MVP

The Crimson Fist, a name feared on the battlefield but earned on the basketball court. Given because he moved the ball with such speed and athleticism that it appeared as a red blur. Even at a young age scouts were lining up to commit him to their roster, however the Hokage also noticed his physical prowess and extended an invitation to become a Shinobi. Duty bound, he accepted the call. Ninja of any rank are banned from organized sports, so his first day as a Genin was his last as a sportsman. At that time he didn’t understand or agree with the rule. Sitting in the stands today as a Special Jounin he fully endorsed it, however no rules existed that stated he couldn’t be a fan. He had loved the Konoha “Leaves” since he was a young boy, and it was his dream to join their ranks. He knew this dream could never be fully realized, so he embraced fandom by suiting up for every game wearing, their home colors of green and yellow. As a season ticket holder game attendance came second only to his responsibilities as a leaf Shinobi. The Professional basketball League hosted teams from all the major villages. Every season a few new teams would enter but they seldom stayed long due to the extreme level of competition. This year was the exception with the brand new team, “the Snakes” toting an undefeated record. They even had a large following since the proceeds were given to the orphanage that sponsored the team. To make it to the championship the first year in the league was unheard of, he was excited to see what they were all about. After saying hello to all the regulars he eased back into his seat and enjoyed the cacophony of sounds that make him feel at home in the arena. Music began to play as the teams entered the stadium. He immediately recognized the Leaves, they made a fine squad, he had played with several of them when he was younger, and he had acquired each players autograph at least once. The Snakes were immense, not just basketball player big, but huge by any standard. It seemed like a team full of Akimichi’s using expansion jutsu. “This has to be some sort of mistake, the league screens for steroids stringently, there is no way they are natural. When the snakes manager was introduced it sent a chill down his spine, “Kabuto Yakushi” rang out over the speakers. The name had crossed his path multiple times on missions. Supposedly reformed, Kabuto was a scientific genius who’s moral ambiguity led to extensive human experimentation. If anyone could augment a person in such a way that the PBL could not find a trace it was him. The game began and the difference was all to evident. The snakes simply outsized and overpowered the leaves and jumped up to a quick lead 34 to 16. “This was the leafs year, I’m can’t just sit her and watch a championship cheated away from them. He saw Kabuto softly clapping on the sideline as a member of his team slam dunked from nearly the three point line, a large serpentine grin spreading across his face. An irrational bloodlust boiled up within him. He pushed it down into the cold place in his chest and started calculating his counter attack. The score at the half was Snakes 75, Leaves 28. Many would consider his intentions cheating. But Shinobi don’t recognize such childish words, it is results that matter in a mission. The teams retook the court, this half was going to be different. After a little shiver he tucked his arms into his green Leaves jersey and started signing in secret. The effect of super lightened bolder jutsu was immediate. Some of the Leaves stumbled around as they got used to their new lighter body and drastically increased speed. They quickly adapted and began to run circles around the larger and slower opponents. The strength that had once been the Snakes advantage hurt them as they sent Leaves flying with each physical contact eliciting a foul call from the refs. He winced as one of their players nearly jumped over the backboard, maybe he had overdone it. The score said otherwise with the Leaves leading 111 to 110 with 30 seconds left on the clock. Every muscle in his body clenched as the snakes passed the ball in. The defense was immediately on them but the Snakes had planed for this. The smaller faster Leaves would steal the ball if they put it on the hardwood so they held it overhead and instead of dribbling they formed a line and handed it to each other slower making their way for the basket. With 2 seconds left and a eight foot tall Snake inches away from scoring a sudden chill sent his hands back into his jersey. As the ball descended into what was surely the championship securing point he signed wood style low rafter and sent the hoop toppling over sideways. He intended to make it look like the player had torn down the backboard missing the game winning shot. He wouldn’t have bought it, but the crowd did, and they went wild. He found himself on his feet adding to the uproar. The leaves finally have a title. A well deserved championship. He saw that trophy handed to the star player and a celebratory bucket of sports drink dumped on the coach. He looked down at his green and yellow Leaves uniform and felt a tinge of pride for doing his part for the team he so loved. Then a melodic hissing whisper said “good game, don’t you think?” He turned to see Kabuto standing right beside him. To think he could have gotten so close without him noticing. “It was certainly the most interesting game of the season” said Kabuto. He was caught, a punishment for his abuse of power was sure to come but he would weather that, it was the knowledge that his season tickets would be taken and that he would probably be banned from spectating altogether that really hurt. An ice cold hand gripped his shaking him out of his stupor, “I just wanted to shake the hand of the Leaves most valuable player” hissed Kabuto. See you next season.

The End