About to Begin

Shutoku Locker Room

The air was thick with an indescribable tension. The ticking clock on the wall seemed to mark the countdown to the impending battle.

Everyone remained silent. Only the sounds of steady breathing and the occasional rustling of clothes broke the stillness.

Midorima leaned against his locker with his eyes closed, conserving energy and making his final mental preparations for the game.

His opponent was Shiro — a player whose true strength had remained a mystery ever since he first entered the zone back in middle school.

Midorima knew that this wasn't just another game for him. It was an opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage.

Slowly, he opened his eyes, shifting his gaze toward today's lucky item — a notoriously pungent durian sitting beside him.

Taking a deep breath, he inhaled the overwhelming aroma as if drawing power from it, calming his nerves in the process.

"Cancer is ranked number one in today's horoscope, and my lucky item is a durian. Shiro, there's no way I'm losing to you!" Midorima clenched his fists, silently reaffirming his resolve.

Hearing the reporter's provocative words earlier had already ignited a fire inside him, but he knew the only proper response would come on the court.

"Are you seriously bringing that smelly durian to the bench?" Takao asked with a wry smile, pinching his nose in exaggerated discomfort.

The rest of the team also looked at Midorima with questioning eyes—while instinctively covering their noses. The smell was no joke!

"Of course." Midorima gave a firm nod, his determination unwavering. He ignored his teammates' reactions entirely. The horoscope had spoken—this durian would bring him luck, and he wasn't about to doubt it.

His teammates exchanged helpless glances, shaking their heads. They knew there was no changing Midorima's mind. And honestly, they believed in his abilities. If carrying a durian into battle was part of his preparation, then so be it.

"Alright, I won't say much today" Coach Nakatani announced, his voice ringing through the locker room. "We have only one goal — VICTORY! Do you hear me?"

"YES!" The team responded in unison, their voices filled with power and determination. They weren't just playing for themselves; they were playing for their school, for Shutoku's pride.

Fukui Locker Room

The atmosphere here was far more relaxed. The team knew this game was primarily a one-on-one showdown between Shiro and Midorima. The rest of them? They were just here for the ride.

At the center of it all, Shiro sat quietly on a bench, seemingly unbothered by the pre-game tension. Next to him, Momoi held his hand, offering silent support.

"Show my stats" Shiro muttered in his mind

Player Profile

Name: Kawakami Shiro

- Age: 15

- Height: 194 cm (6'4")

- Weight: 86 kg (190 lbs)

- Strength: S

- Speed: S

- Stamina: S+

Skills:

- Stephen Curry – 3-Point Shooting

- Kawhi Leonard – Lockdown Defense

- Allen Iverson – Crossover Dribble

- Tracy McGrady – Pull-up Jumper

- Kobe Bryant – Fadeaway Jumper

- Magic Johnson – No-look passing

- Dwyane Wade – EuroStep

- Harden – Double Step-Back

- Jordan – Hangtime

- Anthony – Triple Threat

- Olajuwon – Dream Shake

- Payton – Glove steals

Skill Points (SP): 2031

"Man, after all these games, I've barely saved up 2000 skill points. Without playing against the Generation of Miracles, grinding these points is a nightmare!" Shiro muttered to himself.

"System, open the Skills Shop."

Skills Shop:

- Nowitzki – One-Legged Fadeaway – 2000 SP

- Duncan – Bank Shot – 2000 SP

- Abdul-Jabbar – Skyhook – 2000 SP

- Rose – Explosive Crossover –2000 SP

- Green – Chokehold Defense 2000 SP

Refresh Skill List – 100 SP per refresh

"Wait… what the hell is this? Chokehold Defense? Is this even legal?" Shiro stared at the list, his head full of question marks.

"Forget it. System, redeem Sky Hook." Shiro's eyes locked onto the legendary move. It might not be needed for today's game, but it could definitely come in handy for the next one.

"I wonder how well it'll work with my insane wingspan" Shiro sighed, shaking his head.

"Ahem!" Coach Miyamoto cleared his throat, snapping everyone back to reality.

"Alright, listen up. This is a crucial match. This is the toughest opponent we've faced so far. I need all of you to put your focus in the right place—go out there and dominate! Now, let's go!"

With that, Miyamoto led the team out of the locker room.

Inside the Gymnasium

The atmosphere was electric, like a volcano ready to erupt. The crowd was roaring with excitement.

As Shutoku's players stepped onto the court first, waves of cheers erupted from the stands. Their presence lit up the arena like beams of light.

Not long after, Fukui made their entrance from the opposite tunnel.

"Shutoku and Fukui are here!" The crowd's screams grew louder as fans waved their banners, their faces beaming with anticipation.

"Look, look! It's my king, Shiro! I'm in love!" One excited fangirl shrieked, eyes locked onto Shiro as if he were the only person in the world.

"Pfft, our Moyun is just as handsome, okay?" Another fan shot back, her voice just as passionate.

"Man, this is gonna be one hell of a game!"

"Exactly! A battle between two players at the level of the Generation of Miracles — this is gonna be legendary!"

Shiro walked at the front of his team, scanning the crowd before locking eyes with Midorima.

"Midorima, long time no see. This is our first time facing off, huh?" Shiro greeted him with a relaxed smile.

"Shiro, if you think you're gonna wipe the floor with us, you better prove you have the skills to back it up!" Midorima shot back with a sharp glare, his confidence unwavering.

The rest of Shutoku's players turned their heads, throwing death stares at Shiro.

Shiro was stunned. What the hell? I haven't even said anything yet, why are they so fired up?! He scratched his nose awkwardly, confused by the hostility.

"Dude, what did you do?" Nijimura, whispered. Even his own teammates were curious now.

"Nothing! Don't frame me—I literally didn't say anything!" Shiro responded, exasperated.

"Well, now that it's out there, you better back it up." Coach Miyamoto gave Shiro a firm look.

"What? But I didn't even say anything!" Shiro nearly choked on his words. Who the hell is spreading rumors about me?!

Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the gym, a reporter with a mic and camera was grinning mischievously after finishing a phone call. He had just exaggerated Shiro's words and spread them, stirring up the tension even more.

"BEEP! Shutoku vs. Fukui—GAME START!"

With the referee's whistle, the match officially began.