"Shih Tzus? You named us Shih Tzus?" Sunny whispered as they lined up in front of their team name.
The other Shizi players also turned to Kai with humorless expressions, feeling even more ashamed of their name.
Tigers, Thunders, Bears, Anchors, and other cool team names surrounded theirs, making their cute names stand out even more.
"Shih Tzus are cute," Kai shrugged, not finding a problem with their team name. "Besides, it's the closest to our school name. I can't really use our official school name when we didn't even inform the principal."
The five other players shook their heads as the people speculated who their team was.
"Who's that? Why are there eleven teams this year?"
"Yeah, isn't it usually ten teams?"
"And what's with their name—Shih Tzus? That's quite cute."
"I don't recognize that tall guy."
"What do you mean? That's Grandma Bingbing's grandson! The one who always delivers onions."
"Oh my. That troublemaker kid? I hope my son doesn't play with their team."
"His body is amazing. I never thought he'd have such muscles since he always wears loose clothing."
"He's with Shizi, huh? I'm not expecting a lot, then. They're probably the worst team in the district."
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!" the commentator exclaimed, making everybody cheer in their seats.
"We are glad to welcome all of you to 'League of the Legends: Battle of the Handsome Balls.' This is an annual league here in Richgate, sponsored by none other than our very own residents!"
The crowd erupted into cheers while Kai shook his head in amusement. The people here definitely lived up to their neighborhood's name. The fact that they could host a league of such caliber was a testament to their social status.
"It's going to be a night filled with thrilling action and jaw-dropping plays! But before we get into the heart-pounding games, let's introduce the esteemed individuals at the Professional Scorers' Table."
The first man stood from his seat with a smug smile. The crowd erupted into applause as the commentator continued.
"First up, we have the legendary Lei Xiao! A retired basketball player who needs no introduction. Lei represented Feng Arts High during the Interhigh Nationals in 1996, leaving a legacy that the city still knows of today!"
The applause intensified as Lei waved graciously to the crowd, acknowledging their cheers.
"And next," the commentator announced, "is a figure who commands respect both on and off the court. Please welcome Guanyu Chen!"
Other players went on their tiptoes to get a glance at the very tall man. Thankfully, with his current height, Kai just had to crane his neck to get a better look at Guanyu Chen.
He was the same man whom Kai delivered onions to on his first week of transmigration.
Contrary to Lei, Guanyu had a poker face on, and he only waved briefly as the commentator continued his introduction.
"Guanyu Chen is not only the main sponsor of tonight's event but also the coach of Yin Yang High, the six-time champion in the Interhigh Preliminaries and semi-finalists in the Interhigh Nationals!"
The crowd erupted into cheers once again, showing their appreciation for Guanyu Chen's contributions to the sport.
Meanwhile, Kai's eyebrows raised in surprise. He knew that the man exuded a different aura, but he never expected him to be the coach of Yin Yang High!
He glanced behind the other players and found that they were looking at Guanyu with bright eyes, some of them hoping to be recruited into the team. Actually, that was what most of the players who joined were aiming for.
Yin Yang High was a basketball powerhouse in their city, and getting into the team was a privilege that only a few could experience.
"Now," the commentator continued. "Let's get down to business. But before we kick off the games, let's go over the rules. This is a single-elimination tournament, folks. Once you lose, you're out! No second chances here!"
He paused for dramatic effect before elaborating on the method of determining the match-ups.
"And to ensure fairness, we'll be deciding the match-ups randomly through the fishbowl method!"
"It's random?" Dylan exclaimed, looking at his teammates with wide eyes.
Meanwhile, the other teams quickly gazed toward the Shih Tzus, a collective thought going through their minds.
They looked at their team like predators with their prey, hoping to get matched up with who they perceived was the weakest team in the league.
Kai placed his hand inside his pocket and clenched them into a fist.
'They're looking down on us,' he thought, observing their belittling gazes.
The crowd murmured with anticipation as the commentator reached into the fishbowl, swirling the papers around before plucking out two at random.
"First up," he announced, unfolding the paper, "we have the Feng Falcons!"
Kai covered his ears in surprise when the crowd erupted into deafening screams. Then, as he glanced at the team at the very middle—the supposed 'model line' of Feng Arts High, he quickly understood what the screams were for.
They were, undoubtedly, the most popular team to join the league.
"And their opponents…" the commentator continued, unfolding the second paper.
For a second, the commentator stared at the piece of paper, wondering if the words written inside were a joke or not.
"...are the Shih Tzus?"
A ripple of laughter swept through the crowd at the unexpected name, most of them thinking that the game was good as over.
Peng Yang confidently held out his hands to his teammates for a high five.
"Lucky," the other players sighed, disappointed that they didn't get to play with the Shih Tzus in the first round.
"Now…let the games begin!"