On the other side, after leaving the gymnasium, Haizaki Shogo parted ways with his teammates. Everyone went their separate directions—homeward bound.
As for Haizaki, he brought Shimizu Rena along to a nearby family-style restaurant, enjoying a quiet little world of just the two of them.
"Shogo-kun, Kise Ryouta's presence today was overwhelming… It's hard to imagine he's the same person from middle school."
"Heh… Shimizu-chan, don't be so surprised. If this level already shocks you, what will you do in the future?"
"The future?"
"Yeah. You'll still face Murasakibara Atsushi from Yosen… and Akashi Seijuro from Rakuzan. Compared to them, Kise is no weaker—but certainly no stronger either."
"Shogo-kun… your former teammates, the Generation of Miracles… they're unbelievable."
While waiting for the food, the two chatted idly.
Haizaki could tell—Shimizu had been deeply affected by Kise's unyielding will and hunger for victory. She seemed a little distracted.
Reaching out, Haizaki gently brushed aside a few loose strands of hair near her ear, his voice low and steady.
"Shimizu-chan, the Generation of Miracles are chosen—fortunate in their talent. Their strength is only natural."
"But believe me…"
"I'm stronger than them. And in the future, I'll become strong enough to make them fear me."
"Shogo-kun…"
At that moment, the restaurant owner brought out their dishes, interrupting the conversation—and the subtle intimacy between them.
Small plates filled the table, instantly whetting Haizaki's appetite—
Charcoal-grilled lamb, freshly cooked saury, and a steaming pot of home-style stew.
"Let's eat, Shimizu-chan!"
"Mm, Shogo-kun!"
After the meal, Haizaki walked Shimizu home.
Then, alone, he boarded a train and slowly made his way back.
Sitting by the window, his eyes unfocused, he watched the passing billboards and power poles blur into streaks.
In his mind, the scenes from today's game replayed over and over—
Aomine… Kise…
Every moment flashed vividly—until it reached the point where Kise activated Immovable King Form.
Only then did his thoughts begin to slow.
Both of them started from the same foundation—Copy.
Kise had evolved it into the Immovable King Form.
Haizaki had turned it into Pillage.
Now, he was constantly comparing the strengths and weaknesses of the two.
He wanted to perfect Pillage—
To make it truly terrifying.
To the point where it could devour everything.
He wanted to develop it further…
But the difficulty was obvious.
Only when his head began to spin did he finally stop thinking.
And when he did—
He realized he had missed his stop.
The next station… was the final stop.
After getting off, he boarded the return train and headed back again.
This time, paying attention, he didn't overshoot.
When he arrived home and stepped through the door, a small dog with a keen nose came running out from the villa, circling him excitedly.
Haizaki picked it up, examining it closely.
It had grown—its gray fur becoming cleaner, turning into a strange yet striking silver-gray.
Entering the living room, he greeted his mother, who was knitting, exchanged a few words, then returned to his room.
Grabbing the basketball from his net bag, he headed out again.
Nearby park. Basketball court.
At midday, the park was nearly empty.
After running more than ten laps around the court, Haizaki's body warmed up.
Ball in hand, fragments of remembered techniques surfaced one by one.
He dribbled, then leapt—
BOOM!
The ball slammed into the hoop.
He landed steadily—
Still gripping the rim.
His pupils shrank.
The power… is this strong?
Even the backboard trembled slightly.
This court was replaced not long ago… wasn't it?
Taking a sharp breath, Haizaki narrowed his eyes.
Kise Ryouta… his talent is truly extraordinary.
But the burden of that move was immense.
Right now, Kise was probably lying in bed—unable to move for days.
Because just now—
When Haizaki used Pillage to replicate Immovable King Form—
His arm had already gone numb.
That was with full power.
And in a real match?
There was no time to hold back.
Shaking his head, he concluded—
This move didn't suit him.
Using it occasionally might be fine…
But frequent use?
Even he wouldn't be able to endure it.
Not to mention someone with a weaker physique like Kise.
With his arm still tingling, Haizaki lost the desire to continue playing.
He picked up the bent rim and walked to the park's security office.
After paying compensation, he left.
Mentally drained from overthinking, he returned home and collapsed onto his bed.
The little dog leapt up beside him, curling up quietly as it fell asleep with him.
By evening, he was awakened by his mother's voice.
He got up, joined his mother and older brother for dinner.
After eating, energy surged through him once more.
Carrying his long spear, he stepped into the open space outside the villa—
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The spear danced through the air in his hands.
Inside, his mother and brother sat by the glass windows, sipping tea as they watched him practice.
Bathed in the soft glow of evening light, the scene felt almost dreamlike—
Warm.
Like a painting.
That night, in a grand villa in Kyoto—
Akashi Seijuro received a call from Midorima Shintaro.
"Kise has awakened. Immovable King Form… it's extremely powerful."
"Immovable King Form, huh? How interesting. Even Ryouta has bloomed."
"Then at the Winter Cup… let's have a true match, Shintaro."
"Exactly my thought."
Elsewhere, upon hearing the news, Murasakibara Atsushi showed little reaction.
"Oh… Kise-chin got stronger too, huh. Guess I can start taking basketball seriously again."
Then he went back to eating his favorite snacks.
On a rooftop somewhere, beneath the fading light of dusk—
Aomine Daiki sat back-to-back with Satsuki Momoi, just like they used to as children.
Watching the moon. Counting the stars.
"Aomine… next week, we're facing Akashi from Rakuzan."
"So what?"
"Aomine… promise me you won't use Immovable King Form."
"…That's not my basketball. I don't like it."
Hearing that, Momoi's mood instantly brightened.
If Aomine said he didn't like it—
Then he truly wouldn't use it.
"Next week, Shogo-kun and Murasakibara's schools also have matches… I wonder how they'll turn out."
"Heh… who knows?"
"But I'm betting on Shogo."
"Aomine…"
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