The next morning, Shidou was awakened by frantic knocking from Adams. After last night's one-on-one, the two had become much closer—basketball really could become a bridge between friends.
"Who is it?!"
Shidou muttered resentfully, still buried under his blanket.
"If you don't get up now, you're going to be late!"
"I know..."
Hearing the reply, Adams assumed Shidou would get up and went downstairs to help prepare breakfast.
Chizuru noticed Adams coming down alone. "Where's Shidou?"
"He said he'll be up soon, Sister Chizuru."
The moment she heard that, Chizuru stormed upstairs and kicked the door open.
She dragged Shidou out of bed and straight to the sink. Under her watchful glare, Shidou obediently washed up, not daring to resist.
Masako had already finished cooking and gone out to the supermarket.
After breakfast, the three of them were driven to school by the butler, Jack. Their destination: Sierra Canyon High School.
Chizuru was admitted through academic recommendation, while Shidou entered as a basketball recruit and only needed to maintain a C average.
In the American grading system, A is excellent, B is good, C is average, and D is poor.
Chizuru headed to her class, while Shidou and Adams went to the basketball club to report in.
The moment Shidou stepped into the gym, he froze.
The venue was enormous, with a transparent dome letting sunlight flood the entire court. The polished wooden floor squeaked pleasantly underfoot. Multiple adjustable hoops lined the gym, and professional training equipment filled the corners—from agility ladders to resistance gear and fitness machines.
Tiered leather seating surrounded the court, capable of holding thousands. Compared to Teiko's facilities, the difference felt overwhelming.
Shidou stood with his hands in his pockets, excitement surging through him.
As Adams and Shidou entered, attention shifted toward them. Adams was popular among teammates, so everyone noticed the newcomer immediately.
"Hey Adams, who's this?" asked a dreadlocked player jogging over.
"My brother, Shidou Ryusei. He's joining the team."
Adams subtly raised an eyebrow—both Harris and Shidou played small forward.
Harris instantly understood. However, seeing Shidou was Asian, he dismissed him.
Adams took Shidou to Assistant Coach Hailey to register.
The registration form was entirely in English, and Shidou couldn't understand a word. Adams helped him fill it out, making Shidou realize how necessary English was here.
At that moment, Blue Lock activated faintly in his mind, and suddenly the English text became understandable.
After registration, Hailey arranged for Shidou's physical evaluation.
She explained calmly, "The physical test measures body composition, fitness levels, and athletic abilities. It helps us build training and nutrition plans while preventing injuries."
Half an hour later, Shidou was told he could join practice.
Meanwhile, Hailey rushed to Coach Huber's office with Shidou's results.
Huber, a semi-bald man with glasses, chuckled. "What's got you so excited?"
"You need to see this yourself."
Huber read the report twice before finally reacting.
"Where is he now?"
"In training."
Huber hurried to the gym.
When they arrived, they saw Shidou already playing one-on-one with Harris. Starters and bench players surrounded the court, curious about the newcomer.
"Adams, how good is your buddy? He's not about to get destroyed, right?" Tyler, the starting point guard, asked.
"Just watch. He'll surprise you."
Karl and Duke, the starting power forward and center, remained skeptical.
Harris smirked. "First to three. You go first, Pink porcupine , so you don't cry later."
"Don't cry yourself when you lose," Shidou shot back.
He exploded forward from beyond the arc. Harris only saw a blur as Shidou blew past him.
Too fast.
Harris spun around, but Shidou was already near the free-throw line. Leaning left, he flicked the ball right off the backboard into the hoop.
"1–0."
The crowd erupted.
Harris caught the ball again, now cautious.
Using his strength, he backed Shidou down step by step. Shidou tried to poke the ball loose but failed.
"Didn't eat today?" Harris taunted.
He spun and slammed the ball home with a powerful dunk.
"1–1."
Shidou's heart pounded. Harris was stronger than expected, almost at Generation-of-Miracles level.
Lowering his stance, Shidou attacked again, weaving through feints before driving left. Harris chased and leapt to block Shidou's one-handed shot.
Mid-air, Shidou switched hands behind his back and tossed the ball blindly.
Despite his vision being blocked, the ball hit the backboard and went in.
Harris stared, stunned.
"I take back what I said. You're good. But I won't give up my spot."
Shidou swallowed the trash talk he'd prepared.
On the next possession, Harris went all out, using a sudden stop to create space and draining a step-back jumper.
Huber adjusted his glasses while watching.
"Offense is excellent. Defense is weak. He's talented, but needs polishing."
Huber stepped in and stopped the game.
Shidou snapped, "Who are you, old man? I was about to win!"
Adams quickly apologized for him.
Huber laughed. "Your talent is real. But defense matters just as much."
He continued, "If the opponent has the final possession and blows past you easily, can you still guarantee victory?"
Shidou had no answer.
He followed Huber's brutal training plan until collapsing from exhaustion.
Adams handed him water. "How are you feeling?"
"Coach Huber is terrifying."
"You'll get used to it."
Later, Chizuru came to pick them up.
Outside the gate, Jack waited with the car.
Passing the street court from yesterday, Shidou remembered his meeting with Nash and asked Jack to stop.
"I'll go home later."
Chizuru warned, "Don't play too late."
"I know, you nag too much!"
She almost punched him.
When he arrived, Nash was already waiting.
Nash tossed him the ball.
"I'm late."
"It's fine. Thought you wouldn't show."
"You looking down on me? I've got more guts than that."