The winter break passed in a flash. On a bright, sunny day, Haizaki Shogo left the house early, dressed in his sportswear, greeted gently by his mother.
Today was another scheduled day with Aomine Daiki. Carrying his basketball, Shogo arrived at the court ahead of time.
Daiki and Satsuki Momo arrived a little late, but it didn't matter.
Under Satsuki's shy, flushed gaze, Shogo and Daiki shed their long pants and jackets, stepping onto the basketball court one after the other.
Boom! Boom! Boom! The basketballs swished through the net as Shogo caught the pass from Daiki and dribbled it up.
Shogo took a step forward, ready to challenge Daiki directly—no hesitation in sight.
The thud-thud-thud of basketballs echoed across the quiet court.
As he dribbled, Shogo spoke:
"Daiki, after training with you all this time, I feel like you're hiding something from me."
"Oh? You can tell that?"
"Can't I? You, me, Kise Ryouta—we share similar playing styles. What Kise and I can do, how could you not? Don't you think so?"
Daiki's pupils contracted sharply at Shogo's words. He exhaled and said:
"Shogo, I'll admit it—your talent definitely surpasses Kise. Akashi really misjudged this one."
"Does it matter if he did or not? It's in the past, already a fact. Aren't you going to show me what you've been keeping hidden?"
Daiki didn't respond. He pressed forward, defending fiercely, but Shogo barged through and slammed the ball into the basket.
=======
Much later, the three of them emerged from the convenience store, each with an ice cream. Satsuki's eyes sparkled as she smiled.
"Winter break's ending soon… we won't meet as much. Goodbye for now!"
"Shogo-kun, goodbye!"
As they parted, Daiki spoke with anticipation:
"Shogo, if you make it to the national tournament next year, I'll show you."
"Hmm… let me think. I'll see if I have the time, if there's a chance."
Shogo boarded the train, slowly pulling away.
Left behind were the boy and girl—the innocent, playful childhood friends—walking close together, exchanging words, nodding and shaking heads.
The scene is too beautiful… I can't bear to watch!
"Daiki… Shogo's changed so much! I barely recognize him."
"Yeah, Shogo's changed a lot, but haven't we all?"
"Ah! Now that you mention it, everyone's changed… getting stronger."
"Satsuki, that's inevitable. But no matter what, winning the games is what matters. The rest doesn't matter."
"Daiki…"
"Hmm…"
"Enough, let's head back!"
======
On the train, Shogo was lost in thought. After this winter break of training with Daiki, he had confirmed one thing:
Aomine Daiki—the peak of speed, strength, and basketball skill, with a free, unrestricted shooting style—
Could he easily mimic someone?
Of course not. Not at all easy. Even at a thought, it's nearly impossible.
And what did this mean?
Perfect Copy wasn't just Kise Ryouta's exclusive gift. Even the prodigy of the Generation of Miracles, Aomine Daiki, could do it.
Yet Daiki, independent and proud, wouldn't imitate others intentionally. He had his own style, his own pride, his own basketball.
This is the true ace of the Generation of Miracles: Aomine Daiki.
Shogo's observations over this period had confirmed it.
Think about it—if even Shogo could eventually grasp Daiki's style, could Daiki fail to mimic another's skills?
Ridiculous!
Realizing this, Shogo felt a thrill. This world wasn't as simple as the manga made it out to be. Interesting… very interesting!
Could it be that Kise's Perfect Copy talent, which he often used with Daiki, was indirectly derived from Daiki himself?
Shivers… this Daiki is unbelievable…
And then there was Midorima Shintaro—someone who got along well with Shogo but couldn't tolerate sloppiness, a man who gave everything in every match.
How much practice did he do in private to reach that level? Did he really grow so much that each three-point shot seemed effortless?
No way!
On the train, Shogo didn't believe it. Who would? Only fools.
And in anime, Seirin's high school players supposedly reached extreme heights in a single winter tournament—were the Generation of Miracles really just playing around?
Getting defeated that easily? Too unreasonable.
Shogo frowned, his thoughts swirling.
Which was real—the living world before him, the manga from his previous life, or the anime? Which was false?
And what role would he play? Could he change fate, or was he trapped in a predetermined destiny?
Thinking of his manga-ending, Shogo chuckled darkly.
Interesting. Come on. I, Haizaki Shogo, will crush you all… or crush fate itself.
Shogo looked forward to the next year—starting high school, the point where the story truly begins.
For now, Shogo and Daiki's strength was undeniable. Compared to middle schoolers, even high schoolers, their power was astronomical.
Before he knew it, the train arrived. Shogo slowly disembarked, returning to his villa.
Two hours of swimming had drained the last of his energy. Draped in a bathrobe, he collapsed onto his bed.
His gentle, caring mother came in, tucking him in, closing the curtains, turning off the light, and leaving the room.
The villa fell silent and dark.
Shogo felt lucky: a kind, gentle mother, a supportive older brother, and a beautiful girl with feelings for him.
Life was suddenly full of anticipation and warmth.
And so, Shogo entered his third year of middle school.
This year, Teiko Junior High would claim a three-time championship, becoming legendary and renowned.
=============
32+ Advance Chapters Available on Patreon.com/Veltoria
100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
Add to Library to support