A New Era Begins

Everyone cleared space for Nijimura to drive to the basket.

Nijimura held the basketball firmly with both hands at his waist, his sharp gaze locked onto Aomine's stance.

'His right foot is forward—I'll attack that front foot from the left' With that thought, Nijimura pivoted on his left foot and, in an instant, stepped past Aomine's right side, driving toward the left.

Aomine wasn't about to be outdone. He instantly matched Nijimura's speed, closing in like a storm, sticking to him relentlessly.

Feeling Aomine's relentless pressure from behind, Nijimura didn't hesitate. He yanked the ball back into his hands. The entire gym seemed to hold its breath as everyone intently watched this critical moment unfold.

Aomine saw Nijimura pull back and thought, 'This isn't good' Trusting his instincts and physical prowess, Aomine twisted his body to block any move to the right.

But Nijimura wasn't about to let Aomine dictate the game. The moment the ball was pulled back, Nijimura executed a flawless spin move, fast as lightning and smooth as water flowing. With this elegant motion, he slipped past Aomine, leaving him behind in disbelief. All Aomine could do was watch as Nijimura broke free with the ball.

Knowing well the defensive prowess of Murasakibara in the paint, Nijimura opted not to challenge the towering center. Instead, he pulled up for a controlled mid-range jumper—Swish.

Score: 6-4.

"Still got a lot to learn" Nijimura smirked at Aomine, giving him a knowing grin before sprinting back on defense. His steps were agile and precise, like a leopard on the hunt.

'He's talented' Nijimura thought. 'But he's not quite there yet. With enough effort, though, he'll get there'

Once back in position, Nijimura's focus sharpened. His eyes locked on Aomine with laser-like precision, reading every subtle movement. He knew the game would only get tougher from here.

"This is what makes it fun! You're definitely not overrated for being the top power forward in junior school!" Aomine grinned, eager for more "Akashi, let me take another shot"

Akashi nodded. Aomine's offensive ability was undeniable. As soon as they crossed half-court, Akashi dished the ball to Aomine, who wasted no time.

With fierce determination, Aomine launched forward. His speed was blinding—like a bolt of lightning—and in the blink of an eye, he was at the free-throw line.

But Nijimura wasn't going to let him pass so easily and quickly closed in.

Realizing he couldn't force his way through Nijimura, Aomine changed his approach, spinning around to position himself with his back against him.

Nijimura chuckled slightly. 'This guy thinks he can overpower me?' As a second-year, Nijimura was not only older but taller and physically stronger, having trained rigorously for a year. Aomine had no chance of muscling past him.

Sure enough, Aomine's attempts to push Nijimura back didn't budge him an inch. Then, just as Aomine made contact, he suddenly spun and tried to go for a jump shot.

Nijimura smirked. 'I knew it' Without hesitation, he jumped to block the shot.

But things weren't that simple.

Aomine had baited him. In the middle of his turn, he faked the shot—a perfect hesitation move. Nijimura bit, leaping for the block too soon.

With Nijimura airborne, Aomine smoothly slid past him and launched a floater. Even the center coming to help couldn't stop it. The ball sailed gracefully through the air and dropped into the hoop.

Score: 8-4.

"Captain, looks like you need more practice too" Aomine teased, echoing Nijimura's earlier jab with a playful grin before jogging back on defense.

Nijimura shook his head with a wry smile. 'He got me good that time'

"Alright, we need to switch gears and run some plays. These guys aren't pushovers" Nijimura told his teammates, his voice firm and focused.

"Got it!"

The point guard immediately called the center over for a pick-and-roll. The big man stepped up, providing cover for the point guard's right side.

Murasakibara advanced slightly, his massive wingspan making it unnecessary to press closely to defend.

Seeing the opportunity, the point guard lobbed the ball high to the center, creating a mismatch. With his back to Akashi, the center shielded the ball, making sure it stayed out of Akashi's reach.

The shooting guard sprinted over to help. The center smoothly handed the ball off, screening Midorima in the process. Seeing an open shot, the shooting guard didn't hesitate—he launched a three-pointer.

Swish! The ball sank cleanly.

Score: 8-7.

'The upperclassmen are no joke' the first-years thought to themselves, impressed by their opponents' skill.

With the ball back in Akashi's hands, he scanned the court, calculating every movement. One of his teammates, Shiro, started cutting toward him. This time, the opposing small forward gave him more space, wary after being beaten by Shiro's earlier backdoor cut.

Seeing the opening, Akashi passed the ball to Shiro, who stood two steps beyond the three-point line.

'What is this guy doing?' Shiro thought with amusement. 'Doesn't this guy know how dangerous it is to leave me this open? In the NBA, Curry would laugh himself to sleep if he got space like this'

With no hesitation, Shiro pulled up and launched the three. His release was smooth and fast.

The small forward could only gape in disbelief. "What? From that far out?!"

Spectators gasped, stunned by Shiros boldness.

"Come on, make it!" Momoi clasped her hands, silently praying.

Even Midorima, watching from afar, couldn't help but marvel 'Perfect arc, perfect spin—this is going in!' he thought eagerly. ''d love to challenge him to a three-point contest'

The ball sliced through the net with a swish, perfectly clean.

Score: 11-7.

"Damn, Shiro! That was insane! You've got to teach me that shot sometime!" Aomine ran over, giving him a playful smack on the back.

"Great shot, Shiro!" Akashi gave a rare thumbs-up.

"Alright, alright, no big deal" Shiro replied coolly, already jogging back on defense.

"Let's stay focused. We'll take it right back!" Nijimura encouraged his team with unwavering confidence, unfazed by the score.

As veterans of national tournaments, the upperclassmen quickly adjusted. Their teamwork was seamless—every pass perfectly timed, every cut in sync, like clockwork. They attacked relentlessly, using their experience to outmaneuver their younger opponents.

But the first-years weren't about to back down. Shiro and Akashi continued to orchestrate brilliant plays, while Aomine's unstoppable drives shredded the defense. Midorima's pinpoint shooting was deadly, and Murasakibara dominated the paint, denying anyone who dared come close.

With every play, the tide shifted further in favor of the first-years. Their synergy and raw talent began to overwhelm the upperclassmen's defenses.

"Looks like this is the end!" Shiro roared, surging toward the basket.

Using a dazzling crossover, he left his defender stumbling, breaking through the final line of defense. Then, like a rocket, he exploded toward the hoop.

A towering center stepped up to contest the dunk, but Shiro powered through without hesitation. With a thunderous slam, he threw the ball down, sending the defender sprawling to the floor.

The crowd erupted in awe, stunned by the sheer ferocity of the dunk.

Final Score: 54-43.

The first-years had triumphed over the upperclassmen in a stunning victory.

"Thank you for the match" both teams exchanged bows respectfully.

"Well done today" Coach Sanada approached them with a smile. "The Nationals is only a few months away—training starts tomorrow. Don't be late."