Outside the court.
Shigure Akihito.
Now standing at 190 centimeters tall.
Beside him, Nijimura Shuzo had finally, in his third year, grown from 179 to 184. Compared to his slow progress between first and second year, this late growth spurt was a relief.
This year, Nijimura had finally caught up somewhat, though still lagging behind. From last year's Inter-High until now, his growth had nearly matched Shigure's pace.
But Shigure had already experienced a massive eight-centimeter jump the year before. So while his growth from 185 to 190 and Nijimura's 179 to 184 were both five centimeters, the weight of those numbers carried very different meanings.
Nijimura Shuzo: "..."
This guy Shigure…
He still hasn't hit his limit.
That truth shook Nijimura even more than watching the outrageous progress of Aomine and Haizaki. He couldn't help glancing again and again at Shigure, confirming with every look that yes, he really was taller now.
Unconsciously…
Nijimura's expression twisted into something like Kuroko's infamous "860 Face" — a mix of silent grudge and envy.
Meanwhile…
Standing off to the side, Kurokami Shinji — at 192 cm, unchanged from last year — had just been overtaken by Murasakibara Atsushi, who'd grown to 195.
Shinji's feelings: joy +2.
"Not just Aomine," Shigure suddenly spoke, shifting his gaze toward Midorima Shintarō, who was dueling against Fukaya Reiji on the far side. Midorima's shooting range was nearly at half-court now. "The rest of them have made huge progress since entering second year. Their growth is nearly the same as ours back then, don't you think, Nijimura?"
In the center of the court, aside from Aomine versus Haizaki, the most eye-catching presence was Murasakibara Atsushi. Now 195 cm, he wasn't just growing taller — his strength had exploded as well. Even while being triple-teamed, he used his massive frame and brute force to bulldoze through.
Yet, despite his dominance, the scoreboard showed Akashi's side still leading.
Not because Akashi had awakened his other self, but simply because his passing had reached near the level of Shigure's "Emperor's Pass."
Following Shigure's gaze, Nijimura looked at each of them in turn. He couldn't help sighing. "After we won Inter-High again last year, the magazine Basketball Monthly first used that phrase. It spread quickly, and honestly, the name fits them well…"
"The Generation of Miracles."
"To think, five at once."
Shigure nodded, amused at the thought. A bunch of flashy-haired weirdos gathering in one place — truly miraculous. And of course, that included Kuroko Tetsuya.
"Even though Kuroko's a little different from the rest, he's earned his spot as a starter. He proved himself at the Ten Schools Tournament, adapted to training, and gained real experience leading the team in outside matches."
Shigure's tone shifted. He patted Nijimura's shoulder.
"This year, we can relax a little, Nijimura. It's just us now."
"Better watch out."
"I'm stronger than ever."
He said it lightly, but Nijimura understood the weight behind it. "You only mean that after confirming those kids can handle Inter-High, right, Shigure?"
"Yeah."
Shigure nodded. He knew exactly what Nijimura meant.
…
That day's practice ended with the second-years showcasing how much they'd improved over winter break. Afterward, Assistant Coach Sanada Naoto gave the usual rundown of future training schedules.
But then, he dropped a bombshell that stunned everyone.
"From now on… though up until now Teiko's core and main playtime have gone to the third-years, starting this year…"
"We will shift to running the team around the second-years — Aomine and the others."
"That's all. Dismissed."
The words hit like thunder.
Aomine Daiki's eyes flew wide.
"Eh?!"
"Why?!"
"I haven't even beaten the seniors yet!"
Shigure and Nijimura, now in their third year, remained calm. They'd known all along. In fact, they'd been the ones to propose it — and so had Kurokami Shinji and Fukaya Reiji.
"This is what you call a generational shift."
"You brats are strong enough now. It doesn't mean we won't play — only that the roles are reversed from last year. You'll start as the core, while we sit on the bench as reinforcements, only stepping in during the second half or even the final quarter."
"We're third-years now."
"We need to split our focus and prepare for the next stage of school."
Midorima Shintarō raised his hand seriously. "But from what I know, Teiko doesn't require such preparations. Other schools maybe, but here, prestigious high schools are already lining up with invitations. That was true last year as well, wasn't it?"
"Mm."
Shigure nodded.
"If you really need an answer, then let me put it simply. If Nijimura and I didn't step aside on our own, at least two of you from this so-called Generation of Miracles… would still be riding the bench."
"So, now do you get it?"
…
Kurokami Shinji nodded and added, "If Shigure steps aside, then I will too. What, Murasakibara, what're you glaring at me for?"
Murasakibara scratched his head. "But Kurokami-senpai isn't the same as Vice-Captain. You can't beat me anyway~"
Kurokami bristled with irritation.
Meanwhile, Nijimura finally turned his gaze toward Akashi Seijūrō.
Akashi, catching it, let his eyes flicker faintly. Though his personality had begun shifting at times, his calm eyes remained steady. Even with his doubts, he smiled gently.
Nijimura thought to himself…
The next captain of Teiko must be Akashi. As for vice-captain, it should be Midorima. With a dependable second-in-command, Akashi's burden would be much lighter than his own had been.
…
Elsewhere, within Teiko's campus
"Eh?!"
"That guy's insane!"
"What is he doing?"
"They said it's the soccer test."
"Kise's keeping up with the soccer club members like it's nothing~"
On the soccer field, a group of girls in light clothing squealed and blushed, cheering loudly for Kise Ryota, their eyes glued to his handsome figure.
Kise Ryota…
He simply bounced the ball again and again on the tip of his foot.
Once…
Twice…
Over and over, with no sign of stopping.
Casually, he maxed out the test. In fact, if he wanted to, he felt confident he could break the soccer team's juggling record without breaking a sweat.
And just as he imagined, he soon surpassed the official player beside him with ease.
The count went past 200. The soccer player's face turned sour. Kise knew that expression well — the frustration of being effortlessly outdone at your own sport by an outsider.
And yet…
This always happened.
Tch.
Things he could master just by watching — he couldn't understand why others couldn't.
Boring.
Soccer really was boring.
With a sharp flick of his foot, he let the ball drop. At the exact instant it touched the ground, he launched it like a cannonball straight into the goal.
BOOM!
"Already tired of it."
END OF CHAPTER
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