Crownless Kings: Court of Fire-Chapter 31 – The World Blinks

The Fire Spreads

Kaizen's win over Ichibana makes headlines nationwide.

But the real shock?

Global scouts post clips of Kaizen's "Fireblind Flow" and Drift's floater-fake.

Next morning—#KaizenFlame trends in three countries.

Fans call Drift: "The Chaos Architect"

Renji: "Rage Rhythm Reborn"

And Riku?

"The Strategist on One Leg."

---

📬 Souta Receives the Package

In his locker, unmarked.

He opens it.

Inside:

A USB.

A single sticky note:

> "You're not him.

You'll never be."

Souta plugs it into the school PC.

Footage loads—grainy.

It's his older brother, years ago.

Same jersey.

Same position.

Same systems.

But it ends with him being benched. Forgotten.

Souta stares at the screen.

Then closes it.

No words.

But his jaw? Locked like iron.

---

🧊 Drift Gets Called Out – Publicly

On Twitter.

From @NOVA_DropStep (Verified):

> "Japanese fire boy cute. Let's see him cook when gravity's reversed.

Barcelona. March 10.

If he shows."

Attached clip:

A Spanish-American phenom dunking on a 7-footer.

Handle: clean.

Voice: smooth.

Name: Zavi Álvarez

17

Nickname: "Gravity Snapper"

Style: Backwards Euro + Reverse Drift Step

Known for: Anti-Rhythm flow. He waits until you're confident—then breaks you.

Drift replies one word:

> "Bet."

---

🕶️ Secret Solo Invite – Renji

Coach Tanaka pulls Renji aside.

Hands him a sealed envelope.

Inside:

> "Shadow Court Invitational – Underground Match

One player. One game. No refs.

You've been selected.

Win... and doors open."

Location: Underground Tokyo.

Time: Midnight.

Your opponent: "The One Who Took Your Place."

Renji reads it.

Then folds it once.

Places it in his sock.

> "Good.

Let's meet the guy who stole my ghost."

---

🩹 Riku Prepares for Global Court

Coach Tanaka updates him:

Follow current novels on freewebnσvel.cѳm.

> "They're scouting you for leadership.

They want a strategist in the Global U-20 Fire Court Exhibition in June.

You won't play.

You'll command."

Riku nods.

But later that night, he removes the wrap from his ankle.

Stares at the scars.

Then—tapes it himself.

> "Command from the sideline, huh?

Let's see if I can walk in silence first."

---

🏟️ Next Match Announced

Kaizen's next opponent:

Kurosei Academy.

Record: 3–4.

Barely ranked.

Commentators:

> "Should be an easy match for Kaizen—unless fatigue starts creeping in."

But Riku's eyes narrow.

> "Kurosei's got nothing to lose.

That's the most dangerous kind of team."

---

👣 Final Scene – Renji Alone

He walks the city streets. Hoodie up.

Finds the address. Underground court.

No lights.

One person already inside. Dribbling slowly.

A voice echoes:

> "You finally showed up, Ghost King.

Let's find out if you're real..."