Thursday Evening – Matsumoto Streets
The night air was cool as Ryota drove home in his car. The city lights shimmered against the windshield, his mind still filled with thoughts of training and his team's progress. As he passed by a familiar corner, he slowed down. On the right side of the road, the faint sound of a bouncing basketball echoed from an empty court.
Ryota squinted through the car window. A lone figure was practicing under the dim lights of the outdoor court. The guy's movements were fast and smooth, his dribbles precise, his rhythm sharp. Curious, Ryota parked his car and stepped out.
He leaned against the fence for a moment, observing. The guy didn't look like anyone from his current team. He wore Tenkuu's school uniform but slightly unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up, tie missing. His hair was a striking mix of yellow and pink, glowing faintly under the streetlamp. He was about 5'10, not tall for a basketball player, but his movements were confident, almost cocky.
Ryota opened his system quietly and used Inspect.
[UNKNOWN PLAYER]
Stamina – Level 24
Flexibility – Level 51
Strength – Level 24
Speed – Level 51
IQ – Level 42
Shooting – Level 43
Ancestral Level: Null
Ryota (Thinking): His stats are solid... and his dribbling speed is insane. He's from Tenkuu too. Maybe he's exactly who we need.
He stepped onto the court, calling out casually.
Ryota: Hey, I'm Ryota.
The guy stopped dribbling and glanced at him, eyes sharp and confident.
??? Yeah, I know. People talk about you in school.
Ryota: Oh, so that confirms it. You're from Tenkuu then. Perfect. Hey, we're forming a basketball team for the upcoming scrimmage we need more players, we are only 5 at the moment. I was wondering if you'd be inte—
??? Not interested.
Before Ryota could even finish, the guy turned and started walking away. Ryota blinked, caught off guard.
Ryota: Huh? Wait, what? You don't want to be in the team?
The guy stopped for a moment, then turned slightly with a teasing grin.
??? Well... does it offer money?
Ryota: What? Uhhh, no.
The guy waved his hand dismissively and continued walking without looking back.
Ryota: Weird guy. Guess we'll find someone else.
He shook his head, got back in his car, and drove home.
Later That Evening – Kagawa Residence
Ryota had just finished sweeping the floor when his phone rang. The name "Dad" flashed across the screen.
Yori: Hey, son. How's practice? I heard you made it into the school team.
Ryota: Yeah, Dad. Since last week actually. You're a bit late on that one.
Yori: Haha, sorry. Work's been crazy lately. Anyway, I heard your match is around next week, right? What time and day?
Ryota: There's no news yet. Coach hasn't told us anything so far. For now, he said we should just focus on practice and improving.
Yori: Sounds good. Take care and good luck, son.
Ryota: Thanks, Dad.
The call ended. Ryota sighed softly, then continued cleaning. Once he was done, he changed into his gym clothes, grabbed his bag, and headed out again.
Evening – FitNation Gym
Ryota parked near the entrance and flashed his VIP card at the counter. Kenji, his gym trainer, turned and did a double take.
Kenji: Hey— oh my god, Ryota! You look different! What happened to you? You look awesome, man!
Ryota (Smiling): Maybe it's the gym... or maybe healthier food.
Kenji (Laughing): Hah! I knew it! I turned one zombie back into a human! I'm proud of myself. You're ready for heavier dumbbells now, right?
Ryota: Let's find out.
They headed into the weight area. As Ryota started his warm-up sets, he noticed someone familiar across the room. Zhu Shi, one of his teammates, was working on dumbbell curls.
Ryota: Hey, Shi. You're training again?
Shi: Yeah. You too? You should rest sometimes, you know.
Ryota: Maybe later. Right now I can lift fifty... maybe sixty kilos.
Shi: Impressive. Keep it up.
Shi nodded and returned to his workout. Ryota kept training intensely for the next few hours, pushing himself harder than ever before. His arms burned, his muscles trembled, but he refused to stop. Then, a familiar digital sound rang in his ears.
[SYSTEM UPDATE]
+1 Ancestral Level Acquired
Current Level: 27
Select Four Attributes to Enhance
Ryota (Thinking): Let's focus on one for now. IQ all in.
[UPDATED STATS]
Stamina – Level 20
Flexibility – Level 20
Strength – Level 18
Speed – Level 20
IQ – Level 22
Shooting – Level 22
Ancestral Level: 27
After finishing his sets, Ryota said goodbye to Shi and Kenji, then went home. He cooked a healthy meal, prayed quietly, and ate until he was satisfied. He cleaned up, did the laundry, then glanced at the clock. It was 8:30 PM.
He studied for an hour before lying on the sofa, watching basketball highlights. Stephen Curry was on screen, draining threes from impossible distances.
Ryota (Thinking): Maybe I can be like him someday.
He turned off the TV, went upstairs, and rested peacefully.
Friday Morning – Tenkuu Gakuin
Ryota woke up early, stretching with energy. He felt refreshed and ready. His phone buzzed — a school announcement. No classes today due to entrance exams, but the gym was open for team training. Perfect.
He grabbed his bag and decided to take his bike instead of the car. The morning wind brushed against his face as he pedaled down familiar streets. When he passed the same court from last night, he spotted that same guy again, the foreigner with the pink and yellow hair.
Ryota stopped and leaned his bike against the fence.
Ryota: Hey.
??? (Grinning): Hey.
Ryota: Alright, maybe the team doesn't offer money... but I can give you money. Name your price. Let's negotiate.
The guy smirked, tilting his head slightly.
??? Hmm... how about 25k yen per week?
Ryota: What? No way! How about 15k?
The guy closed his eyes, pretending not to listen. Ryota sighed.
Ryota: 18k yen!
??? (Opening his eyes): Meet me in the middle.
Ryota: Well no.
??? (Smirking): 20k yen. Final offer. And I'll do my best for your team.
Ryota: Fine. We just need a sixth man for the bench anyway. 20k per week it is but the deal is over if you try to ruin the team.
The guy grinned, spinning the ball on his finger.
Chace: My name's Chace Miller. You can call me Chace. Now, can I have my income?
Ryota (Surprised): What? Now? Ugh... fine.
Ryota sent him the money through his wallet app. Chace checked it, nodded, and tossed the ball back into his bag.
Chace: See you later, boss.
He walked away, hands in pockets, humming to himself. Ryota sighed again, half annoyed and half amused.
Ryota: This guy's something else.
Later Morning – Tenkuu Gakuin Gymnasium
Ryota walked through the familiar halls of Tenkuu Gakuin Highschool with his basketball bag slung over his shoulder. The sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting long shadows across the polished floor. The faint squeak of sneakers and the distant bounce of basketballs echoed in the empty hallways. His mind was still on Chace Miller, the new player he had just recruited on the streets last night.
Ryota (Thinking): Finally convinced him... I hope he really can keep up. His stats looked insane, but stamina was low. That could be a problem.
As he reached the gym doors, he saw the familiar figures waiting on the court. Reiji, Shi, Jung, Yoshito, and Coach Oli were already practicing small exercises and shooting drills. They waved at him as he approached.
Shi: Hey, Ryota! Over here!
Reiji: You're finally here. Ready to train?
Yoshito: Let's go!
Ryota: Hey, everyone. Looks like you're already warming up.
He dropped his bag near the bench and joined the stretching exercises. They passed balls back and forth, worked on dribbling techniques, and practiced quick footwork. The atmosphere was relaxed but focused, the rhythm of bouncing balls and the slap of shoes on the wooden floor filling the air.
After some time, Shi wiped the sweat from his forehead and frowned.
Shi: Didn't we need a bench too? Can we just play a match now instead of practicing? I'm tireeedd.
Reiji: We have five players. We can't do 2v3 or 2v2. It's unfair for others.
Before Ryota could respond, a familiar voice echoed across the court.
Chace: Sup.
Ryota looked up and smiled.
Ryota: Took you long enough.
The team stopped mid-drill, staring at the newcomer. Chace Miller stood at the edge of the court, basketball in hand, his pink-and-yellow hair glowing slightly under the gym lights.
Shi: Who is this?
Ryota: This is Chace Miller, or you can call him Chace. I have high hopes for him as a player. He's fast.
Oli: Good. But first we need to see how you play, Chace. Don't let us down.
Chace: Don't worry. I won't.
Each player introduced themselves one by one to chace they talked laughed and team planning.
While the team readied themselves, Ryota noticed three figures standing near the bleachers, scribbling notes on clipboards.
Ryota (Thinking): Who are they? Scouts? Coaches? Or just random observers?
Once everyone was ready, Coach Oli suggested a 3v3 game to test skills and coordination.
Oli: Alright. Team Ryota will be Ryota, Shi, and Yoshito. Team Reiji will be Chace, Jung, and Reiji.
Ryota (Thinking): Woah... I'm playing against Reiji.
Coach Oli gave a few tips.
Oli: Remember, Ryota. Communication and spacing are key. Keep an eye on each other's positions, and don't forget to watch the defense.
Every player now walks slowly into the middle of the basketball court.
Reiji: Hey, Ryota, I'm not going easy. Hehe.
Ryota: Don't look down on me.
They exchanged playful trash talk, smiles on their faces, the competitive energy rising.
Oli: Alright, raise the ball. We start with the jump ball.
Then Coach Oli Whistled.
Yoshito, being tall, won the jump and passed the ball to Ryota. Reiji immediately moved to defend him.
Reiji: Let's see it.
Ryota dribbled quickly. Reiji lunged for the steal, but Ryota twisted the ball behind his back and made a precise back pass to Shi.
Reiji (Thinking): Whoa, fast and unpredictable... I need to watch him.
Shi caught the ball, faked a step back in front of chace, and shot a three-pointer. Swish.
Team Ryota – 3
Team Reiji – 0
Oli: Nice. Keep that focus.
Chace got the ball next. He smirked as Shi closed in. He started with a crossover dribble, then a speed dribble to the right, forcing Shi to pivot. Instead of attacking head-on, Chace abruptly performed a behind-the-back dribble, weaving past Shi, and shot a one-handed floater.
Team Ryota – 3
Team Reiji – 2
Shi: Not bad. He's fast, but predictable if I keep my feet moving.
Yoshito grabbed the rebound and charged toward the basket, planning a dunk. Reiji jumped to block, but Yoshito, mid-air, executed a no-look pass to Ryota. Ryota attempted a shot, but Chace intercepted, then executed a hesitation dribble to freeze Ryota and passed to Shi. Shi shot another three-pointer.
Team Ryota – 6
Team Reiji – 2
Ryota (Thinking): If we keep Chace guarding me instead of Shi, we can control the game. Jung can't match Shi's speed.
Chace got the ball again, aura darkening. Shi positioned to block, but Chace suddenly performed a double spin move, confusing both Shi and Jung, and executed an alley-oop under Yoshito's arms, finishing with a mid-range shot.
Team Ryota – 6
Team Reiji – 4
The teams kept pushing each other. Ryota dribbled at Reiji with a between-the-legs dribble, pivoted, then passed to Yoshito, who attempted a powerful dunk but was blocked by Reiji's timing. Ryota recovered and performed a hesitation step-back three, swishing it through.
Team Ryota – 9
Team Reiji – 6
Chace received the ball again. He combined a spin move, behind-the-back, and crossover to evade Ryota. Everyone on Team Reiji moved strategically, passing rapidly. Jung scored with a fadeaway jumper, Ryota responded with a pump fake into a driving layup, and Yoshito executed another alley-oop dunk from Ryota's pass.
Team Ryota – 15
Team Reiji – 12
Reiji caught Ryota on a one-on-one.
Reiji: Think you can handle me?
Ryota: Don't underestimate me.
They traded a series of crossover dribbles, hesitation moves, and spin dribbles, both players testing each other's reflexes. Ryota executed a behind-the-back pass mid-spin to Shi, who shot another three-pointer.
Team Ryota – 18
Team Reiji – 14
The pace intensified. Chace's aura darkened as he combined in-and-out dribbles, crossovers, and hesitation steps, moving unpredictably. Ryota realized Chace's stamina was draining, his movements slowing fractionally.
Ryota (Thinking): His stats are insane... but stamina really is low. We have to manage him carefully.
Chace executed one final spin-crossover-behind-the-back move, passed to Jung who nailed a three-pointer. Ryota raced to block, Yoshito tried to intercept, but Chace performed a float dribble to slip past both, scoring a quick shot.
Team Ryota – 21
Team Reiji – 21
Ryota and Reiji faced off again. Reiji jumped, Ryota feinted, then spun and passed to Yoshito for a dunk. Reiji responded with a reverse layup, Shi shot another three-pointer. The score climbed quickly, each team refusing to give an inch.
Team Ryota – 25
Team Reiji – 25
Chace got the ball one last time, facing Ryota. He combined behind-the-back dribbles, double crossovers, and a hesitation step, attempting to penetrate Ryota's defense. Suddenly, his movements slowed. He stumbled, knees trembling, sweat pouring down. His stamina had reached its limit.
Ryota (Thinking): That explains it... high stats, but low endurance.
Oli: Alright, game's over. Everyone, rest.
The team rushed to Chace.
Oli: Are you okay?
Chace: I'm fine, just tired.
Oli: Chace Miller, welcome to the team. You're fast and skilled, but stamina is low.
Chace: Thanks, Coach.
Ryota and Jung helped Chace sit on a chair and handed him water.
Chace: Really, I'm fine. Just low on stamina.
Oli: We'll make him a situational player for now. Let's build his stamina before he takes full court time.
The gym grew quiet, filled with heavy breaths and the sound of balls settling. Ryota observed Chace carefully.
Ryota (Thinking): With Reiji, Shi, Yoshito, and now Chace, our team is shaping up. Stamina, strategy, and teamwork... that's what will make us strong.
The team stretched and rested, muscles aching from the intense match. Ryota felt a surge of determination.
Ryota (Thinking): This is just the beginning.
To be continued...