The sound of sneakers squeaking on hardwood echoed through the gym as Seisen High's team ran drills, Yukito Aizawa watching every movement like a hawk. It had been a week since Tetsuo left, and despite the occasional glances at the empty spot he once occupied, the team was beginning to move forward. The weak were falling away, and those who remained were starting to mold themselves into the cold, calculating machine Yukito envisioned.
But even machines had their limits.
As the drill ended, Yukito noticed Sora Miyazaki leaning against the wall, his breathing labored. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by a grimace of pain. Sora was pushing himself harder than anyone else, driven by his own demons, but even he wasn't invincible.
"You're slowing down, Miyazaki," Yukito called out, his voice sharp.
Sora looked up, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I'm fine."
Yukito frowned. He didn't have time for injuries, not with the tournament coming up. But before he could say anything, the gym doors swung open, and a figure stepped inside.
Yukito turned, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the visitor. It was Shin Takahashi, the captain of Kirisaki High, one of the top basketball programs in the region. Kirisaki High was known for their ruthless, aggressive playstyle—much like what Yukito was trying to build at Seisen.
Takahashi's arrival sent a ripple through the team. He was a legend in high school basketball, and his presence here was more than just a friendly visit. Yukito could sense it immediately—this was a challenge.
"Yukito Aizawa," Takahashi greeted, his voice casual but with an edge of mockery. "I heard you're making waves with this little team of yours."
Yukito didn't respond right away, his gaze never leaving Takahashi. He didn't trust him—not even for a second. "What do you want?"
Takahashi smirked, walking toward the center of the court. "I'm here to offer you a deal. Kirisaki High's been watching your games. We're impressed—especially by how you broke Hikawa High. Brutal, but effective."
Yukito raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued but wary. "And?"
"And we think you've got potential," Takahashi continued. "But let's be real, Seisen isn't going anywhere. Not with the players you've got. I'm offering you a spot on our team."
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, the gym was silent. The offer was bold, but Yukito didn't flinch.
"You want me to abandon my team?" Yukito asked, his tone icy.
Takahashi shrugged. "Call it a promotion. You've done all you can here. Seisen's not cut out to make it to nationals. But with us, you could. You'd have a real shot at taking down the Phantom Five."
The mention of the Phantom Five hit Yukito like a slap. His jaw clenched, but he remained outwardly calm. Takahashi knew exactly what buttons to push, and Yukito hated that he was tempted, even for a second.
But Yukito had already come too far. He wasn't about to give up his vision—not now.
"No deal," Yukito said firmly, stepping closer to Takahashi, his eyes locked onto the captain's. "I don't need your team. I'll take down the Phantom Five my way."
Takahashi's smirk widened, as if he had expected that response. "I thought you'd say that. Too bad. Guess we'll see you on the court."
He turned to leave but paused at the door. "Oh, and one more thing. Don't get too comfortable. You're not the only one with an eye on the Phantom Five. There's someone else coming for them, and they're a lot closer than you think."
With that, Takahashi walked out, leaving Yukito standing in the middle of the gym, his mind racing. Another threat? Someone else was targeting the Phantom Five? Yukito's heart pounded, not with fear, but with fury.
Whoever this new player was, they were about to learn the hard way—no one would get in his way.
After practice, Yukito sat alone in the locker room, his thoughts spiraling. Takahashi's words gnawed at him. Another contender? Another enemy?
Yukito clenched his fists. He had spent too long building his plan, carefully crafting his revenge. There couldn't be another player in the game. Not now.
His phone buzzed.
"Did you enjoy the visit from Takahashi? He's not your real problem, though. Keep your eyes open, Aizawa. The shadows are closing in."
Yukito stared at the message, his anger boiling over. He didn't know who was sending these texts, but they were getting closer, more personal. It wasn't just the Phantom Five anymore—something bigger was happening, and he had to figure it out before it was too late.
He couldn't afford to lose control. Not now.
Yukito deleted the message and stood up, his mind already plotting his next move. If someone else was coming for the Phantom Five, they would have to go through him first. And Yukito Aizawa wasn't about to let anyone take away the revenge he had worked so hard for.