Once the misunderstanding is cleared, and Kirizume's supposed tricks are dismissed, everyone drifts back to their routines. Though the whispers don't stop, they just get quieter.
Hiroshi, visibly frayed, claims he needs to cool his head and leaves the gym. That leaves Ryoma in the manager's office with Coach Nakahara.
The door shuts, the noise of the gym muffles, and suddenly it feels less like a conversation and more like a cross-examination.
Nakahara is still unable to hide the emotion after hearing Ryoma put so much trust and respect in him. It's still visible on his face, even though he tries to hide it.
"True or not," he says, voice steady, "injuries are part of this sport. Anticipation and prevention matter most, especially for someone your age who's still finding his footing. Too many talents vanish after a long recovery, lost momentum… or even retirement."
