The Legend Coach: Slam Dunk

"Anzai-sensei, thank you very much for your time today," Kudo said, bowing respectfully.

"It's nothing, Kudo. If you ever face any challenges in coaching, don't hesitate to come to me. I'll do my best to help," Coach Anzai replied with a warm smile.

"Then I'm sorry to trouble you again in the future," Kudo said, bowing once more.

"Don't worry about it. Come visit often, Kudo."

"I will. See you later, Anzai-sensei."

"Take care, Kudo."

Leaving Coach Anzai's house, Kudo walked toward the station, his mind racing with thoughts about their conversation. It's clear that Anzai-sensei didn't leave the team just because of his health. Something must have happened. I remember it was mentioned in the manga, but I can't recall the details... What exactly was it?

"Kudo!" a voice called from behind, interrupting his thoughts.

Kudo turned to see Mrs. Anzai driving a small car toward him. She pulled up beside him and smiled warmly. "Let me give you a ride to the station, Kudo."

"That would be wonderful. Thank you," Kudo said, climbing into the passenger seat.

As they drove, Mrs. Anzai broke the silence. "Kudo, did you know that a member of the basketball team once went to America?"

Kudo frowned, trying to recall. "I'm not sure. I don't think it was anyone from my time on the team."

"It was about five years ago," Mrs. Anzai explained. "His name was Ryuji Tanizawa. He was two meters tall, incredibly athletic, and a promising freshman."

"Oh, now that you mention it, I remember something," Kudo said, his eyes lighting up. "When I was a freshman, someone sent the team a videotape of a basketball game in America. A Japanese player appeared in it, and I think it was Tanizawa-senpai. The seniors on the team praised him at the time."

Mrs. Anzai nodded. "Yes, that was Tanizawa. Kudo, you're familiar with Anzai-sensei's nickname, aren't you?"

"The White-Haired Demon," Kudo replied with a chuckle. "It's because of his intense training methods. But it's thanks to his discipline that I've become the player I am today. I owe him a lot."

Mrs. Anzai's expression softened. "Tanizawa was a player with extraordinary potential. Anzai believed he could train him to become the best in Japan."

"The best in Japan?" Kudo repeated, impressed.

"Yes. But you know how Anzai is—the more he expects from someone, the tougher he is on them. He gave Tanizawa rigorous basic training, pushing him to his limits."

"Then why did Tanizawa go to America?" Kudo asked, puzzled.

Mrs. Anzai sighed. "Perhaps he found Anzai's training too harsh. Or maybe he felt the team's style restricted his growth, and he wanted more freedom to play his own game. Whatever the reason, he left without a word to pursue basketball in America."

Kudo's eyes widened. "Just like that?"

"Yes. About a year later, Tanizawa sent a videotape to the team. But Anzai noticed that his performance hadn't improved since he left. Despite his height and athleticism, Tanizawa struggled in America, where players were taller, faster, and more skilled. He relied too much on his natural abilities and neglected the fundamentals. Without a strong foundation, he couldn't compete at that level."

Kudo shook his head. "Talent alone isn't enough. Without hard work and discipline, even the most gifted players can't succeed. Tanizawa didn't live up to Coach Anzai's expectations."

Mrs. Anzai nodded solemnly. "Anzai tried to keep track of Tanizawa's progress, but he never heard anything more... until this summer."

"What happened?" Kudo asked, leaning forward.

Mrs. Anzai's voice grew heavy. "Anzai found out about Tanizawa through a newspaper article. Kudo... Tanizawa is dead."

"What?!" Kudo exclaimed, stunned. "How?"

"He died in a fight in the United States," Mrs. Anzai explained. "When Anzai read the news, he visited Tanizawa's grave. There, he met Tanizawa's mother. She gave him a letter that Tanizawa had written four years ago but never sent."

"A letter? What did it say?" Kudo asked, his curiosity piqued.

Mrs. Anzai paused, her voice trembling slightly. "In the letter, Tanizawa expressed his regret for his immaturity. He admitted that he hadn't achieved what he'd hoped in America. He was too ashamed to return to Japan without making a name for himself. He wanted to keep working hard until he succeeded... but he never got the chance."

Kudo sat in silence, processing the tragic story. "So that's why Coach Anzai changed so much," he murmured.

Mrs. Anzai nodded. "Anzai has always been strict, but Tanizawa's death hit him hard. He blames himself for pushing Tanizawa too hard. On top of that, Anzai's health has been declining. He has heart problems now and can't handle stress like he used to. That's why he stepped down from the team."

"I had no idea," Kudo said softly. "I don't blame him at all. This wasn't his fault."

Mrs. Anzai gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Kudo. It means a lot to hear that."

Kudo hesitated before asking, "What is Coach Anzai doing now? Is he just resting at home?"

"Not exactly," Mrs. Anzai replied. "He's been invited to coach at Shonboku High School. He still loves basketball and can't let it go completely."

"But what about his health?" Kudo asked, concerned.

"He doesn't go to the team often," Mrs. Anzai explained. "Shonboku is a prefectural school, so they don't put much pressure on him. He mostly gives occasional guidance to the players."

Kudo nodded, understanding. (In Japan, private high schools often prioritize athletic performance to attract students, while prefectural schools like Shonboku focus more on education and charge lower fees. This explains why Coach Anzai can take on a less demanding role.)

As they arrived at the station, Kudo turned to Mrs. Anzai. "Thank you for the ride and for sharing this with me. I'll visit again soon."

"Take care, Kudo," Mrs. Anzai said warmly. "And don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything."

"I will. Goodbye, Mrs. Anzai," Kudo said, stepping out of the car.

As he walked into the station, Kudo couldn't shake the weight of Tanizawa's story. Coach Anzai carried so much guilt, yet he never stopped caring about his players. I'll make sure to honor his teachings and become the best coach I can be.