Teiko's logistics team was preparing the test site, while Akito Shigure, who had just acquired a new set of attributes and skills thanks to the Slam Dunk Mobile Player system, was full of energy and eager to try them out.
To the side, Shinji Crowell noticed this. Compared to his own slightly tense demeanor, he was surprised at how relaxed Akito seemed today.
This guy…
He's way too confident today.
Shinji glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. After a moment, he suddenly said, "Hey, Akito—want to make it a competition? See who can make the First Squad?"
Akito raised an eyebrow at that.
"Sure~"
He was more than happy to oblige.
Though he wasn't entirely sure how his new strength measured up to the current Teiko First Squad, one thing was clear—he was nothing like the old Akito Shigure anymore.
"You'll see what I'm capable of later~"
"Hmph. Akito, don't I already know what you're made of?"
"Don't underestimate the power of puberty, Shinji~"
"…When you put it that way… yeah, that's true."
Shinji thought of his own growth. Standing at 6'1" (185 cm), he was already tall for a middle schooler. He'd hit a major growth spurt over the break, and puberty had completely reshaped him—suddenly and dramatically.
Honestly…
He still wasn't ready to play center just yet.
But even so, his strength had skyrocketed. With that realization, Shinji let go of his last bit of tension and felt adrenaline begin to surge through him.
He raised his fist.
Akito understood instantly.
Clap!
Fist bump.
They locked eyes and exchanged knowing smiles.
Behind them, Reggie Fulton quietly looked up. Hidden behind his long bangs, a flicker of envy shone in his eyes.
---
Not long after, under the direction of First Squad coach Nathan Sanders, the rookies were divided into groups and sent to various sections of the gym for physical evaluations.
From static metrics to dynamic athleticism, the wide variety of tests quickly made it clear—this wasn't your average after-school club. This was closer to a pro-level evaluation.
After completing the physical testing, the gym suddenly filled with tension as a group of well-trained Teiko players entered the arena.
And then, as expected—
Coach Nathan Sanders gathered the new recruits and announced the next stage of the exam.
The technical test.
A series of 1-on-1 matches against members of the Second Squad, designed to evaluate basketball skills beyond just raw athleticism.
For a group of first-year middle schoolers, a series of 1v1 matches was a far more effective way to showcase individual talent than full team games.
"You serious?!"
"We're going 1-on-1 against them?!"
"Those are the Second Squad upperclassmen…"
"We don't have to win, right? It's just a skill assessment… right?"
"Pfft!"
"They're just Second Squad players. What's there to be scared of?"
Some rookies were fired up. Others looked nervous.
Teiko's basketball program was already famous. While they hadn't clinched a championship in the last two years, they'd never fallen outside the national top three.
Even in practice games, the school often sent out Second Squad lineups—or sometimes just a couple of First Squad members leading the Seconds—and still came away with more wins than losses.
Their depth ran deep.
"Now, those whose names are called—please head to your assigned half-court for the test," Coach Sanders announced, signaling the official start of the 1v1 assessments.
And the very first name called...
"Joey Matsugata!"
"Court No. 1!"
Akito narrowed his phoenix-like eyes, catching a flash of something fierce in Joey's expression—reminding him a bit of the future Shuzo Nichols.
Looking over at Coach Genzo Platinum with his usual stern face, Akito couldn't reconcile this version of him with the calm, charismatic captain he would eventually become—so supportive of his juniors and respected by all.
He couldn't help but think:
What kind of transformation spell did this old guy cast on Joey Matsugata back in the day?
"Tch. Damn old man."
Joey, muttering to himself for reasons unknown, began walking toward Court 1. When he passed Akito, he caught him staring—and shot back a sharp glare.
Akito clearly read the unspoken words in his eyes:
"What are you looking at?"
"…."
There it was. The illusion shattered—this guy had Haizaki's level of attitude!
Akito wasn't alone in feeling this. Shinji Crowell frowned slightly after catching the same look from Joey.
That glare…
Was even more intense than his own.
"What a jerk," Shinji muttered.
Meanwhile, Coach Sanders continued calling names. Before long, it was Akito's turn—third on the list, assigned to Court No. 3.
Since each 1v1 only required half a court, the gym was divided into two main zones. Joey Matsugata was on Court 1, while Akito's Court 3 shared the opposite half.
In other words…
He and Joey were just a head-turn away from facing each other.
---
"So…"
"All I have to do is wipe the floor with this Second Squad guy, right?"
Joey glanced toward Coach Platinum, who had appeared on the sidelines without him noticing. He completely ignored his opponent and instead called out with arrogant confidence:
"Hey, old man. Are you watching?"
Coach Platinum chuckled and shook his head.
"Well, if that's your mindset, we may just slot you into the Second Squad."
"But if you're really that good…"
"Why not aim for First?"
Joey stepped on the ball at his feet and gave it a light tap. It popped up into his hands with ease.
"First Squad, Second Squad—what's the difference?"
"I already showed up like I promised."
"I've got better things to do."
"Old man."