Kaneki Ken stood at the gates of Teikō Junior High School, quietly taking in the sight before him.
The campus was brimming with energy. Cherry blossoms lined both sides of the walkway, their petals fluttering like pink snowflakes in the breeze. The soft scent of spring mixed with the aroma of books drifted through the air, giving the school grounds a serene, almost romantic atmosphere.
He inhaled deeply.
A new life, a fresh start...
"This junior high life really is something," Kaneki murmured to himself as he strolled leisurely down the path, letting the tranquil mood wash over him. Slowly, the lingering shadows of his past life began to fade, replaced by daydreams of what his new school life could be like.
"From now on, I'm Kaneki Ken—just another student at Teikō Junior High."
Time had passed since his reincarnation, and the once-jarring transition now felt… natural. This was his reality now.
As he wandered past the outdoor basketball court, the sun filtered through the tree canopy above—and a tall figure emerged from the shade, his face lit with the easy confidence of youth.
Aomine Daiki.
"Yo! Long time no see! Kaneki, you're finally back on your feet? You can start school now?" Aomine's voice boomed with excitement as he grinned and clapped a hand on Kaneki's shoulder.
Kaneki returned the smile with a calm nod. "Yeah, I just transferred in today. It's thanks to your promise, remember? You said you'd protect me."
Why did Kaneki transfer to Teikō, of all places?
Simple.
No matter how strong Kaneki was, there was no denying it—Teikō's basketball team during these years was legendary. This was the era of the so-called "Generation of Miracles." Trying to take them on solo would've been suicide. And if his mission down the line was to defeat them? He couldn't afford to be the lone hero with colored hair and a death wish.
If you can't beat 'em... join 'em—and then steal the spotlight.
This wasn't giving up. This was choosing the hardest path.
As Kaneki and Aomine chatted, a cheerful voice cut in, light and teasing.
"Hmm? What's got you two smiling like that?"
A girl with long pink hair approached, a thick notebook tucked under one arm. Her voice was soft as a breeze, warm as sunlight.
Momoi Satsuki.
"Oh, it's May!" Aomine beamed. "I just ran into Kaneki—he's transferring to Teikō! He'll be in our class from now on."
"Really? That's awesome, Kaneki-kun!" Momoi smiled, looping her arm through Kaneki's. "You better get along with Aomine-kun and the rest of the gang, okay?"
Kaneki gently patted her head. Her hair was soft, her presence warm.
"Of course, Satsuki. We're already good friends, right?"
"Okay, okay—cut the flirting," Aomine interrupted, practically bouncing with excitement. "You came at the perfect time, Kaneki. Today's club recruitment day! Come join the basketball team with me!"
"Hey! Don't pressure him," Momoi huffed, puffing out her cheeks in mock irritation. Then she turned to Kaneki, her tone softening. "What club are you thinking of joining, Kaneki?"
"Well…" Kaneki scratched his cheek with a sheepish smile. "I've been thinking about trying basketball. It's not like I know much about any other sports."
"Perfect!" Aomine said, unable to hold back. "Let's not waste time then! We have to hurry, or the club might be full already!"
"Geez, Aomine-kun. Be patient," Momoi said, lightly scolding him. She turned to Kaneki again with a bright smile. "You just got here, so you probably don't know your way around yet. We'll take you to the gym!"
"Thanks. I appreciate the help."
"No need to be so formal," Aomine grinned as he slung an arm around Kaneki's neck. "C'mon! Let's go!"
"H-Hey! Aomine-kun, wait for me!" Momoi called, pouting as she chased after the two boys.
The trio arrived at Teikō's main gym, where the basketball club's recruitment event was already in full swing.
The air buzzed with excitement—and sweat.
At the entrance, a group of upperclassmen sat behind a long table, handling registrations. With practiced ease, they handed out number tags and filled out forms, welcoming newcomers with warm smiles.
First-years arrived in groups or by themselves, faces lit with a mix of nerves and excitement. Some stared at their number tags; others whispered encouragement to one another as they prepared for the challenges ahead.
The gym was split into two testing zones.
To the left were physical fitness evaluations: height, weight, sprint speed, vertical leap, and other basic metrics. On the right, the basketball skill assessments: dribbling between cones, spot-up shooting, layup drills, and more. Balls bounced and sneakers squeaked as the gym pulsed with youthful energy.
Then, a sudden clap echoed across the court.
A tall, stoic-looking upperclassman stood up, commanding attention with a single motion.
"Listen up, everyone!"
His voice was deep and resonant, silencing the chatter instantly.
"I'm Nijimura Shūzō, captain of the Teikō Junior High basketball team. Welcome."
The atmosphere shifted.
"Let me make one thing clear," Nijimura continued, his eyes sharp and unyielding. "At Teikō, basketball isn't some casual after-school hobby. If you're here to have fun and kill time, leave. Right now."
He let the words hang in the air.
"This team has only two goals: get stronger. Win. That's it. Our training is brutal—and we don't coddle anyone."
A hush fell over the gym. Then, like a wave, murmurs spread.
Several students exchanged uneasy glances before quietly stepping out of line and leaving. In moments, nearly a third of the newcomers had dropped out.
Nijimura nodded coolly. "Good. What's left now are the ones with guts."
He paused, scanning the room.
"Teikō's team is structured into three squads: First String, Second String, and Third String. All newcomers start in the Third String. But—if you think you've got the skills, you're free to challenge any First String member after passing the physical tests. Win, and you'll take their place. Lose... and you drop to the Third."
He smiled faintly.
"There's no room for weaklings here at Teikō."
Kaneki glanced over at Aomine, who looked as fired up as he felt. Their eyes met—and they both smiled.
But neither of them noticed the group of quiet, intense figures watching them from the back of the gym.
Like Kaneki, they had the eyes of wolves.
And like Kaneki... they weren't here just to play basketball.
(End of this chapter)
POWER STONE!!!?
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