The bustling airport was alive with noise and movement.
Reiko's makeup was light but flawless—elegant, refined, and every bit the image of grace. Yet the mountain of luggage in her hands didn't quite fit that image.
And no, don't get the wrong idea—those weren't hers. Most of them were birthday gifts Kota had received a month ago.
"You've got to be kidding me, Kota! You're actually bringing these cursed dumbbells all the way back to Japan?!"
Reiko's voice was strained, her expression full of disbelief as she struggled with the heavy bags.
Kota, walking beside her, could only sigh helplessly.
"What choice do I have? I don't exactly have a place to stay here in China. I can't just leave them in some random hotel, right?"
He shrugged, then added with mock seriousness,
"Besides, they're birthday gifts. Wouldn't it be rude if I lost them?"
Even Kota himself was carrying more than a fair share of bags. If it weren't for the sheer number of things he had, he never would've asked Reiko to help.
The two of them finally managed to drag everything to the baggage check-in counter. After paying a rather painful shipping fee, they slumped into nearby seats to rest.
"Phew… I'm dying. I'm literally sweating through my shirt."
Reiko fanned herself with her hand, then shot Kota a teasing look.
"You really are Araki's pampered boy, huh? Didn't even blink paying that shipping fee."
She'd seen the expense report Araki gave Kota. Knowing her "cheap friend" well enough, Reiko suspected that bill was just Araki's way of telling Kota to spend her money without worrying. After all, for a top yakuza heiress, a million yen — about 200,000 RMB — was pocket change.
Kota rolled his eyes.
"Oh, come on! Don't make it sound like I'm being kept! It's a loan, okay? I'll pay her back when I start making real money."
Kota's mind wandered, a mischievous grin tugging at the corner of his lips. The things he could gain in the future—oh, there were plenty.
Reiko chuckled.
"You're the definition of a guy living off his girlfriend and still proud of it."
She saw right through him but didn't push. Instead, she asked,
"Why're you heading back to Japan so early? Weren't you enjoying your time here?"
Kota blinked, caught off guard by her curious tone.
"What are you talking about? I had a great time here."
He thought back to the poker nights with Li Wenyu and the others — how much he'd won in those games was probably better left unspoken.
"But Japan still has a lot waiting for me to take care of," he added with a shrug.
Reiko nodded in relief. It was no secret that both Sun and Ebi had high hopes for Kota, but if he'd been unhappy in China, that partnership would've fallen apart eventually.
Just then, the airport announcement echoed:
"Attention passengers, flight HU-176 to Tokyo is now boarding."
"Let's go," Kota said, straightening his jacket and rising to his feet.
After nearly a month, it was finally time to return to Japan.
Onboard, as soon as he settled into his seat, Kota pulled a black sleep mask from his pocket and slipped it on.
Reiko noticed immediately. He always wore the same one.
"You really carry that thing everywhere, huh?"
Kota's reply was casual.
"It was a gift from Miss Masako."
"Oh~?"
Reiko's tone was loaded with implication, but Kota ignored her completely, pulling the mask down and drifting into sleep within seconds.
She snorted, amused, and grabbed a magazine from the seat pocket to pass the time. Soon, the engines roared to life, and the plane climbed steadily toward the clouds.
Meanwhile — A Private Gym
The sound of sneakers squeaking on polished wood filled the court.
Akashi stood in the center, dribbling the ball with a look of intense focus—an expression so fierce that Kota himself would've been shocked to see it.
In all of Japan, among every player he'd ever met, Akashi had never worn a face like this before.
But then again, once you saw who his opponent was, it all made sense.
"Don't you come over, kid?"
Nash sneered, his tone mocking. His defense looked lazy, almost careless, but his eyes were sharp—tracking every motion.
"Shut up, loser," Akashi shot back in perfect English, his voice cold as steel.
That hit a nerve. Nash's smirk faded, his stance shifting as his movements grew serious.
Moments later, Akashi made his move—a sharp crossover, stepping into his attack.
He was smaller, 170 cm to Nash's towering 194, but that only made him quicker.
Golden light flashed in Akashi's eyes—the Emperor Eye activated. In that instant, he read every flaw in Nash's defense, driving hard toward the basket.
But Nash's eyes darkened—the Belial Eye flared to life. One step back, and he mirrored Akashi's every motion perfectly.
Realizing he couldn't break through, Akashi switched tactics midair, flicking the ball up for a quick layup.
It hit the rim, rolled twice… and fell off.
Nash let out a low whistle.
"What a pity—almost had it."
Akashi wiped sweat from his brow, his voice sharp.
"Seems like that loss didn't do much to humble you, Nash."
Nash's smirk twitched. That loss still stung—a week ago, his team had fallen to Vorpal Swords 127–123.
It was his first defeat since mastering the Belial Eye.
"How… did I lose to a bunch of yellow monkeys?"
The thought haunted him. He'd even requested to stay in Japan, determined to figure out how he'd been beaten.
When Akashi heard about Nash's extended stay, his curiosity—and competitive fire—immediately reignited.
They'd already faced each other multiple times. Akashi lost more often than he won — even with both his personalities in sync, he couldn't surpass Nash's overwhelming skill.
After another fierce round, Nash finally tossed his towel aside and asked casually,
"Hey, Akashi. Is there a supermarket nearby?"
Akashi thought for a moment.
"Not around here. The closest one's near the airport."
Nash nodded, then walked out without another word.
Akashi frowned. Letting that guy wander off alone didn't seem like a great idea.
"No… I'd better follow him."
Decision made, he grabbed his jacket and quietly tailed him outside.
Nash jumped into a flashy convertible, while Akashi took a far more modest vintage car.
Watching the sports car roar ahead, Akashi narrowed his eyes.
"Follow him," he ordered.
"Yes, young master Akashi," the driver replied.
Same Time — Tokyo Airport
The plane touched down smoothly.
Reiko nudged Kota awake.
"Hey, I just remembered—we're almost out of bottled water at home, and I need to grab some daily stuff too."
Kota yawned, stretching lazily.
"Then let's go shopping. There's a huge supermarket right next to the airport anyway. Still don't get why anyone built one that big out here in the suburbs, though."
Reiko nodded.
"Perfect. Let's hit it right after we get off."
And so, as one plane landed and another rivalry brewed across town, two worlds were about to cross paths once again.