Kise fixed his gaze on Shigure Akihito, his eyes clouded with doubt.
Play against him?
But he didn't even know how to play basketball yet, not to mention the rules of the game.
After a moment's hesitation, Kise finally said, "Uh… I don't really know how to play basketball yet. Maybe I should go practice first before trying…"
Haizaki Shōgo: "!?"
What the hell…?
What does that even mean?
An absolute beginner, thinking he can just "practice a little" and then challenge the monster that is Shigure?
Shigure Akihito lowered his eyes, his voice calm but laced with mischief as he coaxed, "That's exactly why this is a perfect learning opportunity. Everyone here is strong, but trust me, no one is better suited than me to be your first opponent. I'm the weakest here, after all~"
While Shigure was weaving his little trap, on the other side of the court, Nijimura Shuzo blocked one of Akashi's shots, sending the ball flying straight toward Kise and Shigure!
Whoosh!
From the sharp whistle of the air, Kise could tell that ball was coming at terrifying speed!
He froze for a second at the sight of that cannonball-like ball, then instinctively dodged, blurting out, "Senpai, watch out"
But before he could finish, Shigure raised his right hand.
With one smooth rotation of his wrist, he absorbed all the force from the incoming ball, then spun it effortlessly on his fingertip, the control so natural it left Kise speechless.
Incredible…!
Of course.
Even if he had only seen this senpai show his athletic power through a block earlier, someone with this kind of physical ability couldn't possibly be "the weakest."
That mastery over the ball… as if it was an extension of his own body.
And he expected Kise to believe that nonsense?
Kise immediately frowned, muttering under his breath:
"Weakest? Senpai, that's a lie…"
Just then, Aomine jogged over, clearly unwilling to let their one-on-one end like that. But the moment he noticed Kise, his attention shifted.
"Senpai, that's him! That really famous model! I saw him in a fashion magazine when I bought Masami-chan's swimsuit photobook. Super famous~"
Kise's face darkened instantly.
Seriously…?
Did it have to be that kind of magazine…
Shigure tossed the ball back to Aomine and walked toward the court, his voice casual but commanding.
"Aomine, if you want to play, then make it a one-on-one."
Kise froze in surprise.
So not only was he not "the weakest," he could also go head-to-head with Aomine?
Shigure Akihito…
That name rang a bell.
Right!
For a while, Teiko's school newspaper had been filled with his name, celebrating the basketball club's two consecutive championships.
And that front-page photo…
It was him.
Which meant… he and Aomine were both part of that legendary group called the "Generation of Miracles"?
Wait, no.
Shigure was a third-year.
If he remembered correctly, the headline had called him
"The Strongest in Middle School."
Kise sighed, a wry smile forming on his lips.
"So this is what the strongest player in middle school is like? What a personality…"
And the Generation of Miracles, too. Clearly, that title wasn't just for one person, there were several players at Aomine's level.
The thought only deepened Kise's resolve to join the basketball team.
Moments later…
He couldn't take his eyes off the court.
The pace of their exchange was staggering.
They're both monsters…
Aomine's speed was unreal, his dribbling sharper and faster than anything Kise had ever imagined. Yet even with that, he couldn't get past Shigure.
Shigure's defense was suffocating. He wasn't just blocking Aomine, he was overwhelming him.
Kise's heart pounded.
Could he… ever reach that level?
On the court
After blocking Aomine yet again, Shigure shifted gears. His movements turned dazzling, the ball dancing between his hands with elaborate crossovers. Then, with a sudden pullback, he shifted his weight and unleashed a vicious behind-the-back dribble.
In a flash, he broke past Aomine and drove into the paint.
Kiyota Nobunaga Style: Crossover Breakthrough!
His natural gift—dribbling.
Bang!
With an explosive leap, Shigure rose higher than seemed possible and slammed the ball into the hoop with a thunderous dunk.
The game was shockingly one-sided. The "invincible" Aomine Daiki was being dismantled.
Seconds turned into minutes.
Kise's shock faded, replaced by a burning sense of admiration.
One day… I'll stand on that same court. I'll play alongside them.
The decision solidified in his chest.
I have to go write that application to join the basketball club—now!
…
After a few more possessions, Shigure finally stopped.
"Senpai, what? I was about to score!" Aomine protested, frustrated.
Shigure glanced at the sideline where Kise had been standing moments ago.
"No need, Aomine. Kise's already left." His tone was calm, but his eyes glimmered knowingly. "And judging from his expression when he walked away… he's hooked."
"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"
Shigure smirked faintly.
"That kid, Kise Ryōta. Mark my words, his name will soon be among the 'Generation of Miracles.'"
"…What?"
Aomine froze.
The model, Kise Ryōta?
He wasn't one to care much about titles like "Generation of Miracles," but he also didn't think just anyone could be part of it.
Yet if Shigure said so… maybe it was possible.
Aomine recalled Kuroko's rise, and the thought silenced him.
And indeed—Shigure's prediction would prove true.
Just days later, while passing by the second gym, Aomine spotted a familiar figure.
Kise Ryōta.
A complete beginner who had somehow landed straight into Teiko's Second String. Something almost unheard of.
On the other side, Shigure Akihito and Nijimura Shuzo also witnessed it, both wearing faint smiles.
"All members are finally here," Shigure murmured.
END OF CHAPTER
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