The first half ended as the whistle echoed through the gym.
Haizaki Shogo led his teammates back to the locker room.
"Captain… that Generation of Miracles player, Midorima Shintaro… he—"
"It's fine. I'll handle him. You all just focus on your own positions."
The Fukuda Sogo players sat in uneasy silence. Each of them felt a strange mix of shock and helplessness—shock at Midorima Shintaro's overwhelming strength, and helplessness at their own inability to do anything about it.
In the second quarter, both Shutoku High and Fukuda Sogo were completely dragged into the rhythm set by Midorima Shintaro and Haizaki Shogo.
They weren't just forced to follow their offensive and defensive exchanges—they were constantly running back and forth, adjusting positions, reacting again and again to the duel unfolding in front of them.
At the same time, they had to keep track of their own direct opponents. Every player's stamina was being drained at an alarming rate.
This kind of tempo—belonging to the level of the Generation of Miracles—was far too fast for ordinary players. No one even knew when their stamina would finally hit zero.
Coach Ichiro Kudo glanced at his players, then at Haizaki Shogo. After a brief silence, he finally asked:
"Shogo-kun… do you need someone to help you double-team him?"
Haizaki Shogo blinked for a moment, then gave a casual smile. He understood immediately—his coach was underestimating him.
Midorima had scored several times against him already. Coach Kudo was starting to worry.
"Don't worry, Coach. I've got Midorima Shintaro covered."
Coach Kudo studied him for a moment, then nodded without saying more.
Trusting the ace—and the captain—was the only correct decision.
At the same time, in the Shutoku High locker room…
Coach Masaaki Nakaya was asking Midorima the same question.
"Shintaro… should I have Takao help you double-team him?"
"No need, Coach. I can handle it myself."
"Good. Then keep this rhythm. Everyone else, focuse on defending Fukuda's other players. Once Midorima and Haizaki Shogo settle the outcome between them, that will be our turning point. Understood?"
"Understood!" "Understood!" "Understood!"
All the players of Shutoku High—first years, second years, and third years alike—looked at Midorima Shintaro as he calmly adjusted the bandages on his fingers.
In that moment, he radiated absolute security.
He really is a monster… Only a monster like him can stand against someone like Haizaki Shogo.
On the Fukuda side, assistant observer Seimei Rena, who had not followed the team into the locker room, stared blankly at her notebook.
The information she had recorded about Midorima Shintaro now felt painfully insufficient.
There was simply no angle to attack.
The entire match revolved around Midorima and Haizaki Shogo. No other player had the chance to become a true focal point.
If anything, the only "damage" done was psychological—both teams were shaken by the sheer level of those two monsters.
But even that impact was mutual. Neither side had a clear weakness to exploit.
In the stands…
The atmosphere around Satsuki Momoi's group was heavy.
Aomine Daiki and Kise Ryouta both sat in silence.
Aomine was replaying the previous plays in his mind, while also thinking about how far he still needed to evolve.
Kise was doing the same—analyzing, Perfect Copy, imagining how he could reach that level.
Even Kuroko Tetsuya remained silent.
The Generation of Miracles had already surpassed what he thought was possible. His basketball philosophy was being shaken.
And Kagami Taiga was still not at the required level yet.
Kuroko could only silently encourage himself, repeating his usual mental affirmations…
But deep down, what remained was a faint sense of despair.
The suffocating silence finally broke when Satsuki Momoi spoke softly.
"A-Aomine… between Shogo-kun and Midorima-kun… who's stronger?"
Everyone nearby turned to look at Aomine.
Aomine ignored their gazes, resting his hands behind his head as he leaned back lazily.
"We'll know in the third quarter."
His answer left everyone stunned.
Some wanted to ask more—but no one dared.
Fortunately, the halftime break ended.
Both teams returned to the court.
The third quarter was about to begin.
Fukuda Sogo had possession.
Haizaki Shogo received the ball in his own half.
He didn't even dribble.
He simply stopped, bent his knees slightly, and shot.
"SWISH!" BOOM!
The ball pierced through the net with a clean, effortless arc.
For a brief moment, the entire arena fell silent.
Then—exploded into applause and cheers.
Midorima Shintaro's eyes narrowed sharply as he stared at the monster in front of him.
He turned immediately to receive the inbound pass.
But the moment he turned—
Someone was already there.
A figure stood right in front of him.
Silver-gray eyes locked onto him without blinking.
Cold. Sharp. Unmoving.
At that instant, Midorima felt a chill run through his entire body.
The pressure was so heavy it felt like staring into an abyss.
Haizaki Shogo spoke, his voice calm and emotionless.
"Come on, Shintaro."
Midorima's pupils shrank.
His expression darkened.
For a fraction of a second—just a fraction—
He froze.
And in that instant—
The ball was stolen.
SMACK!
A sharp sound echoed as possession changed hands.
A quiet finish followed.
"SWISH…"
Barely audible—but undeniable.
Haizaki Shogo scored again with a simple layup after the steal.
No one could react in time.
Then he returned to Midorima.
Standing in front of him once again.
"Ha… ha… ha…"
Midorima took three deep breaths, slowly regaining his composure.
No words of provocation.
No fear.
No panic.
Only fighting spirit.
Only anticipation.
This is it…
This is the real battle.
Takao Kazunari, slightly stunned, passed the ball to Midorima.
Midorima caught it.
His eyes sharpened.
The duel resumed.
Who wins… and who loses?