Very quickly, all the players learned the new training format, and every one of them showed an excited expression. Under this system, every team stepping onto the court would immediately face the strongest lineup present at the training camp.
That meant one thing:
Maximum growth.
The first matchup was Shutoku High versus Seirin High. With powerful opponents lurking nearby, waiting for openings to strike them down, the atmosphere inside the gym instantly intensified.
Even without Kagami Taiga, Seirin's offensive power had dropped significantly, and Kuroko Tetsuya was being effectively neutralized by Takao Kazunari. Even so, Seirin still managed to put up a fight. Their resilience and teamwork were stronger than expected.
However, ten minutes later, Seirin still had to step off the court—not because they lacked effort, but because Midorima Shintaro was simply too strong.
Next up was Tōō Academy.
The moment they stepped in, everyone's excitement spiked because what followed was a clash many had been waiting for:
Shutoku High vs. Tōō Academy.
Midorima Shintaro vs. Aomine Daiki.
A matchup that alone was worth the entire training camp.
Even Haizaki Shogo had suggested this new training structure precisely for moments like this—not only to improve every team's overall performance, but also to witness battles like this unfold in real time.
The tension inside the gym rose sharply. Aomine and Midorima exchanged a brief look before returning to their respective half courts.
Tōō started with possession.
Shutoku set up its defense.
Imayoshi Shoichi dribbled across half court with a relaxed smile, his eyes half-closed as always. Yet beneath that calm exterior, his blood was boiling. When he had first heard about the rotating scrimmage system, he hadn't been used to it.
But now that he was on the court...
His entire body was trembling.
His instincts—his Animal Instinct—were fully awake.
This is fun… seriously fun.
Imayoshi suddenly drove forward and pulled up for a jumper.
Confident.
Clean.
Calculated.
BOOM!
A sharp sound echoed as Midorima Shintaro had already appeared. He leapt into the air and slapped the ball away with a massive block.
And right behind him, Aomine Daiki exploded forward with a grin. He snatched the loose ball and immediately pushed into transition.
Midorima recovered instantly and stepped in front of him. Aomine and Midorima locked eyes.
For several seconds, neither of them moved.
Then—
Aomine drove.
Seven seconds of pressure, footwork, and control forced Midorima toward the paint. Aomine spun and released a layup.
Ten minutes later, Shutoku walked off the court frustrated. They had lost by a single possession.
Then Fukuda Sogo stepped in.
Haizaki Shogo led his team onto the court, and both sides of the gym instantly leaned forward in anticipation. But ten minutes later, Haizaki also walked off wearing a faintly disappointed expression.
Not because he was weak.
Not because he had held back.
But because his teammates couldn't keep up.
Tōō's pressure defense shredded their rhythm again and again. Even though Haizaki could handle Aomine, the rest of Tōō overwhelmed Fukuda Sogo.
Next came Seirin again. After watching for twenty minutes, they rushed onto the court full of determination.
But ten minutes later...
They were forced off again.
Tōō dominated once more.
And so the cycle continued.
Scrimmage after scrimmage.
Battle after battle.
For a full week.
Seven days later, everyone packed their belongings and left the gym, going their separate ways.
Each of the four teams had changed. Every player carried a new expression and a new mindset. They had learned too much. They had experienced too much. Even Seirin, without Kagami, looked satisfied and fulfilled.
Haizaki said goodbye to his teammates and returned home alone by train.
======
At the mansion, his mother stood at the entrance, watching him arrive with a gentle smile. Haizaki felt slightly guilty. He had just returned from overseas, barely spent time at home, and then left again for training camp.
"Sorry, Mom. I won't be going out for a while," he said.
"It's fine," she replied warmly. "As long as you're healthy and happy, that's enough."
========
The next morning, Haizaki woke up early, ate breakfast, and headed straight to the fencing hall.
Inside the training arena—
BOOM!
A quick thrust forced Coach Yamamoto back a step. With a clean flick of the wrist, Haizaki lowered his blade and removed his mask.
Coach Yamamoto was breathing heavily.
"You brat… your sword skills haven't improved much, but your physical ability has shot up again."
Haizaki grinned. "So I'm still fine, right?"
"Hmph. You rely too much on your body now."
The two stepped down and drank some water. Then Haizaki spoke.
"Coach… I've got a question."
"I knew it," Yamamoto sighed. "Go ahead."
Haizaki's expression turned serious.
"Do you know anyone who can push my physical condition further?"
Yamamoto frowned.
"Further? You already look like a monster."
"I mean… extreme-level improvement."
The coach paused.
Now he understood.
Haizaki wasn't just asking for training.
He was asking for someone who could safely push his body beyond its current limits.
"You're doing all this for basketball?" Yamamoto asked.
"Yes. Basketball is the coordination of the entire body. If I want to reach the top, my physical foundation has to keep evolving."
Yamamoto sighed deeply. He finally gave up on pulling Haizaki deeper into fencing.
"I know someone," he said slowly. "A former national team training director. He understands human physical limits better than anyone."
"But he's retired."
"And whether he agrees to help you… that depends on you."
"On me?" Haizaki tilted his head. "What, I need to be handsome or something?"
"Get lost," Yamamoto snapped. "That old man is arrogant. If you want his attention, send him your current physical data and your plan."
"Then wait."
"Got it. Thanks, Coach."
"Now get out."