Trapped

"Cheap tricks won't help you win, Hanamiya!" Shiro smirked, looking down at Hanamiya on the sidelines. Hakamamiya's face darkened as he glared back, then forced a chuckle, "Oh, you're just so unbeatable! But you'd better watch your back when you walk home at night…"

Hanamiya's words dripped with menace, hoping to rattle Shiro. But Shiro remained expressionless, replying evenly, "Let's hope you've got the guts to follow through" With that, he turned back toward his Teiko teammates.

Watching him go, Hanamiya's gaze burned with vengeful anger, his eyes narrowing as if to bore holes into Shiro's back.

In the players' tunnel, the team atmosphere was completely different. Teiko's players were thrilled, especially the first-years, who were basking in the pride of making it to the national championship final game in their debut season.

Reporters swarmed the players, eager to interview these young stars. Many of them looked nervous under the spotlight, unused to the media frenzy, especially the first-years like Aomine, who had excelled on court but now fumbled over their words.

In contrast, Akashi and Shiro seemed right at home, smiling confidently and answering questions smoothly. Watching them handle the press so effortlessly, Nijimura remarked, "Only two heirs like Akashi and Shiro could take this in stride."

Recognizing their poise, the reporters gravitated toward Akashi and Shiro, especially the latter. Recently, Shiro's performance as a forward had been incredible, dominating even established players like Kotaro Hayama. Many already called him the best middle school small forward.

After answering all the questions, the team finally made their way to the locker room.

"Shiro" Akashi said, sounding concerned. "Did you see Hanamiya's look earlier? He might not back off so easily. Maybe my dad could arrange some security for you."

"Don't worry" Shiro replied, his voice full of confidence. "I've got this covered" As an heir of the Kawakami family, he was no stranger to handling himself.

"That guy's really that bad?" Momoi said, looking worried. "Shiro, maybe we should walk home together after school. I doubt he'd pick on me, being a girl."

Aomine nodded, sharing her concern.

"Yeah, Shiro, let me know if he tries anything. I'll make sure he never tries it again!" said Murasakibara, cracking his knuckles and looking every bit as intimidating as his massive frame suggested.

"Thanks, but Hanamiya's just a small fry. Nothing to stress about" Shiro said, waving it off.

After the match, Teiko jumped back into training.

"Swish!"

A clean shot sliced through the net as Shiro stood at midcourt, looking calm and composed. His midcourt shots had stunned the team, even Midorima, who'd always thought his own three-point shooting was equal to Shiro's, felt an urge to train even harder.

'I'll have to push myself more' Midorima thought.

As Shiro packed up his things, he called out to the team, "Guys, the finals are tomorrow! Let's get plenty of rest and be ready to give it our all!" They all cheered, fired up and ready.

Shiro strolled home, lost in a novel he'd been reading that had recently taken Japan by storm. He was so engrossed that he almost didn't hear the faint footsteps behind him on the empty street. Turning around, he saw Hanamiya and a small group approaching, an unsettling grin on his face.

"Shiro! Finally caught you alone" Hanamiya sneered, his face twisted with anger.

Shiro's expression was one of calm disdain as he pocketed his phone. "And you really think showing up with these clowns is enough to take me on?"

Furious, Hanamiya glared back "Don't think you're so untouchable! Tonight, I'll show you what I can do!"

At his signal, the lackeys around him cracked their knuckles, ready to fight.

Shiro, however, held his ground, his eyes steady as he sized up the group approaching him, fists clenched, his entire body tense and ready.