The low rumble of the minibus echoed as it pulled into the circular driveway of Kyo Arena—Kyoto's newest and most dazzling stadium. A sleek marvel of steel and glass greeted the arriving teams. Above the entrance, massive banners flapped like flags of war, proudly announcing the start of the Kansai Regional Tournament.
The vehicle came to a smooth stop.
With a soft hiss, the door slid open.
Dirga stepped out first, the soles of his sneakers meeting the pavement with a quiet thud. He looked up—and for a moment, the world seemed to pause. The stadium towered above, far grander than any court he had ever set foot on. Even during his past life in Europe, training had consumed him so thoroughly that he barely remembered moments like this. He never allowed himself to enjoy them.
Now, he did.
One word escaped his lips. "Big."
But it wasn't just the size. The stadium felt alive.
