The EuroStep

"Shiro, you were amazing!" Momoi's face flushed with excitement as she bolted from the stands. Overwhelmed with joy, she ran straight toward Shiro, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"It wasn't just me. My teammates did most of the work" Shiro scratched his head, glancing toward Akashi and the others. "Anyway, let's grab some burgers. My treat—hope that's okay."

"Ten burgers! I'm in!" Aomine's eyes gleamed with excitement at the mention of food, his bright gaze now glowing like two radiant gems.

Beside him, Murasakibara refused to be outdone. "Oh, oh, oh! Let's go! I'm eating twenty!" He practically drooled in anticipation, his goofy yet eager expression drawing amused looks from everyone around.

Watching the two act like starving beasts, the others couldn't help but burst into laughter. The lively atmosphere made it impossible to stay serious.

"Alright, let's wrap up. Time to head out" Akashi said calmly, gathering everyone toward the locker room.

Inside the locker room, Akashi opened his locker with a practiced hand and pulled out a neat set of casual clothes. The others followed suit, changing quickly. No words were exchanged—only the sounds of rustling fabric and soft footsteps filled the space.

Once everyone was dressed, they left the gym together. The evening sun cast its fading light across the streets, bathing everything in a warm glow.

They walked through the town with a spring in their steps, chatting and laughing, making their way toward a burger joint.

Seated inside, they ordered their favorites. As the food arrived, they devoured it eagerly, talking about the thrilling game they just played, or exchanging stories about their lives off the court. The whole scene brimmed with lighthearted camaraderie.

Aomine and Murasakibara were, as usual, the stars of the show—both tearing through stacks of burgers like men possessed. Plates piled high disappeared in a blur, as if they hadn't eaten in days. Yet even after all that, they still seemed unsatisfied, ready for more.

With stomachs full and spirits high, the friends said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, each heading home.

When Shiro returned to his house, he slowly pushed open the iron gate. The garden surrounding the villa was a masterpiece of nature—tall fences draped with roses and creeping vines, their colors vivid and enchanting. Elegant sofas rested beneath the shade, the afternoon light casting playful shadows that only added to the luxurious ambiance.

The villa itself exuded a blend of romance and grandeur. A lofty entrance, arched windows, and stone-lined corners gave the place a stately appearance. The architecture balanced classical elements with modern aesthetics—tall spires, wooden beams, and columns that seemed to invite the climbing vines into their design. It was refined yet timeless.

Inside, the first thing that caught the eye was an ornate European-style cabinet. Each shelf displayed carefully selected items, as if telling stories from the past. Alongside it stood a wine cabinet filled with rare vintages, the wood's grain radiating a subtle fragrance that gave the room a sense of quiet sophistication.

The grand hall was equally impressive. Soft carpets absorbed the weight of the towering walls, while chandeliers cast a cool, elegant light. Framed paintings lined the corridors, their subjects seeming to gaze into your soul. Every corner reflected thought and care, showcasing the owner's impeccable taste.

As Shiro entered the living room, a familiar scent welcomed him. He inhaled deeply, then called out: "I'm home!" The words echoed through the air, carrying with them the weight of a day's exhaustion.

A middle-aged man looked up from a stack of documents on the sofa. His sharp features were chiseled like a sculptor's masterpiece, and his deep-set eyes shimmered with intelligence. Though older, his vibrant energy defied his years.

His wavy, slightly curled hair gave off an exotic charm, inviting curiosity. A boldness lingered in his expression, adding depth to his refined appearance.

"Welcome back!" Kawakami Hiroshi greeted warmly, his voice tinged with a rare softness. "Have you eaten?" His simple question carried a wealth of care.

This was a side of Hiroshi he only revealed to his wife and son—a tenderness he usually kept hidden behind his position as head of the family.

"Yeah, I ate out with some friends. By the way, where's Mom?" Shiro asked, glancing around the empty hall.

"She's on a business trip to the U.S.," Hiroshi replied with a sigh. "I've got the Japan operations to handle, so she's taking care of things overseas."

After a brief pause, Hiroshi changed the subject. "So, how's basketball going? You mentioned you joined the team, right?"

"Yeah, I made it to the starting lineup" Shiro answered honestly. "And I've met some pretty great teammates, too."

Hiroshi's face lit up with pride. "Already a starter? That's my boy!" His usual corporate demeanor gave way to playful curiosity. "So… met any girls you like yet?"

At the mention of girls, Shiro's mind briefly wandered to Momoi's face. After a short pause, he responded, "Not yet. I'll be in my room" With that, he turned and headed upstairs, his steps light and relaxed.

Hiroshi watched him disappear, a knowing smile creeping onto his face. Then, with a sigh, he turned back to the towering pile of documents, his mind returning to the business decisions demanding his attention.

Later that night, the world outside grew still under a blanket of darkness. Crickets chirped, and a soft breeze stirred the leaves, adding a gentle melody to the night's tranquility.

"System, show me my stats" Shiro whispered.

Player Profile

Name: Kawakami Shiro

- Age: 12

- Height: 176 cm

- Weight: 64 kg

- Strength: B

- Speed: B

- Stamina: B+

Skills:

- Stephen Curry – 3-Point Shooting

- Kawhi Leonard – Lockdown Defense

- Allen Iverson – Crossover Dribble

- Tracy McGrady – Pull-up Jumper

- Kobe Bryant – Fadeaway Jumper

- Magic Johnson – No-look passing

Skill Points (SP): 2005

"Open the skill shop."

A list of advanced basketball techniques appeared:

Skill Store:

- Olajuwon: Dream Shake – 2000 SP

- Nowitzki: One-Legged Fadeaway – 2000 SP

- Kareem: Skyhook – 2000 SP

- Duncan: Bank Shot – 2000 SP

- Wade: EuroStep – 2000 SP

"Alright, I've already got shooting covered. If I unlock Wade's Euro Step, I'll have better options for attacking inside"

"System, purchase Wade's EuroStep"

Ding! Purchase successful

With only 5 points remaining, Shiro said "Now, let's do 30 minutes of space training against high school Aomine."

The world around him shifted, and Shiro found himself on an empty basketball court. Before him stood a larger-than-life Aomine, his gaze sharp and intimidating.

"I'll beat you this time!" Shiro shouted, gripping the ball as the intense one-on-one match began.

Thirty minutes later, Shiro lay sprawled on his bed, exhausted. "That guy's a monster! He never tires, and his Zone… it never ends!"

He shook his head, mentally replaying the game. "I'm close, but his physique is still way beyond mine"

Staring at the ceiling, he muttered: "Zone… when will I unlock it?"

With a sigh, he drifted off to sleep, knowing he'd have to grind harder for those precious skill points.