Kuroko's Basketball: I'm not the boss?

Takeuchi didn't mince words, stating directly, "It's just as you think. They are members of the Japanese U22 national youth basketball team. They came to play a training match with us to find out if Kise's abilities are good enough to join the national youth team."

（体育小知识：U22代表under22，意思是22岁以下的成员，U22男篮国青队就代表22岁以下的国青队成员，最高不得超过22岁。）

"Ryota's talent is more than enough to get him into the national youth team, let alone the national team. But I have another question: why bring me along? Would the national youth team even consider me?"

Xiang Yang asked the question that had been on his mind. He didn't mind joining the national team, but he was still puzzled. Even the starting point guards of championship teams were only at the high school level. Moreover, his talent was really average, or even terrible.

Takeuchi smoothed his hair and said in a deep voice, "It's undeniable that your athletic ability is quite average. Whether it's height or wingspan, you're at the lowest level among basketball players."

Xiang Yang didn't speak. He knew that after Takeuchi's belittling remarks, there would likely be a "but."

as expected

"But you are very smart, Xiangyang. You are the most experienced high school player I have ever seen. I believe that with your ability, you can shine even in a place like the national team, even if you are not as good as others in terms of natural talent."

Takeuchi's tone was very sincere, and he didn't mean to fool Xiangyang at all. He wanted to say something more, but Xiangyang waved him off.

"Tell me those words again after I finish my practice match, Coach."

Chapter 72 U22 Men's National Youth Basketball Team

"Next, the training match between Haichang and the Kings is about to begin. Players from both sides, please line up to greet each other!"

Standing in the middle of the field, Takeuchi spoke loudly and excitedly, seemingly thrilled by his rare refereeing career.

"Please advise!"

Xiang Yang looked at the nearly 190cm tall member of the national youth team in front of him. Judging by his height, he should be playing point guard. Because he was the shortest one there…

"Wow, it's so high!"

Kobo looked at his opponent, who was a full half-head taller than him. Kobo's height is over 198 cm, and he is considered a good rebounder among high school students. But this time, his opponent was over 2 meters tall!

Even the person opposite Kasamatsu and Kise was more than half a head taller than them!

"In terms of average height... we're completely outmatched," Xiang Yang clicked his tongue in amazement.

Although it was supposed to be a tribute segment, the casual actions of the national youth team members revealed that these guys didn't show them any respect.

Xiangyang could understand this. He was in a different position. If he were forced to compete against a national champion in a junior high school competition, he would also feel bored, even if the junior high school competition was at the national level.

"What's going on? All the opponents are so short, it's so uninspiring."

A member of the national youth team yawned nonchalantly, without even lowering his voice.

"You're lucky. Look at my opponent! With that height and wingspan, he can't even dribble the ball, right? How can a guy like that win a championship? I think young people these days are getting worse and worse," Xiangyang's opponent said with a look of disdain.

This conversation, without any concealment or deletion, reached the ears of everyone in Haichang.

Xiangyang turned around expressionlessly and glanced at the person, memorizing their jersey number—number one, perhaps? I can't pretend I didn't hear what they said next.

"Damn it, these guys are so condescending! Just because you're tall doesn't mean you're superior."

Kise frowned slightly and complained softly. Kasamatsu didn't say anything, but lowered his center of gravity. Even he would be angry to hear such words. Kohori snorted and rolled up his sleeves, secretly vowing to give the other side a hard time during the jump ball.

Xiangyang licked his lips, rested his hands on his knees, and waited quietly for the match to begin.

Takeuchi slowly walked to the center circle of the jump ball. As the referee, he was responsible for tossing the ball to both teams during the jump ball.

Beep—

As the whistle blew, Takeuchi tossed the ball high into the air and then quickly retreated from the field.

Kogoro let out a roar and jumped with all his might; his jumping ability was absolutely outstanding among high school students.

however…

The opposing center casually jumped, getting ahead of Kogoro, and flicked the ball away.

The national youth team's number one player received the ball, didn't even use a hand signal, and dribbled directly across half-court. He looked at Xiang Yang in front of him, a contemptuous smile appearing on his lips. He raised his hands high, making an exaggerated opening gesture; he was going to take on Xiang Yang one-on-one.

Seeing his appearance, Xiangyang couldn't help but laugh.

Your pull-out motion was pretty good, but taking both hands off the basketball at the same time was really underestimating me.

Talent: Bullying the weak and avoiding the strong has been activated.

This

Your all-around defensive capabilities increase when facing the opponent's lowest-scoring player.

(The shame of Jingkang remains unavenged; the hatred of the subjects, when will it end? One must choose the softest persimmon.)

This is one of the new talents Xiang Yang gained after defeating Luo Shan. It has to be said, this talent is very much to his liking; not only does it compensate for his weak defense, but he also really likes the name. Moreover, when all five opposing players score the same, he'll receive this boost no matter who he's guarding!

Basketball, to put it simply, is about exploiting strengths and weaknesses. For a team's playmaker, this is even more crucial. Only a madman would try to attack the opponent's strongest player; to win easily, you should target the opponent's weakest! Bullying the weak and fearing the strong? For a point guard, this is called strategic play!

Seeing the smug expression on the face of the national youth team's number one player, Xiang Yang suddenly launched a sneak attack! His all-around defensive ability not only increased his steals and blocks, but also increased his foot speed.

Unfortunately, the national youth team's number one player reacted quickly. Even though he underestimated Xiang Yang, he still managed to grab the basketball in time. But Xiang Yang's move really startled him.

His face showed anger. After passing the ball back to his teammate, he immediately reached out for the ball, determined to get back at his opponent.

Seeing that he had been thwarted, the others were very accommodating and simply lobbed the ball over.

The national youth team's number one player received the ball, lowered his center of gravity, and began to observe Xiang Yang's defense.

Xiang Yang looked at him and a mocking smile appeared on his lips. He then pulled up his trouser legs with both hands at the same time.

Talent: Pulling up pants for defense activated. (Bullying the weak and avoiding the strong is activated, effects stack.)

In an instant, a strong defensive pressure pressed down on the national youth team's number one player. He was momentarily dazed, and Xiang Yang seized this momentary opening, immediately pressing forward with a cross-cut and successfully stealing the ball! Not everyone can have a strong heart.

Kise and Kasamatsu reacted quickly, rushing towards the opponent's frontcourt as soon as they saw Xiangyang score. The national youth team's defensive speed was also fast, but they still couldn't cope with the three-man fast break.

Xiangyang, who was dribbling at the top of the arc while observing the defense, found an opportunity to pass to Kise, who had slipped to the baseline. Kise's expression sharpened, and he jumped up and slammed the ball down for a score!

Takeuchi immediately signaled to the scorer's table that the two points were valid.

Kise ran over with a smile in his eyes and gave Xiangyang a high five. Kasamatsu also left an approving look as he walked past Xiangyang. Xiangyang shook his head and looked at the number one national youth team player, the meaning of which was self-evident.

"What are you doing, letting that little potato steal the ball?"

A member of the national youth team came over and patted number one on the back, jokingly saying that he didn't understand the seriousness of the problem and only thought that number one was too careless.

The national youth team's number one player's face turned red, but he stubbornly said, "Stop talking nonsense! I was just careless. Pass the ball to me, and I'll fake him out for you."

Hai Chang scored, and possession returned to the national youth team.

The national youth team's number one player still didn't signal his teammates to make a move, but instead charged straight at Xiang Yang, determined to get revenge.

Xiang Yang let out a soft breath and lowered his body again, pulling up his trouser legs. A sense of oppression once more enveloped the national youth team's number one player.

This time, the national youth team's number one player regained his senses. A bead of cold sweat trickled down his face, and he was terrified: This guy! That wasn't a coincidence...

The national youth team's number one player was confident that Xiang Yang's defensive ability was outstanding, and he was no match for him in a one-on-one situation. He made a few symbolic dribbling moves and then passed the ball to his teammate.

"Hey? Aren't you going to hit him?"

The teammates were puzzled. Given the number one's personality, he would definitely try to regain his dignity after losing face, so why did he pass the ball on his own initiative?

"Stop talking nonsense! The 24-second shot clock is almost up!"

The national youth team's number one player had a dark expression on his face, pondering how to switch defensive positions with his teammates. In his mind, he had already defined Xiang Yang as a tough opponent.

His teammates didn't say anything more. After a few dribbles, they shifted Kasamatsu's center of gravity, then he broke through to the inside, faced Kohori's help defense, raised the ball high, gently flicked it, and scored with a floater.

The score was tied 2-2.

In Haichang's offensive possession, Xiang Yang received the serve and advanced towards the frontcourt. Like the national youth team's number one, he did not signal his Haichang teammates to make a run. Instead, he made a gesture of spreading out as he walked, and at the same time, he smiled and nodded to the national youth team's number one.

Sorry, I specifically called your name. I want to play you one-on-one.

……

(Just to clarify the update schedule, I usually release one chapter at 12 noon and one chapter at 6 pm, and I will release the extra chapters for the week at midnight on Monday!)

I still owe ten chapters... I think I should be able to pay them off this month.

Chapter 73 Hashimoto Yuki

That bastard!

The national youth team's number one player's face darkened. After all, he was a member of the national youth team, and he was being provoked by a high school student? Who could tolerate this? He certainly couldn't!

He stepped forward and waved to Xiangyang, thinking to himself: This short guy is good at defense, but he definitely can't beat me! His physical advantage is overwhelming.

No problem! I can handle it!

Thinking of this, Number One even revealed a confident smile.

Xiang Yang didn't pay any attention, lowered his body and slowly dribbled closer, then suddenly accelerated and attacked the left side of the national youth team's number one player. The number one player reacted quickly and immediately turned around to defend him, while feeling smug in his heart: Little brat, you have no chance at all in the face of such an absolute physical difference.

As Xiang Yang was breaking through, he sensed pressure coming from his right. Instead of panicking, he pulled back a few steps with a groin movement.

The national youth team's number one player regained his balance and pressed forward towards Xiang Yang once again.

As Xiang Yang dribbled the ball between his legs and retreated, he observed the defense of the national youth team's number one player and couldn't help but admire him: This guy's defensive skills are really solid. In the national competition, he would be a player of at least five caliber.

A textbook defense, how about we do some extra practice questions?

Talent: The Birth of an Actor has begun.

Any controversial call will subconsciously favor you, increasing your ability to draw fouls.

(Sometimes you're just a few free throws away from becoming a superstar!)

Xiang Yang slightly adjusted his dribbling position to ensure that referee Takeuchi on the sidelines could see him clearly, and then moved closer to number one.

Upon noticing Xiang Yang's movements, Number One was taken aback. This kid not only didn't avoid me during my breakthrough, but he also dared to come up to me on his own? Does he really think I can't beat him?

A sinister smile flashed across the face of the national youth team's number one player as he also moved closer to Xiang Yang. He wanted to show this guy just how deadly the difference in physical ability could be!

As expected, Xiangyang's resistance did not shake the defense of Number One at all. On the contrary, Xiangyang himself was pushed off balance and lost his footing. Number One's face lit up with joy. He had succeeded! He quickly reached out his right hand and snatched the basketball from Xiangyang's hand.

At this critical moment, Xiang Yang, instead of being alarmed, smiled and jumped up using the momentum of the rebound. At the same time, he held the ball in both hands, circled it, and raised it to shoot. Number One's outstretched arm hit Xiang Yang's elbow joint.

beep—

As Takeuchi blew his whistle, his gaze toward Xiangyang was filled with approval.

That was a very clever shot.

Taking advantage of the Chinese youth team's attempt to steal the ball, they drew a shooting foul.