Chapter 003 -
The next day arrived with the buzz of anticipation that always surrounded game days. Their opponent was Ryuka Middle School, located in a neighboring district about an hour's travel from Teiko. Historically, Ryuka's basketball program had been roughly on par with Teiko's—both schools consistently produced competitive teams and had traded victories over the years. However, recent seasons had seen Teiko pull ahead thanks to an influx of exceptionally talented players joining their basketball club. In terms of raw talent and overall depth, Teiko now held a clear advantage on paper.
Captain Nijimura gathered the four first-years in the locker room before the game, his expression mixing encouragement with serious responsibility. The smell of athletic tape and pre-game energy filled the air as players prepared their gear and mentally focused for competition.
"I know you've all been working hard on team coordination during our recent practices," Nijimura began, adjusting his captain's armband. "I have to apologize—this game was scheduled pretty last-minute, and originally Coach Shirogane planned to use only second and third-year players for the starting lineup. But your performance over the past few days has genuinely surprised all of us, so the coaching staff wants to see what you can do in actual game conditions."
Akashi straightened his posture and responded with characteristic formality. "Please don't worry about us, Captain. We'll absolutely give everything we have out there."
"That's good to hear, but I want you to stay realistic about what you're facing," Nijimura continued, his tone growing more serious. "Every single player on Ryuka's roster is a second or third-year student. They've got size, experience, and they've been playing together as a unit much longer than you four have been practicing with us. You're going to be at a significant disadvantage in terms of physical development and game experience."
He paused to let that sink in before continuing. "But here's the thing—you don't have to carry this game alone. Our upperclassmen will be right there supporting you on the court. Just focus on playing your natural game and trusting your instincts."
"Most importantly," Nijimura concluded with a determined grin, "let's go out there and win this thing together! We're representing Teiko's basketball program."
"Yes, sir!" all four first-years responded in unison, their voices echoing with growing confidence.
When both teams took the court for warm-ups, the contrast was immediately obvious to everyone in the gymnasium. Ryuka's starting five looked like seasoned veterans—taller, more muscular, and moving with the practiced coordination that came from years of competitive experience. Meanwhile, Teiko's lineup featured four baby-faced first-years who looked almost out of place on a middle school court.
One of Ryuka's players, a silver-haired power forward with an attitude problem, caught sight of Teiko's unusual starting lineup and couldn't resist making a scene. He swaggered over toward Captain Nijimura with obvious disdain written across his face.
"Well, well, well... Nijimura, what the hell is this supposed to be?" Hara Kazuya called out loud enough for both benches to hear, gesturing dismissively at the four first-years. "You're seriously starting a bunch of rookie kids? Are you trying to forfeit the game, or have you just completely given up on winning?"
Nijimura's expression remained perfectly calm, though his teammates could see the slight tightening around his eyes that suggested controlled annoyance. "It's been a while, Hara. I'd suggest not underestimating Teiko today." His voice carried quiet confidence mixed with barely concealed dislike—Hara had used some questionable tactics during their previous matchup that still left a bad taste in Nijimura's mouth.
"Yeah, right," Hara snorted derisively. "We'll see about that."
Ryuka's captain, standing nearby, placed a warning hand on Hara's shoulder. "Look, even if they're just first-years, don't get cocky out there. This is still Teiko we're talking about. And Hara—your primary matchup is still going to be Nijimura, so keep your head in the game."
"Fine, whatever," Hara muttered, though his expression suggested he remained thoroughly unconvinced that Teiko's rookies posed any real threat.
The referee's whistle cut through the pre-game chatter, and both teams quickly formed their respective lines for the opening ceremony.
"Starting lineup for Teiko Middle School," the announcer's voice boomed through the gymnasium speakers. "Number four, power forward, Shuzo Nijimura; number six, small forward, Daiki Aomine; number five, center, Atsushi Murasakibara; number nine, point guard, Seijuro Akashi; number seven, shooting guard, Shintaro Midorima."
"Starting lineup for Ryuka Middle School: Number four, point guard, Kensuke Fukui; number nine, power forward, Kazuya Hara; number thirteen, small forward, Hiyo Shinki; number ten, center, Kaede Kutaro; number seven, shooting guard, Sakura Kuroi."
"Let's have a good game!" both teams shouted in traditional pre-game courtesy, though the competitive tension was already thick in the air.
Murasakibara and Ryuka's center, Kaede Kutaro, positioned themselves at center court for the opening jump ball. Kutaro was clearly a third-year student, with the kind of developed frame that came from years of serious training. He stood roughly the same height as Murasakibara, but his build suggested significantly more muscle mass and experience.
"So you're my opponent for today," Murasakibara observed in his characteristic lazy drawl, though his purple eyes were already assessing his matchup with surprising focus.
Kutaro looked down at the first-year with obvious contempt. "Don't get too full of yourself, rookie. You're not even close to being on my level." His tone dripped with the kind of arrogance that came from years of dominating younger players.
Murasakibara's expression shifted subtly, and anyone who knew him well would have recognized the warning signs. He absolutely hated being underestimated or dismissed, and his voice carried an unusually cold edge when he responded. "Eh... since you want to say stuff like that, I guess I'll have to crush you pretty thoroughly."
The referee's whistle pierced the air, and the opening jump ball soared upward. Both centers exploded off the court simultaneously, but Murasakibara's natural athletic ability and timing gave him the crucial advantage. He cleanly tipped the ball directly into Akashi's waiting hands, establishing immediate possession for Teiko.
Kutaro landed with an ugly expression, clearly rattled by losing what should have been a routine center matchup. The idea of being outplayed by a first-year in front of his entire team was genuinely humiliating.
"Don't worry about it, Kutaro! Just get back on defense!" Fukui called out urgently, recognizing that his team needed to regroup quickly.
Akashi moved with precise efficiency the moment the ball touched his hands, pushing the pace and looking to establish early momentum. However, Ryuka's point guard Kensuke Fukui immediately stepped up to challenge him, using his size and experience advantage to cut off potential driving lanes.
Akashi tested his defender with subtle left-and-right dribbles, probing for weaknesses in Fukui's positioning. When it became clear that a direct attack wouldn't be clean, he made a crisp pass to Aomine on the wing without hesitation.
The moment the ball reached his hands, Aomine's entire demeanor transformed. His eyes lit up with competitive fire, and his natural speed became immediately apparent as he attacked the basket with explosive first-step quickness. Two Ryuka defenders converged to stop his drive, but Aomine's irregular dribbling patterns and superior athleticism allowed him to slice between them for an easy layup.
The scoreboard updated: Teiko 2, Ryuka 0.
"Yeah! That felt great!" Aomine pumped his fist with obvious excitement, his grin stretching from ear to ear.
"Nice work, Aomine," Captain Nijimura called out approvingly, already jogging back on defense.
The Ryuka players' expressions grew increasingly dark as the reality of the situation began to sink in. They had expected to focus their primary defensive attention on neutralizing Nijimura while treating the first-years as non-factors. Instead, they were already down two points to a rookie who had just made their defense look foolish.
"Alright, forget about that," Fukui barked to his teammates. "Let's just get those points right back."
"Captain, give me the ball," Hara demanded, his face twisted with frustration and determination. "I'm going to show these kids what real basketball looks like."
As soon as Hara received the pass, Nijimura stepped up to defend him, wearing that same calm smile that had irritated his opponent for years. "Let's have some fun out here, Hara."
Despite his personal dislike for Hara's on-court behavior, Nijimura had to respect the guy's basketball skills—he was genuinely talented, which made him all the more dangerous when he was angry.
Seeing Nijimura's relaxed expression, Hara felt like he was being mocked, and his competitive anger flared even hotter. 'You want to play one-on-one defense against me? Fine, that's exactly what I was hoping for.'
With that thought, Hara executed a convincing shot fake before driving hard to the basket. Nijimura appeared to bite on the fake, stumbling slightly as Hara blew past him toward the rim.
But just as Hara thought he had a clear path to score, Aomine appeared out of nowhere to cut off his driving lane. In the moment of confusion that followed, Nijimura recovered his positioning and reached in with perfect timing, cleanly stripping the ball from Hara's hands.
Aomine immediately pushed the pace after securing the steal, but as he crossed the three-point line, three Ryuka defenders converged on him in a coordinated trap. Unlike their previous defensive mistake, this time they had positioned themselves perfectly, leaving no gaps for him to exploit.
Aomine found himself completely surrounded with no clear path to the basket and limited passing angles. The defense had learned from their earlier breakdown and was determined not to let him embarrass them again.