Chapter 75

[First time eating a strawberry mouth-to-mouth with my girlfriend Tsunade, earned a reward: the first thirty volumes of "One Piece" manga.]

One Piece?

What's the connection with One Piece?

And why doesn't this system reward the whole series?

Is Oda still not done with the ending?

He's really dragging it out.

Haruki, full of complaints, entered the Ninja Academy and saw Omoki directing a group of people in renovating the square.

Several students gathered around to watch. But soon, they realized they were building a basketball court and became more excited.

Recently, "Slam Dunk" had become quite popular among the kids, but they lacked a proper court and specially made basketballs, making the game less enjoyable.

Haruki specifically had Omoki choose durable materials for the hoops and basketballs, requiring them to withstand at least an A-rank jutsu impact.

Though the cost was high, this was a world of ninjas. They weren't playing regular basketball but superpower basketball.

"Good morning, Teacher!"

"Good morning, Principal!"

Noticing Haruki, students greeted him with two different titles. Those who called him "teacher" were his students, while those who called him "principal" were from other classes. Due to his various reforms at the school, Haruki was known by all the students, though not always in a positive light.

Haruki waved back in greeting.

"Principal, are we going to have a basketball game?" an excited young boy with Byakugan asked.

"Yes," Haruki nodded. "In seven days, Class 1-A will have a basketball game. Get familiar with the rules and gameplay. Soon, there will be a school-wide tournament."

"Yay!" Cheers erupted across the square.

This is the trend brought by popular works. Not everyone loves basketball, but once it becomes a trend, the herd mentality kicks in. Even if you don't like it, you'll pay attention to avoid having nothing to talk about with friends. It's like how yo-yos and four-wheel drive cars were all the rage in the past. Almost everyone had a yo-yo and a car. Today's basketball is the same.

"Haruki-sama, it will be done in about two hours," Omoki reported, noticing the commotion Haruki had caused.

"Good. The excitement is high these days. Let's make more basketballs to capitalize on this," Haruki said, observing the half-constructed court. A very standard rectangular court. 28 meters long, 15 meters wide. Since there's no plastic, the ground was reinforced with chakra, with a special earth-style jutsu. Boundary lines, baseline, centerline, free-throw line, and other major areas were marked. Shooting area, restricted area, free-throw area, team area. Comparing it to his memory, it was quite accurate.

In the afternoon, Haruki brought two teams, led by Sarutobi Asuma and Hatake Kakashi, to the basketball court.

"Nice, a lot of spirit."

Feeling the tense atmosphere, Haruki smiled. Even the usually indifferent Kakashi was serious. No matter how much you don't care, when it comes to honor and face, no one wants to lose.

"From now on, your group lessons will be replaced with PE classes, focusing on sports like basketball. Currently, it's only basketball, but more will be added later."

Haruki clapped to get the teams' attention.

"You know the basic rules, but I need to emphasize a few points. First, absolutely no acting on impulse; listen to the team captain. Second, no large-scale destructive jutsus or taijutsu; only use supportive jutsus and taijutsu. Third, physical contact is allowed, but no fighting. The basketball is your target. Understood?"

"Yes!"

"Starting players stay, substitutes leave."

A few seconds later, Haruki looked at the remaining players—familiar faces.

Team A: Sarutobi Asuma, Yūhi Kurenai, Mizuki, Yamashiro Aoba, Shiranui Genma.

Team B: Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin, Morino Ibiki, Kurama Clan member.

"Begin!"

Haruki tossed the ball into the air and stepped back. Kakashi used a body flicker technique, winning the jump ball. Asuma, frustrated, realized he couldn't match Kakashi's speed in forming seals.

Haruki watched the game with interest. Compared to "Slam Dunk," it was more like "Kuroko's Basketball." Everyone's moves were flashy. Not a proper basketball game at all.

After four quarters, Kakashi's team won by nine points. Overall, their abilities were comparable. Although Kakashi was a genius, basketball had many restrictions, limiting his true strength.

"Asuma, keep trying. You were so close."

Haruki patted his shoulder in encouragement. Meanwhile, Kakashi was surrounded by his teammates, looking despondent. Kakashi scored the highest points, crucial for their victory.

"I understand, teacher." Asuma clenched his fists, nodding with determination.

"If you want to beat Kakashi, you need to understand the power of teamwork. Didn't you notice your desire to score impacted your teammates' performance?"

Asuma paused, realizing he had indeed focused on outshining Kakashi. But the more he tried, the more mistakes he made. He became a lone wolf.

"Even the God of Basketball needs his partners."

Haruki looked at the contemplative Asuma. As the son of the Hokage, Asuma's talents were overshadowed by his father's expectations.

"I understand now, teacher."

Asuma repeated, this time with less defiance and more reflection.

"Kakashi, let's go. Teacher's treating you to barbecue."

Haruki waved to Kakashi's team. Kakashi, relieved, escaped his teammates' grip. The group followed Haruki to the barbecue restaurant.

"Obito, mind your manners. You've reverted to your old self."

Haruki noticed Obito's beaming smile and reminded him. Obito immediately composed himself into a modest smile. After the meal, since they were going the same way, Obito walked with Haruki.

"Teacher, I have a question I've been meaning to ask."

Obito hesitated before speaking.

"What is it?"

"Why are you so kind to me?"

"I'm kind to all my students," Haruki smiled.

"But you treat me differently." Obito was certain. Even he could sense Haruki's special attention.

"It's simple," Haruki stopped and looked at him. "Because the future is yours."