Roughly fifteen minutes later…
Bzzz—
White sparks fizzled and faded as Tendou deactivated his Zone. Lying scattered across the gym floor were Kirisaki Daiichi's infamous troublemakers.
"This week's socks and jerseys… I'll leave them to you."
"Oh, and I don't like using the washing machine—make sure to hand-wash them properly."
With a wave, Tendou walked out of the gym, leaving behind a group of thoroughly exhausted delinquents.
"Is he even human?!"
"We already knew he was a monster, didn't we?"
"Yeah, but what kind of monster?!"
"Too strong… way beyond standard."
Hanamiya didn't say a word. Like the others, he was lying on the ground, gasping for breath.
Those past fifteen minutes had flipped his entire worldview upside down.
All five of Kirisaki Daiichi's starters had been defeated… by one guy.
His speed. His strength. His skill. His calm, detached confidence.
When Hanamiya looked into Tendou's eyes, for the first time, he felt like a weed growing by the roadside. That's how overwhelming it was.
"Is he from outer space?"
"Maybe he's a half-alien hybrid or something?"
But most importantly…
"F*ck that hurts! Why the hell did he elbow only me twice? The others got hit too!"
The delinquent muttered bitterly, nearly coughing up blood again. He had prepared himself this time—and still couldn't guard against Tendou's cheap shots.
He was just too damn fast.
Every time that elbow lifted, Hanamiya's body reacted on instinct—with fear.
"It's like… he could see right through me."
Frustrated, Hanamiya clutched his head. If he couldn't figure out Tendou's ability, he'd never stand a chance.
"Tomorrow… we're playing him again."
"Huh?! Give it up, Hanamiya. We're just not on his level."
"Yeah, no kidding. Even five-on-one, we can't stop him. Tendou's a real monster."
"He's got three national titles. We don't even have one."
I know I don't have a damn title! That's why I'm one of the "Uncrowned Kings," you dumbasses!
Hanamiya clenched his teeth in fury. As if he needed a reminder.
"So… are we washing the socks or not?"
…Socks.
Hanamiya's jaw tightened. He growled, "Wash them. Hand-wash them. Scrub them until he has nothing left to wear!"
A loss was a loss. Tendou wouldn't cheat him, and he wouldn't make excuses either.
...
Meanwhile…
Having thoroughly educated Hanamiya and his crew, and firmly crushed any thoughts of rebellion, Tendou took out his phone.
He dialed Haizaki Shōgo.
"Who the hell is this? I'm busy—make it quick."
There were girls' voices in the background. Multiple girls.
This bastard was living the wild life.
"It's me. Tendou."
Tendou?
Haizaki froze. In an instant, the memories came rushing back.
He shoved the girls aside and told them to keep quiet.
"Oh, it's you, big shot. What do you want?"
"Remember what I told you before? It's time for an answer."
"Are you interested in joining me… to shake up the entire national tournament?"
Haizaki clicked his tongue.
He knew it. He knew this was coming.
But now he calls?
"Let me guess—you just now remembered I exist?"
"Of course not. You're a player I truly admire."
Liar. He clearly forgot.
Haizaki could hear it in Tendou's voice. That hesitation.
Instantly, his temper flared. He spat out, "I'm not some flunky you can call up when you feel like it. What do I look like—Ryou-tan?! Not interested."
Click.
Tendou stared at his phone, listening to the dial tone. He sighed and slipped it back into his pocket.
A bit of a shame—but not unexpected.
...
On Haizaki's end, even after hanging up, he was still fuming.
Am I really that forgettable to you?
Even if I wouldn't follow you… you still had to act like I don't matter?
But Tendou's call had awakened something.
"…Basketball, huh?"
"I'll take down the Generation of Miracles… all on my own."
...
A few days later…
A pink-haired girl bounced her way through the gates of Kirisaki Daiichi High School.
She wore a bright green jacket, little white sneakers, and a regulation-length skirt. Her destination—the basketball club.
This was Momoi Satsuki.
Worried about her childhood friend, she had followed Aomine to Tōō Academy. Once he settled into the team, she resumed her usual duties—collecting intel.
But today's visit wasn't just for information.
She was genuinely concerned about Tendou.
"Jeez, why this school of all places, little Ten…?"
From her point of view, he had so many better options.
No one could refuse a request from the captain of the Generation of Miracles.
Midorima went to Shūtoku. Aomine went to Tōō. If he wanted to stay in Tokyo, he could've gone to Seihō or Senshinkan.
She asked a boy for directions. Just before reaching the basketball club, she stopped to fix her reflection in the window—adjusting her hair and smoothing her skirt.
Once she was satisfied, she patted her chest, took a deep breath, and threw the door open with a grin.
"Hi-hi~! It's been a while, little Ten! Surprise visi—eh?"
The basketball club was completely empty.
Momoi stood there, confused.
"…Didn't one of the students say he was here? Maybe he went to the roof?"
As she stood there, confused, Tendou walked out from who-knows-where, holding a container in his hands.
He looked a bit surprised when he saw her.
"Momoi? What are you doing here?"
"LITTLE TEN!!!"
She dove forward and gave him a massive tackle-hug.
Tendou had his hands full, so he didn't push her away—just kept walking like a sloth with her clinging to him.
He placed the container on the table, and Momoi finally noticed what he was holding.
"…You brought lunch?"
"Yeah. I don't like the food in the cafeteria, so I made my own."
"Lunch? In the basketball club?"
"Well, there's no power outlets on the rooftop."
Momoi had a full row of ellipses above her head.
"You're still the same as ever… doing whatever you want."
"Want some?"
"Of course I do!"
She hadn't brought her own lunch—because she knew she could count on Tendou.
So even while scolding him, she still happily dug in.