Birthday

At night, I checked my newly acquired badge.

[The Eye:

Allows host to read the levels of other players. However, host must see them physically for badge to work, it is not possible to read levels virtually.]

Oh yeah! I finally got the badge that I wanted. Makes sense that you must see then in real life. Videos could show a old game where the players in it are much better at the moment. Well, I got what I wanted, time for me to sleep.

_ 2 weeks later__

"Hey Kaen, todays your birthday right? Wanna hang after school? Our exams just finished today too?" Karma asked.

"Nah sorry bro but not today, I have to go for training today. The preliminaries are coming in about 1 and a half months time." I replied sadly.

"Alright good luck in your training then, see ya tomorrow." Karma waved and exited the class.

I packed up my bag, grabbed my shoe bag and was about to leave the class as well when I noticed someone standing in front on my desk. Looking up I saw it was Miku.

"Hey what's up?" I asked.

"H-happy birthday Kaen. Thank you for everything, the exams were really easy because of you. T-this is a gift for you." She said and pushed something into my hands. I looked and saw it was an expensive looking box of chocolates.

"Thanks man, come to me if you need help next time alright. I gotta go now, bye." I thanked her and left.

Oh yeah, todays my birthday, I have been looking forward to this day forever. I had asked my parents for the latest collection of signature shoes available, I can't wait to go home and check them out. I thought to myself as I opened the gym to begin practice. The soles of my shoes wear out quickly, usually after about a month, so I need a ton of shoes.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAEN!" Everybody in the gym shouted as I entered. I was stunned, why was everybody looking so excited. They looked extra hyped for practice today for some reason.

"Finally your birthday came around, its time for us to update the rankings this year." Kiyoshi said to me. I shot him a confused look. Rankings? What the hell is he talking about.

Coach:" Okay since today is Kaen's birthday, it is time for us to hold our birthday tradition. Todays practice will be changed to a one on one tournament. We shall see who is the best among you since your seniors graduated last year."

Ohhhh, no wonder everybody is so excited today. So we get ranked huh, this is sounding exciting. I'm gonna aim for nothing but the top.

The coach then quickly drew up a tournament, since the team had 15 people the birthday boy, which was me, would get a bye.

The first round ended quickly, all the starters and 3 bench members, Yuto, Sota and Koki advanced to the second round. Lots were drawn and it ended with me getting put up against Yukio.

I used my eye badge to check out his stats.

[Player: Yukio Kasamatsu Age: 15

Height: 30/100 (Projected height growth: 1.90 meters)

Close shot: (Level: 3)

Driving layup: (Level: 4)

Dunking: (Level: 2)

Post hook: (Level: 3)

Mid-range shot: (Level: 3)

Three-point shot: (Level: 2)

Free throw: (Level: 3)

Pass accuracy: (Level: 5)

Ball handle: (Level: 3)

Post control: (Level: 3)

Interior defense: (Level: 4)

Perimeter defense: (Level: 5)

Steals: (Level: 4)

Block: (Level: 4)

Rebounding: (Level: 4)

Speed: (Level: 4)

Strength: (Level: 5)

Vertical: (Level: 5)

(Level 1 refers to the ability of an average middle school player)

]

Yukio was a decent player. He was strong on defense and could put the ball in the hoop if he wanted to. He had a good jumper and was strong around the rim. However, he was not an exceptional scorer, he was an exceptional leader. He had a pass first playstyle causing him to not be very aggressive on offense, this was good news in a one on one for a player like me.

I got the ball and shifted into position. Jabbing my right foot forward, I tried to throw him off guard. Once he realized I was not going for the drive he relaxed slightly. Seeing this, I burst forward, using my elbow to prevent him from defending me and scored the easy layup.

I got the ball again and brought the ball between my legs while moving to the left. Yukio stepped left to block my advance, I then spun the the right and side stepped shooting a mid-range shot.

Yukio gritted his teeth as the ball flew through the net. "Birthday luck." He said, checking me up and started guarding me tightly immediately. I stepped into him and pushed him back a little. I then jabbed to my left and stepped back to shoot a three. I thought I got a good look but as I was releasing the ball a hand came into view and threw the ball out of the court.

Crap, I gotta work on my stepback. My steps are still too small, the distance I create is not good enough.

I passed the ball to Yukio and started pressuring him. Yukio swung the ball around forcing me to step back to avoid getting hit. He then started driving to the basket. I tried to block his path but he pushed into me with sheer strength and scored the basket.

He got the ball and started driving again. But this round he stepped into the shot around the free throw line let the ball fly. It was a tough shot and the ball went in and out of the rim. Tough luck.

The game continued, I was clearly going to win this game as I was the better overall offensive player. However, Yukio's defense caused the game to drag on and by the time I scored the last basket, I had expended more energy than I had expected.

"You got me man, it was a good game. You better make it far maybe even beat Kotaro or Kiyoshi." Yukio said as he slapped me on the back.

"Yeah thanks man, I'm confident I stand a chance with Kotaro but Kiyoshi not so much." I said. Yukio opened his mouth and looked as if he was about to say something but the coach spoke up.

"Ok we are done with the second round of the tournament. Kotaro, Kiyoshi, Haru and Kaen have made it through. Now it is time to see where you guys rank in the top four."

------

Ok so Miku or Satsuki if I decide to add a love interest?

The current score is 14 for Satsuki and 3 for Miku, anybody who wants Miku better speak up or you are gonna be disappointed.

If you want the love interest to happen give me your power stone.