Half a month flew by, and the special training Ken Kaneki had arranged was nearing its end.
"Hey, Tetsu, the practice match is tomorrow. How do you feel about the special training?" Daiki Aomine sat on the floor of Building No. 2, looking at Tetsuya Kuroko. "You even included me in it, you know~"
"Thanks to Kaneki-kun, I feel like the training has been really effective lately," Tetsuya Kuroko said confidently. "At the very least, the Third String has completely adapted to my playing style, and Coach even occasionally builds tactics around me."
"Mm." Ken Kaneki listened to their conversation, unfazed, as he continued practicing his shots. "Don't overthink it. Just play your game. What I taught you is guaranteed to work."
"Good luck, Kuro-chin." Atsushi Murasakibara handed Tetsuya Kuroko a bran roll. "We'll come watch your game tomorrow."
"Yes!" Tetsuya Kuroko looked at them, fired up and full of confidence.
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself, either." Ken Kaneki smiled and patted Tetsuya Kuroko on the shoulder. "Even if Aomine really does get sent down to the Third String, Haizaki will be there during that time, so the tryouts won't be affected. Just play your game."
"...Thank you, Kaneki..." Tetsuya Kuroko was at a loss for words after Ken Kaneki's "thoughtful" reassurance.
"Man, aren't those guys First String? What are they doing in Building No. 2? Don't they usually train in Building No. 1?"
"Maybe they're here to watch the practice match?"
"Come on, with their skills, what practice match would they need to come watch in person..."
Ken Kaneki and the others drew everyone's attention as they entered Building No. 2. Members of the Second and Third Strings whispered among themselves, speculating about why they were there.
"Oh, Ken-chan, looks like we got here too early,"