Chapter 71: Shirogane Eiji Pays a Visit

With their victory over Kamizaki Middle School, Teikō not only secured their first win at Nationals but also advanced into the Top 32. They now had one day to prepare for their next match. After the game, Kubo Jun approached Tendou Kageyoshi for an interview. Though the Tokyo Youth Sports Daily had "Tokyo" in its name, it had nationwide coverage—essentially a national-level publication. "Tendou-san, you were absolutely brilliant today. How would you evaluate your opponents and your teammates in this match?" "It was a great game. The final score doesn't reflect how tough the match actually was." Which was... not entirely honest. They'd beaten their opponents by over thirty points—how tough could it have been? But Kubo Jun was impressed. The kid was maturing. "Such poise, such grace—he carries himself like a true leader." No matter what Tendou said, Kubo would find a way to hype him up. After all, his promotion and bonus likely depended on this photogenic kid. "As far as I know, you're not just a basketball player and a student—you're also a model. Isn't balancing work and the court hard for you?" "Of course it has an effect. That's why, starting with Nationals, I've completely halted all modeling jobs. Right now, I won't consider anything but helping my team win the championship." Tendou replied smoothly. In reality? He just thought photo shoots were exhausting. The NBA Finals were coming up—wasn't it better to take that energy and make a few bets? Tendou had already decided to go all-in this year. Photo shoots? Maybe when he felt like it again. But to Kubo Jun—and fans who would read the paper tomorrow—it looked like something else entirely. The truth was, very few players could make it to the pros, even at the national level. After university, most would have to give up basketball and join the rat race. But Tendou had the perfect looks and physique, and yet he chose to give up modeling. Kubo Jun admitted he couldn't do the same. "What a noble boy, willing to sacrifice everything for his dream!" At that moment, a man walked toward them. He didn't interrupt the interview, but his presence alone ended it immediately. That man was Shirogane Eiji, Rakuzan's head coach. "Shirogane... Eiji?!" Kubo Jun was stunned—this was a big shot. In the high school world, his reputation was equal to Shirogane Kōzō in the middle school scene. Arguably, even greater, due to his position in a higher league. "I came to speak with Tendou. Don't mind me—I'll just wait." Like hell anyone would keep a Buddha like you waiting. Kubo Jun hurriedly wrapped up the interview and made way for the two. He didn't leave, of course—he stood nearby, snapping photos like crazy. He wasn't stupid. He knew exactly what was happening. Teikō's prodigy being scouted by the powerhouse Rakuzan?! Tomorrow's headlines were writing themselves. ... Meanwhile, Shirogane Eiji was taking a close look at Tendou. Just as his assistant had predicted, this kid was arrogant and cocky, acting like neither Rakuzan nor Shirogane himself were worth a second glance. Most players, upon seeing him, would show at least a little nervousness or excitement. Not Tendou. His expression said: "If you don't start talking, I'm leaving." "This kid's got attitude." Shirogane had never encountered a player quite like this. "I'd like to have a word with you." "Sure. Talk away." They headed to a nearby dessert shop. Shirogane planned to chat over something sweet, but Tendou waved it off. "Just some warm water for me. I'm optimizing my body right now—my coach won't let me eat this stuff." Self-discipline. Shirogane had to retract his earlier assumptions. Yes, Tendou was cocky—but he was also extremely self-disciplined and knew exactly what he needed to do. And discipline was one of the most precious traits a player could have. The body is a player's foundation. Without the physique to withstand intense physical confrontation, you're nothing. Sure, Steve Nash had a "fragile" body—by NBA standards. But even an NBA benchwarmer could demolish opponents in streetball parks. Those "amazing" street players? Put a pro in the game and they'd be completely outclassed. "So, do you plan to become a professional basketball player someday?" "I do." After all, his entire system was built around playing ball. What else would he do? "If that's the case, I think I can help you." "Hmm?" "I may be just a high school coach, but I've built up some solid connections over the years." It wasn't a lie. To high school coaches, Teikō was a breeding ground for talent. Everyone wanted to recruit from there. To universities and pro youth teams, however, it was Rakuzan that held that status. Shirogane had supplied many elite players to universities and pro clubs—he had strong ties everywhere. "Rakuzan has the most glorious record in high school basketball. Since the very first Nationals, we've never missed a single championship or Winter Cup. We have the highest win rate and the most titles in the country." He wasn't bragging. Rakuzan was, canonically, that dominant—no wonder they were called The Emperor. Yes, the name was over-the-top... but they had the credentials to back it up. Unlike Tōō, who made grand promises about building a team around him, Shirogane Eiji didn't need to. At Rakuzan, talent was abundant. If Tendou joined, Shirogane could instantly build not one but two title-contending lineups around him. Shirogane even told Tendou he had already recruited three extraordinary talents. It was clear who he meant: The Uncrowned Kings—Reo Mibuchi, Kotarō Hayama, and Eikichi Nebuya. Then... "So you turned him down?" "Not really—I just didn't say yes." "What's the difference?" That night, back home, Amanai Riko couldn't understand. Ignoring gender norms, she slapped her palm to his forehead to check for fever. "Did you burn your brain or something?" "No fever," Tendou brushed her hand away. "That old man's a little too cocky. I don't like his tone." "He's got, like, ten national titles under his belt. Of course he's going to be proud. Compared to him, you're not even a fart." "And let's be real, is there anyone more cocky than you?" "Wow, Riko. That's no way to talk. People say I'm very friendly." --- Vote with some power stones in this story. By using them on this book, you guarantee bonus chapters weekly.