Chapter 16: First game (1)

After the coach finished speaking, the players were both excited and nervous. The excitement was understandable, as this competition was almost the highest standard for these junior high school basketball players. No junior high school student would miss the chance to compete nationally. Their past performances had been poor, with their best record only reaching the second round of the division.

But things were different now. Aizen's emergence had reignited their confidence. The victory over Teikō Junior High, a dominant force, had boosted their morale even more.

Seeing the players' enthusiasm, the coach didn't keep them in suspense. He took out the information and explained everything.

"The draw date for the divisional qualifiers is next Monday, and the competition starts the following day."

"The four major regions in the country will compete separately."

"Each region will decide on eight teams to advance to the national competition!"

The coach explained the process, familiar to everyone, as they had never made it past the regional preliminaries. They were like gatekeepers, always leveling up others while stopping themselves.

The coach left after explaining, having much to prepare, like collecting intelligence on potential opponents. Though not the most skilled, his attitude was impeccable.

After he left, Aizen led the team in training. The players' excitement was palpable, especially the junior players, buzzing with anticipation.

"Do you think we can qualify this time?"

"I don't know... The competition in our region is fierce."

"Come on, it's not like before!"

"Yes, with Aizen, we can definitely do it!"

Their focus naturally shifted to Aizen, their leader. His presence gave them an inexplicable sense of security.

Aizen heard the chatter behind him and turned sternly. "Okay, focus on training!"

Everyone shut up immediately. Aizen was gentle in private but strict during training. Any disobedience had consequences, and everyone knew this, falling into silence and starting their drills.

...

Meanwhile, at Teikō Junior High, the first team also learned about the preliminaries. Except for Aomine Daiki, all members of the "Generation of Miracles" were gathered. Each with their distinctive styles, they looked like a gang of troublemakers.

The stadium was quiet until the silence was broken by a crunching sound. Everyone looked to see Atsushi Murasakibara munching on potato chips.

Akashi Seijuro stared blankly at Murasakibara, his expression void of emotion. Though he said nothing, his message was clear. Murasakibara stopped eating after seeing Akashi's look.

Recalling his own experience, Kise remembered the same look Akashi gave him after losing the game. He even feared Akashi would attack him with the scissors he always carried.

Just as Kise was trying to think of a solution, Akashi left, but Kise knew the matter wasn't over.

The atmosphere remained tense until Satsuki arrived, breaking the silence.

"Oh, everyone is here," she said, smiling. She looked around and added, "Is A-Da not here again? This guy is really..."

Everyone had hoped Satsuki's arrival would lighten the mood, but she brought up Aomine Daiki, ignoring Akashi standing next to her.

Akashi, surprisingly, didn't react angrily. "It doesn't matter if he comes or not, as long as we win the game!" he said, glancing at Kise.

...

Monday came quickly, and it was the day of the draw. The team gathered and boarded the bus to Tokyo Yoyogi Gymnasium. The last few days of training had everyone in high spirits, full of vitality and confidence.

However, entering the stadium, they saw many teams already seated, and their arrival drew everyone's attention. The stares from so many teams instantly unsettled Aizen's teammates.