Crimson, believe it!

“Since we came here in Russia the good weather has been following us, aren’t we lucky? “ Crimson Fist was commenting while putting on his sneakers that he recently bought. Bright green Jordans went well with the rest of his basketball uniform. Green and yellow combinations always suited his dark tan. He stood up finally and turned to face his friends throwing a big shadow over them as he was blocking the sunlight that came through the window behind him.

“ I agree, and Crimson, i have to admit, your sportswear looks good on you. You will have fun in that basketball club for sure. All girls like a good looking basketball player” Breeze Dancer’s line made Crimson uneasy, he was not good with girls and Breeze never had mercy when teasing him. Breeze was running around the house, trying to find her beach volleyball cap. She was in love with her yellow volleyball costume that she got from the local club, and she remembered that she had a perfect cap that would go well with it. Azure Fang was sitting by the table eating snacks and laughing at how fast Breeze was running through the apartment they rented during the time when world cup took place. Azure was already prepared, she didn’t need much time to put on her gymnastic uniform, she was hyped because she got the chance to practice with famous Russian gymnastics, but no one could see that on her face. She loved her new uniform, blue clothing always fascinated her, and that morning, when Midnight Blade said to her that the uniform matches her well, she was in heaven. That is why she ignored him the rest of the day, eating snacks and looking at other direction while he was packing his new soccer shoes in his backpack. He preferred to bring his clothes to the stadium and change in the dress room, and he felt the best when he could take a shower right after the game, even though the apartment was 2 minutes of walk away from the stadium.

“Midnight, if you’re ready, let’s head to the stadium, my baseball team is gathering there. “ Scarlet Blaze didn’t think he would enjoy his time here. But when he saw people playing baseball in his neighborhood he couldn’t resist his urge to join them. He is a hyperactive type of a person, the red uniform that baseball team had, made him run right onto the captain and asking him if he could join them for the time he is staying in Russia. The captain was a nice person, and when he saw Scarlet’s skill on the field, he was more than glad to take him in for that short period of time.

Midnight Blade didn’t respond verbally, he stood up, put his backpack on and went to the door waving at the rest of the group. Scarlet didn’t need any word to understand, so he rushed after Midnight saying goodbye to the rest of the group.

“Girls, i will be leaving you now. Have a nice time” Crimson knew that if he would wait for Breeze, he would never get out of the apartment. Breeze was mumbling something that resembled as goodbye, and Azure just waved as her mouth were full with snacks.

While he was walking down the street he was wondering if Breeze will really come later that day to watch his big game as she promised to him the night before.

He just started to blush at the thought of her cheering for him from the bench when he reached the big building. He wasn’t feeling nervous, he was preparing for the big game for a long time. His home town basketball team was well known through the world, and thanks to it, he traveled throughout the world and he was able to take his friends on every and each of those travels. This year the big basketball game aligned with the fifa world cup, and that fact made his friend Midnight really happy, at least Crimson would like to think like that, since Midnight is always silent.

Crimson went straight to the changing room to meet the rest of his team. The first one to meet him at the door was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the coach. Hiruzen put his hand on Crimsons shoulder, well better say tried to do so, there is a bit much of a height difference. Hiruzen looked into Crimsons eyes and Crimson knew that he is accepted in this team, he feel certain and knows everyone is counting on him. He will give his best on the field.

Until the game start there is few hours, so everyone is sitting on benches and going through the tactics. Crimson went ahead and took the place next to Minato Namikaze, the fastest player basketball ever had. They did their famous bro fist and continued with paying attention to Hiruzen’s words.

‘’ All right, now that everyone is here, we should go through the tactic once more.’’ Hiruzen was serious while talking about the game, while off the field he was a big jokester. That is how everyone knew to respect his words and his coaching. Crimson knew that his position is the power forward. He is using his height to win every game he have been playing. Hiruzen already gave him the instructions, and Crimson understood them perfectly. Minato Namikaze’s position is small forward, using his speed, size and strength he can guard multiple positions. After giving him the instruction Hiruzen went next to Kakashi, the on field captain. Kakashi as the point guard is making sure that Hiruzen’s coaching don’t go in vain. That is why he is remembering every word and every move Hiruzen shows on the blackboard in front of him. The position of a shooting guard is taken by the youngest member, Neji Hyuga. The most precise ball handler. He has a good sight and sense of environment. His ball always ends up at the right player at the right spot, always knows of which position he can make the best use of and his head is cool during the most intense moments. The center position is taken by Ay. The big boy of the Shinobi basketball team. His strength, size and speed are admirable and with them this is the position for him. The substitution members were Shisui, player with great ball possession sense, Lee, agile player, Kisame, player with unlimited source of energy, and the famous brothers, Hashirama and Tobirama, that work perfectly together in the forward positions.

The team after listening to an hour of Hiruzen’s talking went to the court. They started warming up by running, jumping, tossing the ball. As the time was passing they became more conscious about the upcoming game. They were up against the Otsutsuki team. They never played against them before. Crimson have rewatched their play countless times on various sites on internet. He made sure to notice their weakness in their defence. So as long as they get to the ball possession they will have a chance against that unbeatable team.

The time is closing up and the crowd is getting bigger. Crimson got called from the crowd, he turned and he saw all 4 of his best friends. He rushed to them.

‘’I am glad to see you all made it here’’ Crimson went through his hair with his hand trying not to show how nervous he got. He wanted to make them proud.

‘’Like hell i would ever miss this chance to see you beating those uptight freaks.’’ Scarlet never knew what words he shouldn’t utter, but even like that he always managed to cheer up everyone, and this made Crimson feel better. He turned his head toward Breeze, as she seemed like she had something to say. She stepped out, and stood right in front of him. Took something out of her bag and told him to lean a bit. He leaned toward her while jittering. She have placed the black headband on his head.

‘’Good luck big boy’’, that was enough to make him blush. He stepped away from his friends and told them to go to the bench next to Hiruzen the fastest he could. Once everyone was seated he went back to his teammates.

There is 10 minutes until the game starts. Players are introducing themselves and the referee is approaching holding the ball in his hands. He is making a visual contact with all the players and tossing the ball when he made sure everything is fine. At that moment all the players shutted down and the only thing that existed to them is the ball and the game. Ay jumped at the same time Otsutsuki’s center jumped, they both managed to get to the ball, but Ay was stronger on this point, he managed to hit the ball in the direction of Crimson. Crimson knew that as they got the ball now there is no way he can let down his team and friends. He will win this game. He started to dribble the ball, rushed forward, and all of his team mates followed his steps. He was feeling secure, he knew his teammates are keeping themselves open for a pass, and he dodges the opponent team with ease. As he approached the hoop the crowd around him became tight, Kakashi screamed out ‘’ Rasengan!’’, Crimson understood him, saw the opening to Minato and passed him the ball. Minato caught it, rushed forward, jumped and scored. First score from Shinobi in under one minute of the game. There was not much time to celebrate, this was only the start and no one will rest during this game.

Next 10 minutes was tough, once the Otsutsuki got the ball in their hands it was hard for Shinobi to recover it. Shinobi’s defensive play was remarkable, but Otsutsuki managed to get in lead. Their play style was harsh, and their offensive was good. The result after the first quarter was 30 vs 29 for Otsutsuki. Close call, but that wasn’t making Shinobi happy. They wanted a win. The break was loud on the bench. Hiruzen was making sure everyone got their part once again. And he decided to replace Ay with Kisame.

The 2nd quarter started off with Otsutsuki in ball possession. Kisame unleashed his inner rage. He was overflowing with energy and no one could stop him, he took the ball. He went for the other side of court, to the opponents hoop, He got blocked by Otsutsuki’s Shooting guard and Point guard, Kakashi made sure Kisame would hear his voice when he shouted ‘’Byakugan!’’ On that word Kisame launched the ball towards neji that stood behind him, the word that Kakashi shouted was followed up by ‘’ Stone Fist’’ and Neji shortly after he got the ball passed to Crimson, the pass was perfect, no one could stop it, and with that Crimson scored.

....

This quarter was tough as the first one, but this time Shinobi were more in the * possession. The Kisame addition to the game was a good one, as they needed a harsher approach. Half time came, at the end of the 2nd quarter the results were 56:62 in favor of Shinobi. They were still not happy with the result, the battle is close and Otsutsuki team is agitated. Crimson gets nervous but in a brief second he hears a sweat voice he already knows. It was Breeze cheering for him from the bottom of her lungs. Her screaming Crimson’s name could be heard even the music from the cheerleading performance is too loud. He felt an adrenaline rush inside of him. He remembered for who he is playing and giving his best.

The break is over, everyone is back on field. Shinobi’s are starting the game. This quarter is fast paced. Full of passing, ball stealing, fouls, chargings. Otsutsuki decided to put everything they had on court. They didn’t have mercy. While one of the Otsutsuki’s team member was in ball possession Minato rushed to him and managed to take the ball. Minato was so fast, he saw a clear opening to the hoop and went for it. Just at the moment when ball should’ve entered the hoop referee was whistling. Minato was charged with traveling. Minato knew that wasn’t the real case, he was careful throughout the whole game, so he went to the referee to clear that misunderstanding. The referee didn’t have patience for him and threatened him with an expel from the field in this season.

Everyone came to Minato and calmed him. The 2nd quarter was tied. 95 points on both sides. This match was intense. Crimson heard the cheering of his friends. Even Midnight was loud. After a harsh and loud talk from Hiruzen they went back to the field. None of them felt tired, they feel fresh, the game still isn’t over, and they need to make sure to do the best they can.

Game went with no changes in the player’s pace. It was as fast as it was, as harsh as they played from the start. The time was clicking, the heartbeat of everyone watching the game raised, the match was intense, and the results was close. When the referee whistled the end the crowd went loud, players than turned to see the scoreboard. Shinobi won, the difference in the result was by only 3 points. Scarlet was standing firm on ground not sure what he should do next, he still thinks the game is on. Every team member rushed to him, jumping, yelling, hugging. Hiruzen was beyond happy, he was standing on the bench and yelling with his hands raised. And while in that group hug he caught a glimpse of Breeze, Midnight, Scarlet and Azure, they were all looking in his direction with brightest smiles on their face. He went out of the crowd made by his fellow players and went straight to his friends. The first one to great him was Scarlet, rushing to him and punching his biceps.

‘’Bro, you were great! You made sure for them to know who’s the boss!’’ Crimson was speechless, he was hugging Azure, and s* hands with Midnight but he didn’t take his eyes from Breeze. Scarlet, Azure and Midnight saw that and they moved on the side, letting Crimson pass and go to Breeze.

‘’We won’’ He said while awkwardly scratching the back oh his head. She stood close to him, and while looking in his eyes she whispered in a tone she knew he would hear, ‘’You won, but not only the game’’ And landed a light kiss on his lips.