As Shirayama stared at the system interface, his face lit up with excitement. "This is insane… It's just like that thread yesterday!"
The post he had argued over so fiercely on Facelook had turned into reality.
"Did someone really throw Kuroko Tetsuya into the Slam Dunk world to prove a point?"
Shirayama couldn't believe it.
He had the Kuroko no Basuke system.
He had hair with an iconic color.
Everything was falling into place perfectly.
As a loyal Kuroko no Basuke fan, Shirayama firmly believed in the supremacy of the "Kuroko Universe."
Even Kuroko Tetsuya, often labeled the weakest character in Kuroko no Basuke, would easily dominate in the world of Slam Dunk.
With a calm but confident smile, Shirayama muttered to himself: "I'm just a shadow?"
"No… from now on, call me The God of Support!"
Throughout the entire lesson, Shirayama delved into the system, discovering something shocking.
Kuroko Tetsuya wasn't just any player—he had a special chosen physique.
[Unique Chosen Physique – The God of Support]
The brighter the light, the stronger the shadow.
In the presence of a "low presence" shadow, the potential of the "light" is developed more easily. The shadow grows darker as the light becomes stronger.
Shirayama marveled at the explanation.
"So that's why Kuroko improved so much! It makes perfect sense!"
He now understood his role in this world.
To be the shadow, he needed a light to support.
"Rukawa Kaede, Sakuragi Hanamichi… they're perfect targets for me!"
But first, Shirayama had to take action—he needed to join the basketball team immediately.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class.
Kawai Mari, the class representative, approached him with a friendly smile. "Shirayama-kun, come with me."
"Huh? Where to?"
"You're a transfer student, so of course you need to participate in club activities. As the class rep, I'll take you around."
"Oh, I see. Well, I'll be in your care, Kawai-san."
"No need to be so formal!"
In Japanese high schools, club activities were mandatory. Since Shirayama hadn't joined a club yet, Kawai Mari took it upon herself to guide him.
Her actions sparked jealousy among the other girls.
"Ugh, how unfair!"
"The class rep is abusing her authority again!"
"I saw him first!"
As Shirayama followed Mari out of the classroom, the system notification chimed in his mind.
[Ding!]
[Newbie Mission: Use "Misdirection" twice.]
[Reward: Platinum Treasure Chest]
As they walked through the bustling school, Mari asked, "So, Shirayama-kun, what club are you interested in joining?"
"I'm fine with anything," he replied casually.
"Well, since you transferred from Sannoh High School, the reigning basketball champions, you must be good at basketball, right?"
"Uh… I can play a little."
"A little? Then you should join the basketball team! It'll be a great place to improve your skills."
"Sure, why not?"
Under Mari's guidance, they headed toward the basketball club's recruitment area.
The lively atmosphere of the Shōhoku campus surrounded them.
Students rushed about, chatting and joking.
"Fujii-san, slow down!"
"I can't! Haruko's starving, and I need to grab her lunchbox!"
"Ah, Horita Tokunao is coming through. Get out of the way!"
"Hey, watch it! Block my path, and you'll regret it!"
Near the crowded snack shop:
"One popsicle, please."
"Boss, we're with Sakuragi. Five popsicles!"
"Get lost! Who do you think you are?"
"Excuse me, one popsicle, thanks."
And, of course, the ever-present group of girls trailing after a certain someone:
"Ah, Rukawa Kaede!"
"Rukawa-kun, I love you!"
"Rukawa is the most handsome guy in the universe!"
Mari's expression soured as she watched the commotion surrounding Rukawa.
She muttered, "Tch, that guy is so full of himself. Annoying and shallow."
Turning to Shirayama, she offered a word of advice. "Shirayama-kun, you should stay away from people like Rukawa Kaede. He's nothing but trouble."
However, when she turned to look at him, Shirayama had disappeared.
"Shirayama-kun?" she called out, confused.
From behind her, Shirayama's voice replied, "I'm here."
Startled, Mari turned to see him holding a popsicle and sucking on it happily.
"Wha—? When did you get that? I didn't even notice!"
"Oh, a friendly classmate gave it to me," Shirayama replied casually.
The truth was, he had picked it up while passing by the snack shop. He didn't mean to take it without paying, but before he could, the crowd had pushed him away. Hopefully, that red-haired student nearby would settle the bill.
[Newbie Mission: Use "Misdirection" twice.]
[Progress: 1/2]
Mari sighed, assuming Shirayama's popularity was natural. "Well, Shirayama-kun, it seems like people really like you."
To her, Shirayama was charming, kind, and much more deserving of attention than someone like Rukawa Kaede. The sight of Rukawa's fan club made her blood boil.
As a reporter, she felt compelled to expose the "truth" about that arrogant star.
"Shirayama-kun, the recruitment area is just ahead. I'll leave you here for now."
"Okay, thanks for your help, Kawai-san."
With that, Mari hurried off, camera in hand, likely to gather evidence against Rukawa.
Shirayama chuckled as he watched her enthusiastic departure. He then turned his attention to the fan girls trailing Rukawa, their sheer energy causing the star player visible frustration.
"Having too many fans can be such a headache," Shirayama mused. "I wouldn't want to be like Rukawa. One fan is enough for me."
At this time, a young and beautiful figure appeared not far away...