The rain hadn’t started yet, but the sky hung heavy like it had already wept. Leaves scraped across the ground, swirling in the cold wind that danced between the gravestones in a quiet cemetery far from the noise of the city.

There weren’t many people. A few old colleagues, some retired players. And a handful of familiar faces who shared something rare in common: all of them had once been trained by Takeshi Morimoto.

Ego Jinpachi was one of them. Dressed in black, hands tucked deep into the pockets of his long coat. No flowers or spoken words. He was simply there, hunched over in front of the fresh grave, because not being there wasn’t an option.

Morimoto had been his coach during the final years of his playing career. Not a father figure or a warm mentor. But one of the very few who had truly seen him. Not as a problem with a rebellious ideas. But as a mind worth listening to.

And he gave him space to think. Ego respected that. He never said it aloud. Morimoto didn’t either. But they both knew. And now, even if he wanted to say it… it was too late.

The ceremony was short. No long speeches or sentimental choruses, and eventually, everyone left. Everyone but him.

Ego stood in front of the unmarked tombstone, the wind tugging at his coat like it wanted to carry him away from that place, but he didn’t move.

Prayers weren’t his thing. Neither were dramatic words. But one memory kept replaying in his head. That very line from years ago. From him:

"You are a diamond in the rough, only you can polish yourself."

At the time, Ego had scoffed, thinking it was just another dumb coach cliché. But now… now he used that line with his own players. And every time he repeated that on Blue Lock, every time he saw a player evolve with rage and desire, Morimoto's face returned to him. That raspy, patient, tired voice. And also, his disappointed expression the day Ego announced his retirement.

That look…

He was slipping into that memory, into that guilt, until a voice broke through the haze. He turned, slowly, over his shoulder, and before his eyes could catch yours, a bolt of lightning struck in the distance, and the torrential rain fell on Ego, drenching him in the process. His eyes narrowed, finally focusing on yours.

"What?"