"I've been investigating these past two days."
Riki Takato spoke slowly, his voice drowning out the noise of the dock.
Kawamoto Kazuki comes from a single-parent family; his mother is in poor health and unable to take on heavy work.
"He works at the fish market every day after school, and then works at a convenience store until dawn. The time he spends playing basketball is something he squeezes out of every spare moment in his life."
Maki pursed his lips.
His basketball journey was paved with a smooth path free from worries, allowing him to focus wholeheartedly on moving forward.
"Mu, can you imagine?"
Takato turned his head, his eyes behind the glasses sharp as an eagle's.
"People in Kainan can relax their muscles in hot springs after training, discuss a weakness with their coach until late at night, and attend training camps at their own expense during holidays."
"Because we all know that our family environment supports us in running, sprinting, and even falling on this path without any worries."
He pointed the paper fan in his hand in Kawamoto's direction.
"And he must first use his physical strength to earn the money to survive on the race for survival."
"Then, after reaching my physical limit of exhaustion in the early morning, I rushed to the basketball court and poured all my remaining energy into another track."
"His training doesn't involve resting when he's tired; it's all about perseverance."
His promotions weren't based on the best resources, but only on the most necessary exploitation.
"His basketball, from the very beginning, was strapped with sandbags meant for survival."
Maki's gaze followed Kawamoto.
He saw the boy quickly unscrew a cheap plastic water bottle and take a few sips of water during a break.
Then he immediately turned around and walked toward the next fishing boat that had docked.
There was no sluggishness in his movements, only an efficiency honed by life.
"You are opponents on the field, but at the starting line of life—"
Riki Takato's voice was low, but every word struck Maki's heart.
"Never."
"You guys can give 100%, even 120% to basketball."
"And he has to give 60%, or even 80%, of his life first. Then he can use the remaining 20% to challenge your 120%."
"That's why I absolutely had to bring you here, Mu."
Riki Takato's tone returned to calm, but became even more forceful. "You must understand that you are about to face not only a gifted opponent, but also someone who has gritted their teeth and run to you on a completely different and much harsher track."
"Every minute he plays basketball, he carries the weight of having to win."
"You may never truly feel the weight of that weight, but you must see it."
"Perhaps this is the source of his strength."
Maki remained silent for a long time.
The wind at the dock couldn't dispel the heaviness in his chest.
At eight o'clock in the evening, the hustle and bustle of the fish market gradually subsided.
Maki watched as Kawamoto neatly arranged the last box of fish, nodded briefly to the boat owner, and took a few receipts, stuffing them into his apron pocket.
Then, the seemingly omnipotent monster who had dominated the field walked towards the makeshift washing station, his figure disappearing into the busy, gray crowd.
He finally spoke, his voice a little hoarse. "I understand, Coach."
He understood how extravagant, even frivolous, his love, which had been so thoroughly cherished, seemed in the face of a different law called survival.
"Let's go see him."
After showering and changing into a clean T-shirt, Kawamoto came out and saw Riki Takato and Shinichi Maki standing in front of the stall.
He showed no surprise, simply nodding. "What a coincidence, Coach Takato, Senior Mu."
We came to see you, sorry to bother you.
Maki bowed slightly, a gesture that drew a hint of approval from Riki Takato.
"Before I..."
Maki spoke first; his voice was steady, but you could hear an unusual tension in it.
"Regarding Kainan, and—those things that might sound like bragging. I apologize. I didn't mean to mock you, it's just—"
He didn't continue, or even know what to say.
Kawamoto looked at him. "I know."
Those three simple words left all of Maki's prepared words stuck in his throat.
" Kawamoto- kun..."
Riki Takato spoke up at the opportune moment, his voice much gentler than on the field. "My purpose in coming here is the same as before: Kainan University Affiliated High School can offer you a full tuition and fee waiver. And that's not all..."
He opened the folder he carried with him and took out a document. "Based on your basketball skills, I will apply to the school board for a special talent subsidy. Three million yen per year, that's the maximum I can secure for now."
Three million.
Kawamoto repeated the number in his mind.
His gaze fell on the distant horizon.
" Kainan is in Kamakura City," Riki Takato continued. "It's a 45-minute tram ride from where you are now. Transportation is very cheap. If you wish, you can go directly to Kainan University after graduating from high school."
"We're among the top eight in the country, and we have the strength to compete with Fukasawa Sports University. After graduation, we can even join a corporate team and play in the JBL League."
He paused, then emphasized, "This is a visible and stable path. You won't need to carry fish at the fish market anymore, or work the night shift at the convenience store. You'll only need to do one thing—play ball."
The sea breeze blowing across the pier carries a salty scent.
Kawamoto closed his eyes and quickly calculated in his mind.
A subsidy of three million.
With income from convenience stores and the fish market, if one is frugal, one can save six million a year.
Five years would amount to 30 million.
Thirty million yen should be barely enough to cover that expense.
But we'll have to wait five years.
It's been too long.
But this is the safest path.
Although he played basketball at Shohoku School, he trained and won games with everyone.
But he knew he was different from Akagi, Mitsui, and Kogure.
He lacked the tragic grandeur of a final summer, and the obsession with dominating the nation.
However, what he faces is something that Akagi and the others do not need to face.
Bonds?
Perhaps, but very faint.
So indifferent that it can be discarded at any time.
His hesitation stemmed from his summer vacation plans.
If the plan succeeds, he will be able to truly take control of his life.
If he fails, this invitation from Kainan is his best option.
" Kawamoto- kun." Riki Takato's voice pulled him back to reality. "You don't need to answer now. Just give me your answer before next school season starts. Kainan's doors are always open for you."
Kawamoto opened his eyes and nodded. "I'll consider it."
Riki Takato smiled.
That smile held no calculating brilliance, only the gentle warmth of an elder looking at a younger person. "Think it over carefully. Whatever choice you make, I will respect it."
As they left, Maki looked back once more.
Kawamoto stood with his back to them, facing the sea.
The dim light stretched his shadow long, like a thorn, piercing into Maki's seventeen years of smooth sailing.