"So… 'it is, and it isn't'? What do you mean by that?"
"Hmm… how should I put it, Shimizu-chan? You saw Kuroko's physical condition, right? Pretty weak, isn't he?"
"Yes."
"But you also feel he's strong, right?"
"Yes. But… why is that?"
"An ordinary body, trained to wield a skill that even the strong acknowledge as formidable. Strong, right?"
"Strong."
"That's the key. That's why he feels weak, but is actually incredibly strong."
"I see… I really admire Tetsuya Kuroko."
Haizaki Shogo nodded silently, saying nothing more. Through his explanation to Shimizu Rena, he finally understood why Kuroko Tetsuya was so adored by his team.
People didn't admire Kuroko merely for his raw skill or talent—those things many players could achieve. Ordinary players stronger than him existed in abundance.
What made Kuroko unique was the effort, sweat, and willingness to sacrifice for the team that he carried behind him.
Too bad, little Kuroko, the light you're chasing right now… isn't that impressive!
"Shogo-kun, what's that skill of Kuroko Tetsuya called?"
"[Misdirection]. Simply put, it's a visual misdirection—basically the same principle as a magic trick."
"I see… then why didn't Kuroko use it in our last match?"
Shimizu Rena finally asked the question that had been nagging her. Haizaki paused, lightly ruffling her hair, feeling the terrifying speed at which this girl had grown, and said meaningfully:
"It's not that he didn't want to… it's that he couldn't use it."
"Couldn't I use it?"
Hearing this, Shimizu lowered her head, deep in thought, trying to figure out why.
After walking a long distance in silence, the rose-haired girl suddenly looked up, her eyes wide with realization.
"Shogo-kun… is it because of Fukuda Sasaki?"
"Mm, correct. But no reward for you."
"I see… no wonder the seemingly average Fukuda Sasaki became a reserve starter."
"Exactly. But Fukuda Sasaki became a reserve starter because his defensive abilities have been steadily improving too."
Walking down the street in his small suit, Haizaki explained to Shimizu the difference between Kuroko Tetsuya and Fukuda Sasaki.
"Shogo-kun… I think I understand why your captain Akashi Seijuro abandoned you back then."
Haizaki paused, a little surprised, then relaxed and curiously asked the girl before him:
"Why, Shimizu-chan?"
"Because the Kise Ryouta on the court today and the Kise Ryouta from six months ago… are two completely different people. His skills have been growing continuously, and there's no bottom in sight."
"Terrifying growth speed, huh?"
Seeing Haizaki's reaction, Shimizu pulled out her data notebook from her bag, flipped to Kise's page, glanced over it, and regrettably tore it out.
"Yes, Shogo-kun. Today's Kise performance made my data notebook practically useless. Everything needs to be re-entered and recorded. His growth is abnormally fast. Honestly, your former captain had incredibly keen judgment."
"Really?"
Haizaki remained expressionless, feeling the old scar of his miserable past.
"But I guess Akashi Seijuro can be wrong sometimes too. Like now, Shogo-kun… you're even more terrifying."
"Hahaha!"
Ruffling the strands of hair by her ear, Haizaki casually asked:
"Terrifying, you say? How exactly?"
"Now, Shogo-kun… I can't sense your aura anymore. Either you've grown stronger, or you've exceeded the limits of my perception."
Ignoring Shimizu's question, Haizaki took her small hand and said with a smile:
"There's an ice cream shop up ahead. Come on, it's on me!"
"Thank you, Shogo-kun!"
With ice cream in hand, the boy and girl reverted to their usual laughter—playful, teasing, shy, yet carefree.
Meanwhile, across the city, another pair—a boy and girl—walked slowly, the girl holding the boy's wrist.
"Aomine, it seems Kise's skills have increased quite a bit today!"
"Yeah, he's improved… but still not enough."
"What about the 'light' Kuroko was focusing on, Taiga Kagami? How was he?"
"Far off. Not even comparable to Kise."
"But watching them play basketball is still exciting. So much passion, so much fun."
"Eh… well, they just haven't faced a real challenge yet."
"A real challenge?"
"Yeah. Someone like me. Someone like Shogo. Someone like Akashi."
"And if they meet one?"
"You wouldn't want to know, Satsuki."
"Aomine…"
"Hmm…"
A calm Saturday passed quietly. Haizaki personally saw Shimizu home, marveling at her massive mansion and its heavily guarded security. Truly, her background was extraordinary.
Yet, for Haizaki now, those things didn't matter. Some things weren't missing, unattainable, or necessary to take.
Because in this world, there were things more thrilling than money or power—like the next level of [Zone], or the [Ferrocity].
Japan still felt too small. Even the Generation of Miracles were only a nationwide phenomenon—compared to the world's strongest, it was a tiny stage.
Setting his thoughts aside, Haizaki walked home slowly, exhausted from a day of exertion without major sports activity, trying to drain every last bit of energy.
By the time he reached home, it was 9 PM. Three hours of brisk walking had left his legs trembling.
SPLASH!
Amid the barking of his small dog, Haizaki began wringing the last bit of strength from his body in the swimming pool.
Tomorrow was Sunday. Besides visiting the fencing hall and sanda gym, he also had an appointment with his friend Nijimura Shuzo—likely the last time he'd see him before Shuzo went to America for his father's treatment.
Haizaki collapsed on his bed, mentally preparing for the next day, quietly planning his schedule, and before long, drifted into sleep.
At 11 PM, Haizaki's mother entered his room, tucked him in, drew the curtains, turned off the lights, and left with their small dog in her arms.