Defense begins with Balance

Even in the evening, the steady rhythm of a basketball echoed through the nearly empty gym.

The faint squeak of rubber soles on polished wood reached Shino’s ears as he opened the door. The lights buzzed faintly overhead, casting a pale glow across the court. The air smelled of sweat and varnish—sharp and familiar.

Shino froze.

Yukio was still on the court, drenched in sweat, his shirt clinging to his body after hours of practice.

He jumped, releasing the ball in a clean arc. It spun through the air, slicing through the hoop with a crisp swish.

Then Yukio staggered slightly, hands on his knees, chest heaving. He dragged his shirt up to wipe his face, revealing the sheen of sweat across his torso.

He’s amazing… He’s been training since morning. That’s insane…

“I see you’re finally here,” Yukio called, his voice hoarse. “Go get ready.”

“R-right!” Shino hurried to the locker room, shoes slapping lightly against the floor.

He opened his locker with a metallic creak. The cold steel met his fingertips, the faint rust mixing with the smell of sweat-soaked uniforms. He changed quickly and tightened his laces with trembling fingers.

When he returned, Yukio was waiting, spinning the basketball between his hands.

“Tell me something,” Yukio said. “Do you have any experience playing basketball?”

“Uh… not really.” Shino’s voice shrank. “I played a little in middle school, but I never made it into any matches.”

“So basically, no real experience?” Yukio narrowed his eyes.

Shino hesitated. “Yeah… I guess I’m practically a novice.”

Silence.

The buzzing of the gym lights filled the void. And then, something else—

—a memory.

The gym blurred. The air turned cold.

He was back in his old junior high gym, sitting on a hard bench. The lights flickered overhead. The polished floor gleamed—untouched by his shoes.

“Hey, beansprout!” one of the starters barked. “Go grab us some drinks.”

“But… practice is still going,” Shino mumbled.

“Yeah, and? You’re not in the lineup anyway. Be useful for something.”

Laughter.

“At least the water boy gets a jersey. You don’t even have that.”

Shino stood silently. The floor felt rough under his feet. His sneakers scraped as he walked away, head bowed.

They’re right… I’m not needed. Not really.

Later, during scrimmage—

“Katsuragi—”

His heart skipped.

“—go fetch the clipboard from my office,” the coach said without even glancing at him.

The cheering in the background sounded far away.

The present returned with Yukio’s voice. “So you’ve got no foundation at all.”

Shino’s lips trembled. “You think I’ll be a burden, right? But I love basketball, and I’ll work hard! Even if I don’t have talent—please, let me prove myself!”

Tears welled up, hot and stinging.

Yukio sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Alright, alright. Don’t cry on me. Wipe your face.”

Shino sniffled and wiped his sleeve across his cheeks. “Yes, senpai!”

“Okay, let’s start simple. Watch carefully.”

Yukio dropped into a low stance. “Defense is about balance. Legs bent, chest up, weight on the balls of your feet.”

His voice was steady now, teacher-like. “When you move side to side, don’t cross your feet. Short slides—controlled steps.”

Shino copied him, thighs shaking.

“Hands up,” Yukio continued. “One low, one high. The low hand blocks passes, the high hand contests shots. Too high, they’ll drive past. Too low, they’ll shoot over you.”

Shino followed, shoulders aching.

“And always—always—watch the torso. Not the ball. Fakes won’t fool you if you watch the chest and hips.”

“That… makes a lot of sense!”

Yukio smiled faintly. “Good. Defense isn’t reaction—it’s prediction. Notice habits. Which hand they use. How they move before cutting. Learn that, and you’ll own the court.”

Shino nodded, sweat dripping down his temple. “So: stay low, balanced, hands active, eyes on the torso, and anticipate. Got it!”

“You’re a fast learner.”

“No… you’re just the first person who’s ever taught me properly.”

Yukio’s gaze softened. “You’ve got potential. Keep working, and you’ll get there.”

Shino beamed. “Okay! Let’s go another round!”

“Hold up, rookie. I’ve been training since morning—I’m dying here.” Yukio’s knees wobbled.

“Oh, right…”

Yukio grabbed his towel and took a long drink, droplets glistening on his chin. “Study the rules when you get home. Knowing the game is part of playing it.”

Shino nodded eagerly. “Got it!”

After cleaning up, the two left the gym together. The night air was cool, still, and full of promise.