Inside the finals venue.
The stands were completely packed. Wherever you looked, it was heads upon heads, an endless sea of people.
Around the court, reporters stood in layers, cameras and video recorders raised nonstop. Flash after flash went off, capturing every moment on the court.
Right now, the match being played was the third-place match of the national tournament.
Kainan High School vs. Hakata School.
But everyone knew this match was basically just a warm-up before the real showdown.
The crowd's attention wasn't really on the game. Most people looked distracted, clearly just waiting for the finals to begin.
As time passed, the third-place match neared its end.
The scoreboard showed the current score clearly.
Kainan 87 to Hakata 64.
Kainan was in the lead.
Judging by the situation, unless something drastic happened, Kainan was going to win.
And that wasn't surprising.
Kainan had always been a powerhouse in the national tournament.
Hakata had been underwhelming this year, with no major improvements. Losing to Kainan was expected.
Sure enough—
BEEP…
The buzzer sounded.
Hakata couldn't turn the game around.
Kainan secured the win and took third place in the tournament.
…
As the players from Kainan and Hakata left the court, the players from Shohoku High School and Meihou High School began walking out from the tunnel.
In that instant, the crowd exploded like a lit powder keg. Cheers and shouts erupted in waves.
"There they are—Shohoku and Meihou High School!"
"I've been waiting forever. Start the match already!"
"Both sides look intense!"
"That's Morishige Hiroshi, right? He's huge! Built like a tank!"
"Look, number 9 from Shohoku—that's Aoi Kunisaku, the one they call the 'strongest high school player' right now!"
…
The entire stadium turned into a mess of noise, full of comments and screams.
Just then, the arena's PA system turned on. A clear voice echoed across the venue.
"Before the match begins, let's introduce the two teams competing in the finals."
"First up, wearing red jerseys—Shohoku High School. Head coach: Anzai Mitsuyoshi."
Anzai Mitsuyoshi slowly stood from his seat and gave a slight nod to the crowd in greeting.
Waaah…
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
Some spectators who recognized Anzai Mitsuyoshi began explaining to the others.
"I know Anzai Mitsuyoshi! He used to be a college coach. Really famous."
"He was even on the national team when he was younger! No wonder Shohoku is this strong—makes sense now!"
Right after, the broadcast continued.
"Team managers: Shimizu Kanon and Inoue Ayako."
Waaah…
A wave of thunderous amazement surged from the crowd.
When they saw the two beautiful figures of Shimizu Kanon and Inoue Ayako stand up from Shohoku's bench, everyone got excited.
"Wow! So pretty—both of them are stunning."
"Shohoku's team managers are unbelievably beautiful. One looks like a goddess, and the other is so elegant."
"Shohoku's basketball team is way too lucky!"
"I heard one of them grew up with Aoi Kunisaku!"
…
The crowd was mesmerized by Shimizu Kanon and Ayako's looks. People started chatting wildly, and some even looked like they were ready to rush down and ask for their contact info.
The broadcast continued.
"Now, introducing Shohoku's starting players."
"Number 4, team captain, Akagi Takenori."
Akagi Takenori stepped forward with a serious face and steady stride, his eyes full of determination.
"Number 14, Mitsui Hisashi."
Mitsui Hisashi gave a confident smile, lips slightly curled.
"Number 10, Sakuragi Hanamichi."
Sakuragi Hanamichi puffed up his chest, beaming proudly. He shouted loudly, "I'm the genius, Sakuragi Hanamichi!"
"Number 11, Rukawa Kaede."
Rukawa Kaede, as usual, looked cool and aloof. He glanced at the crowd with no expression.
"Number 9, Aoi Kunisaku."
Aoi Kunisaku walked forward at a calm pace. That cool but razor-sharp presence once again pulled all attention to him.
…
Waaah…
The crowd erupted into a new wave of cheers. It came in waves like crashing surf.
"Aoi Kunisaku… Aoi Kunisaku… Aoi Kunisaku…"
Frenzied fans screamed his name with all their might.
Their eyes shone with burning admiration. Anyone could see how much they worshiped him.
For a moment, the whole scene turned chaotic. The crowd's shouts were so loud they almost drowned out the announcer's voice.
Even the Shohoku players were stunned by the sudden blast of noise.
Ayako's eyes widened. She said in surprise, "Aoi, your popularity is insane!"
Aoi Kunisaku just gave a light snort and turned his head, expression completely indifferent.
To him, none of this mattered.
After Shohoku's lineup, it was Meihou High School's turn.
The broadcast rang out once more.
"Next, wearing white jerseys—Meihou High School. Coach: Nomoto Reizou."
Then came the starting lineup.
"Number 4, team captain, Nakayama Tenri."
"Number 5, Daimon Saburou."
"Number 6, Maeda Ryu'u."
"Number 7, Morishima Ryoushi."
"Number 15, Morishige Hiroshi."
…
Waaah…
As soon as the introductions ended, more cheering and screaming followed.
Both teams had tons of fans. The scene instantly turned wild.
"Let's go Shohoku! Take that championship!"
"Come on Meihou High School! Let's go Morishige Hiroshi!"
"Morishige Hiroshi, crush Shohoku! Show them your strength!"
"Aoi Kunisaku, use your speed and leave them in the dust!"
…
Shouts and chants roared from every direction. The crowd was giving it everything.
Right then, the announcer's voice came back on, loud and clear for everyone in the venue.
"The finals of the National High School Boys' Basketball Tournament—Shohoku High School versus Meihou High School—begins now!"