Chapter 3: Unbreakable

Training in the Storm

The first time Shun collapsed from exhaustion, it was raining.

Thick, heavy raindrops pounded against the field, turning the dirt into mud, and soaking his uniform until it felt like weights on his skin.

His body gave out, his legs buckling underneath him. His knees hit the ground. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath.

But before anyone could tell him to stop—

He stood up.

And he kept going.

"Tch. This guy's insane…"

Some of his teammates whispered. Others watched in silence. But Shun didn't care. He wasn't doing this for them.

He was doing it for himself.

For Ken.

He would stand on the same field as his brother for the moment—and shatter him.

Day After Day, Year After Year

It didn't matter if the sun was blazing or the wind was freezing. Shun was always on the field.

If his legs burned, he ran harder.

If his muscles screamed, he pushed them further.

If he collapsed, he got back up.

Even when he was sick.

Even when he had a fever.

The other players didn't know whether to admire him or fear him.

Some thought he was reckless.

Others thought he was desperate.

But Shun knew the truth.

He was hungry.

A Call from the Coach

Shun had earned his place by the time he entered his second year.

He wasn't just another player.

He was the hardest worker in the club.

And finally—someone had noticed.

One afternoon, after another grueling practice, Shun wiped the sweat from his forehead as he heard his name called.

"Aizawa."

It was Coach Takeda.

A man is known for his strict training and ruthless decisions. He never wasted words. Never praised anyone unless they deserved it.

Shun jogged over, his body still aching from practice.

The coach's sharp eyes studied him for a moment. Then, he spoke.

"You want to play with the team?"

Shun blinked.

"Huh?"

Takeda crossed his arms.

"We're heading to the state tournament. I'm asking if you want in."

For a moment, Shun didn't move.

He had been waiting for this exact moment for two years.

Waiting for someone to finally say—

"You're ready."

Shun clenched his fists.

He took a breath.

Then, he looked the coach straight in the eyes and said:

"I don't just want in. I want to win."

Takeda smirked.

"Good answer."

"Then get ready. You're about to enter hell."

Shun grinned.

Hell?

He had already lived through it.

Now, he was ready to rise from it.