Shidou Ryusei and Kise found a half-court. "If you want to master Perfect Copy, you should start with the member of the Generation of Miracles you're most familiar with. Who is it?"
"Um… it should be Aomine Daiki! I often play one-on-one with him, so I know his playstyle best."
"Aomine's Formless Shot and that unparalleled speed… it's mesmerizing! I chose to play basketball because of Aomine…"
Shidou Ryusei put down his backpack and took out a basketball. "Then let's start with Aomine!"
As soon as he spoke, Shidou's movements, demeanor, and even his gaze became exactly like Aomine's.
Shidou's dribbling rhythm, his body control during sudden stops, and his shooting form… if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Kise would have thought the person in front of him was Aomine himself.
"Shidou… when did you master this?" Kise murmured.
Shidou stopped and returned to his normal posture. "It's easy enough."
"Aomine's Formless Shot isn't just random movements. It comes from his unique ball feel and streetball skills."
"And if you want to copy Aomine while still idolizing him… you'll never learn it."
Shidou tossed the basketball to Kise Ryota, yawned, and said casually, "You attack first."
Kise caught the ball, took a deep breath, and focused. He lowered his center of gravity and dribbled with his right hand, searching for a chance to break through.
But the aura from Shidou felt exactly like Aomine.
Kise suddenly pushed off and charged forward like a cheetah, trying Aomine's change-of-pace drive. Shidou simply shifted his feet and blocked him.
"Too slow," Shidou said. "Your movements are too wide, and your balance is unstable."
Kise changed direction with a crossover, but Shidou reacted faster and stripped the ball away.
"Tsk…" Kise stared at the rolling ball.
"Is that it?" Shidou raised an eyebrow. "If that's all you've got, you might as well give up."
"Again!" Kise picked up the ball, eyes sharper.
Their one-on-one attracted Kasamatsu Yukio and the others, who gathered to watch.
Kise attacked again, stopped suddenly, leaned back, and shot at a twisted angle. The ball hit the backboard and bounced away.
Shidou laughed. "What was that?"
"I just haven't mastered it yet!" Kise said.
"You're copying the surface without understanding the power behind it," Shidou replied more seriously. "You rely too much on what you see."
"But…" Kise clenched his fists.
"Now you defend."
Shidou bent slightly like a panther ready to pounce. "Don't blink."
Kise focused, watching every move.
Shidou exploded forward. His first step was unbelievably fast. Kise tried to block him, but Shidou changed pace instantly and crossed him over.
Shidou stopped near the free-throw line. Kise jumped to block, but Shidou twisted mid-air and shot from an impossible angle.
Swish!
Shidou picked up the ball lazily. "Only this much?"
Kise breathed heavily, sweat dripping.
"Continue."
Shidou dribbled again, rhythm changing unpredictably. Another crossover, explosive acceleration, and an easy layup.
Shidou waved casually. "Any inspiration?"
"Again!" Kise shouted.
Shidou moved again, vanishing from sight, cutting into the paint, stopping suddenly, leaning back mid-air, and tossing the ball behind his head.
Swish!
Everyone watching was stunned.
"That's enough," Shidou said finally. "This is all I can show. No matter how perfect my imitation is, it's still based on my memory. The last step depends on your match with Aomine."
Kise nodded, feeling the strain in his calves. "I'm just one step away…"
After practice, Shidou started packing for his trip to America.
"Sister Chizuru, I'm only going for a week. I don't need that much stuff."
Chizuru laughed awkwardly. "Maybe it is a bit much…"
"What time is your flight?"
"Seven in the evening."
"Stay safe. Uncle William arranged someone to pick you up."
"No need, Nash and the others will meet me. Let him know."
"Alright."
The next day, Chizuru came to see him off. Shidou looked at his ticket, feeling conflicted.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"I'm wondering if I should really go… The IH matches are coming, and leaving now feels wrong."
Chizuru laughed softly. "It's the first time I've seen you hesitate. Go see the world. If you want to become stronger, you'll have to leave Japan sooner or later. Just follow your heart."
Shidou nodded and walked toward the boarding gate. ✈️