"It feels different," Shun admitted meekly. "It feels like I've hit a wall, and no matter how hard I push, it won't budge."
Shun truly felt this time, he had hit a wall; an insurmountable wall he couldn't overcome.
Hiro took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully.
"Shun, walls aren't meant to be pushed over—they're meant to be climbed. It's not about breaking through; it's about finding the way up, step by step. You have the talent, the drive, and the heart to do this. You've proven that time and again."
There was a long pause on the other end of the line for a while. When Shun finally spoke, his voice was quieter, but there was a flicker of hope.
"Do you really believe that?"
"I do," Hiro said without hesitation. "But it's not just about what I believe. You have to believe it, too. Trust yourself, Shun. You're more than just a player struggling in a league— you're someone who inspires others. You've inspired me."