Sunday. The gym. Basketball match day.
Haizaki Shogo sat beside Shimizu Rena, wearing his jacket, one hand propping up his chin, watching his teammates methodically dismantle the opposition, one basket at a time.
Led by Kimura Tosho and Mochizuki Kazuhiro, the offense opened up on two fronts—inside and outside—building a commanding lead.
By the third quarter, Coach Ichiro Kudo began rotating players, gradually putting in those with potential to gain match experience.
Shogo lazily inhaled the fragrance wafting from the girl beside him, casually chatting in bits and pieces.
"Shimizu-chan, what do you think of our team right now?"
"Shogo-kun, every teammate is full of energy, brimming with fighting spirit. We're really vibrant."
"By the way… why do you still use 'weakness attacks' against opponents like these?"
Rena smiled sheepishly, then clenched her small fists and said seriously:
"I need to train my skills more, so I can help the team in critical moments, and help you, Shogo-kun, win."
"Well said, Shimizu-chan!"
Shogo could only respond by raising his own fist weakly, cheering for the beautiful girl in front of him.
Soon, the whistle blew. The team won by a wide margin, and everyone returned to the resting area in high spirits.
"Hey, hey, hey!! Don't get addicted to picking on soft opponents, or you'll end up with frozen fingers!"
Watching his jubilant teammates, Shogo had to pour cold water on them, reminding them not to get carried away. Next week's match would be a tough one—not some soft target.
The fire of their pride was dampened a bit, but they were still happy.
The afternoon held another game. Coach Kudo's expression remained stern, urging everyone to rest and prepare for the next match.
=======
In the second game, the opponents were stronger, but still dominated.
Though they lacked top-tier players, the opposition fought hard, completing the full match, serving as another excellent "sharpening stone" for Fukuda Sogo.
On the return bus, Coach Kudo began summarizing:
"Today's performance was very good, but we must keep pushing this week."
"Next week, we have another match. If we win, we can secure early qualification and begin preparing for the national tournament. Are you ready?"
"Yes!"
…
Hearing all the players' eager responses, Kudo was relieved. The hard work had finally yielded a good start. Advancing to the nationals was just the first step.
"The next opponent is Seirin High, a team with two miracle-era-level players. They've even defeated champion schools before. Are you ready?"
"Yes!"
…
This time, the shouts were much weaker. Two miracle-era players. Everyone secretly glanced at Shogo sitting beside Rena.
As for Shogo himself, he weakly muttered, "Ready," lacking any energy, any world-devouring, sky-crushing aura in his voice.
=======
But as soon as he stepped off the bus, the lethargic Shogo suddenly became alert and spirited.
Shouldering his sports bag, he took Rena's hand, boarded the train, and hurried to the city's fencing hall.
Seeing this, Coach Kudo and the other players were bewildered. Wasn't Shogo supposed to be tired?
Kudo shooed the others away, returned to his office, and pulled out files on Seirin High and their players, studying them carefully.
After several thorough readings, he inhaled sharply. Another dark horse!
Though Shogo claimed Seirin was "average," Kudo knew that without him, the team would be utterly crushed.
Two miracle-era-level players, one recovering from injury among the "Uncrowned Kings," and every other starter was formidable.
One had Eagle Eyes, another excelled at three-point scoring, one had good height and skilled hook shots… plus a clever, observant student coach gifted with the Data Eyes.
"Huff… huff… tch!"
Kudo could hear his own sharp intake of breath. Seirin High's full-strength lineup might even surpass Fukuda Sogo.
But this was perfect. Apart from facing Aomine Daiki of Tōhō High, it was time for a strong team to truly test their progress.
At that moment, a knock came at the office door.
Kudo put down the files and opened it, seeing the buzz-cut boy clutching a basketball.
"Let's go. Basketball court. Training continues."
"Yes, Coach!"
It was Sasaki from Fukuda. Thanks to Shogo's guidance, he had been training on screens, help-defense, and other basics since last week.
Alongside him was none other than Coach Kudo, his companion from middle and high school.
The sunset cast warm light through the gym windows, illuminating the court as the two moved back and forth—a breathtaking scene.
Over the next week, Shogo trained seriously, occasionally instructing Sasaki and the inside player, Suzuran Karasu.
These two, if used well, would pose significant threats to Seirin High.
Meanwhile, Kimura Tosho and Okawa Sawano's offensive awareness allowed them to form a potent scoring duo.
All in all, Shogo was very satisfied with the team. It was already enough.
=======
Friday, the final day.
All training completed, the team gathered together.
Coach Kudo's serious, deep voice echoed through the gym, each word stirring hearts.
"Rest well tonight. Tomorrow is the final match for our qualification to the nationals."
"We are strong. No one can stop us from claiming national supremacy. Do you have confidence?"
"Yes!" "Yes!" "Yes!" …
"Good. Dismissed. Go home and rest!"
"Clap!" "Clap clap!" "Clap clap clap!"
Amid the applause, Shogo returned to the locker room, changed, and shouldered his sports bag, exiting the gym.
At the school gate stood a girl in a pristine white sailor uniform and black pleated skirt, dazzlingly beautiful.
Shogo walked up, shoulder to shoulder with her, toward the nearby train station.
A gentle breeze lifted the pleats of her skirt and fluttered Shogo's jacket.
In the distance, the train was slowly approaching…
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