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After the brief incident, Haizaki Shogo wanted to leave but was stopped by Nijimura Shuzo.
Under Nijimura Shuzo's deathly gaze, Haizaki Shogo could only obediently participate in the basketball club's training with everyone else.
He was undeniably arrogant; however, he couldn't bring himself to stand up to Nijimura Shuzo.
The reason was simple: Nijimura Shuzo used to be a delinquent.
Whether in terms of strength or influence, Haizaki Shogo was no match for Nijimura Shuzo.
This was why he had to listen to him.
In short, Nijimura was "not someone to mess with."
Of course, Haizaki Shogo remained silent throughout.
Because his first impression on everyone wasn't good, no one wanted to speak to him.
The group finished today's training in this strange atmosphere.
Time passed.
A considerable amount of time had passed since Haizaki Shogo joined the basketball club.
One day, during training, Ryu was called over by Nijimura Shuzo.
"Nijimura-senpai, is there something you need?" Ryu asked, looking at Nijimura.
Nijimura Shuzo said, "Ryu, it's like this: Coach Shirogane and I have discussed it, and we'd like you to be the vice-captain of the basketball team. We were wondering if you'd be willing."
Ryu was taken aback.
He hadn't expected that the reason for calling him was this.
Wasn't the vice-captain position supposed to be held by Akashi Seijuro in the original story? It seemed that he had disrupted Shirogane's earlier plans.
After thinking for a moment, Ryu shook his head.
"Nijimura-senpai, you know I'm used to being lazy, and the vice-captain position isn't suitable for me."
"Are you really not going to reconsider?" Nijimura Shuzo clearly didn't want Ryu to miss this opportunity.
Ryu laughed heartily. "Haha, Nijimura-senpai, I'm serious. I'm not good at management. Although I'm very confident in my abilities, I think Akashi would be more suitable than me, given his family background and the similar education he received from a young age."
Hearing Ryu's analysis, Nijimura Shuzo nodded in agreement.
He actually thought very highly of Akashi Seijuro. However, due to Ryu's perceived talent, he had gone to him first.
"Since you've made up your mind, I'll go ask Akashi!"
The next day,
Shirogane Kozo announced in front of everyone that Akashi Seijuro had become the vice-captain of the basketball team.
Everyone was very surprised to hear this news, except for Ryu, Aomine, Murasakibara, and Midorima.
They were often with Akashi and naturally knew more than the others.
Akashi becoming the vice-captain of the basketball team was actually quite normal.
From then on, Ryu noticed some changes in Akashi.
Sometimes, he would unintentionally display an extreme or indifferent side.
Ryu knew why, but he didn't deliberately try to correct it.
It was "chuunibyou". He had similar tendencies in his past life; as he grew older and experienced more, he naturally recovered. In short, Akashi lacked the harsh realities of society.
This day, inside the Teiko Middle School cafeteria, Ryu and the others sat at a table eating.
As usual, everyone chatted and laughed.
Ryu specially prepared a small bowl for Karupin. The bowl contained some food that cats usually eat.
"Akashi, you've been so distracted lately. Is something wrong?" Midorima Shintaro suddenly asked.
"Hmm? Ah… yes!"
"Are you thinking about the previous tournament?" Hearing Midorima Shintaro's words, everyone's gaze turned to Akashi Seijuro.
Akashi Seijuro nodded and then said, "Although we won the national tournament this time, there were some close calls. Thinking about next year's tournament, it's hard to say whether we can win the championship."
Upon hearing this, Aomine Daiki said excitedly, "That suits me perfectly. I haven't really gotten into the spirit of the previous tournament!"
"Ah, it all seems so troublesome," Murasakibara Atsushi took a bite of fried chicken and then said sullenly.
Ryu naturally understood Akashi's meaning. He spoke up, "Akashi, do you have some ideas?"
Akashi nodded. "Yes, some, but just ideas. Our team's strength isn't a problem right now, but our playing style is all about direct offense. If we had a player who could change the rhythm of the game, it would be perfect."
Hearing Akashi's words, everyone fell silent.
Ryu suddenly blurted out, "Speaking of which, the rumors about the basketball gym being haunted are getting stronger lately. Maybe there really are ghosts playing basketball there!"
"Huh? What nonsense are you talking about! How could there be ghosts in this world!" Aomine Daiki immediately retorted.
Seeing his agitated state, it was clear he harbored an inexplicable fear of ghosts.
"Well, I was just saying. We finish training every day after dark; who knows when we might encounter something we shouldn't!"
With that, Ryu picked up his empty plate and turned to leave.
Karupin followed closely behind.
Watching Ryu's departing figure, Aomine Daiki felt a chill run down his spine for no apparent reason.
Midorima Shintaro adjusted his glasses.
Because of the glare from the lenses, it was impossible to tell whether his gaze was calm or fearful.
As for Murasakibara Atsushi, he simply ate his meal heartily.
For him, as long as there was delicious food, he'd be willing to dance with ghosts.
...
That night.
"Ah...!" A terrified scream echoed from basketball court number 3.
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