As the other teams filed onto the court—many of them former opponents—Sakuragi scratched his head.
"What are they doing here?"
Nango explained casually, "It's the awards ceremony before the closing ceremony. Just wait and see—"
Before he could finish, Sakuragi suddenly shouted, "Awards ceremony?! Wahahaha! The grand prize must be mine!"
He hopped around like an excited monkey, grinning ear to ear.
Nango chuckled. "Let me explain. There are three categories: the Best Lineup—five players by position, one Most Valuable Player, and one Best Newcomer. So tell me, which one do you think you'll win?"
Sakuragi puffed out his chest. "All of them!"
"Heh. Not to crush your dreams, but are you sure you can beat me or Rukawa for Best Newcomer?" After months of dealing with Sakuragi, Nango could finally tease him with ease.
"Wha—?!" Sakuragi froze. That stupid fox aside, even he had to admit Nango was a monster. His bravado faltered.
"So… does that mean I won't win anything?"
"Not necessarily," Nango said with a grin. "Just wait. There might be a surprise."
Still anxious, Sakuragi muttered under his breath, unwilling to give up hope.
Once the teams lined up neatly, a glamorous female host stepped onto the stage. She picked up the microphone, voice ringing across the gym.
"Thank you to all the athletes and coaches who fought so hard these past few months…"
As expected, the speech began with thanks to the athletes, coaches, fans, and sponsors—followed by the usual clichés. Eyes started drooping until she finally got to the main event.
"For this awards ceremony, we are honored to invite Coach Kawasaki of Nittaidai University to present the awards. Please welcome him!"
"Eh?! Coach Kawasaki himself?"
"Did he see my game?!"
"No way, he'd only be interested in the top four."
"Shut up and clap already!"
Clap, clap, clap!
Excited chatter spread through the gym.
"I didn't expect Coach Kawasaki here," Nakamura whispered. "Miss Aida, isn't he from Nittaidai? Why's he in Kanagawa?"
Yayoi muttered, half-exasperated, "Idiot. That just shows how much Kanagawa has shaken things up this year. He's obviously here to check out Nango. I can't believe those guys managed to lure him here…"
Though she admired Nango, Yayoi still believed the media hype had exaggerated his reputation.
Coach Kawasaki—refined in glasses and suit—took the stage. Adjusting the mic, he said simply, "Thank you for your applause. Let's get straight to the awards."
Unfolding a slip of paper, he began.
"Best Lineup. Center—Uozumi Jun of Ryonan High School."
"What?!" Uozumi nearly jumped. He had never expected such recognition.
Taoka grinned, patting him on the back. "What are you standing there for? Go!"
"Uh—yes, Coach!" Uozumi hurried up the stage.
Akagi clenched his fists, frustrated. My performance was stronger… wasn't it?
But the judges' reasoning was clear: Uozumi had carried Ryonan nearly the whole game against both Fukuda and Kainan, even hitting the winning shot against Kainan. In contrast, Akagi had been fouled out or rested early. Statistically, Uozumi's impact was greater across the tournament.
Coach Kawasaki continued. "Forwards—Rukawa Kaede of Shohoku, and Sendoh Akira of Ryonan."
No one could dispute those names. Their talent towered over the competition.
"Guards—Maki Shinichi of Kainan… and Nango Koichiro of Shohoku."
The gym buzzed with approval.
Without pause, Kawasaki announced, "Best Newcomer—Rukawa Kaede of Shohoku."
"WHAT?!" Sakuragi's jaw dropped. "That damn fox—!"
Before he could explode, the next words froze him in place.
"And finally, the Most Valuable Player—Nango Koichiro of Shohoku. Congratulations to all recipients. Please come forward."
The Shohoku bench erupted in cheers. Kano jumped to her feet, eyes shining. "Yay! Nango did it!" She looked at Eri hopefully.
Eri rolled her eyes. "Don't even think about it. I'm not giving you my hand to celebrate. Clap on your own."
Their father stroked his beard proudly. "Good job, boy!"
Nearby, their mother snapped photos, brimming with joy.
Nango jogged up, waving to his family, friends, and teammates. On stage, he lined up beside Maki and the others.
Coach Kawasaki draped medals one by one:
—Uozumi accepted stiffly, murmuring thanks.
—Sendoh smiled with his usual composure.
—Rukawa, aloof as ever, bowed slightly.
—Maki shook hands firmly, flashing a grateful smile.
At last, Kawasaki faced Nango. Smiling warmly, he asked, "Nango, would you be interested in joining Nittaidai someday?"
The air froze. The others turned immediately, wide-eyed. Was he serious?!
Thinking it was a joke, Nango chuckled. "Coach, I'm only a first-year… but it's an honor."
Kawasaki laughed. "That's exactly why I'm asking now. Before another school steals you away." He patted Nango's arm with a knowing grin.
The audience whispered excitedly, and the photographers snapped away.
Nango lifted the MVP trophy high, smiling brightly. Beside him, Rukawa stood cold and expressionless.
The contrasting image—Ice and Fire—was immortalized in photographs that would soon spread across Kanagawa and beyond.
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