"Let's go. It's time to watch Sannoh Industrial."
The moment Shohoku's game ended, Coach Murai—who had been observing quietly—stood up and urged his players to move.
The Meihou Industrial players nodded, rose from their seats, and filed out of the venue with the rest of the spectators.
Noticing that Morishige Hiroshi had been grinning nonstop, Vice-Captain Kawashima Naoto couldn't help but ask, "Hiroshi, what's got you so happy?"
Morishige Hiroshi, who appeared simple and honest at first glance, scratched his cheek and laughed. "Shohoku's No. 4 looks pretty strong. I was just thinking… it'll be fun to knock him down tomorrow and look at him from the rim, right?"
"Cough— cough—" Kawashima Naoto nearly choked on air. After recovering, he forced a smile. "Maybe…"
But inwardly, he sighed: What a monster… Shohoku's No. 4 is in for a miserable tomorrow.
Kawashima had no doubt—if Morishige Hiroshi said he would knock Akagi down and dunk over him, then he absolutely meant it. The center of Meihou Industrial truly had that kind of terrifying strength.
Meanwhile, walking at the front, Coach Murai stroked the sparse stubble on his chin, deep in thought about tomorrow's match.
The game should've ended earlier, if not for Shohoku's No. 11 dragging it out… If Aiwa Academy had played normally from the start, they shouldn't have been Shohoku's opponent at all.
Still, they aren't much of a threat to us. We just need to pay attention to No. 13.
Of course, the core of his confidence was Morishige Hiroshi.
During the regional qualifiers, Morishige had crushed Aiwa Academy's twin towers by himself—yet Shohoku's inside duo had barely gained any advantage today. Naturally, Morishige would dominate the paint again tomorrow.
And since Coach Murai firmly believed that controlling the paint wins games, he saw tomorrow's victory as a given. In his mind, it was already decided: Meihou Industrial would advance and challenge the reigning champions, Sannoh Industrial, in the battle everyone awaited.
His players believed the same. With Morishige Hiroshi on their team, they feared no one.
After all… the strongest monster in the tournament was already theirs. All they needed to do was feed him the ball.
When Shohoku arrived at the venue, the outcome of the ongoing match was already clear.
Hakata Shodai Affiliated—also a seeded school—was leading Ryonan High by a staggering 92–65. Only one minute remained.
Coach Taoka had benched the starters long ago. The substitutes looked gloomy, yet not devastated. They were, in fact, satisfied.
A top-eight finish in the National Tournament might be unacceptable for Aiwa Academy. But for Ryonan—who many expected to be eliminated in round one—they had already proven their strength. There was nothing to regret.
Uozumi leaned toward Sendo and said solemnly, "Sendo, the team will rely on you from now on."
Sendo blinked in surprise, then chuckled. "Senior, we still have the Winter Tournament. Isn't it too early for this?"
Having tasted the excitement of a national stage, even the laid-back Sendo felt renewed determination. He wanted to train seriously. He didn't want to miss out on this kind of competition again.
Kanagawa was too small. He longed for the National Tournament.
But Uozumi shook his head. "When we return, you'll be captain. You'll be Ryonan's core. I won't be around much longer, so the entire team must revolve around you."
This was not only Uozumi's intent—it was also Coach Taoka's plan.
After Uozumi graduated, finding another dominant center like him would be almost impossible. They would have to rebuild their system around Sendo.
Coach Taoka knew waiting until after the Winter Tournament would be too late. Besides, the Winter Tournament only had one qualifying spot, and he had already decided to forfeit. His focus now was scouting junior high players who could support Sendo in the future.
Sendo, who had finally ignited his fighting spirit, instantly felt a bucket of cold water poured over him.
Playing basketball was one thing… but becoming captain?
That was something he had zero confidence in.
After the game, at Coach Taoka's suggestion, the two Kanagawa representative teams ate dinner together.
Even though he lost, Coach Taoka seemed cheerful. He slapped Akagi's back and laughed heartily. "Akagi, you must give it your all tomorrow! We'll all be there to cheer you on!"
Akagi bowed slightly with the respectful smile reserved for seniors. "We'll do our best."
Uozumi nudged him, also smiling. "Hang in there. Tomorrow will be a tough one."
Facing Morishige Hiroshi would be pressure for anyone—even for Akagi.
But Akagi refused to show weakness in front of his rival. He snorted. "Don't worry. We'll definitely win."
The coaches and third-years sat together, while the first- and second-years gathered elsewhere. Kano and Eri sat with Nango.
Seeing Sendo join Shohoku's table with a friendly smile, Sakuragi grumbled, "Hedgehog-head, why are you sitting here?"
Sendo found Shohoku's first-year trio far more entertaining and had swapped seats with Hikoichi.
Before he could answer, Nango waved lazily. "Let him sit. We all know each other, and they'll be cheering for us tomorrow."
Sendo laughed. "Your match won't be easy. That big guy is hard to handle."
"Hmph! He's nothing. Watch closely tomorrow—I'll take him down myself!"
The mention of Morishige Hiroshi made Sakuragi recall their first meeting. He swore he'd make Fatty taste defeat tomorrow.
Sendo didn't mind his boldness—he simply smiled and continued eating.
Compared to Sakuragi's loudness and Nango's laid-back attitude, Rukawa Kaede was quiet as always. But unlike before, a gloomy aura clung to him, making him unapproachable.
Knowing Rukawa was still troubled, Nango bumped him gently. "Stop overthinking. Eat."
Rukawa nodded, but his mood didn't lighten. Nango sighed—he planned to talk to him properly later.
Dinner was lively and warm. After everyone was full, they prepared to head back to the hotel.
Nango grabbed Rukawa Kaede's wrist. "I ate too much. Rukawa and I will take a walk and come back later."
Without waiting for anyone's reply, he dragged Rukawa away by force.
Rukawa resisted, but against Nango's strength, he had no chance. Eri wanted to go back, but Kano pulled her along.
Watching the four of them leave, Coach Anzai smiled gently, trusting Nango completely, then led the team back to the hotel.