On the tram, Shōgo felt excited. He finally caught up, not being left behind in any aspect.
Now, he can enter his rhythm. You are no longer my target; my goal is in a much more distant future.
Shōgo was looking forward to seeing how good Daiki was today, but halfway through the match, he realized it wasn't the right time yet.
At this point, Daiki might be able to enter the Zone, or he might still be on the verge of it. But regardless, he is close to achieving it.
Today, Daiki was in casual wear instead of sports attire, which affected his performance.
However, the terrifying speed of his style transitions was truly shocking to Shōgo. It's not something an ordinary person can achieve. It's a genuine talent, he can freely switch the frequency of his acceleration. Even Shōgo, cannot match Daiki's level.
Although Shōgo can now start to mimic Daiki's unrestrained basketball style, he realizes that it weakens his ability to strike at crucial points. His skill "Pillage" was meant to make opponents lose their abilities, but when used against a genius like Daiki, the effect is minimal. It can only affect his judgment and habits slightly, hardly qualifying as "Pillage".
Before being robbed, Daiki could play at 100% of his ability. After being robbed, he can still perform with at least 80% of his original strength. Even after concentrating and entering the Zone, Shōgo estimated that his "Pillage" could only reduce Daiki's power by around 10%, or perhaps not even affect him at all. This is the terror of Daiki, the strongest talent in the Miracle Generation.
Through today's confrontation, Shōgo saw a possibility, a great possibility that neither manga nor anime had ever known. The truly terrifying side of Daiki. Just thinking about it made Shōgo admire Daiki even more.
Daiki, your talent is truly terrifying.
Anyway, the winter break is long; we can continue later. I'm looking forward to it!
"Mom, I'm home!"
"Shōgo-kun, have you had dinner?"
"Not yet!"
"I'll heat it for you. Go take a shower; your neck is covered in sweat."
"Alright, thank you!"
Back home, the tired Shōgo took a shower. After changing into fresh clothes and finishing dinner, he took a basketball and strolled in the yard.
After that, he swam for two hours. Exhausted, Shōgo quickly washed up and went straight to bed.
His daily exercise routine is the reason why Shōgo's stamina, strength, and agility keep improving, forming the foundation to steal other people's skills.
The next day, early in the morning, Shōgo finished breakfast and carried his basketball to the fencing gym.
Wearing protective gear, he took up his slim fencing sword, stepping out of the changing room to see a tall and slender figure waiting for him on the training platform.
It was Coach Miyazaki. Her graceful and alluring body was already on the stage, ready to face him.
"Hehe! Coach Miyazaki, you look even more charming after a few days. You're at least three times prettier than before."
"Smooth talker! Come on, show me if you've made any progress."
"Sure, wait for me. I'm coming to stab you! I'll stab you to death!"
"Tch!"
After getting along with Shōgo for a while, Coach Miyazaki gradually understood what his "stab" meant. She couldn't help but feel somewhat peculiar about it.
But Shōgo's seriousness and dedication during the fencing practice, coupled with his terrifying growth rate, genuinely surprised Coach Miyazaki.
In less than half a year, Shōgo had made remarkable progress. He was now on par with her in skill, which was impressive. This young man's terrifying talent made Coach Miyazaki feel uneasy, especially since he chose to play basketball, which she considered a wayward path, instead of focusing solely on fencing.
Wearing face masks, the two tall figures dueled fiercely on the platform. Swift as lightning, their swords clashed with blinding speed. In the blink of an eye, they exchanged more than a dozen strikes, causing Coach Miyazaki to retreat repeatedly.
After a while, the breathless pair removed their masks and sat on the floor, chatting away.
"You've done well, kid. In less than half a year, your progress has been incredible. I have nothing more to teach you; you'll have to improve further through your diligent practice."
"Thank you, Coach Miyazaki. It's been tough on you these past six months. Let me treat you to dinner later."
"Alright, but don't even think about pulling any tricks on me."
Having said that, the alluring Coach Miyazaki glanced at Shōgo and felt a hint of a flutter in her heart.
Unfortunately, why does she have to be nearly ten years older than this kid? Sigh!
"Next time you come to practice, spar with the head coach. I've already talked to him, and sparring with him will help you improve even more."
"Sure, I'll do that. What about you?"
"I have a new girl to train. She has good potential, and I need to guide her, making sure she doesn't end up like you, wasting her talent on basketball."
"Hahaha, Coach Miyazaki, basketball is also a beautiful sport, a legitimate one. In this world, there are no illegitimate sports, only people who are not serious about them. Hehehe!"
"Get lost, you pervert!"
Laughing and joking, the two changed their clothes and went to a Western restaurant together.
Ordering two authentic Wagyu beef steaks and a bottle of champagne, they sat across from each other, just like a couple, enjoying the meal.
Coach Miyazaki's figure was truly tempting. She wasn't bulky like an ordinary person or tense like a professional athlete; instead, she had a restrained yet fierce charm that kept others at a distance.
As they had been practicing fencing daily, Shōgo was truly surprised at how well-maintained and full of vitality Coach Miyazaki's body was. She had the air of a sword's edge, making it difficult for strangers to approach.
"Coach Miyazaki, your power of seduction is strong. I've noticed many people secretly looking at you. Shall I beat them up?"
"You talk too much. Eat up; let's go after we finish."
Picking up the cutlery, finishing the last piece of steak, and drinking the last sip of yogurt, the beautiful Coach Miyazaki and Shōgo left the restaurant one after the other.
Looking at their figures and their auras, it's evident that they make a perfect match.
Seeing off the Coach, Shōgo carried his basketball, strolling on the streets with excitement, thinking about the meeting with Daiki tomorrow, his heart burning with anticipation.
The Zone, indeed, is something that only selected individuals can enter. Even with his high overall abilities, Shōgo can't touch what it is. Throughout the Miracle Generation, only Daiki possesses that ability, making others merely a joke.
Without Daiki's guidance and breaking the ground first, others wouldn't even think about entering the Zone. All they can do is stand on the shoulders of the giant Daiki, nothing more. This includes the current Shōgo as well.
This is not self-deprecation, it's being realistic.