I practiced as a monk alone in Japan.

Chapter 217 You're So Ugly

Chapter 217 You're So Ugly~
"By the way, you also signed up for soccer and basketball. But you haven't shown up at the training ground even once. Do you really think you'll get to play? Suzuki might let you in because of your experience in the last soccer game. But I can't really speak up for you in basketball. It seems like people aren't too nice to you."

Before class.

Miura Akihiko whispered to himself.

The arrangements for the entire sports festival seem to have been finalized, and the entire school has been divided into four teams.

The allocation was based on the colors red, green, blue, and white. This meant grouping several classes from different grades together and then dividing them into different teams based on their colors.

For example, Class 3, where Tsukino Gen was located, was assigned to the white camp along with several other classes.

It seems that Rin Asagiri got the red color, but it doesn't really matter. Rin Asagiri herself won't participate in any projects anyway. She's not the kind of person who would recklessly flaunt herself just to show off.

Despite having good athletic ability, he used it for meaningless things, such as struggling with himself.

Since the teams have been divided, some events can't be played just because you sign up. For team events like basketball and football, the best players will be selected.

There were no surprises in the football match; Gen Tsukino's performance last time was still fresh in everyone's mind, and no one would disagree.

However, regarding basketball, Akihiko Miura, who was in the basketball club, knew something about the situation. Some students from other classes were unhappy with the boy's absence from training and the selection process, feeling it was arrogant.

Gen Tsukino didn't mean to act like a diva; he just genuinely hasn't had the time lately.

I've been swamped with all sorts of trivial matters, and only today have I finally managed to free up some time.

He thought for a moment and replied, "Then take me to the basketball club today, I want to participate in the selection process."

"Okay, but do you really know how to play basketball?"

"Why would I sign up if I don't know how?"

"To show off."

For Miura Akihiko, Tsukino Gen's love of showing off and being pretentious has become an established fact, but few people can do it as lazily and casually as he does.

Gen Tsukino couldn't help but laugh. "You can't show off if you don't know how; that's called a clown jumping through a hoop of fire. If you're still doubting it, just watch after school and you'll see."

"is it?"

Of course, Akihiko Miura must remain skeptical.

Otherwise, do geniuses really exist in this world who can do everything? Excellent grades, outstanding athletic ability, good at both basketball and soccer? Kill me, I want to be reincarnated.

It was also a day when I wanted to become an orphan.

School was finally over.

Miura Akihiko led Tsukino Gen towards the stadium.

"Our basketball club president is Fukuda Yu. He's a pretty nice guy and easy to talk to. I reckon if you behave normally and have a good attitude, you should get a chance to play."

"What do you mean by 'opportunity to play'? From what you're saying, it seems like there's no such thing as a starting lineup?"

“Of course!” Miura Akihiko said in a low voice, “Our school’s basketball team is a nationally renowned team. The team members are all in the basketball club, and there are also many other top players. I usually struggle to even get a substitute spot, so you can only be a substitute if they consider the overall image.”

"And who are the people in there? The shortest is around 1.8 meters tall. There are even monsters who are almost 2 meters tall. Basketball really depends on physical talent."

Gen Tsukino nodded. "I see. That won't do. If I'm just a substitute, it's meaningless."

Gen Tsukino really wanted to say that if we're talking about physical talent, he felt he could play rugby.

Miura Akihiko said irritably, "There's no way to force these things. It's not like you can just go on stage because you want to be in the spotlight."

Gen Tsukino nodded, "That makes sense. We should think of a way to do it."

"any solution?"

When the two arrived at the basketball court inside the gymnasium, they saw a group of tall, strong boys training.

The sounds of basketballs hitting the ground and striking the backboard were incessant.

These people looked hardworking and diligent, as if they were truly sweating it out.

"Oh, Miura's here? Wait, who's this?"

Someone walked over and looked at the two of them hesitantly.

This person is about 1.9 meters tall, and they all need to look down slightly to look at the two of them. Tsukino Gen, who is over 1.8 meters tall, would be considered outstanding in other places, but he seems to be completely insignificant in front of them.

"Ah, Mizutani-senpai. This is our classmate, who also signed up for the basketball program. Tsukino Gen."

"Oh. You're Tsukino Gen? The one who signed up for the project but didn't come to the auditions? You finally have time today?"

It is clear.

Mizutani was one of those who had reservations about Tsukino Gen, and seeing how handsome the boy was only fueled his anger. There was nothing he could do. Tsukino Gen's lazy demeanor, coupled with his appearance, certainly didn't make him the type to instantly win over a man.

Miura Akihiko glanced at Tsukino Gen and then immediately stepped in to smooth things over, "Um, Mizutani-senpai. He signed up for quite a few projects and was indeed quite busy before, which is why he came over today."

Mizutani chuckled. "Why bother with basketball if you're signing up for so many other sports? Our basketball club isn't one you can just snag. If you're just thinking playing basketball is cool and you can show off in front of the girls, my advice is to not even participate in the selection process. Because it's pointless."

When Tsukino Gen suddenly spoke, he was looking at Miura Akihiko.

Is this a starter or a substitute?

Upon hearing this, Akihiko Miura paused for a moment.

Mizutani's expression immediately changed.

"What did you say?!"

Miura Akihiko coughed. "Um... wait, Mizutani-senpai, that's not what he meant. He just..."

"Oh, so that's a substitute. In that case, even if I win against him, it's pointless, right? I still need to find a main player."

"Challenge? Substitute? Starter?! Hahahahaha."

Mizutani burst out laughing.

The laughter also attracted the attention of the boys who were playing basketball nearby.

Miura Akihiko quickly pulled Tsukino Gen aside, "What are you saying! Even if Mizutani-senpai is a substitute, your attitude is too arrogant. He's a very good player too."

Gen Tsukino replied nonchalantly, "Anyway, I'm not really joining the basketball club. It's just a sports festival game, so there's no need to be all polite. In places like this, it's all about whoever has the ability."

Hearing this, Mizutani laughed even more heartily.

Like a child who has heard a shocking joke and can't wait to share it with everyone around them, they laugh and say it to those around them.

"Listen to this, this Tsukino-kun has never participated in a single selection process, nor has he ever joined the basketball club. Yet he says he wants to challenge me and become a starter."

"Wait, is our basketball team such a cheap place now?"

"He's a little immature. To be honest, with that height, he'd have a hard time even playing point guard. When he looks up, he won't even be able to find the rim."

"Pfft, that's so apt, hahaha."

Gen Tsukino ignored the mocking laughter, while some of the other students who participated in the selection cast sympathetic glances at him.

After all, the basketball club does hold a prominent position at Zhaori Private High School, and these basketball club members are all tall and strong, usually acting like bullies, and basically no one dares to mess with them. If they want to mock or provoke someone, the others basically have no choice but to put up with it.

Not to mention, most students at this school come from well-off families, so there's no question of family background suppressing them. Besides, isn't Tsukino Gen from an orphanage? What family background do you have to speak of?

"What's all the noise about? Aren't you going to train?"

Just as the group was laughing, a serious-sounding voice appeared.

The crowd surrounding Mizutani quickly dispersed, looking respectfully towards the source of the voice.

A boy nearly two meters tall, with dark skin and a somewhat mixed-race appearance, stood there like a black wall, tall, muscular, and imposing.

"minister!"

"Minister Fukuda!"

Fukuda Yu walked over and immediately saw Tsukino Gen, but he didn't react much, just glancing at him briefly before looking at Mizutani.

"Can anyone tell me what just happened?"

Mizutani immediately added fuel to the fire with his explanation.

Finally, he added his personal advice: "Is it really necessary to have someone who has never participated in a selection process, isn't even a member of the basketball club, and just wants to be a star and show off, participate in a selection process?"

Fukuda Yu thought for a moment and then walked up to Tsukino Gen. “Actually, you’ve signed up for so many events, basketball is neither an extra nor an extra one. There’s no need for you to participate, but this sports festival is very important, and the school attaches great importance to it.”

"Although our members are divided into different camps, everyone trains hard and is eager to be selected."

"As the head of the basketball team, I certainly can't let someone who hasn't been tested go straight onto the court. I think you'd better reconsider. We're not here to put on a show."

The reason Fukuda Yu was so polite was because he knew about the relationship between Tsukino Gen and Asagiri-sama.

He wasn't as brainless as Mizutani; he was actually the one who understood human relationships the most.

However, it was precisely because of this that he did not intend to let the other party join, otherwise he would probably offend even more people, so he could only try to persuade the other party in this way.

I wonder if this is the young lady's mission. If it is, then it's definitely going to be a bit troublesome.

But it's better than having any direct arguments or conflicts.

Many people behind him didn't understand why Fukuda Yu was being so polite, but Tsukino Gen laughed.

"As expected of a minister, he speaks with more finesse."

Fukuda Yu's face stiffened, forcing a smile. "Of course, I won't stop you if you insist on participating in the selection, but there are many aspects to be tested. Physical fitness, speed, skill, and combat are all included in the assessment. You haven't come the previous times."

"No need for all that trouble. If I challenge you and win one-on-one, would I be eligible to go straight into the ring?"

".What did you say?"

Fukuda Yu thought he had misheard.

Miura Akihiko's eyes widened in disbelief; he now understood what Tsukino Gen's earlier muttered phrase, "think of a way," meant.

No!

Isn't your idea a bit too abrupt?

Is he challenging the head of the basketball team?
What's the difference between this and challenging national team athletes just to qualify for the Olympics?! Are you crazy?

Of course, even challenging national team players doesn't guarantee a spot on the national team. But within a school's basketball club, this becomes a viable option.

Even when teamwork isn't as refined and defense isn't as systematic, individual ability is still a very important quality among high school students.

The problem is just
Have you ever played basketball before? Why don't you take on the challenge?

"No, I'm dying of laughter! He's challenging the minister! Hahahaha!"

"Is she planning to embarrass herself and then leave as if nothing happened? Or is she going to kneel down and cry: Coach, I want to play basketball?"

"Minister, this kid is too arrogant. Should I teach him a lesson? Does he think basketball is something simple?"

Amidst the renewed commotion, Fukuda Yu frowned.

He knew he was running out of things to do as peacemaker, given the other side's attitude and the anger on his team's side. Simply offering advice wouldn't convince them.

The young man in front of them clearly didn't seem inclined to let the matter rest.

He thought for a moment, then looked at Tsukino Gen again, "Are you sure you want to use a challenge?"

Miura Akihiko quickly grabbed the boy, "Are you crazy? Challenging the club president? Get this straight, you're here to participate in the selection, not to cause trouble!"

Gen Tsukino smiled. "Sometimes, the involvement of outsiders is a challenge, and challenges are about causing trouble. I'm just simplifying complex issues."

Then he looked at Fukuda Yu, "Of course I'll take on the challenge."

Fukuda Yu took a deep breath and nodded. "In that case, I won't try to persuade you. But if we're going to challenge someone, we have to follow the rules. Otherwise, if everyone challenges me, I won't be able to handle it all. You go first, give him a chance."

Mizutani, who had been waiting for a long time, walked out from the crowd with a self-righteous, cruel smile on his face.

Of course, he couldn't stand someone like Tsukino Gen.

I don't know how I got the minister to be so polite, but he certainly wasn't going to be polite.

He can't forget why he chose to play basketball in the first place.

Because the girl he liked said she enjoyed watching boys play basketball, he learned basketball and happened to have some talent enough to join the basketball team, even if he was just a substitute.

But when he confessed his feelings, the girl said...

"What's the use of just being good at basketball? You're not my type."

Then he understood.

That girl doesn't like basketball; she clearly likes handsome and athletic guys, while I only fit one of those criteria.

From that moment on, he developed an intense aversion to boys who thought they could manipulate girls' minds just because they were good-looking.

Clearly, Gen Tsukino is one of the best among them.

Wants to show off.

He wanted to use basketball as a way to pick up girls.

If a handsome guy can dribble a ball and shoot a basket, countless girls will cheer for him on the sidelines.

Screw you, you face-obsessed bastard!
"Watch out for your handsome face. When I play basketball, my movements can be quite aggressive."

He warned with a smile.

Gen Tsukino simply picked up the basketball from the ground and glanced at him.