The final day of the National Tournament dawned bright and calm.
Early that morning, Nango's parents rose and made their way toward the venue. With time to spare, his mother deliberately chose a longer route—one that passed near the seaside.
"Oh…" Feeling the soft sea breeze brush against her face, she let out a theatrical sigh. "I really must thank my son. If not for him, I wouldn't have had the chance to visit Hiroshima. Truly heartbreaking!"
Her husband understood the hidden complaint perfectly, but pretended not to. He simply gazed around with exaggerated interest.
She snorted, deciding not to expose him.
Many others had woken up early as well—after all, this wasn't just any game. This was the Finals of the National High School Basketball Tournament, and with Sannoh Industrial playing, securing a good seat was nearly impossible.
Inside the venue, numerous media crews were already busy—not print reporters, but full television broadcast teams.
"Camera check?"
"All cameras aligned and tested. Transmission is stable."
"Good. And the guest commentator?"
"Confirmed. He'll be here for makeup in a bit."
"Alright."
No matter how intense earlier games were, none had been broadcast live. Basketball simply didn't draw as much national attention as baseball. But today was different—today was the final—and so the network spared no expense, even inviting a guest commentator.
"Yo! Isn't that Coach Tangze? What brings you here?" Coach Kawasaki greeted with a sincerity that only made Tangze feel more irritated.
Adjusting his glasses, Coach Tangze replied coolly, "You already know."
While the two coaches bickered, Sugiyama Shota approached the two people behind Coach Kawasaki and asked with a grin, "Don't tell me you're here to check out Sannoh's players?"
Endo, hands in pockets, stayed silent. That kind of banter was better left to Hyuga Yuichi.
"Hmph," Hyuga smirked. "What about you? Here for Fukatsu to pass to you? Or are you hoping Akagi from Shohoku becomes your future backup?"
He hit the mark dead-on.
Sugiyama's heart jolted, but he forced a calm smile and said nothing.
Every team was here to scout. With only a handful of elite prospects available, no one in their right mind would reveal their targets—it would only lead to competition or poaching.
Shohoku vs. Sannoh wasn't just a high school final. For these players, it could decide their futures.
As time passed, the venue filled completely—even before warm-ups began.
Bang!
Bang!
The doors opened on both sides of the arena.
Shohoku and Sannoh Industrial filed in.
"They're out!"
"It's Sannoh Industrial!"
"Sawakita!"
"Kawata!"
"Fukatsu!"
Sannoh's Big Three commanded massive popularity, and the entire arena roared in excitement the moment they appeared.
But the trio showed no reaction. This was routine. They simply grabbed their balls and began their usual warm-up.
Most teams would shrink in such an environment. But Shohoku was not most teams.
"Hmph! What's with that?"
A girl in a mini skirt spun around, flag pole in hand, and shouted, "Sisters! Let's show them our strength!"
She waved her flag and boldly called out:
"Rukawa Kaede! I love you!"
The Rukawa fan club erupted, their synchronized cheers echoing across the venue.
"Damn! Even a group of girls has guts like this? We can't lose to them!" Ade roared, grabbing a flag pole and waving it wildly. "Mitsui! Go for it!"
Okusu scratched his head, embarrassed. "These girls really have too much energy…"
Yohei chuckled. "But thanks to them, Shohoku won't feel like they're playing an away game."
Miyagi nudged Rukawa. "Not bad. Your personal cheer squad is working overtime."
Rukawa continued practicing his jumper, unmoved.
"This is embarrassing…"
Mitsui's face was bright red—he looked like he wanted to sink into the floor.
"Hohoho! Shohoku's cheer squads are quite entertaining!" Hyuga Yuichi laughed. "I didn't expect today's game to be this fun. Coming here was absolutely worth it."
Coach Kawasaki looked toward Sannoh and nodded.
"Sannoh truly deserves their three consecutive championships. Even in such chaos, they remain calm. They really are the Kings."
"But Shohoku is surprising as well," Endo added. "Facing the defending champions in such an atmosphere, they show neither fear nor anxiety. For a team in their first finals… that's impressive."
"Countdown! 3! 2! 1! Cut!"
The director's command switched the feed to the commentary desk.
Hearing the cue, the guest commentator put on a warm smile and spoke into the camera:
"Good morning, viewers. I am Fujiwara, your commentator for today's broadcast. We bring you the Finals of the Summer National High School Basketball Tournament."
"Today's matchup is between the defending champions, Sannoh Industrial of Akita, and Shohoku High School of Kanagawa. Sannoh has claimed the title three years in a row, while Shohoku makes their first-ever appearance in the finals."
"Will Sannoh secure their fourth consecutive title? Or will Shohoku make history? Let's find out together."
The broadcast cut to the court, where both teams were receiving their final instructions.
Fujiwara flipped his notes.
"Let's introduce the starting players. First, Shohoku High School—number 4, captain Akagi Takenori, at center."
Kogure patted Akagi's back. "Akagi, do your best."
"Don't worry," Akagi replied—radiating unusual calm and confidence.
Haruko and her friends cheered loudly.
"Go, big brother!"
"Gorilla! We're counting on you!"
"Number 10, Sakuragi Hanamichi, first-year rookie, power forward. His bright red hair makes him easy to spot."
"Yosh! It's finally my turn!" Sakuragi shouted, bouncing on his feet.
Today, with all the cameras in the venue, his excitement was off the charts.
In his own words: "Today is the day Sakuragi Hanamichi becomes a legend!"
"Number 11, Rukawa Kaede, first-year, small forward."
Rukawa stepped forward, eyes locked onto Sawakita.
"Japan's number one high school player…"
"Number 13, Nango Koichiro, first-year, point guard."
"Look! There he is!"
His mother snapped photos nonstop while elbowing his father, who muttered, "I see him, I see him…"
Nango waved, then turned his eyes toward a different section of the stands.
Kano raised her tiny pink fist. He chuckled, raised his own, and gave her a confident wink.
"Hmm? Is that kid's girlfriend?" Hyuga Yuichi whispered. "She's pretty cute."
Endo sighed. What did that have to do with him?
"Number 14, Mitsui Hisashi, third-year, former middle school MVP, shooting guard."
Compared to the others' plain résumés, Mitsui's achievements shined brightest.
As Mitsui stepped up, Nango smirked at his teammates.
"Are you ready… National Champions?"
"Hurry up and start already! I can't wait!"
Sakuragi was practically vibrating with excitement.
Mitsui rolled his wrists. "Don't drag me down, got it? I'm in perfect condition today."
Akagi snorted. "Don't run out of stamina halfway. That's all I'll say."
"Heh. You're one to talk," Mitsui shot back.
Rukawa ignored them, focused entirely on the coming battle.
The Shohoku Five Tigers—ready for war.