𝐒𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

13. Katsuki Ginjiro (Kuroko no Basket)

Wakamatsu sees the guy heading to the sauna before realizing he must be almost two meters tall. God damn! He's a player in every fricking aspect. He played before, he's a power forward, his height. I want him on the team. 

'Last year, you couldn't last five minutes in the sauna.' Imayoshi reads his friend's mind. 'And I can't believe you dismiss Aomine so easily.' 

Sakurai agrees with Wakamatsu. 'May be, but Aomine is still skipping training sessions again. I don't know if he's that lazy or if he has other reasons, but I prefer everyone is present during training sessions. Do you have any ideas on getting Katsuki on the team?' 

Susa shrugs. 'Maybe you already have. If he wants to play basketball as a power forward then Aomine's absence could be a reason to join your team. He might have a history with the Generation of Miracles because he did seem to dislike them. Unless it was just my imagination, of course.' 

'No, I think I saw that too.' Imayoshi glances at the sauna. 'But I think you need better arguments than Aomine being lazy and skipping training sessions.' He thinks about it. But if he indeed has a history with the Miracles, then it's not wise to tell him Aomine is currently on the team. It could cause him to switch schools. 'I would say be careful not mentioning Aomine's name, but he will find out about it. Just don't wait too long if you see him at Tōō academy. Also, if you really want to replace Aomine or even go so far by throwing out of the team it's not up to you. Ergo, you need to talk to the coach about this. Don't forget that Aomine would go crazy if he finds out about being replaced.' 

Wakamatsu makes up his mind and grabs his towel on the way to the sauna. I'll make him come to our academy. 'Katsuki,' he starts when entering the small building. 'There are a couple things I wanna know. How old are you?' 

'Sixteen,' Katsuki answers. He does want me on their team. 

'What was your former school? Or even middle school?' Wakamatsu sits on the lowest bench and clenches his teeth for the heat. I have to endure the heat to get this guy coming to Tōō and joining our team. 

Katsuki shakes his head. 'If I would decide to sign up with Tōō tomorrow then you get to ask me those questions. I haven't made up my mind yet.' I will not give in so easily. 'And I will have questions too.' 

'Tōō academy is accessible by bus and tram. The gym is closeby...' 

'Your friend cut off Sakurai. Which one of the Miracles is in Tōō?' Katsuki knows what the guy is trying to do. He almost smiles seeing Wakamatsu's reaction. 'Save those questions for later if I join Tōō academy. I haven't signed up with a high school or academy yet.' Two can play that game. 

'Alright, let me rephrase that. What could convince you to join Tōō academy?' Wakamatsu knows his friends are right outside the door listening. 

He smirks. 'I don't just join a random school because of a basketball team. It's also about the given classes at school to name a reason. And you make it sound like you're getting desperate.' 

Wakamatsu hangs his shoulders, sits closer to him, and lowers his voice. 'What if I am? I really don't like the guy and teamwork is not in his vocabulary.' He did see a six-pack on the man and what looks like the V-lines before staring in front of him. He's an athlete, alright. 

Katsuki opens his eyes and looks at the guy. Holy crap! He's for real. 'What did he do that you would legitimately throw him off the team?' 

'We lost the Winter Cup because of him,' continues Wakamatsu, leaning on his knees. 'He skipped training because he thought he was all powerful, but our opponent proved otherwise. We made it to the first round automatically because we were the runner up from the previous Interhigh but lost the game.' 

Katsuki stays quiet. I didn't think you would be this honest to me. 'Hypothetically speaking, what would happen if I do sign up with Tōō academy and join your team. Having me would wake up some rivalry with your other power forward. It could be a reason for him to become more active, and I would be benched.' 

'No, if you are better than him, I would bench him instead. I can get the coach to agree with me as well,' Wakamatsu sighs. I don't understand why Aomine plays basketball if he slacks off and sometimes shows up late for games. 'What is your motto if it comes to basketball?' 

'Basketball is a team sport where you should trust your teammates. Without trust, you have no team and any game could be lost. And anyone who would skip training shouldn't play a game.' Katsuki sees Wakamatsu's bended form. Maybe I'll see you soon. 'And for someone who lasted five minutes in the sauna last time, you're doing a remarkable job since you're here with me for about fifteen minutes. Get out already, you have friends waiting for you.' 

Wakamatsu stands up slowly. Fifteen minutes! I didn't know it's been that long. He reaches the door when he hears Katsuki. 

'Either you'll see me at the academy or on the opposite team on the court. One way or the other, we will see each other.' Katsuki makes sure not to give him any hope.