Sharpening Skills

Thump, thump, thump...

The sound of basketballs echoed through the gym, resonating with power and energy. The rhythmic dribbling ignited excitement in everyone present, filling the air with anticipation.

The gym was bustling with life. Players, decked out in their jerseys, zipped across the court, weaving in and out of formations. Some were driving toward the basket, others were practicing jump shots or working on defense, all absorbed in intense training. Their sweat-drenched clothes clung to them, but they paid no mind—only the bouncing ball and the dream of victory filled their focus.

The gym held a mix of seasoned upperclassmen and eager freshmen. The veterans moved with skillful precision, while the younger players, though still a bit green, exuded vibrant energy. Everyone worked together, pushing each other forward, united by their shared goal: achieving greatness as a team.

More than a month had passed since the new recruits, including Shiro, were selected to join the starting lineup. Since then, every player had thrown themselves into preparation for the national tournament, driven by ambition.

Clap, clap, clap!

A sharp applause cut through the gym. Coach Sanada clapped his hands and motioned for everyone to gather.

"Alright, everyone! gather up!"

The first-string players quickly jogged over, lining up in perfect formation. Coach Sanada bowed respectfully to an elderly man standing beside him.

"Coach Shirogane" Sanada said, "I've gathered the team, just as you requested. From here, I'll leave the training to you."

The elderly man, Kozo Shirogane, gave a small nod in acknowledgment. With a gentle smile and kind eyes, he scanned the eager faces before him and began to speak.

"Hello, everyone! I see a lot of familiar faces among the upperclassmen, but I suppose some of you freshmen may not know me yet. Let me introduce myself—I am Kozo Shirogane, the head coach of Teiko's basketball team. For the next three months, leading up to the national tournament, I will be taking over your training. Together, let's work hard to achieve our best performance!"

In the back of the line, Aomine leaned closer to Shiro and whispered skeptically, "Do you think this old guy can handle it?" His eyes were filled with doubt. Though Aomine kept his voice low, the spacious gym carried his words clearly to everyone present.

A tense silence fell over the upperclassmen. They knew the importance of respecting Coach Shirogane—his reputation was legendary, and questioning his authority was no small matter. Many prayed silently that Aomine's careless comment wouldn't stir up trouble.

But Coach Shirogane remained remarkably calm, his expression kind and composed. With a warm smile, he looked directly at Aomine.

"Don't worry, Aomine" he said lightly. "I may be old, but my methods are tried and tested. If you give it your all and follow my program, you'll see incredible results before the tournament. Your young bodies are full of potential—it's the perfect time for growth! So, don't be afraid of hard work. If you don't drop from exhaustion, keep pushing until you do!"

He gave Aomine a reassuring pat on the shoulder, signaling that no offense was taken. Then, turning to the rest of the team, Shirogane encouraged them to give their best in the coming weeks.

The upperclassmen exchanged glances, their eyes narrowing on Aomine. They silently blamed him for what was sure to be a grueling training regime.

Three months later...

The intense, specialized training was over. Each player felt like a completely different person—a perfect transformation, a leap forward in skill and endurance.

Aomine lay sprawled on the gym floor, gasping for breath like a fish out of water. "Shiro... I'm dying..." he groaned, his limbs limp and drained of energy. Around him, other players slumped in exhaustion, looking like they'd just survived a marathon.

Shiro shot a glance at Coach Shirogane "This is all your fault," he muttered to Aomine. "You had to go and doubt the coach. His training is brutal—he pushes us to the limit every day. But... I can't deny it. After all this, I can feel my body getting stronger"

Aomine pouted. "How was I supposed to know he'd take it so personally?"

"I'm starving..." whined Murasakibara, his enormous frame slouched as if all life had left him. "I need food..."

Shiro rummaged through his bag. "Hold on, I think I still have a Snickers." He pulled out the candy bar and waved it in front of Murasakibara with a grin. "Look, found it!"

Murasakibara's eyes lit up like a child's. "Ohhh! Gimme!" Snatching the bar eagerly, he tore it open and took a massive bite. Crunch. The rich taste of chocolate filled his mouth, and he sighed in bliss. "Mmm... so good..."

Suddenly, Coach Shirogane clapped his hands again. "Alright, everyone, gather up!"

The team staggered to their feet, still weary but attentive.

Shirogane smiled at them warmly. "You've all worked very hard these past three months. The opening ceremony for the national tournament is the day after tomorrow, so tomorrow—no training. I want you to rest and recover. And as a little reward for your efforts, I'll treat you all to dinner tonight!"

The gym erupted with cheers.

"Coach, you're the best!" Aomine shouted, his fatigue disappearing in an instant.

Everyone joined in the celebration, thrilled not just by the promise of a meal, but by the sense that they'd survived the toughest part of their preparation.

But just as the excitement peaked, Shirogane's expression shifted, becoming unexpectedly serious.

"However" he said in a low, commanding voice, "I have one condition. I want you to win the championship. If you don't bring that trophy home..." His smile turned into a dangerous smirk. "You'll regret it."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Then, as one, the team clenched their fists, eyes burning with resolve. They promised, with fierce determination, to give everything they had in the tournament.

Later that night, Shiro lay in bed, gazing out at the starry sky through his window. The vast expanse of the night felt like it held a million mysteries, each star a distant riddle waiting to be solved.

His thoughts drifted, a tangle of memories from his past life—joys and sorrows, laughter and tears, moments that had shaped who he was.

"I wonder how they're doing now..." he murmured softly, thinking of the family he could no longer reach.

With a shake of his head, he pushed the thoughts aside. "I'm here now. I have to live this life to the fullest"

Determined, he called out to his system "show me my stats"

Player Profile

Name: Kawakami Shiro

- Age: 12

- Height: 176 cm

- Weight: 64 kg

- Strength: B+

- Speed: B+

- Stamina: A+

Skills:

- Stephen Curry – 3-Point Shooting

- Kawhi Leonard – Lockdown Defense

- Allen Iverson – Crossover Dribble

- Tracy McGrady – Pull-up Jumper

- Kobe Bryant – Fadeaway Jumper

- Magic Johnson – No-look passing

- Dwyane Wade – EuroStep

Skill Points (SP): 2395

"Hmm, 2000 points... Time to buy a new skill. Open the skill store."

Skill Store:

- Harden – Double Step-Back – 2000 SP

- Mutombo – Finger Wag Block – 2000 SP

- Ginóbili – Snake Breakthrough –2000 SP

- Rose – Explosive Crossover –2000 SP

- White Chocolate – Elbow Pass –2000 SP

"Which one should I choose..." Shiro pondered.

After a moment, he decided. "System, buy Harden's Double Step-Back"

With the skill unlocked, he grinned. "Let's set up some training time. Five hours of simulation... Opponent: The Generation of Miracles—from their first year of high school"

And so, the intense journey continued. The road ahead was long, but Shiro was ready—ready to rise, ready to dominate.