Fukura High – Morning Assembly
The gymnasium buzzed with energy. Students packed the bleachers. Team captains stood proudly at the front.
Shun stood with his teammates, arms crossed, face unreadable.
His eyes scanned the screen as the Winter Tournament Bracket loaded behind the principal.
"Fukura High vs. Arisaka Prep – Round 2."
A murmur ran through the team.
Renji: "Arisaka's tough. Their press is crazy."
Tetsuya: "Bring it on."
But Shun barely flinched.
Because something else caught his eye—a name just two brackets over.
Aizawa Technical High.
The blood in his veins stirred.
Not fear.Not even excitement.
Focus.
A name echoed in his mind:
Kiyoki.
Meanwhile – Rika's POV
Rika leaned in behind the boys, eyes following Shun.
He hadn't reacted much to their own draw.
But when that one name appeared…His whole body shifted.
She frowned.
"…Aizawa Technical?"
Before she could ask, the ceremony ended.
Hallway – Post Announcement
The team spilled out of the gym, buzzing with commentary.
Rika caught up to Shun.
"You've gone quiet."
He didn't stop walking.
"…Noisy minds don't win games."
Rika narrowed her eyes. "But yours is noisy right now, isn't it?"
He paused at the stairwell. Looked at her.
"…We'll see."
And with that, he walked off.
Elsewhere – Aizawa Technical Training Grounds
The field echoed with fast-paced footwork and sharp passes.
Kiyoki stood at the center, juggling lazily with one foot while reading the bracket on a clipboard.
Coach: "You're up next. Fukura's rising."
Kiyoki smirked.
"Then it's time I slow them down."
Final Page – Fukura Dorm Balcony
That night, Shun stared at the city lights.The ball sat by his foot.
He whispered—
"Kiyoki… I'll meet you soon."
And this time?
He'd be ready.