Three years later.
A stadium and Basketball Gym in Tokyo were packed.
On the court, the final of the Elementary School Boys' Basketball League National Tournament was underway.
A banner hung above: "Elementary School Boys' Basketball League National Tournament, Finals."
The red-haired boy in the number 4 white jersey dominated the court.
His name was Akashi Seijuro.
Though still a child, he exuded an unusual composure. His heterochromatic eyes—one scarlet-gold, the other crimson—saw through everything, giving him an aura that was both enchanting and intimidating.
The game's score shocked everyone:
106 – 56.
A 50-point lead in a final match was almost unheard of.
Every eye in the gym followed Akashi.
The reason for this staggering difference was clear: his absolute mastery of the game.
This year, besides his unmatched passing, Akashi had gained a terrifying new skill: stealing.
The opposing point guard, the team's main player, had not once successfully broken through Akashi's defense.
With the main player completely shut down, the opposing team's performance collapsed.
Since joining the basketball team three years ago, Akashi had rapidly surpassed everyone.
His talent astonished both teammates and coach alike.
Even the original team captain grew timid in his presence, eventually stepping down to let Akashi take the role.
Neither coach nor teammates objected.
Akashi didn't refuse—though he had not sought leadership, he was confident in his ability to guide the team.
As captain, he transformed the team.
With his Emperor Eye, he discerned every player's strengths and weaknesses, offering precise guidance.
Within a year, the team's overall level skyrocketed.
Coach Nishio Ryuya could only watch in awe, feeling like a mere bystander.
In the past two years, Akashi had already led the team to two consecutive national championships.
Yet he remained humble, often playing the role of a passer to refine his skills.
He knew that even with Seijuro Akashi's talent, true mastery required effort.
This year marked his final year in elementary school.
The championship, unsurprisingly, ended in another effortless victory, securing his third consecutive title.
Akashi's smile was faint, controlled, almost indifferent.
He was not overly excited. Today marked the end of this chapter in his life.
Back at the Akashi Family manor, months later:
Bang… bang… bang… Akashi ran tirelessly on the private basketball court.
Sweat drenched his crimson hair, dripping from his temples.
He was now 12 years old, having spent twelve years in this world—years of transformation.
His appearance had matured: short crimson hair, heterochromatic eyes, and an aristocratic aura that radiated confidence and authority.
He moved like a king, captivating everyone around him with his poise.
Name: Akashi Seijuro
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 66 kg
Abilities: Precise passing, 100% steals, Ankle Breaker… and more.
He possessed Seijuro Akashi's talent, with powers yet to be fully unlocked due to his physical growth.
He had no clue if he could activate Zone yet.
On the court, Akashi's heterochromatic pupils shimmered.
Emperor Eye activated.
He prepared to perform the Ankle Breaker, dribbling in perfect rhythm.
His feet moved instinctively, accelerating as if an invisible opponent challenged him.
After a brief flurry, he squatted, pushed off, and leapt for a dunk.
Clang…
The rim stopped him. He hadn't yet grown tall enough, nor his jumping ability strong enough.
Akashi landed, studying the ball as it bounced away.
"Too early," he muttered. "Not high enough yet."
But he was undeterred.
He would continue in junior high, perfecting his skills, and one day, he would reach Seijuro Akashi's level.
Which junior high he attended… was irrelevant.
He only cared about his growth and the perfection of his abilities.