Kaijō High School – Front Gate
A sleek black sports car was parked right outside. From its aerodynamic curves to the sparkling emblem, it screamed expensive.
Passing Kaijō students couldn't help sneaking glances.
Who's it here for?
Some students with… let's say "advanced imaginations" were already wondering if it belonged to some wealthy alumnus who had retired from studying and gone straight into the "good life."
Finally, under the curious stares of the crowd, a familiar figure climbed in — Kota.
"Miss Masako, could you maybe pick me up in something a little… less flashy next time? You have no idea, but there's already a rumor going around school that I'm being kept! Who am I even supposed to complain to about that?!"
Kota sat in the passenger seat, grumbling. Okay, fine — technically speaking, at Shark Gym he did eat Araki's food and use her stuff. But that didn't mean he was "kept".
Araki rolled her eyes so hard they almost hit the roof.
"You actually care about what people say? And for the record, this is already the cheapest car I own."
Kota: …
"Well… you're rich. Guess I can't argue with that."
He adjusted the seat, leaning back comfortably.
"Someone else been in your car? The person you wanted me to meet?"
Normally, Kota had full rights to the passenger seat. Once he got in, he could just lounge exactly how he liked.
Araki gave a small "mm" in response and didn't elaborate. Kota didn't press her — the faint perfume in the car was already lulling him toward sleep.
Who knew how much time passed before Araki lightly tapped his head.
"Out."
Kota yawned, rubbed his eyes, and glanced outside — Shark Gym, as usual.
He'd been here so many times that he didn't even need Araki to lead the way. He just pushed the door open and walked in.
"I'm home!"
Following Japanese custom, you greet when you enter — even if it's not technically home.
Araki gave a dismissive "hmph" but didn't object.
Ever since the night they had discussed the future of the "U18 Ace" their relationship had grown more casual.If this had been before, Kota would have gotten a very close look at her katana for a comment like that.
"Huh? Himuro?"
Kota spotted Tatsuya Himuro sitting on the couch reading a magazine.
They weren't close, but having faced each other as opponents in both the Interhigh and Winter Cup, and thanks to Araki, they'd crossed paths enough for a casual greeting.
Himuro noticed him and stood, giving a polite bow.
That polite gesture threw Kota off — it reminded him of Yuki. Wait… do they have the same personality type?
Before he could figure out how to react, Araki walked over.
"Tatsuya Himuro. My team's starting shooting guard. He's the one I wanted you to meet today."
"Ah… so he wasn't here to lift weights."
Kota had assumed Yōsen's players were just using Araki's gym to train, but no — this was about him.
Wait a second…
Judging by Araki's expression and Himuro's polite attitude, Kota got a bad feeling.
Araki confirmed it:
"Himuro's reached his current ceiling. He's maxed out his technical development, but he wants to go further. Do you have any ideas?"
Kota: …
"How is this my problem? You're the pro here. If you don't have a plan, why would I?"
He spread his hands — if Araki couldn't help Himuro reach another level, what could he do? He wasn't even a professional trainer.
"Besides… he's on Yōsen. You're asking me to help a rival? How does that make sense?"
Kota leaned in, lowering his voice — forgetting that there were other Yōsen players nearby.
Araki raised an eyebrow and pointed at herself.
"I'm not asking you to help Yōsen. I'm asking you to help me. Problem with that?"
Kota opened his mouth, then shut it. He'd spent so much time around Araki that he sometimes forgot they weren't even on the same team.
At that moment, Himuro finally spoke.He'd noticed Kota's hesitation and, with a full 90-degree bow, said earnestly:
"Please, Kota-san! I want to keep up with Taiga's pace. I have to take another step forward. I'm begging you!"
"Taiga? Kagami?"
Kota rubbed his face. This was giving him a headache. Still, refusing Araki was basically impossible. Forget their "unclear" relationship — just counting the time and money she'd invested in him, Kota couldn't possibly repay it.
From last summer's Interhigh to the start of this year's recruitment season… well, put it this way — Kota had practically been living at her place.
"Alright, fine."
He agreed, shooting Araki a rare glare — one of the few times in his life he could get away with it without getting smacked.
"But let's be clear: all I can do is teach you my own experience. Whether it works for you, I can't say. Whether you can even pull it off, I can't promise."
"You want to learn the Zone, right?"