"Kuroko-kun, between Kise Ryouta and Aomine Daiki, who's stronger?"
"Without a doubt, Aomine-kun is stronger."
Aida Riko's question was answered without hesitation by Tetsuya Kuroko.
Aomine's strength was on a level that the younger, still-growing Kise couldn't match. Even if one didn't know exactly how terrifying Aomine had become, Kuroko, having been the shadow to Aomine's brilliance, could make some educated guesses.
'The only one who can win against me… is me.' That wasn't something just anyone could claim.
"So… does that mean Kaijo is doomed today?"
"Coach, basketball is a five-person game."
The words left Kuroko's mouth, but immediately regret followed. They sounded weak. Their last national prelim game—five players giving their all—yet they were utterly beaten.
Seirin High fell into silence, haunted again by memories of that crushing defeat. The culprit? Sitting across from them in the stands.
"Keep going. Let's work together. Next time, we beat them. We take first in Japan."
The voice was low but full of determination. It was Taiga Kagami's self-motivation, the hope of all Seirin.
As long as Kagami's fighting spirit burned, Seirin's light and shadow could shine, keeping their hope alive.
======
In the stands, the Rakuzan High crew buzzed with discussion.
"Rei-nee, why isn't the captain here to watch this Generation of Miracles showdown?"
"How should I know? Seijuro probably has his own reasons and arrangements."
"Is the captain really not playing in the nationals this time?"
"That, I can confirm—he won't. Why? Seijuro didn't say, so I don't know."
Rei Misawa and Kotaro Hayama's conversation caught the attention of their teammates, leaving everyone both excited and puzzled.
Excited because Seijuro Akashi had chosen Rakuzan. Puzzled because Akashi himself wouldn't appear in the national tournament.
"So… how strong is the Generation of Miracles now?"
"No idea. Seijuro is already so strong; the others can't be much weaker."
Nearby, Kirisaki Daiichi's and Makoto Hanamiya's teammates whispered among themselves.
"This is the first internal clash of the Generation of Miracles, right, captain?"
"Should be! Heh-heh! Can't wait. I wonder if they'll cry like their old opponents did when they lost?"
"…I don't think so. That's the Generation of Miracles!"
"The Generation of Miracles are still human! Just… a bit more genius than the rest."
Hanamiya answered, and his teammates exchanged glances, silently relishing the drama.
Meanwhile, the stands fell silent after thirty seconds.
The players from Tōō Academy and Kaijo High had emerged and were warming up on their respective halves.
Haizaki Shogo watched, spotting familiar figures on the court, his emotions ignited.
This was the match everyone had been waiting for. Shogo's anticipation was indescribable.
He truly hoped that Aomine and Kise would deliver a performance that left him satisfied.
"Shintaro, who do you think will win?"
"Aomine's Tōō Academy has about an 80% win rate. Kise's Kaijo High… twenty percent."
"Twenty percent? Really?"
"With Kise's talent and growth speed, twenty percent might even be an underestimate."
"Is that so? But I feel like Aomine has a 100% chance of winning!"
Midorima Shintaro turned his gaze sharply toward Shogo, curious why he would speak with such certainty.
"Aomine's strength—you haven't witnessed it, but I have."
"I admit Aomine might be the strongest among us, but that doesn't mean Kise has zero chance."
Shogo shook his head, half-expecting, half-dreamily watching both Tōō and Kaijo players.
He didn't continue debating with Midorima. Instead, he turned to Shimizu Rena on his left.
"Shimizu-chan, the little game continues. Who do you think will win?"
"Shogo-kun, like you, I'll pick Aomine-kun. His current strength leaves me no doubt."
Shogo smiled faintly at her, then glanced at Midorima without speaking—his expression said it all.
Midorima, observing Shogo and Rena, wondered… could this girl have predictive abilities like Satsuki Momoi?
There was no time to ponder. The court was clearing, and the game was about to start.
The arena announcer read the starting lineups, capturing everyone's attention.
Tōō Academy starters: No. 5 Aomine Daiki, No. 4 Shoichi Imayoshi (captain), No. 9 Ryo Sakurai, No. 6 Wakamatsu Kousuke, No. 7 Yoshinori Susa
Kaijo High starters: No. 7 Kise Ryouta, No. 4 Yukio Kasamatsu (captain), No. 5 Yoshitaka Moriyama, No. 10 Mitsuhiro Hayakawa, No. 8 Koji Kobori
Every spectator listening to the lineups displayed excitement and anticipation.
The match… was finally here!
"Once they finish this game, it'll be my turn against Atsushi!"
Shogo muttered, lost in thought, gazing at the court.
Midorima, hearing Shogo, hesitated, then spoke the words Shogo had been eager to hear.
"Akashi won't participate in this national tournament."
"Huh?"
"Don't ask why. Akashi has his own reasons. I'm not interested in pursuing it."
Shogo said nothing, but inside his mind churned. His earlier sigh had been a subtle test to see if Midorima knew anything—but the reason remained hidden.
Feeling slightly guilty for not being fully upfront, Shogo turned to Midorima.
"Next game… Atsushi. If he's not playing, I won't go easy on his weak teammates either."
"But Shintaro, the game after next, we'll meet. I won't hold back then."
After a few seconds' silence, Midorima adjusted his glasses and said solemnly,
"Do your best, and leave the rest to fate! I won't hold back either."
Perfect. That was exactly the spirit. Otherwise, this national tournament wouldn't have been exciting.
Shogo and Midorima shared a small smile, then focused entirely on the court where the game was about to begin.
Meanwhile, every teammate from Fukuda Sogo and Shutoku High silently observed their two peers, marveling inwardly.
Only monsters at your level can speak with such arrogance and confidence.