Slam dunk, hit 100% of the three-pointers at the beginning!

In Shohoku's basketball gym, Coach Anzai watched the lineup of players with satisfaction. With a small gesture, he called Akagi over.

Akagi leaned in to listen as Coach Anzai spoke softly. After a moment, Akagi nodded silently.

Coach Anzai left the gym with his usual smile, leaving the rest of the team curious about what had been discussed.

Akagi took a deep breath, calming himself after the intense match earlier.

"You all did well in today's practice game against Ryonan. As a reward, no training for tonight," Akagi announced.

The news sent waves of excitement through the team.

"Yes! Finally, a night off!"

"I'm going home to get a proper night's sleep. I'm exhausted."

"Hey, want to hit the arcade later, Kuwata?"

Meanwhile, Sakuragi wasn't paying attention at all. His mind had wandered, likely imagining how to impress Haruko with his performance in the game.

However, Ryu and Rukawa remained calm. They even seemed slightly puzzled by the announcement.

Ryu reflected on the match against Ryonan, where he had felt his stamina stretched to its limits. He realized he couldn't even last a full game in his current condition. Facing Ryonan was manageable, but against stronger teams like Kainan? His energy would drain even faster.

Rukawa, on the other hand, thought about Sendoh.

Despite scoring the second-highest points after Ryu in the game, Rukawa recognized gaps in his abilities when matched against Sendoh.

He recalled how Sendoh had attacked and defended with complete confidence during the game.

Sendoh's offensive and defensive skills were far more refined than his own.

If Rukawa wanted to become Japan's top high school player, he needed to surpass not only Sendoh but Ryu as well.

Without a word, both Ryu and Rukawa changed back into their training gear and returned to the gym.

"Let's hit the arcade tonight! My treat!"

"Seriously? I want to play that game from last time."

"Of course! Play as much as you want!"

Kuwata, Sasaoka, and a few others, laughing and chatting, exited the locker room.

But as they walked past the gym, the sound of a basketball hitting the floor caught their attention.

Curious, they exchanged glances before opening the gym doors.

Inside, they saw Rukawa, drenched in sweat, practicing his shooting and dribbling.

On the other side, Ryu was working intensely with weights, training his strength.

The sight made Kuwata and the others pause, feeling a sudden wave of shame.

"Even the strongest players train so hard…"

"No wonder they're so good!"

"Maybe we should stay and train too," Kuwata said, though his tone left no room for argument.

After a brief hesitation, Sasaoka and the others returned to the locker room, changed back into their gear, and rejoined the gym to practice.

Having changed into his team uniform, Akagi walked out of the locker room with a satisfied expression. The match against Ryonan replayed in his mind.

Standing at the door, he watched the first-years working tirelessly, sweat pouring off them, and felt a deep sense of pride.

"If they keep this up, our dreams might not be so far away," Akagi thought.

To his surprise, Sakuragi stood next to him, looking slightly embarrassed.

"Uh, Akagi-san, can you teach me how to grab rebounds better?"

During the Ryonan match, Akagi's injury had left Shohoku's defense vulnerable, allowing Uozumi to dominate the paint. This had infuriated Sakuragi.

"That big ape! Next time, I'll show him just how amazing this genius is!"

Seeing Sakuragi, who usually avoided extra training, actively seeking help, Akagi felt even more pleased.

Everyone's dedication filled Akagi with hope. It felt like the clouds were clearing to reveal the moon.

"If we keep this momentum, Shohoku could go far. Even after I graduate, with players like Ryu and Rukawa, the future of Shohoku is secure."

"Come on, Sakuragi. Let's go. I'll teach you!" Akagi said, patting Sakuragi's shoulder and leading him to an empty hoop.

He was ready to pass on everything he knew about rebounding.

Watching this scene, Kogure adjusted his glasses and smiled warmly.

"It's great, isn't it? Shohoku's really coming together. Akagi, maybe this year we can finally achieve our dream."

"What did you say, Kogure?" Akagi asked, turning toward him.

"Oh, nothing," Kogure replied. "Now go practice your three-pointers, Kogure. If you don't, you won't even make it on the court at the nationals," Akagi teased.

"No way! I won't let that happen!" Kogure shot back, grabbing a ball.

Determined, he began practicing as well. As a third-year, this was his final chance.

In previous years, Shohoku had fallen short, never making it past the top twelve in the prefecture.

Every time Akagi's face showed disappointment, Kogure had blamed himself for not being stronger.

But this year felt different. This was their best chance.

While training alone, Ryu suddenly froze.

A voice echoed in his mind.

[System Alert: Victory detected. Reward granted.]

[+10 Stamina, +5 Jump, +5 Speed, +5 Strength.]

Seeing the notification in his head, Ryu was momentarily stunned.

"So, that's how it works?"

With renewed determination, he grabbed a dumbbell and began training even harder.

From a distance, Kuwata and the others gawked.

"Is this guy serious?!"

"Ryu's training is insane!"

"He's working way too hard…"