On another train, Satsuki Momoi played with the souvenirs she had bought at Disneyland. Watching Dai, who was dozing off beside her, a sense of peace settled over her. This is the Dai I've known since we were kids, she thought, comforted in a way that only familiarity could bring.
The four of them chatted casually, covering topics from here and there. No one mentioned basketball. No one mentioned the team.
Yet, the two who were soon to face off as rivals—Aomine Daiki and Haizaki Shogo—both wore indifferent expressions. It left Momoi feeling strangely reassured, yet uneasy. Her emotions conflicted in a curious mix.
In the blink of an eye, a new week began.
Because this weekend, they would face the strongest middle school team: Teiko Junior High.
Every afternoon, Fukuda Sogo extended physical training by thirty minutes. Coach Kudo still hoped that the tactics he had painstakingly developed would shine on the court—even if just dimly, it would still be a light.
During this week, Haizaki Shogo kept busy as well. He trained with his teammates, pushing his speed and strength intentionally, wanting them to adapt to high-intensity play. Unfortunately, none of his teammates were yet a match for him.
Back then, this would have been frustrating… he thought. But now, with his current mindset and mental fortitude, he only wanted to witness the Three-Peat of Teiko for himself. Nothing more. No expectations.
Friday arrived, and all of Teiko's basketball players had left the school.
In their classroom, Midorima Shintaro and Akashi Seijuro were playing shogi.
"Then it's decided. Tomorrow, you, Ryouta, Tetsuya, and Atsushi will lead the second team."
"What about Aomine? Not going? The opponent is Shogo."
"No need for me and Aomine. With you and Atsushi, Shogo can't win. And his teammates are just ordinary players."
Midorima adjusted his glasses, said nothing further, and quietly left the classroom.
"Hope you're right!" Ryouta muttered.
Saturday—game day.
On the school bus, normally lively teammates were silent.
Facing Teiko Junior High, no one could feel happy. And they knew exactly their own limits.
Haizaki Shogo had never experienced an atmosphere like this, and he didn't know how to break the tension.
But someone had: Coach Ichiro Kudo and team captain Sasaki.
Last year, they had faced Teiko in this very atmosphere, and of course, it ended in total defeat—utterly humiliating.
Coach Kudo clapped his hands, his deep, rough voice booming.
"Everyone, get your spirits up! Do you remember your mission?"
"Yes, Coach! Defense! Defense!"
"Defense!" "Defense!" "Defense!" "Defense!"
Seeing the players still remembered their roles, Kudo felt a flicker of satisfaction. He spoke again, loud and clear:
"Good. Remember your mission. Pass the ball to Haizaki, and nothing else matters. Got it?"
"Yes, Coach!"
"Remember this—we have a Generation-of-Miracles level player on our side. That alone gives us hope. Keep that in mind. Understand?"
"Yes!" "Understood!"
Listening to Coach Kudo's speech, Haizaki Shogo remained silent, calm, neither excited nor frustrated.
He wouldn't be swayed by the coach's attempt to hype up the team. All he needed to do was conserve energy… and then explode.
The bus stopped, and the team walked toward the gym.
By coincidence, Teiko's school team arrived at the same time. The two groups entered the gym without interacting.
Satsuki Momoi noticed Shogo and considered greeting him, but thought better of it.
=======
Fukuda Sogo Academy Locker Room
"Captain, wait a moment!"
"Shogo-kun, what is it?"
"Captain, watch Teiko number 15. If he's on the court, keep your eyes on him."
"Number 15?"
"Yes. Number 15. If he's playing, focus on him. Nothing else matters."
"Understood, Shogo-kun!"
==========
Teiko Locker Room
"If I'm not mistaken, that was Haizaki just now, right? Kuroko."
"You're right, Murasakibara-kun. That was Haizaki-kun."
"This is going to be tough. The opponent is Haizaki Shogo—tricky."
Opening his locker, Midorima Shintaro said:
"Indeed tricky… but I wonder which position Haizaki is playing."
"I believe with Murasakibara and Midorima on defense, Haizaki won't score easily."
Kise Ryouta, already in uniform, interjected:
"Can I take care of Haizaki this time? I wasn't satisfied with losing to him last time!"
"You sure, Ryouta?"
Midorima eyed him seriously. He knew the gap between Kise Ryouta and Haizaki Shogo.
Even though Ryouta was improving fast, Haizaki, once a starter, was still far stronger.
Meanwhile, Atsushi Murasakibara muttered, somewhat downcast:
"The opponent… Haizaki. It feels… different."
"Do you feel that too, Murasakibara? I thought I was the only one."
"Kuroko, are you playing?"
"Yes, captain assigned me."
"That's a relief. With you, even Haizaki should be manageable."
Seeing everyone ready, Midorima said:
"Let's go. Time to warm up."
"Right!"
=======
Fukuda Sogo Academy Locker Room
Coach Kudo shouted:
"Are you ready?"
"Yes!"
"…Our opponent is the strongest king, Teiko. Show them the power of our tactics, even if they are the best. Understand?"
"Yes!"
Then Coach Kudo turned to Haizaki.
"Shogo-kun, it's all on you now. Play freely."
Shogo nodded silently, acknowledging he would cooperate with the team.
Deep down… he felt slightly disappointed. Looking at Teiko's lineup, familiar faces were missing—Aomine Daiki and Akashi Seijuro weren't there. Too bad… Dai isn't going to reveal his hidden strength.
As for Akashi Seijuro, he probably considered Haizaki unnecessary—believing Midorima and Murasakibara could handle him easily.
Thinking of this, a small, meaningful smile crept across Haizaki's lips. Well then… let's have some fun. This is my debut against the Generation of Miracles after all!
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