After this journey, Haizaki Shogo finally saw a new level beyond "top-tier" on his virtual panel: Limit.
Shogo's explosiveness had now reached Limit—the result of activating the second stage of Zone a few days ago, while simultaneously awakening his body's latent Ferocity. This surge had pushed his explosive power beyond the highest previous level.
This… this is truly terrifying now.
A private thrill coursed through Shogo's mind. He wasn't laughing aloud, but inside, he felt sweet satisfaction, a quiet joy that made his heart hum.
Overall, this trip had been immensely rewarding. Not only had he earned 200,000, but he had also unlocked new skills. The month of hardship hadn't been in vain.
When the plane landed, Shogo saw Shimizu Rena waiting for him at the exit.
Over a month apart, she seemed to have changed—subtly, beautifully.
A flowing white blouse paired with a black skirt that reached over her knees gave her a quiet elegance. Shogo couldn't quite place what was different, but something felt… magical.
"Hi, Shimizu-chan! Long time no see!"
"Shogo-kun! Long time no see!"
Long time no see… I've missed you so much, Shogo added silently in his heart.
He pulled her into a brief hug and then held her hand, guiding the slightly bashful Shimizu toward the exit of the terminal.
Looking at Shogo's newly cropped hair and darker, sun-kissed skin, a subtle aura of strength and ferocity seemed to ripple from him, leaving Rena shocked.
Just one month apart, Shogo-kun seems like a completely different person…
Shogo tilted his head, noticing her staring at him in awe. He reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
"What's wrong? You don't recognize me just because my hair's shorter and my skin's darker?"
"No, Shogo-kun… you've become even more attractive."
Rena blushed fiercely, turning her head to avoid meeting his gaze.
Shogo set his backpack down and pulled out a small gift box along with a bag of coffee.
"Here—your gift. A bag of Kenyan coffee beans and a piece of Tanzanite jewelry."
"Thank you, Shogo-kun!"
They chatted as they walked toward the station.
Back at home, the transition from a month of primitive life to modern life felt a little strange, but also relieving. Shogo wondered if this was the aftereffect of living in the wild.
After sending off Rena, he took the train back to his villa.
The family's small gray dog bolted out the moment he opened the door, circling his legs excitedly.
Shogo picked the dog up, and it licked his face in a familiar, chaotic way. Ah… this feels good.
Hearing the commotion, his mother stepped out of the kitchen. Seeing her son's new haircut and sun-darkened skin, she was first surprised, then filled with love.
"Mom!"
"Good to see you back! You look much more energetic."
"Yes! Sorry for worrying you."
"You're growing up; everyone develops their own ideas. Go take a shower. Your brother should be back soon."
"Understood, mom."
From his backpack, Shogo pulled out another Tanzanite jewelry piece for his mother—a necklace this time, while Rena had received a bracelet.
"Mother, a gift for you. See if you like it!"
"I'll try it later!"
After a refreshing bath, Shogo put on his familiar clothes. He touched the basketball in the corner of the room, and a surge of energy seemed to flow back into his body.
That evening, his older brother Haizaki Shoten arrived home early. The three shared a warm dinner together.
By the pool, Shogo handed his brother a stone-carved ornament, carrying it as they walked and strolled the dog.
"This is for you—a hand-carved stone piece from Kenya. I picked only the finest pieces."
"A stone carving! Not bad, I really like this. With the Fukuda Sogo Academy starting in three days, you should start preparing too."
"I know."
That night, lying in his familiar bed with familiar sheets and scents, Shogo fell asleep peacefully. No low growls, no hyena cries, no baboon screams disturbed him.
Outside, a gentle breeze drifted in, lulling him deeper into dreams.
In the darkness, a bright doorway opened. After countless years spent wandering through darkness, Shogo finally found a way forward.
Stepping through the doorway, blinding light struck him. He opened his eyes.
Sunlight streamed in through the window, shining on his head. It was already late morning—the sun high in the sky.
He had slept from 10 PM the night before until 11 AM, a full thirteen hours. Every cell in his body radiated satisfaction and relief.
After washing up, he entered the living room to find his mother arranging the table. Embarrassed, he greeted her.
"Good morning,mom!"
"Good morning, Shogo-kun!"
Even though it was noon, his greeting brought joy to his gentle mother.
After breakfast-lunch, Shogo ate ravenously. After a month of roasted meat and boiled water soup, his mother's home-cooked meal felt like centuries of flavor condensed into one meal.
With his stomach full, he bid his mother goodbye, leash in hand, ready for a walk.
Breathing in the modern city's energy, shaking off the wild dust from his body, Shogo felt strangely invigorated.
A carefree, relaxed day at home left him deeply satisfied.
The next morning, after boxing and gun training, he received a call from Satsuki Momoi.
"It's me, Haizaki Shogo!"
"Shogo-kun, it's Satsuki."
"Hey, Satsuki! Long time no see. How's Daiki?"
"Not bad. Shogo-kun, are you free this afternoon? Let's play basketball together."
"Sure!"
Shogo paused, thinking he didn't want to be drowned in 'couple energy,' then added:
"I'll bring a friend along—the one you met last time."
"Shimizu-chan?"
"Yes!"
"Perfect!"
Hearing Satsuki's excitement spike on the other end, Shogo hung up.
No guessing needed—Aomine Daiki had grown stronger after his latest improvements. Shogo couldn't play with him every day, leaving him bored and restless.
Boredom leads to disinterest, and over time, to quiet melancholy.
It wasn't vanity or stupidity—Aomine's confidence came from undeniable strength. Even his teammates knew: only he could truly beat himself.
This restlessness was why Satsuki reached out—and Shogo was just as eager to spar with Aomine. The plan was set.