Kuroko’s Basketball: Before Generation Miracles, I Already Crowned

After Hayama Kotarō was completely dismantled by Nijimura Shuzo and emotionally unbalanced from the humiliation, the coach from Chōgen Junior High finally stepped in. He halted the farcical one-on-one before the official practice match could even begin, intending to protect his player.

But honestly, by that point, it was already too late.

Once the practice game began...

Seeing Nanaki Asahi and Izawa Shō now sitting quietly on the bench, the remaining three third-year starters followed Nijimura's example and came out swinging with overwhelming aggression!

As for Shigure Akihito, still bitter about not getting his 1v1 with Hayama, he started charging into the paint and slamming down dunks again and again, venting his frustration with every leap.

Ironically, the only one who remained composed once the structured 5-on-5 began... was the very same Nijimura Shuzo, who had previously been so explosive. Now, with the game underway, his playing style turned rock-solid and steady as a boulder.

All the players from Chōgen International were completely dumbfounded.

[Current "Path to Glory" Quest Completed: Training Match – Chōgen International]

[Quest Objective: Participate in and win the training match against Chōgen International]

[Reward Processing...]

[Received: 2x Progression Cards]

[Received: 2x Talent Cards]

[Received: 200 Player Coins]

Previously, Shigure had burned through all his Talent Cards to unlock two skills, and his Player Coins had been spent recruiting Uekusa Tomoyuki. As for Progression Cards, he was now just six short of the 30 needed to evolve from D-rank to C-rank.

Post-match, Shigure Akihito reviewed his resource inventory. If he could squeeze in a few more training games before the preliminaries of Nationals, he just might hit that next breakthrough.

Outside the First-Team Gym

Team captain Ōkura Masaaki waved a hand, signaling the crowd of Chōgen players who had gathered to spectate to disperse.

Even though the practice match had just ended, for Teikō's starting lineup, this was only one part of their daily grind. With the National Preliminaries fast approaching, they had already entered the high-intensity preparation phase.

Especially for the third-years,

There were no second chances. If they failed now, there would be no "next year." They were determined to finish their final year of junior high as champions, defending Teikō's legacy and leaving in glory. There was no room for slacking.

And at that moment...

Coach Hakugin Kozo stepped into the gym.

He first glanced at Nijimura Shuzo, then smiled and said,

"Feeling energized, are we? The Nationals Prelims are right around the corner. It's about time we tweaked our training routine a little."

Almost all the first-team members, except for the two newcomers, Shigure and Nijimura, visibly stiffened and swallowed hard.

Within moments, Captain Ōkura had the team assembled in formation.

Nearby, Nanaki Asahi leaned in close and whispered to Shigure,

"Be careful today. Pace yourself. Coach Hakugin's nothing like Coach Sanada. When it's him personally running the session, we're in true hell."

His brows knotted tightly as he added,

"He doesn't usually show up often, but what he loves most is silently watching us train from the shadows."

"That's observation, alright," Nanaki said grimly, "and it's targeted."

"As the tournament draws near, he starts channeling everything he's noticed into the drills. And that's when it really starts to hurt."

Izawa Shō added with a wince,

"To put it simply, Coach Hakugin has a signature motto that's the stuff of nightmares."

As the first-team lined up with Shigure and Nijimura at the front, they heard four third-year starters, Nanaki Asahi, Izawa Shō, Utsumi Masahiko, and Ebata Masatoshi, all say in unison:

"As long as you're still standing, it means you can still train."

Shigure Akihito: "…"

What the hell kind of inhuman training is that supposed to be?!

Moments later, once training officially started, Shigure understood exactly what his senpai had warned him about. For a junior high student, this regimen was the stuff of legends, utterly grueling and totally unreasonable.

Just look at Nijimura Shuzo beside him, panting heavily, brought to this state by what Coach Hakugin merely called a "warm-up."

Of course...

Shigure himself wasn't doing much better.

They exchanged a glance and instantly read the same emotion in each other's eyes.

Shigure Akihito: Demon coach.

Nijimura Shuzo: Bastard coach.

After that so-called "warm-up," Coach Hakugin suddenly appeared at their side. His usual kindly tone, when heard under these conditions, sent chills down Shigure's spine.

"Oh my, that was just the beginning. Shigure-kun, don't tell me you're tired already?"

"Hm?"

"And you, Nijimura~?"

Shigure stared at the silver-haired, impeccably combed elder in front of him. In that crisp, slicked-back hairstyle, he saw a coldness unique to the man.

Nijimura Shuzo barked back immediately,

"Not even close!"

Shigure Akihito: "…"

Shigure Akihito: "Uhh… I guess I'm still fine?"

Visibly pleased, Coach Hakugin nodded, the smile on his face growing wider.

"Excellent~ Such energy!"

"Well then…"

"Let's begin with an hour of fast-break training~"

"I'll be looking forward to your performance~"

"Oh, and by the way~"

"Defense under the basket will be handled by your captain, Ōkura Masaaki~"

Shigure turned toward their team captain, an absolute giant at 190cm, well above average for a junior high center. His expression froze instantly. This was the only player who had bested him when he'd challenged the first team to a series of duels.

Yeah...

Nijimura hadn't gotten past him either.

In pure, raw ability

That time, Nijimura got stuffed real hard.

(End of chapter)

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