The first joint practice match of the training camp came to an end under the dazzling performance of Shigure Akihito and Hagioka Kasayuki.
The result—naturally—was a complete victory for the combined forces of Teiko + Rain + Hagioka.
Coming in second…
Was the Five Generals + Tsukasa + Muramura lineup.
And in last place
A rather miserable showing from Seirin + Kuroko + Saki, alongside Kurokami Shinji, who hadn't suffered such a crushing defeat in ages.
As for Fukaya Reiji, who had temporarily joined Seirin, after losing two consecutive games—both by overwhelming margins—he left the gym with a surprisingly calm expression.
But Kurokami knew all too well what kind of storm brewed beneath that calm face—especially after witnessing Reiji challenge Hagioka head-on… and be effortlessly crushed.
That night, by the sea—inside the inn's cafeteria.
Hyūga Junpei stared blankly at the cold "protein set" in front of him, his face shifting from confusion to numb resignation. After sitting down, he couldn't help but think back to today's game.
"Ah…"
"Man…"
"This is rough."
"Nationals, huh…"
He glanced left and right.
After sneaking out for extra three-point practice, the cafeteria was empty. Everyone must've gone to sleep by now, right?
…Or maybe they were still showering?
Either way…
Ever since arriving here, shouldn't he have gotten stronger?
Honestly, it'd been nothing but blows to his confidence lately. His thoughts bounced around endlessly—from whether everyone was asleep to… basketball itself. Then, inevitably, his mind drifted to..
The Generation of Miracles.
The Twin Stars.
The Five Generals.
Hagioka Kasayuki.
Inside this sudden "monster hunting ground" of a practice session, aside from understanding Shigure Akihito and Hagioka Kasayuki—and the unexpectedly fiery, almost over-the-top Nijimura Shuzo—Hyūga realized that every one of these "monsters" had something in common:
They each possessed a weapon uniquely their own.
That… clearly mattered.
But his own weapon…
What was it?
Three-pointers?
To be honest, even setting aside someone like Midorima Shintarō, he couldn't even compare to Haizaki Shōgo, who could mimic Reo Mibuchi's "Void" with frightening precision.
And then there was Fukaya Reiji, who'd been on his team today…
That guy had the guts to challenge Hagioka head-on. Even though he lost completely, the gap between himself and Reiji felt even larger than the one between himself and Haizaki.
As Hyūga thought about Reiji, a shadow appeared at the cafeteria door. Hair down, bangs covering his eyes—that unmistakably gloomy silhouette belonged to Fukaya Reiji himself.
Hyūga froze.
He… actually showed up!
He hesitated about whether to greet him—but before he could decide, the protein set in his mouth suddenly clumped together.
"Ugh!"
"So bitter!!"
His exaggerated complaint about Riko's cooking drew Reiji's attention.
Clack.
With quiet footsteps, Reiji walked over and sat beside him.
"Sorry to intrude. You just got back from practice?"
Hyūga nodded. "Yeah. Gotta make the most of this chance. Playing against guys like you doesn't come often. Even if I can't match up, at least I should try to keep pace—"
"Eh?"
"Fried rice?"
"Oh." Reiji gave a small nod. "I was watching footage earlier and lost track of time. Missed dinner, so I made this myself."
Hyūga glanced at Reiji's fried rice… then back at his own cold, unappetizing meal. Envy distorted his entire face.
"You… want some?"
"Eh? Can I?!"
"Sure. Midorima and Shinji already had dinner, and I made enough for a late-night snack anyway."
At that, Hyūga didn't hesitate for a second—he shoved his protein meal aside, completely forgetting his nervousness as he turned toward Reiji with shining eyes.
This guy…
Was seriously…
Cool.
Not just for the way he faced Hagioka without fear
Even his cooking smelled amazing!
Wait
Hold on…
Did Reiji just say Midorima and Kurokami were still awake?
Watching footage?
A little earlier that evening
Haizaki Shōgo tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. When he finally opened his eyes, he found Kuroko Tetsuya staring right back at him.
Kuroko: "?"
Haizaki: "!"
He blinked once, then guiltily turned away. But, as luck would have it… things weren't any quieter on the other side.
With a sharp swish, Midorima Shintarō threw off his blanket. From his angle, he could clearly see Haizaki's sheets twitch.
Midorima: "…"
Tch.
He got up and left the room.
A few moments later, Haizaki followed. Just as he hesitated—wondering if it'd look weird to go out now
The bed beside him rustled again.
Kuroko quietly lifted his blanket and looked at him.
"Heading out?"
"Haizaki."
"…"
"…Yeah."
And so
The three of them, sleepless, all ended up at the gym one by one.
But to Haizaki and Kuroko's surprise, despite Midorima having left first, he arrived at the gym last.
As soon as he entered, Midorima spotted them playing one-on-one—and even overheard Haizaki muttering something about the "monster inside his heart."
Then
Haizaki clearly noticed him.
Whish!
He flicked the ball high into the air, its arc tracing a soft rainbow toward the door where Midorima stood.
Judging by the speed, it wasn't one of Haizaki's taunting passes.
Haizaki turned, raised a finger in a gun gesture, and closed one eye to "aim" at Midorima.
"You heard Nijimura's crazy talk that day, didn't you, you creepy peeping stalker?"
Smack.
Midorima lightly tipped the ball with his fingertips, deftly controlling it into his palm.
"First of all—everyone heard it. Secondly…"
He adjusted his glasses.
"Don't mimic Shigure-senpai. With how badly you were dominated today, pulling that move just makes you look painfully out of place."
Haizaki: "…"
His finger trembled in midair, quivering from sheer frustration.
END OF CHAPTER
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