The sky was clear, and the atmosphere at Teikō Junior High School was vibrant and full of life.
Reo Byakuya let out a small sigh. He had arrived too early. The cherry blossoms outside were stunning, but here he was, stuck inside watching a rather dull training match.
It was the beginning of the school year, and clubs all over campus were actively recruiting. The energy was palpable. Senior club members enthusiastically pitched their groups, and confused-looking first-years were dragged in with wide eyes and open ears.
It was the same story all across the school.
Reo filled out the entry form for the basketball club with practiced ease.
Meanwhile, in another part of the school, two students strolled casually down the hallway—one tall and lazy-looking, the other small, sweet, and cheerful.
"Dai-chan, have you decided which club you're joining?" the girl asked, her eyes sparkling.
The tall boy yawned, replying without hesitation, "Do you really need to ask? Of course I'm joining the basketball club."
He looked at her like she'd asked the most obvious question in the world. But if other boys saw how casually he treated such a cute girl, they'd be gnashing their teeth in envy.
The girl didn't mind in the slightest. Instead, she smiled warmly at the bronze-skinned boy beside her, her gaze filled with admiration.
"I heard Teikō's basketball team is really strong. I can't wait to see it."
The boy grinned, clearly excited. "Yeah, I'm pumped. Just talking about basketball gets me hyped."
"Then maybe I can be your team manager!" the girl offered brightly. "I'll even make you lunch boxes!"
The boy's expression soured instantly. "Uh, maybe don't. If I eat your cooking, I might not make it to the court…"
"…What did you just say?" Her face turned crimson with fury. "Say that again if you dare!"
Before she could erupt, the boy bumped into a small-framed student walking by. He turned to apologize, but the other student had already disappeared.
Had Reo been present, he would've immediately recognized that boy—Tetsuya Kuroko, the one he admired most.
The girl blinked. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," the boy muttered. "Let's keep moving."
She didn't push the matter, and even forgot to be mad about the insult to her cooking.
The school grounds remained lively, with Kuroko continuing to walk quietly among the crowd.
He kept his eyes on the book in his hand like it was his entire world.
Yet inside, his heart was racing. This was where his dream began—Teikō Junior High. A promise with a friend had led him here, and now his journey was finally starting.
But as he weaved through the crowd, not a single person noticed him.
He was the only new student without a horde of upperclassmen trying to recruit him.
A green-haired boy passed nearby.
"Hey, new guy! Like books? You should join the art club!" a senior called out.
"No thanks," the green-haired boy replied flatly.
"…Also, that's just a phone book you're reading…"
"Phone book?" the senior blinked.
The green-haired boy adjusted his glasses and responded seriously, "It's lucky today."
And just like that, he walked off, as if that answered everything.
Elsewhere, at the volleyball club, a tall, sleepy-looking boy with messy lavender hair stood surrounded by eager recruiters.
"Whoa, you're huge!"
"You'd be amazing at volleyball!"
"Join us!"
The boy lazily brushed cherry blossom petals off his head and stared at them, bored. "Ugh… so troublesome…"
The club members practically sparkled with excitement. They'd found a rare gem, but the boy showed zero interest.
Suddenly, loud screams echoed from a nearby club booth.
"Look, Eriko! He's so handsome!"
"Oh wow, he really is!"
"Well, I still pick Reo-kun!"
"No way you'd even get a chance! Reo-kun doesn't date!"
"…Hmph."
A slightly shy, blonde-haired boy with a well-proportioned build stood awkwardly amidst a flock of fangirls. He looked flustered, not yet the confident charmer he would later become—Ryota Kise.
Meanwhile, a sleek black car pulled up in front of the school gates.
A butler in a black suit respectfully opened the rear door, and a refined young man stepped out.
Even a casual glance revealed his noble upbringing—but unlike typical rich kids, he carried no arrogance or airs. His manner was calm, his expression gentle.
"Shall I escort you further, young master?" the butler asked.
"No need," the boy said politely. "From tomorrow, there's no need to pick me up either."
"But your father—"
"This has nothing to do with him. If I show up in a chauffeured car every day, my classmates will just see me as some spoiled rich kid. I'd rather be treated normally."
The butler paused, sensing the unwavering determination in the boy's words. Despite his gentle demeanor, there was something powerful about him. His eyes held a quiet intensity, like a beast waiting to be unleashed.
That boy was Seijuro Akashi, sole heir to the Akashi family, a prodigy raised to win.
Honor and victory had been part of his life from birth, and now… he had come to Teikō.