Beep!
The whistle blew. Suzuran Karasu leaped high and passed the basketball to Shinichi Harano, who had just entered the court. Harano caught the ball, sprinted to the paint, and easily made a soft layup.
Meanwhile, Haizaki Shogo, also on the court, had already returned to his half of the court to defend.
Watching his teammates improve so rapidly with every game, Shogo's heart swelled with pride.
Their opponent, Shigemitsu High, was still a solid test—an excellent sharpening stone for the team.
Shogo's mission in the first quarter was clear: follow the coach's plan and widen the score gap early, giving teammates more opportunities to grow.
It was all preparation for the semifinals and finals—gaining crucial match experience.
Before the game, Coach Ichiro Kudo had called Shogo aside and spoken to him seriously for a long while.
"Shogo-kun, what we want from Fukuda Sogo is a team seasoned by battles—not a team that carries the weight on your shoulders alone."
"Coach, what is it? Just say it."
"Compared to other teams, we're younger. Many of our starting players are first-years. Their mentality, willpower, spirit, and ability to handle pressure need to be honed through actual matches."
"I understand!"
"So, until the quarterfinals, I want you not only to lead us to victory but also to give our players room to grow. Every bit of progress comes from being tested in matches—through challenge and even defeat."
Coach Kudo's words echoed in Shogo's mind. Every team that had made it to the national tournament would serve as a sharpening stone for Fukuda Sogo.
With that thought, Shogo's eyes sharpened.
Shigemitsu High, in white jerseys, slowly advanced to Fukuda Sogo's half. Shogo stepped forward to defend, accelerating with incredible speed. Before the opponent could react, he snatched the ball and drove it down the court.
Clang!
With a single hand, he dunked the ball, then returned to defense. The mismatch was obvious—there was no thrill in overpowering them lightly.
Still, Shogo knew he had to crush the enemy in the first quarter so his teammates could truly experience the grind.
Soon, Kimura Tosho, Okawa Sawano, Harano Shinichi, and Suzuran Karasu all performed brilliantly. By the end of the first quarter, the score was 32–6, establishing a clear lead.
Shogo was subbed out to let his teammates gain match experience.
Sitting beside Shimizu Rena, his expression serious, Shogo spoke to Coach Kudo in a low voice.
"Coach, I don't think this method of training through matches is the most effective."
"What do you mean, Shogo-kun?"
"Before the quarterfinals, coach, I'd prefer not to play unless absolutely necessary."
"Shogo-kun… very well. Let it be as you say."
"Understood."
Coach Kudo shot Shogo a solemn glance before turning his attention back to the court.
Without Shogo on the court, facing the national tournament teams with only the current players would be a true test of growth.
The previous matches had been like flowers in a greenhouse—protected, barely exposed to the real heat.
With the score gap, Fukuda Sogo's players were confident and performed at their best, winning the match smoothly.
The final score was 96–76. Both Shogo and Coach Kudo were deep in thought at the difference.
Shogo left the court at 32–6—a 26-point lead.
Yet, by the end of the match, the lead had shrunk to 20 points.
Boom!
The lesson was clear: if Shogo hadn't played the first quarter, Fukuda Sogo might have lost.
On the bus, as teammates celebrated, Coach Kudo made an announcement.
"For the upcoming matches—until the quarterfinals—Shogo-kun will not play. Can you make it to the quarters without him?"
The sudden question silenced the bus. Everyone looked at the coach, then at Shogo in surprise.
"Without Shogo-kun, you can't play? You can't win?"
"Coach… well…"
"I don't want excuses. If you fail to reach the quarters, we'll pack up and go home. After the quarters, every team will be a force to be reckoned with, each with Generation of Miracles players."
Coach Kudo's gaze swept over all the players, his voice stern.
"Today, when Shogo-kun left the court, the score difference was 26. By the end, it was 20."
"Do you know what that means?"
"It means that without Shogo-kun, we would have been stopped in the national tournament."
"It means we had been relying on him to win. It means we have been holding others back."
"I don't care what you think, I don't care if you underperformed, I don't care if you're complacent. Tomorrow's next match—Shogo-kun will not play. He will not even be in the gym."
Quietly, Shogo had no choice but to go along with Coach Kudo.
"I have something to take care of tomorrow. I've already requested leave. Tomorrow's match is in your hands!"
The teammates collectively gasped. Was the coach serious?
"Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow afternoon is the match. Do your best!"
Coach Kudo returned to his seat. Shogo's straightforward explanation had said everything.
At the school, everyone stood and left, heading home or to their families.
Waiting at the station, Rena hesitated.
"Shogo-kun… were you serious just now?"
"Yes. I'm resting tomorrow. I'm going to the hot springs. Do you want to come?"
Rena didn't answer immediately, a mixture of hesitation and worry in her expression.
Shogo looked at the approaching train and spoke calmly.
"The coach understands better than we do. If Fukuda Sogo wants the championship, reaching the top truly requires trials—sometimes even failure and setbacks."
"What if we lose?"
"Simple! The team learns from it. Then we prepare seriously and properly for the Winter Cup. This national tournament won't be ours, and that's fine."
"…Okay."
"Don't worry so much. Trust our teammates. They have the strength to make it. I trust them, and I trust the coach."
"Alright!"
With that, the train arrived. Shogo held the girl's hand as they stepped aboard. One day, steady and grounded, came to an end.
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