Smack!
A sharp interception, and the crowd gasped. Shiro shot forward like lightning, snatching the ball cleanly from Hachimura near the baseline.
Stunned, Hachimura tried to catch up and reclaim control, but Shiro was fearless. With a quick feint and a seamless double crossover, followed by a graceful spin move, he glided past Hachimura with ease.
But Watanabe and Nebuya weren't about to let him pass that easily.
They immediately double-teamed him, trying to force him to halt his advance. Yet, Shiro remained calm, showcasing his astounding ball-handling skills. Executing a reverse behind-the-back dribble, he kept the ball close to the floor, practically skimming the surface, which allowed him to split the double team without hesitation.
Just then, Mibuchi rushed in, attempting a risky side-steal. But Shiro anticipated his move, suspended the ball mid-dribble, then spun it fiercely to the opposite side, escaping Mibuchi's grasp once again.
With Mibuchi outmaneuvered, Shiro raced toward the three-point line like a gust of wind, Kawamura being the only defender left in the paint.
Seeing the clear path, Shiro surged forward. He launched into the air, twisting a full 360 degrees mid-jump, gracefully sidestepping Kawamura's defense with breathtaking agility and precision.
Then, exerting immense force, he gripped the ball with both hands and slammed it through the hoop with explosive power! The dunk was electrifying, and as his feet hit the ground, the rim quivered with a long, resonant squeak, as though it might snap off entirely.
The gym fell silent, everyone frozen in disbelief at what they had just witnessed. Then, as if waking from a trance, the crowd erupted in cheers and screams. Breaking through five defenders and finishing with that incredible dunk! Was this even possible for a human?
The stands were in an uproar, with the audience cheering wildly for Shiro's extraordinary play.
"MVP!"
"MVP!"
Shiro had more than earned his MVP title.
After this spectacular play, Shiro's legs gave way, and he dropped to the floor, exhausted. The adrenaline of being in the Zone had taken its toll, and it was clear he hadn't fully developed the stamina needed to sustain this level yet.
Beep!
With the ref's whistle, the third quarter came to an end.
In just four minutes, Shiro had singlehandedly dominated Rokko, scoring over 20 points. The scoreboard read 93:118, with Teiko now 25 points ahead.
The Rokko players stared numbly at Shiro, seated on the floor. They were fully aware of the impact he'd had on them—a brutal, thorough defeat. Heads hung low, they made their way back to the bench.
Shiro was helped to the bench by Nijimura. He was clearly spent, his vision spinning from exhaustion. The toll of being in the Zone was immense, especially for his young, not fully developed body.
Momoi silently handed him a towel and gently wiped the sweat from his brow.
"You did amazing, Shiro. Take a good rest for the fourth quarter" Coach Shirogane said, patting him on the shoulder with a proud smile, thrilled to have such a remarkable player.
"Yeah, Shiro, take a good break. Leave the rest to us—we'll secure this victory for you" promised Akashi, his eyes full of determination not to waste the hard work Shiro and Aomine had put in.
When the fourth quarter began, Teiko seemed unstoppable, as if fueled by Shiro's performance. With their 25-point lead, their offense sharpened, and their defense left no gaps.
But Rokko wasn't ready to give up. Their players banded together, battling fiercely for every possession and rebound. The game grew intense as both sides exchanged baskets, neither yielding an inch.
At last, Mibuchi sank a deep three-pointer just as the beep of the final buzzer sounded.
The scoreboard read 110:133. Rokko had lost, and Teiko clinched the National Middle School Championship title!
The crowd leaped to their feet, applause filling the arena. The thrilling match had shown everyone the future of basketball's limitless possibilities. Joy and triumph permeated the air.
The Teiko players embraced, their young faces beaming with joy, cheering together.
"We are the champions!"
Momoi quietly watched Shiro, her gaze gentle as she looked at the boy absorbed in the victory's joy, a deep sense of pride and affection warming her heart.
Coach Shirogane stood beside the spirited team, silently thinking, 'The new training regime is clearly paying off. It might be time to increase the intensity'
For a split second, a chill swept through the Teiko players, but it quickly faded. After all, this was a time to celebrate victory—no one would dwell on a fleeting feeling now.
Yet, as they cheered on the court, they had no idea what grueling training awaited them.
"We lost…we really lost!" Mibuchi looked blankly at Teiko's celebrating team, his eyes misting with tears he couldn't hold back.
"Mibuchi…" Hachimura and a few other third-years approached, their expressions somber. "Rokko's future depends on you now. Next year, make it happen"
Hearing this, Mibuchi's heart tightened. His seniors were about to graduate..
The realization brought a flood of emotions, and he blinked back his tears, quickly turning away, so the others wouldn't see his vulnerability.
"Next year… I will lead Rokko to the championship!" he vowed, clenching his fists. He knew this promise was not just for his teammates, but also a commitment to himself and the entire Rokko basketball team.