"Kurokocchi..." Kise's never really been in a position to comfort someone. Last year, the third years made him leave Katsumatsu alone to grieve their loss. He had wanted to go to his captain, but he didn't know what to say, so he let his senpai lead him away.

The loss against Touou in Interhigh had been his loss, his fault. And Katsumatsu had comforted him. His inability to let go of his hero worship of Aomine hadn't been their senpai's last attempt. Their loss against Seirin last year, though, wasn't anyone's fault. A good game.

"Maybe it is true," Kise said. "But I don't think so. You can still share so much with your team next year." He didn't know what to say, so just let his thoughts roll out on his tongue. "Maybe this is as far as your road goes as a competitive player. But you still love the game. That's what really matters. You taught me that. You taught everyone that.

"And maybe it's time to learn new tricks. Staying the shadows only works so long. You've always shined through for me. I think you should shine for everyone. Your basketball is beautiful, Tetsuya. It was never your skill that made it like that. It was your love that did."