Chapter 6

Life feels mundane and real; it's already four weeks since I transferred.

Today is Saturday. Haizaki Shogo finished his Sanda practice in the afternoon, took a dip in the swimming pool, emerged from the water, wrapped himself in a bath towel, and heard his mother's voice.

"Shogo-kun, someone is calling you on the telephone!."

Haizaki Shogo paused momentarily, wondering who could be calling him.

At Teiko Junior High, I had a good relationship with Aomine Daiki, Momoi, Shintaro, and the former captain Shuzo Nijimura. In my new school, Only Shimizu-chan knew my home phone number.

As I pondered who might be calling, I entered the house and answered the phone.

"Hello! This is Shogo Haizaki."

"It's me, Shogo."

I recognized Shogo Haizaki's voice instantly. He was someone who cared about me and had a strong bond with me. My decision to join the Teiko Basketball Club was influenced by him.

While his own talent didn't make him feel embarrassed, his lack of active training participation no longer concerned him.

I also wanted to understand why Haizaki Shogo was so reckless before and why he didn't value his exceptional talent.

The caller turned out to be Shuzo Nijimura, a passionate and responsible individual.

"Nijimura-senpai, it's been a while. Are you doing well?"

"I'm fine, but I wanted to check on you."

"I'm alright. I've transferred to a new school, everything's normal. It's just that things aren't as thrilling, exciting, and intense."

Shogo Haizaki jokingly teased Shuzo Nijimura, feeling like old buddies. He enjoyed this camaraderie immensely.

"So, does that mean you've quit playing basketball?"

"No, I haven't given up. It's just that I lack a good environment and opportunities."

"Good, as long as you haven't given up. Tell me, why did you suddenly leave the club and switch schools?"

"Nijimura-senpai, do you want to hear the truth or lie?"

"Tell me both. Let's see how genuine your truth is and how convincing your lie is."

Haizaki Shogo fell silent. Honestly, I wasn't sure how to proceed.

Admitting that I was ordered to step back is true. But as a person who despised surrendering, those words were difficult to speak.

Nonetheless, speaking to someone I considered a close friend, I realized there was no need to hide it anymore. I decided to tell the truth.

"Akashi-kun told me that Kise Ryota had more potential than me, and that I should resigned to save face. Now that I've resigned, I thought about it and transferred. Out of sight, out of mind."

Shuzo Nijimura on the other end of the line remained silent, but my explanation was clear, and he likely understood most of the reasons.

Why wasn't I honest with myself? Even though I had considerable strength, I could still control a few younger players. But could I continue to restrain them as they grew?

I had stepped down as captain due to my father's influence, but ultimately, I still lacked confidence and talent.

This was the burden and fear that came with possessing extraordinary talent – a seemingly insurmountable barrier for ordinary individuals.

"That makes sense. I get it. But Shogo-kun, my own talent isn't as good, so I made Akashi the captain. But I placed my hopes on you. I firmly believe your talent is just as great."

"Nijimura-senpai, your words are invigorating. Do you want me to stand guard at the gate of Teiko Junior High, break Akashi's leg, and save face for us?"

"Get lost, focus on your studies."

"Hahaha, tomorrow's Sunday. How about we hang out? It's been a while since I relaxed. Let's find a place to play basketball."

"Tomorrow sounds good. I'll find you in the afternoon, and we'll go to the basketball court near your house."

"Great! See you then!"

"See you there!"

After hanging up, Haizaki Shogo dried off, entered the bathroom, showered, and then fell into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, having jogged for two hours around the rubber track outside his home, Shogo Haizaki returned drenched in sweat.

After a shower and donning his basketball gear, he headed out early.

With a fruit basket in hand, Haizaki Shogo stopped by a fruit shop and then went directly to the hospital to visit Senior Nijimura.

Given their strong friendship, there was no need for Senior Nijimura to travel all the way to play basketball.

So, Haizaki Shogo set off early, first visiting Nijimura-senpai's father at the hospital. Playing on the hospital's court would be a suitable option.

Being well-acquainted with Nijimura-senpai's father's hospital, Shogo Haizaki reached the sixth floor of the patient department. He knocked on the door, received permission, and then entered.

"Uncle, I've come to visit."

"Shogo, come in, have a seat. It's been a while."

"I'm here to play with Nijimura-senpai, Uncle!"

With those words, Shogo Haizaki swung the basketball onto his back, focusing on the surprised Nijimura Shuzo and his father.

After spending time with Nijimura's father, the two left the hospital and headed to the basketball court.

"Didn't I supposed to find you in the afternoon?"

"I don't want to bother my senpai. If you couldn't, you'd probably beat me up the next time you saw me."

"Hahaha! Alright, let's see if you've regressed."

"Sure!"

Hospital, basketball court. A one-on-one between Nijimura and Haizaki Shogo.

Sensing the intense aura radiating from Shogo Haizaki, Shuzo Nijimura recognized it all too well. However, this aura was much more formidable than before.

Based on his stance, it was clear that the current Haizaki Shogo was on par with those prodigious talents.

"So, you've made up your mind?"

"Of course. Have you ever felt the pressure of persecution? It's not a good feeling."

"Yes, it's uncomfortable, frustrating, and undesirable."

"But it's necessary. I have to find a stage to play, but not just yet."

Later, the two friends lay side by side on the hospital lawn, gazing at the distant blue sky, sharing a prolonged silence.

"I should head back now, it's getting late."

"Alright, I'm relieved to see you still playing basketball."

"Absolutely. See you later!"

"Until then!"

Haizaki Shogo walked a distance before preparing to board a tram. Just as he did, he heard Nijimura's voice from behind.

"Remember, when the time comes, get back what's mine. I want it doubled."

Looking at Shuzo Nijimura shouting from behind, Shogo Haizaki waved, then made a throat-cutting gesture.

The message was clear: Don't worry, I'll kill them all!