The Game (Part 2)

"HUH?!" The whole team was quite shocked by my decision, it appears.

"You know that Ringo hasn't been part of the main squad for quite a long time, right?" said one of the main squad.

"Yeah, senpai. I don't think I can help out here too much." Ringo said with a stifled laughter, and a waving hand as if asking me to digress from this topic.

"That's where you are wrong. I know her free spiritedness can harm a structured game with coordination like basketball, but this is exactly what we need right now against such a team."

I take Ringo's hand and show it to the team. It had remains of blisters on the tips and the palms were covered by some bandages.

"She isn't out of shape, and has been practicing a lot. Her strength is nothing to mock at, so trust in her once. Same goes for you too, Ringo." Ringo looked at me, looking like she was holding back tears. There were slight murmurs, but in general the team agreed with my decision.

"So, I'll leave marking the gym teacher to you. And Asuka, you ..."

Asuka looked grudgingly at me, as we have yet to sort out that earlier scuffle earlier.

"You know what to do."

"Yeah"

The break was over. And the game resumed. Asuka was quickly able to counter the strategies of the English teacher, guess my hint helped her see the gaps in their passes. And as for Ringo, she was a beast to be reckoned with. All opposition plays were stopped in track because of her, although she took possession of the ball a bit too much and often became the mark of the enemy team.

The contenders weren't just going to lay over and hand us a win though. They shifted to a counter attack style, heavily relying on defense. A formation our team wasn't quite well versed with.
The tides quickly turned into their favor as we struggled to score points.

I turned towards the hysterical crowd, as they shouted from the stands, munching on the snacks from the festival. Among the crowd, I noticed my family as well. My thoughts were spiraling again. Why can't I help them? What is it that I'm missing?

And in all of this head turning, I saw Saya's face looking distressed towards the court. This was the last thing that I wanted to see. Something has to change.

"Ok"

I pump myself up and stood up from the resting bench and suggested the coach about my idea. He knew me from the start of my tenure, so he was well aware of my risky endeavors.

"That's a dicey plan you got there, Natsuki. But let's do it."

The stakes had never been higher, but for the first time, I knew what I had to do.