The week following Sendai High's second straight win felt like a blur.
Yuuto's name was suddenly everywhere.
He was the background in hallway conversations, the subject of meme edits on KoTalk, and even brought up in a surprise mention during the school assembly.
"Let's continue supporting our boys' basketball team," Principal Yamada had said. "Especially their new starter, Kai Yuuto!"
Cue the wildest applause Yuuto had ever received for simply standing still.
[KoTalk Followers: 1,302 / 1,000 Quest Milestone Reached!]
New Passive Perk: "Echo" (Every public performance increases social buff duration)
Inbox: 3 unread messages 1 from Coach Ijima 1 from an unknown number (labeled: 'Regional Scout H.K.') 1 from Asuka Tanaka
Monday – Film Room
Coach Ijima didn't do long speeches. He wasn't the motivational type.
He was tactical.
Which made his words more striking.
"Kai," he said, pointing to the projector screen, "you'll be marked. Every team from now on will build their defense around you."
Yuuto nodded, staying calm.
"You've got instincts. But if you want to keep your spot you'll need more than that. You'll need synergy."
The screen flashed to a paused play from the last game Yuuto mid-air, surrounded by three defenders.
"You didn't trust your pass here. That's selfish."
Yuuto winced.
Coach pointed to the wing, where Takeda was wide open.
"Next time, make the read."
[New Side Quest: "Playmaker's Path"] Objective: 5 Assists Minimum (Next Game) Reward: Unlock "Thread the Needle" (Passing Buff)
Outside the Gym – After Film
Yuuto scrolled through his inbox. The message from 'Regional Scout H.K.' simply read:
"Saw your tape. Curious if it's more than just one hot week. I'll be attending your match against Rikka Academy."
"#12 in the region. Bring your best."
His heart jumped.
Rikka Academy. A powerhouse.
Every year, they sent at least one player to the Nationals.
Every year, they humiliated schools like Sendai.
Yuuto pocketed the phone. He didn't need to reply.
He just needed to show up.
Tuesday – School Courtyard
"You got scouted?" Asuka whispered loudly, nearly dropping her drink.
"Not scouted. Just… watched."
"That's scouting."
Yuuto shrugged. "Maybe."
She nudged him with her shoulder as they sat on a bench near the courtyard garden.
"You're weirdly calm about this. Is this a 'cool guy' act?"
He gave a faint smile. "Not an act. Just... this is what I've wanted for a long time."
Asuka was quiet for a moment.
"I'll be there. Saturday. Rikka's game. Press pass in hand."
He turned to her. "Why?"
"Because this is the part where the audience shows up. And I want front-row seats to your next chapter."
[Asuka Affection: +5%]
Thursday – Practice Match vs. Alumni Squad
Sendai High's alumni weren't washed-up veterans. They were 19, 20, some even playing in university leagues.
The scrimmage was brutal.
Matsuda got stuffed twice at the rim.
Takeda limped after a hard screen.
Yuuto? He struggled.
His drives were anticipated. His cuts intercepted. No "Flow Vision" this time.
Until
[Skill Auto-Trigger: "Composure Under Pressure"]
Boost Activated: +5% Reading Opponent Habits
He started noticing the small things: a foot slightly turned, a glance before a help switch, the angle of a defender's hips.
Suddenly, he wasn't chasing the game.
He was reading it.
A no-look assist. A mid-range off a split cut. A lob to Takeda on a broken play.
Final scrimmage score: 59–56, Alumni.
But Coach clapped them off the court.
"You played real basketball today," he said. "That's what matters."
[Progress: Playmaker's Path – 4 / 5 Assists]
Friday Night – System Interface Update
System Path Progression
Reputation: "Contender" (Next: Rising Star) Total Points: 76 / 100 Team Chemistry: 61% Popularity: 1,320 Followers Bond Level: Asuka Tanaka – 7%
Available Skill Branches:
Clutch Presence (Lv.1) Flow Vision (Lv.1) – Upgrade Path: "Zone Entry" Composure Under Pressure (Lv.1) Passive: Social Presence, Echo
Locked: Zone Entry Instinctive Reactions Clutch Aura
Saturday – Game Day
The gym was packed before the warm-up even started.
Rikka Academy's jerseys gleamed white and gold.
Their starting lineup stood a head taller, broader, faster.
Yuuto stood in the tunnel, bouncing the ball slowly.
[New Objective Activated: "Make It Count"]
Score 15+ 5+ Assists Don't foul out
Reward: Unlock "Zone Entry (Lv.0)" – Trial Mode
Tip-off.
The ball soared.
Yuuto's hand slapped it down.
And the real test began.