The ball dropped through the net.
Swish.
Haruto Kusanagi didn't celebrate.
He didn't pump his fist or flash a grin to the crowd. He simply backpedaled, eyes calm, posture loose—like he'd just completed a warm-up shot, not the opening three of a national-stage match.
The scoreboard blinked to life.
HAKURO ACADEMY — 3
SEIRYŌ HIGH — 0
A murmur rolled through the arena.
Not shock.
Expectation.
Yuuto Kai stood at the baseline, hands on his knees, eyes locked on the court ahead. The sound around him dulled—the crowd fading into a distant hum. He inhaled slowly as the referee tossed him the ball, feeling the familiar texture settle into his palms.
Okay, he told himself.
First possession. Set the tone.
He glanced up.
Marcus was already moving, sliding toward the wing with sharp, economical footwork. Shunjin held the top, posture confident. Daichi positioned himself near the dunker spot, ready to cut.
Everything looked right.
Yuuto dribbled forward.
