those moves better by adding pure skill. Last year, his team made it to the top, third place in nationals. But Kimura knew for a fact that this player was not in it for the team, but for the individual. He played the game on his own, disregarding his teammates, thinking they were below him. This fact didn't make Kimura's decision on letting him play all that easy. He had two choices. Let Masaru sign up and hope he'd be a team player, or decline him and possibly have no basketball team.

"Look here jack (Masaru), I've seen you play. I know what you're capable of, you're good, there's no doubt about it, but, this is my team. Well, actually, it's her team" Kimura started, pointing at Michiko, the newly announced coach.

"She's our coach. Michiko Kyoko, so how about you get your hands off of her and show some respect..............Anyway, just fill this out" Kimura exclaimed, sliding a sing-up sheet to him, along with another pen.

"I just want you to realize that this is a basketball team, were playing together, passing the ball, scoring points with strategy. So I don't want to see you.................Oh crap!" he finished, as a girl just happened to blast through Michiko and Masaru, running into his entire booth, blowing the whole damn thing apart. He noticed he had a girls head nearly on his crotch, which caused him to loudly gulp as his eyes widened with nno expression. He didn't know what to say, he just sat there, waiting for the girl to speak. And for some odd reason, she did.

"Hello" she said with a giggle.

Without thinking, Kimura stood up from his chair, backing away quickly. "Crap, are you okay?!" he asked hurriedly as he saw how she lay. She basically knocked all his basketball sign-up sheets from his table. He went ahead and helped the girl stand back up, picking her up by the right bicep. She was pretty built for a girl. After that, he went ahead and struggled to pick all the sheets from the ground. He cursed out the entire universe as he picked them one by one. This was a blasted day. But in the end, he did end up getting two signatures, though it wasn't enough. And now, he had nothing, not even a booth. "Blasted school!" he cursed to himself.

Izumi was going to thank the guy for not getting mad at her when she heard

"IZUMI!" as her brother lunged for her causing her to use the nice guy as a shield

She saw the sheets he was hold as she basically used him as a way to avoid an enraged Taki. What she saw on the header made her pause just enough so that Taki could grab her arm a yank her from behind Kimura.

As she stumbled into his grip Izumi said just as he started tickling her TAKI! BASKETBALL! she squealed

Taki stopped and looked at Kimura confused asking This school has a Basketball team?

It's as if Taki's personality has changed and his focus shifted, his fighting spirit obvious

Izumi's bag provides a clue as to their true Identities as it has three key rings from the last three junior inter mural basketball tournaments. Then their is Izumi herself who's photogenic features seem very familiar as she looks at Kimura with a delighted smile

Michiko blushed seeing what the girl did to Teshira-sempai, then turned to Susumu-kun with a weak smile as he took his arm of Michiko's shoulder, and Michiko said, "I've heard a lot about you Susumu-kun. 'Copycat' Masaru Susumu, Second Year, player last year at Shonta Academy, third most skilled player in the team of 7, nicknamed Copycat by your coach because of an ability to replicate play styles with more strength and speed, lacks in academics and ironically has been caught multiple times trying to repeat his copying tendency in tests," which made Masaru's face drop from a smile to a rather awkward expression.

Masaru forced his smile to return and responded, "For all you know about me I don't know a thing about you except you're our cute coach, Michiko-san," and Michiko looked down, blushing. Masaru put a hand on Michiko's shoulder again and said, "C'mon, don't be shy, tell me about yourself," and Michiko looked up a bit, and said, "I'm Michiko Kyoko, second year, above average grades," while she bited her lip nervously, hoping someone is bold enough to stop his irritating gentlemanly act.

While Taki is distracted with thoughts of his true love Izumi looks at the others standing there and is taken by Michiko-chans obvious discomfort.

Ever the fixer and professional pain Izumi steps in and rudely interrupts the guy by saying Hello coach Michiko-chan, I hope you don't mind me being so informal but my brother an I are new here and you an the others are the first we've met

Izumi bows saying I am Takahashi Izumi but please call me Izumi.
I hope we can be good friends

Standing upright Izumi smiles an winks her eye opposite of Masaru to show she's here to help with the unwanted attention.

Growing up with Taki so close and included in everything he and his friends did an talked about Izumi knows how deflect boys off course.

Smiling at the newcomer girl who really seemed to know how to make an entrance, Michiko said, "Hello, I don't think we have a girls team but.... YAH!" with the finish being a reaction to the back of a blonde-haired head in front of her face.

Masaru gave a seemingly warm smile and said, "Hello my dear, are you lost? This is the basketball club, what are you looking for my delicate little flower?" while comically leaning sideways, not realizing this young woman's interest in basketball. Right after he finished speaking Masaru began to move his hand to Izumi's cheek, looking for signs of retaliation.

Kimura turned towards Taki handing him a basketball sign-up sheet. "Yeah it does. I started it during my first year here, though it wasn't successful. If I don't get enough people this year, they will disband the club for good" Kimura stated. He stuck out his hand to shake Taki's, out of respect. He seemed like a decent guy.

"Do you play?" he wondered, pretty sure the answer was 'yes', but questioned involuntarily.

He then heard Copy Cat's respectful remarks. Kimura got pissed and decided to stand between him and the coach, but Izumi seemed to have moved quicker than him, which was quite ironic because Kimura was known for his speed while on the court. Well, he was known by those who knew him personally that is. He wished his best friend from America was in Japan with him, he hadn't seen him in years. They use to play basketball together frequently, but once Kimura moved, it was downhill from there.

Once again, kimura turned back to Taki. "Hey, your sister there is quite the gal isn't she? Maybe you should step in there don't ya think?" he chuckled as he scuffed the back of his head. He was focused on Michiko though, knowing she felt uncomfortable having that picky Copy Cat all over here. Kimura growled intensely, but decided not to step forth, it wasn't his place to step in between two people's relationship. He wasn't that kind of guy.

"YO!" he howled, calling everyone that stood before him, meaning Michiko, Copy Cat, and the siblings. "This Friday, so tomorrow, there holding a street ball tournament about five blocks down the road from here in the plaza's court. We need five people to enter, which is exactly the number we've got, though............" he paused, looking at his new coach. "Crap, I forgot she doesn't play!" Kimura thought to himself.

"If we don't find another player within the next fifteen-so minutes, we won't be able to enter. Though training won't start till next week, I suggest we all meet at the gym after school. If we plan to win the tournament tomorrow, we better get some hours of practice in. And also, I hope you've all got money. Entering fee is twenty bucks. If you've got an issue, let me know after we all disband, unless you don't care about everyone here knowing your situation."

Kimura started fixing up his booth. "So if we don't get another player, Michiko, you'd have to play to tomorrow to fill in for our missing fifth player. Is that okay?" Kimura said, turning to her with a smile. He didn't want her getting nervous of the possibility of having to play, when she obviously didn't know how to. When she noticed Masaru and knew a lot about him, it was obvious she had done her research, but playing basketball and knowing how to play it is an entire different concept.

(Enter the Tiger Twins)

Izumi doesn't slap him for trying to touch only snaps her teeth at his offending hand an says

Delicate little flower?
I am Takahashi Izumi and as for Basketball I was captain of the Nambu Junior High Tigers through three championships.
I also bite she says with a feral grin as her competitive spirit rises up in her and sets her dark eyes ablaze
Her fingers stroke the championship key rings revealing that on each is a medal given only to the MVPs of that event

Taki nearby wonders if he should save the shlub before Izumi goes Princess Inferno on him and decides that maybe it's best he learn now that she's no ordinary girl.

Izumi head fakes to put Masaru off guard then in a smooth pivoting turn she steps around him and takes Michiko by the hand an starts walking off to the side saying
Michiko if you'd accept I'd love to offer my help with the team?

"Oh, she joked him leaving Masaru staring at empty space like a dummy" thinks Taki trying hard not to laugh

Taki looks over the signup sheet an grins, Basketball is all he can think of right now

Hearing the squeaking of sneakers Naoki followed his mark closely swaying side to side keeping him off balance. That's when his opponent went for it, the opening that Naoki let in to the outside center. Following he leapt up as the player shot swatting the ball to his team mate. Before instantly sprinting down the court, receiving the pass, and jumping aiming for the basket he cranked his back to slam it in..........vrrrrrrrvrrrrrrvrrrrrr.

Feeling the vibration of his phone he awoke. Covering his eyes from the harsh morning sunlight he yawned. Standing up he stretched his old leg wound thinking about the last time he played basket ball. "Its been what two years since I've been able to play seriously? The doctors did say I was fullied healed. Shrugging he looked over the railing of the school roof at the last group of kids in the court yard.

Masaru reacted quickly and recomposed himself, calling out, "Not bad my little flower!" with a smirk. He then muttered, "Thanks for the move princess," so quietly only he could hear. Michiko said, "Sure, you can be assistant coach," with a smile that faded at what the captain said.

While Masaru smirked at all that is happening, Michiko said, "O....okay captain, I'll play," quite nervously, worried that her lack of skill will result in Masaru's torment, or worse, Teshira-sempai's disappointment. "Teshira-sempai, could you...... could you... could you help me train a bit? I know how to do skill building but some one on.... one on one games would help if you were my...... my....... my opponent..." Michiko then asked.

"There's no need," a voice said, coming from behind the group. Rikyu stepped forward and pointed at a sheet right in front of the captain. "I was the first to sign up," Rikyu added, and Masaru laughed. "Hey Rikyu, you came here? Maybe with the shadow here we won't be as bad off as I thought," he said, publicly declaring Rikyu's identity as the mysterious player who worked as an invisible shadow to strengthen the middle school team who came second twice, one year when Masaru was in the team.

(TAKI)

Taki looks up hearing Michiko's nervousness and says
No offense meant coach but Izumi would be the better choice.
My sister is probably the best Girl's player her age in all Japan.
She dribbles so well that the guys on my team at Nambu couldn't even touch her and as for Passing and pass interception she's top notch. Her shooting needs work but as team captain she didn't need it because her girls were the best.
Heck I only have one championship medal, she's got three

He goes back to looking at anything her missed on the sign up then smiles and hands it to Teshira.

(Izumi)

Giggles hearing Taki's praise of her talent an leans close to Michiko saying in almost a whisper My bro is modest, he was called the Fast Break Prince of Nambu and his field had more talent than mine.

That's when Izumi looks at her phone an sees the time

We better hurry this up or we'll all be late she says as she reaches into an outer pocket of her purse an Hands Michiko a card with her Name printed on it along with her cell, house number an Email adress.

Contact me if you need anything

When Michiko asked for Kimura's personal assistance with her training, Kimura couldn't help but smile. He hadn't had a close encounter with a girl since his first year at Yamamura Academy. This experience would have been good for Kimura, until a random shadow appeared from beneath his feet. A kid, first year probably, popped from nothingness, just like the Copy Cat had. But this one was different. He had no ego, he was just plain. It was weird.

Kimura turned to the sign-up sheet he had pointed to. His name was on there along with all the other information that was asked for. Kimura didn't remember seeing him at the booth.

The captain then turned back to Michiko. "I need you to get us a spot at the tournament tomorrow. We should sign up today so we don't have to tomorrow. Just in case they get the lineups filled. If you still want to train, just let me know, it'd be my pleasure" he smiled. Though it seemed that Izumi would be teaching her. The fact that Taki said she was the better choice didn't go well with Teshira though. Kimura was no second rate player.

After that, it seemed the small team had its five members. At least for the street ball tournament. The school didn't have a girls basketball team, which was sad, but understandable. They hardly allowed a Basketball Club. So for the school to allow them to enter district games, they would have to have five male members. At the moment, they only had four. Therefore, even still they were missing a member. And on top of that, they would need second string players as well. Maybe the reason they lost so many times last year was because they didn't have second stringers. Kimura and the other four players had to play all four quarters.

"Alright then it's settled! Tomorrow's team will consist of myself, new guy here, Taki and Izumi, and you (he pointed at Masaru). But as of today, I'll see you guys at after school practice. Don't forget though, if you find another player, bring him to practice. I don't want this year to be like the last two. None of you even knew this school had a basketball club because we never made it past the second round last season. I don't intend for that to happen again. The stronger we get as a team, the better chances we have of reaching nationals" he said walking up to them.

"We don't do this for ourselves, we do it for each other. I don't know any of you, but I promise that I will not let you down. As team captain, it is my responsibility to make sure we succeed. If you ever doubt my decisions, then speak up when the time comes. I love basketball. It is my life. I may not pursue this dream after high school. I may not reach college level basketball, so with that in mind, I will make this season ours. I'll see you in a couple of hours. Bring appropriate clothing."

Michiko gave another one of her weak smiles at Izumi as Michiko took the card and put it in her pocket, then noticed the arrival of Ryuki, or the Shadow. He was remarkably difficult to get information on, all Michiko had found was his name, his title as 'Shadow' and his quite impressive record in middle school. However Michiko didn't talk to him as he seemed pretty creepy.

Responding to the captain, Machiko continued, "Okay, I'll sign us up, and I think I'd prefer lessons with the captain, no offense Izumi," while she listened to the rest of the pep talk. Masaru laughed and said, "Nice pep talk man, let's get one more guy then we can go ahead and win the championship!" While Masaru said that, Rikyu quietly slipped away.

Naoki looked at his phone again sighing before heading back to class. I think I'll go practice tomorrow at the parkhe thought.

Time Skip:

After their departure, the academic part of school began. Though many sports players never really develop academic skills, it is a necessary prerequisite for the Basketball Club's players. If one has a anything below a D grade average, then the player must stay on the bench during games. They will be able to practice, but not play in games. This was a rule placed by the board of education that looks over Yamamura Academy. There were more rules set for the Basketball Club, but those others aren't as important, therefore, not worth talking about.

Anyhow, the hours spent as school don't match the time spent playing basketball. Practice last year was about two to three hours in duration. Though last year, hardly any of the players showed up to it. Kimura hoped it wouldn't be the same this year.

Fifteen minutes before the last bell rang, Kimura hurried to the gymnasium. It was a brand new gym. The court was always shiny, which is due to the great janitorial staff the Academy hired. Every part of the school was spotless actually, but the basketball court was obviously the best looking. The stands grew high from all angles, but they were never filled by fans from neither teams. This is because when an opposing school came to play Yamamura, their fans already knew who would come out victorious, therefore never showed up. It was tragic, but true.

With that said, Kimura headed into the boys locker room and got changed. He put on his black knee-high compression socks to help keep his legs alive through practice. He wore black Adidas with red stripes on the side. His shorts were wipe with a long black fringe on each opposite side. His shirt was a navy color blue without any design. He took his Under Armour black-and-yellow basketball and started down the court after leaving the locker room. He got there ten minutes before practice was set to start. As he heard his feet squeak with the friction of the court's floor, a sense of joy came over him. He started dribbling between his legs, crossovers, behind the back, etc. It brought back flashbacks of his childhood along with his first two years in Yamamura. It was a beautiful sight for him.

He could also smell the rubber and leather that made his composed basketball. The echoing bounce created a alluring rhythm, like the singing of a swallow. He was basically jamming to his own deliberate dribbling skills. He was beginning to get a slight sweat going, making him look as if he were shining like a star. He had an involuntary smile on his face. Yamamura's basketball season would begin in the next five minutes.

(Lunch)
Taki waited at the school gate for his sister who'd volunteered to run home during lunch to return with their gear. He'd have gone home himself but he'd needed to do some classwork helping clean up after lunch.
Izumi appeared just as the first bell rang and threw the equipment bag over the gate then grabbing the top leapt over herself.

"Got it all" she says as she lands

The two then run back inside the school and their next class

______________________

(It Begins)
When the final Bell of the day rang the people in their class that wanted to chat to the twins were surprised by their rushed exit.

They were soon at the gym an Taki rushed into the locker room and changed into his basket gear. Under his shorts he put on a pair of Nike Pro compression basketball shorts that are designed to take the pounding of intense practices and games.
His sister had bought them for him on his birthday that year and it had looked as if he never would get a chance to wear them till today over the shorts he slid his Nambu Tiger shorts which he'd worn at last years finals, he didn't put on his matching tank but his favorite yellow practice tank. He grinned as he read the Nike motto that his old coach had drilled into them "Second Place Is The First Loser".

He grinned as he then slid on his indoor court shoes a pair of Nike LeBron Xs that his dad had let him buy that summer for passing his English classes and keeping a high gpa.

Now outfitted he retrieved his favorite Indoor ball from the bag. It was a Molten GL-7 top-of-the line competition quality ball which he only used on regulation courts but today was a special day and like the Samurai of old he wanted to present his best.

He headed out the door to be met by Izumi coming out of the girls locker room dressed out for practice. She smiled as he looked at her an said "I thought you'd need someone to spar with so I got ready

She took off running and it was when he heard her dribbling her realized that she'd stolen the ball.

The two of them bolted into the gym Izumi giggling and Taki in hot pursuit.