Chapter 154: Ryonan vs Rakuzan!
July 8th. The final day of the Inter-High National Tournament.
Two o'clock in the afternoon. Spectators filed into the arena. In the front-row seats of Ryonan's cheering section, two girls struggled to unfurl a massive navy blue banner, carefully hanging it on the railing.
Bold black lettering proclaimed: "DOMINATE THE COURT!!"
"Whew... finally got it up." Morino Mirai wiped the sweat from her forehead.
She was currently a second-year at Ryonan High and a devoted basketball team supporter. When Ryonan qualified for nationals, she'd already submitted her application to Coach Taoka, hoping to become the team's manager next semester.
"I really never imagined our school's basketball team would make the national finals," said the short-haired, bespectacled girl beside her.
Nakamura Riko surveyed their surroundings with curiosity. She didn't know much about basketball, but this year her older brother's work had become deeply connected to the sport, so she'd been half-dragged, half-willing to come watch with her friend Morino Mirai.
"That's because you never properly watched their games before! Our basketball team is really strong!" Morino Mirai's tone carried pride.
"What's this now? You're not even officially the manager yet, but you're already defending these boys~" Nakamura Riko teased. "Though I haven't watched many games, don't all the other teams that made nationals have players with impressive titles?"
"Look—today's opponent Rakuzan, their captain is part of the 'Generation of Miracles,' and he's only a first-year leading the whole team. That's really impressive. And yesterday, that Sawakita player from Sannoh who lost to us is called 'Japan's Number One High School Player.'"
Nakamura Riko paused. "But our Ryonan players... don't seem to have those kinds of flashy nicknames or reputations."
"Well, that's because they haven't had standout performances at nationals before!" Morino Mirai put her hands on her hips, speaking with conviction. "Don't worry—after today's game, they'll definitely become famous nationwide! They'll have as many cool titles as you could want."
"Uh, that sounds like bragging," Nakamura Riko remained skeptical. "So do you think we can win today?"
"Well, probably—"
"We'll definitely win!" A clear voice came from nearby as Chinatsu Yui and her friend Kobayashi Nana arrived at the front row.
"Senpai, Ryonan will definitely win, right!" Chinatsu asked expectantly.
"Of course!" Morino Mirai's tone became firm. She'd frequently encountered these two first-year underclassmen at basketball games lately. There must be boys they liked on the team.
"Geez, you two are really certain." Nakamura Riko found it somewhat amusing. Her friend couldn't play due to poor physical fitness, yet had this unusual passion for basketball. "So our basketball team's players really are that amazing?"
"Of course!" Morino Mirai and Chinatsu answered in unison.
"I understand now!" Morino Mirai couldn't contain herself, slapping the railing. "Ahem, since the game hasn't started yet, let me—the future basketball team manager—properly introduce you to our Ryonan players!"
"That's really not necessary—"
"First, our captain and interior pillar, Uozumi Jun-senpai!" Morino Mirai began on her own. "He's a full 202 centimeters tall—Kanagawa's tallest center!"
"His offensive repertoire might not be extensive, but his positioning, rebounding, and shot-blocking under the basket are all first-rate! Plus, he's improved tremendously this year. His free throw percentage has risen while he's developed excellent passing vision. His assist numbers have clearly increased in recent games!"
"Ah, I've heard of Uozumi-senpai. Two meters is really scary. So is he really good? How would he rank?" Nakamura Riko asked.
"Ugh, there's no convenient ranking system like that." Morino Mirai replied irritably. "But I think Uozumi-senpai is currently Kanagawa's number one center. If it weren't for those two monster-level rookie centers this year, I'd even rank him among the nation's top five centers."
"Ooh, he really does sound amazing."
"Then there's our vice-captain, Ikegami Ryoji-senpai. He's also a third-year and Ryonan's top perimeter defensive specialist, particularly skilled at shutting down shooters..." Morino Mirai pointed toward Ikegami practicing mid-range shots.
"Ah, I recognize him. So that senpai's on the basketball team too." Nakamura Riko covered her mouth.
"Huh? You've heard of him too?"
"Mirai really doesn't pay attention to anything outside basketball." Nakamura Riko smiled. "Ikegami-senpai appears around campus pretty frequently."
On the court, Koshino Hiroaki warming up nudged Ikegami Ryoji with his elbow. "Senpai, some girls seem to be watching you."
"!!!"
Ikegami whipped around and immediately spotted four stylistically different girls in the front row of Ryonan's section.
"Finally! Someone's finally noticed my appeal!!"
Ikegami took a deep breath, carefully releasing his shot. The ball dropped cleanly through the net. He casually flipped his hair, playing it cool as he waved toward them.
"Ikegami-senpai is known as a 'nice guy.' He often helps girls in class carry things, or takes out trash. Last time when Yumi sprained her ankle, he carried her to the nurse's office." Nakamura Riko explained with a smile, waving back.
"!!!"
Ikegami's eyes brightened several degrees. With utmost seriousness, he grabbed Yagami Sorato and Sendoh Akira. "You two better perform today. We absolutely have to win this game!"
"Oh, sure." Sendoh smiled casually.
"Ikegami-senpai, what are you even doing?" Yagami looked at him strangely.
"Heh, no need for jealousy—you wouldn't understand." Ikegami sighed profoundly. "Things being what they are, I'll lead Ryonan to the championship!"
"..."
The rest of Ryonan instinctively moved away from him. At this critical moment, catching whatever he had would be bad.
"Who are those two players?" Nakamura Riko's eyes lit up, pointing at the two beside Ikegami.
"Hehe, good eye!" Morino Mirai's tone grew excited. "They're Ryonan's super ace and genius rookie!"
Yagami happened to notice Chinatsu at courtside and waved to her. Chinatsu was about to respond when she realized the two senpai beside her were waving much faster.
Nakamura Riko's cheeks flushed slightly, completely different from her response to Ikegami earlier. "Actually, watching basketball games is pretty nice."
"Sorato, good luck! I'm waiting for you to win so we can have that feast!" Chinatsu shouted.
Kobayashi Nana kept her eyes on her nose, her nose on her heart. Yui knew perfectly well Sorato couldn't hear her, yet she shouted so loudly. Wasn't this territorial declaration a bit too aggressive?
The atmosphere among the four suddenly fell silent. Morino Mirai was fine—she'd just been politely responding. But Nakamura Riko's face had reddened further.
TWEET!
A whistle sounded. The arena lights dimmed momentarily.
"National High School Comprehensive Athletic Meet Basketball Competition Finals—Ryonan High School versus Rakuzan High School!"
The raucous arena miraculously quieted, leaving only the drum-like pounding of heartbeats echoing in everyone's chests.
"It's starting..." Morino Mirai held her breath.
Chinatsu stood on tiptoes. Kobayashi Nana gripped her hand. Even Nakamura Riko's expression unconsciously became serious.
"The game officially begins!!"
"Please treat us well!!"
Both starting lineups took their positions at center court. The referee, holding the basketball, walked toward the jump circle.
Ryonan's starting five: Point Guard Sendoh Akira (190cm/82kg), Shooting Guard Yagami Sorato (190cm/80kg), Small Forward Ikegami Ryoji (183cm/76kg), Power Forward Fukuda Kicchou (188cm/80kg), Center Uozumi Jun (202cm/96kg).
Rakuzan's starting five: Point Guard Akashi Seijuro (173cm/64kg), Shooting Guard Mibuchi Reo (188cm/74kg), Small Forward Hayama Kotaro (180cm/60kg), Power Forward Mayuzumi Chihiro (182cm/69kg), Center Nebuya Eikichi (190cm/94kg).
"RYONAN! RYONAN! RYONAN!"
"RAKUZAN! RAKUZAN! RAKUZAN!"
The tsunami-like roar instantly erupted, banners shaking violently in the sound waves.
Morino Mirai took a deep breath and shouted with everything she had the slogan she'd practiced countless times:
"DOMINATE NATIONALS—RYONAN FIGHT!!!"
Chinatsu and Kobayashi joined in loudly. Nakamura Riko hesitated, then added her voice. Their shouts merged into the navy blue ocean of sound—insignificant individually, yet indispensable.
TWEET!
Another whistle. The referee launched the ball straight upward. The orange basketball rotated skyward under the arena lights, becoming the focal point of tens of thousands of gazes.
Thud!
Inside the center circle, two towers exploded upward.
Uozumi Jun's long arms extended, using his absolute aerial dominance to tip the ball first, directing it toward Ryonan's frontcourt.
"Ryonan's ball!"
Sendoh Akira moved forward to meet the ball, his eyes quickly scanning the frontcourt, his mind already mapping the offensive route.
However, just as his fingertips were about to touch the ball—
Smack!
Akashi Seijuro appeared like a ghost in front of him, stealing it directly!
Sendoh's pupils contracted. He'd never expected Akashi's burst and anticipation to be this precise.
"A steal! Within the first second, Akashi Seijuro completes the steal! Taking the ball directly from Sendoh Akira!" announcer Maruyama shouted.
Sendoh reacted instantly, spinning to give chase. After stealing the ball, Akashi didn't pause for even a moment. His speed was alarming—he'd crossed halfcourt in a few strides.
"Offense! Defense!!"
Both teams sprinted toward Ryonan's end.
The instant Akashi entered the three-point line, Sendoh actually recovered from the wing. Akashi's eyes flickered, his wrist snapping toward the middle.
Bang!
A precise bounce pass.
Nebuya Eikichi charged from the arc into the paint, caught the ball, drove to the basket, rose in one step for an opening dunk—
SMACK!!
A solid, crisp explosion!
Uozumi had recovered from behind, his massive hand precisely planted on the ball, pinning Nebuya's sure-thing dunk viciously against the backboard!
Rejection at the rim!
The ball ricocheted off the backboard outward, landing near the free throw line.
The trailing Mibuchi Reo quickly controlled it with Ikegami immediately rotating up to defend.
Mibuchi didn't adjust, raising the ball as if to shoot. Ikegami's experience kept him from biting—he simply raised his arms to obstruct vision.
Seeing this, Mibuchi gathered, took one lateral dribble to create space, then rose again.
Swish!
The ball left his hand with a beautiful arc.
Clang!
Unfortunately, it hit front iron. The opening shot—no good!
"Rebound!"
Nebuya and Uozumi clashed like two bears fighting over territory, muscles colliding with dull thuds. Nebuya growled as he powered forward, actually forcing Uozumi back a small step!
"This bastard's got serious strength!" Uozumi's eyes widened in shock. The guy was a full twelve centimeters shorter!
"Uozumi got pushed back?!!" Disbelieving shouts came from Ryonan's bench.
As the ball descended from its peak, while the two were locked in their stalemate, an inconspicuous figure quietly cut in—Mayuzumi Chihiro read the rebound's landing spot before Fukuda, lightly rising to tip it toward the three-point line!
Hayama Kotaro caught it at the right forty-five. Yagami Sorato was already in front of him.
Their eyes met.
"Don't be so tense, first-year."
Hayama's three-fingered dribble sent the ball bouncing rapidly between his hands.
Yagami's center of gravity dropped slightly, his eyes locked like a hawk's on Hayama's wrists and shoulders. His lateral movement was quick and precise, always positioned on the optimal path between opponent and basket.
"Oh?" Hayama's smile widened as his dribbling fingers suddenly increased to four! "Bang-bang-bang-bang!" The dribbling sound became more rapid and sharp, his speed surging again!
Yagami's footwork adjusted swiftly, still staying glued to him without losing position!
"Interesting! You really are worthy of standing in the finals, rookie!"
Hayama's eyes gleamed as his dribbling hand suddenly employed all five fingers! "Bangbangbangbangbang—!" The dribbling sound nearly merged into a single piercing screech—this was his maximum speed state!
Explosive drive! Crossover!
Hayama attacked like a cheetah, forcing through on the right!
This step's speed exceeded the reaction limits of most high schoolers.
However, Yagami still kept pace! He seemed to anticipate Hayama's driving lane, sliding laterally in sync, using body contact to cut him off directly!
Hayama's rhythm disrupted slightly from the physical defense, but he also saw Yagami's weight shift to one side.
Now!
Hayama roared internally, yanking the ball left, ducking low to accelerate again.
Smack!
"???" Hayama's hands were suddenly empty, disbelief flashing through his eyes.
Clean steal!
After stripping the ball, Yagami didn't waste a moment. He scooped up the basketball and launched into transition at full speed!
"Possession changes again! Thirty seconds have passed, and neither team has scored yet!"
Rakuzan retreated with incredible speed. Akashi led the charge, already back to defend inside the three-point line just as Yagami crossed halfcourt, positioned directly in his path!
Their first head-to-head matchup on offense and defense!
"What?!" Coach Taoka shot to his feet. He hadn't expected Akashi to personally defend Yagami this quickly, nor had he expected this confrontation to come so soon.
"What will you do, little Sorato?" Kise straightened up, his expression grave.
Scattered throughout the stands, the Generation of Miracles members all watched the court intently.
Under the entire arena's attention, Yagami raised the ball, turned, and firmly backed into Akashi!
"...What?"
Yagami, facing away from the basket, passed overhead from the top—the ball flew toward Sendoh trailing in the middle.
"Avoiding him directly?" Aomine Daiki frowned.
"Admittedly, a wise choice," Midorima Shintaro said, adjusting his glasses.
Murasakibara remained silent, simply eating his chips faster.
But Yagami didn't stop. The instant he released the ball, he immediately spun and blew past Akashi's side, attacking the basket!
"Heh." Akashi reacted with lightning speed, simultaneously spinning to give chase.
At the same time, Fukuda shed Mayuzumi from the right baseline, cutting to the rim. Rakuzan's defensive formation was stressed by simultaneous attacks from both sides!
"Ryonan's opening assault on the paint is intense!" the announcer shouted.
However—
Swish!
Sendoh stepped back behind the three-point line and pulled up.
"Huh??" Hayama's eyes widened. These Ryonan guys, one after another, never played by the rules.
The basketball traced a high arc.
Clang!
Damn it!
Another brick! Sendoh's opening shot also missed!
"Rebound!" Nebuya roared, pressing forward.
Bang!
Bodies collided under the basket. Uozumi pinned Nebuya firmly behind him. "This one's payback, bastard."
The ball bounced up. Mayuzumi and Fukuda simultaneously battled for position.
Smack!
While the ball was still at its apex, a hand appeared behind it.
"As expected, that guy Sorato..." Sendoh watched the figure in the air snatching the ball one-handed, his heart full of emotion. "Back in that game against Meihou, you could already sense it—"
"His jumping ability has completely transformed."
BOOM!!!
A powerful one-handed putback dunk slammed the ball viciously through the rim!
Ryonan 2, Rakuzan 0
"Is that your strategy?" Akashi said calmly.
Yagami didn't look back at him, simply focused on absorbing the atmosphere of the national championship finals.
"This is only the beginning."
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