Chapter 14 feels pretty good.

After the explanation, Rukawa Kaede quickly deciphered the attack signal between Sendoh and Uozumi.

This was the first time he realized that there was so much information in a game.

If he can accurately predict the opponent's offensive tactics on the field, can he quickly come up with a targeted countermeasure and then stop the opponent?

Thinking of this, Rukawa Kaede clenched his fists, and an impatient look appeared in his usually calm eyes.

I really want to play basketball!

I really want to play basketball!

I really want to play basketball!

I really want to play basketball!

immediately!

immediately!

Not only Rukawa Kaede, but all the other players were also fired up.

Hanon and Coach Anzai exchanged a glance, then smiled knowingly.

"Whether on the field or as a substitute, players need observation and judgment. Everyone needs to think about how to defend against the opponent's goals, absorb on-field experience, and contribute to the team at any time. In the future, we will frequently arrange professional match analysis classes."

Yasuda couldn't help but lean closer to Sakuragi and whisper, "Sakuragi, your older sister is amazing..."

Beneath her beautiful appearance, her hidden talents are gradually being revealed.

Sakuragi said smugly, "Of course! My sister is the best!"

It was rare for anyone to agree.

Finally, each team member's data was reviewed one-on-one, and their strengths and weaknesses were analyzed.

Hanon, holding a fruit knife, peeled an apple while beckoning Sakuragi to sit next to her and watch Ryonan's practice match defense together.

Sakuragi sat down and saw his comical reflection on the TV screen. His round face was completely out of character for a genius; in contrast, Rukawa and Sendoh were incredibly handsome…

He was extremely embarrassed and asked, "Why do I have to watch it again?"

Kanon cut the apple into small pieces, put them on a plate, and handed Sakuragi a small fork. "Are you satisfied with your performance?"

Sakuragi took it, scratched his head, and said, "Well... it's alright..."

"Hanamichi, you are a born star! Tall and talented, agile and quick, with superhuman jumping ability and stamina, and a strong heart... all of these make you invincible on the court."

Kanon's words were like a stone thrown into water, stirring up ripples in Sakuragi's once tranquil and clear heart.

Sakuragi was overjoyed to receive such affirmation.

Then, Hanon added, "But during your time on the field, your passes were unreasonable, you were easily intercepted, and then you threw the ball into the stands. Your mistakes accounted for half of the team's total."

Thinking of how Sakuragi stabbed the Ryonan coach in the buttocks, Kanon pinched his ear, her tone tinged with helplessness, "And... technical fouls. You have to understand, the more mistakes you make, the greater the chance the opponent will score easily."

His grin froze. Sakuragi took a bite of his apple and said indignantly, "How can a genius make so many mistakes?"

"The first step for beginners to become experts is to recognize their own shortcomings."

Kanon looked serious and pointed out Sakuragi's actions in the videotape one by one.

"Talent alone is not enough. To dominate the country, you need to work harder and constantly surpass yourself."

Sakuragi was stunned, his train of thought peculiarly veerging from the topic, "So... Shohoku High School really can only dominate the nation because of this genius's leadership?"

Hanon declared confidently, "You are the miracle of Shohoku!"

He was stunned by her words and couldn't move—he had never received such sincere recognition and praise.

A surge of passion fills my heart.

He wiped away his tears with his wrist, his large, clear eyes revealing a serious expression.

"So, what should this genius do?"

Hanon clenched her right fist, pressed it to her lips, and coughed softly, concealing the corners of her lips that were about to curl up.

"Welcome to Kanagawa at 5 a.m. and 10 p.m."

"Great! This is a piece of cake for a genius like me!"

Rukawa and Sendoh! They'll be his defeated opponents sooner or later! Sakuragi secretly imagined their dejected looks after he defeated them, hehehe...

With a gentle look in her eyes, Hanon patted Sakuragi's head and said, "Hanamichi, run forward as fast as you can, and don't look back."

Sakuragi Hanamichi's life should be like a vast wilderness, where all he needs to do is simply enjoy playing basketball and live a good and happy life.

A determined glint flashed in Sakuragi's eyes. "Don't worry!"

My sister praised him, saying it was a miracle!

I will never let my sister down; I will make her proud!

Sakuragi and Rukawa, who were standing at the door, unexpectedly met and exchanged a glance.

"whispering sound!"

"whispering sound."

Then the two round faces turned their heads to one side in perfect unison.

A dazzling fox walked in coolly, right hand in its pocket.

Hanon extended her hand, gesturing for Rukawa to sit down: "Rukawa, please sit down."

Rukawa looked weary, with a hint of resentment in his eyes, and simply hummed in agreement.

Hanon smiled. "Are you unwilling to accept this? Relax a little."

The voice was soft, as if it were coaxing.

Rukawa Kaede lowered his eyes and stiffened his back. "Mm."

Looking into his dark eyes, Hanon said sincerely, "Today's practice match was a pity, we were so close. But you were really amazing today! You adjusted your strategy several times. It's okay, we'll win back, keep up the good work!"

Rukawa Kaede was slightly stunned, feeling a strange and unprecedented sensation.

He recalled the scene on the basketball court where Kanon encouraged Sakuragi, and a question welled up in his mind—

Regardless of the outcome of the game, what does it feel like to have someone by your side who understands and supports you after the game?

Although he doesn't need it.

But... it doesn't feel bad.

Rukawa Kaede listened intently to every word she said, his eyes fixed straight ahead. "Mm!"

Looking at the indifferent boy before her, Hanon suddenly thought of something and smiled, saying:

"I have a lot to say now. If you don't want to listen, you can interrupt me at any time."

Rukawa responded quickly this time: "I will listen carefully."

"Now, let's talk about the key areas where we should focus our efforts."

"You were very strong in this competition and scored a high number of points."

"However, there is a fundamental difference between winning as an individual and winning as a team."

Kanon first praised him, then played the video playback, guiding him to watch it together:

"Sendoh's strength is not only in his superb offensive threat, but also in his extraordinary passing skills. He constantly guides his teammates to make screens and positional adjustments, allowing them to play to their strengths and effectively leading the team to victory."

As Hana spoke, she kept an eye on his expression; his narrow, fox-like eyes remained completely still.

This was the first time she had observed Rukawa Kaede in an official match. Behind his cold and polite demeanor lay stubbornness and pride.

In the world of basketball, every young man firmly believes that he is the core figure of the team.

Have you noticed the uneven distribution of talent at Shohoku High School?

The fox nodded.

certainly.

My teammates are too weak.

"The team's weakness is not the reason for the loss. Moreover, Shohoku is only temporarily weak."

Seeing his thoughts, Hanon continued, "Your individual offense is very strong, but for the current Shohoku team, it is a double-edged sword."

Rukawa Kaede suddenly looked up and stared straight at her.

"Your teammates can't keep up with your pace, Coach Tian Gang quickly noticed this and made targeted arrangements to try to limit your movements. If you are restricted, Shohoku's offense will be broken."

The single-celled organism's idea was simple: since his teammates were weak, he would take on the offensive responsibility. He believed that the best and only way to contribute to the team was to score points.

Hanon's eyes held trust and encouragement:

"You are Shohoku's ace. I hope that while you do your best, you can also be Shohoku's Rukawa Kaede, better integrate into the team, and lead Shohoku to victory."

Without strong teammates, this aloof and talented young man has always walked alone.

The fox's face remained expressionless, his lips tightly pressed together, but his eyes shone with an extremely bright light.

After a while, seeing that he didn't speak, Huayin got up, picked up the documents from the table, and prepared to hand them to him.

Just then, a deep, cold voice sounded behind her:

"Teaching assistant, what should I do?"

Hanon turned around.

Rukawa Kaede lowered his head slightly, looking at her intently.

In an instant, she felt as if she were being enveloped by the other party's overwhelming aura.

Hana's breath hitched as she stared at that handsome face, so close to her, a face that could practically "kill" someone.

Rukawa Kaede's cool voice carried a burning passion, sincerity, and purity.

"I want to become stronger."

He wants to be...the kind of player she described, a player who can lead the team to victory!

A raging fire ignited in his fox-like eyes, and he clenched his fists, his hands trembling slightly.

Hot blood surged in his veins, and his heart pounded faster in his chest.

He wanted to immediately throw himself into training, constantly honing and challenging himself every minute and every second.

Hanon's heart skipped a beat; she hadn't expected her words to have such a powerful influence on Rukawa.

She subtly took half a step back, creating some distance.

—Let's talk, there's no need to get so close!

She handed him the videotape and documents, and cleared her throat:

"You are a quick learner, able to rapidly utilize others' strengths to compensate for your own weaknesses. Upon first encountering the immortal, you accurately grasped his characteristics and conducted in-depth analysis. What you lack—"

"Technically, we need to understand the three threats."

"In terms of communication, you need to talk to your teammates more and build rapport, otherwise it will be difficult for them to read your thoughts from that expressionless face. Let me think, the words you say most often on the field are 'hey! pass!' and... 'idiot.'"

As she spoke, Hanon couldn't help but laugh.

Rukawa Kaede, his chubby cheeks puffed out, scratched the back of his head and remained silent.

"Strengthening defense and gaining muscle and weight are essential."

The fox nodded, then, recalling how she had admired the idiot's muscles on the tram, felt somewhat unconvinced.

Well, it's nothing special.

"These videotapes showcase the skills and gameplay of professional NBA players. This material contains my personal analysis and advice for you, and I hope it can be helpful."

Rukawa nodded solemnly; once a goal is set, it becomes unwavering.

Hanon smiled and said, "If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

Before leaving the recording room, Rukawa Kaede turned his head slightly, stared at her earlobe for a while, and suddenly asked, "Are you hot?"

The tone was flat, more like a statement.