Smack!
Barkley slapped the ball out of bounds and glared irritably at the unlucky passerby.
In the third game, he refused to allow any more surprises.
From the opening possession he went all out — jumpers, dunks, blocks — overwhelming the poor challengers until they didn't even know how they lost.
But the person he truly wanted revenge on…
Was sitting courtside, calmly drinking mineral water.
After the match, the organizers prepared prizes: a pair of Barkley's autographed sneakers and a commemorative group photo.
They didn't really need the shoes, but since they were free, Nango and Kainan stayed.
Meanwhile, Aida Yayoi went to take photos of Barkley — that was her job.
"Excuse me, student."
"Hm?"
Nango turned.
A staff member wearing full Nike gear approached together with a blond foreigner.
"This is Mr. Lance, Mr. Barkley's agent. He would like to speak with you briefly."
The prey had arrived.
"You played very well," Lance said in fluent English, offering a business card.
Before the staff could translate, Nango accepted it and replied in English with a smile.
"Thank you. I just got lucky today."
He had been studying English — enough for simple conversation.
And Kano stood beside him just in case.
The card was simple:
Lance Rachnick — Sports Agent — Phone Number
Nango glanced at it and handed it to Kano.
Just the word agent triggered countless possibilities in his mind.
Maybe Barkley wanted an offseason practice partner.
But that seemed unlikely — his body wasn't big enough for that.
More realistically…
They were interested in his potential.
And the market he represented.
"May I have your contact information?" Lance asked.
He obviously couldn't sign Nango after only an exhibition match.
Observation would come later — after he finished handling Barkley's schedule.
"Of course."
They chatted briefly until the event ended.
Despite the short conversation, Lance's interest only grew.
Young.
Calm.
Polite.
Always smiling.
If this boy ever made the NBA…
His commercial value would be enormous.
Now only one question remained:
Did he have the talent?
Following the staff's instructions, Nango and Fukuda stood beside Barkley for the photo.
Barkley still looked slightly unhappy, but as a professional star, he maintained his composure.
He put an arm around Nango's shoulders and grinned at the camera.
"You're pretty good, kid. How old are you?"
His large hand tightened slightly.
"…15."
"Fifteen?"
Barkley raised his eyebrows in surprise.
He had assumed seventeen or eighteen.
The realization sparked a new thought in his mind.
"Everyone ready! Look here! 3 — 2 — 1 — smile!"
The shutter clicked.
In the photo, the 15-year-old Nango looked almost innocent standing beside the 30-year-old superstar.
Later — Inside the Car
The moment the door closed, Barkley spoke.
"Lance. Get that kid's contact info from the second game."
Lance's heart jumped.
"…Why?"
"Do you even know how old he is? Fifteen!" Barkley shook his head.
"We can't leave him stuck in a place like this. I'm sending him to Leeds High School."
Lance was stunned.
He hadn't expected Barkley to value the boy this highly — even wanting to bring him to his alma mater.
But if Barkley approved of him…
Then his ability was undeniable.
Meanwhile Barkley pulled out a bottle and began drinking.
Lance ignored it.
His mind was racing.
This changes everything…
Then suddenly —
A perfect plan formed.
Barkley was lazy outside basketball.
If the boy went to the U.S., long-term contact would naturally fall to the agent.
Signing him later would be easy.
And Barkley would pay the expenses.
Two birds.
One stone.
Lance almost wanted to hug him.
"Do you think he wants to sign you?" Kano waved the card.
"Probably," Nango said. "But he needs to evaluate me first."
Regardless of the intention…
He wanted to try.
This might be his chance to play in America.
But it wasn't simple.
He was only fifteen.
Any contract required his father's permission.
And more importantly —
He had to determine whether this agent was trustworthy.
Choosing the wrong agent could ruin everything.
"You'll make it," Kano said confidently, clenching her fist.
Nango laughed and rubbed her head.
"By the way, what about that audition you mentioned?"
Kano shook her head.
"Forget it. I probably won't stay in Japan much longer anyway."
"…Yeah."
Nango nodded quietly.
The future had just begun to move.