"This is too extravagant… Is this really a high school? It's like a museum!"
"As expected of an elite school. This is the world of the rich!"
"It's truly luxurious! Compared to them, our school looks so shabby…"
The Shohoku Team had just stepped through the gates of Ryokufu High School and were immediately stunned by the imposing, lavish architecture.
Captain Akagi snorted, scolding, "A bunch of idiots! We're here to play a game, not go sightseeing! All of you, quiet down!"
"Yes…"
Everyone finally settled down.
"Hello, everyone!"
Kano, dressed neatly in her school uniform, walked over with a wave and a bright smile. Her gaze eventually settled on one person in particular.
Nango smiled back and winked, making his girlfriend chuckle.
Is it really okay for you two to act like this?!
Seeing the two openly display their affection, the rest of the Shohoku Team could barely contain their irritation, giving Nango resentful glares.
"Ahem…" Nango cleared his throat. "Kano, why did you come alone?"
The naturally oblivious Kano snapped back to reality. "Oh dear! I'm sorry! I'm here to guide everyone. The gymnasium is this way—please follow me."
As they walked, everyone peppered her with questions about the impressive buildings they passed. Kano answered them all patiently, showing off her school with pride.
After a short walk, Kano pointed ahead. "The building over there is the gymnasium."
Following her finger, Ayako exclaimed, "Kano, your gymnasium is huge!"
Kano nodded. "Yes, it was specially built for the basketball club, to make it convenient for everyone to watch their games in the future."
"What?!"
The Shohoku members once again marveled at Ryokufu High's extravagance. A gymnasium large enough for all students to watch games comfortably? They truly had more money than sense.
Even though everyone knew this venue was built specifically for the basketball club, the luxurious decor and massive capacity still left them in awe.
While the stadium wasn't completely full, about seventy to eighty percent of the seats were occupied.
Many students waved paper-tube megaphones and cheered enthusiastically for the Shohoku Team.
At center court, Eri held a microphone. "Good afternoon, Ryokufu High School students! Thank you all for coming to support our school's first basketball game! Today, we welcome our Summer Qualifiers champion team—Shohoku High School! Please give them a warm round of applause!"
"Clap, clap, clap…" The Ryokufu students responded cheerfully, their cooperation seamless.
Though slightly surprised, Shohoku's members barely reacted. After enduring the intensity of the Prefectural Tournament finals, this was just another warm-up.
Following directions to the locker room, Shohoku's team, led by Akagi, made their way across the gymnasium.
Katsumi Ichiro, chestnut hair shining and a handsome face on display, tossed a basketball back and forth. "They're really calm. Looks like they actually have some skills."
Nadaka Hikaru nodded matter-of-factly. "They are the champion team that beat the King, Kainan. It would be boring if they were scared stiff."
"That's right. I came back from America specifically to dominate the Japanese high school basketball scene. If the opponents are too weak, it wouldn't challenge me—or show my true strength."
Though Mike's words were arrogant, no one argued. His skill had already been witnessed—they knew he was more than capable.
While changing clothes, Mitsui said, "Katsumi Ichiro is my junior from Takeishi Junior High. I didn't expect him here."
Nango tightened his shoelaces, contemplating. "After all, it's an elite school. They spend money to recruit nationally—even students who studied in America. Their on-paper strength can't be underestimated."
Akagi scanned the first-year members. "Hmm… Their competitiveness will be fierce over the next two years. At that point, you'll feel the pressure."
Nango smiled. "Don't worry, Captain. With us here, Shohoku won't lose to anyone."
Rukawa Kaede stayed silent, but Sakuragi jumped up. "That's right, Gorilla! Whether it's Ryokufu or Red Wind, I, Sakuragi Hanamichi, will make sure they never win!"
Akagi chuckled. "Hmph. You talk a big game. Now change and warm up."
Akagi and Mike Okita stood on opposite sides of the center line, eyes locked on the ball in the referee's hands.
Sakuragi muttered, "Is this foreigner a center?"
Nango didn't reveal anything. He already knew Mike wasn't Ryokufu's center; that was number 4, Nadaka Hikaru. But since Mike had chosen to jump, his vertical must be exceptional—probably a high jumper, like Sakuragi.
The referee tossed the ball high. At its apex, both players remained poised, waiting for the perfect moment.
As it began to descend, they jumped simultaneously.
Mike, seven centimeters shorter than Akagi, shot up like a coiled spring and swatted the ball first. It was caught by number 6, Ebina.
Akagi had lost the jump ball? Mitsui blinked, surprised at the disparity. The other players weren't faring much better—it was their first time witnessing this.
Eri folded her arms, lips curving in a small smile at Shohoku's reaction.
Nango, however, was unfazed. He had anticipated this outcome and now focused on defense.
This is point guard work! he thought.
Looking at the trembling Ebina, Nango felt pleased. After facing monsters like the 184-centimeter tank Maki and 190-centimeter genius Sendoh, he finally had a soft target.
Ebina, only 177 centimeters tall and slightly built, panicked as Nango spread his arms to block him, desperately searching for a pass.
His eyes landed on Mike Okita, but Mike was tangled up with Rukawa Kaede.
Nango wasn't the only one full of determination—Rukawa was equally focused, searching for weaknesses.
Mike, oblivious, still thought this was a casual warm-up or his personal debut, unaware he had already been targeted.
At the start of the game, Rukawa had plenty of stamina. He shadowed Mike closely, choosing not to block the ball entirely—his goal was to gauge Mike's true skill.
With Ebina tightly guarded by Nango, Mike ran out to the three-point line. Even so, his pass was slightly off.
Nango's defensive pressure was just that effective.
Yet Mike remained relaxed, eyes playful as he faced the wary Rukawa. To him, this wasn't a game—it was a dance.
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