Just as Shoichi broke past Kogure, the system alert chimed in his mind:
[Ding: Mission Complete — Skill "C-Motion Spin" acquired. Beginning assimilation.]
In that moment, the "C-Motion Spin" became second nature to Shoichi.
It was an indescribable sensation—something ethereal, surreal. But he knew, deep in his bones, that he had mastered it.
C-Motion Spin – Description: A spin move during dribbling that triggers extreme momentum. Once activated, the ball becomes nearly untouchable, impossible for opponents to intercept.
"As I thought… this is no ordinary spin."
Reading the description, Shoichi wasn't surprised in the slightest.
If it were just a typical spin move, the system wouldn't have rewarded it like this.
"Yasuda, stop him!"
Seeing Kogure get beaten so easily, Akagi wasted no time barking a command to Yasuda.
Without hesitation, Yasuda sprinted toward Shoichi, trying to block his advance into the paint.
But Shoichi didn't slow down in the slightest in the face of Yasuda's defense.
That move alone struck a nerve in Yasuda. He felt underestimated—mocked, even.
"Don't look down on me!"
He let out a sharp grunt and locked his gaze on Shoichi with even more intensity.
But the moment he met Shoichi's eyes, his focus began to waver.
Left or right?
His instincts couldn't decide—Shoichi's eyes were that deceiving.
Only now did Yasuda finally understand why Kogure, a seasoned defender, had been broken through so effortlessly.
Right!
Trusting his gut, Yasuda lunged right to block Shoichi's advance.
The very next instant, Shoichi darted past on his left, slicing into the paint like a flash of wind.
"Crap!"
Yasuda's heart dropped. He immediately turned to chase him down.
But before he could recover, Kogure—whom Shoichi had left behind earlier, stepped in again to block his path.
"Shoichi, pass!"
Seeing Shoichi boxed in—Kogure in front, Yasuda behind—Kuwata waved frantically from the wing, signaling for the ball.
Now double-teamed, Shoichi's options were limited. Kuwata, meanwhile, was completely unguarded—no one had rotated over.
Kuwata's shout caught the upperclassmen's attention, and they began shifting toward him instinctively.
Just as their focus drifted away, Shoichi suddenly slashed left—straight at Kogure again.
Kogure smirked, confident. "Not this time, rookie. You won't get past me again"
But before he could even finish the sentence, Shoichi's body twisted in a sharp motion, carving a perfect "C" through the court.
He spun around Kogure's right and blew past him in one fluid motion.
"…That was a spin move!"
Kogure stood frozen, watching Shoichi's silhouette fade into the paint, disbelief written all over his face.
He actually learned that kind of move?
Even Akagi, guarding the rim, paused in surprise.
"He's mastered a spin like that… Didn't see that coming," Akagi muttered, eyes narrowing. His expression grew more serious.
"Come on, then. Show me what else you've got."
He raised his arms in a defensive stance, ready to take Shoichi on himself.
…
"That first-year… Shoichi, right? He's really something else," Ayako said softly, blinking in amazement.
Hearing her praise, Hanamichi's face twisted in irritation. "What the heck is up with Glasses Guy?! Why does he keep letting Shoichi break through? Are you going easy on him or what?!"
Ayako frowned at the remark. "Kogure-senpai wasn't holding back. Shoichi's ball-handling is solid. You, rookie, should be taking notes."
"But Ayako… Shoichi's a rookie too!" Hanamichi protested, visibly annoyed.
Her expression hardened. "Exactly. Which means you need to work even harder. Got that, Hanamichi Sakuragi?"
She bit her lower lip slightly as she scolded him, trying to look stern, but coming off as both mischievous and adorably flustered.
"…"
Hanamichi sulked silently.
Why am I always the one getting picked on…? Aren't we both beginners?!
Meanwhile, Coach Anzai adjusted his glasses with a small smile. His gaze on Shoichi gleamed with admiration.
"There's something about that boy… a feeling both familiar and yet hard to place…"
…
Back on court.
Facing Akagi's towering defense, Shoichi showed no sign of hesitation. It looked like he was going for a strong finish at the rim.
Seeing his bold stance, Akagi's expression darkened.
"Rookie, don't get cocky. You think you can score on me? You're still far too green!"
With a booming shout, Akagi raised his right hand, ready to swat the shot into oblivion.
But then
"Senpai… you fell for it."
Shoichi grinned—bright, confident, and radiating charm.
Just as Akagi swung to block, Shoichi flipped the ball behind his back with his right hand
straight to Rukawa on the left.
Smack!
The pass was crisp, fast, and perfect.
"Beautiful pass!"
Rukawa caught it in stride, slipped past Akagi's side, and soared toward the rim.
With one powerful leap, he hammered the ball through the hoop.
The first basket of the scrimmage.
"Rukawa-kun is amazing!"
"But Shoichi-kun was the one who drew in three defenders!"
"Exactly! Without Shoichi's bait, Rukawa wouldn't have scored so easily!"
"That behind-the-back pass was flawless. Are we sure Shoichi's a beginner?"
"I hate to admit it… but it's true. And that makes it even more painful."
…
Seeing their side score first, Kuwata and the others were visibly fired up.
As Rukawa landed from the dunk, Shoichi called out sharply, "Don't relax, get back on defense!"
At his cue, Kuwata and the others snapped into motion, racing back with him and Rukawa.
In that moment, Shoichi had clearly become the leader of the first-year team.
The watching crowd around the gym was completely stunned by the performance.