The big day had finally come.
Today, in one of Kanagawa's largest stadiums, a massive crowd had packed into every available seat. The semi-finals of the Interhigh were about to kick off, and the stadium was electric with anticipation.
The excited buzz of the crowd was unmistakable. Spectators chatted eagerly about the upcoming game between Fukuda Sogo and Too Academy, their voices filled with excitement and rising with anticipation.
"Hey, Sei, it's not every day you invite us to watch a game together."
A tall teenager in a white jacket with light blue accents and long black hair that reached his chin, with two strands covering his eyes, talked to a red-haired teenager who had just walked beside him.
"Haha, Reo, I have a feeling Akashi's up to something," another teenager wearing a similar jacket with short blond hair and dark oval-shaped eyes added.
Akashi smiled as he remarked, "This game will be interesting, and I'd like all of you to watch. They're our opponents in the final..."
While Akashi's words hinted at his confidence in their upcoming semi-final as if it was already in his grasp, Mibuchi and Kotaro didn't seem bothered as they also felt confident in winning their match later.
"Well, if you say so, it's bound to be good," Mibuchi commented, sweeping his hair back behind his ears elegantly.
He then turned to Kotaro and inquired, "Kotaro, where's Nebuya?"
Kotaro scratched his head sheepishly as he explained, "Sorry, guys. I couldn't drag Nebuya away. He's still not done eating..."
Mibuchi face-palmed in response, shaking his head at Nebuya's never-ending appetite.
"Don't sweat it," Akashi reassured them as they reached their seats. He added confidently, "I told him to come in person, so he'll be here."
Mibuchi and Kotaro exchanged amused glances, trusting Nebuya would eventually show up.
Nebuya wouldn't dare defy a direct order from Akashi. It was as good as a royal decree, and Nebuya understood that he had no choice but to comply. Failing to do so would likely lead to some unpleasant consequences.
"Because I am absolute..."
Akashi's words hung in the air as he gazed down at the basketball court with a sense of unshakable confidence.
"Hey, isn't that Akashi from Rakuzan?"
"Huh? Where? Wow, you're right!"
"Do you think we should ask for an autograph or something?"
"...I dunno, he looks pretty serious."
The crowd quickly noticed Akashi's presence and began buzzing with excitement.
Many of them wanted to approach him, but the intense aura he exuded made them think twice. Instead, they settled for watching him in admiration as they eagerly anticipated the game.
In the designated changing room for Fukuda Sogo, Nijimura looked puzzled. "Tsuna, are you sure we've got no game plan for this match?"
Tsuna was known for his meticulous planning, so seeing him without a strategy was surprising this time.
Nevertheless, Tsuna shook his head and addressed the team. "I don't think they'll have a solid plan either..."
Tsuna acknowledged that Momoi had probably devised counters for their techniques and abilities. It didn't worry him, though, as he had anticipated this.
His eyes gleamed cunningly as he shared, "...But I've got something in mind for the third quarter."
Tsuna knew Aomine well enough to predict that he'd demand the ball from the very beginning. Planning for the early game was futile if it became a one-man show between them.
Everyone shared meaningful looks as they leaned in to hear what Tsuna had to say.
On the other side, tensions ran high inside Too Academy's changing room. Wakamatsu grabbed Aomine by the collar.
His voice raised in frustration. "Do you fucking understand what you are saying?"
No one intervened as they, too, harbored dissatisfaction with Aomine's demands.
Momoi watched with concern, glancing at their coach. He stepped in, attempting to cool things down, "Okay, let's all take a breather..."
In Fukuda Sogo's changing room, heads were gently shaken as they attempted to regain their composure.
Aomine, on the other hand, shot Wakamatsu a cold look.
"No need for violence," he remarked. "And hands off."
Wakamatsu's grip instinctively released, his eyes reflecting a mixture of frustration and unease. Aomine's cold gaze was undeniably intense, sending shivers down his spine.
"He had been a monster to me, but..."
Wakamatsu couldn't help but think that Aomine had transformed into a true beast at the moment. He observed Aomine's smirk, contemplating the change in him.
Harasawa, their coach, made the decision.
"We'll start by giving Aomine the ball from the beginning."
This announcement was met with collective sighs; the team resigned to following their coach's plan.
Imayoshi, with a small smile, was willing to honor Aomine's request, even if they were without a coach to decide.
A thought crossed Imayoshi's mind as he grinned, "He's our ace, after all..."
Momoi felt a mixture of happiness and concern seeing Aomine's excitement to face a strong opponent, but her thoughts were cut short.
She shook her head to refocus on her duties, reminding everyone, "It's time to head to the court. Our match is about to start..."
With everyone ready and changed, they nodded in unison. The teams exited the changing rooms and onto the court, ready for their long-anticipated showdown with the tournament's dark horse.
The crowd exploded in cheers as the teams stepped onto the court, their excitement palpable in the stadium. The stage was set for an intense battle, and both teams were eager to give their best.
"Whoa, the game is about to begin!"
"The dark horse against one of the top contenders, huh?"
"Any bets on the underdogs pulling off an upset?"
"I'm rooting for the dark horse; their victory would be legendary!"
"What a joke! Aomine's the Ace of the Generation of Miracles. Dark horse or not, he'll obliterate them!"
The stadium buzzed with energy as fans, draped in their respective team colors, passionately debated the outcome.
It was a moment of high anticipation as the game was about to kick off.
Excitement surged like a living entity, weaving through the crowd, and banners waved like war flags. The scent of hot dogs and popcorn lingered in the air, adding to the sensory overload.
It was an exhilarating prelude to the epic showdown about to unfold.
Standing across from each other, Aomine couldn't resist smirking at Tsuna and said, "You're finally back, huh? I was getting bored waiting for some real competition."
"This isn't about entertaining you, Daiki. I'm here to dominate..."
Tsuna shook his head as he responded.
Aomine's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Well, let's see what you've got, Tsuna."
The tension between them was palpable, setting the stage for an epic showdown.
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