It was finally the weekend, but Nango had no intention of slacking off. He arrived at the gym early, hoping to train his body while the place was still quiet.
Since joining the basketball team, he hadn't had much rest. Akagi's training was strict—sometimes too strict—but it also made sense. Shohoku's team wasn't known for thriving, yet those who stayed under Akagi's regimen were the ones with real passion for the game.
Most students who joined the club treated it as a hobby. Akagi, however, treated it like a career. Naturally, many couldn't handle the pressure and quit. Just like in the original story, most of the new recruits had left. But those who remained shared a fire for basketball, advancing and retreating as one with the team.
The result: Shohoku's morale was excellent.
After finishing a round of heavy training, Nango sat down to catch his breath. His eyes wandered to a poster on the wall.
"Streetball King?"
It turned out to be a streetball tournament organized by NIKE. Two preliminaries, eight players chosen from each, sixteen advancing to the finals.
The top finishers would receive prize money, the latest sneakers, and… a mysterious "surprise."
Nango studied the dates. So it's probably after the NBA season ends. NIKE will invite a star to Japan, huh?
"Oi, young man. You're Nango, right?"
A middle-aged man, burly and in his forties, approached. He was the gym's owner. Nango often trained here, but this was the first time the man had come to speak with him.
"Yes, that's me. Do you need something?"
The owner waved his hand. "No, no. I just wanted to say—I watched your game against Miuradai. You played really well."
"You flatter me," Nango replied humbly.
"Not at all." The man chuckled. "With your skills, you'll be famous in the prefecture soon enough."
Nango scratched his cheek awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
The owner got to the point. "So, are you interested in this competition? If you want in, I can register you directly."
Nango thought it over. "…I'll consider it. But the schedule might conflict with the team's games."
"True enough," the man nodded. "Well, if you decide, let me know."
"Alright. Thank you, boss."
After wrapping up his training, Nango left the gym, planning to stop by the Bearded Shopkeeper's store. His shoes were worn out from all the intense practices—he needed a new pair.
Walking down the street, his thoughts returned to the tournament.
The first round's definitely impossible. The timing clashes with Nationals.
In the original story, Rukawa was chosen for the national youth team. If he's selected, there's no reason I wouldn't be, too. That means I can't enter the second round either. At best, I'll get to watch a game or two.
He wasn't tempted by the prizes. What mattered was improvement. Streetball might have some hidden experts, but with the system, I can grow even without it.
"Hello!"
A cheerful voice pulled him from his thoughts. A girl in a blue-and-white sailor uniform stopped in front of him, smiling brightly.
She looked a little taller than Ayako, with a clean, fair face and an aura of liveliness.
Nango blinked. She seemed familiar, but he couldn't place her. "Uh… excuse me, are you…?"
"Don't you remember me?" She pouted in disappointment. "That evening, you and the redhead walked me home."
Nango snapped his fingers. "Ah! It's you! What a coincidence."
"Mm! I feel lucky today," she said, hands clasped behind her back.
Lucky? Nango thought, a little confused. What's luck got to do with this?
The girl smiled apologetically. "Sorry about last time—I was flustered and forgot to tell you my name. I'm Kiharu Kano. Nice to meet you." She held out a delicate hand.
Nango hesitated, then shook it. "Nango Koichiro. Likewise."
Kano's eyes lit up. "So, do you have time now? Let's grab something to eat together!"
"Eh? No, no, that's too kind—"
Seeing his awkwardness, she quickly offered, "Then how about dessert? I know a café with amazing cake."
Her big, pleading eyes stared up at him. Nango felt his defenses crumble. "…Fine. But first, can we stop by the shoe store up ahead? I need a new pair."
"Of course! I'll help you pick. I've got excellent taste!"
Nango sighed inwardly. He was terrible at dealing with cheerful girls like this.
"Welcome! Oh, young man, you're tall!"
The Bearded Shopkeeper greeted them enthusiastically. He was exactly as lively as in the original story.
"You look like a high schooler. Which school?"
"You can just call me Nango. I'm from Shohoku."
"Shohoku?!" The man's eyes widened. "I read about your game with Miuradai! Looks like Captain Akagi's bet with me is finally paying off!"
"You know our captain?" Nango asked curiously.
The owner launched into a story about Akagi and their connection.
When he finally paused, Nango smirked. "Then, boss, you should give me a discount."
"Eh? How did this turn into a discount?!" the man spluttered.
"We're acquaintances now, after all," Nango said innocently.
The shopkeeper turned to Kano for backup. "Miss, please talk some sense into your boyfriend. Small businesses aren't easy to run!"
"B-boyfriend?!" Nango stammered, waving his hands. "You've got it wrong, we're just friends!"
But the owner only winked. "I understand, I understand."
Understand my ass! Nango screamed internally.
Kano laughed at his flustered reaction. "Boss, just give us a little discount. We'll recommend classmates to come here too." She tugged playfully at his sleeve.
The Bearded Shopkeeper melted instantly. "Alright, alright. Young man, you've really found yourself a good girlfriend."
Nango's face turned red. What do I do if a girl likes me? Readers help—this is urgent!
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