Aiming, jumping, stretching his arms, flicking his wrist—a series of movements flowed like water."Wow! This body has an amazing shooting touch!" Kudo couldn't help but exclaim as the basketball arced beautifully through the air and swished into the hoop.
Not only was his shooting excellent—after all, as the captain of Fukazawa and a player trained under the legendary "white-haired devil," Anzai Mitsuyoshi—Kudo Shinichi had grown into one of the best point guards in Japan's university league. His dribbling, playmaking, and court vision were all top-tier at the collegiate level.
"But I've already retired, and I'm supposed to be preparing to be a coach," Kudo reminded himself. "If it weren't for the system's mission, I wouldn't even be practicing."
Despite that thought, he still dedicated six hours a day to basketball training that week. The rest of his time was spent reading coaching manuals and watching old game footage of his own team—studying how the previous Kudo played and led.
As winter vacation began, Kudo made plans to return to Kanagawa with Kawasaki. (At this time, universities were starting their break, though high schools and junior highs were still in session.)
Kanagawa — Kudo's Home
"I'm back!" Kudo announced as he stepped into the house he hadn't seen in so long.
"Is that you, Shinichi?" his mother, Kudo Nobuko, called out happily. She recognized her son's voice right away. "Put your things down—I've cleaned your room and prepared fresh clothes. Go take a bath first. We'll have dinner once your father gets home. I've made all your favorite dishes this time…"
Kudo Nobuko, a traditional Japanese housewife, was Shinichi's mother. Like many married women in Japan, she had taken her husband's last name.
Listening to her gentle, familiar nagging, Kudo didn't feel annoyed—in fact, he felt deeply touched.This was the kind of warmth he had always longed for in his previous life.
(In his past life as Chen Xin, his parents divorced when he was young, and he never experienced this kind of family warmth.)
"Thanks, Mom. I'll go take a bath now," he said softly, then headed to the room he remembered from Kudo's memories.
"Huh? What's gotten into him today?" Nobuko wondered aloud. "He's being so polite… Maybe he's finally growing up."
Sinking into the warm bath, Kudo closed his eyes with a satisfied sigh.This is what home feels like… I have to treasure this feeling. It's so precious.He silently promised himself that he would never let go of this warmth—not ever.
After bathing, he headed to the dining room and saw the delicious food already laid out. He couldn't resist grabbing a piece with his hands and stuffing it into his mouth.
Just then, Nobuko walked in carrying another dish and burst out laughing."You're such a child. You're not a kid anymore—at least use chopsticks. If you want to eat, go grab the tableware."
"Right, I'll get them now." Embarrassed, Kudo quickly got up and went to the kitchen.
Watching her son behave so differently than usual, Nobuko could tell something had changed in him—but she didn't press the issue. From what she could see, the change was for the better.
"It smells amazing in here! Nobuko, you really pulled out all the stops today," came a warm male voice from the entryway.
"It's because Shinichi is home for break. I wanted to make his favorite dishes to welcome him back," she replied with a smile.
Kudo Mingwu, Shinichi's father, was the president of a mid-sized company and held shares in several businesses across Kanagawa. A successful, capable man, he was also deeply devoted to his family.
"You're so biased! I work hard every day and don't get this kind of treatment. The moment Shinichi comes home, it's like a feast!" Mingwu said in mock protest.
"Oh, stop whining. You're a grown man, and you're still jealous of your own son?" Nobuko laughed. "Go take a shower. Dinner's almost ready. And since Shinichi is home, we're celebrating tonight—I'll even let you drink as much as you want."
"Really?!" Mingwu's eyes lit up. "Awesome! I'll go shower right now. I'm gonna enjoy this!"
Watching her husband run off, Nobuko shook her head, smiling to herself.He's in his 60s, and he still acts like a kid sometimes…
"Let's eat!" Kudo Shinichi and Kudo Akira (Mingwu's given name) said in unison as they eagerly dug into their food.
Seeing the two most important men in her life enjoying her cooking so much, Nobuko beamed."Slow down, you two. There's plenty—don't choke yourselves."
"Mmm, Nobuko's cooking is the best," Akira said, raising a sake glass. "Shinichi, you're a grown man now. You should drink with your dad. Come on, have a few!"
"Uhh, I'm not sure that's a good idea…" Shinichi replied awkwardly. Neither the old Shinichi nor the current one was good with alcohol. But faced with his father's enthusiastic invitation, he hesitated—this was the first time he'd experienced such a moment.
"Just drink a little," Nobuko encouraged. "But Akira, don't go overboard—Shinichi's not used to drinking. Let him take it slow, okay?"
"Yes, yes, I get it," Akira said cheerfully. "Come on, Shinichi. Just one glass. It's only sake, not that strong."
Seeing both his parents insist, Shinichi felt too embarrassed to say no."Okay, Dad. I'll drink with you," he said.
"That's more like it! A man's gotta be able to drink!" Akira poured the sake and passed a glass to Shinichi. "Cheers!"
"Cheers!" Shinichi said, raising his glass.
"That's the spirit!" Akira clinked glasses with his son and took a big sip.
"Another round! Nobuko, refill my glass—I could drink a thousand cups today!" Akira said, clearly drunk.
"Seriously, Shinichi's already passed out. You too—you always go overboard when you drink," Nobuko said, trying to keep the situation under control. Her son was slumped over the table, and her husband was still eager to drink more.
"I'm not drunk! I've barely started! I can't miss a chance like this!" Akira insisted.
Nobuko sighed, already regretting letting him drink so freely. But since she'd already agreed, she could only keep trying to limit the damage.
"Fine, I won't stop you. But Shinichi can't drink anymore—he's out. If you try to make him drink again, I will cut you off!"
Akira pouted. "Sheesh, just a little more… Shinichi really can't hold his liquor. Oh well, more for me then!"
Seeing him act so childish, Nobuko couldn't help but find it a little funny. But she stayed firm."Drink slowly, Akira. I've already helped Shinichi to his room. And don't forget, you have work tomorrow—you'd better not be late!"
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Akira waved her off. "I'll handle it."
Nobuko just shook her head and left to check on Shinichi.
After tucking him into bed, she leaned down and said,"Alright, Shinichi, we're in your room now. How long are you planning to pretend to be drunk?"
"...You caught me, huh?" Kudo said sheepishly.The truth was, he really couldn't drink much. But refusing his dad was tough, so he faked being drunk after reaching his limit.
"You two are really something," Nobuko said with a sigh. "Anyway, you just got back and must be tired. Get some rest—I'll go make some hangover soup for your father."
She walked out, leaving Kudo lying peacefully in bed.
Staring at the ceiling, Kudo smiled as he thought about the day.
This is what I always dreamed of…
"I'll protect this."He silently made up his mind.
And like that, Kudo drifted off to sleep—his first night home ending in quiet warmth.