After the final showdown between Rakuzan and Kaijō, the Seirin High basketball gym was filled with energy and chatter.
Though their budget was limited, because this was Shigure Akihito vs. Hagioka Kasayuki—the ultimate high school battle—everyone had scraped together enough to travel all the way to Hiroshima to witness it in person.
Of course…
they didn't have the luxury of the Generation of Miracles, who enjoyed first-class seats thanks to the Akashi family's funding.
Poor Seirin had to endure the long and weary journey of ordinary travel.
But clearly
it was worth it.
"Ugh…"
"What's with the sighing?"
"How could I not sigh?"
"The level of Rakuzan and Kaijō is just too insane…"
"Totally different from us… especially Kaijō. Even Rakuzan, who used to dominate the entire nation, couldn't stop them. That's the level of a true national champion…"
As everyone was still dumbfounded by Rakuzan and Kaijō's strength, Izuki Shun suddenly spoke up.
"You guys sure have the time to sigh, huh?"
"Eh?"
"Better brace yourselves. After watching that match, our training load's about to triple."
Sure enough, when Aida Riko appeared with a sweet smile—holding up a new training schedule that was three times longer than usual—everyone's faces instantly turned pale.
"Riko, we'll die!"
"Are you serious? Our normal training is already a nightmare!"
"Oh? How about I make it four times then?"
"No!"
"Then stop complaining, and let's start training now!"
"…Fine."
"Man…"
"I envy Kiyoshi. I kinda wish I'd sprained my ankle too…"
"Idiot."
"What nonsense are you saying?"
Once practice started, Riko quietly observed everyone's condition.
Her worries hadn't been unfounded—everyone was trying hard, but after failing to reach Nationals, and then witnessing a final of that level, it was impossible not to feel the weight.
They all wore relaxed expressions, but their rhythm was off; the fire just wasn't there yet.
It would take time for their spirits to recover.
"Gather up!"
After practice ended, Riko stood before everyone, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Guys, remember what we said back when we first started this basketball club?"
Everyone froze instantly.
That oath!
Our team's goal—Number One in Japan!
We'll make it to Nationals this year for sure!
First Year, Class E, Number 7—Kiyoshi Teppei!!
What, you think we can't do it? If we fail, we'll go confess to our crushes—completely naked!
Whatever you say, we'll do it!!
Hyūga Junpei's face darkened.
"…Don't remind me."
Seeing the mix of stiff and mortified faces, Riko chuckled softly.
"I'll let you guys off the hook for now. We still have one more chance this year—but next time, no more excuses~"
"You all understand, right?"
"Winter…"
"If you end up naked then, it's going to be really cold~"
Everyone blinked.
"Winter?"
Riko clapped her hands. "That's right—the Winter Cup! Our next goal is Nationals, and the Winter Cup is our chance!"
Meanwhile, at a hospital somewhere in Tokyo
In Kiyoshi Teppei's room, the bedside table was neatly lined with his basketball, knee brace, shoes, Seirin uniform, and an already opened package from Riko. Inside were stacks of collected data and, most importantly
a recording of the Rakuzan vs. Kaijō final.
Teppei, take a look. This is what the national champion level looks like.
An hour later
Kiyoshi frowned.
"…?"
Even though he'd once faced Shigure Akihito one-on-one, and knew how terrifying that strength was, seeing this match left a chill in his chest.
On the grand stage
Shigure Akihito's power wasn't limited to himself.
It encompassed the entire team.
Hagioka-senpai was the same.
Flipping through the newest issue of Weekly Basketball, Kiyoshi read the interview with both teams.
That's where he finally understood those abilities he'd heard whispers of:
"Rainbow Connection."
"The Miracle of Okayama."
"And even Hagioka's 'Miracle of Okayama'—perfectly replicated through 'Eye for an Eye.'"
As Kiyoshi sank deeper into thought, his phone buzzed repeatedly on the table until a large hand picked it up.
Snap!
The pink flip phone—his little guilty pleasure—opened.
To his surprise, it was Kuroko Tetsuya's voice on the other end.
Having already decided to join Seirin next year, Kuroko's tone was calm and polite as always. They chatted briefly, both expressing the same awe toward the Rakuzan–Kaijō match.
But unlike Kiyoshi, Kuroko already had a plan.
After that game, he immediately extended an invitation—not to Kiyoshi alone, but to Seirin as a whole.
"Teppei-senpai, as long as we keep working hard, there's always a chance. We still have a full year before next year's Inter-High—we should start preparing now."
Kiyoshi paused for a moment, then smiled.
"I see… All right then. By that time, my leg should be fully healed."
"I'm glad to hear that, senpai. I'll be looking forward to it."
"And also…"
"Haizaki too."
"Ha?! Who are you lumping me with?!"
"Senpai, Haizaki's been asking about your injury too."
"He has not!"
"Even if he didn't say it outright, I think he's worried. After all, if we make it to the finals against Kaijō next year, who's going to grab the rebounds for him?"
"Damn it! Kuroko, you little—!"
The call ended mid-argument with a sharp beep!
Kiyoshi chuckled, shaking his head.
He slowly typed out an email to Riko, mentioning summer training plans while mumbling,
"Kuroko, Haizaki… as expected of you two. Not shaken in the slightest…"
"People from Teiko really are something else."
"But even if you've all taken the first step ahead of me…"
"I won't lose either."
Before sending the message, Kiyoshi hesitated—then added one last line at the bottom:
It's only the beginning, right, Riko?
After sending it, he stared down at the Weekly Basketball magazine in his hand.
His gaze moved across the familiar faces… until it rested firmly on Shigure Akihito.
Then
Buzz, buzz!
A reply came in almost immediately.
Of course.
Unless you want to be naked this winter?
Kiyoshi Teppei: "...?"
END OF CHAPTER
CROWN BEFORE THE MIRACLES
🔥 Rookie Recruit – Read 15 chapters ahead
🔥 Starting Five – Jump 35 chapters ahead + 6 bonus chapters!
Huge thanks to everyone already on Patreon—you're the real MVPs! 🙌Bonus chapters, early access, and all the good stuff are live. 👀✨
And for the rest—it's not too late to be part of the team. 🚀
👉 patreon.com/MrBehringer