The Highly Anticipated Game

Sunlight streamed through the gymnasium's glass windows, casting a glow on the reporters who had been waiting eagerly outside. Like hunters stalking their prey, their eyes gleamed with anticipation. Finally, a team bus slowly pulled up, breaking the quiet tension.

The doors opened, and Shiro was the first to step out. He removed his sleep mask, his clear, focused eyes shining under the sunlight. Stretching lightly, he prepared himself for the upcoming battle.

"Man, that bus ride was awful for sleeping" grumbled Nijimura as he followed closely behind, stifling a yawn. Though he looked exhausted, his eyes betrayed his excitement for the game.

"Well, you can catch up on sleep after we win" Kawamura replied with a grin, his face radiating confidence. This was a milestone—his team had never made it this far, and now, just like that, they were in the Sweet 16.

Moyun stepped off the bus as well, eyes flickering with unease. Facing Midorima, a player in the same position as him, weighed heavily on his mind. But deep down, he knew this was his shot to prove himself.

"All right, everyone, head inside and get ready" ordered Coach Miyamoto, his voice snapping the players out of their thoughts. His face was serious, his gaze resolute. He understood that this match carried immense significance for everyone.

The team nodded and quickly gathered their belongings.

"They're here!" someone in the crowd shouted. Instantly, the reporters swarmed forward like sharks sensing blood.

"Excuse me! What's your take on today's game?" One journalist fired off a question, setting off a barrage of inquiries that bombarded the players.

"Shiro, this is your first official matchup against a member of the Generation of Miracles. Any thoughts?" another journalist asked, voice brimming with expectation.

"Shiro, do you have a girlfriend? And if so, would you be open to having another?" a bolder reporter blurted out.

Shiro instinctively glanced at Momoi, standing beside him. She smirked playfully before reaching over and twisting his waist sharply.

"Hiss—" Shiro sucked in a sharp breath as the pain snapped him out of his daze.

Seeing the commotion, Miyamoto quickly stepped in to shoo the reporters away. His priority was ensuring his players stayed focused and undistracted.

Just as they entered the gym, another team bus rolled in.

The doors opened, and the players from Shutoku High stepped out, immediately drawing the attention of the reporters once more.

"Midorima, Shiro just said that Shutoku is weak and that he's going to destroy you guys. How do you plan to respond?" One journalist's question was sharp and direct, clearly aiming to stir up drama.

Hearing this, the Shutoku players clenched their fists, anger flashing across their faces. Midorima remained silent, but his eyes burned with determination. He knew there was only one way to respond—by proving their strength on the court.

"Don't worry, we'll make sure to return that statement with interest on the court" declared captain Otsubo, stepping forward and speaking firmly into the microphone.

With that, the team marched into the gym, their expressions fierce. This wasn't just a game — it was a battle. Even if they had to push themselves to the limit, they would make sure Fukui High felt their presence.

The journalist who had asked the question grinned triumphantly. He had just struck media gold.

Inside the packed stadium, the energy was electric, like a volcano on the verge of eruption. The 20,000-seat venue was nearly full, buzzing with anticipation and excitement.

"So many people!" Kagami muttered in awe, his voice barely audible over the crowd's roar.

"Well, of course! This is the National Tournament, and we've got two members of the Generation of Miracles facing off!" a deep, sturdy voice responded. It belonged to Teppei Kiyoshi, standing at 193 cm and known as the Iron Heart among the Uncrowned Kings. Finally, he was back in action.

"One's the Ace of the Generation of Miracles, and the other's their top sharpshooter. This is going to be insane" Hyuga added, scanning the arena.

The Seirin team had settled into their seats, having arrived early due to their ongoing training camp nearby.

"The game hasn't even started yet!" A voice filled with playful excitement chimed in as a blonde-haired boy bounced onto the bleachers.

Kise couldn't wait for this match, and standing beside him, Kasamatsu sighed in exasperation, his face filled with resignation.

"You're this hyped now, but I don't see you this eager during practice! Double the training when we get back!" Kasamatsu barked, his voice carrying a familiar strictness.

Wiping the sweat off his brow, Kasamatsu shook his head. He had basically been dragged here by Kise. It was frustrating, but at the same time, he understood. Kise's talent and potential were undeniable, but sometimes, his enthusiasm needed some grounding.

"Come on, I'm just excited!" Kise chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

Kasamatsu sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Unbelievable."

Just then, a familiar voice rang out, laced with amusement. "Yo, isn't that Kise?"

Kise and Kasamatsu turned to see a figure with deep blue hair strolling toward them, a playful smirk on his face.

"Aominecchi!" Kise beamed, immediately slinging an arm around Aomine's shoulders, their bond evident.

"Get off me" Aomine grumbled, shrugging Kise off, though the hint of a smile played on his lips.

"Daiki Aomine?" Kasamatsu murmured, eyeing him warily. "Kise, this is the guy we're playing next."

"Yeah, yeah" Kise replied nonchalantly, clearly unconcerned. He had always been able to separate the game from his personal life, keeping his competitive nature and friendships distinct.

Watching their interaction, Kasamatsu decided not to press the issue. Instead, he extended a hand toward Aomine. "I'm Yukio Kasamatsu, Kise's captain."

Aomine barely glanced at the hand before replying casually, "Yeah, yeah. You probably already know who I am."

Kasamatsu frowned slightly at Aomine's dismissive tone but chose to let it slide, shifting his focus back to the court. The game was about to begin, and all eyes were on the two powerhouse teams ready to clash.