With the final battle over, Kagetora Aida and Miyamoto Tokima stepped forward to clear things up.
Only then did the people of Japan realize that the whole thing had been nothing more than a misunderstanding.
They didn't dwell on it too much. After all, the misunderstanding had been cleared up, and they had gotten to watch an incredibly exciting game.
After the match, life gradually settled back down.
But a few days later, an official announcement left everyone in Japan completely stunned.
"Official Announcement: Effective today, Japan is formally incorporated into China as part of its territory."
The moment the news broke, the entire population of Japan exploded into an uproar.
They went to sleep and woke up without a country!
No, that wasn't right.
Their country had been swallowed up!
They went to bed and woke up as Chinese citizens?
The announcement caused an enormous shock.
It wasn't just the people of Japan who were dumbfounded.
Even people in China were stunned!
Chinese netizens were equally shocked by the sudden announcement.
Many people could hardly believe that Japan had become part of China overnight.
Others immediately began discussing what the change would mean for travel, language, and daily life.
Some Japanese-language students were especially stunned to realize that what they had been studying as a foreign language might now be treated very differently.
The people in China were excited.
The people of Japan were dumbfounded.
At the same time, large numbers of Japanese residents took to the streets in protest, but the demonstrations were suppressed.
Other residents reacted differently.
Some refused to accept it.
Others didn't particularly care.
Some were even a little excited.
They had wanted to change their nationality for a long time!
Of course, public outrage and riots continued to break out across Japan.
But every time unrest or violence erupted, the military quickly suppressed it, sometimes even with lethal force.
Faced with such harsh measures, people in Japan filed complaints, and there were plenty of them.
But the next official announcement silenced them completely.
The message behind it was clear.
Those willing to become part of China were welcome.
Those who weren't could leave on their own.
And if anyone wanted to protest, then sorry, but China had no intention of being gentle about it.
Just like that, the unrest was quickly brought under control.
The people of Japan gradually began getting used to the fact that they were now Chinese citizens.
...
Inside a restaurant, the members of [The Generation of Miracles] had gathered to talk about everything that had happened.
Miyamoto Tokima, however, wasn't there.
For the past few days, he had been helping his father deal with matters concerning Japan.
"Never thought I'd see the day," Daiki Aomine said lazily from his seat. "We actually ended up becoming Chinese citizens."
"Something like this was certainly impossible to predict." Shintaro Midorima pushed up his glasses and spoke calmly. "Such is fate. There's little we can do to resist it."
"Honestly, becoming Chinese citizens isn't so bad, is it?" Ryota Kise said between bites of food. "The food really is delicious!"
"Oh, right. Kise." Daiki Aomine suddenly looked interested. "Are you seriously thinking about going into entertainment?"
After Japan became part of China, many film and television companies had begun moving into Japan.
And one of them had taken an interest in Ryota Kise.
His looks and overall presence were simply perfect for becoming a popular celebrity.
"I don't know yet." Ryota Kise shook his head. "I still want to play basketball for now."
"My plan is to see if I can make it into the NBA someday. If I can't, then I'll think about other options."
Seijuro Akashi took a sip of water and smiled.
"With Kise's talent, I imagine he should be able to."
"Hehe, you think so too, Akashi? I think so too!" Ryota Kise said with a grin.
Atsushi Murasakibara didn't say anything. He was too busy enjoying the Chinese food.
Tetsuya Kuroko was doing much the same.
"So," Shintaro Midorima said, "Akashi, what did you want to talk to us about?"
Only then did everyone remember that Seijuro Akashi had been the one who organized this gathering, saying he had something important to tell them.
"Yeah, Akashi," Ryota Kise said. "Why did you call us all here?"
"There is something important I want to discuss." Seijuro Akashi smiled gently. "Teikō Middle School... has established a high school division."
The room immediately fell silent.
After a moment, Ryota Kise spoke with some uncertainty.
"Akashi, are you saying... you want us to go back to Teikō Middle School?"
Everyone's expressions changed.
Go back to Teikō Middle School?
That was an option none of them had ever considered.
"That's right, Kise." Seijuro Akashi nodded without denying it. "I do want everyone to return to Teikō Middle School."
"Because according to what I've learned, starting this year, the format of the National Tournament is going to change."
"We won't just be competing within our own region anymore. We'll be facing teams from other provinces in China!"
Everyone showed varying degrees of surprise.
Seijuro Akashi continued.
"Because there are so many provinces, the teams representing Japan will have to go through a selection process."
"In the end... two schools will be chosen to represent Japan in the National Tournament."
"I think you already know which school is almost guaranteed one of those spots."
Everyone nodded.
If only two schools could represent Japan, then one of those places was practically already taken.
Kirisaki Daiichi.
The powerhouse high school that had won both the Summer Cup and Winter Cup!
"Everyone," Seijuro Akashi continued, "I think we all understand by now that with our current individual strength and the teams we're on, defeating Miyamoto will be extremely difficult."
"So I want all of us to join forces and challenge Miyamoto together."
Seijuro Akashi's tone was firm and sincere.
Everyone fell into thought.
After a moment, Shintaro Midorima spoke.
"Akashi, I understand what you mean. But you do realize that one of us already belongs to Miyamoto's side, don't you?"
As he spoke, Shintaro Midorima looked toward Atsushi Murasakibara.
His meaning was obvious.
"So..." Daiki Aomine began. "Murasakibara, could you..."
...
(Author's Note: I know some readers aren't fond of the China-related parts of the story, but I decided to keep them for the sake of the chapter's lore and continuity. I only adapted a few details to make those sections read more naturally. )
...
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