Shidou Ryusei shattering the hoop while posterizing Aomine Daiki was witnessed by Akashi Seijuro, Midorima Shintaro, Kise Ryota, Murasakibara Atsushi, and Kuroko Tetsuya.
"No way—he actually posterized Aomine and shattered the backboard!"
Kise Ryota stared at the scene in disbelief.
The others also showed varying degrees of shock on their faces.
Seeing his teammates arrive, Aomine quickly stood up and introduced Shidou: "This is Shidou Ryusei. I met him at a street court and recommended him to the coach. The coach has already agreed to let him join the Basketball Club."
"A new member? He looks pretty good."
Midorima adjusted his glasses while looking at Shidou, the image of the shattered backboard still flashing in his mind—especially considering they were only in their second year of middle school.
"Fine. Since the coach agreed, he can join the First String directly."
"Alright, next is today's training. First String: shuttle runs—10 sets of 10 laps each, with 30 seconds between sets; shooting practice—500 spot-up shots and 500 move-and-screen shots; frog jumps—10 laps around the court boundary with a one-minute interval between laps. Second and Third Strings only need to complete half the volume."
After training, Shidou Ryusei had no strength left and lay flat on the floor, unable to move. The training load was simply brutal.
Shidou Chizuru and Momoi Satsuki arrived together and then dragged Aomine and Shidou out for a meal to celebrate Shidou joining the Basketball Club.
After dinner, the four of them went home.
Seeing Shidou doing better and better made Chizuru happy from the bottom of her heart.
Shidou said goodnight to his sister early and fell asleep as soon as he hit the bed.
His consciousness sank deeper and deeper.
"Beep beep beep… Since the host posterized Generation of Miracles member Aomine Daiki today, you have earned an additional selection opportunity. At the same time, a new door has been added:"
Bachira Meguru — Dribbling Offensive Player
Aryu Jyubei — Defensive Counterattack Player
Isagi Yoichi — Playmaking Passer
Mikage Reo — All-Round Player
"Oh? Mikage Reo… not bad. I remember he has the 'Chameleon' ability. Blue Lock, I choose him!"
"Congratulations, host, on your successful selection. Blue Lock is releasing Mikage Reo for you!"
The key turned purple and opened Mikage Reo's door. He stepped out.
"Until I prove I can obtain what I want with my own hands, I absolutely cannot lose!"
He turned into a point of light and entered the space between Shidou Ryusei's brows.
Host's current comprehensive strength rating: B+
Strength rating divisions:
Professional players (S-level and above):
SSS, SS, S
Amateur players: A, B, C, D, E
(Each rating has three stages.)
Host abilities: Excellent scoring ability within the three-point line.
Sharp scoring instincts and unconventional offensive techniques.
Extremely fast dribble penetration speed.
Imitation ability.
Comprehensive strength analysis:
Inside scoring: B+
Outside scoring: B-
Defense: C+
Vision: C+
Playmaking: C+
Ball handling: B+
Speed: A
Basketball IQ: B
(To increase overall strength by one minor rank, all sub-abilities must reach the same level.)
The next day, at Teiko Middle School's basketball club…
As soon as Shidou walked in, Kise Ryota pulled him aside for a one-on-one.
Shidou had planned to challenge Aomine anyway, so he gladly agreed.
Wanting to test the "Chameleon" ability, Shidou let Kise attack first. Aomine and the others also arrived and, seeing the one-on-one, quietly sat down to watch.
"Shidou, here I come!"
Kise adjusted his breathing and advanced with the ball. As he approached, he shifted the ball right, pulled it back, spun, and switched hands in a dazzling motion before jumping diagonally for a side hook shot that dropped cleanly in.
"Kise's style is becoming more and more like Aomine's," Kuroko observed.
"Too many unnecessary moves…" Aomine muttered.
"Interesting…" Shidou subconsciously licked his lips.
"Watch closely, model boy."
Taking the ball, Shidou performed exactly the same dribble sequence, then executed the same diagonal side hook shot, scoring cleanly.
Except for Akashi, the rest of the Generation of Miracles stood up in shock.
Midorima broke the silence first: "No… way… Could it be…"
Akashi narrowed his eyes, certain now that the sense of kinship he'd felt before truly came from Shidou.
Kise was the most shocked, unable to say anything.
Shidou himself didn't notice their reactions. He was absorbed in the shock of the Chameleon ability—his vision sharpened, and opponents' movements seemed slower. It was exhilarating.
To confirm this, Kise challenged him again, and Shidou copied his moves once more, proving he possessed the same copying ability.
Kise finally gave up, completely deflated.
"Aomine, want a round?" Shidou asked.
"I've been waiting for you to say that."
Aomine stretched briefly and stepped forward.
Shidou dribbled rhythmically, suddenly accelerated, stopped, and executed a fadeaway jumper. The ball sailed over Aomine's fingertips and dropped in with a swish.
Aomine wasn't discouraged. He knew neither of them could fully stop the other.
"Shidou, let me show you something interesting."
"Oh? Something that can excite every cell in my body?"
Aomine dribbled steadily.
Suddenly, an aura burst from him.
Instantly, Shidou felt like prey being hunted by a wild beast. Before he could react, Aomine slammed in a one-handed dunk.
"This feeling is amazing. What ability is this, Aomine-boy?"
"'Wild Nature' is a primitive, instinct-driven basketball state. It relies on physical ability and talent, ignoring tactics and playing purely by instinct."
After hearing this, Shidou desperately wanted to reach that state himself, so he asked Aomine to keep using Wild Nature and continue playing.
They played until both were completely exhausted.
Even though Shidou was dominated, he enjoyed every second—it felt like his abilities were being nurtured and awakened.