[9] Superpower Basketball
Chapter 9: Superpower Basketball
In the back row, Rio Futaba quietly observed, unnoticed by anyone.
Beside her, the invisible Megumi Kato glanced at her silently, realizing they were both watching the same thing.
"Do you regret it?" Sakuta Azusagawa asked his friend, Yuma Kunimi.
"It's strange for that question to come from you, Sakuta."
"Who else would ask you? You should just stay out of it. If this keeps up, Kamisato's going to beat me up."
"Hahaha, well, don't expect me to plead for mercy on your behalf."
Yuma Kunimi laughed heartily, not taking Sakuta Azusagawa's question seriously.
Compared to Hayama, Kunimi's reputation was actually quite high.
Both were handsome, outgoing, and approachable.
One was a key player in the soccer team, while the other was the star of the basketball team.
Besides Hayama's dazzling blonde hair, the two were practically equal in every way. If nothing unexpected happened, both of them would be at the top of the social hierarchy in Class 2-F.
As for who would be higher, that would be determined by the outcome of their little social group's dynamics.
But then the "unexpected" happened—Kunimi ended up in the same class as his friend, Sakuta Azusagawa, in their second year.
Another friend of theirs was absent on the first day of school, and when Kunimi saw how Sakuta was being ostracized by the class atmosphere, he had no other choice but to approach Sakuta and form a group with him.
There's a saying: "You are the company you keep."
From the moment Kunimi befriended Sakuta, his social standing in the class permanently dropped.
He could never again reach the top of the class hierarchy, and others naturally excluded him from the competition among the boys.
Now, everyone viewed the class hierarchy contest as a battle between Shunsuke and Hayama.
Even though Kunimi was just as handsome, when it comes to the girls' assessment of the "most attractive," did anyone really think social status didn't matter?
"Sakuta, stop overthinking. If Kunimi cared about these things, he wouldn't have become your friend back in first year." Shunsuke patted Sakuta on the shoulder. "And relax, even without you holding Kunimi back, the most popular person in class is going to be me."
"As for class status? Once I join the team and bring in some pretty girls, Hayama's going to have to step aside."
"Tch, stop being so full of yourself," Sakuta sneered. "Kunimi, make sure you deal with him for me later."
"Mission accepted."
"Hey, Sakuta, aren't we on the same team?"
"Ha, what's a teammate? Can I eat that? Today I'm going to show you, you normie, the wrath of the outcasts."
"Hey, it's starting! Everyone, get into position."
The gym teacher's whistle interrupted their conversation.
The three dispersed. As Kunimi prepared to return to the team, one of Hayama's more flamboyant group members shouted, "Oh! Don't worry, Hayama! We'll take down that arrogant guy for you!"
The other two lackeys stacked their right hands on top, demonstrating their shared understanding as Hayama's loyal supporters in boosting his social standing.
Hayama smiled wryly as he placed his hand on top of the others, then waved over to Kunimi, saying, "Kunimi, let's do this together."
"Sure."
Kunimi placed his hand on top as well, and the five of them raised their hands together, shouting, "Victory!"
Sakuta remarked, "Should we do something like that too? It feels straight out of a sports manga."
Futarou replied, "Nah, let's skip it. I don't want to waste time on something so embarrassing."
Hachiman and Hotarou didn't even bother to acknowledge the suggestion, while Shunsuke just shrugged.
The game was finally about to begin. Typically, the opening tip-off is handled by the center, but Shunsuke glanced over at Hachiman with his usual slouched posture, dead-eyed expression, and overall lethargic vibe, and decided he'd better take the tip-off himself.
On the opposing side, Hayama stepped up to the challenge.
Although Hayama was the star of the soccer team, as a "perfect" guy, his basketball skills weren't lacking either—he was at least at a school team level.
"I remember you not being this childish, Hayama."
Despite being trash talk at the start of the game, Shunsuke's thoughts were genuine. This competitive head-to-head behavior didn't seem like something Hayama would usually engage in.
"That's because the opponent is you, Fujii."
There was something off about Hayama's tone, leaving Shunsuke a bit confused.
But the gym teacher didn't give them more time to exchange words. He tossed the basketball upward, and the game began.
As the ball reached its highest point, Shunsuke, relying on his exceptional mental focus, jumped first. Hayama was clearly a step slower.
Shunsuke won the tip-off, and Hachiman caught the ball.
—Alright, this is my chance to shine. If I can stand out here, maybe these people will finally remember my name. Don't underestimate the little guys, you damn normies.
His inner thoughts were surprisingly dramatic, but in reality, he barely hesitated. Without even pretending to dribble the ball for show, he shouted, "Hey!" and, as if struggling, immediately passed it to Shunsuke.
Aside from self-sabotage, Hachiman's contribution to the game was practically zero.
Kunimi rushed in from the side, reaching out to intercept, but Shunsuke was a step ahead. He had already anticipated the pass before Hachiman made his move and successfully received the ball.
Hayama's group quickly set up a defense in the paint, clearly showing they were experienced players with high morale. On the other hand, those who were supposed to be defending them—like Hachiman and the others—looked sluggish, like old men on the brink of collapse.
Hayama positioned himself in front of Shunsuke.
Kunimi was out of bounds (OB) on the edge, alongside Sakuta, the two of them awkwardly pretending to "press" each other.
"Kunimi-san and Azusagawa-san, sticking together… Gufufufu."
Ebina let out a strange giggle.
The two immediately separated.
"Fujii, no passing through here."
Hayama's gaze was serious, and his words were like something out of a cheesy, hot-blooded anime.
Shunsuke didn't feel like responding. For the sake of victory, he had already resolved to get his hands dirty.
.....
Because of Hayama's over-the-top attitude, Shunsuke felt like he might have caught the "chuunibyou" (adolescent delusions) bug himself.
He mentally summoned Star Platinum to attach to him—Shunsuke had always been careful about hiding his stand—then, with perfect form, he leaned back and jumped, going for a shot.
Today, I'll show you what Precision A looks like!
"Pfft!"
The opposing team, including Hayama, couldn't hold back their laughter. A midcourt shot right at the start? Who do you think you are—
"Swish!"
The ball didn't touch the rim, going straight through the net with a clean, satisfying sound.
Halfway through their laughter, Hayama and his group were left in stunned silence, their expressions turning comical.
"Is this guy hacking or what?!"
Sakuta, still lingering near the edge of the court instead of properly assisting, chimed in with a sarcastic remark.
"Is this really the level of a high school player?"
Despite the questioning, Shunsuke remained unfazed.
I, Shunsuke Fujii, do not hack.
Star Platinum is me, and I am Star Platinum. Using a stand's power—is that something you can call hacking?
If I were hacking, I'd break this basketball down into molecules and make you all eat it!
Perhaps sensing Shunsuke's "sincerity," the opposing team fell silent.
-----------------
If you want to read 10 advance chapters ahead.
Visit my patreon: patreon.com/EggZy