4 Haruki vs. Aomine

The gym was alive with astonishment as everyone witnessed Haruki's astounding feat – flawlessly pulling off the shot and mimicking Aomine's moves with effortless precision. Not only did Haruki perform the actions faster and more flawlessly, but he also managed to outshine Aomine himself. Yet, Aomine's response wasn't one of dismay, but rather a smile that crept across his face. This was exactly what he had yearned for – a rival who could match him on the court, someone who could challenge his belief in his own invincibility.

As the 1v1 match resumed, the moment Aomine checked the ball to Haruki, a sense of perplexity washed over him. Haruki found himself at a crossroads, uncertain of which specific skill to employ against Aomine. Truth be told, he could have utilized any of his acquired abilities and still emerged victorious. However, his intention ran deeper. Haruki was driven to establish a sense of superiority over Aomine, to not only best him but also to humble him in a more profound way.

Amid this strategic dance, Haruki's mind conceived a plan. Executing it swiftly, he executed a between-the-legs dribble to the right, eluding his defender with practiced ease. The drive continued as he ventured toward the right corner behind the three-point line, all the while with Aomine hot on his heels. With deft precision, Haruki initiated a formless one-handed fadeaway shot, releasing the ball while falling out of bounds. The ball left his fingertips, the motion guided by instinct and perfected through practice.

High above the court, the ball took on a graceful arc as it sailed through the air, its trajectory aligned with the hoop's perfect center. The moment it collided with the rim, a symphony of precision unfolded – the swish of the net reverberated through the gym, resonating with awe and astonishment.

Even Aomine, the man who had become synonymous with basketball brilliance, couldn't help but be taken aback. As the audience absorbed the spectacle before them, a sense of disbelief settled in. Haruki's audacious move had transcended expectations, achieving what many deemed impossible. In this moment, on that very court, Haruki had etched his name into the annals of basketball lore, a newcomer who had achieved the unfathomable.

As the 1v1 between Haruki and Aomine continued, a growing realization gnawed at Haruki's mind. Aomine's lack of effort, a stark contrast to his typical approach in the anime, left Haruki perplexed. In the show, Aomine always rose to the challenge, going all out the moment he felt the slightest hint of pressure from his opponents. This match felt different, as if someone or something had imposed a limit on Aomine's performance. Haruki couldn't help but suspect the culprit.

Fury coursed through Haruki as he arrived at a conclusion he found hard to swallow. Without mincing words, he addressed Aomine, "Aomine, let's stop this game. If you're not going to show me your all, why even continue playing this 1v1? Playing against you feels like playing against a child, and it's becoming rather annoying. So, if you're not going to try at all, why even continue this pointless game?"

A knowing smile spread across Akashi's face at the exact moment Haruki voiced his suspicion. It was as though Akashi's objective had been achieved. Haruki locked eyes with the former captain of the Generation of Miracles, his crimson gaze meeting Akashi's resolute Emperor Eye.

In that moment, a thought formed in Haruki's mind. Why not take a different path, like Kagami and Kuroko did, and challenge the Generation of Miracles at their strongest? With this goal in mind, Haruki continued his game with Aomine, determined to ultimately humiliate them.

However, the coach intervened with an unexpected announcement – Haruki was to join the team as their starting small forward. Haruki's response was swift and definitive. He refused the offer, stating, "I won't be attending this school any longer."

The coach was taken aback by Haruki's decision. Without further explanation, Haruki strode out of the gym, sporting a cocky smile as he declared, "See you in three years."

Upon returning home, Haruki shared his intentions with his parents. He expressed his desire to go to America and pursue sports there. His parents had long expected this moment, albeit perhaps not as soon as it arrived. Haruki's father made a call to an old friend from his basketball days, requesting that he watch over Haruki for the next three years. Though initially reluctant, his friend ultimately agreed to take on the role, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Haruki's journey.