Following the intense basketball session, Koganei and his two friends stayed on the court for a while, discussing and getting to know each other more. Hours later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, they parted ways, each heading home and feeling much closer than before.
Upon reaching his house, Koganei greeted his parents, the comforting routine of familial exchanges playing out. He indulged in a shower, the cascading water washing away the exertion of the day. Dinner, a shared family affair, brought them together around the table, laughter and chatter filling the air.
With the day winding down, Koganei retired to his room, the familiar contours of his bed offering a welcome respite. As he settled in for the night, the anticipation of a new week lingered in the quiet moments before sleep claimed him.
Monday dawned, bringing with it the rhythm of routine. Koganei, an early riser, embarked on his morning ritual. A brisk run through the quiet streets, the cool air invigorating him. Making his way to the local court, dribbling and mid-range shooting drills were done. A refreshing shower soon followed, clearing the remnants of slumber.
Taking a moment to study some of the upcoming curriculum, Koganei ensured a brief mental warm-up before the day unfolded. As he descended the stairs, the aroma of breakfast greeted him, and he joined his sister for a quick meal before setting off for school.
Arriving with ample time to spare, Koganei found himself at the school gates 20 minutes before the start of the day's classes. The familiar faces of classmates and the routine buzz of the school setting marked the beginning of another week.
As he stepped into the school, the echoes of the students talking about their weekend lingered in his ears, a subtle reminder that he had truly returned to a past where he had to go to school, an institution he once hated. Still, the simplicity of the routine, the comforting presence of family, and the anticipation of the day ahead intertwined to form the fabric of Koganei's daily life.
.
.
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On the crisp morning of Monday, December 16, 2014, Kimura Shinozaki, the former coach of Yuuki Junior High's basketball team, stirred from the embrace of his large bedroom. The day beckoned with promise, and after the usual routine of toiletries and dressing, he reached for his phone to find a message from none other than Koganei, wishing him luck in his upcoming discussions with the board members at Seirin High.
Sighing with a mix of gratitude and mild exasperation, Kimura couldn't help but smile at Koganei's earnestness. Dressed formally for the day's endeavors, he navigated his expansive mansion to find the camera that had been handed to him by Koganei just a few days prior. The idea was to document his entire journey—negotiations, discussions, and all—on film, a prospect he still found slightly absurd.
"Why am I doing this, again?" he mused, a perplexed expression on his face. The notion of a stoic and traditionally reserved coach like him delving into vlogging felt incongruous. The mental image of his strict persona juxtaposed with a camera in hand amused him.
With the camera now in his possession, he pressed the record button and looked into its lenses with a bemused smile. "Hello, everybody. I'm Kimura Shinozaki. Most of you must know me, but I'm Yuuki Junior High's former coach," he began, introducing himself to an invisible audience.
To his own surprise, the words flowed smoothly as he delved into the purpose of the video. The camera became a conduit for his thoughts and intentions, capturing a side of Kimura that few, if any, had seen before. As he started speaking about his purpose for going to Seirin, he found himself embracing the unfamiliar role of a vlogger with a degree of grace.
However, his newfound ease dissipated in an instant when the dining room door creaked open, revealing his wife and children, school bags in hand, ready for the day. A collective freeze descended upon them, broken only by a burst of hushed laughter. The irony of Kimura Shinozaki, the staunch and stoic coach, recording a vlog was not lost on any of them.
Seeing the humorous side, Aimi Shinozaki, Kimura's wife, seized the moment, taking out her phone to capture snapshots of her husband in this unexpectedly candid situation. The folder titled "My Cute Husband" gained a new addition, and with the laughter of the Shinozaki family still lingering, they tactfully retreated, leaving Kimura to his vlogging endeavor.
The coach remained in the living room, still frozen in the aftermath of familial amusement. The camera, now a witness to both seriousness and carefreeness, continued to roll, capturing a side of Kimura that hinted at the layers beneath the stern exterior.
Feeling a bit awkward but determined to carry on, Kimura took a deep breath and continued, "Well, as you can see, even a grumpy old coach like me is getting into the whole vlogging thing. Today is a special day, and I've decided to document my journey as I discuss potential benefits and opportunities for our beloved team with the board members at Seirin High School. I know they would accept having us on board. So, I just need to make sure we get as many benefits as possible. Mind you, I'm a terrible negotiator, so I could've just asked my lawyer to deal with this, but a certain somebody wanted me to do it myself just for you guys. That's why you have to hit the like button and subscribe... Why am I getting good at this?" He said, scratching the back of his head before getting up from the couch he was seated in.
He walked around the spacious living room, showcasing some of the basketball memorabilia on display. "Anyway, I know most of you probably didn't expect Kimura Shinozaki to be doing something like this, but hey, life is full of surprises, right?"
As he spoke, he reflected on his years of playing professionally and coaching at Yuuki Junior High, the victories, the defeats, and the moments that made being involved in basketball such a rewarding endeavor. "Basketball is more than just a game; it's a journey, and I'm fortunate enough to share this journey with some incredible young talents. So, make sure you show love to them."
His expression turned serious as he discussed the challenges and opportunities ahead. "Seirin High is a new school that has no sports program yet, and I believe my experience and coaching philosophy can contribute positively to building a good enough program for the owners to be proud of. However, It's not just about winning games; it's about shaping young minds, fostering teamwork, and instilling a love for the game that lasts a lifetime while making sure all of them have a chance to pursue a further career in the sport if they wish to."
Suddenly, he paused, realizing that he was diving into a more profound discussion than he initially intended for the vlog. With a self-deprecating smile, he chuckled, "Well, maybe I'm getting a bit carried away here. Let's save the philosophy for another time. For now, I'm off to Seirin High, and I'll take you all along for the ride. Whether this vlog becomes a regular thing or not, we'll see!"
With that, he stepped out of the house, still feeling a bit out of his element but oddly satisfied and unexpectedly surprised at how naturally it came to him. As he left his house, he couldn't help but shake his head at the unexpected turns life could take.
Under the gentle embrace of the morning sun, Coach Kimura strolled along the quiet streets, camera in hand, heading towards Seirin High School.
Punctuality, a virtue deeply ingrained in his ethos, led him to arrive a good ten minutes before the scheduled meeting time. Positioned near the principal's office, Kimura exuded a sense of calm anticipation, a camera in his hands filming everything around him while he was talking to it (the camera).
As the designated time drew near, Kimura was ushered into the principal's office, where he was met by five seasoned individuals – members of the school's board. Their attire, weathered by years of navigating the educational landscape, spoke of the wisdom and experience they brought to the table. The discreet presence of the camera sparked subtle surprise among the elderly gentlemen, but they chose not to address it directly.
Pleasantries were exchanged, and Kimura took his seat, a calm demeanor masking the potential undercurrents of the impending conversation. The board, well aware of Kimura's reputation as a skilled coach and legendary player in the history of Japanese basketball, wasted no time delving into the heart of the matter.
"Why," they inquired, "had no other schools sought your coaching prowess?"
With a knowing smile, Kimura leaned back in his chair before responding. "Well, to be honest, a lot of high schools did approach me. Some of them being large institutions. However, I have a different plan for this stage of my life," he gestured towards the camera, "I want to participate in the creation of entertaining content, and have some fun, you know?"
The old men exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and understanding in their eyes. Kimura continued, "I've been involved in basketball for a long time, and now, I want to share the lighter side of the sport, the joy of the game."
Pointing at the camera once again, he added, "Plus, I've got enough money saved up to live comfortably. Why not enjoy life a little and bring some excitement to the people who still follow me even after I have retired?"
The seasoned board members weighed Kimura's words, and after a moment of thoughtful silence, one of them spoke, "Entertaining content, you say? How does that align with our vision for a sports program at Seirin? We have briefly talked before this meeting and I don't remember you mentioning anything about content creation."
Ready with his response, Kimura detailed his vision of creating content that not only showcased the skills of the players but also highlighted the camaraderie and enjoyment of the sport. The camera, he explained, would be a tool to bring the audience closer to the world of basketball, fostering a connection between the team and their fans.
The conversation unfolded, with each party expressing their thoughts and concerns.
In the hushed confines of the principal's office, the board members attentively listened to Kimura's unconventional plan for Seirin's basketball team. Accepting his words, one of the elders, with a furrowed brow, posed the practical question of how Kimura intended to recruit players for the inaugural year.
Kimura, sporting a confident smile, leaned forward and shared the promising news. "We've got the Junior High Winter Cup MVP on board," he announced with a hint of pride. "He is the owner of this YouTube channel and one of the people who thought of creating a program. If you guys are smart enough, you could already think of the multiple benefits having a student like that could bring to your school." He stopped, seeing the pensive looks on their faces, he smiled even more and continued. "Aside from him, three other talented players graduating from Yuuki Junior High have also agreed to join us."
A moment of quiet anticipation lingered before Kimura continued, addressing the unspoken concern. "For the talents seeking recognition, our YouTube channel will serve as the platform. It's a chance for them to showcase their skills and build their reputation to further their careers as basketball players. The media will not go to low-to-mid-level junior high schools and search for talents to cover on their pages. They will only be at Teiko and the other great schools in the country, so there are a lot of talented young players who are being overlooked as we speak." He paused and looked at the board members in the eyes before continuing.
"In the long run, that might hinder their development as no resources would be given to them since they have no reputation. Schools would mostly ignore them and they would have a hard time getting into suitable teams. Although You guys have no experience in player recruitment, I believe you understand that truth. That's why we thought of doing this. Having a YouTube channel with almost 100k+ subscribers will help those talented players be seen and appreciated as members of the school's program. I think that's a good enough reason for talented prospects to want to join us."
As Kimura finished his speech, the board members exchanged glances, weighing the unconventional recruitment strategy. After a couple more questions and well-articulated responses, Kimura managed to sway the conversation in his favor. Yet, one board member, with a shrewd eye, raised another point.
"Would it be acceptable for us to promote the school through your YouTube channel? It could be a significant boost for our private institution," the elder inquired.
Kimura, taking a moment to consider the proposition, nodded. "Absolutely. We can dedicate a segment exclusively showcasing the school. I did some research and found that your music club has some pretty talented young kids. We can include them in our channel, allowing them to attract better talents and be nationally recognized. I'm sure a lot of people following us would also want to see other sports. It's a win-win situation – we get our program, and the school gains visibility."
Gratitude filled the room as the old men expressed their thanks. Although those programs were at the national level, they recently hit a wall. So, if Kimura's methods could be useful, they would be glad.
However, a lingering concern about financial constraints surfaced. Another board member, his tone filled with worry, brought up the issue of limited funds for the first couple of years.
Kimura, maintaining his calm demeanor, responded with an assurance that resonated with confidence. "As long as we have access to a gym, we can manage the rest for the initial years until we achieve some sort of accomplishment. However, if we make some accomplishments, we expect appropriate funding for the following years."
Acknowledging his words with smiles and nods, the board members seemed content with the proposal. As the discussion reached its natural pause, one elder gestured towards the door. "Thank you, Kimura. We'll need some time to discuss your proposal. Kindly step outside for a moment."
Stepping out of the principal's office, Kimura found himself in the hushed hallway, the door gently closing behind him. At that moment, the fate of Seirin High School's nascent basketball program hung in the balance. Meanwhile, within the confines of the room, the five board members embarked on a crucial discussion that would shape the school's sporting landscape.
Initiating the conversation, a seasoned member spoke up, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "As he said, we have some extremely talented kids in the school's music club. The owner's daughter is there, after all. So, Adding a basketball program, especially under the guidance of a legendary figure like Kimura Shinozaki, could significantly boost the school's overall profile."
Nods of agreement rippled through the room as the elders pondered the potential advantages. The idea of introducing another thriving sports program, with the revered Kimura Shinozaki at the helm, resonated strongly with the board.
"Having a well-known personality leading the program not only elevates the basketball team but also casts a positive light on the school. And let's not forget their YouTube presence. Their ascent may have been swift, but it's understandable. No one was putting that level of production into their videos before," another member chimed in, echoing the sentiment of his colleagues.
The board delved into a nuanced discussion, meticulously weighing the merits of incorporating a basketball team against the backdrop of the school's existing popularity. The potential for heightened visibility, a diversified range of after-school activity offerings, and the undeniable charisma of Kimura Shinozaki became integral elements woven into the fabric of their conversation.
After a few minutes of thoughtful deliberation, a unanimous decision emerged among the board members. The consensus was reached to wholeheartedly embrace the introduction of a basketball program at Seirin High School.
One member, acting as the spokesperson, conveyed the decision to Kimura. "Coach Kimura, after careful consideration, we're pleased to inform you that we've decided to accept your proposal. Seirin High School will indeed welcome a basketball program, and we eagerly anticipate the success it will bring to our esteemed institution."
The news brought a profound sense of accomplishment to Kimura, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the board members. The quiet hallway outside the principal's office bore witness to a pivotal moment – the birth of a basketball program that would soon etch its face within the history of Japanese basketball.
...
Navigating through the familiar routine of his school day, Koganei found himself concluding it with an hour-long training session alongside Mitobe. Surprisingly absent was Coach Kimura, leaving the teenagers to embark on their solo drills and exercises after the school bell signaled the end of classes.
Cruising through the streets on his trusty bicycle, Koganei pedaled his way back home, the rhythmic motion of his commute ingrained in the daily tapestry of his life. Upon arrival, he exchanged casual greetings with his sister, Akane, who was deeply engrossed in a drama series airing on TV.
Unmoved by the melodramatic allure of TV dramas, Koganei couldn't resist teasing his sister. With a playful eye-roll, he attempted to snatch the remote from her grasp, injecting a moment of spirited sibling banter into the cozy living room. Despite his antics, he eventually retreated to his room, uninterested in indulging in the allure of soap operas.
In the sanctuary of his room, Koganei, having diligently studied ahead of the curriculum, delved into a meticulous review of the day's class notes. The hum of concentration filled the room as he ensured a solid grasp of the academic material, supplementing his learning with additional exercises and problems.
As the evening unfurled its tranquil embrace, Koganei fired up his computer, eager to explore potential locations for their upcoming basketball-related videos. A quick Google search led him to a plethora of local parks, each promising its unique ambiance for the type of videos they would soon be filming and posting.
Amid his online exploration, a notification pinged on his screen, indicating the arrival of a new email. Intrigued, Koganei clicked on the notification, revealing the contents of the message. The sender's name and the subject line awaited his attention, holding the promise of a potential shift in the course of his evening.