A new day, yawning, walking into the classroom, and plopping down onto his seat.
Taking the homework book and notebook, Shōgo began diligently copying.
Quickly finishing the copying, Shōgo returned the homework book but then received a gray notebook passed from Rina in front.
Looking at the gray notebook, Shōgo was filled with anticipation.
Opening the notebook, each page contained a detailed description of a person, two ability charts, two data tables, and a final comprehensive score.
The two ability charts were physical fitness data and basketball ability data, which were very clear and detailed.
The two data tables provided further explanations and references for the ability charts, making them meaningful.
The final comprehensive score was based on the two ability charts and data from the tables, though the specific scores were not listed yet, the general direction was visible.
Returning the gray notebook and patting Rina's shoulder, Shōgo turned his head and, in a trance for less than a second, happily said:
"Keep it up, Rina-chan, you're amazing!"
"Thank you, Shōgo-kun! Do I need to make any changes to my data?"
"I think not for now. If you need to make changes later, you can modify them based on the problems you encounter during your recording."
"Okay, I understand!"
Looking at Rina who had already turned away, and looking at her beautiful back and rose-colored long hair, Shōgo suddenly felt that transferring to Fukuda Junior High was such a correct decision.
With Fukuda's match schedule ending early, Shōgo felt much more relaxed. Without the urgency of preparing for matches, he oddly felt that his progress was even faster.
Was this an illusion? Or was this what they call "going with the flow"?
Shōgo wasn't sure, he could only keep honing himself from the basics, solidly improving his physical and basketball abilities.
Continuously refining his fundamental basketball moves, many advanced techniques were derived from these basic moves. The most obvious example was Shintarō's three-point shot.
After shooting three-pointers frequently, at the moment the basketball left the shooter's hand, the shooter would know whether the ball would go in or not.
This was a representation of a technique bordering on the realm of the Tao. Shōgo firmly believed in this, so he could only keep refining his basketball skills.
...
Days became relaxed and routine once again.
Every day after basketball club practice, he would head to the judo dojo or the combat training center. His life was practical and grounded.
Combat training center, on the arena.
This was a place Shōgo rarely talked to others about his experiences because, for a long time, he was just a junior here, beaten every time he came.
Only recently did he start to become powerful and capable of exchanging blows with others.
"One left hook, one right hook, someone who provokes me is in danger…"
To the fast-paced music, Shōgo blocked the flying knee strike from the coach across from him, avoiding a very dangerous move.
While the coach hadn't turned around yet, Shōgo followed up by countering with a front kick, kicking the coach back.
"Shōgo-kun, not bad. After being beaten up for over a year, you've finally learned to fight back."
"Hehe, still a long way to go, coach."
"Shōgo-kun, you're being humble. There are very few people in the club who can practice against you now."
"Those losers are afraid of getting beaten up by me!"
"Hahaha!! Young man, everyone goes through that phase. You could treat newcomers the same way."
"Not interested!"
Shōgo stopped sparring with his combat training coach, took off his gloves, and stepped down from the arena, both drinking water together.
"Coach, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead, don't beat around the bush!"
"Does our club have a coach who can teach weapons handling? I want to learn how to use weapons, real knives, and guns."
"What? Say that again."
"I want to learn how to use weapons, real knives, and guns."
"Shōgo-kun, why do you want to learn that stuff?"
"Self-defense, coach."
"Self-defense? What do you mean? You're already so skilled in combat training, isn't that enough for self-defense? Do you need weapons?"
"No, coach. You see, I'm planning to participate in a wilderness survival challenge during the summer break. I've already signed up, so I want to learn weapon skills, just in case."
"Wilderness survival challenge? Are you crazy? Do you know how dangerous that kind of activity is? Your family isn't lacking in a bit of prize money."
Shōgo took a big sip of water and told his combat training coach, Yamamoto Daichou.
"Coach Yamamoto, it's not about the prize money. I want to see where my limits are and see if there's something within me."
"Something within you? What do you mean?"
"Like courage…"
Coach Yamamoto looked at Shōgo. This middle school student had come to his combat training dojo a year ago. Initially, he thought Shōgo was here out of interest, curiosity, or just to show off.
But after some training, he realized Shōgo was genuinely here to learn. Furthermore, his growth rate was astonishing. This was why he told the club members to continuously spar with this young man.
However, today's young man once again made him take notice. Ordinary punches and kicks were no longer enough to satisfy him.
Coach Yamamoto thought for a moment, looking at Shōgo who was full of anticipation, and said:
"I know a Japanese-Chinese person who is not only proficient in knife skills but also well-versed in traditional Chinese spear techniques. If you're interested, come here after school tomorrow."
"Alright! I won't miss it."
Having received the answer he wanted, Shōgo cheerfully went to take a shower and change clothes.
In preparation for the wilderness survival challenge he had already signed up for, Shōgo had been getting ready for survival.
This so-called wilderness survival challenge was something he discovered by chance a few days ago while having coffee with Rina and Rei.
When the three of them left, Shōgo took the poster they had seen, which detailed the wilderness survival challenge along with the $200,000 reward and, of course, the $5,000 registration fee.
Of course, Shōgo wasn't going for the $200,000 prize. He was drawn to the challenge itself.
At the same time, he wanted to test a little idea within himself. The environment he needed to test this idea was perfectly suited for the wilderness survival challenge.
So he registered for the event, leading to the events of today.
In Shōgo's view, with his learning ability and the special nature of his "Pillage" skill, he should be able to learn quickly.
Furthermore, he had completely familiarized himself with and integrated himself into this world. It was time to take some time to explore this world.
That was Shōgo's idea.