"Alright, here we go! Scrimmage: Kaijo vs... uh... The Kings! Both teams, line up for introductions!"
Takeuchi stood proudly at center court, voice booming with way too much excitement for a guy who was just reffing. Clearly, being a referee for once had him more hyped than necessary.
"Let's have a good game!"
Kota stood face to face with his assigned matchup—a guy from the Youth National Team who stood just under 6'3". Judging by his height, he was probably their point guard... mostly because he was the shortest dude on their side.
"Man, these guys are huge…"
Kobori stared up at his own matchup. The guy was a full head taller than him. And Kobori himself was already pushing 6'4"! In high school basketball, he was usually the one bullying people under the rim. But this time? His opponent was easily over 6'8".
Kasamatsu and Kise weren't spared either — their matchups were also towering over them by at least half a head.
In terms of average height... this was a total blowout.
Kota clicked his tongue. Reality check: Kaijo was about to get steamrolled in the size department.
Sure, this was supposed to be the polite "pre-game handshake" phase… but from the lazy way the Youth Team guys were moving, it was obvious they couldn't care less about formalities.
Kota honestly didn't blame them. Different worlds. If he was forced to play a game against some random middle school national champs? He'd probably be bored too. Even if it was 'nationals'.
"Ugh, seriously? These guys are tiny. I can't get hyped for this."
One of the Youth Team players yawned loudly, not even bothering to lower his voice.
"Pfft, you think that's bad? Look at my matchup!"
Kota's own defender spoke up, sneering. "Look at that height, that wingspan… can the guy even dribble? And these guys actually won Nationals? Man, this generation's getting soft."
They didn't even try to hide the insults. The whole Kaijo bench heard every word, unfiltered.
Kota turned around, blank-faced, and locked eyes on the guy's jersey number. Number 1, huh? Noted. No way was he gonna let that slide.
"Seriously? Acting like being tall is some kind of superpower…"
Kise muttered, frowning. Kasamatsu didn't say a word — he just lowered his center of gravity like he was physically grinding his anger into the floorboards. Even Hayakawa, normally all smiles, was flaring his nostrils like a cartoon bull, rolling up his sleeves and vowing to send a message at tip-off.
Kota licked his lips, bent over with hands on knees, waiting for the whistle.
Takeuchi strolled to center court, holding the ball like he was about to perform a magic trick. As ref, it was his job to toss it up for the jump.
BEEEEEP!
With the whistle, Takeuchi sent the ball high into the air… then practically sprinted off the court like he was dodging incoming fire.
Kobori let out a roar and jumped with everything he had. For a high schooler, his vertical leap was elite.
Unfortunately…
The Youth Team's center barely even left the floor. Just a casual hop and he still tipped the ball easily over Kobori.
Number 1 on the Youth Team caught it, didn't even bother calling for a play, just dribbled straight past half court.
He locked eyes on Kota with this smug little smirk. Then, raising both arms dramatically, he spread the floor wide. He wanted to ISO. One-on-one.
"Really dude?"
Kota almost laughed.
Sure, the spacing gesture looked great for the cameras, but both hands off the ball? Bro, thanks for the freebie.
...
Target the Weakest Link.
if facing the opponent's lowest scorer, all defensive stats +20%
Picking on the softest target is an ancient, time-honored strategy. Why fight the dragon when you can slap the kitten?
...
This was Kota's newest talent upgrade after the Rakuzan game—and honestly, it fit his style perfectly. Covered up for his weaker defense and even had a great name. And hey, if the whole enemy team had the same scoring average? Even better! Pick your victim!
Basketball, at the end of the day, was about attacking weak spots. Any smart point guard knew that. Going at the strongest defender just for pride? That's how you lose. Playing smart wasn't cowardice—it was efficiency.
Kota eyed Number 1's overconfident face… then suddenly lunged for a sneak steal!
His reaction speed, footwork, and defensive instincts all got a buff thanks to the skill.
Unfortunately… Number 1 wasn't completely brain-dead. He clamped down on the ball just in time. Still, Kota's sudden burst caught him off guard.
The guy's face twisted in frustration. Without a word, he passed the ball off… then immediately called for it back, wanting revenge.
His teammates obliged and lofted it over.
Number 1 caught it, dropped into a low stance, and studied Kota's defense.
Kota… just smiled mockingly… and gave his shorts a little tug upward.
Pants-Up Defense
Instantly, a wave of defensive pressure hit Number 1 like a ton of bricks.
The guy hesitated for half a second. Just enough.
Kota pounced for another lateral cut — this time successfully stripping the ball clean!
Not everyone's built to play through mental pressure.
Kise and Kasamatsu reacted instantly, charging upcourt on the fast break. The Youth Team tried to hustle back, but facing a full-speed 3-on-1 was too much.
Kota dribbled up top, scanning the floor, and zipped a perfect pass down to Kise at the baseline.
Without hesitation, Kise exploded off two feet, went reverse, and hammered down a dunk!
Takeuchi signaled to the scorers' table
Kise jogged back grinning, slapping hands with Kota. Even Kasamatsu shot Kota a rare approving glance as he ran by.
Kota just shook his head and stared down Number 1.
"Bro… seriously? Getting picked clean by the smallest guy here?"
One of Number 1's own teammates strolled over, patting him on the back with a grin.
"Dude, what was that? Letting a garden gnome steal your lunch money?"
Clearly still not realizing how serious the problem was.
Number 1's face flushed red.
"Shut it! I just slipped up! Feed me the ball again. I'm dropping him flat this time."
Kaijo's possession over, the Youth Team got the ball back.
And sure enough… Number 1 went full tunnel vision, charging straight at Kota again.
Kota took a slow breath, dropped low… and yes, tugged up his shorts again. Double skill stack online.
This time, Number 1 finally felt it.
A cold bead of sweat rolled down his cheek as he hesitated mid-dribble.
"…Wait… that wasn't a fluke??"
His instincts screamed danger. He pulled up, threw a couple of fake moves… then gave up and passed to a teammate.
"Eh? Not gonna take him 1v1?"
His teammate blinked in surprise. Everyone knew Number 1's pride wouldn't let that go…
"Shut up! We're almost at the 24-second shot clock anyway!"
Number 1 snapped back, face dark. Truthfully? He was already mentally trying to figure out how to switch matchups and get literally anyone else guarding him.
The Youth Team shifted the ball around, pulling Kasamatsu off balance before driving inside. Kobori stepped up for help defense, but the Youth Team's player floated a soft runner over him.
Bucket.
2-2. All tied up.
Kaijo's possession again.
Kota grabbed the inbound and pushed upcourt. Same as before… no signals for movement… just a slow walk-up… spreading the floor… grinning straight at Number 1…
And then nodding at him.
Your turn. One-on-one. Let's see who folds first.