Recruitment day.
It felt less like a regular club event and more like a military enlistment order from the government. The kind where you're drafted into duty. A little dramatic, sure, but that's how the atmosphere was—tense, buzzing, uncertain.
From early morning, whispers filled the halls as first-years speculated which club to join. Osaka Horizon was known for its strong club culture, from sports to science, and recruitment day colored the beginning of our so-called "beautiful junior high school life."
Our basketball team had already done some basic promotion—a simple pamphlet explaining our vision, with the bold message:
"Build history. Leave legacy. Tryouts open. Come early."
And now, it was game time.
…
After the final bell rang, students flooded out of classrooms, heading to different club activities. Thankfully, the school had shortened the last period to give clubs time to prepare.
Dirga walked alongside Taiga toward the gym.
"Dirga! Taiga!" a familiar voice called out.
Aizawa jogged up from behind, throwing one arm around each of their shoulders.
"You guys ready to lose?" he said with his usual sarcastic smirk.
"I'll win, senpai. Enjoy cleaning the gym after," Dirga replied flatly, cutting him off before Taiga could speak.
"Oy oy oyyy, how can you talk trash without me jumping in?"
Dirga, meanwhile, knew. As much as Taiga had raw power and relentless energy, he was still a complete beginner. In practice, he made basic mistakes—traveling, missed layups, bad footwork. But he had potential, no doubt. This recruitment event would be the first real test of his commitment. And honestly, everyone starts somewhere.
…
When the three of them arrived at the gym, Rikuya and Kaito were already inside, changed and ready. They stood near the entrance, chatting with serious expressions.
The Minazuki twins were nearby too, organizing the water and sports drinks like clockwork. They didn't miss a beat, ensuring hydration was ready for everyone.
"Hello, senpai. We'll go change first," Dirga said.
A few minutes later, Dirga, Taiga, and Aizawa emerged from the locker room wearing their new official uniforms. The black design with subtle streaks gave off a sleek, professional look—the shirt was based on a black hole, representing gravity, pressure, and limitless ambition.
Even Takeshi-sensei had come, standing on the sidelines, arms crossed and watching.
Kaito stepped forward, voice clear and firm.
"Today marks the first day of our recruitment. Anyone who shows commitment to the club will be welcomed. But we're not just looking for players—we're looking for gems. Players who can help us win the national championship."
He looked each of us in the eye, and in that moment, something sparked. His passion burned with quiet intensity.
"Count me in," Rikuya said coolly, folding his arms. "Let's win it this year. Because next year, I graduate."
"YEAHHH!" All of us shouted in sync—including the Minazuki twins.
Then Takeshi-sensei added with a smile, "The coach will be arriving tomorrow—with the new members. Get ready. From now on, it won't just be practice… We'll begin tactics, real scrimmages, and structured play."
…
Minutes later, the gym started to fill.
A wave of first-years entered—some in casual sportswear, others already in proper basketball uniforms and shoes. Eight of them came fully geared, ready to prove themselves. Perfect for a mini 3v3 tournament.
Dirga's eyes scanned the crowd.
"Echo," he whispered in his mind.
[Skill Activated: Synergy Vision Lv.2]
Instantly, patterns and data filled his sight. Movements, posture, energy. From the crowd, two students stood out—blazing with natural presence.
The first was a towering figure, even taller than Taiga. When Dirga saw his face, a wave of nostalgia hit him.
[Echo Open]
• Name: Yuto Kanemaru
• Height: 181 cm
• Weight: 75 kg
• Skills:
– Body Control Lv.2 – balanced and stable in physical plays.
– Raw Power Lv.2 –Dominates with strength
The gentle giant. A former judo athlete turned basketball player. In his past life, this kid helped carry Horizon to nationals.
The second was leaner, quiet, with sharp eyes that followed every movement.
[Echo Open]
• Name: Rei Hosino
• Height: 174 cm
• Weight: 64 kg
• Skills:
– Catch and shoot Lv.4 - Lethal when shooting off the pass.
– Shooting From Lv.3 - Smooth, consistent mechanics
The otaku sniper. Dirga remembered him—a rhythm shooter. Rumor was he never missed. The kind of player who could change a game with his touch alone.
…
The eight recruits introduced themselves one by one. Most were average, with decent builds and bright eyes, but no one stood out like Yuto and Rei.
Kaito raised his hand. "We'll divide into four teams. Captains will be Rikuya-senpai, Aizawa, Taiga, and Dirga."
Dirga felt a few stares from the other first-years. After all, he and Taiga were first-years too—but they'd have to show the difference.
Kaito drew names for the teams:
…
• Team 1
Dirga
Yuto Kanemaru
Hiroki Andou
• Team 2
Aizawa
Naoki shibata
Daichi Tanabe
• Team 3
Rikuya
Kenta Morishima
Tomoaki Fujita
• Team 4
Taiga
Rei Hosino
Souta Nakahara
...
A second draw decided the matchups.
Game 1: Team 1 vs Team 3.
Game 2: Team 2 vs Team 4.
A clash of giants right away—Dirga and Yuto vs. Rikuya's squad.
The gym atmosphere shifted.
This wasn't just recruitment anymore.
This was a statement.