As Shoichi debated internally whether to switch places with Sakuragi, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding! Random mission triggered: Accumulate 10 minutes of playtime in the scrimmage to earn the skill "One-Handed Dunk."
Current Progress: 8/10 minutes.]
"One-handed dunk?" Shoichi froze momentarily, then his gaze sharpened. "Well, that settles it. I'll finish the task first before swapping with Sakuragi."
With both mission rewards within reach, Shoichi wasn't about to give them up.
Especially the "One-Handed Dunk" skill—its allure was irresistible.
Every basketball lover dreams of dunking. For Shoichi, who stood at only 177 centimeters, pulling off a dunk would be nothing short of epic.
Having made up his mind, Shoichi turned to Sakuragi. "Sakuragi-kun, just a few more minutes. Let me extend our lead first, and then I'll switch with you."
His words immediately drew dissatisfaction—not just from Sakuragi, but from the upperclassmen as well.
"This freshman's getting cockier by the second," Akagi muttered with a frown, unable to hide his irritation.
Though Akagi respected Shoichi's skills and recognized his value to the Shohoku team, it still rubbed him the wrong way that a rookie would talk so boldly—as if the senior members didn't matter.
"Don't take it personally, Akagi," Kogure, ever the peacemaker, smiled reassuringly. "Talented people often carry a bit of pride."
"In fact, I think Shoichi's really starting to show his own style in this match. That kind of confidence—it's good for the team."
Though Kogure's words weren't wrong, Akagi still looked unconvinced. "Whose side are you on anyway?"
"Don't worry, Captain," Miyagi chimed in, flashing a sly grin as he glanced provocatively at Shoichi. "I'll lock him down next play. No more easy points."
Shoichi, still preoccupied with managing Sakuragi, didn't notice the brewing rivalry.
Sakuragi, on the other hand, wasn't having any of it. "No way! I want on the court now! I'm not letting you and Rukawa hog the spotlight!"
Akagi finally snapped. "Sakuragi, basketball is a team sport—not some stage for personal showboating!"
"If all you care about is being the center of attention, then maybe you're wasting your time."
"Think about what this game means. When you've figured that out, I'll let you switch with Shoichi."
Chastened by Akagi's scolding, Sakuragi sobered up and nodded, finally showing a hint of seriousness.
Seeing Sakuragi calm down, Akagi nodded slightly, then turned to the others. "Let's get back to the game."
The players took their positions again. The upperclassmen resumed possession, and Miyagi brought the ball up the court.
As he neared the three-point line, Shoichi stepped up to block, cutting off the drive and any inside passing lanes.
But as Shoichi moved, he suddenly felt his legs heavy and sluggish—an eerie stiffness creeping in.
"My stamina's running out…"
He sighed inwardly, fully aware of what was happening. His physical condition had never been exceptional, and with his recent recovery from heatstroke, even the system's boost couldn't keep him going at this level for long.
Still, he gritted his teeth. "Just a little more. I'm almost done with both missions. Once they're complete, I'll let Sakuragi sub in."
Caught in his thoughts, Shoichi's foot suddenly slipped, causing him to stumble forward—straight toward Miyagi.
"He's trying to steal again?!"
Startled by Shoichi's lunge, Miyagi panicked. Without thinking, he flung the ball toward Akagi.
Shoichi's defensive pressure was so intense, Miyagi had developed a bit of a complex over it.
In the split second the ball left his hands, Rukawa darted out, intercepting the pass meant for Akagi.
"Nice assist," Rukawa smirked, taunting Miyagi before launching into a fast break.
Akagi turned red with frustration. "What the hell was that, idiot?!"
He didn't waste time berating Miyagi, instead sprinting after Rukawa to defend.
Meanwhile, Shoichi had caught himself mid-fall, palms on the floor, maintaining balance and avoiding a full faceplant.
As Kogure passed by, he paused, concerned. "You okay, Shoichi-kun?"
"I'm fine. Just slipped a bit," Shoichi replied with a relaxed smile, giving Kogure a reassuring look.
Miyagi, standing a short distance away, flushed with embarrassment.
He'd panicked over a slip.
Shoichi hadn't even been trying to steal the ball—just tripped slightly—and still, Miyagi had panicked and made a bad pass.
Sensing his frustration, Kogure placed a comforting hand on Miyagi's shoulder. "Don't stress. Shoichi's good at stealing, sure—but I know you'll find a way to counter him."
"…"
Miyagi scowled. "C'mon, Kogure, we're on the same team. Do you really have to say that out loud?"
Akagi, realizing now how rattled Miyagi had been, gave his teammate a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Relax. Shoichi's been playing well, sure—but he's still a beginner."
Miyagi nearly coughed up blood.
Was Akagi seriously trying to console him by reminding him that he just got psyched out by a rookie?
Even if it was technically true… did he have to say it that bluntly?