The second day of the National Middle School Tournament.
In the first game of the morning, Teiko faced the renowned Uncrowned King, "Mighty Strength" Nebuya Eikichi, yet still won with ease, the score difference nothing short of outrageous.
This once again made everyone clearly realize just how formidable Teiko was this year.
Especially when you consider that, compared to last year, the "Twin Stars" of Teiko had actually seen less court time thanks to the rise of their exceptionally talented first-year juniors.
This blend of present dominance and future potential was, without question, even more terrifying.
And next…
That afternoon would bring the quarterfinals of the National Tournament.
Teiko's next opponent was a team that had eliminated both Shōei Middle School and "Iron Will" Kiyoshi Teppei — just like last year, at the same stage, same time, and same court — standing once again before Shigure Akihito… Senzan Middle School.
And leading them now… their new captain, Reo Mibuchi.
But before that
Noon.
Outside Kyoto's Second Gymnasium, where the middle school nationals were being held, another high school basketball team appeared — one that, by all logic, shouldn't even be here.
If Rakuzan's presence was understandable — their Kyoto Inter-High qualifying finals were being held next door in the First Gymnasium, so it wasn't a stretch for them to drop by — then this other team, hailing from Kanagawa and nicknamed the "Blue Elites," showing up here was far more puzzling.
"Uwoah~"
"A middle school game with this many people~"
"Back in middle school, I dreamed of playing in a place like this. Tch, I'm so jealous they're already playing on the national stage."
"Looks like our timing's a bit off — I heard from some passing spectators that Teiko's first game ended already. The next one won't start for hours."
"Tch~"
"You think we came just to watch? We could tell plenty from video alone. We're talking about a monster who, as a first-year, could go toe-to-toe with Hagioka Kasayuki…"
"Mm…"
"True enough. Still, it's strange — we finally come to Kyoto, and instead of scouting Emperor Rakuzan in person, the coach drags us here to watch middle schoolers?"
As Teiko exited the gym to grab lunch, they came face-to-face with this group of high schoolers.
Shigure Akihito immediately recognized the team jackets — and the small, round-faced coach leading them, with skin shining under the midday sun: Takeuchi Genta.
Kaijō High School.
But…
Compared to the events of the original storyline, Shigure didn't recognize a single current player. Even Kaijō's iconic captain, Kasamatsu Yukio, was still just a third-year in middle school at this time.
Which meant Kasamatsu was probably still struggling through his own prefectural qualifiers, far from the national stage.
Shigure noticed that, unlike Teiko's "all villains" vibe, Kaijō radiated energy and positivity. The difference was stark the moment they met.
"Eh?"
"Hey, hey"
"That's Teiko Middle, right?"
"Damn, for middle schoolers, they've got more presence than we do in high school. And… their average height!"
"They've even got two guys over 190cm…"
"Found them!"
"Number 5, Shigure Akihito."
"And Number 4, Teiko's captain and another target — 'Lion' Nijimura Shuzo."
Kaijō's coach, Takeuchi Genta, froze for just a moment when he saw them, a flicker of surprise — and tension — passing through his expression.
He hadn't expected the opportunity to meet them to come so quickly. Running through his mental script, he was about to approach with a casual greeting when
He spotted another team emerging from the gym.
And among them… a very familiar figure.
Takeuchi's whole body went rigid for a second.
Then, under his breath, he cursed.
"Damn you, Shirogane Kōzō … and Naoto Sanada!"
Hagioka Kasayuki was one thing — but he'd heard that Shirogane Kōzō had been courting him since first year, before Hagioka even made a name for himself.
And now…
Takeuchi's eyes gleamed with envy as they fell on Teiko's Twin Stars.
Not a chance, he thought.
"Shigure-kun~"
"Long time no see~"
From within Rakuzan High's lineup, a towering figure wearing the number 4 jersey — as a first-year — called out. Hagioka Kasayuki.
Takeuchi's expression tightened instantly.
No way… Don't tell me… these two are close?!
Hearing the voice behind them, Teiko's members instinctively turned — and saw the two-meter-tall giant.
Hagioka Kasayuki.
Yes…
Even Aomine, Murasakibara, and Haizaki, just from clubroom legends, recognized the man who had once stood toe-to-toe with Teiko's Twin Stars.
The first-years…
Aside from Murasakibara, their average height barely reached 175 cm — and they all couldn't help but swallow under the sheer pressure.
It was their first time seeing such a massive player up close.
"Whoa~"
"So tall~"
"Hagioka-senpai~"
"With that build, can you even run?"
Shigure turned toward him. Compared to last year, Hagioka's frame had grown even more imposing. Wearing Rakuzan's number 4 jersey, arms folded, warm-up jacket draped over his shoulders in that cocky, cape-like style…
The pressure he exuded was stronger than ever.
"Of course… I can still run plenty fast~"
"Oh, right — at Rakuzan now, my position is…"
"Shooting guard~"
Aomine Daiki: "…"
Haizaki Shōgo: "…"
Midorima Shintarō: "…"
Akashi Seijūrō: "…"
Even the veterans — Shigure and Nijimura included — went silent for a moment at that.
For Hagioka, standing this close to Shigure brought last year's nationals flooding back.
Back then, Shigure was still a first-year — physically far from what he is now, and his game not nearly as complete.
But…
"Long time no see, Shigure Akihito."
The same words, but this time with a very different weight.
"As promised, from my first year in high school I've been fighting with everything I've got — to claim back-to-back championships… and wait for your challenge."
Shigure smiled faintly.
"A challenge, huh? Sounds like you haven't found any real competition in high school. That arrogance — did it make you forget the last time we played, I won?"
Ha.
Hagioka chuckled, shaking his head.
"You haven't changed~"
But…
Thanks to you.
God…
Really never gives you a burden you can't bear.
If ideals can shine, and beliefs can sing, then I too will become unstoppable for victory.
End of chapter...
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