Basketball Camp. (2)

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Approaching the two waiters stationed at the entrance of the reserved area, Koganei greeted them with a friendly smile. The taller of the two waiters, dressed in a crisp uniform, met Koganei's gaze and offered a welcoming nod.

"Are you here for the basketball camp?" the waiter asked, his tone friendly and inquisitive. Koganei, still wearing his trademark smile, nodded in confirmation.

"Yes, that's right. Looking forward to it," Koganei replied, his enthusiasm evident. The waiter extended a hand, gesturing for Koganei to follow him. As they walked toward the entrance of the restaurant, Koganei continued the conversation.

"So, how many participants are here already?" Koganei asked, making small talk. The waiter, glancing around the partially occupied restaurant, estimated, "You're one of the first. We're expecting more to arrive soon. This area is exclusively reserved for the basketball camp participants."

As they entered the restaurant, Koganei expressed his gratitude for the information and the warm welcome. The waiter smiled, assuring him that they were there to assist and make the participants' experience enjoyable. Noticing Koganei looking around in confusion, the waiter spoke up, aiming to clear the teenager's confusion.

"You can sit wherever you like. Feel free to choose your spot," the waiter added, emphasizing the flexibility in seating arrangements.

With a nod of understanding, Koganei expressed his gratitude and proceeded to explore the seating area. His eyes soon caught sight of a familiar face. Seated alone at a four-person table was none other than Akashi, the enigmatic and formidable captain of the best Junior High basketball team in the nation.

Approaching the table, Koganei couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity with somebody who was once his opponent. With a friendly tone, he called out, "Hey, Akashi! Mind if I join you?"

Akashi, momentarily surprised by the unexpected greeting, turned to face Koganei. A subtle flicker of confusion crossed his face, replaced by a composed smile as he recognized Koganei. "Ah, Koganei, isn't it? Please, feel free to have a seat." He said, pointing to one of the chairs around the table.

Grinning, Koganei pulled out a chair and settled down, placing his bag by the side. The ambiance of the restaurant provided the perfect backdrop for their encounter. With a relaxed posture, Koganei initiated a conversation.

"So, Akashi, was the table reserved for you and your teammates?" Koganei inquired, aware that the whole starting five of Teiko Junior were called up for the camp.

Akashi shook his head, his gaze thoughtful. "Well, we didn't plan anything like that. So, you're more than welcome to join."

Nodding appreciatively, Koganei chuckled. "Great! Thanks for having me." He said, looking around the restaurant, spotting another familiar face. "I'll just go greet the others first, and if they want to join, we can always pull up more chairs." He continued, before getting up and heading to a table not far from theirs.

As Koganei made his way toward the other participants, Akashi gracefully stood from his seat, expressing his intention to accompany Koganei in greeting the remaining two camp participants inside the restaurant.

The restaurant buzzed with a lively atmosphere as Koganei approached Teppei Kiyoshi, who had already noticed their presence. With a friendly smile, Koganei extended his hand in a gesture of greeting. Kiyoshi, with his trademark friendly demeanor, reciprocated the handshake, creating an immediate connection between the two.

"I'm Shinji Koganei, nice to meet you," Koganei greeted, a genuine enthusiasm in his voice.

Kiyoshi grinned, "Likewise, Koganei. I'm Teppei Kiyoshi. It's good to have you here." He responded before noticing Akashi, who standing next to Koganei. The two of them were already familiar with each other, having been opponents for such a long time. So, they greeted each other with polite smiles on their faces.

The three of them sat at the table, completely forgetting that there was another person in the restaurant. As the pleasantries settled, Koganei took a moment to express his admiration for Kiyoshi's skills. "I watched your game against Teiko. You're easily the most skillful center I've seen so far."

Kiyoshi, genuinely flattered, responded with gratitude. "Thanks, Koganei. I appreciate that. By the way, my junior, Akira Sendoh, is a big fan of yours and your YouTube channel."

Smiling, Koganei acknowledged the compliment. "Really? That's awesome! Tell Akira I appreciate the support." He responded, feeling rather grateful. 

Akashi, who had been observing the interaction with his usual composed demeanor, chose that moment to extend his congratulations to Koganei. "I heard you reached 100k subscribers on YouTube. Quite an achievement."

Koganei, displaying a nonchalant shrug, replied, "Yeah, it's been a wild month. But let's be honest if the Winter Cup tournament wasn't as entertaining and suspenseful, the response wouldn't be the same." He said, acknowledging that almost every game, even the ones his team didn't participate in, was entertaining.

A small chuckle escaped from Akashi's lips after hearing those words, a small memory appearing in his mind. "Aomine didn't seem to appreciate being cast as the villain in the video," he remarked, prompting the other two to lightly laugh, understanding the Teiko's ace player's competitive and independent nature. To add to the atmosphere, Koganei shared, "Yeah, he's been challenging me to a 1v1 in my Instagram DMs since the end of the finals. He's been saying that I made it look like he lost during our matchup."

The laughter continued, creating a light and friendly atmosphere around the table. As the mirth subsided, Akashi, ever perceptive, turned the conversation toward Kiyoshi. "Kiyoshi, how did you find the video? Our semi-final game was featured in it." He asked.

Kiyoshi's eyes sparkled with amusement as he recalled the content. "Oh, it was great! I even subscribed. You guys made me look better at basketball than I am." He responded, looking at Koganei with a thankful experience. Just like most players who participated in the tournament, Kiyoshi watched the [Winter Cup Series] on Koganei's channel. And although they didn't have too much screen time, they were painted in an extremely positive light. The total opposite of Hanamiya and his Seki Junior High team. The latter was rather annoyed after watching the series. 

Kiyoshi's modesty about his basketball skills prompted a playful shake of the head from Koganei.

"Come on, Kiyoshi! You're selling yourself short. Not many can Score 20+ points on Murasakibara. Those who can do that can be counted with three fingers." Koganei remarked with a grin, truly meaning his words. 

Akashi, ever observant, added his perspective. "Indeed, you made quite an impression on Atsushi. I even witnessed him putting in extra practice after our game against you."

Kiyoshi chuckled, appreciating the compliments. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind." He said, the polite smile still on his face.

As the conversation naturally flowed, Akashi's keen eyes caught sight of the camera in Koganei's hands. With a curious expression, he pointed at the device, raising an eyebrow. "Planning to vlog?"

Koganei, nodding with a grin, replied, "Yep! I got permission from them, and I thought it'd be a great way to capture our time here. You guys don't mind being on camera, do you?"

Akashi and Kiyoshi exchanged glances before shaking their heads in agreement. Akashi, always composed, said, "No objections here. Feel free to film."

A sigh of relief escaped from Koganei as he prepared to set up the camera. Akashi, being the meticulous person he was, took the initiative to help position the camera so that it captured all three of them in the frame. The restaurant's vibrant ambiance provided a picturesque backdrop as they continued talking as if the camera wasn't present. 

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In the vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant, Koganei, Akashi, and Kiyoshi continued their animated conversation, unaware of Hisashi Mitsui observing from a distance. Mitsui, sitting at another table alone, hesitated for a moment. The former ace of the Sojei Junior High School's basketball team wrestled with conflicting emotions. Pride held him back from approaching the group and asking to join their conversation even though he wanted to.

In his mind, asking to join an already-established group was something he would never do as he saw himself as a leader himself. How could a leader beg to join others? So, even though he wanted to join in the jovial atmosphere at the other table, he forced himself to keep looking at his phone and wait for others to join him at his table.

Fortunately, he didn't have to wait that long as Akashi, ever perceptive, noticed Mitsui's hesitation. Excusing himself from the conversation with Koganei and Kiyoshi, Akashi made his way over to Mitsui's table. The two had faced each other in the Inter-High quarterfinals, creating a level of familiarity between them.

"Hello, Hisashi-san. It's been a while," Akashi greeted Mitsui with a polite smile.

Mitsui, somewhat surprised but appreciative, reciprocated the greeting. "Akashi. Yeah, it has."

The tension eased as the two engaged in a brief conversation, reminiscing about their previous encounters on the basketball court. Akashi, ever the charismatic leader, sensed Mitsui's unease and decided to extend an invitation.

"You know, we're having a good time over there. Why don't you join us?" Akashi suggested, his tone inviting.

Mitsui, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected offer, couldn't help but crack a small smile. "Join you? Why would I want to do that?"

Akashi chuckled, understanding Mitsui's reluctance. "Well, for the company, of course. We're just talking basketball and enjoying each other's company. It might be more fun than sitting alone."

Mitsui hesitated for a moment, weighing the pros and cons. Ultimately, the desire for connection won over his pride. With a sigh, he nodded, "Alright, fine. Lead the way."

Back at the table, Koganei, Kiyoshi, and Akashi welcomed Akashi's return, with Koganei grinning as he noticed Mitsui following behind. Akashi introduced Mitsui to the group, creating a seamless integration of the new members.

"Everyone, this is Hisashi Mitsui. Mitsui, meet Koganei, Kiyoshi, and of course, you know me," Akashi made the introductions with a warm smile.

With the ice broken, the group of four continued their conversation, now with Mitsui as an active participant. The topics ranged from their basketball experiences to the upcoming camp activities, and laughter filled the air as they shared anecdotes and stories. Mitsui found himself drawn into the discussion, forgetting that he inwardly rejected the idea of sharing a table with these individuals. 

As the quartet settled into their lively conversation, Koganei's keen sense of perception allowed him to discern the distinct personalities that defined each of his new acquaintances. Despite appearances, he possessed a knack for understanding people, tailoring his interactions based on his assessments. This ability played a crucial role in maintaining a friendly rapport with his teammates, even amid the demanding expectations he set during rigorous training sessions.

Unbeknownst to many, Koganei seemed to harbor two distinct personas. At least, that's what people close to him often say although Koganei doesn't agree with that statement. The first was a dynamic and intense presence that manifested on the basketball court, fueled by a relentless drive for excellence, competitiveness, and his winning-mentality. In this realm, he pushed himself and his teammates to their limits, striving for peak performance and unwavering commitment to the sport. 

However, in the realm of everyday life, a different Koganei emerged – one that was relaxed, approachable, and easygoing. His demeanor in regular situations stood in stark contrast to the intensity displayed on the court. This duality perplexed and sometimes even confused his teammates at Yuuki Junior High.

Still, from his observations, Akashi, the poised and observant leader, emerged as a figure of confidence with a slight of arrogance. His keen observational skills ensured that everyone felt included in the conversation. However, Koganei couldn't help but notice a subtle distance that Akashi maintained, preventing others from getting too familiar. It was as if he preferred to keep relationships at the acquaintance stage rather than progressing to true friendship.

Kiyoshi, in contrast, presented himself as the embodiment of modesty and warmth. His perpetual smile and the genuine interest he showed in others endeared him to the group. Kiyoshi was like the big brother everybody would want to have, always looking at the bigger picture and taking care of those around him. Koganei couldn't help but appreciate the careful and considerate nature that Kiyoshi brought to the table. In his presence, there was an undeniable sense of comfort, as if Kiyoshi was the glue that would hold every group he's in together.

Mitsui, on the other hand, exuded confidence that bordered on self-assuredness and arrogance. His focus on maintaining a strong public image revealed a person who took himself seriously, but Koganei recognized the value of such confidence, especially on the basketball court. You would often find good players, especially great shooters, having such traits.

However, Mitsui's boldness stood out, and Koganei quickly realized that beneath the exterior lay a spirited individual with a penchant for saying and doing the unexpected. Mitsui embodied the rambunctious younger brother, someone who might cause a scene in public but could overcome any obstacle with unwavering confidence. Still, he's not the type of person you'd want to be around in a zombie apocalypse as he might do something that would endanger your whole group.

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As the animated conversation continued among the quartet of Koganei, Akashi, Kiyoshi, and Mitsui, the atmosphere in the restaurant grew livelier with the arrival of other camp members. The diverse chatter and laughter of different groups intermingled, creating a harmonious buzz of excitement. Amidst this backdrop, Kenji, another familiar face, made his entrance, though looking slightly out of place.

Noticing his friend's perplexed expression, Koganei rose from his seat and called out Kenji's name with enthusiasm. Kenji, still scanning the area, finally located Koganei and flashed a relieved smile. Playfully complaining, Kenji approached Koganei, "Dude, we were supposed to arrive together, remember?"

Koganei, with a hearty laugh, shrugged off the remark. "Blame my mom. She practically kicked me out earlier than expected. Come on, join us!"

With that, Koganei led Kenji over to the table, introducing him to the trio of Akashi, Kiyoshi, and Mitsui. The atmosphere seemed to brighten even more with Kenji's arrival, his easygoing demeanor blending seamlessly with the existing atmosphere.

After the introductions, Koganei turned his attention to a nearby waiter, eyeing the scattered arrangement of tables. "Hey, any chance we can put a few more tables together? We've got some friends joining us."

The waiter, recognizing the jovial group, nodded in agreement. "Certainly! How many more are coming?"

Koganei, glancing over to Akashi for confirmation, heard the response. "Four more."

With the information in hand, the waiter efficiently arranged for the connection of additional tables. A single-chair table and a four-person table were seamlessly brought together, creating a more accommodating space for the growing group. The waiter ensured that everything was set before giving a nod of approval.

As Kenji took a seat, the conversation resumed with the now-expanded group. The banter flowed effortlessly, and the eclectic mix of personalities added layers to the lively discussion. 

Soon enough, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the remaining members of the Generation of Miracles made their entrance, completing the gathering of the renowned basketball prodigies. The dynamics shifted subtly as the group of eight, now including Aomine, Kise, Midorima, and Murasakibara, exchanged greetings and engaged in conversation. The restaurant echoed the collective passion and talent of these extraordinary players.

As the energy in the room continued to escalate, a hush fell over the crowd when three figures, distinguished by their age and experience, walked into the restaurant. Yoshimune Shizuo, the visionary creator of the camp, led the trio. Anton Kogi, Yoshimune's trusted assistant, followed closely, and the legendary Mitsuyoshi Anzai, coach of the Japanese national team, brought up the rear.

The mere presence of these three figures commanded the attention of everyone in the room. Conversations came to an abrupt halt, and all eyes turned toward the front of the restaurant, where the trio had gathered. A palpable sense of anticipation filled the air as the camp members awaited the commencement of the evening's events.

The room fell into hushed anticipation as Yoshimune Shizuo, the visionary behind the camp, stepped forward to address the gathering of young basketball talents. The teenagers, now all eyes on him, felt a mixture of excitement and reverence as Yoshimune began his speech.

"Thank you, every one of you, for accepting our invitation to be part of this extraordinary gathering," Yoshimune began, his voice carrying a tone of gratitude and enthusiasm. "I'm Yoshimune Shizuo, and I am honored to stand before the future of Japanese basketball alongside two remarkable individuals."

He gestured towards the two figures beside him, introducing Anton Kogi, his trusted assistant, and the legendary Coach Mitsuyoshi Anzai. The room acknowledged them with respectful nods and murmurs of recognition.

With a slight pause, Yoshimune delved into the heart of his message. He spoke about the recent humiliation Japan faced in the Youth World Cup and the collective aim to avoid such setbacks in the future. The gravity of the situation hung in the air as he emphasized that these teenagers were the future of the nation, the potential leaders who could elevate Japanese basketball to new heights.

"I am here to invest in each one of you," Yoshimune declared, his eyes scanning the faces of the young players. "I truly believe that you are the key to the future success of Japanese basketball."

A meaningful pause followed, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. The room was charged with a sense of purpose and determination as Yoshimune continued, promising continuous invitations as long as they continued excelling. The teenagers, now energized and motivated, responded with resounding applause.

The microphone was then passed to Coach Mitsuyoshi Anzai, a towering figure of experience and wisdom. He was one of the most respected figure in Asian basketball. And His brief yet impactful speech echoed the sentiment of Yoshimune, reinforcing the significance of the upcoming days of training. He concluded with a directive for the players to rest well and enjoy the rest of the day, as the real journey would officially begin the next day.

As Coach Anzai handed the mic to Anton, he retreated to the back, leaving the stage to the camp organizer's assistant. Anton, with a microphone in hand, announced the next agenda, spreading a smile across his face.

"Buffet will now be served. Please enjoy the meal and feel free to socialize. Tomorrow marks the beginning of our official training, so rest well tonight."

The room erupted with a collective sense of excitement and hunger, both for the upcoming training and the buffet before them. The teenagers dispersed towards the food area, their conversations buzzing with anticipation and camaraderie. The echoes of clinking plates and the hum of animated chatter filled the air as the camp members celebrated the start of a new chapter in their basketball journey.