The black sedan crunched over the clean gravel of the long, winding driveway, its engine a barely-there hum. They had finally arrived in Shirakawa City, a bustling, prosperous city that managed to keep its traditional roots.
The car, a discreetly luxurious model, rolled to a stop under the grand karahafu portico of the Ishikawa main estate. It was less of a modern house and more of a sprawling, traditional compound, with dark, polished wood, elegant tile roofs, and gardens that looked like they had been personally tended by emperors.
Before the driver could even open the door, the great wooden entrance slid open. A line of servants bowed deeply. At their head stood an older man in a pristine black suit, his silver hair immaculately combed.
"Welcome home, Kenichi-sama, Akari-sama," the man said, his voice warm but respectful. He then turned his gaze to the passenger side, a genuine smile touching his features as the back door opened. "And welcome home, Ren-sama."
"It's good to be back, Alfred," Ren said, offering a small, easy smile as he stepped out. He was tall for his age, with his mother's sharp, handsome features and his father's calm green eyes. He stretched, popping his shoulders after the long drive.
"You've grown again, I see," Alfred noted with approval.
Ren's father, Kenichi Ishikawa, a man who wore his quiet authority as comfortably as his expensive suit, clapped the butler on the shoulder. "It's good to see you, old friend. Is everyone here?"
"They are waiting for you in the main hall, sir," Alfred replied, motioning for the other servants to handle the luggage. "If you'll follow me, I will show you to your wings. Your old rooms have been prepared, Ren-sama. Kaori-sama sent word that she will be home from the office shortly. She was... most insistent that you wait for her before having any dessert."
Ren chuckled. That sounded exactly like his elder sister, Kaori. She loved to pamper him, and he let her. "I'll try to resist."
Alfred led them through the familiar, immaculate halls. The scent of aged hinoki wood and the faint, clean smell of the tatami mats filled the air. This place was his past, and now, it was his present. His family was moving back permanently so his father, Kenichi, could finally take over the Ishikawa Corporation from his aging grandfather.
They reached his room—a large, airy space with a perfect view of the central koi pond. His things were already being brought in. It was quiet, peaceful.
He wasn't unhappy to be back. His family was here, and he loved his family. The betrayal from his old middle school "friend" was a sharp, bitter memory, but it hadn't broken him or made him guarded. It had just... taught him a lesson.
Don't play team games.
It was that simple. He could still practice by himself, still love the feel of the ball in his hands, the perfect swoosh of a net. But he was done with the jealousy, the politics, and the backstabbing that came with being on a team. Here, in Shirakawa, his new life at Northwood High would be quiet. He'd focus on his studies, hang out with his family, and leave the rest of it behind.
Later that evening, the air was filled with the low hum of conversation. The entire Ishikawa clan was gathered in the grand dining hall.
At the head of the long, polished table sat his grandfather, Genji Ishikawa. He was a formidable man, still sharp and intimidating even in his illness. Beside him was his grandmother, Chiyo, her smile as warm and constant as ever.
On one side sat his uncle's family. His uncle, Masamune Ishikawa, was a gruff, serious man. Beside him were his wife, Rina, and their son, Haru Ishikawa. Haru, a 3rd-year, already had the polished, confident air of a successor and gave Ren a short, appraising nod.
On the other side sat Ren's immediate family: his father, Kenichi, and his mother, Akari. Just as Ren took his own seat, the hall doors slid open and a blur of motion and expensive perfume entered.
"I'm not late, am I?" Kaori Ishikawa, Ren's elder sister, strode in, already pulling her work jacket off to reveal a stylish silk blouse. She kissed her parents, bowed to her grandparents, and then immediately zeroed in on Ren, ruffling his hair. "There's my little prodigy. Did you miss me?"
"Five minutes, Nee-san," Ren said, smiling as he fixed his hair. "I think I survived."
"Barely," she laughed, taking the seat next to him.
Genji Ishikawa tapped his chopsticks lightly against his bowl, and the room fell into a respectful silence. He looked down the table at his two sons, and then at his grandchildren.
"It is good to have the entire family under one roof again," the patriarch said, his voice a low rumble. "Haru."
Haru sat up straighter. "Yes, Grandfather."
"Your final year at Northwood. I expect you to set a good example on the student council."
"Of course, Grandfather," Haru said smoothly.
Genji nodded, then turned his intense gaze to his other grandson. "Excellent," he rumbled. "And Ren, you'll be joining the basketball team, of course. It's time we brought a championship back to your father's school."
The table went quiet. All eyes turned to Ren. Kaori, his sister, raised an eyebrow, interested to see how he'd handle this.
He didn't look flustered or angry. He simply placed his tea cup down, met his grandfather's intense gaze, and gave a small, polite smile.
"I haven't decided if I'll be joining any clubs just yet, Grandfather."
Kenichi, his father, watched his son's calm, unbothered expression from across the table. He knew that smile. It was Ren's polite, unbreakable 'no.' The meal continued, the topic shifting, but the old man's expectation had been set.