Kaizen Locker Room – After the Ayame Match
It's quiet. No one cheering.
Just deep breaths.
Renji sits on the bench, towel over his head.
Drift stands against the wall, hoodie up, unreadable.
Keigo:
> "We won. So why does it feel like we lost something?"
Riku:
> "Because we saw what's coming."
---
🧳 Drift's Dilemma
The next morning—he skips practice.
He's at a café downtown, across from the Spanish scout from before.
> "We're offering a full ride, international play, pro track, NBA exposure."
Drift swirls his drink.
> "And if I say no?"
> "Someone else gets it. And Kaizen stays Kaizen.
But without you."
Drift:
> "I don't want to leave...
But I also don't want to fade."
---
📣 Breaking News – Summit Announcement
Coach Tanaka bursts into the gym during film review.
> "Riku. You've been invited to the All-Nation Student Athlete Leadership Summit."
Riku:
> "What even is that?"
> "Think: elite players, future captains, selected to represent the best of Japanese youth basketball."
Riku:
> "So... a meeting of kings?"
Coach hands him the list.
> "And guess who else is on it."
Riku's eyes narrow:
Jin.
---
🧠 Renji's Quiet Moment
That night, he's at an outdoor court. Alone.
Ayame's words echo:
> "When the storm clears, what's left?"
He shoots.
Again.
Again.
Then a voice behind him.
> "Nice form. Too clean for someone who used to play with me."
Masa.
Renji's old streetball rival. Now wearing a uniform for Midoriyama North.
> "You're next on our list.
And I brought a team that actually hits back."
---
📄 Scouting Report Drops – Kaizen's Next Opponent: Midoriyama North
The whole gym reads it the next day.
Known for: Physicality, punishment, pride
Style: "No Screens, No Help" Defense. Every man fights alone.
Built around: revenge players — those cut from top schools and rebuilt into monsters
Coach Tanaka:
> "They're not trying to beat you.
They want to make you regret playing this game."
Souta flips to the roster.
The last name?
Masa Arakaki – SF – "The Rhythm Killer"
Renji smiles.
> "Good.
Let's see if ghosts can throw hands."