36 Chapter 35

(3rd person POV)

While Ichigo and the other participants were resting and rehydrating, they were unaware that Nakatani Masaaki, the coach of Shutoku High, had been observing them from the upper stands of the gym since the beginning.

Coach Nakatani had been carefully watching the incoming first-year players, hoping to spot some with potential. He also kept an eye on senior players who hadn't made it to the main lineup last year, searching for someone who could contribute to the upcoming Interhigh tournament.

Due to some players graduating last year, there were several empty spots in the main lineup. As the running drills progressed, Coach Nakatani initially felt disappointed as most of the freshmen didn't meet his expectations to be immediately useful in a real game.

He anticipated that after 30 minutes, only two freshmen would remain: Midorima Shintaro, a member of the Generation of Miracles, and Ichigo Takai, known as the 'King of Miracles'.

However, he was surprised to see that another freshman, whose name he hadn't even heard of, completed the full 30 minutes of the running drill. It was fortunate for this player as the point guard position in the main lineup was available and he had performed well.

However, Takao still needs to earn his spot in the main lineup. The first round of screening was just the beginning, meant to assess the players' stamina and eliminate those who didn't meet the required physical standards. The next screening phase involves basic basketball drills that test players' fundamental skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing, lateral quickness, and defensive abilities.

Following the drills, the remaining players will compete in a 5vs5 game. This game serves as an opportunity for the coach to closely observe the players and determine who he wants to include in the main lineup.

It's a chance for him to scout and identify the individuals best suited for the team. Takao will have to perform well during these screenings to prove his worth and secure his place in the main lineup.

A few more minutes passed, and Miyaji Kiyoshi blew his whistle, signaling the remaining players to line up again. He then proceeded to explain the next round of screening. After the explanation, the main lineup players prepared the equipment for the upcoming drills.

They began with speed drills, where the players sprinted from one end of the court to the other at full speed. They then repeated the drill, but this time with a ball to test their speed while dribbling.

One by one, the players completed the drill, and it was no surprise that Ichigo Takai excelled the most. Coach Nakatani had anticipated Ichigo's outstanding performance in this drill, but he surpassed all expectations, leaving the other participants far behind.

Nakatani expected a significant improvement in Ichigo's skills since the last time he saw him play a few months ago in the championship game between the Generation of Miracles' team, Teiko Junior High, and Ichigo's team, Meiko Junior High.

However, Ichigo's remarkable development in his physical abilities took Coach Nakatani by surprise. Based on what he witnessed, he believed that no one in high school could compare to Ichigo's physical attributes alone.

Even Midorima was taken aback by Ichigo's newfound physical abilities. During their previous encounters, Ichigo was never this fast, even when in the Zone. Now, it seemed that not only had Ichigo improved his skills, but his physical attributes had also undergone significant enhancements. With his height approaching, or even surpassing, 195cm and the speed he possessed, he would be a formidable force on an open court.

Midorima couldn't even fathom if Aomine, compared to the last time he saw him, stood a chance against Ichigo now. And this was without considering the progress Ichigo had made in his skills over the past few months. Midorima was certain that if the other members of the Generation of Miracles remained the same as the last time he saw them, Ichigo would completely destroy them.

The second round of screening continued, with Ichigo dominating all the drills. Midorima came in second in all the drills, except for shooting, where he outperformed everyone, including Ichigo. Surprisingly, Takao Kazunari, another first-year, dominated the dribbling and passing drills.

Coach Nakatani nodded in approval as he witnessed the performance of the three freshmen, especially Takao's performance. He had expected Ichigo and Midorima to excel, as they had already proven themselves. However, Takao was a pleasant surprise.

With the team in need of a skilled point guard, Takao's dribbling and passing abilities made him a good fit. Furthermore, his performance in shooting drills was impressive, which was an added bonus. Now, all he needs to do is prove himself in the last part of the screening: the 5-vs-5 full-court game.

The whistle sounded once again, and the players lined up for the next activity. The team captain announced that the final part of the screening for the day would be a 5-vs-5 full-court game. They would divide the players into teams of five to play for one full quarter.

Afterward, they would await the coach's announcement regarding the main lineup. Those not selected would be designated as part of the second-string, to be called upon in case of accidents or injuries.

The players dispersed, going their separate ways. Some chose to rest, while others continued practicing.

(MC'S POV)

As the players dispersed and went their separate ways, I immediately looked around to find Takao. I spotted him sitting on the benches, taking a rest and drinking water. You could see the exertion on his chest as he breathed heavily, still feeling the effects of the drills. I walked towards him, and he lifted his head and looked at me, as if sensing someone approaching. He waved at me with an exhausted smile, but there was still a hint of happiness in his expression. He knew that if he put in his best effort and didn't make any major mistakes in the upcoming game, he had a good chance of making it into the starting lineup.

"You okay?" I asked him as I sat down next to him.

"Yeah, I'm feeling great!" Takao replied excitedly. "I'm getting closer to making it into the starting lineup. I just need to show the coach that I have the skills he's looking for, especially as a point guard. With the position vacant on the team, I hope my performance will impress him," he added.

I smiled at his words. I might not know exactly what he was feeling, but I could imagine it was similar to the sense of fulfillment and achievement I experienced after winning the middle school National Championship.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you make it into the starting lineup or even become a starter right away. The way you performed today was impressive. I noticed even the seniors from the main lineup were impressed, and I saw the captain nodding his head in approval while watching your passing drills," I said confidently. He might not know if he'll make the team, but I had no doubt in my mind that he would succeed.

"Thanks, man. Your words mean a lot to me," he replied with a grateful smile.

"Don't mention it. Trust me, I have a keen eye for talent. I can recognize it when I see one," I boasted.

A wider smile spread across his face after hearing my words. He truly believed what I said. Well, technically, I wasn't lying since he was indeed a talented player according to the anime. So, in a way, I did have an eye for talent since I had seen all the notable players in the anime.

After that, a silence fell over us as we rested our bodies, preparing to be in top shape for the upcoming 5-on-5 game.

Suddenly, he spoke up, saying, "I'm really excited for the upcoming game."

"Excited? Why?" I looked at him with confusion, unsure of what could be so exciting about a practice game.

With a smile still lingering on his face, he responded, "Actually, this will be the first time I have a chance to compete against Midorima since middle school. I'm excited to see how I measure up against him now."

Upon hearing that, I thought, 'Well, good luck with that.' I knew for sure that Midorima's physical abilities were already better than in the anime, based on what he had shown in our previous drills. The only thing he was lacking compared to the anime was his combination plays with Takao.

"Well, I also hope you get to face him," I said to him, a twinge of sadism taking over. He interpreted it as encouragement, nodding his head with a determined expression.

"Man, I wish we could be on the same team while Midorima played against us. That way, I could proudly say that I've defeated someone from the Generation of Miracles, even if it's only in a practice game," he said, his tone only half-joking.

After hearing what he said, I couldn't help but laugh. I have this strong belief that with the right teammates, it would be incredibly challenging to defeat Midorima. Despite that, I still have confidence in myself, especially since I've completely assimilated Hanamichi Sakuragi's template. However, the reality is not as easy as I initially thought. Initially, I used to think that Midorima was the least threatening player among the Generation of Miracles.