About thirteen years ago was the first time I met him. We were both kids, so young and eager to learn the game our fathers loved—basketball, Kogure thought to himself.
Miyazato, my father, and Hisashi used to play streetball back then, usually three-on-threes.
"Hisashi, over here!" Miyazato called as he freed himself.
Hisashi passed the ball to him and cut through the key. Miyazato quickly returned the ball, and Hisashi shot a three-pointer that swished through the net.
"Nice assist, Miyazato," said Hisashi.
"Nice shot, Hisashi," Miyazato replied as they fist-bumped and got back into the game.
The opposing team checked up the ball and restarted play. Hisashi passed it to a teammate, then moved to set a screen for Miyazato. The screen freed him from his marker, and when the ball was passed his way, he drove straight to the rim, finishing with a powerful dunk.
"We're really cooking today—eighteen to zero. It's game point time," Hisashi smirked.
Miyazato passed the ball to him, and Hisashi wasted no time. He crossed between his legs, stepped back, and launched a highly contested three-pointer. Despite the tight defense, his peculiar hand placement and high release point allowed the ball to sail through without obstruction, swishing cleanly.
"And that's game. Better luck next time, guys," Hisashi said.
"Hisashi, you didn't have to put in that much effort. Those guys didn't even get a chance to score," Miyazato chuckled.
"You're one to talk. There was no need to dunk the ball back there," Hisashi shot back. "And yeah, I know, but my son's here today. I can't let these old geezers show me up."
"Hey! Who the hell are you calling a geezer?" one of the opposing hoopers asked, clearly irritated.
"Hahaha, sorry, my bad," Hisashi laughed.
"Your dad is truly amazing, Tetsuo," Kogure said in awe.
"Yeah, he is. I'm so glad he's my father. I have to say, your father isn't half bad either. I mean, he can dunk—that's so cool," Tetsuo replied, impressed.
"Man, I can't believe you're retired already. You still play like you never left," Miyazato said.
"You think so? I guess I still have some juice left over from my prime," Hisashi laughed.
"Yes, you definitely do."
After sharing a laugh with his friends, Hisashi looked over at Tetsuo, who was beaming after watching his father play. He walked over and lifted his son into the air.
"How was that, Tetsuo? Your old man is the best, huh?" Hisashi asked.
"Yeah, Dad, you're the best! I'll train hard until the day I become number one in Japan, just like you did!"
"And I'll be there to support your dreams all the way."
"Well, I have bad news for both of you. I'm going to be number one in Japan. There's no way I'll let anyone beat me—not even you, Tetsuo," Kogure declared.
"We'll see about that. There's no way I'll lose to you," Tetsuo shot back.
"And why is that?" Kogure asked.
"Because my father is way better than yours at basketball," Tetsuo said bluntly.
"You may be right, but I'm a way better teacher than this numbskull," Miyazato interjected.
"Uncle Miyazato, is that true?" Tetsuo asked curiously.
"Well, he isn't wrong. I'm not the greatest teacher," Hisashi admitted.
"See? You'll definitely never beat me," Kogure grinned.
"Alright, guys, save all of that for later. It's getting late, and you both have school tomorrow, so let's get going," Hisashi said.
"Hey, Hisashi, I'm going on a week-long business trip, so keep an eye on Kogure for me," Miyazato said.
"Yeah, I know. We already talked about this yesterday."
"Oh, okay. See you soon then," Miyazato said as he left.
"Alright, you guys rest up well. The earlier you sleep, the earlier you rise," Hisashi said as he closed the bedroom door.
"Tetsuo, are you awake?" Kogure whispered.
"Yes, I'm awake," Tetsuo replied.
"Let's work hard and become the best players in this country," Kogure said.
"Yes, definitely. I'll work hard."
The next morning, Tetsuo was already running ahead.
"Kogure, hurry up! We have to get there as early as possible so we can practice!" Tetsuo called back.
"Come on, why do you always have to run to school?" Kogure groaned.
"Because it's more thrilling that way! Plus, we get more time to train."
"Why am I even following this kid? I'm a year older..." Kogure muttered.
"Alright, let's start practicing. Let's do some layups," Tetsuo said.
Kogure passed the ball to Tetsuo, who scored an easy layup. Tetsuo then passed it back, and Kogure followed up with another. They kept scoring layups back and forth, moving with fluid rhythm. After several rounds, they switched to shooting practice.
Even at that age, Tetsuo was an exceptional shooter. He had the rare ability to score from any angle on the court. Utilizing his father's distinctive shooting technique, he was already one of the best among kids his age.
Tetsuo and I were friends ever since we were kids. Our fathers were former high school teammates and later rivals at the international level. His father, Hisashi Kawaguchi, was famous—one of the best basketball players in the country.
We both attended Nagoya Elementary School, but since it didn't have a basketball team or a court, we practiced at an old outdoor court near the school, both before and after class.
We were members of the junior under-thirteen basketball club in our district. Tetsuo and I were the youngest on our team, but we were starting members—far better than our peers. As you can imagine, the media was infatuated with Tetsuo. He was the talk of every sports channel, not only because of his skill but also because his father had once been the number one player in Japan.
Tetsuo and I dominated every kid our age, even those older than us. His signature move—the step-back three-pointer—was deadly, and he was an unstoppable scorer. Far better than I was back then.
He proved it every time we played one-on-one.
I have never won before, but I came close on multiple occasions.