"Coach, what happened? You look really shocked."
As Taoka Moichi hung up the phone, Uozumi, Sendoh, and the others gathered around with curious expressions.
Seeing everyone crowd in, Taoka's expression remained stern. "Just now, Aida called me. While investigating at Shohoku, he discovered an incredibly talented new player."
"A talented rookie? You mean Rukawa Kaede from Tomigaoka Middle School?"
Hearing Taoka's words, Sendoh nodded in agreement. "I've heard of him. He's definitely skilled—but he's just a first-year student. Is that really something to be shocked about?"
Uozumi and the others nodded. Rukawa was well-known, but not to the point of being shocking.
"It's not Rukawa."
Taoka shook his head at their misunderstanding. "Aida told me on the phone that it's a foreign student named Shoichi. He's a complete beginner who only just started playing basketball."
"A beginner?"
That only made Sendoh and the others more confused.
Taoka calmed himself and said, "This new student, Shoichi, is only 177 cm tall—but he pulled off a switch-hand dunk. A move that requires incredible skill and power."
The moment they heard this, everyone froze in shock, expressions blank with disbelief.
"If that's true… then that kid's talent is truly exceptional."
"Sounds like Shohoku picked up some real gems this year."
"Now I'm even more excited for this upcoming practice game. I really want to see both Rukawa and Shoichi in action."
"Sendoh, you bullying first-years already? That's not very sportsmanlike."
Laughter broke out among them.
Their eyes lit with anticipation. Even Taoka couldn't help but smile slightly.
This practice match… is going to be interesting.
Shohoku High School, Basketball Gym
"I was right. Combining techniques creates completely new effects."
Unbothered by the buzz of awe around him, Shoichi silently reflected on his previous move.
He thought to himself, 'Combining a switch-hand layup with a one-handed dunk transformed into a switch-hand dunk. What other effects could combinations create?'
Though curious, Shoichi didn't plan on testing it right away. That one dunk had pushed his stamina to the brink—he couldn't go on.
"Captain, I'm at my limit. Let Sakuragi take my place."
Seeing his own exhaustion, Shoichi walked over to Akagi and requested a substitution.
Akagi nodded. "Go ahead and switch with Sakuragi."
Shoichi gave a small nod and walked toward the bench.
Once he arrived, he turned to Sakuragi. "Sakuragi, it's your turn."
"For real?!"
Eyes lighting up with joy, Sakuragi burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Finally, the genius gets his chance! You just sit back and watch me finish them off in one shot!"
Finish them off in one shot?
Hearing Sakuragi's bold claim, Shoichi paused, a strange expression on his face. A mental image flashed through his mind.
'Captain... good luck.'
He sighed inwardly, feeling a twinge of concern for Akagi.
As Sakuragi stepped onto the court, Ayako curiously turned her attention to Shoichi.
Not just Ayako—Haruko Akagi was also stealing glances.
After studying Shoichi for a bit, Ayako seemed even more intrigued, circling around him like a cat with a new toy.
She was practically examining him from every angle.
Seeing their growing interest, Shoichi set down his water bottle and joked, "If you two keep staring, I'll have to start charging."
Haruko, ever the shy one, blushed and quickly averted her gaze.
But Ayako was the complete opposite. Not only was she unfazed, she leaned in closer and teased, "Oh? And how much are you charging?"
As she spoke, she sat down next to Shoichi, her charming, expressive eyes blinking playfully as she looked at him with a gentle smile and a touch of mischief.
In that moment, Ayako seemed like a blooming peony—vibrant, fiery, utterly mesmerizing.
Looking at her refined features, Shoichi gave a relaxed smile. "That depends on what kind of price range Senpai is looking at. Different rates come with different… services."
Hearing that, the ever-bold Ayako couldn't help but let her imagination run wild.
Even she was briefly flustered. She gave him a playful scowl. "You little brat—so young, yet already so full of mischief."
After giving him a faux-glare, she picked up a towel and handed it to him gently. "Here. Wipe that sweat off your face."
Shoichi accepted the towel with a smile and refrained from any more teasing.
At that moment, Sakuragi finally made his way onto the court, drawing everyone's attention.
"So that guy's up next?"
Watching the newcomer replace Shoichi, Miyagi curled his lip. "From the look on his face, he's even more arrogant than Shoichi. I wonder how good he actually is?"
"His skills? Well… they're hard to explain."
Akagi gave a brief, vague assessment.
Kogure chuckled. "Honestly, Sakuragi's kind of interesting. Sure, he's a bit full of himself—but he's got fire in his belly."
After a few words with Miyagi, Akagi turned to glance at Shoichi. "I take back what I said earlier. With his current level of skill, Shoichi already qualifies to be an official team member."
Kogure's expression turned complicated.
Just moments ago, they were wondering how long it would take for Shoichi to reach that level.
And now?
It had only taken him ten minutes to give them the perfect answer.