The fencing hall, atop the raised platform.
Haizaki Shogo's thrusts grew sharper, faster, more vicious with each attack toward the head coach, as if he were trying to pour all his frustrations and strength into every strike.
After a while, the two finally stepped back, breathing heavily, sweat dripping from their brows.
"Shogo-kun," the head coach said gently, "your mind isn't at peace today. Let's end here—continuing like this will only lead you astray."
"Head Coach, I…"
"No need to explain yourself to me. Your problems are your own, and only you can solve them. If you can't, it's simply because you aren't strong enough… or haven't thought it through yet."
Shogo lowered his head, deep in thought.
Not strong enough…? Me? Maybe… perhaps I am.
That night, after sending Shimizu Rena off in her car, Shogo carried his basketball back home on foot.
Dim streetlights cast faint pools of light, and scattered crows cawed in the distance.
Weeds!
In his eyes, everyone else at Fukuda Sogo Academy was just a weed.
And in Akashi's eyes… was he also a weed from Teiko Junior High?
It really was a cycle of fate—how you see others is how they see you.
Splash!
Shogo leapt into the swimming pool, forcing himself through the water, burning every last ounce of strength.
Exhausted, he later emerged from the bathroom and collapsed into bed, immediately falling into sleep.
At that moment, all he knew in his heart was: I'm so tired… damn weeds, I'm going to sleep.
======
The next morning, Shogo carried his basketball out the door, brimming with energy, heading to school.
Shimizu Rena looked at him as he entered the classroom. There was something different about him today—an indescribable aura. One thing was certain: he seemed more charming than before.
On the surface, it wasn't that he had gained something, but rather had removed something: the earring in his ear.
If he joined the basketball team still wearing an earring, it would seem unprofessional—half-hearted. How could he play basketball like that?
"Good morning, Shogo-kun!"
"Morning, Shimizu-chan! By the way, no fencing practice today. I've decided to report to the basketball team."
"Really, Shogo-kun? Can I come watch you play?"
"Why not? Oh, and remember to get me a bottle of water if I get thirsty."
Shogo shamelessly used the opportunity to make unreasonable requests.
"Okay, Shogo-kun, I'll bring you water."
After chatting for a while, they began their day's classes.
When the school bell rang, Shogo arrived at the basketball club, carrying both basketball and backpack.
Coach Kudo had already prepared a uniform and basic equipment for him overnight—a blood-red jersey with number 6.
Dressed in his jersey and holding his basketball, Shogo stepped out of the locker room and onto the court.
The entire team was lined up, all eyes on him as he walked forward, one step at a time.
Standing beside Coach Kudo, the coach smiled at Shogo.
"I'll leave the next part to you. Introduce yourself."
Shogo nodded and stepped in front of the team. His voice was calm, but there was a hint of coldness—and stubbornness.
"My name is Haizaki Shogo. I was a starting player on Teiko Junior High's first team. But in their eyes, I was a weed, so I left the basketball team."
"You've seen how strong I am just a few days ago. Of course, in my eyes… you're all weeds too."
"We are all weeds. If we want to fight back, to win, to gain glory… are you ready to make sacrifices?"
"I'm ready. I'm ready to score. I'm ready to exhaust myself chasing every point."
"And you?"
Silence filled the court. Those who remained were the ones prepared for the challenge—teammates willing to sacrifice, teammates who wanted to win.
"I'm ready. I'm ready to be exhausted."
"I'm ready too, Shogo-kun. Please guide me!"
"I'm ready!"
"I'm ready as well!"
One by one, voices filled with passion and youth echoed across the court. Shogo smiled.
This was the best, most heartening moment in days.
The Generation of Miracles… I am ready to stop your triple crown.
=======
Training from then on was simple yet grueling. Besides endurance workouts, Coach Kudo personally guided the players in defensive tactics.
Everyone participated, except for Shogo, who focused relentlessly on running and stamina.
To execute such an extreme strategy, Shogo knew his endurance would be tested—playing a full match against a team like Teiko would push him to the limit.
======
At dusk, passing a convenience store, Shogo bought two bottles of sports drinks.
Sipping one, he reflected on the day.
On his first day with the basketball team, most of the time he trained alone, focusing on stamina and skills.
The others learned from the coach, practicing how to defend one-on-one to the best of their ability.
On many faces were expressions of hope, of aspiration.
Shogo shook his head. The young players' enthusiasm and energy stirred something in him—made him feel alive.
Perhaps his body was made for youth, for passion, for blood-pumping excitement.
This life was certainly better than quietly playing alone.
Clang!
He tossed the empty bottle into the trash and walked down the neon-lit streets.
"Mother, I'm home."
"Shogo-kun, why so late today?"
"I went to the basketball club this afternoon and walked back afterward, so I'm a bit late."
"The food's cold… I'll warm it up for you."
"Thank you, Mother!"
Dinner, swimming, shower, then bed.
In his final year of middle school, his ultimate goal: Teiko Junior High. Consider it a warm-up.
He would witness firsthand how the triple-crown Generation of Miracles had been achieved.
That night, long without dreams, Shogo dreamt.
In the dream, the former captain, Nijimura Shuzo, led him to a national championship. But as they lifted the trophy, each teammate transformed into a giant monster, trying to swallow him whole.
Luckily, he ran fast; otherwise, he would have been devoured. Yet no matter how fast he ran, a pair of blood-red eyes always followed him.
The dream ended as he fell off a cliff into the abyss.
When he woke, the sun was shining brightly—too late if he didn't hurry to school.
======
Note: "Weeds" – A metaphor for players considered weak, but capable of growth and strength through struggle.