As the final buzzer echoed through the gym, Kota let out a long sigh of relief.
The game had seemed comfortably within Kaijo's control, but mentally? Kota had been wrecked by Ikawa's emotional whiplash.
Every other possession, one of them would yell something about "bonds" or "dreams" ——then go full power-up mode and hit some ridiculous clutch shot. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Kota's brain was fried.
Worse yet, midway through the game, their ex-ace — the guy who'd quit the team after the infamous brawl — came back.And as if that wasn't enough, their captain, who had literally been hit by a car the day before, showed up mid-game, head wrapped in bandages, straight from the hospital via taxi.
And of course, they had to go full anime drama, complete with tearful speeches and power-of-friendship flashbacks.
Kota put his hands on his hips and looked across the court, where everyone on the Ikawa team was crying their eyes out.
"Damn it… does this mean… the basketball club's done for…?"
Smiley Guy — now biting his lip, tears dripping steadily onto the court — was clearly devastated.The rest of his team looked just as heartbroken.
Even Kasamatsu was moved. He stepped forward to shake hands with them all, then turned and gave Kota a look.
Yeah, yeah. You're the senior. Message received.
Grimacing both internally and externally, Kota forced himself to approach Smiley Guy and shake his hand.
"You were right, Kota!"
"We were getting ahead of ourselves. We're not the only ones who work hard — you guys do too. We'll work even harder from now on!"
Well… aside from the radiant, borderline-blinding smile, that almost sounded like something a normal person might say.
Kota nodded politely and patted his shoulder.
"You played well. I hope we meet again next year."
"Though honestly, that seems unlikely", he thought. They didn't make the semi-finals. And that meant… club shutdown.
Sure enough, Smiley Guy's expression dimmed. He was just about to explain when—
"What're you sulking for?" Their captain suddenly threw an arm around him with a huge grin.
"Principal just called. Said he watched our game and loved the effort.The basketball club's safe!"
"FOR REAL?!"
The entire team's mood did a 180.Just seconds ago, they'd been weeping in despair. Now they were jumping and spinning in a circle of pure joy.
Kaijo's players couldn't help but smile at the scene.
They're a weird bunch, but fun. Wouldn't mind seeing them again next year.
Only Kota… stood frozen like a statue, his soul leaving his body.
"Of course… how could I forget? In cliché sports anime, the protagonist team never actually gets disbanded…"
He turned stiffly toward the bench, eyes vacant, trudging back like a war veteran.
"Whatever. We won. We advanced. That's enough.They probably won't even survive regionals next year…"
"Kota!! It's a promise, okay?!"
Smiley Guy yelled from across the court, waving like a maniac.
"Next year, let's face each other again! Oh, by the way, my name is—"
SHUT UP.
Kota clapped his hands over his ears.He absolutely did not want to know that guy's name.
...
"Had fun, Kota?"
Kise, still recovering, teased from the bench, mimicking Kota's earlier tone.
Kota glared, grabbed his bag, gave Takeuchi a nod, and bolted. He desperately needed to cool off.
Final Score: 118–102. Kaijo wins.
Kaijo advances to the semi-finals of the Winter Cup.
...
"Akashi…"
"You did well, Midorima. But I am absolute."
Midorima slowly removed his glasses, a faint smile forming on his lips.
"If I had to lose… I guess it's not so bad to lose to this guy."
Final Score: 107–97. Rakuzan wins.
Rakuzan advances to the semi-finals.
...
"Damn it… I really hate this…"
Aomine stood frozen on the court, staring up at the ceiling of the gym. He bit his lip to stop the tears from spilling.
"Tetsu… you played well."
"Kagami, make sure you beat them. I came here to win the whole damn thing."
His voice wavered, but he held his composure.He spoke calmly to Kagami and Kuroko.
"Don't worry. This year, we won't lose."
Final Score: 99–98. Seirin wins.
Seirin advances to the semi-finals.
...
"Ugh, I'm tired. I want a burger."
Murasakibara staggered off the court, his teammates rushing after him.
"Atsushi! Hey, Atsushi! Handshake line!"
"Haaah? So annoying…"
Scratching his head, he reluctantly walked back and halfheartedly shook hands with the opposing team.
"Okay, I did it. I'm going home now."
"WAIT!"
He turned back, annoyed — but seeing it was Araki, he quickly swallowed his irritation.
"If you skip the next game… I'll kill you."
Araki's tone was calm. Too calm.Her hand casually rested on the hilt of her sword.
"Yeah yeah~ Akashi said I can do what I want this time. I'll be there."
Murasakibara waved lazily and wandered off into the tunnel.
Final Score: 87–23. Yosen wins.
Yosen advances to the semi-finals.
...
The semi-finals of the Winter Cup is set:
Kaijo, Yosen, Rakuzan, Seirin.
Seirin vs Rakuzan
Kaijo vs Yosen
...
Shark Gym
"Day after tomorrow's the big game, huh? Crazy how it's just like the Interhigh — us meeting in the semifinals again."
Kota was lying on a massage table, wincing as Araki pulled his leg during a brutal stretch.
"Tch… You doing this on purpose?! That hurts!"
Araki replied with her usual soft "mm." Not that Kota minded — their usual dynamic was him talking and her occasionally replying with a grunt.
Unless she was scolding him. Like for not washing his hands before dinner. Or forgetting to wipe his mouth. Stuff like that.
"So, is your team's big guy gonna bail again last minute? Ow—HEY! I know that one was on purpose!"
"He won't. He's had a hospital trip after every match.I think even he's figured it out by now."
Her tone was so calm, it made Kota sweat a little.
"Why does she sound like a mob boss? Oh right… she was a delinquent back in the day. And her family's loaded. Honestly, she probably has cut someone before…"
"Anyway, good bracket setup. We get to sit back and enjoy a show before our final."
Kota sat up and stretched, feeling much looser. His eyes gleamed.
"Rakuzan vs Seirin, huh? That's gonna be fun to watch.So who's it gonna be in the finals…"
SMACK.
"OW—what was that for?!"
"Already assuming you're making finals? We haven't even played yet."
Kota: …
"Wait a sec… this happened during Interhigh too…except back then, Coach Takeuchi was the one who got smacked."
"You free tomorrow?"
"If so… would I be lucky enough to have your company for the match, Miss Masako?"