Shidou Ryusei followed Nash to a private club. Above the entrance, a bold name was written: Jabberwock.
As they entered, five towering Black players, each close to 190 cm tall, came into view.
"Oh? Why'd you bring a Porcupine here, Nash?"
"Cibor."
Shidou looked toward the speaker, Jason Cibor, and couldn't help being shocked by the man's size and physique.
(Setting: Nash and his teammates are two years older than Shidou.)
Nash patted Shidou's shoulder and began introducing everyone.
Jason Cibor — Power Forward
Possesses monstrous physical ability and explosive strength. His power, speed, and vertical leap are elite. He specializes in violent dunks and bulldozer-style drives.
Allen Black — Center
Standing over two meters tall, he dominates defensively with blocks and rebounds, while offensively relying on powerful dunks and inside scoring.
Nick — Shooting Guard
A precise three-point shooter with an extremely fast release and excellent off-ball movement. Jabberwock's primary perimeter threat.
Zack — Small Forward
A power-based player skilled in boxing out and aggressive post play, forming a twin-tower interior with Allen. His style is rough and sometimes dirty.
Mike — Substitute
Although a bench player, his physical and technical abilities exceed ordinary players. He stabilizes the team's rhythm when rotating in.
"So this is your new member? He hasn't even finished growing yet!"
"Hahahahahaha!"
Jason and the others burst into laughter.
Suddenly, a gust of wind passed Jason. The ball in his hand vanished.
Thud!
Everyone turned toward the hoop—Shidou was hanging from the rim with both hands.
"You guys are way too noisy!"
Landing, Shidou stared straight at Cibor.
Jason immediately realized this kid's speed was no joke. Still, in pure one-on-one strength, Shidou would be crushed.
Nash stepped in. "Shidou Ryusei from Japan. He's joining us, but he won't play official games yet—he's not even sixteen. Today's just introductions. You guys can spar whenever there's time."
---
One Year Later — U.S. National Youth Finals
Sierra Canyon High School vs. Lawrence Woodmere Academy
Score: 81 – 82
10 seconds left.
Sierra Canyon called their final timeout.
Since Harris had sprained his ankle earlier in the tournament, Shidou had taken his starting spot.
Six months earlier, Blue Lock unlocked Aryu Jyubei's door, rapidly improving Shidou's defense.
Thanks to Shidou's promotion, Sierra Canyon reached the national finals for the first time.
Woodmere fielded two First-Team and two Second-Team All-Youth selections. Sierra Canyon only had Adams on the First Team and Tyler on the Second.
Without Shidou, they wouldn't have reached this stage.
Coach Huber assigned the final shot to Shidou.
With a towel over his head, Shidou's consciousness entered Blue Lock.
"Congratulations, host. A new key has been unlocked. Choose one door:
Bachira Meguru — Dribbling/Offense
Isagi Yoichi — Playmaking
Barou Shoei — Finisher
Oliver Aiku — Defensive Prediction"
Barou would help most in this game… but Shidou realized his ball handling still limited him. Long term, Bachira was the better choice.
"I choose Bachira Meguru."
The yellow key turned, and Bachira stepped out before dissolving into light and entering Shidou's mind.
Host Comprehensive Rating: A
Abilities updated:
Acute Basketball Instinct
Ignoring the Rim
Elite inside scoring
Unpredictable finishing techniques
Ultra-fast penetration speed
Copy ability
Dribbling Master
Stats:
Inside Scoring: A
Perimeter Scoring: B
Defense: A-
Vision: B
Playmaking: B
Ball Handling: A+
Speed: A
IQ: B
"Shidou! You ready?"
Huber's voice pulled him back.
"Leave it to me."
Timeout ended.
10 seconds.
Shidou dribbled slowly outside the arc. Thompson, Woodmere's defensive ace, stood before him.
8 seconds.
Shidou accelerated left. Thompson shifted.
The ball slipped through Shidou's legs back to his right.
6 seconds.
His dribbling rhythm became unreadable.
Thompson couldn't predict anything.
Behind-the-back move—Thompson shifted right.
Now!
Shidou exploded left, blowing past him.
4 seconds.
Entering the paint, Robinson rotated to help, blocking the rim completely.
2 seconds.
Shidou leaned back.
In his mind, Aomine's silhouette appeared.
His core tightened; he leaned further back, nearly horizontal.
1 second.
He released.
The buzzer sounded.
The ball spun.
Swish.
Arena explosion.
Shidou collapsed, smiling in exhaustion.
Thompson pulled him up. "That shot… you've got me convinced."
"You almost stopped me," Shidou replied calmly.
After a year in America, Shidou had changed. Less arrogant, more direct, but still unfiltered when it mattered.
Sierra Canyon players rushed the court, throwing him into the air as purple and gold streamers fell.
Shidou received Finals MVP after scoring 26 points.
---
Afterward, instead of celebrating with teammates, Shidou went to party with Jabberwock.
For a year, Nash had dominated him in practice; it turned out Nash had held back during their first game. Shidou challenged him daily afterward—and never won.
Yet he became part of Jabberwock, even their mascot, because he treated them like real friends—remembering birthdays, celebrating wins, upgrading their club facilities with Adams.
Knowing Shidou would return to Japan, Nash prepared a farewell party early.
---
The next day, Shidou and Chizuru said goodbye to William and Masako.
Shidou originally planned to return alone, but Chizuru insisted on going with him.
Their parents arranged for Jack to accompany them and send monthly support money, though Chizuru had already saved most of her allowance.
After a ten-hour flight, they landed in Kanagawa.
At the arrival gate, Jack was already waiting.
He had arrived half a month earlier to prepare their new living arrangements after William opened a branch office in Kanagawa, ensuring Shidou and Chizuru could move in immediately upon arrival.