Tokyo International School — April
Cherry blossoms flutter in the wind, painting the schoolyard in pink and white. It's the beginning of a new term at Tokyo International School, one of the most competitive academic institutions in the country. Known for its excellence in both education and sports, it also happens to be the home of one of Japan's rising basketball programs.
The camera pans inside to a quiet classroom. Third-year students chat among themselves, settling into their new routine. Sitting near the window, lost in thought, is Maxwell — the 6'1" white-haired prodigy with ghostly pale eyes. His presence is both commanding and mysterious. Some classmates glance at him, whispering his name.
"That's the guy who never studies but aces everything." "And isn't he the captain of the basketball team?"
Maxwell doesn't react. He stares outside, watching petals fall.
"Hey! Earth to Maxwell!" a loud voice breaks the silence. Knight, his best friend and teammate, slams his hand on Maxwell's desk. Tall and athletic, Knight is the fire to Maxwell's calm.
"We're gonna be late for practice! Coach will kill us!"
"We still have time," Maxwell replies, standing up with a calm smirk.
Behind them, Hunter stumbles into the classroom, books falling everywhere.
"Why do we even have history class? I'm gonna be history at this rate!"
Laughter erupts. Hunter, the 7'0" comedic big man of the team, struggles academically but his heart is unmatched. The trio walks out together, forming the backbone of Tokyo International's basketball team.
---
Scene Change: Basketball Gymnasium
Coach Shirogane, a stoic ex-pro with sharp eyes, watches the team scrimmage. New first-years fumble under pressure. Knight aggressively charges into a drill, calling plays, while Hunter throws down an alley-oop with his usual flair. Maxwell moves in silence, his presence controlling the court. His passes are ahead of time, his reads too precise. Teammates blink in awe.
"Did he just know where the ball was going to be?" one whispers.
A quick flash — the camera slows down as Maxwell's eyes gleam for just a second.
Glimmers. But nothing is explained.
---
Scene Change: Locker Room
"Listen up," Coach Shirogane speaks. "The JBA Season officially begins next week. You all know the stakes. 30 schools across Japan, and only 16 make it to the knockout stage."
He unrolls a giant fixture chart: East vs. West. South schools, coastal academies, mountain cities, all marked.
"We're playing Fukuoka Central High first. Away match. They're big and fast. Last year, they were in the top 8."
"We're not the same team from last year," Knight says, eyes burning.
Coach nods. "We're aiming for one thing: JBA Championship."
---
Later That Day: Dorm Rooftop
Maxwell sits alone, wind playing with his silver hair. He holds a photo — an old team, smiling. He looks at it quietly.
Knight joins him, holding drinks.
"Still thinking about your brother?" he asks.
Maxwell doesn't reply.
"This year, we write our own story," Knight adds.
The sun begins to set. Below, Tokyo glows.
---
Ending Scene: Match Day Approaches
Montage of practices. Maxwell outsmarting defenders. Knight barking orders. Hunter dominating rebounds and struggling in class. Team chemistry builds. No abilities are shown directly, but the hints begin.
The episode ends with a still shot of the tournament poster:
> JBA SEASON BEGINS - WHO WILL CLAIM THE CROWN?