However, as Midorima pierced through Kagami's defense, a sudden thud echoed through the court. Kagami's eyes widened in disbelief as the referee's whistle blew for a foul.
He snapped back to reality and rushed over to the fallen player.
Tsuna couldn't help but feel that the opportunity to unlock it today had slipped away as he watched the unfolding events on the court.
He mumbled, "...That's unfortunate."
Back in the court, Midorima wore a frown as he stared down at Kuroko, who was on the ground. He voiced his disapproval, saying, "Oha-asa horoscope has always been right, huh? Aquarius, always my nemesis, Kuroko..."
Kuroko managed to stand with Kagami's assistance. He looked up at Midorima with a determined expression.
The scoreboard displayed 101 - 101.
The game hung in the balance, with only 7 seconds remaining before the final whistle. They couldn't bear the thought of losing this crucial moment!
As the game pressed on, the players exchanged glances. Izuki swiftly passed the ball to Kuroko, who then unleashed his Ignite Pass, sending the ball high into the air toward Shutoku's basket.
Both teams were filled with unyielding determination as they shouted together, "Fight for the ball! Don't let them grab it!"
Kuroko's pass was intended for Kagami, who soared into the air to catch it. Yet, Otsubo and Kimura were swift in their response, leaping alongside Kagami to contest for the ball.
Amidst the three outstretched hands, another hand joined the fray, taking everyone by surprise.
Otsubo's eyes widened as he saw Kiyoshi, who was shouting at the top of his lungs.
"His grip is too strong!"
Kimura thought in frustration as Kiyoshi snatched the ball right in front of them.
As they all touched down, Kiyoshi immediately moved for a dunk. The whole of Seirin erupted in a cheer, "Dunk it, Kiyoshi!"
As Kiyoshi was about to complete the dunk, Midorima's hand suddenly streaked through the air, blocking his path. Kiyoshi's eyes widened in shock at the last-second interference.
"Then," Kiyoshi thought, quickly changing his goal from slamming the ball in and pushing it toward Kuroko instead.
The entire court was on edge.
Both teams, their reserves, and coaches, all standing up and unable to tear their eyes away from the unfolding scene.
Kuroko didn't hesitate for a moment, his eyes filled with determination. "There's only one option!"
"Ugh, I should have reacted faster!"
Takao muttered through gritted teeth, realizing he had missed the crucial moment as Kuroko swiftly passed the ball into Kagami's waiting hands, and Kagami leaped up.
However, Midorima, who had just landed, closed the gap between them instantly and leaped to block Kagami's dunk.
"...How could he react so quickly!" Hyuga muttered in disbelief.
Midorima deftly blocked the ball in Kagami's hands.
Kagami clenched his teeth and exerted even more force as their hands collided.
But, because Midorima had leveraged his jumping momentum to thwart Kagami's dunk, Kagami came to the painful realization that he couldn't overpower it.
And the ball slipped from his grasp and headed in Takao's direction.
"Looks like the basketball gods are smiling upon Shutoku," Takao muttered under his breath, exchanging a knowing glance with Midorima.
"What an incredibly intense game!"
"Is this really just the final league? This intensity could rival the actual tournament!"
The crowd became increasingly frenzied as they witnessed the unfolding drama, their excitement building for the impending outcome.
The game was hanging by a thread, with just seven seconds left on the clock!
Midorima swiftly moved to an open spot after landing, and Takao acknowledged this by passing the ball to him.
But Kagami was shadowing Midorima's every step.
The moment the ball reached Midorima, he seamlessly transitioned into his shooting motion.
Kagami, who was in hot pursuit of Midorima, increased the pressure on his feet as he prepared to jump.
However, a sharp pain shot through his legs, causing him to glance down at his aching feet.
Despite the pain, his overwhelming frustration eclipsed any physical discomfort. He watched in disbelief as Midorima initiated his shooting motion, helpless to do anything to prevent it.
"We've got this game!"
Midorima thought, propelling himself into what should have been a jump.
Yet, to his astonishment, he remained grounded, unable to leap.
Midorima stared at his shaking legs in confusion, a mix of pain and frustration etched on his face.
"...I've counted my shots. I should still be able to shoot for a couple more..."
Then, the memory of Tsuna's words about the toll the zone took on the body flashed through his mind.
"...In the end, this is my limit, huh?"
Midorima clenched his teeth, realizing he was reaching his limit.
Out of nowhere, Kuroko materialized like a wraith, knocking the ball out of Midorima's grasp. He could only ground his teeth in frustration, glaring intensely at Kuroko.
As the ball sailed out of bounds, the referee's whistle pierced the air, signaling the end of the game. Players from both teams fixed their gaze on the scoreboard, frustration evident on their faces.
The scoreboard displayed a tied score of 101-101.
The crowd, initially taken aback by the unexpected outcome, fell into a momentary silence before erupting into applause.
Their applause was not only for the incredible tension of the match but also as an appreciation for the fantastic spectacle they had just witnessed.
Amidst all this commotion...
"...A tie even with my interference. Quite disappointing," Tsuna muttered, observing the just-concluded game. He cast a contemplative glance in Kuroko's direction.
"Will they play overtime?"
Kise inquired.
Momoi shook her head and explained, "No, the committee decided to accelerate the league for the Winter Cup, so there's no overtime rule."
"Well, I suppose it's for the best," Nijimura commented with a shake of his head.
Kise, curious, tilted his head and inquired, "Oh? Why's that?"
Nijimura gestured toward Midorima and Kagami, explaining, "They're both had already pushing themselves to the brink. Going further could lead to injuries."
Kise's eyes widened in disbelief, and he quickly turned his attention to Midorima and Kagami, whom Takao and Kuroko were now assisting.
"They really pushed themselves to the limit, didn't they?" he remarked.
On the court, Midorima struggled to stand with Takao's help as his legs wobbled beneath him. He turned his gaze to Kagami and Kuroko, determination in his eyes.
"This isn't the end. I can't settle for a tie..."
"I feel the same way..." Kagami responded with a scoff.
"...Then, we'll determine the victor in the next stage!"
Kuroko declared with a serious tone. Midorima agreed, shifting his attention to Tsuna, who observed the match from the audience.
With a resolute expression, he said, "...Indeed, let's settle it in the actual tournament!"
---
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