Champion vs the dark horse

Nine-thirty in the morning, the first game of the final four is Kainan High vs. Shohoku High and the seats are full packed as expected.

"During the past three years... Finally this day has come... the first time we've challenged Kainan and Maki!!" Akagi is feeling great in today's game against the defending champion.

"Eh...? Even though there is still thirty minutes left before the game starts, it's already crowded w/ such people!" Yayoi Aida is Hikoichi's older sister; she works as a reporter for a weekly basketball magazine.

"Even though it's the final four, it's rare to have this many watch a high school basketball game! right, Aida-san?" her junior Nakamura said.

"Nakamura, this is only proves that both teams are closely watched by a lot of people!

First is Kainan High! It's clear on this matter how much I explain, right?" Yayoi Aida said.

"No... not really clear, Aida-san..." reporter Nakamura replied.

"What! Not clear?" she said.

"I'm sorry... Aida-san!" reporter Nakamura apologized.

"Didn't I tell you to investigate them thoroughly? How dare you underestimate your job?

Ugh... new reporters are really lacking... Just look their banner!" Yayoi Aida said.

"Constant victory...!" reporter Nakamura said.

"In the past sixteen years, they never failed to qualify for the national competition!

That's why everyone calls them, 'Eternal Champion Kainan!!" she said.

"What... for the past 16 years?!" reporter Nakamura said.

"Since their great rival, the Shoyo team led by Fujima has already been eliminated, so most people think that this year will be their 17th year to qualify in the National." Yayoi Aida said.

"Oh, I see..." reporter Nakamura said.

"But I don't agree w/ them! Coz I think that the storm hasn't calm down yet..." she said.

For her, Shohoku team that beat the Shoyo is a dark horse.

"I still haven't been able to investigate them thoroughly... how strong are they really! Against Shoyo, was that their only 60%... 80% or 100%?

The dark horse Shohoku is the cause of this storm... this game is a must watched!" she said.

"To tell the truth, is that our opponent is Shohoku and not Shoyo... they won as big surprise. Are you guys all ready?" Coach Riki Takato said.

"Takato-sensei, when's the game gonna starts?!" Maki asked.

"Hahaha! Don't be impatient and it's not yet time, Maki-kun!" Coach Riki Takato replied.

"Your good point is that you have never become too arrogant. You, at the peak is the person who wants victory the most and this year, you're still the best! Maki-kun." Coach Riki Takato thought about him.

"Today's opponent is Shohoku! Coz I thought Shoyo would win, I didn't investigate them well at all!!" Coach Riki Takato said.

"Hahaha! No problem!! We don't need to check them out!! Right? Jin-senpai!" Nobunaga Kiyota, a rookie and self-proclaimed no. 1rookie.

"Right!" Jin replied.

In Shohoku locker room, the twelve man team gathered around and listened to Akagi's speech.

"Does everyone think that Kainan is unbeatable?" Akagi asked.

"....." no response at all.

"That even if we reach up as far we can, we still can't reach them? Looking at it in the past, maybe it's true!

Comparing our past histories, there's a big difference between us and them. But i... every night before I sleep, I think about a day like this...

Shohoku... facing the champion Kainan and get a place in the National, this sort of event has appeared in my mind every freaking night... Since my rookie year, this has always been my dream!" Akagi said.

"Gor... Captain!" Sakuragi said.

Shohoku! We must win!!!" Akagi shouted.

"Yeahhh!!!" the whole team replied.

In the crowd, Haruko and her friends came to watch the game.

"Hey, Haruko-san! Over here!" Mito and the gang called the girls.

"Ah! Yohei and his friends!" Haruko and the girls went to them.

"Haha! We already saved the best seats for you girls!!" Mito replied.

"Mitsui..." Norio Hotta and his gang also went to watch to support his good friend.

"Uwah!? So scary looking dudes..." Norio Hotta and his gang even scared the other people around them.

"Good! There's still ten more minutes to observe them closely!" Yayoi Aida said.

"Here they come!!"

"They've finally come out!!"

"Kainan!!"

"Shohoku!!"

The crowd are feeling the heat of this match-up between the defending champion Kainan High vs the dark horse, Shohoku high, referees and the reporters are ready for the tip-off.