Chapter 4 - First Game (1/2)

Kageyama Shun was the type of person who gave importance to following a routine. He liked to wake up at the same time every day no matter if it was a working day, or at the weekends. He preferred to spend the same amount of time on a task every day without fail. Today too was no different, but Shun's parents could see that something was different about their son today,

Mom: ”Son, you look quite chipper today. You were even faintly smiling during our morning exercise today.”

Shun looked up from his breakfast and smiled at her.

Shun: ”Mom, today is my first game as a regular prospect in the first-string team.”

Dad: ”Good luck son, play hard, but make sure not injure yourself in the excitement of the game.”

Shun: ”Thanks, dad. I will be careful.”

Shun ate his breakfast, washed his utensils, and looked at the clock and saw that it was time to leave for school, he fetched his school and club bag and headed to the door.

Shun: ”Bye, mom. Bye, Dad. I am leaving, have a good day at work.”

Mom and Dad: ”Bye, have a safe trip.”

Shun always left his house for school on time so, he didn't have to hurry and always commuted leisurely and took in the morning rush on the streets of Tokyo. He reached his school fifteen minutes before the first bell and spent his time chatting with his classmates and friends about anything and nothing.

Shun went through his school day, as usual, diligently paying attention and drafting notes on the material taught in the classes.

Finally, the day ended, and Shun headed to the clubroom to change his clothes and then proceeded to the gym, where he started his stretch routine.

Stretching and warming up is very important and crucial for an athlete as they are the way to prepare the body for the rigorous activity that the body will go through, and similarly, stretching at the end of the workout is the correct method to give the body time to gradually cool down and relax.

Shun took stretching and warming up very seriously as his father had thoroughly explained to him about the benefits of both activities and what could happen if you ignore them, and who else to listen but a physiotherapist about injuries.

Today's practice match was against Bousou Academy, and they were the ones coming to our school, so we had the home-court advantage.

Shun also got his uniform it was numbered thirteen(numbers less than thirteen went to third, and second-year members), Tokiwadai Middle School's basketball jersey was black and purple.

Shun like the jersey a lot as black was his favorite, and the purple matched his eyes. His basketball shoes were also black, so the whole outfit looked extremely fitting to Shun.

Coach: ”Ok, people huddle up.”

Coach called up all the first-string members and went through the lineup and post-match strategy session.

Coach: ”Today, Kageyama-kun will play from the start as the small forward, rest of the lineup will remain the same. He is a first-year, so help him on the court, but don't go easy on him. Kageyama-kun any problems?”