The match continued. Haizaki Shogo led his team back onto the court, but their defensive positioning had shifted slightly.
On the court, Suzuran Karasu pressed tightly against Kimura Tosho. The moment Kimura got the ball, he had no chance to shoot—there wasn't even room for a forced attempt.
Suzuran Karasu slapped the basketball right out of Kimura's hands. Even he felt a bit incredulous. Since when did Kimura Tosho become this easy to guard?
Was this really the same Kimura Tosho who had dominated the scrimmage just days ago?
There was no time to think. Fukuda Sasaki had already secured the ball and sprinted forward, and Suzuran Karasu chased after him at full speed.
Meanwhile, Haizaki Shogo deliberately slowed his own tempo and watched everything clearly, his eyes shining with interest.
Coach Ichiro Kudo on the sidelines saw it too, as did Shimizu Rena beside him. The two of them were so happy, excited, and thrilled that they were practically about to jump up and celebrate.
Although it was only a small experimental success, it meant Fukuda High had gained a sharp new blade—one that drew blood the moment it struck.
The speedy Harano Shinichi caught up with Fukuda Sasaki. Facing what he thought was just a substitute, Harano was full of confidence.
But reality turned out to be the opposite. Once Fukuda Sasaki sprinted with everything he had, he actually shook Harano off.
How is that possible? I'm empty-handed and sprinting, yet the ball-carrying Fukuda Sasaki shook me off?
Harano Shinichi froze on the spot, disbelief written all over his face. He even forgot to continue chasing and defending.
It wasn't that Harano's speed had dropped. Rather, Haizaki Shogo's rhythm had subtly affected him, dealing a psychological blow that kept him from fully performing.
Harano thought he was running at full speed—but he wasn't. This was the most common phenomenon when someone's emotions were low and confidence shaken.
You feel like you're giving everything, yet somehow you keep getting worse. That was the reason.
The ball was passed into the paint. Karasu caught it, leapt high, and finished with a hanging reverse dunk, smashing the ball through the net.
For a moment, the opposing players felt as if the "little crow" in front of them had turned into a giant crow, his presence suddenly far more intimidating.
...
Before long, the match ended, and all the starting players stayed behind for a summary meeting.
"Targeting the weak point—seriously?"
"That's unbelievable."
"As expected of our ace manager!"
"No wonder Karasu was flying so happily!"
"Yeah, I thought he'd already taken off!"
"Hey! Suzuran Karasu was strong from the start!"
As the coach began explaining Shimizu Rena's special skill, [Weakness Exploitation], in detail, every player stared at her in disbelief. Their hearts trembled slightly.
But when they noticed the lazy, listless Haizaki Shogo sitting beside Shimizu Rena, many of them quietly extinguished the tiny flames of love in their hearts.
Sigh… my love is like a spark—before it can burn, it gets drowned by a heavy rain…
That was basically the inner monologue of many Fukuda players. Still, everyone was both excited and thrilled. With Shimizu Rena's ability, future games would let them mercilessly "squeeze the soft persimmons."
This match left a deep impression on every Fukuda starter.
First was their ace, Haizaki Shogo—his terrifying strength that rivaled the Generation of Miracles made their blood boil just thinking about it.
Second was the team manager's special support skill. The idea of bullying weak points on the court made every player feel insanely satisfied.
Third was each starter's superior physical condition and basketball ability compared to ordinary people, giving them powerful confidence.
Fukuda High had suddenly become much stronger.
One Generation-of-Miracles-level member, two rising stars, one ace manager, and several powerful teammates.
On the way home, every Fukuda player felt genuine joy, their moods all incredibly good.
On the street, after finishing training, Haizaki Shogo walked shoulder to shoulder with Shimizu Rena.
"The appointment's at eight, right? Isn't that a bit late?"
"Not really. At eight, the fencing hall still has lots of people."
"Alright. Let's go together."
Shimizu Rena had an appointment with Coach Miyazaki to practice fencing at eight. Haizaki thought about it and, feeling he still had some stamina, followed along.
At the fencing hall, Haizaki Shogo put on full protective gear and walked out of the changing room.
Seeing Coach Miyazaki standing outside, fully equipped with her long black straight hair tied back, Haizaki curled his lips and walked straight over.
"Yo! Isn't this our peerless beauty, Coach Miyazaki?"
As he spoke his praise, Haizaki shamelessly closed in, nearly chest-to-chest and face-to-face with her.
Coach Miyazaki couldn't hold it anymore. She retreated two steps, about to draw her rapier.
How could Haizaki give her the chance? He quickly brushed past her, still flirting with his words.
"So fragrant, Coach Miyazaki!"
"Peh! Pervert."
After slipping past her, Haizaki didn't dare linger. If the beautiful coach reacted fully, she'd definitely stab him.
Watching Haizaki's tall figure retreat, Coach Miyazaki's pretty face flushed red as she muttered at his back.
That brat Haizaki hadn't been seen for over a month, yet now he carried a chilling, murderous aura that even suppressed her.
Coach Miyazaki shook her head, calming herself. Seeing Shimizu Rena's graceful figure approaching, the two linked arms and walked toward an empty piste.
On the piste, two sturdy figures advanced and retreated directly, their rapiers flashing with incredible speed.
During the bout, behind his mask, Haizaki Shogo felt exhilarated.
My sword feels more obedient… stronger…
He could sense pleasure coming from both blade and body—an indescribable, wonderful feeling, as if the overall momentum was firmly in his grasp.
A beautiful triple thrust sliced through the air, the rapier whistling intoxicatingly, and the result was the head coach being forced right off the piste by Haizaki.
Panting, the two removed their masks and walked down together, breathing heavily.
"Why does your sword suddenly carry so much killing sharpness? It's become this fierce?"
"I'm impressed, right? How do I compare to the national team?"
"Not bad. Probably on par with them. Think about it—I can recommend you to the national team. Go test; you'll definitely pass."
"Forget it. My heart isn't with the national team."
"Right. Your heart isn't there—it's on that other stage."
Haizaki burst into laughter. Under the head coach's teasing smile, he awkwardly walked toward the piste where the two beauties were sparring.
The head coach shook his head, helpless.
His fencing hall finally got two good seedlings, yet neither wanted to become professional athletes.
Is being a professional fencer really that embarrassing? Why can't I feel that at all?