The official practice session for Shohoku High began with a grueling rebounding drill. Captain Akagi stood under the basket, throwing the ball against the backboard for the players to jump and grab.
"Positioning is everything!" Akagi roared. "If you can't predict where the ball lands, you're useless on the court!"
Rukawa was jumping high, snatching balls with ease. But then, it was Sakuragi's turn.
As Akagi threw the ball, Sakuragi's vision flickered. A faint, glowing blue circle appeared on the floor—the exact landing spot predicted by his 'Rebounder's Instinct'.
Without looking at the ball, Sakuragi moved three steps to the left and jumped before the ball even hit the rim.
Thud!
The ball fell right into his hands. He didn't even have to fight for it.
"Lucky guess!" someone yelled from the sidelines.
Akagi threw it again, harder and at a weird angle. Once more, Sakuragi moved with robotic precision, landing exactly where the ball was heading. He did it five times in a row, like he knew the future.
[System: Proficiency in 'Rebounder's Instinct' +5%]
[Quest Unlocked: The Wall of Shohoku.]
[Objective: Grab 20 rebounds in a single practice session.]
"H-Hanamichi... you're amazing!" Haruko cheered, clapping her hands.
Even Rukawa stopped to watch. For the first time, he saw something in Sakuragi that wasn't just raw power—it was a terrifying instinct for the game.
Akagi crossed his arms, a small smirk forming on his face. "Alright, Ginger. Maybe you're not just a big mouth after all. Let's see if you can do that in a real game."