The Legend Coach: Slam Dunk

"My head hurts... Damn, I shouldn't have used that crappy computer to play that dunking game," Chen Xin muttered as he awoke, his head throbbing.

"Great! Kudo, you're awake!" a young man's voice rang in his ears.

Chen Xin frowned and asked warily, "Who are you?"

The tall man responded with surprise, "Don't you recognize me? It's Kawasaki, Kudo. Did you wake up still dazed or something?"

Startled, Chen Xin realized something was off—he wasn't speaking Chinese! Japanese?!

As an avid reader of Japanese manga and web novels, Chen Xin could understand some Japanese, though he wasn't fluent. Yet, hearing himself naturally speaking the language felt surreal.

Looking around, the room was unfamiliar—clearly a traditional Japanese-style house. The strange setting, the tall man, and the unexpected language overwhelmed Chen Xin with unease.

"Could this be... a time slip or parallel travel?" he thought, recalling countless stories from the novels he loved. "No way! I was just electrocuted playing a game! How could something as improbable as dimensional travel happen to me?"

Still, he kept his composure and asked calmly, "Who am I... do you know?"

Kawasaki laughed. "What kind of nonsense is this, Kudo? You're Kudo Shinichi!"

"Kudo Shinichi?!" Chen Xin exclaimed in shock. "Are you messing with me?"

"Of course not. You're Kudo Shinichi."

The name struck him like a lightning bolt. "The Grim Reaper high school detective?!"

Before Chen Xin could fully process it, a surge of foreign memories invaded his mind, overwhelming him.

"Argh! My head!" he groaned before blacking out again.

Chen Xin awoke with a jolt. "Phew! Thank God I'm not that Kudo Shinichi... I'd be dead meat for sure," he muttered, recalling the perilous world of Detective Conan.

Piecing together the situation, Chen Xin realized this body's identity was indeed Kudo Shinichi—but not the famous detective. This Shinichi was a university basketball star, known more for his skills on the court than any sleuthing abilities.

Kudo was a senior preparing to graduate, though his academic performance was lackluster, and his entry into college had relied heavily on family connections. His true passion was basketball. Standing at 180 cm tall, Kudo had honed his skills since high school, becoming the university team's starting point guard and a standout player nationally.

However, it was the early 1990s, and Japan had no professional basketball league. University leagues were the pinnacle of competitive basketball. Kudo's team had recently lost the championship, and the setback weighed heavily on him. After drowning his sorrows in alcohol, Kudo's spirit weakened, creating an opening for Chen Xin's consciousness to merge with his body following the electrocution.

"This guy really has a fragile will," Chen Xin scoffed internally. "It was just a game, no reason to fall apart."

Despite his initial disdain, Chen Xin couldn't deny the daunting prospects ahead. Neither Kudo Shinichi nor Chen Xin had any significant skills outside basketball. The thought of navigating this life with limited knowledge was overwhelming.

"Well, no point dwelling on it. I'm Kudo Shinichi now," he resolved, reflecting on the newfound wealth and privilege this life offered. "At least the family's rich—way better than my old life!"

His musings were interrupted by Kawasaki's cheerful voice. "You doing okay, Kudo?"

"I'm fine now, thanks to you," Kudo responded sincerely.

Kawasaki Kazumi, a 190 cm forward and Kudo's best friend, had shared an apartment with him throughout college.

"It wasn't your fault we lost," Kawasaki reassured him. "Coach Anzai left due to health reasons, and we had no proper guidance. You did well leading us to second place as both captain and interim coach."

Kudo nodded thoughtfully. "Don't worry. I'm over it. But what happens to the team now? We're graduating, and there's still no coach."

"Actually, the school hired Coach Donzawa recently. He's decent, not quite at Coach Anzai's level, but experienced enough."

"Typical," Kudo thought cynically. "That sly old fox only stepped up after the team lost, not when we really needed him."

Outwardly, however, Kudo maintained a polite demeanor. "That's great news. The team will be in good hands."

"Now that you're better, let's head to the gym for your farewell ceremony," Kawasaki suggested.

"Sure, just let me freshen up."

Fukasawa Sports University Gym

The gym buzzed with energy as players practiced drills under Coach Donzawa's watchful eye. Despite the recent setback, the team showed determination.

"Impressive," Donzawa mused. "Even the substitutes are strong. With my training, Fukasawa will dominate again!"

His reverie was interrupted by the entrance of Kudo and Kawasaki.

"Captain! It's great to see you!" players greeted enthusiastically.

Kudo grinned inwardly but maintained composure. "Thanks, guys. Keep up the good work."

Donzawa approached with a smile. "Kudo-kun, feeling better?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Don't be too hard on yourself about the loss. You did great under the circumstances," Donzawa encouraged. "What brings you here today?"

Kawasaki explained, "We're here for Kudo's retirement ceremony, since he missed it earlier."

"Of course! Kudo-kun deserves proper recognition," Donzawa agreed warmly.

The players echoed their support, and preparations began for the ceremony honoring Kudo's