"Drink it!!"
"What!??"
Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief.
Akagi Takenori, Kanagawa's top center, had just been out-rebounded by Sakuragi Hanamichi—a basketball beginner!
"You finally got the ball, Hanamichi!!" Mito and his gang jumped up, cheering wildly.
"You're amazing, Sakuragi-kun!!" Haruko squealed with joy. She never expected Sakuragi to grab a rebound from her own brother.
"Oh...?" Coach Anzai's eyes sparkled at the sight of Sakuragi's vertical leap. Stroking his chin, he seemed deep in thought.
"Ugh...!" Akagi scowled, grinding his teeth in frustration. He lunged to steal the ball back.
"It won't be that easy, gorilla!" Sakuragi shouted, lifting the ball high above his head to avoid Akagi's grasp. Then, charging down the court, he shouted, "It's up to me to turn this game around!"
"Wait... Hanamichi, you idiot—!"
Oliver tried to stop him, but it was too late.
"Beep!!"
The referee's whistle rang out. He rolled his fists in front of his chest.
"Number 10, traveling violation! Possession goes to the opposing team!"
"What!?" Sakuragi's mouth dropped.
"This idiot... I've told him countless times not to run with the ball in his hands..." Oliver muttered as he held his forehead.
Despite the repeated explanations of basic rules, Sakuragi still forgot them.
"...Big idiot," Kaede Rukawa scoffed.
"Really??"
Sakuragi stormed toward the referee, grabbed his collar, and lifted him off the ground.
"A genius like me would never make such a dumb mistake! You must have seen wrong! How can the game end like this!?"
"Beep!!"
The referee blew his whistle again and made a T-sign with his hands.
"Number 10, technical foul. One free throw awarded. That makes five fouls. Team is short one player. Game over!"
"Huh? That counts as a foul too...?"
Sakuragi deflated instantly, his face full of embarrassment. He remembered Oliver's many lectures on the rules.
But Haruko was watching!
"Still! We're all pumped up! We can't let the game end like this! I won't allow it!!"
Sakuragi grabbed the referee again and shook him violently.
The referee's eyes rolled back. He wobbled side to side, then vomited in technicolor.
"Idiot. Big idiot. Mega idiot," Rukawa said bluntly.
"Alright, Hanamichi, stop torturing the ref. You fouled. It's on you," Oliver said, walking over and placing a firm hand on Sakuragi's shoulder. His face had turned serious.
"Also, I told you—don't run with the ball. It's one of the most basic rules. Why can't you remember that?"
"And never, ever lay a hand on a referee. That's completely unacceptable on the court. The consequences can be severe."
"Uh... I..."
Sakuragi was speechless.
"It's okay, Sakuragi-kun! You did great!!" Haruko ran over to console him.
"Even my brother was shocked! You were awesome with that rebound!"
"Really...? That gorilla..."
Sakuragi turned to see Akagi glance his way, snort, and then turn away.
"Classic tsundere behavior," Oliver muttered.
"Ding! Random mission: Shohoku team practice match (completed)."
"Host has gained a new skill! Physical attributes enhanced!"
"Huh? Reward already?"
Oliver quickly opened his personal stats panel.
---
Character Name: Oliver
Age: 15
Height: 167 cm
Weight: 62 kg
Strength: "Normal" 33 → 35
Endurance: "Excellent" 72 → 73
Speed: "Good" 47 → 50
Passing: "Excellent" 76
Accuracy: "Good" 56
Bounce: "Perfect" 86
Equipped Skills:
Legendary: "Fade Away Jump Shot"
Active: "Sonic Dash", "Accurate Shooter", "Quick Recovery", "Bull Charge"
Unequipped: "Magic Pass"
---
"Huh... not a huge increase. Mostly just a few points in strength and speed."
Oliver frowned.
He remembered what the system had said: attribute growth was tied to performance in matches. In this game, he had focused more on assisting than scoring.
In his past life, he played point guard, so facilitating others came naturally. He thought playing smart and conserving stamina would be more beneficial in the long run.
But clearly, this style didn't boost his growth enough.
"From now on, I'll need to play more aggressively. Score more. Show off. That's the way to level up!"
He tapped the "Skills" tab and scrolled to the newest addition.
---
New Skill: Shining Star
Description: When equipped, this skill causes others to automatically focus their attention on you. Cooldown: None
Type: Passive
"Wait... What the heck is this??"
Oliver stared blankly.
"A skill that just makes people look at me? This sounds like something Sakuragi would love... It's so flashy!"
The idea of being the center of attention for no reason didn't sit well with Oliver.
"Hold on a sec..."
An idea flashed in his mind.
"System, you there?"
"Ding! Online."
"Let me ask: My attribute gains are based on performance, right? So if more people are paying attention to me, does that mean my unnoticed plays would now contribute more to my growth?"
"Ding ding ding..."
The system seemed surprised. A moment passed.
"Confirmed. Yes, increased attention will result in greater attribute feedback."
"Yes!!"
What once seemed like a show-off skill was now gold. If everyone's eyes were on him, even subtle assists and positioning would be recognized.
Better yet—it was a passive skill, meaning it cost nothing and had no cooldown.
In the long run, "Shining Star" might be his most valuable asset.
"I wonder... how strong is this 'attract attention' effect?"
If opponents zeroed in on him, his teammates would gain more freedom on the court. He could become both a decoy and a playmaker simultaneously.
The full effect would only be known once he used it in a real game.
But one thing was clear—
"This is amazing... I'm getting stronger, bit by bit..."
Clenching his fists, Oliver looked ahead with fierce determination.
"This year, I will lead Shohoku to the national championship!"
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