Chapter 008: The next day, it was all about watching Tinh Hai Tuong Lai clang and forge iron~
"It really is all effort and sweat..."
Clang~
Clang~
Clang~
As the last three-pointer was released, the ball playfully bounced on the rim three times before finally, after a last gentle touch, rolling into the net. The striking numbers in Hoshiumi Mì's mind finally settled at zero.
[0]
[00:19]
With only 19 minutes remaining, Hoshiumi Mì, relying solely on his willpower after depleting his stamina, had managed to grind through the 'Effort and Sweat Mission'.
On the system panel.
The video package for 'Future Preview' instantly switched. The highlight moments from yesterday's game disappeared, replaced by footage of today's training session, of him repeating shots over and over, sweat pouring down like rain. The small tag in the bottom-right corner that originally read 'Played' had now changed to 'Try Not to Miss'.
"I did it!"
A strong sense of accomplishment welled up in his heart, making him blurt it out unconsciously.
[Try Not to Miss: 45% average three-point percentage in games]
This achievement, earned through hard work, while not as outrageous as the 80% from yesterday's 'Almost Never Misses' preview, was definitely enough to be considered a top-tier three-point shooter, being able to consistently maintain a 45% three-point percentage in games.
Even someone as great as Stephen Curry never reached a 45% career three-point percentage.
Of course... comparing a sci-fi level basketball setting like Kuroko's Basketball to reality was a bit unfair. After all, once he blossomed, Shintaro Midorima had an unreasonable 100% accuracy as long as his form didn't change, and his terrifying range covered the entire court, making any shot from any corner a deadly threat.
But his current self wasn't bad either.
At least... he was almost halfway to Midorima's level, wasn't he?
"Haaah..."
Hoshiumi Mì let out a long breath, as if trying to expel all the accumulated fatigue from his lungs.
At the same time, his entire body felt like its bones had been removed, and he collapsed directly onto the floor.
He was completely exhausted from that whole process. Especially the last 10 shots, which took an exaggerated 60-plus attempts. His accuracy was abysmal, not even reaching 15%.
Nearing the completion of the mission, every clank of the rim felt like a hammer blow to his heart, making him anxious and panicked.
"Haaah..."
He gasped for air.
His chest heaved violently.
The moment the mission was completed, the tightly wound string in his heart suddenly snapped. An overwhelming wave of fatigue instantly submerged him, and only then did he realize he was so tired he couldn't even move a finger.
He panted for a full five minutes, feeling the blood slowly flow back into his numb limbs. A contented smile slowly crept onto Hoshiumi Mì's lips.
He came back to his senses.
He looked around.
Only then did he realize all the club members were watching him, expressions of shock written all over their faces. Coach Nakama Sho, who was seated on a bench by the court, was also looking at him with a strange expression.
Seeing Hoshiumi Mì resting and catching his breath, Nakama Sho walked over. "That was really impressive... you finally stopped. Excluding the break at noon to recover stamina and eat, that was over 10 hours."
"Is that your training method?" Pointing at the scattered basketballs and Hoshiumi Mì's sprawled-out body, Nakama Sho paused, his brow furrowing slightly. He couldn't help but ask with a face full of doubt, "This kind of low-percentage shooting practice..." He seemed to be choosing his words carefully, "...is it really useful?"
Although he had agreed to let Hoshiumi Mì train on his own for a day, the more he watched, the more panicked he became. This kind of shooting practice that only pursued quantity over quality was simply too bizarre, completely contradicting his decades of basketball knowledge. Thus, Nakama Sho couldn't help but ask.
"It's no problem," Hoshiumi Mì replied with a straight face. "I practiced like this during the break, and you saw the effects yesterday. It was surprisingly good."
Nakama Sho was silent for a moment, staring at Hoshiumi Mì's serious face.
He was clearly skeptical.
After all... he had spent the entire day watching Hoshiumi Mì clang and brick shots.
"How about we play a few shots in a real game situation to see?"
"Eh?" Hearing this, Nakama Sho was stunned. "Can you do it now?"
"Yeah."
"1v1, just shooting threes. I've rested for a bit, I feel like I can take a few shots."
Hoshiumi Mì was also eager to test out the permanent ability that now truly belonged to him. Nakama Sho nodded, his gaze sweeping around, quickly locking onto a target. He pointed to Imamatsu Shinshu behind him. The latter was stunned for a moment before quickly reacting, jogging to Hoshiumi Mì's half of the court and getting into position.
Looking at the tired but bright-eyed Hoshiumi Mì, Imamatsu Shinshu was surprised to find that the expression on his face was quite relaxed.
You see, while undergoing that insane shooting practice today, Hoshiumi Mì's face had been tense all day, his brows furrowed, and his eyes as sharp as knives. Towards the end, he looked even fiercer, as if he could devour someone. Every bricked shot made his expression even more savage.
Now that the training was over, it was as if a thousand-pound weight had been lifted off his shoulders in an instant.
Quite a contrast.
As he thought this, Imamatsu Shinshu passed the ball over, simultaneously sinking his center of gravity, lowering his body, and getting into a defensive stance. The two were not far apart in height, one 181 cm and the other 177 cm, but their athletic abilities and, even more so, their techniques were worlds apart.
However... from the ability Hoshiumi Mì displayed in the game yesterday.
Imamatsu Shinshu knew that on the offensive end, the person standing before him now was not the Hoshiumi Mì of the past who could only diligently do basic training in the club.
The next second.
Thump~!
In the silent gym, a swift dribbling sound suddenly echoed. By the time Imamatsu Shinshu reacted, Hoshiumi Mì had used a clean and crisp triple-threat jab and pull-up, followed by a step-back, to create shooting space!
The inertia of his defense had made Imamatsu Shinshu careless.
Beyond the three-point line... Hoshiumi could use a step-back to extend his range.
Swoosh~!
Swish~!
Nothing but net!
The crisp sound of the net swishing was particularly pleasant in the quiet gym!
At the same time.
Standing face-to-face with Hoshiumi Mì, personally feeling the determination and fluidity of his three-point shot, Imamatsu Shinshu finally had a firsthand understanding of just how terrifying the pressure and confidence of this guy's three-pointer was now.
"So good..." Imamatsu Shinshu couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.
Hoshiumi Mì, on the other hand, stretched his slightly stiff neck and shoulders. He was satisfied with the three-pointer he had just shot over Imamatsu Shinshu. Although the feeling was a bit weaker compared to yesterday's game, there was no doubt that the familiar sense of control and the confidence he felt as the ball left his hand had returned.
...
He understood in his heart.
The so-called '45% average three-point percentage in games' clearly referred to a level, not a fixed 45% accuracy for threes. Otherwise, it wouldn't have used the qualifier 'average'.
In other words, in games where his touch was good, or in a 1v1 situation like this with less defensive pressure than an official game, he could shoot at a level exceeding 45%.
After all... even Stephen Curry made 103 consecutive threes in practice.