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News of the Generation of Miracles' battle spread like wildfire throughout the high school basketball world of Japan.
Everyone went wild.
Some sports reporters, like sharks smelling blood, went into a frenzy.
Basketball enthusiasts were also incredibly excited, eagerly awaiting the upcoming battle.
Meanwhile,
Ryu's identity was also uncovered by some acquaintances and reporters.
When it was discovered that Ryu was also a member of the "Generation of Miracles," everyone was shocked.
Online, and in the basketball clubs of various high schools, a storm of discussion erupted.
"Really? Wasn't there only five members in the Generation of Miracles?"
"That Toho Kotei Gakuen actually has a member of the 'Generation of Miracles'? It's unbelievable."
While everyone was discussing this frantically, someone who had once been a fan of Ryu posted several photos online.
These photos contained the content of the first report about the "Generation of Miracles" two years ago.
When the onlookers saw this report,
everyone was in an uproar.
"Oh my god! Kise Ryota used to be his substitute!"
"Wow, there's such a 'Generation of Miracles' member? Looks like the upcoming matches are going to be very exciting."
...
Tokyo Prefecture.
Toho Kotei Gakuen Basketball Club.
"Ryu, you're famous now!"
Kugawa exclaimed, looking at the message on his phone.
Ryu didn't seem particularly excited about it.
Kugawa continued.
"We'll definitely be facing the 'Generation of Miracles' in the upcoming matches. You should be fine, right?"
Hearing his words, the others also turned to look at Ryu.
Ryu raised the basketball, aimed at the hoop, and shot.
Swish...
After the basketball went in, he replied.
"They're incredibly strong, each possessing unique talents. While I'm confident I can defeat them, without actually fighting them, the final outcome is uncertain."
Ryu's words weren't far off.
Who knows if his involvement might alter their strength, perhaps even making them stronger than in the original story?
These were all unknowns.
However, this only fueled Ryu's excitement.
Kugawa shrugged.
"I believe you. Don't worry, even if we lose, we won't blame you."
Ryu rolled his eyes at him.
"Anyway, you guys need to be careful. Kise's ability is imitation. Don't let him easily use your techniques against you."
Uh…
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions froze.
Whoosh…
The gym door was pushed open.
Kazama Kouki walked in, carrying a gourd of sake.
Glug... Glug... Glug...
He took a few sips of his drink, then looked at Ryu and the others and announced loudly.
"Assemble..."
After Ryu and the others had assembled, Kazama Kouki finally spoke.
"The schedule for the upcoming elimination rounds is out."
As he spoke, he took out a stack of papers from his pocket.
The paper prominently displayed the words "Schedule for the Round of 32 to 16."
After receiving the schedule, everyone began to look at it.
Ryu quickly spotted a name:
Kaijo High School.
Because Kaijo High School and Toho Kotei Gakuen were in the same group.
This meant he would first face Kise Ryota.
Ryu's lips curled slightly.
This is getting more and more interesting.
...
Kaijo High School Basketball Club.
Kise Ryota stared silently at the schedule in his hand.
His yellow eyes were fixed on Toho Kotei Gakuen.
'Ryu.'
Recalling Ryu's strength,
he felt both excited and apprehensive.
He could finally challenge Ryu with all his might.
But as for winning against Ryu...
To be honest, he still didn't have much confidence in that.
After all, it was said that Ryu was stronger than Aomine.
"Kise."
Suddenly, he heard someone calling him.
He looked up and saw it was his captain, Kasamatsu Yukio.
Kasamatsu Yukio saw Kise Ryota staring blankly at the schedule and went over to ask.
"Kise, what are you doing there?"
Kise Ryota took a deep breath, then composed himself and replied.
"Nothing, I was just checking out our upcoming opponents."
Kasamatsu Yukio looked at him.
"Are you worried about Toho Kotei Gakuen?"
"Ah… Captain, you knew!"
Kise Ryota suddenly felt a little embarrassed.
After all, it was always uncomfortable to have someone see his lack of confidence.
Kasamatsu Yukio said seriously.
"You big idiot, what are you worried about? We'll handle everything else! You just need to focus on playing basketball. Instead of standing here daydreaming, you should use your time to train and improve your skills."
Hearing his captain's scolding,
Kise Ryota paused slightly, then gave a relaxed smile.
"I understand."
Seeing Kise Ryota had recovered somewhat, Kasamatsu Yukio sat down beside him.
"Although you've mentioned some things about Ryu, since we're about to meet, tell me about him in detail!"
Kise Ryota nodded and began to explain about Ryu.
After a long while, when Kise Ryota finished explaining,
Kasamatsu Yukio was completely stunned.
"Are you kidding me? According to you, he's invincible!"
Kise Ryota was silent for a moment, then spoke.
"Like Aomine, he possesses a talent I can't imitate. I've never seen him use his full power."
"Really?"
Kasamatsu Yukio was startled again, then his expression turned serious.
"If that's the case, we're in danger."
Kise Ryota spoke up again.
"Actually, it's the same for everyone else. Back in middle school, the coach forbade us from using our full power. The reason seemed to be because of Ryu and Aomine. They had a very intense one-on-one duel, and then it was stopped."
"Why was that?"
Kasamatsu Yukio asked curiously.
"I wasn't there then, so I don't know the specifics, but I heard it was because their strength had far exceeded their physical limits. Therefore, for the sake of their future development, the coach issued an order forbidding them from using their full strength."
Kasamatsu Yukio's lips twitched.
That's ridiculous!
Forbidden from using full strength because they're too strong.
No normal person would do that!
Kasamatsu Yukio glanced sideways, staring at Kise Ryota for a long time.
'Speaking of which, he's a monster too!'
"Captain, don't worry! Although Ryucchi is strong, I won't give up easily."
Kise Ryota said confidently.
"I often study Ryuchhi fighting style. I can even do simplified versions of his moves now. When the time comes, as long as I can completely imitate his movements, I'll definitely be able to defeat him."
...
Days passed by.
The tournament continued as usual.
In the first match of the elimination rounds, Toho Kotei Gakuen easily won again with a score of over 200.
Other teams from the "Generation of Miracles" also successfully advanced.
Soon, the day finally arrived.
Outside the stadium.
A bustling crowd surged into the stadium.
Reporters were already on high alert, their cameras and microphones ready, awaiting the start of the match.
Teams from other schools also arrived to watch.
Somewhere in the stands.
"Wow! Look, it's Shutoku High School!"
"They've come to watch the game too."
"Of course! Today's match is a clash between members of the Generation of Miracles; of course the other members of the Generation of Miracles will come to watch."
"Didn't Shutoku already lose?"
"Idiot, Tokyo has three spots this year. Although Shutoku lost one game, they already advanced in the revival round."
...
The Shutoku High School team walked to a spot in the stands and sat down.
A sea of orange highlighted that they were members of Shutoku High School.
Because no other school uniform was the same as theirs.
As soon as they sat down,
Takao asked,
"Who do you think will win?"
"Judging solely by strength, I personally think Kise is no match for Ryu. Kise has never beaten Aomine, and Aomine never beat Ryu before, that's about it."
Midorima explained, then added with a touch of smugness.
Takao said,
"Speaking of which, according to you, Kaijo is destined to lose, isn't it?"
Midorima Shintaro thought for a moment, then said.
"Logically, that's true, but so much time has passed, and Kise isn't the same Kise he used to be. For people like us, everything is unknown, and Kise isn't without a chance."
Midorima Shintaro thought to himself as he said this.
"That's under normal circumstances. The key is how much Ryu has grown this year."
He didn't believe Ryu hadn't grown at all; that was impossible.
Soon, another group of people in black school uniforms walked into the audience.
"They're from Too."
"Wow! That's Aomine Daiki! He looks so intimidating."
"Even the Too team is here. Looks like they're really interested in this match!"
Momoi Satsuki walked ahead with a smile.
Behind her was Too's captain, Imayoshi Shoichi, and the other Too players.
Aomine Daiki, still looking lazy, followed at the back of the group.
He wasn't interested in other people's matches.
But he wouldn't miss the match between Ryu and Kise.
Kise was one of the few opponents he would take seriously.
And Ryu...
That was the person he most wanted to defeat, the only one he could fight with his full strength.
Imayoshi Shoichi spoke up.
"Oh my! I didn't expect Aomine to actually come to watch the match. I thought it would be the same as before!"
Momoi Satsuki replied with a smile.
"Of course! Today's the duel between Ryu and Kise, Aomine won't miss it."
"Ah, it seems so! I'd only heard about it from you guys before, I'm really looking forward to that Ryu's performance!"
Imayoshi Shoichi said with a smile.
...
"Atsushi, aren't you even a little bit looking forward to your former teammates' duel?"
In a corner of the stands.
Himuro Tatsuya asked Murasakibara Atsushi beside him.
Murasakibara Atsushi took a bite of his potato chip.
After thinking for a moment, he said.
"I am somewhat looking forward to it. After all, it's Ryu-chin match, and it's been over a year since we last saw each other."
"I see! It seems you treat this former friend a little differently!"
Hearing Himuro Tatsuya's words, Murasakibara Atsushi tilted his head and thought for a while before replying.
"Ryu-chin is a very nice person, very strong, and he often brings me snacks."
Himuro Tatsuya smiled slightly, but thought to himself.
"Snacks are the key, aren't they!"
Himuro Tatsuya asked again.
"Atsushi, who do you think will win?"
Crunch...crunch...
Murasakibara Atsushi took a bite of potato chips and replied.
"I don't know. If I had to choose, I'd pick Ryu-chin! After all, in terms of skill, I think Ryu-chin is stronger."
"You really think highly of this friend! I'm getting more and more excited and want to see how good he is."
Murasakibara Atsushi chimed in as soon as Himuro Tatsuya finished speaking.
"Actually, I also want to know how good Ryu-chin is."
"Hmm?"
Himuro Tatsuya asked curiously.
"Why do you say that? Isn't he your former teammate?"
Murasakibara Atsushi asked.
"He's definitely a teammate! But I've never seen Ryu-chin true strength. In every previous match, he easily defeated his opponents, so I'm not really sure."
"I see!"
Himuro Tatsuya was somewhat shocked.
However, he became even more curious about this Ryu.
On the other side.
Four boys wearing white undershirts and blue striped school uniforms sat quietly waiting for the match to begin.
The words "Rakuzan High School" were written on their uniforms.
"I heard that Akashi's former teammate is also from Toho Kotei Gakuen."
Nebuya Eikichi asked curiously.
Akashi replied calmly.
"Yes, that's right, someone on par with us."
Hearing Akashi's words,
Reo Mibuchi and Kotaro Hayama, standing nearby, showed little emotion.
However, Eikichi Nebuya's pupils contracted, his heart pounding.
Reo Mibuchi and Kotaro Hayama had both fought against Ryu before, so they remembered him vividly.
But Eikichi Nebuya had absolutely no recollection of Ryu.
Kotaro Hayama clicked his tongue and said,
"I remember him. He beat me terribly back then! And that Ryota Kise too."
Thinking about it made his heart ache.
His match against Teiko was still fresh in his mind!
Thinking about today's match, where those two were now opponents,
a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Reo Mibuchi wholeheartedly agreed with Kotaro Hayama's words.
"Hmm, this match should be quite interesting, Akashi. Didn't you suggest that the 'Generation of Miracles' temporarily withdraw from this tournament? Why didn't you stop them?"
Akashi Seijuro replied.
"That was originally the plan, but I didn't expect him to participate in this tournament."
"Him?"
Reo Mibuchi and the other two were completely confused.
Did he mean Kise Ryota or Ryu?
And why?
In Akashi Seijuro's heart, Ryu was a very special friend, or rather, a rival.
He was the first to rise in the team.
The man who dominated the entire Teiko team for two years.
Akashi Seijuro, of course, also desperately wanted to defeat him.
Although victory was commonplace for him.
But only he knew.
There was always an invisible wall in his heart when facing Ryu.
...
"Finally here."
Aida Riko ran out of the second-floor passageway, panting.
Following her were the entire Seirin team.
Hyuga Junpei glanced around, shocked.
"My god! So many people! This is truly a National Tournament event."
Aida Riko said with a smile.
"Because today's match is between Toho Kotei Gakuen and Kaijo High School, a clash between two Generations of Miracles. Of course, so many people are here to watch."
Kagami Taiga said expectantly.
"Is it finally starting? I've been wanting to see this legendary Ryu for ages. I want to see just how strong he really is."
"We'll see soon enough. To be honest, I'm really looking forward to it too!"
Kagami Taiga asked Kuroko Tetsuya.
"Kuroko, who do you think will win?"
Kuroko Tetsuya shook his head.
"I don't know. This is the first match between the starting players of the Generations of Miracles, but..."
Kuroko Tetsuya paused, then continued.
"Personally, I lean towards Ryu because he've always been unfathomable; you can never truly know his strength."
...
Just then.
The arena's loudspeaker suddenly blared.
"The match is about to begin. Staff, please make the announcements and check the equipment."
Wow...
In an instant.
A deafening roar erupted from the entire audience.
Just a simple announcement was enough to trigger such a frenzy.
This shows just how high the audience's expectations were for this match.
In the Kaijo locker room.
The chubby Kaijo coach, Genta Takeuchi, addressed the group of Kaijo players before him.
"I don't need to tell you who our opponent is; I'm sure you all know. Remember what I said before, and also, keep your focus high."
He then turned to Ryota Kise.
"Kise, since he's your teammate, you should know him better than we do. It's up to you now, okay?"
Ryota Kise smiled slightly.
"No problem."
Hearing his hesitant reply, Yukio Kasamatsu snapped impatiently.
"Have some confidence! This is the knockout stage. If we lose, we're done for."
"I know! Leave Ryucchi to me! I'll do my best to defeat him."
Ryota Kise said earnestly.
Seeing his serious expression, everyone felt much more at ease.
Genta Takeuchi was also a little nervous.
After all, the reputation of Toho Kotei Gakuen has been incredibly high lately.
Moreover, their opponent has a "Generation of Miracles" member on par with Kise Ryota.
...
Toho Kotei Gakuen's lounge.
Ryu sat quietly on a bench, petting a cat.
Karupin wore an expression of pure enjoyment.
Seeing him like this,
Kugawa asked.
"Ryu, aren't you worried at all? Isn't that your former teammate? He must be very strong!"
Ryu's lips curled slightly as he replied.
"Being nervous won't solve anything, and... I'm still very confident in dealing with Kise."
He now possesses the triple mysteries of the [Selfless Realm], making him virtually unstoppable.
Unless Kise Ryota has hidden strength, or has awakened the Perfect Imitation, defeating him is almost impossible.
However, Ryu wouldn't be careless; after all, his opponent is Kise Ryota.
What if Kise Ryota really does possess hidden strength?
The plot has changed drastically now.
No one can predict what will happen.
Time flies.
Staff members went to both teams' locker rooms to notify the players to take their places on the court.
Both teams left their locker rooms and headed towards the exits leading to the arena.
Inside the stadium.
All eyes were fixed on the two exits.
The clock hands ticked away.
Suddenly, the doors representing Kaijo and Toho Kotei Gakuen opened.
The moment the Kaijo and Toho Kotei Gakuen members emerged from the exits, a frenzy of cheers erupted throughout the arena.
The warm roar, carrying an exhilarating magic, surged through the hearts of the Kaijo and Toho Kotei Gakuen members.
On Too's side.
Momoi Satsuki exclaimed excitedly.
"Finally out."
Hearing her words, Aomine Daiki's lazy demeanor instantly changed.
His blue pupils, like the eyes of a hawk, instantly locked onto Ryu below.
'Ryu, you're finally out.'
Aomine Daiki's lips gradually parted into a grin, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
The members of Too beside him also followed the gazes of Momoi Satsuki and Aomine Daiki.
Over at Shutoku's place.
Midorima Shintaro adjusted his glasses.
His green eyes behind the lenses also looked at Ryu.
The others, including Shutoku, also looked towards Toho Kotei Gakuen.
They wanted to know just who this legendary Ryu was.
In a corner on the second floor.
Murasakibara Atsushi stopped eating his snacks.
His purple eyes stared blankly at Ryu.
"Atsushi, your friend, that must be number 95, right?"
Murasakibara Atsushi replied.
"That's him."
Having received confirmation,
Himuro Tatsuya narrowed his eyes slightly, beginning to scrutinize Ryu.
Over at Rakuzan.
Seeing Toho Kotei Gakuen emerge.
Akashi Seijuro's pupils suddenly contracted.
A crimson halo shone in his eyes.
At this moment, his eyes were only on Ryu.
Over at Seirin.
Seeing Ryu walk out of the passageway.
Kuroko Tetsuya smiled and said.
"It's been a long time, hasn't it, Ryu-kun"
Kagami Taiga frowned.
"Kuroko, which one is Ryu?"
"The one wearing the number 95 jersey."
Hearing Kuroko Tetsuya's words, everyone in Seirin looked at the silver-haired boy on the sidelines holding a cat.
Aida Riko blinked, puzzled.
"Um, Kuroko, why is he holding a cat?"
Kagami Taiga nodded, equally confused.
The others looked at Kuroko Tetsuya, wanting an answer.
Kuroko scratched his head and said,
"I'm not entirely sure about that either. Ryu has been bringing that cat to school, to team practice, and even to matches from the beginning. He says the cat is very important to him."
Uh…
Everyone was completely baffled.
In the end, they could only mentally label him a "weirdo."
Regarding the cat, they weren't the only ones puzzled.
Apart from the "Generation of Miracles," everyone was probably a bit bewildered.
Who brings a pet to a competition?!
Kagami Taiga twitched his lips.
"The Generation of Miracles are all abnormal as expected."
Kise Ryota had just stepped out of the passage when he looked at Ryu opposite him.
His lips curled slightly, his eyes filled with undisguised fighting spirit.
Ryu was the same, smiling slightly at Kise Ryota while still gently stroking Karupin.
----
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