Stepping onto the court and facing the packed, roaring stands, Ueno couldn't help but feel nervous.
After all, being watched by tens of thousands of people would make anyone tense.
Still, he quickly steadied himself. Compared to most, Ueno was already doing well.
His teammates, however, grew more unsettled with every passing second.
A few with fragile nerves had gone pale, looking as though they might flee the court at any moment.
Seeing this, Coach Shane clapped his hands softly, drawing everyone's attention.
"When the game starts," he said calmly, "just make sure you leave the court with no regrets."
His gaze swept across the team before finally settling on Ueno.
"Ueno, lead them in warm-ups."
"Yes, Coach."
Catching a basketball, Ueno guided the team onto the hardwood.
Two light laps to loosen up. Then passing drills and shots to find their rhythm.
But the results were terrible.
Watching his teammates move stiffly—like rusted machines—missing even simple warm-up shots, Ueno could only shake his head inwardly.
A man's fame is like a tree's Perhaps a man's character is like a tree and his reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.
The name Generation of Miracles alone crushed their entire worldview.
Only the five prodigies who bore that title still dared to challenge themselves.
Everyone else barely had the courage to stand on the same court.
After all, the Miracles had built an absolute dynasty.
As Damu Middle School continued shooting, the stadium suddenly erupted.
The entire crowd began chanting in unison:
"Generation of Miracles!"
Ueno's heart skipped a beat. He turned instinctively.
Akashi Seijuro walked onto the court, the rest of the Generation of Miracles following behind him.
Even from dozens of meters away, their presence washed over Ueno like a tidal wave.
On Teiko's bench, the cheers were nothing new.
Only Kise waved enthusiastically back at the fans.
The moment they sat down, Murasakibara Atsushi pulled out a bag of snacks and drawled lazily,"Aka-chin I don't wanna play. We'll win anyway. Can I go home?"
Akashi smiled faintly.
"You're starting."
"Ahh…"
Resigned, Murasakibara shoved a handful of chips into his mouth.
Beside him, Aomine rested with his eyes closed, already bored. Victory had long since lost its thrill.
Kise leaned closer to Kuroko, grinning."Hey, Kurokocchi, have you decided yet? Graduate and come to my high school?"
"I refuse."
Kuroko shook his head. Ignoring Kise's wounded expression, his thoughts drifted.
This Generation of Miracles was no longer the team he had once cherished.
Now, winning was everything.
On the court, Midorima Shintaro adjusted his glasses while observing the surroundings.
His morning horoscope had promised victory—though it also mentioned "other variables."
Even so, he was confident the final outcome wouldn't change.
As team manager, Momoi Satsuki had already compiled detailed information on Damu Middle School.
"Everyone, I've finished the scouting report," she said. "Want to take a look?"
Kise waved it away. "Just tell us, Momoi-cchi."
Seeing their indifference, she sighed."Damu Middle School. Number seven, Ueno Juri—forward. No standout traits, well-rounded overall. Number eight—"
"Threat level to us: zero."
The moment she finished, Kise yawned."Then let's just have fun."
Akashi smiled confidently."Same rule as always—one hundred points by halftime."
"Understood."
Victory was already a foregone conclusion.
—
Whistle!
The two teams lined up at center court.
As Damu's starting forward, Ueno stood at 180 centimeters—tall by normal standards.
Their center, even taller at 188 centimeters, stepped into the jump circle.
After choosing sides, the match began.
Despite his height, Damu's center was still dwarfed by Murasakibara.
The difference between them wasn't just physical—it was absolute.
In an instant, Murasakibara casually tipped the ball to a teammate.
All of Teiko's starters except Kuroko were on the court.
Exactly what Ueno had hoped for.
For some reason, Kuroko's vanishing presence didn't work on him.
Among the Generation of Miracles, there was at least one player he could defeat.
Right now, Kuroko was merely an exceptional passer with almost no presence—his other skills still at a beginner's level.
Ueno was confident he could overwhelm him.
What he hadn't expected—
Was to be guarded by Kise Ryota.
Kise stuck to him closely, chatting cheerfully, his height edging Ueno's by a few centimeters.
"Ueno-kun, right? Do your best~ My teammates are monsters, you know."
Whistle!
Before Ueno could reply, a sharp sound rang out.
He spun toward his own basket.
There was Aomine Daiki—already airborne, hanging in the air with one hand as the ball dropped cleanly through the net.
Not even a few seconds had passed.
The Generation of Miracles had already scored.
The scoreboard flashed:
Teiko 2 — Damu 0