The Unwilling Mitsui

In Shohoku Gymnasium, Shohoku's next captain, Miyagi Ryota, and Mitsui Hisashi engage in a one-on-one duel. As Miyagi executes another quick attack and succeeds in a layup, the competition between the two begins. The curtain also falls.

"From now on, it's my time!" Miyagi proudly exclaims to Mitsui.

"Damn it," Mitsui wears a reluctant expression, panting with a hint of the sadness of a hero in his twilight years.

At this moment, the door opens from behind, and Kogure and Akagi, former members of the Shohoku basketball team, enter hand in hand. Akagi wastes no time mocking Mitsui, "It's quite unseemly, Mitsui. How did you manage to get a special university recruitment?"

"Tsk, why are those who have retired and ran away after losing a fight coming back? Besides, what qualifications do you have to criticize me? You weren't specially recruited by the university either," Mitsui curses unhappily, though envy fills his heart.

Mitsui knows well that he cannot get into a good university through academics alone and relies on basketball recruitment. This is why he remains on the team. The Winter Cup is his chance to shine and secure a university spot.

"I declined, alright? You idiot! And I'm not like you. I'm content with my grades," Akagi responds, concealing his inner regrets.

He acknowledges that Shintai University is an excellent choice for someone passionate about basketball but is out of reach for him due to the team's performance. He's aware that you can't play basketball forever and need to think about the future, considering his modest family background.

"Okay, Mitsui, let's drop it. Akagi's here to provide guidance since the team's facing challenges with Sakuragi's injury and Rukawa's absence," Kogure intervenes, smoothing things over while signaling to Akagi.

"Yeah, that's right. You really can't do without me," Akagi confidently adds.

Mitsui teases, "I don't need you to tell me that. I have to face Shoyo, Kainan, and Ryonan, and we must improve our game. My three-point shooting is abysmal. I've been practicing every day at 4 AM"

"To beat these opponents, we have to..."

"Rely on me the CAPTAIN"

Miyagi takes over, but a dispute erupts.

"Captain? I'm the captain! Respect me! Am I not your senior? I defeated the relics of the past!" Mitsui and Miyagi bicker.

---

Today, the Shohoku Basketball Gymnasium remains harmonious.

"796, 797, 798, 799, 800..." As the sun fades and students leave campus, the sound of dribbling still resonates in the empty basketball hall. Following his loss to Miyagi in a one-on-one match, the stimulated Mitsui chooses to add extra weight to his routine. He practices three-pointers.

Panting heavily, Mitsui's face drips with sweat, and his soaked clothes reveal his exhaustion. "Damn it, that Soichiro Jin from Kainan, the daily traing is 500 three-pointers. Then I have to train for 500 three-pointers. No, I'll push it to 1,000."

Unfortunately, Mitsui overestimates his physical condition. Having started at 4 AM, his muscles are sore and swollen. After another missed shot, he can't help but squat and clutch his knee. "What's going on? It hurts. My injury should be completely healed!" The excruciating pain renders Mitsui unconscious.