11 Zone

From the moment Shōgo opened his eyes, he was filled with anticipation for the day ahead. After breakfast, he told his mother he was going out and carrying his basketball, dressed in loose sportswear that fit him perfectly.

Underneath his sportswear, he had already put on a white basketball uniform, clearly with a specific purpose in mind.

As he got off the tram and saw Satsuki waiting in a white dress and short skirt, Shōgo approached her and hugged her, causing Satsuki's pretty face to blush.

"Shōgo-kun, in the future... can you maybe not be so affectionate? I'm shy, you know."

Seeing Satsuki's blushing face and pink hair, Shōgo couldn't help but feel a bit regretful. Such a beautiful girl, why can't Daiki see it? Or is he just pretending not to understand?

"Where is Daiki?"

"He's up ahead. Today is the Hana Matsuri, so there's no one on the court. You and Daiki can play as much as you want."

[AN: Hana Matsuri The Flower Festival for Buddha's Birthday, 4 minutes Hana Matsuri (or Kanbutsue) is a festival held on April 8 each year in most of Japan's Buddhist temples to celebrate the birth of the historical Buddha.]

"Is that so? That's great."

Shōgo ruffled Satsuki's hair with excitement and said, "Come on, show me the way!"

In the park, on the basketball court, there was only one figure wearing black shorts. Apart from that, there was no one else around.

"Hey, hey, hey! Daiki, do you have to be so serious? I haven't even arrived yet, and you're already warming up."

"So what? Are you going to warm up, Shōgo?"

"I'll warm up a bit. I just sat on the tram for a while; I'll run a few laps."

After a quick warm-up run, Shōgo walked up to Daiki.

Feeling the terrifying pressure and aura from Daiki, Shōgo squinted his eyes and revealed a cheerful smile.

Come on, Shōgo, I can't wait. I hope you don't disappoint me. You still have a long way to go.

Collecting his thoughts, Daiki directly threw the basketball to Shōgo. Upon catching the ball and feeling the tremendous pressure, Shōgo's excitement and eagerness surged.

His excitement also included a high jump and a spinning basketball.

"Bang!" Pressing against Daiki, he forcefully dunked the basketball into the hoop. Shōgo was thrilled.

Just now, the data on his attribute panel finally changed. His "superior" strength became top-notch."

The current Shōgo's physical fitness is definitely above that of the Miracle Generation. This is the result of strict training and suitable training programs.

Feeling Shōgo's momentum, Daiki, who lost 2 points, showed no sign of weakness; he only showed his fighting spirit.

Finally, there's an opponent right in front of me. I must defeat him.

Receiving the pass from Shōgo, Daiki crouched down, seemingly equipped with springs all over his body, casually accelerating and decelerating, easily evading Shōgo, and smoothly scoring a basket.

Shōgo took the basketball handed to him by Daiki and said with excitement, "Daiki, the move just now is mine."

With those words, he turned around, and the basketball went into the net, smoothly and decisively.

"Interesting, very interesting, Shōgo!"

On the side of the court, watching the two figures go back and forth, Satsuki was shocked for the first time. Is Daiki really this strong?

And Shōgo-kun, her teammate whom she hadn't seen for over half a year, why did he become so terrifying? He seemed to be suppressing Daiki on the court.

Yes, that's right. Satsuki's feeling was not wrong.

The current Shōgo, whose overall physical fitness was much better than Daiki's, is indeed pressing him on the court. He is forcing Daiki, and as a result, Daiki's focus is getting sharper.

This way, Daiki can reach the state of entering the Zone.

This is Shōgo's greatest expectation for today. This is why he started full force and didn't give Daiki any chance to escape.

"Daiki, if this is your level, then I truly am unbeatable."

"Unbeatable? Don't joke around!"

"Swish!" The basketball went into the net. Shōgo, who was still standing in place, did not react. He stared wide-eyed at the turned figure of Daiki.

"Shōgo, you still have a long way to go!"

At this moment, Daiki, with a dignified aura and electric blue flashes in his eyes, exuded a captivating charm.

This is the aura of the Zone!

Indeed, it's strong enough that I can't even react. Such incredible speed!

But, Daiki, I like it. Your Zone's aura.

So, it's mine now!

"Is that so? Daiki, let's have some fun."

Electricity flashed, and gray electric lights flickered. Daiki, who had a blank expression on his face, looked surprised at Shōgo.

"Shōgo, I admit, you have an unbeatable demeanor!"

"Daiki, I, Shōgo, am willing to admit that you are the most talented basketball player in all of Japan. I'm willing to call you the strongest, without equal."

After speaking, the two locked eyes and burst into laughter, a scene that made Satsuki shed tears again.

"Hey, hey, hey! Satsuki, why are you crying?"

Wiping away her tears, an invigorated Satsuki said happily, "Daiki, I'm just so happy. Seeing you happy makes me happy."

Damn, I'm throwing out dog food here. Let me ask the Shōgo lying on the ground, do you want to eat it or not?

"Hey, hey, hey! Daiki, was that the Zone just now? When did you get the ability to enter it?"

"Just now, didn't you enter it together with me?"

Hearing this, Shōgo's face was expressionless, but he inwardly gave a wry smile.

Do you think everyone is a freak like you? The reason I could enter just now is that I consumed a bit of the devouring energy point, devouring your Zone.

Otherwise, do you think I could enter just by watching you enter?

Sigh, why do the chosen ones have to be so abnormal?

Shōgo was starting to doubt it. If that's the case, are those with the protagonist's aura even more abnormal? Can I change the situation?