25 Dropped

After we got the ball, it was once again in Kobe's possession as he held the ball while looking directly at me.

Akihiko who stood resolutely, got ready for Kobe's next attack

Kobe simply did a jab step by jabbing his non-pivot forwards. But Akihiko was shaken

'This pressure'

As Akihiko looked at Kobe's jab step. Akihiko saw a faint illusion of an actual black mamba. It was as if it was about to bite Akihiko. The overbearing size and pressure made Akihiko lost his cool as Kobe took advantage of this by dribbling past him.

Kobe then went for an easy dunk as the ball was once again in Kobe's possession. Akihiko who was still shaken thought;

'If a single jab step was enough to get past me, can that still make me qualified to be a king?!'

In Akihiko's mind

The fog was getting clearer and clearer.

Akihiko now stood as he guarded Kobe once more.

Kobe smiled as he looked at Akihiko, Kobe once again got the ball as he went for another jab step. The familiar black mamba was approaching Akihiko as if it was about to bite Akihiko. But Akihiko this time didn't stand down as once Kobe retracted his non-pivot foot. The black mamba was no longer there.

Kobe then simply jumped and shot the ball, ending the game effectively as his shot sank as expected. Akihiko then collapsed to the ground as he breathed heavily

*Huff* *Huff*

Akihiko then asked as he stood up shortly after.

"Can you become my teacher?"

Kobe who has heard this question multiple times said

"No. In fact, it's better for you not to have a teacher. You're the most talented kid I've ever seen, you need to carve your own path. Having a teacher will only make you go down your teacher's path. Though I'm going to give you some tips before I go."

Akihiko who heard what Kobe said was ecstatic. It's not everyday that you get praised by an NBA Legend. Akihiko then quietly listened to what Kobe was going to say next.

"First of all, you need to change your mentality. You need to have the constant quest of being the best version of yourself. The second is animal instinct, I could feel something inside you that wants to be set free. And my last tip to you; practice, always practice no matter what.

Akihiko took Kobe's words to the heart as he then thought

'Animal instinct.....'

If Akihiko recalled

Animal instinct is one of the things that players like Kagami, Aomine and Silver possessed. Animal instinct enhances the five senses, the reflexes, and overall physical ability of a player.

Akihiko bowed and then said

"Thank you for giving me your time."

Kobe smiled as he started to walk away while he said

"Until we meet next time."

Akihiko then suddenly realized

"WAIT!"

Kobe looked back as Akihiko approached him with phone in hand.

Akihiko then said with a serious expression

"Can you add me on your contacts list?"

Kobe then laughed at Akihiko's antics

......

Once Kobe left the gym, Akihiko was once again left all alone. Akihiko then changed into his uniform as he simply took the blazer off and placed it on his shoulder.

Akihiko then saw Charles in the parking lot as he then entered the car. Inside the car, Charles asked

"How was your day, Young Master?"

Akihiko replied

"I met Kobe Bryant and we played 1-on-1."

Charles who already got used to how "abnormal" Akihiko was replied

"That's great Young Master. By the way, what would you like for dinner?"

Akihiko then said

"Surprise me."

.......

The two went home and enjoyed their dinner.

In another house

"So you're telling me the heir of the Akashi's is here?" A blonde middle-aged man with tattoo's said as he looked at his son.

"Yes father, we played basketball together and I was surprised because he was better than me."

This piqued the middle-aged man's curiosity as he then said

"I will have a little talk with his father, it's also a good opportunity for our business."

This man was Nash Gold, Nash Gold Jr's father.

Nash Gold is a retired basketball player and a world-renowned businessman. Nash Gold competed against the likes of Michael Jordan and such, so he naturally knew how talented his son was. So the news of someone beating his own son made him interested.

...

The next day

It was a regular day in school as William and Akihiko were walking in the hallway.

It was also lunch time at this point.

"Aki, you will never believe this!"

Akihiko who was still sleepy said

"What is it?"

William then replied

"A girl asked me for my number!"

"That's great." Akihiko replied

But suddenly William's expression turned into rage as he continued

"It was what I thought until the number that she specifically asked was your number!"

William then said with rage filled in his eyes as he shook Akihiko's shoulders

"I hate pretty boys like you!"

Akihiko was laughing contagiously at what happened to his friend. William then suddenly asked

"By the way Aki, surely you have a girl in mind right?"

As William said that a blonde woman came into Akihiko's mind as he shook the thought off and ignored his question.

William who saw his friend's expression said

"Hey, who is it?"

Akihiko just dodged the question as they made their way to the busy cafeteria. The two quickly spotted an open round table as they sat on it.

Shortly after, another two sat down in front of them. When they looked at each other they thought,

'It's them again'

Nash and Jason was about leave the table until they heard a voice saying

"Oh if isn't our juniors seating on the same table. By the way, hey captain!" When they looked at who it was, it was Mike, he was also accompanied by their other teammate, Henry.

The people at the cafeteria looked towards their table seeing it basically belonged to their basketball team.