⚔️ Scene 1: Duel of Minds
The whistle blew, and Reiji Oda stood in front of me like a wall.
6'5". Wingspan like a bird of prey. And an aura that said:
"I don't care about your story. I'm here to erase it."
I dribbled once. He didn't flinch.
So I used the Ghost Step.
...Blocked.
Not just blocked—predicted.
Reiji whispered: "You're too easy."
I gritted my teeth. "You've studied me."
He smirked. "And I've played against your brother."
That hit harder than it should have.
🧠 Scene 2: Memories Awaken
My mind flared.
Flashes.
Rain.
Akira—breathing hard, facing Reiji at nationals.
A bloody nose. A limp.
And that same smirk.
This wasn't just Déjà vu.
This was my past—bleeding into now.
Something snapped open in me.
I saw the whole court.
Angles. Gaps. Rotations.
"Akira called this... Overclock."
I activated it.
Suddenly:
A bullet pass to Miyagi—score.
A mid-air lob to Sakuragi—SLAM.
A fake handoff to Rukawa—fadeaway 2.
Shohoku was alive again.
But my head? Pounding.
My vision blurred. Nose bleeding.
Too much. Too fast.
❤️ Scene 3: Haruko's Realization
From the stands, Haruko leaned forward, eyes wide.
She turned to Ayako. "He's… not playing like a high schooler."
Ayako nodded. "He's like a general in a war."
Haruko bit her lip. "Why do I feel… worried?"
Ayako didn't answer.
Nearby, Rukawa glanced over—frowning.
Sakuragi noticed both of them staring at me.
"Tch… That Kudo. Even Haruko's watching him now..."
He looked back at the court.
Kudo just made another no-look assist.
"...And he's kinda cool right now.
But I'm still cooler."
🌀 Scene 4: The Spiral
2 minutes left in the quarter. Score tied.
Kudo's heartbeat felt like a drumline.
Coach shouted: "Kudo—SUB OUT!"
I shook my head. "One more play…"
Reiji was already there.
"Trying to prove something?" he asked.
"No. Just finishing something my brother started."
I crossed him.
He moved.
But I vanished.
Behind the back, behind-the-defender pass—BOOM. Sakuragi dunked it in reverse.
The crowd exploded.
But I collapsed to one knee.
📓 Final Thoughts
I've pushed myself past my limits.
I've opened doors even Akira feared.
And as the quarter ended, I sat on the bench, towel on my head.
Haruko approached quietly.
"Are you… really Kudo Hirata?"
I looked up. Smiled faintly.
"Depends who' asking.