NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: I'm Joining Shohoku!
[System Notice: Taoka Moichi's invitation detected.]
Option 1: Accept the invitation and declare your intent to lead Ryonan to the national championship. Reward: "Phantom Shot" Skill.
Option 2: Mock Taoka and state your plan to join Kainan High. Reward: "Formless Shot" Skill.
Option 3: Firmly decline, stating your promise to Haruko to join Shohoku. Reward: Haruko's Cheer.
[Skill Details]
Phantom Shot: A double-pump fake shot while in mid-air.Haruko's Cheer: When Haruko cheers from the sidelines, +10 to rebound stats.
Houichi weighed his choices.
Phantom Shot? That's not even as good as Formless Shot.
While Ryonan's lineup was strong, with Sendoh as a potential partner, their other players were average at best. Taoka also seemed doomed to struggle with recruiting star players, aside from Sendoh.
As for Haruko's Cheer, it was practically tailor-made for him. Haruko would undoubtedly attend Shohoku's games, and a 10-point rebound boost was equivalent to a month of intensive training!
Moreover, Houichi still needed to unlock his "Genius" talent permanently.
The decision was clear.
Houichi shook his head. "No, I'm joining Shohoku."
"You're naive," Taoka said, frustrated. "Shohoku is barely a top-32 team in Kanagawa. You might not know this, but Shohoku is where talent goes to die. Their former MVP, Mitsui Hisashi, disappeared without a trace!"
Taoka was unwilling to give up on such a promising player, especially as he resented Shohoku's inexplicable appeal to recruits.
"Why Shohoku?" he demanded. "Is it because of Coach Anzai?"
"It's because I made a promise to Haruko," Houichi replied with a bright smile. "I told her I'd lead Shohoku to win the national championship."
Haruko froze, her eyes wide in disbelief.
As a middle schooler herself, she had no formal ties to Shohoku aside from her brother's enrollment. Taoka, an established coach, had offered Houichi a direct invitation—yet Houichi had chosen to honor a simple promise.
Her heart swelled with emotion, and she covered her mouth to hide the tears forming in her eyes.
"What?" Taoka felt as if lightning had struck him. What kind of magic school is Shohoku, that its recruits are drawn by reasons so ridiculous?
"You're dreaming if you think you can win the nationals," Taoka said, realizing he'd been rejected. "Shohoku is nothing special. But fine, next time we meet, we'll be rivals."
Though strict, Taoka was known for his fair personality. His composure even when challenged by players like Sakuragi Hanamichi was proof of his character.
"Very well, Taoka-san," Houichi replied politely. "I look forward to facing Ryonan on the court."
"Focus on making it past the top 16 first," Taoka retorted before walking away.
With the court drama finally over, Houichi and Haruko exchanged phone numbers. Houichi offered to walk her home, but Haruko blushed and refused.
They parted ways at the seaside train station.
Just before the safety barrier lowered, Haruko dashed through, turning back to wave.
"Houichi-kun, next time we meet, it'll be at Shohoku! Work hard, okay?"
She smiled brightly, her expression full of trust and encouragement.
As the train sped past, the wind tousled Houichi's hair. When the barrier lifted, she was already gone.
Houichi returned home to an empty house.
Living alone, he received a monthly allowance directly deposited into his account. Passing through the quiet house, he stepped into the backyard, where his private basketball court awaited.
Success comes from 99% hard work and 1% talent. But that 1% talent matters the most.
With his "Genius" talent activated, Houichi had no intention of wasting it. He launched into shooting practice immediately, training until he collapsed onto the court, staring up at the starry sky.
As he rested, he reflected on the "Bullet Time" skill he'd unlocked earlier.
When defending Shinji, it felt like time slowed down, like everything moved in slow motion.
He chuckled. "If my shooting accuracy improves, maybe I can play like Aomine Daiki—random shots still going in."
The thought energized him. Leaping up, he declared, "Another 100 shots!"
The next day, Houichi arrived at Shohoku High to take the entrance exam.
To his surprise, Shohoku's requirements were laughably low—passing with an E grade in all subjects was enough to get in.
The test was easy, and Houichi quickly secured his acceptance letter. Excited, he rushed to share the news with Haruko.
In his haste, he bumped into someone in the hallway, knocking the person down.
"Sorry," Houichi said, offering his hand.
The person slapped his hand away and got up on his own, grabbing Houichi by the collar.
"You think an apology is enough, kid?" the man growled, veins bulging on his forehead.
Houichi calmly placed his acceptance letter aside and recognized the man. Smiling, he said, "Ah, you're Oda Nobunari! Nice to meet you!"
He enthusiastically shook the man's hand.
Seeing a familiar face from the manga made Houichi feel nostalgic, even if Oda was a delinquent.
Oda and his two lackeys were momentarily confused by Houichi's cheerful attitude. Then Oda regained his composure, shoving Houichi away.
"You're a freshman? How dare you talk to your senior like that!"
Houichi, unbothered, asked, "What are you doing here during spring break? Are you here for supplementary exams?"
Oda froze, unable to answer. Houichi grinned knowingly.
"Oh, I see. You're here for make-up exams. That's great—shows you're motivated!"
He patted Oda's shoulder encouragingly.
As Houichi turned to leave, Oda grabbed him again. "Did I say you could go?"
Houichi didn't feel intimidated. Years of basketball and his family's rigorous training had made him confident in his physical abilities.
He adjusted his hair, thinking to himself, Typical manga delinquent. Act tough, but once they're beaten, they'll follow you loyally.
Collecting three subordinates could be useful, especially since they were Mitsui Hisashi's classmates.
Just then, a voice called out, "Oda, what are you doing?"
Oda turned to see Mitsui Hisashi approaching from the end of the hallway, hands in his pockets.
"Mitsui, we're teaching this brat a lesson!"
Mitsui walked up, studying Houichi closely.
"Aren't you the kid from Hikaru Middle School?" Mitsui asked, frowning. He remembered facing Houichi during the middle school quarterfinals.