Then came the final roar.
"Anddddd now—our champions!"
The announcer's voice surged like a crashing wave.
"The rising titans from Osaka—Horizon High School!
Led by their first-year maestro, Dirgantara Renji!
Their general on the floor, Captain Kaito Nishida!
And their only third year and the anchor in the paint, Rikuya Asano!
This team of first and second-years may very well be… the next emperors!"
The crowd exploded. Reporters leaned in. Scouts took notes.
History was in motion.
Kaito led the team, the black-gold-red of Horizon's uniforms almost glowing under the lights.
Dirga walked beside him.
His steps were slow, measured.
The exhaustion still lingered—evident in the stiffness of his legs, the subtle wince in his eyes.
But he walked.
Head high.
Fire in his chest, even if his body burned.
The players lined up.
First—Kaito. His hand extended, his bow deep, receiving his medal from Yuta Tabuse and Mr. Toshimitsu Kawachi.
