China — inside a mid-sized supermarket.
"Cucumber, steak, sugar-free cola, corn, onion…"
Reiko ticked items off one by one on her fingers as she double-checked the shopping cart. Once she confirmed everything, she shot Kota a look of disbelief.
"Seriously, you—are you blowing money just because the Basketball Association's covering your living expenses? You're spending like there's no tomorrow!"
At that moment, Kota was holding a bag of "Japanese-style ramen." He turned, glanced at the cart, and looked genuinely confused.
"What? I didn't buy anything crazy. It's all just food, right?"
Reiko's forehead darkened with exasperation. She pointed at the two onions sitting at the top of the cart.
"Food is fine, but buying actual ingredients? Who's supposed to cook these for you? Araki's not here, you know. Or don't tell me… you cook for yourself?"
It wasn't that Reiko was underestimating him—basketball players like them spent nearly all their time on the court. For most of them, life skills outside basketball hovered right around zero.
"Ohhh, so that's what you meant!"
Kota suddenly looked enlightened. He had been wondering what the problem was. With an easy grin, he said,
"No worries. You're here, aren't you, Miss Reiko?"
"...Me? Huh?"
Reiko jabbed her finger at herself, her eyes wide in disbelief.
"You mean… you expect me to cook for you?"
"Yup!"
Kota answered with a completely straight face, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Sure, he could manage some basic cooking, but if someone else could do it, why bother?
Reiko gave him a look that clearly said, Ha, very funny.
Kota scratched his chin in mock thought.
"Hmm… if I remember right, Mr. Shu told you not to let me keep eating takeout. Said you should cook for me every now and then… didn't he?"
As he said it, he tilted his chin toward her, as if he'd honestly forgotten and was asking for confirmation.
"You—you—you! How do you even know that?! You don't even understand Chinese!"
Reiko was so shocked that she nearly spilled her milk tea.
Watching the usually composed "ace reporter" suddenly flustered, Kota chuckled and decided to tease her a little more.
"I only know a tiny bit. But what a coincidence—those just happened to be the words I understood."
As he spoke, he leaned in close, lowering his voice right by her ear.
"Miss Reiko, you wouldn't want Mr Shu to find out you've been ignoring his instructions… would you?"
"...$#%&!"
A stream of unladylike words flew out as she swatted Kota on the shoulder. For some reason, whenever she spent time with this guy, her carefully maintained "proper lady" image never lasted more than half a day.
Kota just laughed, strolling ahead with his hands behind his back, eyes darting around for more things to throw into the cart. After all, if the Basketball Association was footing the bill, not buying felt like a waste.
Behind him, Reiko pushed the cart, eyeing Kota as he roamed the aisles with far too much energy.
"You look like you're in a good mood. Didn't you lose that scrimmage?"
At her words, Kota turned his head and met her curious gaze.
Not long ago, during the full-court five-on-five trial match with the national youth team, the score had ended 83–81. Gao had sunk the game-winner right at the buzzer.
"Don't tell me… you're the type who doesn't really care about winning or losing?"
Reiko tilted her head, studying his expression. She figured he'd at least be a little down.
"Well… it's not like I don't care, but I'm not the kind of guy who has to win at all costs. Losing happens sometimes. Sure, it's annoying, but it's not the end of the world."
He shrugged casually. One scrimmage wasn't enough to shake him. He wasn't that petty.
Reiko scanned his expression, realized he was being sincere, and asked another question.
"Still… during the scrimmage, you didn't look like you were giving it your all, Kota. For example, that thing where sparks light up in your eyes—'the Zone,' right? You never used it. And even at the last second, you had a chance to score yourself, but you passed instead."
"Huh? Was it that obvious?"
Kota blinked in surprise, then chuckled.
"If I'd gone all out, they wouldn't have stood a chance. But it was just a scrimmage. Why not hold back a little and let everyone have fun?"
He waved his hand like it was no big deal.
"Besides, I already got what I wanted. Coach Ebi clearly recognized me, right? So winning or losing doesn't matter."
Predictably, Reiko rewarded his smug pose with a massive eye-roll.
"No wonder Araki's been rolling her eyes so much lately. He must've trained her into it…"
"You're pretty arrogant, you know that? According to you, if you actually tried, none of the national youth team's so-called top prospects could touch you?"
She half-joked, half-seriously wanted to know how Kota judged the current youth team's level.
"Hmm… that's a tough question."
Kota stroked his chin thoughtfully, then nodded.
"You're right."
Reiko: …
"That's your idea of a tough question?! You answered instantly!"
Before she could snap at him, Kota continued.
"Most of the guys on the youth team are solid by pro standards. But that's about it. On the international stage, where every country's best young players show up, I don't see this squad going far in the World Youth Championship."
Reiko nodded slowly, not fully understanding but getting the gist.
"Even with you and Xiao Gao?"
From her perspective, Gao's size alone was a godsend. And with Kota, whom Ebi himself had praised as a rare gem of a point guard, this generation had to be their best shot in years.
"Gao's great, no doubt. But I'm talking about the team as a whole."
Kota picked up a bunch of bananas, inspecting them while he spoke.
"In three or four years, yeah, we'll be strong. As long as Ebi's protégé—our current head coach—isn't a total disaster, we'll make some noise internationally. Maybe even shine bright."
"Then why did you say—"
Reiko started to ask, but Kota cut her off, pointing a banana at her like a microphone.
"When I say a good result, I mean the championship. I don't plan on just showing up, making a splash, and calling it a career."
Reiko froze.
Banana in hand, dead serious, Kota somehow looked both ridiculous and awe-inspiring. She felt an unexpected jolt of respect.
"You really are arrogant"
She took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and met his eyes. A fire lit inside her.
"Fine then. Tell me what type of player this team is missing. Whatever it is, I'll find one—even if I have to scour the globe myself!"
Because Reiko wasn't just a pretty face.
She was a special-grade reporter for Basketball Weekly—and also an overseas scout for China's basketball program.
Sure, her track record so far only included Kota, but her determination was real.
This time it was Kota's turn to be dumbfounded.
He nearly dropped his bananas as he saw her literally rolling up her sleeves like she was about to fly overseas immediately.
"Relax, relax! No need to storm the airports just yet!"
Still chuckling, he rubbed his chin again.
"What we need is a wing. Someone explosive, athletic, able to attack the rim, and preferably with some defensive chops too…"
He explained carefully.
"Gao's body is huge. He can't be everywhere—if he tries to carry both ends, he'll gas out. We need a scorer who can step up in crunch time. That's usually the wing's job."
Reiko's heart skipped a beat. She turned to him, her voice trembling.
"What if… I recruited Kise?"
Kota: "…Hah?"
…
…
"No."
"Why not? He's your buddy, right? Wouldn't it be awesome to reunite here and play brother-ball for China?"
"Not awesome! Forget it. Instead of stealing guys from Japan, focus on finding talent here at home."
Out on the street, grocery bags in hand, Kota and Reiko were now locked in a heated argument—about bringing Kise to Team China.
Reiko puffed her cheeks, hands on her hips, frustrated at his stubbornness. But inside, doubts crept in.
Wouldn't it be great for Kota if Kise joined him?
Unless… the Kaijo "Twin Stars" weren't as close as they seemed. Maybe their so-called "brotherhood" on the court was just for show.
The thought made her face change. Her reporter's brain was already drafting another 8,000-word exposé.
"Stop. Whatever you're thinking right now, I swear on this banana—it's something unbelievably dumb."
Kota peeled the fruit calmly, popping a piece in his mouth.
"Then explain it!"
Reiko huffed, trailing him closely, eyes drilling into the back of his head.
Kota fell silent.
If he personally asked Kise to join, the idiot would probably agree.
He knew Kise better than anyone—better than he even knew himself.
If Kise came to China, the team would instantly get stronger. Their old promise to play side by side could be fulfilled, just in a different jersey.
But… no.
Kota clenched his jaw.
Convincing someone to abandon their country and career path for you? Especially someone as gifted as Kise? That wasn't something he'd ever do.
Even for him, adjusting to China hadn't been easy. And he had the advantage of being… well, not exactly from this world. For Kise, it'd be chaos.
"Anyway, quit dreaming about stealing the Generation of Miracles. You're not scared of the Japanese mob, but I am!"
Kota shoved the last bite of banana into his mouth, glaring at her.
Reiko pouted but her tone softened.
"I… I just wanted to contribute to Chinese basketball. And with Araki around, the Japanese mob wouldn't dare touch me!"
Kota: …
…She had a point.
"Look, it's great you're fired up. But channel that energy into scouting young local players. If we can find a few more kids like Gao and Wang, it might not be as flashy as Kise—but the impact could be just as big."
Even as he said it, Kota wasn't sure he believed it himself.
Because he knew—someone like Kise wasn't just a puzzle piece. He was the kind of player who could change the entire picture.
Reiko hummed lightly, pretending to agree, but her mind was already spinning with her own plans…
...
Meanwhile, the Interhigh qualifiers had officially begun!
All four divisions kicked off their first-round qualifiers on the same day. But calling them "qualifiers" almost felt pointless—the advancement spots looked like they had already been predetermined…
In the West, KaijoIn the East, RakuzanIn the South, Yosen
On the very first day, they all crushed their opponents with overwhelming scores, eliminating three unlucky teams in the process.
No one was surprised. Even Basketball Weekly only gave a brief summary of their performances. After all, if those three schools failed to advance, now that would've been front-page news.
The only division with real suspense—the North.
Winter Cup runner-up: Seirin!Winter Cup quarterfinalist: Shutoku!Winter Cup quarterfinalist: Too!
With three Generation of Miracles players commanding their teams, the top three advancement spots were locked in.
Just behind them stood the next tier of powerhouses:
Two of the former "Three Kings"—Seiho and Senshinkan.
And the new dark horse, Kirisaki Daiichi, powered by none other than one of the Five Uncrowned Generals—the "Bad Boy" himself, Hanamiya Makoto.
But in the blinding light of the Miracle-led teams, they all looked more like supporting characters than actual contenders…
"The competition in the Tokyo North Division is still the fiercest. Compared to the other regions, there are far more teams with the talent to advance. But whether they're old powerhouses or rising dark horses, unless those three monsters run into each other before the round-robin, everyone else is basically just along for the ride!"
So tweeted a well-known Japanese basketball blogger. The post quickly gained traction, racking up likes from fans across the country.
This was the state of the North Division:
Miracles everywhere, and even the Uncrowned Kings aren't enough.
The Wild North—a name it truly lived up to!
At the same time, through Yako's information network, Kota also learned that the National Tournament had begun. He needed to finish his trial in China quickly and return to Kaijo to take part in the main event!
"It'll be fine… There's no team in the qualifiers that can threaten us. And even if one shows up, as long as Kise's there, nothing will happen."
Kota muttered to himself as he held a copy of Basketball Weekly.
At that moment, he had just finished the physical tests prepared for him by the Chinese coaching staff.
...
Name: KotaHeight: 183 cm (projected growth: 187 cm)Wingspan: 182 cm (projected growth: 184 cm)Weight: 82 kg (adjustable depending on play style—can bulk up or slim down)
Strength: Excellent
Speed: Average
Shooting: Excellent
Flexibility: Average
Defense: Excellent
Passing: Outstanding
Basketball IQ: Outstanding
Overall Evaluation:A highly gifted point guard with excellent shooting range and extraordinary court vision, capable of greatly elevating his team's performance. Possesses the natural qualities of a strong leader—can be developed into a franchise cornerstone.
Special Trait: "Zone" (still under evaluation, but can massively enhance his in-game performance).
Weakness: Average static athleticism, which may lead to stagnation later in his career.
Note: All values are measured against the average professional-level point guard of the same age group.
...
This was the report the Chinese coaching team compiled after a complete round of tests and evaluations.
While Kota wasn't perfect—no player ever was—his abilities were already strong enough to convince the Chinese Basketball Association to invest in him.
"So, does that mean I've completed the trial already?"
Inside the gym, Kota grinned as he waved the report toward Ebi.
For the first time, the old man's face broke into a smile. His expression grew even softer as he looked at Kota.
From the corner, Reiko watched the scene play out. She couldn't help but click her tongue in surprise. It was the first time she'd ever seen that stubborn old man show such warmth.
"Of course you've passed, Kota. But before that, there's something even more important."
Hailao tapped his cane against the floor, his expression turning solemn.
"Would you be willing, once you become an adult, to change your nationality and join the Chinese national team? To fight for us on the world stage?"
The Chinese National Team?
So this was their way of promising him a future position of importance.
Kota let out a wry chuckle. Meeting Ebi's serious gaze, he slowly inhaled, placed his right hand across his abdomen, and bowed like a gentleman.
"Of course, Coach Ebi. It would be my honor."