NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: The Destiny Choice System
Kanagawa, Noguchi Park.
Qin Houichi sat on the sidelines, catching his breath after a round of street basketball. His gaze fixed on the court, fists clenched tightly.
The short-haired player dominating the game was leagues ahead of him.
"So strong… I couldn't even come close. And he wasn't even trying his hardest."
As a time-traveler, Qin Houichi instantly recognized the man before him—Sawakita Eiji, the monster hailed as Japan's top high school basketball player.
Though he had just finished his middle school basketball career, with only a top-eight finish in the prefectural tournament, Sawakita was already making waves. He hadn't even chosen a high school yet and was just playing street basketball with his teammates before graduation. It was shocking to run into such a boss-level character here.
Three years ago, Qin Houichi had been transported to the world of Slam Dunk.
Basketball in this world was far beyond the level of his previous life. High school players here could rival NBA professionals.
And Sawakita…
Houichi draped a towel over his head, sweat dripping from his face.
"He's too strong… I can't even figure out his moves."
Houichi's skills were at best equivalent to a middle school team captain in the top eight—a far cry from a superstar. Watching Sawakita casually dominate the court, Houichi felt an intense unwillingness deep inside.
"Don't get cocky. When we meet at the nationals, I'll crush you!" he muttered, clenching his fists tightly.
If he was going to exist in this world, he had to leave his mark on the game—his youth depended on it.
The cool breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soft background hum.
"Excuse me, are you really good at basketball?"
A soft, bell-like voice interrupted his thoughts.
Turning around, he saw a girl in a simple white T-shirt standing under the shade of a tree. Her wide, sparkling eyes were filled with a mix of hope and shyness.
It was Haruko Akagi.
"Good?" Houichi repeated, images of Kanagawa's basketball geniuses flashing in his mind. He quickly waved his hand. "No, no, I'm not good."
"You're so humble," Haruko said, her eyes narrowing into cheerful crescents.
She stepped closer, tilting her head to compare their heights.
"You're really tall! You're about the same height as Rukawa-kun."
"Maybe about the same," Houichi replied casually.
"I've seen you play! You're a third-year from Hikaru Middle School, right? You were amazing in the tournament, even though your team lost in the top eight!"
Houichi shrugged, brushing off her compliment. He knew where this conversation was heading—Haruko wanted to recruit him to Shohoku High to help her brother, Akagi, dominate the national tournament.
What a joke. This wasn't even the main story year yet, and Shohoku's basketball team was a mess.
Mitsui had just turned into a delinquent, and both he and Miyagi would be hospitalized within a month. Aside from Akagi and Kogure, the team was full of amateurs just looking to get fit.
Joining Shohoku would ruin his basketball career.
And as a small forward, he'd eventually be replaced by Rukawa Kaede anyway.
By contrast, powerhouse schools like Kainan or Shoyo were far better options for him.
"If you're here to ask me to join Shohoku's basketball team, forget it," Houichi said bluntly.
"Eh?" Haruko blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"
She wasn't wearing a school uniform, so there were no outward clues.
"Just a wild guess," Houichi said nonchalantly. Given Haruko's innocent nature, she wouldn't suspect anything odd.
"Why not? Do you already have a high school in mind?"
Truthfully, Houichi hadn't seriously considered it yet. With his family's background, he could choose any school in Kanagawa without much trouble.
He joked, "Unless you agree to be my girlfriend, I'm not considering Shohoku."
Haruko's cheeks turned pink, her gaze darting around nervously. "So sudden…"
"Houichi! It's our turn!" a teammate called from the court.
Sawakita's team had left after dominating a round, leaving Houichi's team to reclaim the court.
Houichi grabbed his towel and prepared to step back onto the court.
Just as he was about to join the game, Haruko called out again, her voice firm yet trembling.
"If… if you can win the national championship, I'll agree to be your girlfriend!"
Houichi froze mid-step and turned to look at her, stunned.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long across the court, overlapping slightly.
"If you lead Shohoku to the national championship, I'll date you!" Haruko repeated, her voice steady and determined.
For a moment, everything went dark around him, leaving only Haruko in view. Then, scenes from the Slam Dunk manga flickered in his mind.
"Do you love basketball?""
I do! I really do! This time, I'm not lying!"
"Coach, I want to play basketball!"
A mechanical voice broke through his thoughts.
"At the crossroads of destiny, every choice you make will shape your future. How will you decide?"
"The Destiny Choice System has been activated!"
In the darkness, a translucent interface resembling a game's data panel appeared before him.
[Qin Houichi]
Height: 187 cm
Speed: 55
Stamina: 60
Rebounding: 40
Close-Range Shooting: 60
Mid-Range Shooting: 50
Three-Point Shooting: 40
Dunking: 70
Passing: 55
Steals: 15
Dribbling: 60
Potential Value: 0.05
Skills: None
Note: Average player stats are 50. Potential value reflects how much stats improve through training.
[System Notice]
"Major decision detected. Choices are now available."
Laugh at Haruko along with others. Reward: "Thick Skin" Skill
Reject Haruko outright and declare your intent to join Kainan. Reward: "Formless Shot" Skill
Accept Haruko's request and agree to join Shohoku. Reward: "Genius Talent" (Trial Version)
Houichi stared at the options, his mind racing.
The first reward was useless trash.
The second, Formless Shot, was a versatile skill resembling Aomine Daiki's style—effective, but not game-breaking in the Slam Dunk world. Sawakita's precise shooting was already unstoppable; flashy moves didn't guarantee success.
The third reward, Genius Talent, was different.
Unlike skills, which were situational, this talent promised growth. It offered exponential improvement, the potential to unlock new abilities, and even surpass the competition.
To dominate the national tournament—or even dream of the NBA—true strength was essential.