A new day began, and from the moment Haizaki Shogo opened his eyes, he was filled with anticipation.
After breakfast, he said a quick word to his mother, slung his basketball over his shoulder, and put on a loose-fitting tracksuit that hugged his frame perfectly.
Underneath, he had already worn a white basketball uniform—the purpose was obvious.
Stepping off the train, he spotted Satsuki Momoi waiting by the station in her short skirt and white top. Shogo walked up and hugged her, making her cheeks flush a delicate pink.
"Shogo-kun… could you… maybe not be so enthusiastic with me? I get embarrassed easily."
Looking at Momoi's blushing face and soft pink hair, Shogo couldn't help but think how unfortunate it was that such a beautiful girl had such a quiet, shy nature. And as for Daiki… that mute goose still didn't understand—or maybe he was just pretending not to.
"Who told you to be so beautiful, Satsuki? You're really heart-stirring. Where's Daiki?"
"He's up ahead. Today's a festival day, so the court's empty. You and Aoda can play freely."
"Really? That's perfect."
Shogo ruffled Momoi's long hair with a grin.
"Lead the way!"
======
At the park basketball court, the only figure was Aomine Daiki in black shorts under the hoop.
"Hey, hey!! Aoda, do you have to warm up so seriously? I haven't even arrived yet, and you're already starting."
"So what? Are you warming up, Shogo?"
"Just a little. I was sitting on the train for a while. I'll run two laps."
After finishing his warm-up jog, Shogo approached Aomine, feeling the terrifying aura and pressure. Aomine squinted and grinned.
Come on, Shogo. I'm looking forward to this. Don't disappoint me—you're not at my level yet.
Pulling back his thoughts, Aomine tossed the ball to Shogo. Shogo caught it, excitement and eagerness surging through him.
With the leap went the high jump and the spinning basketball.
BOOM! He slammed the ball through the hoop over Aomine. Shogo was ecstatic.
Just now, his stats had shifted: his "Superior" strength became "Exceptional."
Now, Shogo's physical condition surpassed even the Generation of Miracles's average. This was the result of strict, focused training.
Aomine, conceding two points, showed no signs of discouragement—only determination and a rising wave of excitement.
Finally, an opponent appeared, right in front of him. I must defeat him. The only one who can defeat me is myself.
Aomine caught Shogo's pass. His body coiled like a spring, adjusting speed with ease. In a few swift moves, he evaded Shogo and easily sank the ball.
Shogo caught Aomine's pass, visibly excited.
"Aoda, that last move was mine!"
With a few spins, the ball went cleanly into the net.
"Interesting… really interesting! Shogo, you've made me look forward to this."
On the sidelines, Momoi watched the two dash across the court like the wind. She was stunned—Aoda was really that amazing?
And Shogo… her teammate she hadn't seen in over half a year… how could he become so terrifying? He seemed to be pressuring Aoda.
She was right.
Shogo's overall physical condition was now far superior to Aomine's, and he was deliberately pushing Aomine, forcing his concentration to sharpen.
The goal? To help Aomine enter the Zone.
This had been Shogo's biggest expectation for today. That was why he had gone all-out from the start, giving Aomine no chance to evade.
"Aoda, if this is all you've got, I'll truly become invincible."
"Invincible? Don't make me laugh!"
SWISH!
The ball went through the net. Shogo, standing in place, didn't react, eyes wide as he watched Aomine spin around.
"Shogo, you're still far from it!"
Aomine's aura was fierce, his eyes sparking with cyan electricity—utterly captivating.
This is the true Aomine!
So strong… can't even react in time… such speed!
But… Aoda, I like it. I like your Aomine form.
So… it's mine!
"Is that so? Aoda, let's have some real fun."
Electricity flashed, gray sparks flickering. The previously expressionless Aomine stared, surprised.
"Shogo, Akashi really was blind. Your challenge and unpredictability are perfect—just perfect!"
"Aoda, I have to thank you. You helped me find that door… and open it!"
Momoi, rubbing her already tear-streaked eyes, could only whisper:
My god… what am I seeing?
The blue and gray of the court, two colors clashing as they fought relentlessly—full throttle, no holding back.
Is that the Aoda I know? That's the Shogo I know?
The Generation of Miracles… these two were blooming together at the same moment.
Why am I crying? This should be a joyful moment… so why can't I stop?
It's a joy so intense it brings tears—tears of overwhelming happiness.
=======
Much later, on the court, both Shogo and Aomine lay gasping on the floor.
"Shogo, I, Aomine Daiki, acknowledge you… have an invincible form!!"
"Aoda, I, Haizaki Shogo, admit it. You, Aomine Daiki, possess the strongest basketball talent in all Japan. I recognize you as the ultimate—without equal."
They laughed together, loud and unrestrained, as Momoi shed more tears at the side.
"Hey, hey, hey… Momoi, why are you crying?"
Wiping her eyes, she smiled brightly:
"Aoda, I'm just so happy. Seeing you happy makes me truly happy."
Wow… what a mess of affection on the floor. Shogo, are you eating this up?
"Hey, hey!! Momoi, what about me? Thirsty, hungry… can't you get me a bottle of water?"
"Alright!! Shogo-kun, I'll get water for you both right away!"
Of course… even buying water includes "both." Always including your Aoda, huh?
Some things… no matter how hard you try, you can't win. Love, for one.
"Hey, hey!! Aoda, was that just now… the Zone? When did you get in?"
"Just now. Didn't you go in too?"
Hearing this, Shogo's expression was neutral, but inside, he chuckled wryly.
Not everyone is a monster like you. I could enter because I consumed a little of your Zone energy—absorbed your Zone.
Otherwise, do you think just watching you enter lets me in?
Sigh… the chosen really are… freaks.
Shogo wondered if the two with the "main character aura" were even more extreme. Could he really change the situation?
Still, it was fine. At least now, he had become a variable… a monster.
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