Across the ocean, back home.
Within a Tokyo sports broadcast center
a clear, excited cry rang out once again.
"Wow! Ogawa Tetsuya's alley-oop dunk was insane!"
A tall, stunning female streamer stared at the screen, her eyes practically glowing.
Yayoi!
Sweet-featured and elegant, with a graceful figure and a gentle, intellectual aura,
she also had a slightly round, adorable face completely free of any sharp or aggressive edges.
Talented and beautiful, Yayoi was a die-hard Lakers fan.
"Yayoi, you're basically becoming Ogawa Tetsuya's fangirl now—haha!"
The host, teased her, noticing her unusually excited expression.
Even Yayoi herself hadn't expected to lose composure like that just now.
Kobe's quiet retirement.
The Lakers' fall into mediocrity.
And then—out of nowhere—a brutally dominant Lakers big man appeared, crushing the Timberwolves' Big Three on both ends of the floor.
Most importantly.
That player was from her own homeland.
All of it combined made Yayoi pay close attention to the terrifying presence wreaking havoc in Minnesota's paint.
Hearing the joke of the host, she maintained her poise, offering a polite, sweet smile before turning her gaze back to the screen
to that unstoppable interior force dominating offense and defense alike.
Just then.
The live broadcast camera cut to a full close-up of Ogawa Tetsuya's face.
Cold and sharp, yet carrying a hint of wild unruliness.
Yayoi's heart began to pound uncontrollably.
She hadn't expected Ogawa Tetsuya to be this good-looking on top of being this dominant.
At that moment, Instructor Chang, the Lakers-supporting analyst, began his breakdown.
"That rebound Ogawa Tetsuya grabbed over Gibson earlier was excellent, but his follow-up decision wasn't ideal."
"As a seven-footer, after securing the rebound, he should protect the ball and pass it out to a guard."
"Blindly pushing the fast break off the dribble—given his height and high center of gravity—he's extremely vulnerable to steals or ball-handling errors."
"Ogawa Tetsuya is still lacking NBA-level game experience. These decision-making issues reflect that."
After Instructor Chang finished his long analysis, the host smiled and replied casually:
"But he scored—and it was a spectacular coast-to-coast dunk."
Yayoi, now fully in fangirl mode, added excitedly:
"Exactly! The entire arena exploded because of that play! Even Wiggins—who has amazing physical gifts—didn't dare challenge Ogawa Tetsuya and just stepped aside!"
Instructor Chang laughed awkwardly, then continued:
"Well, considering the Timberwolves simply can't stop Ogawa Tetsuya, that play had to be made. As long as it goes in, it becomes the correct decision."
The live chat instantly exploded.
"Hahaha—make it and it's 'reasonable,' miss it and it's 'poor decision-making'!"
"Instructor Chang Logic: Ogawa Tetsuya, your decision was unreasonable—but since they can't guard you, everything you do is reasonable!"
"My goddess Yayoi has become Ogawa Tetsuya's fangirl—my heart just shattered!"
"Ogawa Tetsuya's talent is insane! He straight-up broke Towns mentally—absolute interior beast!"
"..."
Back at the arena.
Once Ogawa Tetsuya took over the Lakers' offense, they unleashed a 23–4 run on the Timberwolves.
With three minutes left in the third quarter,
the Lakers led 89–68, a 21-point advantage.
The game officially entered garbage time.
Head coach Luke Walton subbed Ogawa Tetsuya out, and the arena erupted in thunderous applause.
In just 23 minutes, Ogawa Tetsuya had put up a jaw-dropping near–triple-double:
29 points.
17 rebounds.
7 blocks.
Shooting an incredible 80% from the field.
His only weakness?
Free throws.
12 attempts, only 5 made.
"Beep—beep—beep!!!"
Final buzzer.
The Lakers defeated the visiting Timberwolves 106–95, securing their first preseason victory.
Towns and Butler stormed off the court, visibly frustrated.
Among the Timberwolves' Big Three, only Andrew Wiggins walked over to shake Ogawa Tetsuya's hand.
"Hey, Tetsuya—your performance was impressive," Wiggins said with a grin.
"Almost ended my career out there."
He laughed like a carefree big kid.
Facing Wiggins' friendly attitude, Ogawa Tetsuya responded warmly:
"Andre—next time, I'll bring you a specialty from my hometown."
"Huh?"
Watching Ogawa Tetsuya walk away smiling, Wiggins looked completely confused.
"The Eastern Giant Takes Flight—Ogawa Tetsuya Explodes for 29+17+7!"
"Ravaging the Timberwolves' Paint—Ogawa Tetsuya Records a Monster Near Triple-Double!"
"After Yao Ming, Another Dominant Star Rises from the East—Ogawa Tetsuya!"
"Summer League Standout Ogawa Tetsuya Continues His Rampage in the Preseason!"
Compared to the brief coverage overseas, domestic media coverage was overwhelming.
Basketball forums like Mop buzzed nonstop with discussion.
The name Ogawa Tetsuya began to spread—
known by more and more fans back home.
October 3rd.
The Lakers returned to the Staples Center, hosting the visiting Denver Nuggets.