Slam Dunk: Starting with the Kuroko Tetsuya Template

"Interested in joining the Human Observation Club? Come check it out!"

"Reading Club, Reading Club! Welcome to all juniors who love light novels!"

"Want to become stronger? Join the Judo Club! This year, we're aiming for the national championship!"

At the recruitment fair, various clubs were actively promoting themselves, attracting many new students.

The atmosphere was lively and exciting.

However, the basketball club's booth stood out in an unexpected way—there wasn't much of a crowd.

The reason was obvious. The Shohoku basketball team wasn't very strong, so the freshmen weren't particularly interested.

Yet, amidst the quiet booth, one figure stood out, tirelessly trying to recruit members.

"Hey, come take a look at the basketball club!"

"You look strong; it'd be a shame not to play basketball."

"You're too thin; basketball would help you build strength!"

At the basketball club's recruitment table, Akagi Haruko was putting in her all.

Her brother was the captain of the basketball team, and to help him recruit members, she had volunteered to stay late and assist.

"Five spots left. We're still short by three."

"Haruko, hang in there!"

"Who knows? Maybe I'll discover the next genius player!"

Sweat covered her forehead, but her energy remained boundless.

That was until a poorly timed sound interrupted her efforts.

"Guuu~~~"

It was a hot afternoon, and she'd left her lunchbox upstairs in the classroom. She was now truly tired, hungry, hot, and thirsty.

'Fujii, hurry and come back! I'm going to starve!'

As if things couldn't get worse, something even more irritating happened.

"Slurp, slurp, slurp…"

Members of other clubs were casually enjoying popsicles under their sunshades.

No matter how energetic Haruko was, her morale took a serious hit.

'Ughhh…'

'If only a boy with a popsicle would appear in front of me right now…'

'I'd definitely tell him, "I'm yours!"'

Her throat involuntarily gulped at the thought.

Unable to resist the craving, Haruko quietly turned away to avoid the sight altogether.

But just as she turned around, her foot caught on something.

She stumbled, losing her balance.

"Ah!"

"Careful!"

Fortunately, a cute blue-haired boy caught her with one arm.

Haruko blinked up at her 'rescuer.'

'What an adorable boy!'

'Huh? He's holding a popsicle?'

'Is this destiny?'

In just one glance, Haruko felt her heart flutter. For a moment, she even forgot about her long-time crush, Rukawa Kaede.

At the same time, Shirayama was sizing up the girl in his arms.

Akagi Haruko—she was the basketball goddess of the '80s and '90s! She looked even more beautiful in person than in his dreams.

A petite figure, shoulder-length silky hair, fair skin, big expressive eyes, dressed in her school uniform—she radiated youthful energy.

Lively and adorable, she was simply irresistible.

Soft, small, and fragrant, holding her felt surprisingly nice.

'Uh-oh, this feels like love!'

As Shirayama's heart raced, a notification popped up.

[Ding!]

[Second "Visual Guidance" successfully executed.]

[Congratulations! You've obtained a Platinum Treasure Chest.]

[Would you like to open it?]

"Open it."

[Congratulations! You've acquired the skill: 'Vanishing Dribble.']

Just as Shirayama was about to check the skill's description—

"Ouch!"

The girl in his arms started pinching and poking him. She pinched his arm, patted his stomach, and even squeezed his thigh...

It was Haruko's "talent scout" instincts kicking in. She had a habit of instinctively examining anyone she met.

But her hand wandered dangerously close to a sensitive area on Shirayama's thigh.

If this continued, things could spiral out of control.

To stop her, Shirayama lightly tapped her cheek with the popsicle in his hand.

"Ah!"

The icy sensation startled Haruko, and she quickly pulled away from his embrace.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm yours~"

Her sudden response left Shirayama baffled.

'Wait, did I mishear her because of the heat?'

Taking a few more slurps of his popsicle, Shirayama looked at her with concern.

"Your face is so red. Are you running a fever?"

"Eh?"

Haruko froze, staring at him and the half-eaten popsicle in his hand.

'Oh no, did I just say my inner thoughts out loud?!'

What's worse, he wasn't even offering her the popsicle.

He was almost done eating it—without sharing a single bite!

'Not even one bite!'

'So stingy! Hmph!'

Her eyes filled with indignation, but Shirayama still couldn't figure out what was wrong.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Uh, what I meant to say was, 'Thank you.' Thank you for saving me."

By now, Shirayama had finished his popsicle, and Haruko was back to her senses.

She shifted back into her "talent scout" mode, sizing him up.

Shirayama looked young—he had the appearance of a freshman.

While he didn't have the build of a star athlete, Haruko felt an unexplainable urge to invite him to the basketball team.

So, she asked, "Excuse me, do you like basketball?"

"I love it—absolutely love it."