Teikō's winning streak had everyone exclaiming in shock, "The wolf is here!"
"Is Teikō going to be the favorite to win this year's national tournament?"
"Without a doubt, yes!"
"Many believed that with the third-year players graduating and only Nijimura Shūzō left from the starting lineup, Teikō wouldn't be very competitive this year."
"I thought the same at first. But with the addition of these new prodigies, Teikō has undoubtedly received a fresh injection of talent so alluring it could mesmerize a vampire."
"You might think they've only played three games, and they were all just scrimmages—hardly conclusive proof. After all, teams all across Japan, including Tokyo, have recruited talented freshmen this year."
"But I'm telling you—if you've watched those kids play, you wouldn't question me for a second."
"Their arrival has given Teikō's bench unprecedented depth, which will be a massive advantage with the tight schedule of the national tournament!"
This was Kubo Jun's third article on Teikō. In his eyes, they were already the top contenders for the championship this year.
Among them, he was especially taken with the rising star—Tendou Kageyoshi.
Just like in the NBA, star players always attract fans' attention, boost viewership, and dominate the conversation.
But is the NBA lacking in star players?
Not really. With enough shooting opportunities and the right tactical system, many NBA players can put up superstar stats.
What the NBA—and the global basketball scene—really lacks are hard-nosed defenders who can and want to play defense.
And that's why Kubo admired Tendou.
Murasakibara had promise too, but his technique was still quite raw and needed refinement.
Journalists always seemed to enjoy going against the grain of fan opinion—as if that was the only way to assert their basketball "expertise."
But Kubo wasn't entirely wrong. Every championship-caliber team has a top-tier defender anchoring them.
Just look at the Dallas Mavericks the year they won it all. Their lineup was stacked with defensive specialists, which meant more possessions and more opportunities to win.
Even the Golden State Warriors needed a Draymond Green!
Say what you want about Draymond's antics—when it comes to winning titles, he absolutely delivered.
...
"This journalist getting paid by you or something? Everyone else glosses over your name, but he's practically writing you love letters," Riko muttered as she flipped through the article.
"This look like the lifestyle of a rich man to you?"
"No. If you had money, you wouldn't be working part-time—you'd be off enjoying life somewhere, letting consumerism rot your soul."
"You really do understand me, huh?"
"That wasn't a compliment!"
Riko glared at him. This guy's skin was thicker than a rhino's.
"If you actually knew basketball, you'd understand why he's hyping me up," Tendou said with a grin as he leaned back. "So how's life here? Getting along with the little kids?"
"'Getting along'? Your word choice is so weird sometimes."
"It just means interacting. What, you thought I meant dating? Don't tell me you're so desperate you'd prey on teenagers?"
"You're the desperate one! Don't make me sound like some scandalous woman!"
Riko admitted it—when it came to verbal sparring, she was no match for Tendou.
Resting her delicate chin in her palm, she muttered, "It's nice being back in school. Everyone's really sweet, but I can't help feeling a little... out of place."
"Because your mental age is that of a grandma, and you can't relate to other girls?"
"Tendou Kageyoshi!!"
She blew up again, slamming her hands on his desk.
Old!? She hadn't even graduated high school yet!
At worst, she was like an older sister. This guy, with a face and vibe that didn't match his age at all—he was the real monster here!
"Keep it down, you'll scare the plants," Tendou said, rubbing his ears. "Maybe you're just not used to this society. It's still 2009 here, a lot more 'primitive' than your original world."
"If you want to relate to the kids, try watching the latest drama or anime. It'll give you something to talk about."
"You think that'll work?" Riko looked intrigued.
She had been struggling to connect in conversations, sometimes feeling totally out of sync.
"If it doesn't work, just talk to them about me."
"Why would I talk about you? No one's that into you."
"You sure about that?"
Tendou grinned and flashed his brightest smile at a group of girls giggling and whispering while staring his way.
The moment he smiled, they squealed and blushed furiously.
"See? They're crazy about me."
"That's only because they don't know what a scumbag lies beneath that pretty face."
Girls these days—one look at a handsome guy and they lost all sense of dignity. Embarrassing!
"Then come back and watch a show with me."
"Why would I do that? I'd rather just watch a movie."
"You heartless degenerate. Are your bones already rotting?"
...
Later that night.
After work, back at the apartment.
Tendou sat on the couch, staring blankly at the TV screen.
Next to him, Riko was bawling her eyes out.
"Aya is so pitiful!"
"Why did it have to be like this!?"
Sob sob sob sob sob sob...
Riko was sobbing like a fountain, alternately pounding a pillow in protest and grabbing tissues to wipe away the endless stream of tears.
They were watching a drama called One Liter of Tears.
It was said to be one of Japan's most tear-jerking shows of all time.
The story follows a cheerful and optimistic high school girl named Aya Ikeuchi, who courageously faces a terminal illness to make the most of her youth.
While not as over-the-top as Korean dramas that throw in leukemia every other episode, it was still...
"Why aren't you crying?" Riko asked, clearly dissatisfied as she smacked Tendou.
"It's just a TV show."
"It's based on a real story!"
"..."
Okay, Tendou had no comeback to that.
After being emotionally bludgeoned by too many of these dramas in his past life, he was basically numb. He just couldn't get invested—let alone feel something.
Seeing Riko's tearful gaze still locked onto him, he held in his sigh and muttered, "The music's nice…"
"You cold-blooded animal! I don't want to see you again!"
---
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