The match was still underway, the court alive with movement, tension thick in the air.
The blue team mounted their attack.
Makoto Masaru and Kazuki Kishino, still shaken from earlier, burned with determination. Kenichi Uesugi's performance had rattled them — but not broken them.
They refused to fade quietly.
Kazuki Kishino gritted his teeth and surged forward, blowing past Aida Hikoichi with slick dribbling. He weaved between two more defenders like a snake through grass, his eyes locked on the hoop.
He ignored Makoto's call for the ball.
This is my moment.
Launching himself skyward, he cocked the ball back, aiming to slam it home — a bold move to show the coach he wasn't just another rookie.
But before his hands even met the rim...
WHAM!
A massive hand came out of nowhere and swatted the ball midair, sending it flying into the distance like it weighed nothing.
Kazuki froze in the air, stunned."You again?!"
Kenichi Uesugi didn't bother replying.
He was already sprinting toward the other end of the court.
The loose ball landed near the three-point line, right at Aida Hikoichi's feet.
He wasn't strong, nor was he fast — but even he knew this was the perfect time for a counterattack.
He scooped up the ball and charged ahead.
But his speed was no match for the defense — a blue team player cut him off quickly, and Aida's dribble faltered under pressure.
He was stuck.
Panic flickered in his eyes until—
Kenichi Uesugi appeared beside him like a ghost.
This time, Aida didn't hesitate.
He passed the ball like it was a ticking time bomb.
Kenichi caught it in stride, didn't slow down for a second, and exploded toward the hoop.
Makoto Masaru was already back on defense, his eyes filled with defiance. His pride wouldn't let him back down.
I've had enough of being a punching bag.
He dug in, lowered his stance, arms wide, every muscle in his body coiled.
From the sidelines, even the veterans held their breath.
"Can he stop him this time?"
"I doubt it. Kenichi's crazy fast…"
"But Masaru's defense is legit — it's why Coach picked him!"
"Let's see what level this rookie's really at."
Kenichi didn't flinch.
He saw Masaru's stance, felt the tension in the air — and attacked anyway.
No hesitation. No theatrics.
Just raw speed.
He lowered his center of gravity and accelerated — one explosive burst, a blur of red and black.
Masaru reacted a beat too late.
By the time he lunged, Kenichi was already past him.
Gone.
"Fast… too fast…!"
Masaru turned, breath catching in his throat, just in time to see the slam dunk shake the backboard.
Red Team: 4 — Blue Team: 0.
The red team roared in celebration.
Aida ran up and slapped Kenichi's palm with wide eyes, while others followed, cheering and laughing.
On the sidelines, the older Ryonan players couldn't hide their shock.
"Did you see that?! One step — just one step!"
"He just vaporized Masaru's defense like it didn't even exist."
"I didn't think anyone could do that without a screen!"
"Man… this guy's unreal."
Uekusa and Ikegami exchanged glances.
Before this match, they'd assumed Kenichi was just another eager rookie — maybe a good athlete, but nothing special.
Now?
He'd made a complete mockery of one of Ryonan's better defenders — and he hadn't even broken a sweat.
"Even our main squad wouldn't have done that much better…"
"He's that good."
Makoto Masaru stared at the court, fists clenched.
His earlier confidence had crumbled.
No matter how much he prepared… how perfect his form… how determined he was…
He couldn't even slow Kenichi down.
Is he just too strong? Or am I just not good enough…?
Memories of his cocky pre-game attitude came back to haunt him. The things he said. The way he looked at Kenichi like a nobody.
He felt stupid now.
Really stupid.
Meanwhile, Coach Taoka Moichi leaned back in his seat, a rare smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
It was subtle, but unmistakable.
Kenichi Uesugi was everything he hoped for — and more.
Talent like this didn't just walk into a gym every year.
Taoka wasn't just impressed. He was excited.
And yet, he knew: this scrimmage wasn't even showing Kenichi's full potential. The other players weren't strong enough to push him.
Even Kishino and Masaru — who had shown promise — were playing in a completely different league.
The rest of the match continued, but the energy had drained from it.
Kenichi, sensing the gap, stopped pushing. He didn't use any of the special abilities granted by his system — because frankly, he didn't need to.
With just his base skills and athleticism, he dominated.
The others? They scrambled and fought, but it looked like kids chasing butterflies.
Taoka would've called it early if not for saving face.
When the game finally ended, Taoka gathered the new recruits and gave a short evaluation of each.
Then, without suspense or drama, he announced the final results.
Kenichi Uesugi — selected.No one questioned it.Everyone expected it.
Next came Makoto Masaru and Kazuki Kishino — chosen for their strong finishes and consistent hustle, especially after Kenichi stepped back.
And finally…
Taoka paused, scanning the group.
"Aida Hikoichi — also selected."
Aida froze. His jaw dropped.
Then his face lit up with joy.
He couldn't believe it — but no one else seemed surprised.
His determination, teamwork, and courage to keep trying had earned him a spot.
In the crowd, Uekusa whispered, watching Masaru sulk on the bench:
"Hard work is nothing in front of ultimate talent."
Ikegami nodded.
"No matter how hard you try… there are some people you just can't catch."
Their eyes drifted toward Kenichi, who stood quietly by himself, not celebrating — just observing.
Just like someone else, once upon a time.
Someone who joined the team last year…
Someone who, as a freshman, dropped 47 points in the qualifying round…
They all looked at Sendoh.
And wondered:
Is Kenichi Uesugi the next legend of Ryonan?
Only time would tell.
But one thing was certain —
They couldn't wait to find out.