Hayama Kotarō refused to show weakness in front of Shigure Akihito and Nijimura Shuzo.
So, when the two flanked him left and right, eyes blazing with wild intent as they surged past him in a burst of speed, he only grit his teeth and kept chasing after Teiko's center on defense.
After all, this year Chōgen Middle School's secret to victory lay in something very simple—never hesitate, just keep driving each foot forward, step by step.
Block…
It worked.
But the result
He could only watch as both Shigure and Nijimura hung from the rim after their follow-up dunks.
No one knew better than Hayama himself. Though he was called a "genius," when it came to sheer physical ability, compared to Teiko's Twin Stars, his speed-oriented style faced a wall he could not cross.
That was why, while his teammates pushed themselves with endless running and stamina training, he poured himself into sharpening his breakthroughs, endlessly honing them.
But when those two surpassed him so easily in speed…
The despair was inescapable.
"Hayama."
"Ah?"
"You okay?"
"Ah… I'm fine."
Sorry. I was just thinking something depressing.
We…
"There's still time, Hayama. As long as everyone runs with all they've got, it'll be enough. We won't have any regrets."
As always, the encouragement of this year's new captain stirred a rare and strange emotion in Hayama Kotarō.
This man's strength couldn't compare to his own, not even close. Yet as a captain, Hayama couldn't help but respect him. Unlike himself, this man never wavered—always moving forward, confident and free, aiming for the goal with unshakable resolve.
Clap!
Clap!
Last year, he had been just a substitute. Now, as a third-year and captain of Chōgen International, he was pouring his heart into rallying the team.
"Don't hesitate!" His calm tone was like a steady anchor to everyone listening. "We've already trained hard enough. Because of that effort…"
"We will overcome fear and doubt!"
"Our secret to victory?"
His voice turned firm and solemn.
"Never hesitate!"
"Just keep stepping forward, one foot after the other!"
The Chōgen players: "...!"
That's right!
Compared to last year, aside from Hayama, Chōgen International's overall player ability had dropped with the graduation of several strong seniors.
But because of a certain change, their overall team strength had actually grown.
It all came from the inspiration their coach had drawn last year from Shigure Akihito—an insight into how ceaseless movement strengthened both offense and defense. That inspiration became Chōgen's very own style
Endurance running, paired with bombardment offense.
A "long-distance cannon barrage."
When it came to speed, Chōgen International could never compare to Teiko, known as the "gathering place of monsters."
But…
Marathon-style running didn't require explosive bursts, nor dazzling displays of skill during the game.
It only required one thing, steadily alternating steps, moving forward without pause. A simple act. Something anyone could do.
It was nothing but a contest of willpower and stamina.
And so
As the match continued, everyone was shocked to see Chōgen International unleashing their bombardment style once more.
But soon, as time passed, they realized it wasn't quite the same as before.
Because whether they deliberately shifted tempo to enter set plays against Hayama Kotarō's "Thunder Dribble," or were forced into half-court play by Teiko's defense breaking their run,
Chōgen never stopped moving.
As if slowing down was a sin, they just kept running.
Second Half.
The end of the third quarter.
Teiko vs Chōgen International.
Score: 103–61.
Teiko's Twin Stars still remained on the court, but otherwise Teiko had begun rotating in their bench players.
Among those now playing—Aomine, Midorima, and Murasakibara. As first-years, their stamina disadvantage was inevitable.
So, against Chōgen's relentless running, after just a single quarter, though they could still keep pace,
their calves were already burning with soreness.
Aomine's breathing was still steady.
Beside him
Watching the two upperclassmen who still looked unfazed in stamina, Midorima Shintarō checked his own breathing, then spoke:
"The national stage really is full of every kind of opponent…"
He had poured everything into sharpening every weapon at his disposal.
"…Senpai's words," Midorima murmured, "have already come true."
But himself…
He was still far from enough.
Aomine, only hearing the first half, thought he was praising the opponents and couldn't help muttering inwardly
Is now really the time to say that…?
This is the championship stage.
No way am I…
At that moment
Aomine's mind replayed those words, spoken by Shigure-senpai, etched deep into him after Akashi had once repeated them. Words he'd held onto during his own moments of doubt, when defeat had crushed his spirit.
"It's like a basketball game."
"The self-built character you crafted with your own hands, on the road to the peak of glory, every step you take builds the perfect record."
"…And when you look back, only then will you feel truly satisfied with the honor you've earned."
"Heh!"
"Even if it's just running…"
"I won't lose!"
Not only win, but win beautifully!
Today, he would pour his absolute all into this battle of running. There was no way he would lose. With a bold grin, Aomine Daiki declared it with burning confidence, feeling hot blood surge like magma through his body.
Meanwhile
Though agile for a center, Murasakibara was once again scowling. Teiko's absurdly fast-paced transitions were wearing him down.
Since entering middle school, it wasn't the first time.
In basketball…
There were things he couldn't win at, beyond just "talent."
Just as the senpai had said
With talent alone, he would still lose.
He…
was not yet strong enough.
On the court
The first-years, exhausted by Chōgen's punishing endurance play, each remembered their senpai's words from before.
Shigure Akihito.
Nijimura Shuzo.
The two who had walked this path together, had finally reached the place with the best view.
As the fourth quarter began, they exchanged a glance.
Then their entire aura shifted.
The lion and the giant elephant charged forward in full force.
Together, they would bring this game to its close.
To rule the entire court.
END OF CHAPTER
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