Riiing, riiing, riiing...
Just as Shimizu Kanon stepped out of the gym, her phone suddenly rang.
She quickly answered it. Then—
After listening for a moment, her pupils shrank sharply. Panic took over her face, and her voice turned anxious. "What? How could that happen? Got it, I'm coming right away."
She hung up and rushed forward, almost running, catching up to Aoi Kunisaku, who was waiting quietly ahead.
Aoi Kunisaku had stopped and waited. He could feel something had happened just from her reaction.
Shimizu Kanon ran to his side and blurted out quickly, "Saku-chan, something's wrong. Ayako just called and said Coach Anzai suddenly collapsed. He's in the hospital right now, being treated."
Aoi Kunisaku froze. Scenes from the original story flashed through his mind.
He remembered. Something like this did happen in the original.
Was this the time?
He had a pretty good impression of Coach Anzai.
Even though he'd always stood out and never really blended in after joining Shohoku, he still respected that coach.
"Let's go to the hospital," Shimizu Kanon said urgently.
Aoi Kunisaku nodded.
The two of them flagged down a taxi at the roadside and headed straight to the hospital.
…
Inside a well-known hospital in Kanagawa.
Aoi Kunisaku and Shimizu Kanon rushed in. The moment they arrived, they saw the Shohoku basketball team lined up like statues, silently waiting outside the operating room.
Shimizu Kanon was burning with worry. She hurried a few steps forward and asked with a trembling voice, "How is he? What happened to Coach Anzai?"
Ayako looked troubled, her brows tightly furrowed. She sighed. "It's already been over thirty minutes since the operation started. Still no news."
"How could it happen so suddenly? He was fine before..." Shimizu Kanon's voice was anxious and confused.
All of Shohoku's starters had gathered outside the operating room.
Akagi Takenori had a deep frown, his face grave.
Mitsui Hisashi leaned against the wall, eyes full of worry.
Miyagi Ryota paced back and forth, clearly anxious.
Rukawa Kaede stood silently, expressionless.
Sakuragi Hanamichi looked irritated, stomping his feet nonstop.
The bench players had been left behind for the match.
Everyone was immersed in worry. There was almost no conversation. They all just waited quietly.
Aoi Kunisaku was no different. He found a seat in the corner and sat down quietly.
Time seemed frozen.
Suddenly, Sakuragi Hanamichi stormed over like he'd snapped. He marched right up to Aoi Kunisaku and glared at him with furious eyes.
Aoi Kunisaku blinked, confused by the sudden move. He slowly raised his head and met Sakuragi's gaze.
The difference between the two was obvious. One's eyes were filled with naked anger and accusation. The other's were distant, lazy, unbothered.
Then, tears suddenly welled up in Sakuragi's eyes. Large drops rolled down his cheeks.
Aoi Kunisaku was completely dumbfounded.
What the hell is wrong with this guy?
"It's all your fault! You made Coach collapse!" Sakuragi sobbed, pointing a trembling finger at Aoi Kunisaku like he was accusing a criminal.
"Huh?" Aoi Kunisaku raised his brows, looking lost for a second. Then he snapped back and angrily shouted, "What nonsense are you talking about? What does Coach collapsing have to do with me?"
Everyone else was just as stunned.
What's going on?
Why are they suddenly fighting?
"It's you! If you hadn't left the game early, Coach wouldn't have gotten mad. He wouldn't have collapsed!" Sakuragi shouted like he was stating an absolute fact.
That line left everyone stunned. Their minds went blank. No one knew how to respond.
Aoi Kunisaku froze for a few seconds. Then his face turned red with anger. The veins on his forehead bulged as he roared, "You idiot! What the hell are you saying? That match was already won. What's wrong with me leaving early? Coach even agreed to it! How can you blame me for him collapsing?"
But Sakuragi wouldn't let up. He kept yelling, "I don't care! It's your fault! All your fault!"
Aoi Kunisaku's face twisted. A big pound sign bulged on his forehead and twitched violently. He gritted his teeth, glaring at Sakuragi like he wanted to rip out his teeth one by one.
Shimizu Kanon couldn't take it anymore. Upset, she snapped, "Sakuragi... How can you blame Coach's condition on Saku-chan? That's totally unreasonable!"
Ayako quickly stepped in to stop him too. "Yeah! Sakuragi, that's going too far, saying something like that to Aoi."
Sakuragi Hanamichi, eyes filled with tears, turned toward Shimizu Kanon and Ayako.
His face was twisted with grief, his eyes full of frustration and guilt. That look left the two girls speechless. Whatever words they were about to say were swallowed back down.
Ding…
At that moment, the indicator light above the operating room went dark.
Everyone held their breath. All eyes locked on the operating room doors.
Soon, the doors slowly opened.
A doctor pushed the surgical bed out steadily. Everyone, as if pulled by an invisible force, surged forward, eyes filled with worry and urgency.
Mitsui Hisashi couldn't wait. He rushed to the front, voice trembling slightly from nerves. "Doctor, how's Coach Anzai?"
The doctor calmly looked around at everyone. Then he smiled reassuringly and nodded. "Don't worry. The surgery was a success. He just needs to rest now."
Whew…
Everyone from Shohoku let out a long sigh at once. The heavy tension finally loosened. Their faces eased visibly.
Akagi Takenori, who had been taut like a drawn bow, finally relaxed. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "That's a relief."
Ayako clutched her chest and exhaled deeply. "Scared me to death. I'm just glad he's okay."
Shimizu Kanon patted her chest as well, her bright smile returning.
Soon, Coach Anzai was moved into a private room.
Inside, only his wife remained quietly by his side.
The rest of the Shohoku team stayed outside the room, not wanting to disturb his rest.
Everyone was waiting for Coach Anzai to wake up before they'd leave.
Time passed slowly.
Suddenly, the door opened.
A middle-aged woman in a simple kimono stepped out quietly.
She had a kind face, her eyes gentle like clear spring water. Her black hair was neatly tied behind her head. Every movement radiated calm elegance.
This was Coach Anzai's wife.
She smiled softly, her gaze warm as she looked at the students waiting outside. "Mitsuyoshi is awake. Sorry to keep you all worried."
That's great.
Everyone visibly relaxed.
Mrs. Anzai turned to Akagi Takenori. "Akagi-san, come in first. He wants to talk to you."
"Yes…" Akagi Takenori quickly answered.
The rest stayed silent, knowing better than to interrupt.
They were curious, sure, but now wasn't the time to ask questions.
A short while later, Akagi came back out.
Just as everyone was about to ask, he looked at Mitsui Hisashi. "Coach Anzai wants to see you."
Mitsui paused for a moment. Then he walked quickly to the door, pushed it open, and stepped inside.
Not long after, he came back out again. His expression had shifted. A mix of emotion clouded his face—touched, regretful, guilty, resolute… it was complicated.
Then it became like roll call.
Miyagi Ryota → Rukawa Kaede → Sakuragi Hanamichi.
Each one was called in, one after another.
Then it was Ayako and Shimizu Kanon.
Coach Anzai had called both girls in at the same time.
No one thought much of it. After all, they were both team managers. If he needed to make arrangements, calling them together made sense.
In the end, only Aoi Kunisaku hadn't been called.
Soon, the two girls came out.
Shimizu Kanon said to him, "Saku-chan, your turn. Coach Anzai wants to talk to you."
Aoi Kunisaku nodded slightly. Without hesitation, he raised his hand, opened the door, and walked in.
As soon as he entered, he saw Coach Anzai lying in bed, smiling at him kindly.
"Coach." Aoi Kunisaku quickly walked forward and greeted him respectfully.
"Hohohoho..." Coach Anzai let out a soft laugh and gestured with his hand. "Sit."
Aoi Kunisaku didn't hesitate. He went to the chair beside the bed and sat down.
The room fell into a strange silence.
Coach Anzai looked intently at Aoi Kunisaku. He returned the gaze without flinching. The two locked eyes, neither one speaking first.
Even Mrs. Anzai sitting nearby grew curious. She quietly studied the young man.
Her husband had mentioned this student many times. Knowing her husband's high standards, she understood this boy must be truly remarkable to earn such praise.
Finally, Coach Anzai broke the silence. He spoke softly. "Aoi … you're feeling lost, aren't you?"
Aoi Kunisaku didn't answer right away. He just looked quietly at the coach, though in his heart, he already had a rough idea of what the old man was going to say.
Coach Anzai continued, "You're the most talented player I've ever seen in my life. When I first saw your skills, I was genuinely shocked. I never thought someone with your level of talent could even exist."
He paused for a moment, then added, "But precisely because of that, your talent has become a limitation to your growth. I think… you've started to feel it too, haven't you?"
Aoi Kunisaku still stayed silent.
In his heart, though, he had to admit this coach saw things with uncanny clarity.
Every word hit home.
He had indeed hit a bottleneck.
Just like what the system had indicated—his progress was stuck at 99%. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't break past that wall.
Even the Zone remained in a half-awakened state.
Coach Anzai spoke with gravity, "You're very strong right now. In high school, you might even be considered unbeatable. It's natural that you don't run into real opponents. But basketball isn't just about high school."
His gaze was gentle, but firm and full of conviction. "Aoi … you have a gift that makes everyone else envious. But basketball was never meant to be played alone. You always choose to go solo, scoring in the most efficient way possible. It looks effective, but in doing so, you're gradually losing your love for basketball."
Love?
Aoi Kunisaku frowned. He didn't really get what Coach Anzai meant.
Coach Anzai took a deep breath. "Aoi, do you truly love the game itself, or do you just love the thrill of easily crushing your opponents?"
Aoi Kunisaku was stunned.
He had never thought about that.
Had he ever actually enjoyed playing?
As a kid, he played because it was fun.
Now, he just wanted a worthy opponent. Someone he could go all out against.
Seeing him fall silent, Coach Anzai continued, "With your skills, you've earned the right to make your own choices on the team. As much as I hope you'll integrate with the team, I won't force you. It's a decision you need to make for yourself. I just hope you'll remember—behind you, there are teammates you can rely on."
Aoi Kunisaku's brow furrowed deeper.
Teammates, huh…
Of course he had thought about that.
But…
In the middle of a game, he never really needed them.
The basketball felt most reliable when it was in his own hands.
After a long pause, Aoi Kunisaku finally spoke. His voice held a faint trace of confusion. "I… I'll think about it."
"Hohohoho…"
Coach Anzai chuckled softly. He didn't blame him at all.
His tone stayed warm. "That's fine. I believe one day you'll understand."
Since there was nothing more to say, Aoi Kunisaku stood up, ready to leave.
Just then, Coach Anzai's voice—old but still full of strength—called out behind him. "Aoi …"
He stopped and turned around.
Coach Anzai looked at him, his gaze full of encouragement, and said clearly, one word at a time, "If it's really become that boring, why not try raising your own rival? I once told someone, 'It's not because of you that this team exists. It's because this team exists… that you do.' That line doesn't quite suit you, but since you chose to join Shohoku… think about what this team really means."
Those words shook Aoi Kunisaku to his core.
Raise a rival?
The meaning of Shohoku?
Wasn't the team's meaning just to win the national championship?
As for raising a rival…
That was interesting, but who would he choose?
Rukawa Kaede?
Sakuragi Hanamichi?
Sendoh Akira?
Maki Shinichi?
Their names echoed in his mind. He was suddenly lost in thought.
With that, Aoi Kunisaku finally walked out of the hospital room.
As soon as he did, Shimizu Kanon came up beside him. "Saku-chan… what did Coach Anzai talk to you about? You were in there the longest."
Ayako also leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Yeah! You were in there way longer than any of us."
"Nothing much." Aoi Kunisaku's expression was calm. His tone was flat. "Kanon, let's go."
"Eh?" Shimizu Kanon blinked, surprised. Then she quickly followed up, "Saku-chan, don't be like this!"
But Aoi Kunisaku didn't respond. He just walked straight toward the exit.
The rest of the Shohoku team glared at his back with black faces.
Akagi Takenori: "That bastard. Still the same."
Mitsui Hisashi: "I can't stand him. Does he have any sense of teamwork?"
Miyagi Ryota: "He can play, sure, but that's all he can do."
Rukawa Kaede: "…"
Sakuragi Hanamichi: "Hmph… arrogant bastard. Full of himself… full of himself… full of himself…"
...