Chapter 8 has a great figure

Rukawa nodded to Ayako, then placed the book on the designated table.

Kanon rummaged in her bag, handed him a chocolate protein bar, and said with a smile, "Hey, thank you, kind Rukawa-senpai."

Rukawa Kaede puffed out his chubby cheeks, glanced at her, said nothing, and expressionlessly took the protein bar.

Ayako raised an eyebrow: "Our Rukawa junior is quite cute."

Hanon looked away, smiled and nodded: "She is indeed very cute."

In the afternoon, at the Shohoku Basketball Gymnasium.

"This genius is here! Haha!"

Before he even entered the room, his voice preceded his entrance—Sakuragi made a dazzling entrance.

Haruko ran up to the two of them and greeted them: "Kane-neechan! Sakuragi! Good afternoon!"

Kanon patted her hair and smiled, "Good afternoon, lovely Haruko."

Sakuragi, with a perverted expression: "Good afternoon, Haruko... I've prepared your favorite snacks today... Hehehe..."

The Shohoku team members also gathered around to greet them.

Rukawa Kaede's gaze lingered on Hanon for a moment, only to find her quickly swallowed up by the crowd, where things were bustling with activity.

The fox, feigning aloofness, slowly shifted its gaze, spinning the ball between its fingers, and muttered, "Boring."

After everyone left, Hanon walked over, waved to Rukawa, and said with a clean smile, "Hi, Rukawa."

Rukawa didn't answer immediately. After a while, he coldly replied with a single syllable: "Hi."

Hanon handed him the lunch bag, saying, "I didn't know if you brought a lunch today, so here you go."

Rukawa looked up at her for a few seconds, then took the item, his tone completely flat: "Thank you."

"Do you do extra training every day before going home for dinner?"

"Occasionally."

His parents encouraged him to develop independence from a young age, and even as a child he was able to cook for himself and solve various problems in daily life.

After falling in love with basketball, Rukawa Kaede became too lazy to devote his time to other things. When he was hungry, he would just grab a quick meal, and when he wasn't hungry, he would have more time to practice.

"Rukawa".

Rukawa Kaede stood very straight, his right hand in his pocket, and looked at her indifferently.

Hanon hesitated, wondering whether she should meddle. To dominate the nation, she needed Rukawa's help. She earnestly said:

"In a game, defense is inseparable from physical confrontation. You have a great physique, but in a game, you might look a bit thin. So, I think you need to build muscle. You still need to eat properly; a scientific diet is very important. Just practicing basketball is definitely not enough."

The brooding fox puffed out his cheeks; he had a great figure?

However, what she said made a lot of sense; he hadn't really considered that aspect.

Throughout his playing career, Rukawa Kaede has not encountered any particularly strong opponents.

Now that I'm in high school, both the idiot on the team and the captain are much stronger than me. In the future, I might encounter even stronger opponents.

The fox nodded very sincerely: "Thank you for the reminder."

Kanon's eyes were full of anticipation. "I prepare a bento for Hanamichi every day. Do you want me to bring you one from now on?"

She wanted Rukawa Kaede to grow up better. Since she had this thought, she followed her heart and asked the question.

Even after saying it, she still felt a little uneasy.

Kanon keenly sensed that although Rukawa Kaede appeared aloof and cold on the surface, he was actually quite easy to get along with... right?

Rukawa Kaede seemed surprised by her directness, and his beautiful fox-like eyes narrowed slightly.

He looked very carefully at the expression on her face.

Hana's curled eyelashes drooped, casting a small shadow on her fair face, making even the small mole on her nose clearly visible.

After a moment of silence, he said, "Okay, please."

The voice was still indifferent, yet it seemed to have gained a touch of warmth.

Then, he would naturally reach into his pocket.

Seeing his smooth movements, Hua Yin immediately stopped him, her voice urgent: "No need to pay!"

Rukawa Kaede paused, staring at her blankly.

Seeing him stop what he was doing, Hana's lips curved into a slight smile: "No need to be so polite, we're all family."

Rukawa Kaede stood there for a long while, his fox-like eyes fixed on the ground.

One of our own?

Hanon was a little happy. "Is there anything you don't eat, or what do you like to eat?"

Rukawa Kaede thought seriously for a moment, but couldn't think of anything. "No."

"You're not a picky eater? That's great!"

Hanon's eyes, curved upwards, resembled crescent moons.

Rukawa Kaede gave a curt "hmm".

Back home, Sakuragi was still upset about Kanon bringing Rukawa a lunchbox, stomping his feet frantically and chattering incessantly:

"Rukawa's only hobbies are playing basketball and sleeping! That kind of guy is so boring! Don't be fooled by his appearance..."

Hanon was a little surprised and laughed: "It seems you two have a good relationship; you actually remembered his hobby."

"Who's on good terms with him! I hate him the most! That guy..."

"Tonight's dinner includes sweet and sour braised beef with tomatoes, crispy fried steak, delicious pan-fried salmon, teriyaki chicken legs, vegetable salad, and wakame and shrimp soup..."

As Hana spoke, she set out the bowls and chopsticks, interrupting his rambling.

For professional basketball players, outstanding talent alone is not enough; they also need rigorous practice and scientific dietary management.

A scientifically balanced and nutritious diet is very beneficial to Sakuragi's health.

The previously sullen red head suddenly lifted up, its eyes sparkling with a foodie's light, "Wow!"

Since her return, the usually empty dining table has been unusually filled with all kinds of dishes.

It has everything: things that fly in the sky, run on the ground, swim in the sea, and both meat and vegetables.

Sakuragi stuffed large mouthfuls of food into his mouth and mumbled, "Sister, this fried steak is so delicious, I want to eat it again tomorrow!"

Hanon nodded and reminded her, "Okay, eat slowly, rest for a while after you're full, you still have to practice tonight."

Sakuragi loved her cooking. He would always eat until his mouth was bulging, looking like a little pink dumpling, which was especially cute. He would eat everything she made.

They're so easy to raise.

After dinner, Sakuragi stood on the basketball court, rubbing his stomach which had already digested. "Aren't we supposed to practice? Why do I have to take a shower and change out of my school uniform?"

"Weren't you all sweaty from club practice this afternoon? I've got a surprise for you!"

Sakuragi looked expectant, scratching the back of his head. "Eh? What surprise?"

"Hi, Sakuragi! Kanon-neechan!"

Haruko ran towards the two of them with a sweet smile.

Sakuragi suddenly raised her voice, stammering, "Haruharu...?! What are you doing here? What a coincidence, hahaha..."

Hanon laughed and said, "I heard that Haruko was a member of the basketball team in junior high school, and her specialty was fast break layups."

Sakuragi's face instantly turned into a pervert's grin, he grinned like a complete idiot: "Eh? Really? Haruko's amazing! Hehehe..."

Haruko was a little shy, but Sakuragi's been getting better and better lately!

"No, not really... I really love basketball! And my layup is the only thing I'm really good at."

"Hanamichi, Haruko is your teacher today."

Sakuragi was overjoyed: "Eh? Really?"

Haruko nodded: "Mhm!"

Hanon told her that Sakuragi really wanted to learn how to shoot a layup, but he was too embarrassed to ask his brother for help.

In her eyes, Sakuragi is really hardworking and persevering! Haruko believes that Sakuragi can definitely help her brother realize his dream of competing in the national tournament!

Thinking of this, she smiled sincerely: "Sakuragi, don't worry, we will definitely succeed!"

After saying that, she skillfully dribbled the ball: "Sakuragi, watch carefully, I'm going over there."

Sakuragi scratched his head and grinned foolishly, "Okay!"

"Bang, bang, bang!"

Haruko dribbled to the basket, jumped high, reached out, and shot the ball.

The movement was standard and smooth, resulting in a successful layup.

Wow... Haruko is amazing!

Sakuragi and Kanon clapped and applauded enthusiastically, praising the performance repeatedly.

Haruko smiled shyly, "It's nothing, I believe you can do it!"

Haruko passed the ball to Sakuragi and then corrected his shooting form step by step.

"Sakuragi, that's the most standard layup move. Now it's your turn!"

Because of Haruko's close contact, Sakuragi's face turned bright red, but he felt a sweet warmth in his heart. "Alright! Now watch how this genius performs!"

After saying that, he dribbled confidently and drove straight to the basket.

The first ball, completely missed.

The second shot missed.

The third ball, missed all three shots.

...

Ten balls in a row, none of them went into the net.

Sakuragi was furious. "What happened? Not a single one made it?"

Haruko encouraged him, "Sakuragi, don't rush. Just jump high and try your best to put the ball in the basket."

Haruko demonstrated again, "Your movements are already very standard. Let's try again and see which step you didn't do well."

Sakuragi rested his chin on his hand, recalling and thinking, "I'll try again—"

"Bang--"

It didn't go in.

"when--"

Blacksmithing.

The two observed, tried, thought, and tried again and again.

"Whoosh~"

The basketball finally went into the net!

Haruko jumped up excitedly, "Yay! It went in! Sakuragi was amazing!"

Sakuragi was overjoyed, "Great, Haruko... Hahaha... I really am a genius, hahaha..."

The two high-fived excitedly, filling the screen with happy bubbles.

"Sakuragi, remember this feeling! Do it again, make it a muscle memory! You must practice it often!"

"Great!!! This is Haruko's one-on-one coaching... This genius will definitely not let you down... I will definitely put the ball in the basket again and again!!"

[Sakuragi Hanamichi unlocks the "Little Man Layup" skill; the host gains 1 healing point.]

Hana's gaze swept over the two of them, and she chuckled softly.

She loves seeing Sakuragi grow happily in training and enjoy the fun that basketball brings.

As darkness fell, the sounds of basketballs slapping and cheers from the park's basketball court filled the air.

Haruko exclaimed in delight, "Sakuragi, you're amazing! Your layup accuracy is getting better and better!"

Sakuragi blushed. "Thanks to Haruko... It's getting late, let me take you home..."

"OK!"

The two of them looked at Hanon at the same time.

Seeing this, Hanon chuckled and said, "Hanamichi, you take Haruko home first, I'll wait for you at the school's gymnasium."

A human-shaped portable light bulb—Kanon didn't want to be that kind of thing either, but she had to make him practice as much as possible.

Haruko's eyes were full of surprise. "Are we going to practice again later? Sakuragi, you're really working hard!"

Sakuragi scratched his head sheepishly, "Hehe, I need to work even harder! I'm the one who led Shohoku to national domination!"

Haruko listened, her eyes filled with tenderness: "Yes! Sakuragi, do your best! I believe you can do it!"

...

Rukawa Kaede opened the lunchbox, and the aroma of food wafted out, making him feel even hungrier.

Each dish was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, nutritionally balanced, and beautifully presented like a work of art, demonstrating the host's dedication and effort.

The indifferent boy couldn't help but swallow.

When Hanon arrived at the Shohoku Gymnasium, Rukawa was still eating.

Rukawa Kaede looked up at the person who had come, and paused for a moment.

Hua Yin sat next to him, glanced at the almost empty lunchbox, and asked:

"Is this enough? Basketball players expend a lot of energy. These side dishes are balanced and comprehensive. Eating them all will help you build muscle and grow taller."

She leaned closer, making Rukawa Kaede a little uncomfortable. He didn't like socializing and found it difficult to get close to people.

But this unease wasn't discomfort; it was a very novel feeling.

Hanon rested her hands on the back of the chair, quietly gazing at that pleasing face.

She yawned; since returning to Japan, her sleep time had become much shorter.

Rukawa noticed tears welling up in her eyes and a few strands of hair falling down her sides, giving her a weary look. He hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Why don't you go back to rest?"

Hana blinked, her watery eyes shining even brighter. "I want to see you play ball."