Chapter 34: Mentality

After everyone adjusted their state, they no longer showed timid expressions.

After all, they knew that if they kept winning, they would eventually face Teikō.

They just didn't expect it to happen so soon, but there was nothing they could do about it, so they had to face it head-on. Moreover, they all had a little hope in their hearts, believing that Aizen would continue to lead them to victory. They had grown accustomed to Aizen's strength for so long. Although the "Miracle Era" was powerful, they had not experienced it personally, but they could see Aizen's strength every day.

The feeling was different.

After announcing the opponent, the coach introduced them to Teikō's detailed information.He even took out videos of Teikō's recent games for them to analyze.But the analysis made everyone a bit solemn.The opponent's games were simply massacres, complete domination.

Aizen felt that it was unnecessary for the coach to show the videos of the opponent's games.The opponent had no tactics to study at all; it was almost all singles.In Teikō's game, they could easily score if they passed the ball to anyone.

What else was there to study?

On the contrary, the more they studied, the more it affected them. Seeing everyone not in the right state,Aizen said directly, "Okay, there's no need to study them. They have no tactics to speak of. We just need to do our best."

The coach, noticing something was wrong, nodded in agreement with Aizen.

Then he said, "Everyone, follow Aizen and continue training."

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In the gym, Aizen was practicing shooting in an empty field.Aizen wanted to practice his three-pointer to 90 points before the game started.This way, his attack range would become wider, and the predicted probability with [King's Domain] would be more threatening.While training, he checked the system.Just now, a new task appeared in the system.

---

[Task Release: Get the highest score of the game.]

[Task Reward: One lottery]

----

Aizen looked at the task on the system and fell into deep thought.This task seemed very difficult at first glance. After all, the other team was full of exceptional players, and he was the only one on his side.In this situation, it would be extremely difficult no matter how he thought about it. However, Aizen thought carefully, realizing that the task was not impossible to complete. If he just wanted to get the highest score, he needed to ensure two points:

The first point was that he could not be restricted by the opponent.

The second point was to have sufficient physical strength to maintain an offensive posture throughout the game.

Of course, this also depended on how the opponent played the game. If the opponent's four players only assisted one, it would be dangerous.

However, Aizen thought about it and felt that it was unlikely. According to the current Teikō, they all had individualistic styles and didn't care much about teamwork. As long as they could win in the end, that was all that mattered. 

Aizen finished training late.

According to the usual training time, everyone had already left. But at this time, Aizen looked around and found that many people had not left. Shota and Taiga were training together. After learning that their opponent was Teikō, they felt very anxious. Although it was not visible on the outside, they were under great pressure inside. Both of them knew that their true level would not be revealed by the winning streak. Instead, they had a clearer understanding of themselves.

Taiga: "Shota, do you think we will win?"

Shota: "I don't know, all we can do is try our best and not let Aizen down."

While they were talking, Aizen also came over.

Aizen smiled and said, "Are you still not leaving? I've never seen you work so hard before."

After hearing Aizen's words, the two came back to their senses. They were a little embarrassed now, thinking that their conversation had been overheard by Aizen. With embarrassed looks on their faces, they were about to say something.

Aizen continued, "Shota Ohkawa, if I remember correctly, you have participated in the national competition for three consecutive years."

"Although you haven't gotten good results, and they were very bad," Aizen said this with a hint of teasing, without any ill intentions.

The two laughed when they heard this. They indeed had poor results.

Then, Aizen continued.

"Why did you never give up basketball in this situation?" After Aizen finished this sentence, he paused. As if waiting for the two to reply, but they remained silent for a long time.

Seeing this, Aizen did not bother them and turned around to leave. But as he turned around to leave, he said, "Don't let your passion be overshadowed."

Aizen kindly reminded them, hoping to change their mentality. He could see that the victories during this period had burdened them. The pure passion they had in the past seemed to be overshadowed by desire. Now, facing a strong opponent, they instantly became anxious about gains and losses. Seeing them like this, Aizen was actually very unhappy. Because in Aizen's opinion, playing basketball was about having fun, and winning or losing came second.

If you are not happy, what is the meaning of winning?

Teikō is very strong, but can their group really experience the fun of basketball?

When Aizen and his group learned about their opponents, the outside world also got the news.

Everyone was looking forward to the next game. It could be said that this game was what they had been anticipating for a long time.

Among this group of people, the media workers were more excited.

They had smelled the scent of explosive news for a long time.

One by one, they began to work overtime to write articles to build momentum for the next game.

---

At the same time, at Teikō Junior High.

Aomine Daiki: "Hehe, if it doesn't work, I will replace you immediately."

The other teammates didn't say anything.

Kise Ryōta was excited when he saw this: "Really? Thank you so much! I will definitely not let you down."

Just now, Kise actively asked to play against Aizen, always remembering the failure at the beginning.

After that, Kise trained harder. He felt that he was stronger now and could beat Aizen.

Under his intense request, the other teammates also agreed and let him go up to restrict Aizen first.