Chapter 123 - 124: Tendou's Method

Words : 1207 Updated : Oct 5th, 2025

When Shinkyou Academy left, it was basically a full-on retreat. They didn't want to stay a second longer. In the post-game stat sheet, Kirisaki Daiichi had an excellent performance across the board — all five starters scored. Hanamiya Makoto had 18 points, which wasn't a lot, but he racked up 9 steals. His defense caused serious trouble for the other team. And that wasn't even his full power — most of the game, he was focused on elbowing people. He hadn't actually gotten serious. He had a perfect partner in Seto Kentaro, and together, their web-like double-team defense allowed Hanamiya to reach a steal efficiency of 100%. As for Tendou, his stats were ridiculous — just like in middle school. He logged 48 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 steals, a quadruple-double. His seamless transition to the high school stage was honestly outrageous. This showed that the coaches who had their eyes on him had good reason — he was already ready to dominate the high school league. And with fewer teammates competing with him for stats compared to Teikō, his size and athleticism would let him grab even more boards. Triple-doubles, even quadruple-doubles like today, would become increasingly common for him. After the match, in the locker room, Tendou waved his hand grandly: "We're going out to eat." Team meals like this were a great way to win hearts and build unity. They had just won, so the team was in high spirits — no one declined his offer. Even Hanamiya showed up. The so-called "bad boy" had been unusually quiet recently, clearly observing Tendou and searching for any weaknesses. At the school gate, the rest of the guys were already waiting. After a while, Tendou finally rolled in on his flashy motorcycle. "How can you just ride your bike into school like that?!" Their eyes practically shot sparks — they were jealous. "The principal gave me special permission when I enrolled. Didn't you guys get that too?" That "Didn't you?" was absolutely savage. He clearly knew the answer — just rubbing it in. Even a straight-A student like Hanamiya, who topped the grade every term, didn't get that privilege. Only someone like Tendou, a once-in-a-generation basketball prodigy with a celebrity aura, would be granted something like this. The principal had approved it right away, afraid that this "pretty boy" might back out otherwise. "You're probably the only one with that kind of privilege." Yamazaki Hiroshi shook his head, unable to take his eyes off the sleek machine. "So, what do we do now?" "Obviously, I ride. You walk. You all know where the restaurant is, right? See you there." Then he gunned the throttle and tore off — making sure to leave a trail of exhaust in Hanamiya's face. Yamazaki and the others stared at each other, then sighed and started jogging toward the restaurant. After a while, they noticed Hanamiya was still standing there. "Hanamiya, what are you doing? Why haven't you moved?" "Hmph, just because we don't have bikes doesn't mean we can't take a cab." Hanamiya rolled his eyes at these idiots. This is a private academy for rich kids, after all. We're not broke. Realizing the obvious, the rest quickly flagged down a cab too. Tendou didn't have to wait long before everyone arrived. "Order whatever you want. Same rule as always: training doubles tomorrow to burn off all the calories." "Yeah, yeah. You're so strict." Everyone was used to it. Tendou would occasionally invite them out for hot pot or BBQ, but he always doubled the next day's training. Still, they never said no. Not because they couldn't resist — but because it was fun. How many players across the country could say they had hot pot parties in the school gym? Even other students were jealous. So even if the training afterward was brutal, they clenched their teeth and endured. Hanamiya, though, could see right through Tendou's scheme. He was using these "gatherings" to gradually train the team into obedience. Right now, they needed incentives like food, but over time, they would get used to this — and start following orders even without the rewards. Habits were terrifying. And Tendou was instilling those habits. So damn cunning. He never said anything — but he was always doing something. His methods were on a whole different level compared to those little punks. Soon, the sizzling meat arrived. The players leaned back, content and smiling, as if the game fatigue had been washed away by good food. Just then, Tendou's phone rang — it was Momoi. "Heeey, Tenny~ Did your practice match end already?" "It's over. We're having dinner. Want to come?" "Ughh, I wish! But I'm still in Kanagawa!" You could practically hear the regret in her voice. "Kise's such a cheapskate! Didn't even offer to treat me!" But then again, she didn't really want to crash the party. They had just lost — who'd be in the mood to eat with her chirping at them? Momoi asked about Kirisaki's match result. According to the intel she'd gathered, Shinkyou Academy was a potential threat — their foreign center, Papa Mbaye Siki, was a strong, athletic big man. He had similar attributes to Murasakibara, though she didn't have full details. "We won." "Knew it. How was their import?" "Bit of a coward." "Huh?" She asked about his skills, and he answered with courage level? But from his tone, it didn't sound like the guy caused any real problems. "Oh right — Kise and Kuroko's match just ended. Want to know the result?" "Kuroko won, right?" "Eh?! How'd you know?" I read the original manga, duh. "Tch. I thought you'd at least be surprised..." "Keep an eye on Seirin. Other than Kuroko, they've got a new first-year — Kagami Taiga. He used to play in the States, and apparently has a WNBA player as a mentor. He's no joke." "Got it." Tendou already knew. But he was curious how Momoi dug up all this info so quickly. "So dismissive... I'm serious! This year's Seirin is strong! Aside from the Light-and-Shadow duo, the other players are all above average. They even beat Kise!" "That's just because Kise underperformed. You should be more worried about Tōō." "I'm the strongest." "...You and Aomine are the same." Momoi sighed. She'd just gotten off the phone with Aomine too — and his attitude was nearly identical. "The only one who can beat me is myself." 『They don't take Kuroko seriously at all...』『Same response. No wonder they were so close in middle school.』『God, those three were so tight back in middle school... seeing them like this now is kinda heartbreaking.』『Ever since Tendou awakened his abilities, he stopped joking around. The vibe's totally different.』『Damn, the Kirisaki team looks good. Kinda hot, even.』『Didn't Seirin say Kirisaki are just thugs? Why's the atmosphere feel so wholesome?』『Because Tendou tamed them all!』

Chapter 123 - 124: Tendou's Method

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