aizen: League Rank #1
They did it.
Beat the undefeated Kirisaki.Topped the National League standings.But with glory… comes the shadow.
🧊 Media Storm Hits
Headlines flood the news:
"Kaizen Miracle Continues: Can They Stay on Top?"
"Riku's Fire, Drift's Chaos—Too Hot to Last?"
"Scouts Watching Drift: International Offers Incoming?"
Drift shrugs it off in interviews.
"If I leave, it's because I've already burned everything here."
Renji punches the locker after hearing that.
"We're not a playground, Drift.We're a legacy."
🧩 Riku's Setback
Doctor's report drops:
"Play more than 10 minutes on that ankle…You're done for the season."
Riku doesn't speak.He just walks into the gym and starts shooting threes on one leg.
Coach Tanaka stops him.
"You can still be our heart.Just don't break to prove it."
🏫 A New Challenger Appears – Tokinaga South Academy
Kaizen's next game:Tokinaga SouthThe school with 5 national team prospects.And a reputation for playing brutal co-ed basketball.
Leading them:Ayame Shiranui
17
Position: PG/SG hybrid
Nickname: "The Dragon Vein"
Known for: Controlled chaos. Every movement she makes pulls defenders like gravity
Signature move: "Vein Chain" – stringed passes that fake direction 3 times in a single play
Renji (watching film): "Why does she play like she's conducting an orchestra?"
Souta: "Because she is."
💢 Renji's Internal War
He sees Ayame dominating film.Controlling her team. Leading them like Riku once did.He mutters:
"That's supposed to be me now."
But then…
He gets a DM.
Ayame:
"I want to face you. I heard you play like you're mad at the world.Let's find out what you're really angry at."
🎓 Drift's Temptation
A foreign scout approaches after practice.
"Spain's U19 league wants you. Full scholarship. Pro path."
Drift doesn't answer.He walks past.
But Renji sees his hands shaking.
Later that night, Riku finds him alone on the court.
"If you're leaving, just tell me."
Drift:
"I don't know yet.But part of me wants to know if this place burns without me."
Riku:
"It won't burn without you, Drift.It'll explode when you're at your best."