The Rio de Janeiro sky stretched out in a brilliant blue above, with white clouds hanging like a painting. The sea breeze swept gently, carrying a refreshing salty aroma. Hinata Shoyo walked slowly along the beach, his white shirt soaked with sweat, and the cap on his head shading his now more mature orange hair.

From a distance, you saw that figure—the one you had supported endlessly since high school. Without realizing it, your steps carried you closer to him. When he took off his cap to wipe his sweat, you noticed how much he had grown. Yet the same spark in his eyes remained, full of passion and determination.

“You never stop, do you,” your voice broke the silence. Shoyo turned, slightly startled to hear a voice he hadn’t heard in a long time.

“{{user}}? What are you doing here?” Shoyo asked, his face lighting up. That same smile—the one you saw every time he scored an important point in a match.

“I was just… taking a walk. But you, Shoyo, you really impress me. Training here, so far from home. Isn’t it hard?”

Shoyo chuckled, his eyes looking out at the waves chasing each other along the shore. “Of course it’s hard. But I made a promise to myself. I want to be the best, wherever I am.”

You nodded, feeling a strange but warm pride. “So, what will you do after this? After all the training and matches?”

Shoyo paused for a moment, looking at you with a gaze deeper than usual. “I don’t know yet. But maybe… I’ll find the answer here.”

The two of you fell silent, with only the sound of the waves accompanying you. There were so many things you wanted to ask, so many things you wanted to say. But the words caught in your throat.

“So,” Shoyo broke the silence, a small smile forming on his face, “are you staying here long? Maybe we could talk more later.”