A Thrilling Start

Under the spotlight, players from both teams streamed out, moving with steady, powerful steps as they emerged from the tunnel. Each wore their team's colors, eyes lit with determination and an unyielding desire to win. Both sides knew this would be a tough battle, yet they faced it fearlessly.

As the players entered the court, the arena surged with excitement. The crowd's roaring cheers rolled over the court like crashing waves, seeming to shake the very roof. The atmosphere was electric, igniting the fans' bloodlust for the upcoming match.

"Teiko! Let's go!"

"Teiko! Let's go!"

"Rokko! Victory!"

"Rokko! Victory!"

The fans' thunderous cheers echoed through the arena as if the stadium itself might shake under the pressure. Even Shiro and his teammates felt the energy, recognizing that this national junior high basketball championship was unlike any other. Tokyo Gymnasium was packed with its full capacity of 10,000 spectators, a testament to the magnitude of the event. This was more than just a game; it was a face-off that could define the future of Japanese basketball.

As the players warmed up, Midorima looked especially sharp. Catching passes from his teammates with ease, he drained three-pointers with a calm confidence, the net snapping in triumph with each swish, stirring up excitement. Not to be outdone, Mibuchi gestured to his teammates for a pass and sank his own three-pointer, matching Midorima shot for shot. The atmosphere became tense, as the showdown between these two sharp-shooters was too close to call.

"A battle of elite shooters! I wonder who'll edge out on top?" "Yeah, I can't wait for the game to start!"

The spectators, mesmerized by the thrilling pre-game shots, watched in awe, afraid to miss a single moment.

After hitting their threes, Midorima and Mibuchi glanced at each other, their gazes sparking with competitive fire. Meanwhile, Shiro and Aomine weren't about to be outdone, thundering to the basket and slamming the ball down with enough force to shake the hoop.

Watching the display, Hachimura felt his competitive spirit flare up. Catching the ball, he charged forward, finishing with a powerful slam that combined strength and finesse, earning the crowd's cheers.

"Unbelievable! This is the true level of the two teams in the finals!"

"They might even be stronger than some high school teams!"

The game hadn't even started, yet the stadium was already buzzing with excitement. Every spectator waited with bated breath, eager to witness this showdown.

Time ticked down.

Beep!

The referee's whistle pierced the air, officially starting the game.

All eyes were fixed on the court, everyone afraid to miss even a second of action.

The referee held the ball securely, then walked to the center of the court.

The players from both teams were already in position, gazing intently at the basketball with faces full of focus and expectation.

The referee then tossed the ball high into the air.

The basketball rose like a shooting star, and in that instant, Murasakibara and Hachimura leaped simultaneously, their hands swatting at the ball.

With a crisp "pop" Hachimura, relying on his superior strength, tapped the ball toward Kawamura.

What a surprise! Murasakibara lost the jump ball to Hachimura! Teiko's players were visibly stunned, their eyes wide with disbelief.

'This guy has the strength to hold his own in the NBA' Shiro thought. 'But if he and Murasakibara were the same age, Rui might not have won this jump' He knew Hachimura's advantage here came from age, but as the years went on, that edge would likely fade.

The Rokko players were equally astonished, including Hachimura himself. This season, he had dominated every jump ball, yet Murasakibara's height was nearly a match. But for now, Hachimura's age advantage gave him the upper hand.

Despite the surprise, the game moved on. Rokko launched their first offensive.

Kawamura brought the ball just past the three-point line, where Akashi watched him carefully, maintaining a half-body distance, wary of a sudden drive.

Without hesitation, Kawamura went for a shot right in front of Akashi.

Akashi's face changed as he realized Kawamura would shoot, though his slight lag allowed Kawamura an unchallenged attempt.

Swish!

The shot fell cleanly, giving Rokko the first points, 3:0.

"I'd suggest not leaving me open, or you're going to get crushed" Kawamura grinned at Akashi as he jogged back on defense.

Akashi sighed. This one was on him, and he resolved to tighten his defense from now on.

Receiving Midorima's inbound pass, Akashi quickly pushed the ball up court, organizing his teammates' movements.

Shiro stepped up, setting a solid screen for Akashi.

With their practice paying off, the screen was flawless, leading to a quick hand-off that forced Kawamura and Watanabe to switch defenders, leaving Shiro with an advantageous one-on-one matchup.

Seeing the opening, Akashi pulled back, clearing space for Shiro to work solo.

Shiro immediately recognized the mismatch and without hesitation, faked right. Kawamura fell for it, giving Shiro the space to launch a three-pointer.

Realizing his mistake, Kawamura lunged forward, but it was too late—the ball had already left Shiro's hand.

Swish!

Three-pointer answered with a three-pointer.

Without celebration, Shiro hustled back on defense.

Suddenly, a blur shot past him. "What?"

It was Hachimura, sprinting ahead while Murasakibara was blocked by Nebuya. Just as Shiro and Aomine noticed, Kawamura had already tossed the ball high across the court.

Reacting instantly, Shiro and Aomine sprinted down, but Hachimura, with his long strides, kept up with Aomine's speed!

Aomine gritted his teeth, pushing himself faster. By the time Hachimura reached the basket, Kawamura's pass was already in his hands. The timing between them was seamless.

Hachimura leaped effortlessly, aiming to dunk as Aomine jumped up to challenge.

Bang!

A loud clash rang out!

Beep!

The referee's whistle blew as he quickly made the call: "Teiko No. 6 Aomine Daiki with a shooting foul. One free throw awarded"

Yes, Hachimura had dunked on Aomine and drawn a foul for a chance at an extra point.

"Hachimura is unstoppable!"

"Hachimura, take it to them!"

The crowd roared, energized by Hachimura's incredible play.

With a cool composure, he sank the free throw.

The score now stood at 6:3.

In just one minute, the game was already heated, leaving fans feeling their tickets were well worth the price!