The black card spun effortlessly between Makino Juro's fingers.
The movement was smooth and elegant, carrying the unmistakable scent of obscene wealth.
"I've also reserved an entire luxury hot spring inn in Shizuoka."
"It's not far from Jousei High."
"I heard the hot springs there work wonders for the elderly."
"And..."
"The cuisine is Michelin-level."
As he spoke, Makino Juro quietly observed Coach Anzai's expression.
Sure enough...
The moment the words "hot springs" and "Michelin" entered his ears...
The old coach's previously unwavering expression showed the slightest, highly suspicious crack.
"And besides..."
Juro leaned closer, lowering his voice so only the two of them could hear.
"Sakuragi's the type who grows faster the more he's challenged."
"Like a spring."
"Keeping him at school and having him practice jump shots is the safest option."
"But..."
"If he gets to witness a national-level powerhouse firsthand..."
"...and gets thoroughly crushed..."
"...there might be an unexpected chemical reaction."
"And while we're there..."
"I'd also like to give him some personal training."
After saying his piece, Makino Juro stepped back and smiled like a sly little fox.
"Of course..."
"If you'd rather stay at school eating boxed lunches instead of soaking in hot springs..."
"...we won't force you."
Coach Anzai fell silent.
Although his eyes were hidden behind his glasses...
Everyone could almost see the fierce battle raging inside his mind.
Twenty thousand tedious practice shots...
VS
Luxury hot springs + Michelin cuisine + practical combat training.
Three seconds later...
Coach Anzai adjusted his glasses.
A warm, contented smile slowly spread across his face.
"Ho... ho... ho..."
"Since Juro has gone to such lengths..."
"...then, for everyone's health..."
"...a visit to the hot springs can certainly be considered an important part of our training plan."
"Sakuragi."
Sakuragi instantly looked up.
There was still a snot bubble hanging from his nose as he stared blankly at the coach.
"You'll be coming with us as well."
"We'll simply move your special training somewhere else."
"Really?!"
Sakuragi exploded with joy.
He threw himself at Makino Juro and wrapped him in a bear hug, too excited to speak coherently.
"Hahahaha!"
"Master, you're the best!"
"So you wanted to take me to a hot spring all along!"
"You're amazing!"
"I love you!"
Juro shoved Sakuragi's oversized face away in disgust.
"Get away from me."
"You got snot on my Armani."
"You'd better pay for the cleaning."
Standing nearby, Rukawa delivered his usual finishing blow.
"Idiot."
"What did you say?!"
"Dead Fox!"
"You wanna fight?!"
"Enough!"
Akagi waved a massive hand, instantly suppressing the chaos.
"Since it's settled..."
"We're leaving."
"Destination—"
"Shizuoka!"
...
Shinkansen Station.
The Shohoku players stood neatly dressed in their school uniforms, each carrying an enormous sports bag.
With an average height well over 180 centimeters, the group attracted attention wherever they stood.
"Is that Shohoku? The team that defeated Kainan?"
"They're huge..."
"The pressure they give off is incredible."
"Who's that red-haired guy?"
"He looks terrifying."
"Is he a gangster?"
Hearing the whispers around him, Sakuragi immediately puffed out his chest.
He struck the pose of a superstar and even pulled out a pen, preparing to give an autograph to a passing elementary school student.
"Stop embarrassing us!"
Smack!
Akagi slapped the back of his head before stuffing him into the train like oversized luggage.
The train slowly pulled away from the station.
Outside the windows, the scenery began racing backward.
Inside the carriage...
The seating arrangement quickly became a major problem.
Akagi and Kogure sat together, seriously studying Jousei High's scouting reports as though they were planning a military campaign.
Mitsui and Miyagi sat side by side.
The two of them were happily flipping through a swimsuit magazine, making shameless comments every few pages while letting out creepy little chuckles that perfectly embodied teenage boys.
As for Makino Juro...
He had the worst luck imaginable.
He drew the Seat of Death.
He was sandwiched directly between Rukawa Kaede...
...and Sakuragi Hanamichi.
It was truly a seat from hell.
On his left...
Sat a walking iceberg radiating subzero temperatures.
Rukawa wore his headphones with his eyes closed, apparently catching up on sleep.
Yet the aura surrounding him screamed:
Keep away.
Strangers stay back.
Acquaintances too.
The air around him seemed several degrees colder.
On Makino Juro's right...
Was an active volcano ready to erupt at any moment.
Sakuragi was as excited as an elementary school student on his first field trip.
His entire face was pressed against the window until his features were completely flattened.
Every tree...
Every utility pole...
Everything outside became worthy of loud commentary.
"Wow!"
"Is that Mount Fuji?!"
"Idiot."
"That's a factory chimney."
Makino Juro mercilessly corrected him.
"Master!"
"Look! There are cows over there!"
"That's a billboard."
"And yes, they're dairy cows."
"Master!"
"I want a bento!"
"I want the most expensive one!"
"I'm gonna eat you bankrupt!"
"Muahahaha!"
Makino Juro sighed.
His head was beginning to ache.
This felt less like traveling with a basketball team...
...and more like supervising a kindergarten class.
Turning toward the window, he quietly watched the scenery.
As the train accelerated...
The noisy city gradually disappeared behind them.
Rolling mountains...
Endless green fields...
These peaceful landscapes replaced the urban skyline.
Shizuoka.
Jousei High School.
If I remember correctly...
Mikoshiba is a pretty arrogant guy.
He even calls himself the "Star of Shizuoka."
And this training camp isn't just about playing practice games.
At that moment...
The system interface shimmered across Makino Juro's vision.
A crisp notification sounded.
[Ding! Side Mission Triggered: Jousei's Provocation]
[Mission Objective: Completely crush Jousei High during the practice game and make their ace, Mikoshiba, question his entire life, rebuilding his understanding of basketball from the ground up.]
[Mission Reward: Skill Draw Card ×1]
[Free Attribute Points +5]
The corners of Makino Juro's lips slowly rose.
Question his entire life?
Now that's something I'm experienced at.
I do enjoy watching talented people lose faith in themselves.
"Hey, Rukawa."
Juro suddenly nudged the human iceberg beside him with his elbow.
Rukawa lazily opened one eye.
Still half-asleep, he asked with obvious irritation,
"What?"
"I heard..."
"That Mikoshiba is even stronger than Sendoh."
Makino Juro casually tossed out a depth charge.
Rukawa's sleepy gaze instantly sharpened.
The light bursting from his eyes at that moment was so intense it felt capable of piercing the seats in front of him.
"Stronger than Sendoh?"
He slowly removed his headphones.
Then coldly uttered two words.
His killing intent practically overflowed.
"I'll crush him."
On the other side...
Sakuragi had also overheard everything.
He immediately leaned over, his ears standing straight like antennae.
"What?"
"Who's stronger than Sendoh?"
"What's so great about that hedgehog-haired guy anyway?"
"This genius will crush every last one of them!"
"I'll make them understand exactly why flowers are so red!"
"I don't care if it's Jousei or Mikoshiba!"
"They'll all tremble before this genius's Iron Butt!"
"Tremble, you mere mortals!"
Watching the two "guardian generals" on either side burst into fighting spirit simultaneously...
Makino Juro nodded in satisfaction.
Perfect.
The hatred meter had been completely filled.
This...
This was exactly how Shohoku should be.
If you weren't crazy enough to stake everything...
You'd never become extraordinary.
It seemed...
This trip to Shizuoka was going to be anything but boring.
"Attention, passengers."
"We will soon be arriving at Shizuoka Station."
The announcement echoed through the train.
Makino Juro stretched lazily.
Looking through the window at the station platform slowly coming into view, anticipation flashed across his eyes.
The prelude to the National Tournament...
Would begin here.
He stood up, slung his bag over one shoulder, and headed toward the train door first.
His back radiated an overwhelming confidence, as though no one else in the world could stand beside him.
"Come on."
"My troublesome children."
"Let's go..."
"...and teach them how to play basketball."
END OF CHAPTER
The King Of Slacking Off - MrBehringer's Secret
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