Chapter 137: A Storm from the Start

"...Seirin vs Too Academy, huh?" Mibuchi mused as he observed the court.

Turning to Akashi, who scrutinized the Fukuda Sogo players, he asked, "Sei, who do you think will win between these two?"

Akashi paused his gaze on Fukuda Sogo and shifted it to Kagami and Aomine.

"...In most cases, Too Academy should emerge victorious," Akashi stated slowly.

It held true, especially with Momoi on their side, capable of gathering precise data on opponents, even predicting their future growth.

However, Akashi acknowledged Kagami as a formidable player, stating, "...Still, Seirin isn't an easy opponent either."

This caught the others off guard, eyebrows raised in surprise at Akashi's high regard for Seirin.

Looking at Seirin's track record, it was challenging to believe they could come out on top, especially after witnessing Aomine's prowess during the Interhigh game between Fukuda Sogo and Too Academy.

Mibuchi, tracing Akashi's line of sight, spotted Kuroko heading to his spot on the court. He mused, "Ah, that guy was Sei's former teammate from Teiko, right?"

Akashi brushed off the outcome, stating, "In the end, who won between them doesn't matter to us."

His nonchalant demeanor conveyed absolute confidence as he shifted his gaze back to Fukuda Sogo.

"The only one I'm interested in is you, Tsunayoshi Kazama. With me here, even Fukuda Sogo will have to bow down..." Akashi's gaze was piercing.

Feeling the intensity of the stare, Tsuna responded with a confident smirk, making Akashi clench his fist. "Such audacity, I'll let it slide this time."

On the court, the referee's whistle echoed, marking the start of the game.

The ball went up, met with cheers from the eager crowd, anticipation building as they firmly supported Too Academy.

In the heart of the court, Kiyoshi from Seirin and Wakamatsu from Too Academy leaped, their eyes ablaze with determination. Kiyoshi's hand surged forward, meeting the ball before Wakamatsu, a swift and decisive move that set the tone for the game's opening moments as he pushed the ball toward Izuki.

Frustrated by the events, Wakamatsu clicked his tongue as he retreated to his defensive position. Seirin wasted no time, swiftly advancing for a rapid attack.

The game's pace intensified as the players jockeyed for the crucial first points.

"...The first points would be important for us," Izuki mused, his focus unwavering as he skillfully dribbled the ball forward.

However, a realization dawned on him as he approached Too Academy's defensive line. Each member of his team was meticulously marked.

Izuki's eyes widened in surprise as he navigated through the tightly knit defense.

Glancing at Imayoshi, who loomed before him, exerting considerable pressure, Izuki's mind raced to find openings in Too Academy's defensive wall.

"...It must be surprising, isn't it?" Imayoshi's voice cut through the intensity of the court, a polite tone masking the relentless pressure he maintained on Izuki.

The unexpected intensity from Too Academy caught Seirin off guard.

Too Academy, having secured victory against them in the past, was known for their prowess. However, the question lingered—why go all out from the beginning?

Izuki clenched his teeth as Imayoshi deftly swiped the ball from his hands, leaving it free on the court for anyone to grab.

Seizing the chance, Too Academy's Shooting Guard, Sakurai, acted swiftly, outpacing Hyuga to snatch the ball and advance with the stolen possession.

The crowd held its collective breath, witnessing the swift change in momentum.

Momoi, holding Seirin players' data on the sidelines, observed the unfolding events discerningly.

"...They've grown even stronger. We can't afford to underestimate them," she muttered to herself. Her eyes remained locked on the game.

The momentum shifted as Too Academy's players surged forward, synchronized in their advance with the ball.

After reaching his shooting range, Sakurai positioned himself for a shot. Hyuga, who had shadowed Sakurai's movement, displayed quick reflexes and lunged to block the impending shot.

The court crackled with energy as the two players collided in a fierce contest.

However, as Hyuga soared upward to intercept, Sakurai unleashed the shot. Hyuga's eyes widened in disbelief, realizing it wasn't a shot at all—it was a perfectly executed pass. The ball sailed gracefully through the air, ascending to meet Aomine, who was charging towards the basket with lightning speed.

Aomine, propelled by the precision of the pass, soared into the air for an alley-oop.

The crowd erupted in anticipation, a collective gasp echoing through the stadium. Aomine's powerful hands gripped the ball, ready to slam it into the basket with force.

Yet, in the crucial moment, an unexpected hand emerged to thwart the play, which made Aomine widen his eyes in surprise.

The ball slipped from Aomine's grasp, sailing out of bounds. He regained his composure as his sharp gaze darted towards the figure responsible, Aomine's expression transforming to excitement.

"I knew it! Playing with you should be quite a warm-up for me, Kagami!"

Aomine declared with a grin.

It was Kagami—a calm expression etched on his face as he successfully blocked Aomine's attempt to secure points for Too Academy.

Pandemonium erupted in the stadium as the crowd couldn't contain their excitement.

Cheers and exclamations reverberated through the air, and some fans were so caught up in the moment that they leaped out of their seats, unable to stay confined as the game unfolded in an unexpected burst of intensity.

The game had just kicked off, and the intensity was off the charts! It was truly unbelievable!

Imayoshi's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself, adjusting his glasses. "...Momoi gave us a heads up, but it's still shocking to witness it on the court."

Just a few days earlier, Momoi had dropped a bombshell, suggesting that Kagami had achieved something unimaginable by their standards...

... He had reached the level of the Generation of Miracles!

"As expected, watching those monsters clash always sends shivers down my spine," Imayoshi muttered to himself, stealing a glance at Kagami.

Amidst the restless crowd, a middle-aged man sporting sunglasses strolled down the stairs, searching for an open spot.

He casually observed the excited audience, remarking, "...What's got these folks so worked up?"

Finding a seat, he mused, "...Guess I'm fashionably late."

Settling in, he turned his attention to Seirin, commenting, "Let's see how far they can go this time..."

Removing his sunglasses, a chuckle escaped him as he recognized Too Academy's coach.

"Haha, that explains their strength. He's their coach, huh?" His laughter echoed through the stands.

"Knock it off, Kagetora."

A voice abruptly interrupted, causing a scowl to form on Kagetora's face.

When he turned, Kagetora recognized another familiar face as his expression brightened. "Oh, Gen!? Hahaha, no wonder your voice sounds like a buffet receipt. Look at your belly now! Hahaha."

Beside the middle-aged man named Gen, whose expression had completely soured, were players in blue jackets with "Kaijo High" written prominently on their jerseys suppressed their laughter.

It was the first time they'd heard such a comical jab at their coach, and they couldn't help but cover their mouths to contain their amusement.

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