Fukuda couldn't hold back any longer and got into a fight with Taoka during a training session, resulting in his indefinite suspension from the team. However, Taoka valued his talent and didn't expel him, leaving him a way out. Fukuda was also stubborn and kept practicing in order to return to the team, but he switched to playing on the streets. He was strong in offense but weak in defense, and he thrived on the streets, making his offense even more aggressive. Ryokufu wanted to recruit him because they saw his performance on the streets.
Today was the day of the agreed-upon negotiations, and Ryokufu took it very seriously, even sending their captain Michael Okita, along. The negotiations were essentially just a game of basketball. Ryokufu knew Fukuda well; he didn't care about pay, he just loved to compete. Eri Fujisawa had said that Fukuda was a basketball fanatic... so they sent Michael Okita to beat him and convince him to join.
Fukuda walked up and glanced at him sideways. "You two are trying to compete with me?"
His voice was full of disdain. In his eyes, only a few celebrities from Kanagawa could rival him. These two were clearly not up to par.
Ichiro Katsumi curled his lip. "What? You look down on me? I'm pretty awesome."
He looks and acts like a child, and after hearing this, Fukuda looked down on him even more.
Fukuda snorted, "Boring. Let's get started, it looks like it's going to rain."
Ichiro Katsumi looked up at the sky; dark clouds were gathering.
He sighed, "Alas... it's a pity your opponent isn't us; he hasn't arrived yet."
Mitsuaki Nadaka chimed in, "That guy is incredibly strong, just wait patiently."
A deafening rumble of thunder echoed through the air.
Shirasawa, carrying the bags Ayako had bought, joked, "Good heavens, who made that solemn oath? The thunder is so loud!"
After leaving the stadium, he accompanied Ayako for a walk. Ayako was in an extremely good mood, whether it was because the team had made it to the semi-finals or because he was with her... in any case, she had a great time.
Ayako has a great figure; even ordinary clothes look exceptionally elegant on her, especially slightly fitted styles—the effect is simply amazing.
"Oh dear, it looks like it's really going to rain," Ayako, glancing at the sky with a hint of reluctance in her voice. "Let's hurry and find a shopping mall to take shelter in."
Shirasawa sighed, exhausted. "Still going shopping? I just finished a match today. Why don't we go to my place to take shelter from the rain? It's not far from here."
Ayako, upon hearing this, raised her hand and lightly punched him. "What are you doing at your house?"
That sounded like shyness, but it didn't quite seem like it.
Shirasawa grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth. "What can I do? At most, I can have you practice dribbling with both hands or attacking the paint with me."
He paused, then added, "Of course, if you're interested in football, we can play some too."
Ayako was taken aback. "What did you say? You can practice ball games at your house? You can even play soccer? How big is your house anyway?"
"You'll find out when you get there."
"So mysterious," Ayako's eyes darted around, "It's starting to pique my curiosity."
"I'm very good at playing ball."
"I know."
No, you don't know yet.
As the two were talking, someone suddenly appeared in front of them, blocking their way.
Hey! You're Shirasawa, right?
Shirasawa stared intently. A foreigner? No, that doesn't seem right either. He looked familiar, but he couldn't quite place him.
The man then turned his gaze to Ayako, "Wow, this beautiful lady is really pretty. Hello, my name is Michael Okita."
After saying that, he stretched out his hand, waiting for Ayako's response.
Michael Okita? Shirasawa suddenly remembered, it was him.
Ayako looked at him with a bit of an awkwardness, clearly having no recollection of him at all. Not shaking his hand seemed a little awkward; but if she did, why should she shake his hand...?
As she hesitated, Shirasawa reached out and blocked the hand.
"Did you need something?"
Given Shirasawa's current popularity, it's not surprising that he's recognized, especially in Kanagawa; you could easily spot him even if you just buy a newspaper. Michael Okita came over specifically to say hello; surely it wasn't just for a photo.
Michael Okita withdrew his hand with a hint of regret. "I know you're strong. How about we go have a match?"
Play a game? Ayako then took a closer look at Michael Okita. His age and build were similar to Shirasawa's, and he did look like a basketball player, but she had never seen him before. Even in other counties, she had never heard of any team having such a mixed-race player.
After finishing his sentence, Michael Okita quickly added, "Oh, by the way, I'm not as famous as you. Let me introduce myself. My name is Michael Okita, captain of the Ryokufu Private High School Basketball Team. Our team was just formed this year, but we're very strong."
Ayako then realized what was happening.
Shirasawa smiled faintly, "Not interested. It's about to rain, we have to go."
He's in a rush to get home and practice; he doesn't have time to play outside.
They had only taken two steps when Michael Okita stopped them again.
"Don't rush off."
Shirasawa frowned, his voice turning cold, "Don't push your luck."
That aura then spread out, causing Michael Okita to subconsciously take a step back. He was secretly surprised; Shirasawa was indeed extraordinary, his aura alone was enough to impress him.
Michael Okita smiled and raised his hands. "Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean anything by it. It's okay if you don't want to play, but I think you can come with me and take a look. I'm just helping out Shohoku."
Then, Michael Okita told him about the challenge to Fukuda and the situation with the Ryokufu Basketball Team. There was no point in hiding it, since Shohoku had been chosen as their first opponent, and they would find out sooner or later.
"That Fukuda will most likely be called back by Ryonan for the semifinals. That wouldn't be good for Shohoku. So, we're indirectly helping you out, right?"
He paused, then chuckled, "How about it? Want to go check it out? I'm pretty strong; maybe I can even inspire you to take on a match."
Shirasawa was also somewhat surprised, not expecting that so many things had quietly changed. Michael Okita's early return to Japan and Ryokufu's invitation to Fukuda were all unexpected. However, this made him curious, and he wanted to see what Fukuda would choose now. Because in Shirasawa's opinion, Fukuda was unlikely to beat Michael Okita.
" Ayako, let's go check it out. It might be a really interesting match."
Ayako nodded obediently, looking exceptionally docile, which made Michael Okita's heart itch with desire.
"OK! Follow me."
"They're here, they're here." Mitsuaki Nadaka pointed outside the stadium.
He then discovered that Michael Okita was not the only one who had come.
And... Shirasawa??
"Ah! Isn't that Michael Okita? Hey? Isn't that Shirasawa? How come they're together?"
Ichiro Katsumi was also completely baffled.
After all, they had just watched Shohoku's game, and they remembered Shirasawa's face clearly, recognizing him at a glance.
Upon hearing the name " Shirasawa," Kiccho Fukuda turned his head sharply.
Good heavens, what a coincidence! Shirasawa was already on his challenge list.
In Fukuda's mind, there were only a few people in Kanagawa who could be considered his rivals: Sendoh, Fujima, Shinichi Maki, and Shirasawa.
He didn't care what others thought; Fukuda felt he could fight these people to a standstill.
A few moments later, the group approached.
Shirasawa had no intention of saying hello at all; he was just there to watch the show, so why bother?
But Ichiro Katsumi came up to him, chattering on and on.
Shirasawa didn't stand on ceremony and simply told him to "get lost."
Ichiro Katsumi was choked and squatted down listlessly to the side.
Fukuda, however, suddenly became interested in the one-on-one match.
Firstly, this Michael Okita looks like he's no ordinary person, being the captain of the basketball team; secondly, Shirasawa actually came too!
Perfect, let's clean them all up at once.
"Hey, after I deal with him, you're next." Fukuda raised his chin, his tone arrogant.
Shirasawa scoffed, "You should beat him first. Besides, you're not even qualified to fight me."
Fukuda's jaw clenched; these words had once again struck at his fragile pride.
"Hey bro, let's get started." Michael Okita waved from the field.
This can be seen as giving Fukuda a way out.
" Shirasawa, you just wait."
Fukuda made his statement and stepped onto the stage with great momentum.
Ayako gently tugged at Shirasawa's sleeve, "This Fukuda looks so fierce..."
Shirasawa took her hand and said, "Why are you being so fierce? He just looks a little older than his age..."
On the court, the one-on-one match between Fukuda and Michael Okita officially began.
Mitsuaki Nadaka temporarily served as a referee.
Michael Okita's goal was clear: first subdue Fukuda, then recruit him into the group.
So he had already planned it out: go all out from the start, leaving no room for retreat.
Fukuda was also completely focused; based on what Shirasawa had just said, he had to deal with this mixed-race person.
Then I'll deal with Shirasawa...
"11 points, no change of serve."
Michael Okita nodded indifferently, "Suit yourself, you can start."
His confident demeanor caught Fukuda's attention, prompting her to glance at him again.
However, one-on-one fights are Fukuda's forte.
The first ball goes in.
Fukuda probed with the ball at the top of the arc, but Michael Okita immediately closed in, displaying extremely aggressive defense.
Fukuda hadn't anticipated this at all.
In a typical one-on-one fight, the focus is usually on defending against drives, not throws. But this guy is doing the opposite.
But Fukuda soon realized something was wrong.
Close marking is easy to get past in a one-on-one situation, but Michael Okita's defense is almost flawless.
And they kept engaging in physical confrontations.
This forced Fukuda to dribble backwards, trying to create some space.
But Michael Okita didn't stop; he lunged forward again, his hand always covering Fukuda's eyes.
Fukuda panicked, and using his body to force a gap, he pushed the other person in and rushed in.
Once inside the three-point line, Fukuda pulled the ball up and stopped abruptly, but Michael Okita kept his center of gravity low and his footwork was solid.
They switched places swiftly and immediately stopped, giving Fukuda no chance to adjust.
Fukuda took another step back, changing direction in front of his body in an attempt to force his way through.
With a loud bang, the two collided head-on.
Michael Okita was clearly tougher, and Fukuda used the contact to force his way to the basket, staggering as he tossed the ball toward the hoop.
Michael Okita and slapped the ball away!
His jumping ability and physique are far superior to Fukuda's.
Ichiro Katsumi jumped up and down excitedly, "Great shot! That's more like our captain!"
Fukuda frowned in frustration, not expecting this mixed-race player to be so tough on defense.