Fifty! I can't believe it... fifty rejections!"
Hanamichi Sakuragi—or the person who now inhabited his body—slumped against the school wall. His head throbbed. Memories of his previous life as a struggling basketball coach in 2024 clashed with the raw, chaotic emotions of the 1990s delinquent he had become.
Am I really in the world of Slam Dunk? he wondered, staring at his massive, calloused hands. And why do I have this bright red hair? It's like a warning sign for trouble.
Suddenly, a transparent blue screen flickered in front of his eyes.
[Ding! Basketball God System Successfully Bound to Host: Hanamichi Sakuragi.]
[Status: Beginner]
[Current Quest: The Fate-Changing Encounter.]
[Objective: Impress Haruko Akagi with your physical potential.]
[Reward: +5 Ball Handling, +10 Stamina.]
Sakuragi blinked. A system? Just like those webnovels I used to read?
Before he could process the robotic voice in his head, a soft, angelic voice drifted through the corridor.
"Excuse me... do you like basketball?"
Sakuragi froze. He turned slowly. Standing there was a girl with short brown hair and eyes that sparkled with genuine kindness. It was Haruko Akagi.
"Basketball?" Sakuragi stood up, his towering 188cm frame casting a long shadow. He forced a confident, toothy grin. "I don't just like it, Haruko. I am a genius destined to dominate the court."
Haruko's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That's amazing! Can you show me a slam dunk? The gym is just over there!"
[Ding! Side Mission Triggered: The First Dunk.]
[Condition: Perform a dunk that shocks the target.]
[Reward: Unlock Skill: 'Iron Wall Defense'.]
Sakuragi felt a surge of adrenaline. "Follow me," he said, his voice deep and determined. "I'll show you why they call me the King of the Court."