I’d kept up with my morning jogs, but I still had a nagging sense that I wasn't getting enough exercise. I wanted to move my body more—not through weight training or anything like that, but by working up a fun sweat through some kind of sport.
While leafing through a magazine, I happened to spot an announcement for a ball game event at a large park in the Sinfonia Royal Capital’s West District. It sounded like exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to check it out.
I hadn't bothered with any prior registration. I simply figured that if there was an opening on the day of the event, I’d give it a shot.
When the day arrived, I dressed in activewear and headed to the park. The place was bustling with a lively energy; while it wasn't quite a full-blown festival, it was certainly spirited. Various sports were being played in designated areas; a quick scan revealed tennis, volleyball, and even something resembling futsal.
As I wandered past the different courts, I eventually found myself at a sign for a basketball area. Basketball, huh? I hadn't really played since my school days, but it looked like a good time.
Maybe I'll give it a try... Ah, wait, I can't. The sign said registration was strictly for teams of five. It looked like I couldn't participate alone.
I wondered if I should have invited Hina-chan or Aoi-chan. Or perhaps someone I knew would conveniently show up?
"Hmph. With that look of longing on your face... you must be in need of a teammate, Kaito!"
"..."
"Why the unimpressed face?"
"No, it's just that, of all the people I know, the person who seems the least athletic just appeared..."
I turned around at the familiar voice to find Tre-san standing there in sportswear, looking absolutely brimming with motivation. She was perhaps the least athletic person I knew—the literal opposite of a "power player."
"Hello, Miyama-san."
"I am happy to see you."
"Hello, Cento-san, Sien-san... So you didn't manage to give them the slip today, Tre-san?"
"Eh? What's with that? You’re making me sound like a habitual runaway..."
"But isn't that exactly what you are?"
"It is difficult to deny."
For a change, it didn't seem like she had abandoned Cento-san and Sien-san. Both of them were there, dressed in sportswear just like Tre-san. I imagined that Tre-san had seen the same magazine ad I had and insisted on coming, and the two of them had simply tagged along to keep an eye on her.
"It must be fate that we met here, Kaito! Team up with us and let's take over the world!"
"Setting the 'world conquest' aside, I don't mind forming a team. But we need five people, so we’re still one short..."
"In that case, I suppose this super-transcendental beautiful girl helper will have to step in..."
"...O-Oh."
Well, that settled it. We’d already conquered the world. In fact, Alice could probably do it single-handedly.
Regardless, our team was formed on the spot: me, Tre-san, Cento-san, Sien-san, and Alice. Two Count-class demons and one of the Six Kings... What an absurdly unfair lineup. I felt genuinely sorry for our opponents.
It wasn't a formal tournament; we just signed up and played several matches against other five-person teams. The result was a foregone conclusion: a total landslide.
To be honest, Tre-san and I were complete dead weight. We were total amateurs, fumbling our dribbles and missing our shots. But the other three were just too dominant. Putting aside their raw physical abilities, Cento-san and Sien-san's coordination was breathtaking. If either of them got their hands on the ball, they would carve through the opposing defense with elegant passes and score with effortless grace.
But Alice was the real nightmare. She spent the entire game messing around, essentially parking herself right under our own hoop. She only moved if the ball came within arm's reach or if an opponent missed a shot. She’d snatch the rebound and sink a basket before her feet even touched the ground. She was clearly just playing around, and her shooting form was incredibly half-hearted—yet every single shot went perfectly through the rim. For the opponents, the moment Alice touched the ball, it was a guaranteed three-pointer. It was a massacre.
"...That was a good battle."
"Tre-san and I only managed about three baskets each, though. Even after Cento-san and Sien-san practically spoon-fed us those passes..."
"Isn't the hoop too small? I want it to be at least three times wider!"
Despite our landslide victory, Tre-san and I hadn't actually contributed much scoring-wise. Well, given our lack of experience, I suppose it couldn't be helped. Besides, I’d managed to move around and work up a good sweat, so I considered it a success.
"Whew! Moving that much really worked up an appetite! Let's go get some food!"
"Good idea, Tre-san. It’ll be like a victory celebration... So, let's head out! Since Kaito-san is the team leader, he’s treating us!"
"Wait a second, when did I become the team leader?"
"Your big sister believes in you, Kaito. I know you have the soul of a true leader. Thanks for the meal!"
"..."
Honestly, Tre-san has quite the personality. Still, I didn't actually find it unpleasant. I realized I was actually looking forward to eating with them.
I let out a soft sigh at Tre-san and Alice’s antics, then offered a reassuring smile to Cento-san and Sien-san, who were looking a bit apologetic. Pulling out my Complete Food Tour Guide, I started searching for a nearby restaurant.
Basketball Ability (E = Clumsy, D = Beginner, C = Average, B = School Team Level, A = Pro Level, S = Top Pro, SS = Monster, SSS = Cheat-tier)
Kaito Miyama Speed: C Power: D Technique: E Shooting Power: C Dribbling Power: E Defensive Power: B (Including Sympathy Magic)
Tre Speed: C Power: C Technique: E Shooting Power: C Dribbling Power: D Defensive Power: C
Cento (Holding back) Speed: S Power: S Technique: A+ Shooting Power: A+ Dribbling Power: SS Defensive Power: S
Sien (Holding back) Speed: A+ Power: A+ Technique: SS Shooting Power: S Dribbling Power: S Defensive Power: S
Alice (Play mode) Speed: — (No intention of moving) Power: SSS (100% Rebound success rate) Technique: Immeasurable Shooting Power: SSS (Never misses) Dribbling Power: — (No intention of dribbling) Defensive Power: — (SSS within reach, otherwise only rebounds)