At the seafood restaurant, long black-haired Miyazaki-sensei, still bristling with energy, tried to challenge Haizaki Shogo to more sake rounds. Beside her, Shimizu Rena narrowed her almond-shaped eyes at Shogo, clearly scolding him without saying a word.
Shogo shrugged helplessly, I'm innocent! Seafood and sake—what could be wrong with that?
It was the stunning Miyazaki-sensei who insisted on drinking with him. Watching the delicate flush on her face beneath her refined features, Shogo couldn't help but feel tempted—an allure that was mature yet utterly captivating.
After enjoying their meal, Shogo and Shimizu escorted the beautiful Miyazaki home before finally retreating themselves.
On the train, Shimizu Rena gazed at the streaking neon lights and twisted the bracelet on her wrist.
"I really like it. Even though it's expensive, I want to wear it all the time."
"As long as you like it! If you lose it, I'll pick another one for you."
Shimizu didn't answer, instead alternating between staring at the flowing city outside and glancing at the resolute, upright Shogo beside her—patiently, without complaint.
After dropping Shimizu home, Shogo, carrying a faint scent of sake, got off the train early and walked slowly back to his large villa.
Next week will be the national tournament. Anticipation, urgency, and a faint sense of duty accompanied him all the way home.
He couldn't put it into words, but the feeling lingered as he stepped through the villa's front door.
His little dog darted out, circling Shogo excitedly—adorable, goofy, and full of energy.
Grabbing the fur around its neck, Shogo carefully inspected its pale eyes. Amid the chaotic licking of its tiny tongue, he relented, scooping the dog into his arms and walking leisurely inside.
"Welcome back, Shogo-kun!"
"Yeah! Mother."
"Have you eaten dinner?"
"I did. Seafood. I'm full."
"Go take a bath!"
A simple, ordinary conversation—but Shogo relished it. His mother's casual words and care were comforting, grounding him, and he found himself utterly content.
======
The next morning, Shogo yawned, donning his school blazer as he slowly entered the classroom.
He greeted familiar classmates one by one, causing some of the younger girls' cheeks to blush.
Shogo realized that if he stared at these girls for less than thirty seconds, their faces would flush. He had grown to enjoy this little mischievous habit, often teasing the girls in class.
However, since everyone knew about his close relationship with Shimizu Rena, no one dared provoke him, which left him slightly bored.
High school… isn't this supposed to be the age where you talk about fighting and adventure, but secretly think about love?
At his seat, Shimizu Rena handed him a document, her excitement evident.
"InterhighTokyo Preliminary Match Schedule"
Shogo glanced at the sheet, momentarily stunned, then a spark of excitement lit his eyes. Skimming it quickly, he froze.
"No way… Tokyo's region is that strong? A death zone?"
"Yes, Shogo-kun. Our Tokyo preliminaries are truly a death zone."
"How many teams advance?"
"Three. Only three."
Shogo sucked in a sharp breath.
There were dozens of high schools in Tokyo eligible for preliminaries. That wasn't the shocking part. What startled him was that just by scanning the sheet, he could already pick out several extremely strong teams.
The preliminaries… what kind of madness is this?
Fukuda Sogo, Tōō Academy, Seiho High, Kirisaki Daiichi High, Shutoku High, Seirin High.
All six schools are in Tokyo. What is this setup?
Shogo's initial shock gave way to a smirk. This is interesting!
One thing was certain: Fukuda Sogo and Tōō Academy, home of Aomine Daiki, would advance. Then the question became: who would advance from Shutoku High, home of Midorima Shintaro, and Seirin High, home of Kuroko Tetsuya?
The suspense thrilled Shogo. I can't wait to see which teams will make it!
======
After the sixth period, Shogo and his teammates gathered in the indoor gymnasium.
The Tokyo preliminaries schedule had been circulated among the team. Everyone could see the powerhouses of the region. Excitement and fear mixed in equal measure.
The top schools included Tōō Academy, Shutoku High, Seiho High, and Senshinkan High.
Shogo and Shimizu also spotted Seirin High, with Kuroko Tetsuya, and Hanamiya Makoto at Kirisaki Daiichi High.
Tokyo's region, with the rise of Shogo, Aomine, Midorima, Kogami Taiga, and Kuroko, might see a reshuffling of the kings.
Soon, basketball coach Ichiro Kudo, holding his printed schedule, stepped in front of the team. His voice was low and serious.
"You've seen the preliminary schedule. Strong opponents everywhere. One mistake and we might not advance. Ready?"
"Always ready!" "Yes, coach!"
Of course, "always ready" was Shogo's reflexive answer, sending a ripple of excitement and anticipation through his teammates.
"Good. Let's start training. Our first opponent is the King of the West, Senshinkan High. Everyone, get fired up!"
"Yes, coach!"
=======
Back at Fukuda Sogo Academy, in the basketball gym, a practice match began.
Shogo forcefully dunked past Suzuran Karasu, whose shocked expression made Shogo smirk. But the smirk soon turned to awe.
Earlier, Shimizu had felt Karasu's fiery spirit—ever resilient, growing stronger through setbacks.
Karasu's aura carried hidden strength and an unyielding streak, subtle enough that Shogo could only sense it vaguely.
Playing this close-quarters practice, Shogo detected something unusual, though he couldn't pinpoint it yet.
Good. The stronger you are, the easier it will be for me later.
After finishing Coach Kudo's training plan, the exhausted students formed groups and left campus for a pre-match feast at a self-serve hotpot restaurant.
Shogo and Shimizu walked beside Coach Kudo, discussing the schedule while observing the bustling crowd ahead, both smiling in quiet satisfaction.
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