24 Chapter Twenty-Four

After finishing their meal and drinks, Long Yan emerged from the establishment with a contented belch, accompanied by Ayako.

"Ayako, this restaurant is excellent. When the opportunity arises, you should invite Senior Akagi to join us, and I will cover the expenses." He suggested.

With his hand lightly patting his slightly protruding stomach, he expressed his satisfaction with a beaming smile.

"Certainly, I frequently come to this establishment," She replied.

"But I never expected you to have such an impressive appetite," she added, a hint of shock in her expression.

"Haha, appearances can be deceiving, and one should never judge a book by its cover," he chuckled, using a well-known English idiom from his previous life.

After settling the bill and placing the money back into his wallet, he uttered the wise saying with a sense of accomplishment.

Ayako, who was listening attentively, was taken aback by his statement.

"What does that mean?" She asked, intrigued by the unfamiliar term.

"This is a well-known saying in our place. It signifies that judging someone solely based on their appearance can lead to erroneous conclusions," He explained, coughing twice to feign expertise.

"Oh! I see now. It seems I've gained some knowledge about the customs of your place." She exclaimed, suddenly comprehending the concept.

She nodded vigorously, as if pecking at rice.

He glanced at his watch and realized it was already past seven in the evening.

After a brief conversation with her, he bid her farewell and watched as she walked away before turning in the opposite direction.

Despite the time of day, the Shohoku basketball hall remained illuminated, catching his attention and sparking his curiosity.

"Who could still be practicing at this hour?" He wondered aloud.

Considering the time, most of the team members would have already left, and it seemed unlikely that there would be anyone left with exceptional talent.

Filled with intrigue, he made his way towards the basketball hall, taking slow and deliberate steps.

As soon as he stepped foot into the basketball hall, a thunderous slam dunk resonated through the air.

"Boom!"

His eyes widened in astonishment as he caught sight of Rukawa, his lean and agile frame dominating the scene.

"Rukawa? Still not gone back?"

He exclaimed, his eyes fixed on his perspiring figure, a tinge of astonishment flickering in his gaze.

While the world praised Rukawa's basketball skills, Long Yan had never witnessed the relentless effort behind his abilities.

Seeing him diligently practicing alone at such a late hour stirred a sense of admiration within him.

Perhaps, he thought, the true genius is molded through unwavering dedication.

Stepping onto the court, his arrival caught Rukawa by surprise, and a momentary expression of astonishment crossed his usually impassive face.

"Long Yan? Are you here for training as well?" He asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

After exchanging brief greetings with him, he resumed his practice, focusing on perfecting his slam dunk.

However, his movements became more intense, fueled by the arrival of Long Yan, as his competitive spirit was ignited.

Observing Rukawa's actions, he couldn't help but shake his head in a mixture of resignation and determination.

Another unexpected rival had emerged, but he chose not to be preoccupied with such matters.

Enhancing his own abilities took precedence, and if he dared to challenge him, he was more than willing to suppress the confidence of this prodigy.

And so, he began his dribbling training, focusing solely on improving his own skills.

Time swiftly passed by, and before he realized it, a week had already gone by.

During this short period, he exhibited a commendable level of self-discipline, following a routine that included early morning runs, team training sessions, and individual practice.

In the midst of his rigorous training, he also extended an invitation to everyone on the basketball team for a gathering at his home, aiming to foster camaraderie and strengthen the bonds among the teammates.

Akagi and the others were taken aback when they arrived at Long Yan's mansion.

The opulence and grandeur of the residence exceeded their expectations.

As they spent more time together over the course of the week, the bond between Long Yan, Akagi, and the rest of the team grew stronger.

They had the opportunity to learn more about him as a person, deepening their understanding and connection with him.

Inside the basketball court of the mansion, Long Yan found himself sitting alone in a secluded corner.

He took a moment to reflect and examine his own abilities, contemplating his progress.

Glancing at his personal profile displayed on the property panel:

[Host: Long Yan]

[Height: 180cm]

[Weight: 68kg]

[Stamina: C-]

[Speed: C]

(Power: C+)

[Bounce: B]

(Mastery skills: Intermediate dribbling skills, full-court vision, super start, fast recovery, phantom volley, precise passing, 'C' shaped dribbling, aerial change of hands, and dunk)

After a week of intense training, Long Yan had successfully completed various training tasks.

Resulting in comprehensive improvements across his attributes, bringing them to a higher level.

"Everyone, gather!"

Akagi's commanding voice echoed through the basketball hall.

The other team members set aside their individual training and formed a neat lineup.

"Where's Miyagi? Why isn't he here?"

Akagi scanned the area, unable to spot his presence.

A frown formed on his face as he quickly inquired about his absence.

"I don't know. I haven't seen him today."

Yasuda replied, scratching his forehead in a contemplative manner.

Kogure and the others shook their heads, equally unaware of Miyagi's whereabouts.

Ayako, who had her attention captivated by Long Yan's performance during the team practice, looked puzzled.

If it hadn't been for Akagi's question, she might not have even realized that Miyagi was missing.

Deep within, Long Yan speculated that he might have encountered Mitsui.

However, he knew it was beyond his control and could only silently hope for his well-being.

"Forget about it. It doesn't matter. Tomorrow, we have our practice match against Ryonan. Make sure to get a good night's rest."

Akagi declared, dismissing the concern.

"Let's show them our true power!" the team exclaimed in unison, their enthusiasm building as they looked forward to demonstrating their strength in the upcoming match.

Excitement spread across the faces of everyone present as they directed their full attention towards the upcoming challenge.

Akagi's face displayed a resolute determination, his fiery spirit burning bright.

He had eagerly anticipated the showdown with Ryonan for quite some time.

Having shared the important announcement, the team members dispersed from the basketball hall.

Each is fully aware of the need to make thorough preparations in advance of the clash with Ryonan.

They understood the significance of the upcoming battle and the necessity to equip themselves physically, mentally, and strategically for the impending challenge.

With focused minds and diligent efforts, they immersed themselves in the preparations, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory.