The Shohoku team arrived at Ryonan High. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation. As they walked toward the gym, they could hear the rhythmic thudding of basketballs and the loud, synchronized shouts of the Ryonan players.
"Stay focused," Akagi commanded, his voice deep and steady. "Ryonan is not like the teams we've faced before. They have a powerhouse center."
Just then, a massive figure stepped out of the gym. He was even taller than Akagi, with a face that looked like it was carved from a mountain. This was Uozumi Jun, the "Big Boss" of Ryonan.
[System Scan Initiated...]
[Target: Uozumi Jun]
[Rank: A-Rank Powerhouse]
[Trait: Unmatched Strength under the basket.]
Sakuragi didn't look intimidated. Instead, he walked right up to the giant and looked him up and down. "So, you're the one they call the Big Boss? You look more like an oversized monkey to me."
The Ryonan players gasped in horror. Nobody talked to Uozumi like that. The giant center's face turned red with anger. "What did you say, red-haired brat?"
[Ding! Hidden Quest Triggered: The Monkey Tamer!]
[Objective: Provoke Uozumi into making a foul in the first 5 minutes of the game.]
[Reward: 150 System Points & Title: 'Court Provocateur'.]
"You heard me, Monkey-king!" Sakuragi grinned, adjusting his new Gravity Shoes. "I'm the genius Hanamichi Sakuragi, and I'm here to show you who really owns the paint!"
Suddenly, a calm voice came from behind Uozumi. "Now, now, Uozumi-san. Let's save the energy for the court." A tall boy with spiky hair and a relaxed smile stepped forward.
Sakuragi's System went haywire.
[WARNING! S-Rank Target Detected: Sendo Akira!]
[Aura Level: Dangerous!]