"Kanagawa at four in the morning? What does that mean?"
The teammates were confused by Oliver's words. Only the coach stood still for a moment, eyes widening as he understood the deeper meaning behind the statement.
"So that's it... Genius always belongs to those who work the hardest."
The coach nodded with a proud smile.
"Coach? What does that even mean?" one player asked, puzzled.
"What a bunch of blockheads."
The coach rolled his eyes at the team.
"Let me ask you this: What were you doing at four in the morning?"
"Sleeping, of course. What else?"
"Aha!!!"
The realization struck the players like a bolt of lightning.
Everyone was asleep at that hour—so naturally, none of them had ever seen Kanagawa at four in the morning. Oliver's words implied he was already awake and training.
Combining that with his incredible performance on the court today, the meaning was clear.
"Diligence makes up for a lack of talent. Although Oliver's physical condition wasn't ideal, he surpassed all of you with relentless effort! He became a great player because he worked harder than anyone else!"
The coach's words were full of conviction.
"Genius is one percent talent and ninety-nine percent hard work. You should all learn from Oliver and double down on your training!"
"Yes, Coach!!"
The teammates responded in unison, voices loud with determination.
"Alright! Let's go get ready to receive our awards!"
The coach clapped everyone on the back as they headed to the court. "This is the honor of a basketball player. Enjoy this moment!"
The basketball teams of Wako Junior High and Fuqiu Junior High stood together as the crowd erupted into loud applause, welcoming the players who had delivered such an electrifying game.
A round-bellied middle-aged man in a tailored suit approached, shaking hands with both coaches before nodding to the players. He paused in front of Oliver, giving him an extra-long look filled with admiration.
"Who's this guy?" Oliver asked, feeling uneasy from the attention.
"Are you serious!? He's the president of the Japan Junior High Basketball Association—the organizer of this league! Didn't you talk about him all the time before?"
"Really? I... don't remember."
Oliver scratched his head awkwardly. It seemed the original owner of this body had done more research than he had.
"Shh! Cut the chatter. The coach is looking!"
Everyone straightened up quickly.
The president took the microphone and cleared his throat.
"Ahem... Good afternoon. I'm the president of the Middle School Basketball Association. Thank you to both teams for giving us a truly extraordinary game."
Thunderous applause followed.
Whether it was Kaede Rukawa's dazzling solo performance in the first half or Oliver's comeback in the final ten minutes, it had been a game to remember.
"Basketball is a team sport that demands cooperation, endurance, and a fighting spirit that never quits until the final second. Today, I saw that spirit in both teams."
"I hope each of you continues to grow in your basketball journey, refine your skills, and achieve even greater success in the future."
The crowd clapped enthusiastically again, and Oliver nodded in agreement.
As players, no one wanted to give up. Everyone dreamed of playing on bigger stages and earning greater honors.
"Now, we begin the awards ceremony."
"Let's welcome the runner-up—Fuqiu Middle School!"
The audience clapped loudly as Rukawa's supporters chanted his name.
"Fuqiu Middle School displayed a swift, energetic offense that left a deep impression on us. I look forward to seeing how they grow and develop new tactics moving forward."
The captain of Fuqiu Junior High stepped forward to receive the silver medal.
"This medal belongs to your team."
The president placed the medal around his neck, and the captain bowed in thanks.
"Now, let's welcome the champions—Wako Junior High!"
"Ohhhhhhh!!"
The stadium erupted in cheers.
It was clear to everyone that Wako's victory was thanks to Oliver's incredible performance in the final minutes. In that short span of time, he turned the tide of the game, earning respect and recognition across the arena.
"Oliver, go accept the award."
The team captain looked at him with a nod.
"Me? Are you sure?"
"Of course. Without you, we wouldn't have won. We were wrong to judge you by your height. You've earned this."
"Yeah, Oliver. You deserve it."
"Absolutely. This is your moment."
For a long time, Oliver's teammates had underestimated him. But now, their eyes were full of admiration and respect.
Oliver took a deep breath and walked toward the stage.
"Wako Middle School displayed unwavering determination. They never stopped fighting for victory until the very end."
"Now, receive your trophy."
Oliver stepped forward and raised the golden trophy high.
"OLIVER! OLIVER! OLIVER!"
The crowd chanted his name. His remarkable leap, unstoppable attacks, and sharp three-pointers had left the entire audience in awe.
As the cheers filled his ears, Oliver's heart pounded with excitement.
Every athlete lives for moments like these.
"Now, we announce the MVP of the match."
"Ohhh! It's time!"
The MVP—Most Valuable Player—title always stirred up anticipation.
"It has to be Oliver! He completely changed the game!"
"But Rukawa dominated for most of the match. He practically carried Fuqiu until the very end."
The debate stirred among fans. But one thing was certain: Oliver, who had been mocked when he first stepped onto the court, was now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Kaede Rukawa.
The president smiled and cleared his throat.
"The MVP of this game is... Kaede Rukawa!"
"Ohhhhhhhhhh!!"
Rukawa's fans jumped to their feet in wild cheers.
"RUKAWA! RUKAWA! LOVE KAEDE RUKAWA!"
Screams of adoration filled the air.
"Kaede Rukawa, huh? Well, I guess that makes sense."
Oliver smiled and shrugged.
Rukawa had indeed dominated most of the game before he entered. Still...
Oliver clenched his fists.
No true player accepts defeat easily.
Next time, I'll be the MVP.
"Go receive your award, Rukawa. What are you waiting for?" the vice-captain urged.
"I don't want it."
Rukawa's voice was cold.
"We lost the game. What's the point of a meaningless MVP title?"
"That guy..."
The captain sighed.
Rukawa always acted indifferent, but he was fiercely competitive.
"Don't be childish," the coach snapped.
"This is a formal event. Be respectful."
"Tch..."
Rukawa clicked his tongue and reluctantly walked forward. He accepted the MVP crystal trophy without a word and returned to the team.
"Both teams, shake hands!"
Wako and Fuqiu reached out to each other again.
Though Rukawa said nothing, the fire in his eyes was burning brightly.
The captain of Fuqiu stepped up to Oliver.
"Don't get too cocky. Next time, we'll be the ones celebrating."
"Looking forward to it. Better train hard."
They shook hands firmly.
"Good game!"
"You too!"
...
Back in the rest area, the coach beamed as he held the heavy championship trophy.
"Alright! To celebrate our victory, I'm buying everyone barbecue tonight!"
He waved generously.
"Thank you, Coach!!"
The team bowed and began packing up their things with excitement.
Oliver smiled, the joyful energy reminding him of his past life.
Back in Daxia, he had a group of close friends who loved basketball too.
He wondered how they were doing now...
Just then, someone unexpected appeared in front of him.
"Hello, Oliver."
To be continued...
patreon(Jutsu_143)