Inside the gymnasium, two dull thuds suddenly echoed.
Bang… Bang…
The sound of iron doors being pushed open spread instantly through the venue. The lively chatter in the stands died instantly.
All eyes turned toward the player aisles. Players from both teams filed out, footsteps steady but messy, filling the gym with anticipation.
The stands erupted first for Tsukubu. Fans clapped and chanted rhythmically:
"Tsukubu… Clap clap clap… Tsukubu… Clap clap clap…"
But their cheers were quickly drowned out by an even more powerful roar as Ryonan's players stepped out:
"Ryonan… Ryonan… Ryonan…"
"Sendoh… Sendoh… Sendoh…"
"Akashi… Akashi… Akashi…"
Among the spectators, Akashi quickly became the focus. His elegance and court control in the last game had left a strong impression, and now, almost everyone's eyes were fixed on him.
"Is that… Ryonan's first-year captain?"
"I heard he was incredible in the last game!"
"Are his passes really as amazing as they say?"
"He doesn't look particularly special though…"
"But red hair at this age? Isn't that bad for your head?"
Curiosity, anticipation, and even doubt rippled through the crowd. Yet, all attention lingered on Akashi. His previous game stats—over 40 steals and assists—were almost beyond belief.
Akashi, however, remained completely calm, his face expressionless. His steps were steady, as if walking on a normal street, indifferent to the noise around him.
The Ryonan lineup followed behind: Uozumi at the front, Sendoh, Koshino, Ikegami, Uekusa, and the substitutes, all radiating quiet confidence.
Click… Click… Click…
Camera shutters fired in rapid succession, capturing every step of both teams' entrance. Across the court, players' eyes met, silent challenges passing in the air.
Back on the Ryonan bench, Akashi spoke calmly to Uozumi and Sendoh:
"Today, the game will rely mainly on you two. Sendoh, you handle Godai Tomokazu. Senior Uozumi, Nango Koichiro is yours."
Both nodded.
"As long as you contain these two, Tsukubu's defeat won't be surprising," Akashi added. He had carefully studied all of Tsukubu's players. Aside from Godai and Nango, the others were manageable. Unless Tsukubu used tricks like Miuradai, the outcome was clear.
To Akashi, this game was easier than Miuradai. The "Final Four vs. Final Four" label was only external. To him, this was just a warm-up before the Nationals.
He remained seated during warm-ups, white jacket draped over his shoulders, showing no intention of entering the game.
In the stands, Fujima Kenji frowned at Akashi. "Does he really not plan to play?"
Hanagata Toru snorted, "What an arrogant kid."
Even Shohoku players were confused.
Kogure Kiminobu remarked, "It looks like he's not playing."
Ayako shook her head, doubtful, "How can he think Ryonan can beat Tsukubu without him? They're a Final Four team!"
Miyagi pouted, Mitsui snorted, and Sakuragi clapped his hands, jokingly speculating, "Could he be hiding as a secret weapon like me?"
Rukawa remained silent, eyes locked on Akashi, expression stern.
As warm-ups ended, players gathered at center court.
Godai's gaze swept over Ryonan's lineup, finally resting on Akashi. "Your captain… isn't playing?"
Sendoh smiled calmly. "Akashi? He probably won't."
Nango Koichiro bristled. "Do you really think you can defeat Tsukubu with me on the court?"
Uozumi sneered. "You?"
Nango's face flushed red with fury. "Damn it… you big black ape!"
The insult struck Uozumi like a spark; his fists clenched, knuckles white, muscles tense. The teammates behind him struggled to suppress laughter.
Nango, oblivious, raised his head, pride unshaken. "I am—"
"You stinky brat," Uozumi interrupted, teeth gritted.
Nango froze, frustrated, words choking in his throat.
The referee, frowning, stepped forward:
"No irrelevant conversations during the game. Pay attention—especially you. Your voice is too loud."
Nango pouted but finally fell silent.
The referee walked to center court, and with a sharp whistle, the game officially began.
Beep!
The basketball was tossed high into the air.
Uozumi and Nango jumped nearly simultaneously, arms extended, tracing afterimages in the air.
Ryonan vs. Tsukubu—let the battle begin.