Shidou Ryusei wasn't the only one who couldn't sleep that night.
Nash Gold Jr. sat in his room replaying Shidou's game footage. Inside scoring, outside shooting—Shidou had it all as a small forward.
With the match only three days away, Nash felt more confident. After all, five million dollars were on the line—nearly a million each.
For the entire Jabberwock team, that was serious money.
The more Nash thought about it, the more excited he got. He stepped out of his room—and saw Shidou drenched in sweat.
"Your stamina's crazy," Nash said.
Shidou didn't get the joke and went back to his room.
Nash scratched his head. "…Basketball really is everything to him, huh?"
---
Next morning, Shidou opened his door—and saw Nash and Jason Silver looking suspiciously energetic.
"Too bad you didn't come last night," Jason laughed.
Shidou ignored it.
"So… who are our opponents?"
Nash instantly turned serious.
At 10 a.m., everyone gathered.
"Our opponents are the Backboard Breakers, a New York street team. Two million dollars on each side. Winner takes the money and the street court spot in Los Angeles."
Everyone perked up—except Shidou.
Nash continued:
PG: Jason Hawk, "Rattlesnake" — insane dribble control.
SG: Charles, step-back shooter.
PF: Kline, physical monster.
SF: Aiden, spin-move specialist.
C: Tylon, their captain.
Shidou grinned. "Sounds fun."
---
After practice, Nash still looked uneasy.
Before he could finish talking, Shidou said,
"I'll show you something."
He grabbed a ball, moved once—and suddenly exploded toward the hoop.
Clang!
A free-throw-line double-clutch windmill dunk.
Jason's eyes popped.
"My brother?! That's my move!"
Shidou smirked. "Satisfied?"
Jason hugged him too hard. Shidou almost suffocated.
Then Shidou closed his eyes… opened them again.
Pink-gold rings spun in his pupils.
Nash froze. "…You're unbelievable."
Shidou smiled. Now the Demon King's Eye wasn't imitation anymore—it was his.
---
On match day, Jabberwock arrived at the Judgment Court in Los Angeles.
The crowd roared.
It was Shidou's first time seeing such a formal street arena—lights, screens, banners.
Jabberwock vs Backboard Breakers
When the opponents walked out, Nash stiffened.
Their captain, Tylon, had a terrifying aura.
Shidou, though, just grinned wider.
The lights dimmed. Spotlights hit the starters.
Lineups flashed above the court.
The crowd screamed.
And the game… finally began.