Akagi inbounded the ball once more, calmly delivering it to Nango. This time, there was hardly any resistance.
Aside from Sawakita—who was still stubbornly pressing in the frontcourt—the remaining four Sannoh players had retreated to the backcourt, their body language making it clear: they had already accepted defeat.
It was hard to blame them.
They were, after all, still high school students—not NBA professionals bound by contracts and pride to fight until the final second.
One by one, Sannoh supporters and neutral fans began to stand and leave. The deafening noise from earlier slowly faded away, leaving behind only Shohoku's supporters—old and new—whose cheers echoed through the now half-empty arena.
Sawakita Tetsuji sat quietly in the stands.
This outcome was something he had never imagined before the game. He had believed completely in both his son and Sannoh Industrial. Now, all he could do was let out a long sigh, with nothing left to say.
Nearby, Nango Father, already well into middle age—found it impossible to suppress his excitement as he watched his son on the court.
"Tamako," he said eagerly, "we need to start saving money."
His wife's expression immediately changed.
"Why? Don't even think about stopping me from buying bags."
He shook his head and smiled wryly.
"Nango has real talent. It would be a waste if he only played domestically. If he truly wants to walk this road, then we have to send him to study in America."
"America?" she asked, stunned.
"Yes," he replied calmly. "Whether for money or for his dream—America is where he belongs."
In his mind, Nango's future path had already begun to take shape.
—
"Slap!"
Sawakita suddenly lunged forward, his long arm shooting out to poke the ball from Nango's hand.
"Beep!"
The linesman's whistle sounded immediately.
"Foul on the shooter!"
Sawakita clasped his hands on top of his head, frustration written all over his face.
Before leaving for America…
This would be his final game in Japan.
And it had ended in defeat.
Before stepping to the free-throw line, Nango walked over to Mitsui, patted his shoulder, and smiled.
"Senpai, you've worked hard today. Want to rest?"
Mitsui was about to refuse when Nango leaned closer and added softly,
"Let Kogure Senpai come in."
Mitsui froze.
A moment later, understanding dawned. He nodded slowly.
"…Alright."
As he walked toward the sideline, Mitsui suddenly turned back to glance at Nango.
So thoughtful…
Completely different from how he looks.
Kogure noticed Mitsui heading off and asked in confusion,
"Mitsui, are you feeling unwell?"
Mitsui scratched his face awkwardly.
"Ah… a little. You go in for me."
…I really am getting old.
I forgot something this important and left it to the players themselves.
Coach Anzai shook his head lightly, blaming himself, then stood up.
"Kogure-kun, please substitute for Mitsui-kun."
"C-Coach, this—"
"What 'this'?" Mitsui pushed him forward with a grin.
"Go. This is your moment."
Now, everyone understood.
Shohoku had three third-year students.
Akagi had already received a recommendation from Fukazawa Sports University and would stay on for the Winter Tournament.
Mitsui, with little academic hope, also needed the Winter Tournament if he wanted to enter university.
Only Kogure would definitely leave next semester to focus on entrance exams.
This game—
These final 47 seconds—
Were the last moments of his high school basketball career.
His only chance to face Sannoh Industrial.
Even if it was brief… it was enough.
Seeing him still hesitate, Ayako stepped forward and pushed him onto the court.
"Hurry up and go, Senpai!"
The bench erupted.
"Senpai, go!"
"Try to score!"
"Glasses-kun!"
"Kogure Senpai!"
From the stands—Haruko, Kano, the Sakuragi Gang—everyone joined in.
And so, under a chorus of cheers, "superstar" Kogure finally stepped onto the court.
Nango walked over and gave him a quick hug.
"Senpai, get ready to receive the ball."
"Huh?"
Kogure's mind was still blank.
Then Sakuragi and Akagi hugged him as well.
For a moment, it felt less like a championship game—and more like a retirement ceremony.
Nango stepped to the free-throw line.
The first shot went in cleanly.
The second—he deliberately overpowered it.
The rebound bounced exactly as planned.
Nango grabbed it and immediately fired a pass.
"Shoot!"
Kogure released a three—but Matsumoto contested it.
Miss.
Sakuragi soared over Little Kawata, grabbed the rebound, and passed it back.
Another shot.
Miss again.
Sannoh realized what Shohoku was doing.
Even in defeat, they refused to indulge them.
Until the final buzzer sounded—
Kogure never scored.
Perhaps…
That was youth.
Always carrying just a little regret.
—
After the game, staff quickly set up the podium during the teams' changeover.
Unlike prefectural tournaments, the National Tournament didn't require every team to attend the ceremony. Most eliminated teams had already gone home.
The arena was much quieter now.
As Shohoku and Sannoh emerged from the locker rooms, the ceremony officially began.
First, the championship trophy was presented.
Akagi stepped forward, eyes red, hands trembling, and accepted it in silence.
Mitsui smirked.
"Careful, Akagi. Don't shake too much."
Akagi's face darkened instantly.
"Gorilla! Let me hold it!" Sakuragi shouted.
"Idiot! Don't touch it!"
Fujiwara took the microphone.
"Let us congratulate the new champions—Shohoku High School!
In their first-ever National Tournament appearance, they claimed the championship! A true legend has been born!"
Applause filled the stadium.
Then came the Best Five.
Best Center: Kawata Masashi
Akagi clenched his fists—but accepted it. A new goal was born in his heart.
Best Power Forward: Sakuragi Hanamichi
No competition.
Best Small Forward: Sawakita
Despite Rukawa's challenge, reputation carried the vote.
Best Shooting Guard: Mitsui Hisashi
For the three-pointer that sealed the game.
Best Point Guard: Nango
After completely suppressing Fukatsu.
Next—
Best Newcomer: Morishige Hiroshi.
Had Shohoku lost, it would have been Nango.
Finally—
Most Valuable Player.
Once again—
Nango.
Sakuragi was ecstatic.
Rukawa had won nothing.
But Rukawa didn't care.
He had gained something far more important than trophies.
Awards could wait.
After the ceremony, Nango and Morishige stood together for photos.
Nango clasped his hand and smiled.
"See you in the national team."