Shimizu Rena, who had been quietly humming a tune, suddenly seemed to remember something. She took a sheet from her gray notebook and handed it to Haizaki Shogo.
Shogo took the sheet, blinking in mild confusion.
But as he studied it more closely, a smile spread across his face. Interesting!
It seemed that Shimizu-chan was incredibly resourceful—she had managed to gather this much data.
The sheet contained the names of notable players from the past three years of the All-Japan Junior High Basketball League, along with detailed information on certain key players.
The abilities and backgrounds listed in the table spoke volumes. Shogo couldn't know all the details, but he could imagine. Nobility was nobility; their access to resources was always plentiful.
Some names on the sheet were clearly highlighted in bold red.
Generation of Miracles: Akashi Seijuro, Aomine Daiki, Midorima Shintaro, Murasakibara Atsushi, Kise Ryouta (Haizaki Shogo, Kuroko Tetsuya).
Uncrowned Kings: Kiyoshi Teppei, Hanamiya Makoto, Nebuya Eikichi, Mibuchi Reo, Hayama Kotaro.
Rising Stars: Suzuran Karasu, Kimura Tosho, Sakurai Ryo, Takao Kazunari, Tsugawa Tomoki.
Looking at the clear, organized table, it was obvious that someone professional—probably from the education department—had compiled this. The information it revealed was… quite substantial.
Shogo didn't need to think much about the Generation of Miracles or the Uncrowned Kings; he knew all of them.
But the last line—the Rising Stars—who were these people? As he read each name, his mind raced.
Suzuran Karasu… no memory of him, didn't recognize the name. Probably someone from an unknown school. This sounded like a nickname rather than a real name, but apparently everyone treated it as real. Truly living up to the name.
Kimura Tosho… unfamiliar too. Had he appeared in the original storyline? Shogo was confused.
Takao Kazunari… this one rang a bell. The "Hawk" of the future Shutoku duo, also a sharpsighted point guard. Definitely a notable player.
Sakurai Ryo… where had he been mentioned? Oh yes, he was Aomine Daiki's future teammate, and coincidentally in the same grade as them. But why hadn't he participated in the junior high league? Even as a first-year student, he had earned a starting position at the meritocratic Tōō Academy, proving his skill.
Tsugawa Tomoki… no need to explain. Shogo had recently gone hard on him in practice. If he was now considered a Rising Star, Shogo had no objections. After all, in junior high he could defend Kise Ryouta, and in first year even keep up with Kagami Taiga.
Scrolling through the rest of the player list, most entries only included names and positions, with a few noting a specific skill.
After reviewing everything, Shogo returned the sheet to Rena with genuine admiration:
"Shimizu-chan, your strength… it amazes me!"
"Hehe!!"
Shogo paused, then said with a smile:
"Shimizu-chan, summer vacation is almost here. I'll be going abroad for a wilderness survival event, so I won't be able to hang out with you."
Rena, who had been humming quietly, immediately turned her head, her large rose-red eyes fixed on Shogo.
He felt like he had done something wrong, as if he had somehow failed this girl.
So Shogo gave a sheepish, innocent smile.
"Shogo-kun, is that true?"
"Yes! I've already signed up—the registration is closed."
Shogo hurriedly reassured her, gently stroking her rose-red hair. His voice lowered.
"Be good! I'll be back soon. By then, we'll go to high school together, join the basketball club, and compete in IH* together."
"Mm! I'll wait for you, Shogo-kun."
Her simple answer nearly made his eyes sting.
What a wonderful girl!
At this point, Shogo realized he didn't need to envy Aomine Daiki anymore, or fret over the aloof Kagami Taiga.
With a nod to Rena, he began organizing his books, readying himself for the third period.
Time passed quickly; this afternoon would mark the start of summer vacation.
In Rena's reluctant gaze, Shogo lifted her, spinning her in circles on the playground. Her rose-red hair flowed in the air as they hugged tightly, savoring each other's warmth.
Shogo had never felt such an intense emotional reaction before—not even around the alluring Miyazaki coach or his deeply admired Satsuki Momoi.
As the girl blushed and closed her eyes, he didn't hesitate to kiss her, feeling the warmth of her lips. This part is omitted for the sake of modesty.
After sending Rena off on the train, Shogo carried his basketball and schoolbag, walking slowly toward home.
He understood that, at this very moment, many plotlines were quietly unfolding elsewhere.
For example, Teiko Junior High's basketball gym was empty.
Five students, each with distinct hair colors and uniforms, stood in a circle, a subtle tension of rivalry lingering between them as they exchanged words that were both farewell and declaration.
Akashi: "From now on, we are enemies. See you on the national stage in high school."
Kise: "Even so, no need to draw swords this early, right?"
Murasakibara: "We're just being separated by chance."
Akashi: "This isn't a chance. Look across the country—strong basketball schools are rare. None of us expected to go to the same school. All of us hate being called the Generation of Miracles. When we face each other, there can be only one superior. Everyone wants to prove themselves, and we fight with everything we have. No logic—it's instinct."
Kise: "Well, that makes sense."
Aomine: "Of course!"
Midorima: "I have no objection!"
Murasakibara: "Kuroko probably wouldn't think so, though."
Akashi: "No. Even though our goals differ, Tetsuya will participate. He's already made up his mind to maintain his own basketball style."
Meanwhile, Kuroko Tetsuya was already on his way to Seirin High.
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