The match had ended, but the story of the next battle had already been decided. Next Saturday, Fukuda Sogo vs Shutoku High School, the winner would advance to the finals. And the following Sunday, the final showdown against Tōō Academy. The champion of summer would be decided in less than a week.
Even after the game ended, neither team immediately left the gym. The atmosphere between Midorima Shintaro and Haizaki Shogo's respective teams remained heavy and tense. No one spoke. Everyone understood: the people sitting here would be the ones fighting next week. Excitement and anxiety mixed together, tightening every breath.
"So, Shintaro, see you next week."
"See you next week."
With that simple exchange, both players stood up and, without another word, turned in opposite directions, each leading their team out of the gym.
Outside, the silence still lingered, and even the air felt uncomfortable. Takao Kazunari finally couldn't take it anymore. "Hey, Midorima, want to go shoot some hoops?"
"No. I have something to do at home today. Go by yourself."
Shutoku's players quietly watched as Midorima boarded the train and disappeared. A strange feeling settled in their chests. Something is coming. Something unavoidable.
Meanwhile, Haizaki left with his teammates toward another station. One by one, the Fukuda Sogo players split off, heading their separate ways, plans, errands, lives, returning to normal. Haizaki personally escorted Shimizu Rena home before walking alone, his figure looking slightly distant under the evening light.
Why aren't Murasakibara or Akashi playing? What are they planning? Akashi vs Aomine, no matchup? Or no confidence? Or are they waiting for something to bloom? Maybe because Kuroko didn't even make it past prelims? This whole Generation of Miracles thing, it's interesting, or maybe just pointless. Or maybe it's just boring.
He shook the thought away and returned home. Life continued as usual.
========
Days passed quickly, and before he knew it Friday arrived. Inside Fukuda Sogo's basketball gym, Coach Ichiro Kudo stood before the team. The players were energetic, focused, ready. "Rest well tonight. Save your strength for tomorrow's match!"
Haizaki wasn't listening, his mind drifting elsewhere. Tomorrow. The match. The final before the final. After practice ended, he quietly left with Rena.
========
Saturday, match day. The semifinal drew massive attention. Fans, players, scouts, everyone filled the arena. But among all of them, one group stood out the most: Seirin High School, seated in the center section. Black uniforms mixed with their presence, while Satsuki Momoi stood out like a white flower among them.
"So, Aomine, who do you think will win tomorrow?"
"I don't know. Both teams are strong. They all have a chance."
Momoi opened her mouth as if to say something more, but stopped. She trusted his words. If Aomine said so, there must be a reason.
From afar, a cheerful voice rang out. "Yo! Aomine! Momoi! You're here early!"
Kise Ryouta arrived with the Kaijo team.
"Hey, Kise. We're just closer since we're in Tokyo." Aomine responded lazily, barely lifting his head.
Meanwhile, captains from different teams quickly began talking among themselves, excitement filling the air. "Finally, we're going to see a true Miracle-level matchup."
"Do you think Haizaki really has a chance against Midorima?"
"If it were me, I'd rather face Shutoku than Fukuda Sogo."
"Why?"
"You'll understand soon enough."
That conversation spread through the crowd, and everyone heard it, but none of the Miracles spoke, because Haizaki was a scar they all shared. A name not often mentioned, but impossible to forget.
Then another presence arrived. Kuroko Tetsuya entered with his team. Seirin, Kaijo, and others all gathered in one place, a rare convergence. "Long time no see, Aomine-kun! Kise-kun! Momoi-san!"
"Yo, Kuroko!"
"Good to see you, Tetsuya."
One by one, teams filled the stands, and the arena became a sea of anticipation. Even more schools arrived. Yosen High School sat quietly in the shadows, with Murasakibara Atsushi absentmindedly eating snacks. Rakuzan High School was also present, without Akashi Seijuro. And even Fukuda Sogo, led by Haizaki Shogo, occupied another section. Tokyo schools like Shutoku High School and others filled nearby seats as well. The expectation for this match was no lower than the previous week's.
Ten minutes before tip-off, players from both teams entered the court and warm-ups began. All eyes locked onto two figures: Midorima Shintaro and Haizaki Shogo. Both were warming up. Both were ready.
The crowd nodded in satisfaction. At least this time the stars had shown up. Unlike before, there would be no absence of a true matchup, no missing battles, no empty expectations. This time everyone had a chance.
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