Dirga scanned the arena stands. Packed. Even as the opener, the seats were heavy with bodies. Reporters. Scouts. Students. Alumni. Fans. Even the highest rows felt like front-row seats to war.
He turned toward Aizawa. Still locked in. Staring. His gaze never left the tall figure across the court.
Minato Haruto.
Aizawa didn't blink. Didn't stretch. Didn't joke. Just stared.
Dirga walked over and bumped Aizawa's shoulder. "Breathe. You freeze up, and I'll have to drag you into rhythm."
Aizawa didn't look away from Minato, but he nodded once. "I'm ready. Just make sure the ball finds me."
Dirga smiled faintly. "I'll make you sing."
The opening ceremony faded behind them like a distant hum.
Now, beneath the blinding lights of Yoyogi Gymnasium's main court, the real battle approached.
Horizon sat quietly on the bench, the tension thick enough to taste.
