Teiko's basketball

The drive for victory

Chapter 57:

The drive for victory

Sora had finished her story and was waiting for some sort of reaction. Akashi didn't say anything though. He was just bandaging the scratches.

"Akashi-san...."

"Hmm?"

"Just say something! You're making me nervous...."

"I'm thinking of what to say...." he answered evenly.

"....should I have acted differently?"

He didn't say anything. There was another pause.

"Do you think she may be right?" questioned Sora.

"Meaning?"

"Is winning....that important?"

He grimaced. "I am the last person you should be asking....."

"Just answer."

"Yes."

Sora looked at him closely. Akashi saw her expression.

"Are you disappointed now?" he said in a slightly mocking tone.

Sora shook her head. "Nah. I knew your answer. I just expected you to think a bit more...."

"What's the use? No amount of thinking can change my opinion."

"Why though?"

Akashi thoughtfully tightened the bandages as he answered. "Experience, shall we say? Winners are never denied anything. Their word becomes absolute. On the other hand, losers are denied. Completely. No amount of justification can change the fact that they are inferior to someone in something. This is an unspoken law." Then he caught her expression and grinned. "Quit looking at me like that. This is what I learnt.... But every law does have exceptions."

"So you're saying she's right?" said Sora thoughtfully.

"I'm saying she may be right." he corrected. "Everything's based on your strength...."

"So I'm not strong enough....."

"You can become stronger." he corrected again. "And when you do, you can have everything. Protect whatever is dear to you...."

"Akashi-kun?"

"Hmm?"

"Is that what you think about when you play? Winning?"

This time he took his time to answer. "My mom is the one who loves to see me play. Or loved perhaps..... Every time I touch the ball I can almost feel her standing. Watching. She should never see me lose." he said and looked up. "Oi...Are you smiling or crying....."

"Dunno....I....BAKASHI! YOU'RE AN IDIOT!"

"What for?" he complained.

"You'll never understand...." muttered Sora.

"There! All done. See if you can stand...."

Just then, Chihaya entered with a concerned expression.

"You okay?"

"Yup!" said Sora.

"Thank God.... Don't worry kouhai, this is nothing. We get a lot worse. Well then, I'll get going. I got ten laps from that devil anyway. Got to finish them before she finds out....."

Chihaya went to the door and turned.

"Oh and kouhai...."

"Yes?"

"You know what life is..... She's the same." she said and left with a wink. "Damn, I can't let a junior break my punishment record....."

( Note: Chihaya is referring to the popular saying about life.)

Akashi smiled. "You have a nice team."

"Yes." said Sora. "Akashi-san, you said.... If I grow stronger, I can look after everyone...."

"Yes....." he answered carefully.

"Can I ask something from you?" she said hesitantly.

"Umm?"

"......can you train me again?"

He looked at her curiously. "I wasn't exactly the one who ran away." he pointed out.

"Will you forgive me for that?"

He smiled slowly. "Fridays?"

"Okay!"

"Fine then."

"Akashi-san....."

"Hmm?"

"Someday.... Will I be able to do ankle break?"

Akashi began chuckling and it soon turned into a roar of laughter.

"Okay, okay. I get it....."

"Oi, it's nothing like that. We'll see what can be done....."