Chapter 11 – The Weight of a Crown
Two Months Later – Kaizen High Gym
The championship banner was up.
Every time someone walked in, they looked at it—some in awe, some in fear.
Riku stared at it for a long time after practice.
Renji walked by, tossing a towel over his shoulder.
> "Feels heavier now, doesn't it?"
Riku didn't reply.
He was thinking about the target now painted on their backs.
---
📬 An Invitation Arrives
Coach Tanaka walked into the gym, holding a sleek envelope with a gold seal.
> "We've been invited."
The team gathered.
Inside the envelope:
A handwritten note, sharp and cold.
> "Your fire caught our attention. Let's see how bright it burns overseas."
– St. Ragna International Academy
An elite school from Europe. Known for recruiting national-level players worldwide.
The invite?
To the World Youth Invitational Tournament—hosted in Tokyo.
Only 6 Japanese schools selected.
Kaizen was one of them.
---
🔥 New Arc Begins: World Youth Invitational
Teams from the US, Spain, Italy, and France.
Even Jin's new restructured Black Fang got an invite.
Riku stared at the bracket.
At the top: "Group A – Kaizen vs. Islington Academy (England)"
Renji:
> "International vibes already? You ready for this, Captain?"
Riku:
> "Not yet. But we will be."
---
📍 Islington Academy – Scouting Report
Souta pulled up footage.
Their ace: Leon Mercer.
Nickname: "The Hollow Court."
Plays like a ghost. Silent. Slippery. Shoots like a machine.
Height: 6'4
Position: SG
Known for: "Blackout Drive" – A fake so clean, defenders freeze mid-step.
> "He's like the anti-Renji," Souta muttered.
Renji raised an eyebrow.
> "Bet. I'll break him first."
---
🕶️ Black Fang HQ
Jin reviewed the invite.
His team looked different now—sharper, faster, hungrier.
A new transfer stood beside him.
Name: Noah Eisaku
Nationality: Japanese-American
Specialty: Full-court dominance.
Nickname: "The One-Man Press."
Jin smirked.
> "Let's see if Kaizen can handle real fire."
---
🏀 Final Scene – Midnight Practice
Riku practiced alone.
Shadow drills. Corner shots. Ghost Step.
Then paused.
A familiar voice echoed:
> "Still obsessed with fixing the perfect move?"
Riku turned.
A new challenger stood in the doorway—wearing a foreign jersey.
> "You don't know me yet, Riku.
But after tomorrow, you won't forget me."