Sunday morning. The decisive battle between Shohoku and Shoyo had finally arrived.
When Haruko finished washing up, she noticed her brother was already gone. She wasn't surprised—Akagi had been restless since last night.
She clasped her hands and prayed silently. If they lose today… that's it. My brother's high school basketball career, his dream of dominating the nation—it all ends here. Please, God, bless him with victory!
Kano, who had promised to cheer for Nango, arrived early, not wanting to be late. She quickly found a front-row seat and watched as the gym filled up.
It was her first time attending a basketball game, and she was stunned by the crowd. She had thought only Americans got this passionate about basketball. What she didn't know was that the showdown between Shohoku and Shoyo was the most anticipated match before the round-robin tournament.
This year, Kanagawa's hottest team was undoubtedly Shohoku. Could this dark horse overturn the dominance of Hainan and Shoyo? Could they really shake up the balance of power?
Beyond results, Shohoku's style and star power made them a must-watch. With Mitsui Hisashi—the junior high MVP from Takeshi Middle, Rukawa Kaede—the prodigy from Tomigaoka, Sakuragi Hanamichi—the fiery red-haired outsider, Nango Koichiro—the powerhouse point guard, and Captain Akagi Takenori—the unshakable "Gorilla," Shohoku had become the talk of Kanagawa.
Shoyo, of course, wasn't lacking. With Fujima as both captain and coach, they were experienced contenders. But the buzz was louder for Shohoku.
In the stands, the line between the two schools' supporters was clear.
On Shoyo's side, students in neat uniforms cheered in perfect rhythm, their shouts booming like waves. Their organization and energy screamed professionalism.
Shohoku's half, on the other hand, looked like a ragtag army. Yet it wasn't just students—other schools like Miuradai and even Hainan had gathered there, curious to see what Shohoku could do.
"Captain, you think Shohoku can win today?" Naito asked.
"Of course!" Murusame replied firmly. "Shohoku beat us, so Shoyo doesn't stand a chance. If they lose, I won't forgive Akagi!"
To Miuradai, Hainan had always been the only target. Shoyo barely registered in their sights.
Shohoku's games had also drawn familiar faces.
The bearded shopkeeper rubbed his chin, eyes soft. "Akagi-san… maybe this year you'll finally fulfill your promise." He had closed his store just to be here.
Oda, arms crossed, scowled. "Damn it. Sakuragi's so lucky to get this far with Shohoku…" He bit his lip. Did I make the wrong choice going to Takezono?
Beside him, Yoko could only squeeze his hand. Fate could be cruel.
Meanwhile, Nango's classmates—Sakuragi's gang, Haruko, and others—clustered near Kano.
In the locker room, Akagi stood before the door, his deep voice booming. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah!" The team roared back.
They were itching to go. This was more than just a game—it was a battle on the road to the Nationals. They couldn't afford a single mistake.
"Move out!" Akagi barked, pushing the door open. The players followed, their aura so fierce even the crowd felt it.
If Shohoku had been wearing black jerseys, people might've mistaken them for a yakuza gang.
In the stands, Kano spotted Nango searching the crowd. She called his name and waved.
His lips curved into a smile as he waved back.
The crowd erupted.
What the hell?! That beauty knows Nango?
"Oh, Nango, you sly dog!"
Youhei Mito threw his head back. "Nango! You thick-browed, honest-looking traitor! Betraying us so soon?!"
Unable to hold back, he leaned toward Kano. "Hey, classmate! I'm Youhei Mito, Nango's friend. We're all his buddies. Uh… what's your relationship with him?"
"Ah! Hello everyone, I'm Nango's friend. Nice to meet you."
Her gentle, cute manner instantly won everyone over.
Before Youhei Mito could ask more, Haruko quickly pulled Kano to sit with her, eager for girl talk.
On the bench, Nango's teammates reacted differently.
Even the stoic Rukawa glanced sideways. This guy trains all day… and he has a girlfriend?
Sakuragi's jaw nearly hit the floor. Not only is he good at basketball and generous, he's got a gorgeous girlfriend too?! I gotta ask him for tips! But then he frowned. Wait… why does she look so familiar?
Miyagi, however, was fuming. Damn it! He took my starting spot AND got a beauty like that?! Unforgivable!
Ayako leaned in, teasing. "Well, well. Where'd you pick up such a cute little sister, Nango?"
The crowd around them perked up, eager to hear the answer.
Nango scratched his head, cheeks red. "Senpai, please don't tease me. We're just… regular friends."
Regular friends, my ass! everyone thought in unison.
Mitsui, meanwhile, wasn't interested in gossip. His eyes were locked on the Shoyo players warming up. Which one of you bastards said I wouldn't score more than five points?
"Focus," Akagi commanded. "The game's about to start."
Ignoring the chatter, he strode toward the center court, where Fujima was already waiting.
The two captains shook hands.
From the bench, Nango studied Fujima. Rosy lips, clear eyes, thick brows, a smile that could melt hearts… He could be a star in the entertainment world. And yet he insists on playing basketball. What a waste of good looks, brother.
The whistle was ready.
Shohoku vs. Shoyo—Kanagawa's most anticipated clash—was about to begin.
Would Shohoku pull off another upset and punch their ticket to the round-robin? Or would Shoyo earn the right to challenge the reigning kings, Hainan?
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