Chapter 19: The Court of Legends

Mamba No Basuke: Rebirth of the Phantom

Chapter 19: The Court of Legends

"Legends don't retire. They become the foundation for those who come next."

— Kobe Bryant

[Prologue – Beyond the Game]

Years had passed since Riku led Japan to victory on the world stage and ushered in a new era of basketball. His name, once whispered as a rising star, was now spoken with the same reverence as Kuroko Bryant, Kagami Taiga, and the Generation of Miracles.

But Riku knew his journey wasn't over.

Because greatness isn't about reaching the top.

It's about what you do after you get there.

[Invitation to Destiny]

A single envelope arrived at Riku's home. There was no return address. No name. Just one phrase stamped in gold:

"The Court of Legends Awaits."

Inside was a plane ticket—destination unknown.

Riku clutched the envelope tightly, heart pounding. He didn't know who had sent it.

But somehow, he could feel Kuroko's spirit guiding him forward.

[System Notification: Final Trial Activated]

• Objective: Face the Greatest Players of All Time

• Location: The Court of Legends

• Reward: Eternal Legacy

[Arrival at the Unknown Court]

The plane landed in a remote location surrounded by mountains. Mist clung to the air as Riku stepped off the plane, his breath visible in the crisp night air.

A black car waited. No driver. No instructions. Just an open door.

Without hesitation, Riku stepped inside.

The journey was silent—no city lights, no sound of civilization. Only the hum of the car's engine and the distant echo of a basketball bouncing in the distance.

Hours passed.

Finally, the car stopped before a pair of massive iron gates, adorned with two words etched in gold:

"Court of Legends."

The gates swung open with a low groan.

Riku stepped through—

And into a place beyond anything he had ever seen.

[The Court of Legends]

The court stretched out beneath a sky filled with stars. The floor shimmered with a faint golden light, as though the very wood remembered the footsteps of every legend who had ever stepped upon it.

Torches flickered along the sidelines, casting long shadows that seemed to whisper of battles fought long ago.

But it was the players standing at the center that took Riku's breath away.

[The Legends]

Five figures stood tall, their jerseys gleaming in the torchlight:

• Kobe Bryant — The Black Mamba, his presence commanding yet calm.

• Michael Jordan — Air Jordan himself, eyes sharp with unshakable confidence.

• LeBron James — The King, his strength and skill undeniable.

• Magic Johnson — The Maestro, whose passes could break any defense.

• Larry Bird — The Sharpshooter, whose gaze alone could sink a shot.

Behind them stood even more legends—Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson, and Stephen Curry—each waiting for their turn.

Riku's hands trembled. "This… this can't be real."

Kobe stepped forward, spinning a basketball in his hands. His smile was faint but unmistakable.

"Welcome to the Court of Legends, kid."

[System Update: Ultimate Challenge Begins]

• Opponents: The Greatest of All Time

• Rules: One Game. No Limits.

• Objective: Prove That Legacy Is Eternal

[Tip-Off: Riku vs. The Legends]

The whistle blew.

The ball shot into the air—

And LeBron James claimed the tip-off with explosive power.

Instantly, the court exploded into motion. Jordan sprinted forward, moving faster than Riku had ever seen.

Pass to Kobe—Fadeaway—Swish.

Riku barely saw the ball leave Kobe's hands before it hit the net.

[First Quarter – Facing the Immortals]

Riku dribbled forward, adrenaline flooding his veins. Magic Johnson blocked his path, eyes reading every movement. Riku cut left—no luck. Right—still no opening.

Suddenly—Jordan appeared, stealing the ball with lightning speed.

The crowd of legends on the sidelines roared with approval.

"This is insane," Riku muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.

[System Notification: Mental Pressure Detected]

• Focus: Disrupted

• Physical Endurance: Declining

• Opponent Level: Beyond Maximum

But then—Kobe's voice cut through the noise.

"Focus, Riku."

Riku's heart steadied. His breathing slowed.

The echoes of Kuroko Bryant's lessons returned to him.

[Mamba Mentality: Limit Break Activated]

• Fear Neutralized

• Focus Level: 200%

• Physical Limits Removed

[Second Quarter – The Comeback Begins]

Riku moved like lightning, weaving past Magic Johnson with newfound speed. LeBron tried to intercept, but Riku spun mid-air, twisting for an impossible layup—

Swish.

The crowd roared.

[Third Quarter – Rising to Their Level]

Riku's passes were sharper than ever—feeding the ball to imaginary teammates as if channeling Kuroko's misdirection. His court awareness expanded until he could sense every player, every movement.

He stole from Jordan, outpaced LeBron, and sank a three-pointer with Bird's hand in his face.

The scoreboard closed the gap.

Legends: 76 - Riku: 74.

[Final Quarter – The Last Shot]

The air was electric as the final minute approached. Every muscle in Riku's body burned, but his eyes never wavered from the hoop.

Kobe stepped forward to guard him.

"Show me what you've got, kid."

Riku's heart pounded.

This was it.

He dribbled—right, left, then back again.

Kobe anticipated each move, his defense unbreakable.

10 seconds left.

9… 8… 7…

Suddenly—Riku stopped.

A single heartbeat of hesitation.

Then—he stepped back.

Fadeaway jumper—perfect form, perfect arc.

Kobe leaped to block—but it was too late.

The ball sailed high—

Swish.

[System Notification: Ultimate Challenge Complete]

• Victory Achieved

• Title Unlocked: Legend Among Legends

• Legacy Status: Eternal

[Post-Game – The Final Lesson]

Silence fell across the court.

Then—Kobe clapped slowly, a genuine smile on his face.

"Well done, kid. You've earned your place here."

The other legends nodded in approval.

Jordan stepped forward, clapping Riku on the shoulder. "You played with heart. That's what matters most."

LeBron chuckled. "And you got past me. Not bad for a kid from Japan."

Magic and Bird exchanged knowing smiles.

But it was Kobe's words that stayed with Riku the longest:

"Remember this, Riku.

Legacy isn't about who you beat. It's about who you inspire."

[Epilogue – The Court Beyond Time]

As Riku stepped off the Court of Legends, he paused to look back one last time.

The lights faded. The legends vanished into the mist.

But their spirit—their lessons—would live within him forever.

Somewhere beyond the world of the living, Kuroko Bryant stood beside Kobe Bryant, watching the next generation rise.

Kobe placed a hand on Kuroko's shoulder.

"You did good, kid."

[FINAL SYSTEM STATUS]

• Mamba Mentality: Infinite

• Legacy Status: Immortalized

• The Game Lives On in Every Player Who Refuses to Quit