Afternoon – Tenkuu Gakuin Gymnasium, Matsumoto City
The game surged with relentless energy. Both sides were locked in a fierce rhythm, their movements sharp and precise. Every pass, every step echoed with tension as the crowd roared in excitement. Despite Tenkuu's efforts to close the gap, Silver Vortex maintained control of the tempo, their offense flowing with dangerous precision.
Time: 4:50 – 1st Quarter
The crowd's excitement shook the air. The scoreboard glowed like a challenge, reflecting the fierce pace of the match. Sweat, noise, and energy filled the court as both teams locked eyes across the half-court line.
Score: Home 9 – Visitor 14
Silver Vortex held control, their plays smooth and dangerous. The tall blonde forward, Leo, glanced toward Reiji with a smirk and called for the ball from No.56.
Leo: Let's see if Tenkuu can keep up.
He burst forward, sneakers screeching as he executed a fast between-the-legs dribble, then flicked the ball behind his back, slicing through the defense. Ryota rushed to intercept, but Leo sent a quick bounce pass to No.23.
Silver Vortex's towering center moved into position, his shadow swallowing the paint.
Leo: Feed him!
No.56 lobbed the ball high. Yoshito jumped, arms stretched wide, but the man behind him caught it effortlessly midair, massive hands gripping the ball like steel clamps.
Yoshito: No way!
The rim shook violently as the unknown player slammed it down with a roar that rattled the entire gym. The crowd gasped, some cheering, others frozen in disbelief.
Landing hard, he brushed past Yoshito, sweat glinting under the bright lights. His gaze locked onto Tenkuu's defenders, his voice deep and steady, carrying both confidence and warning.
Lucien: Remember this name. Lucien Vale, No.16. I don't just play under the rim, I own it.
A tense silence filled the gym for a brief second before the cheers erupted again. Reiji's eyes narrowed, focused sharply on the player now standing in the paint.
Reiji (Thinking): So that's their center. He's not just tall, he's a monster.
Announcer: Silver Vortex extends their lead!
Score: Home 9 – Visitor 16
Time Remaining: 4:13
Reiji caught the inbound pass calmly. His eyes burned under the bright lights.
Reiji (Thinking): Enough of letting them control the tempo. Time to turn it around.
He crossed half-court and began moving. His hands glided over the ball with surgical precision. A Phantom Dribble, a faint rhythm shift that confused his defender, followed by a Half-Step Slide that made his movement unpredictable. The defender stumbled for a split second, enough for Reiji.
He passed the ball behind his back to Ryota, who dribbled fast, executing an Inverted Cross to shake off No.34. Ryota threw a low bounce pass back to Reiji, who jumped into motion.
Silver Vortex's towering center, Lucien Vale, shifted his massive frame, stepping into the paint.
Lucien: You won't get past me.
Reiji smirked, planted his left foot, then twisted and released the ball. Jung leaped, catching it midair and shooting instantly.
Swoosh!
Announcer: Tenkuu answers back! Smooth coordination from Reiji and Jung!
Score: Home 12 – Visitor 16
Time Remaining: 3:58
The gym thundered with cheers. The tension was thick and rising.
Shi: Stay locked in! They'll hit back harder!
Silver Vortex regrouped. No.56 inbounded to Leo, who appeared calm, almost too calm. He motioned for Lucien to set a screen. Lucien planted himself near the free-throw line—immovable.
Leo used that wall of muscle to slip past Ryota and launched a midrange jumper that rimmed out. But Lucien caught the rebound and slammed it down with a thunderous dunk that shook the entire floor.
Announcer: Lucien Vale dominates the paint again!
Score: Home 12 – Visitor 18
The ref raised his hand, signaling a foul on Yoshito during the rebound. The shot counted. Lucien made his free throw.
Score: Home 14 – Visitor 19
Time Remaining: 3:17
The gym fell momentarily silent. Lucien turned, his voice deep and calm.
Lucien: Lucien Vale. Center. No.16. Remember that name.
Reiji wiped the sweat from his face with his wristband, eyes locked on the giant.
Reiji (Thinking): So, you're the anchor. Let's see how strong you really are.
Ryota took the next inbound, setting the rhythm. He began with a Low Dribble, alternating hands rapidly, then used a Ghost Step, bouncing left so fast the defender lunged early. Ryota flicked his wrist, sending the ball flying toward Reiji.
Reiji caught it midair, spun, and faked a layup. Lucien rose like a shadow, hand outstretched.
Reiji: You're too predictable.
He dropped the ball in a reverse bounce. Shi caught it just as Lucien landed, jumped, faked the defender, and scored a clean layup.
Score: Home 15 – Visitor 19
Time Remaining: 2:34
Jung: Nice one! That's how we do it!
Silver Vortex pushed back. No.34 dribbled aggressively, spinning past Shi and firing a sharp pass to Leo. Leo launched a deep three, but Reiji's fingertips brushed it midair, deflecting it.
Reiji: Not this time!
The ball bounced off the rim. Shi secured the rebound and quickly passed to Ryota. Ryota exploded forward with a Lightning Glide Dribble, weaving through defenders.
Ryota (Thinking): Keep the pressure up! Don't stop!
He crossed behind, then delivered a fast pass to Reiji. Reiji jumped, drawing two defenders, and bounced the ball backward between their legs. Jung caught it perfectly and shot with a fadeaway.
Swoosh!
Announcer: Tenkuu cuts the lead again! They refuse to slow down!
Score: Home 17 – Visitor 19
Time Remaining: 2:08
The crowd roared louder than before. The pace was electric.
Lucien signaled for the ball at the top of the key. Leo nodded and lobbed it his way.
Lucien: Let's see if you can handle me, Reiji.
Lucien backed him down, each step heavy and deliberate. Reiji braced himself, absorbing the pressure.
Reiji (Thinking): His weight's crushing... but his rhythm isn't flawless. Disrupt that, and he'll lose control.
Lucien spun into a hook shot, but Reiji anticipated it. He shifted right, slapped the ball free. It bounced loose then Shi dove, grabbed it, and hurled it to Jung sprinting ahead.
Shi: Go, Jung! Finish it!
Jung dashed past half-court. No.34 blocked his path, but Jung crossed left, pulled back, and took the shot.
Swoosh!
Announcer: Tie game! Tenkuu catches up with 1:44 left!
Score: Home 19 – Visitor 19
Silver Vortex's bench erupted in commands. Leo clapped sharply.
Leo: Don't panic! Stick to the plan!
Reiji exhaled, his gaze never leaving Lucien.
Reiji (Thinking): Even after losing the lead... he's still calm. That means he's not done.
Lucien took the inbound, dribbled once, twice, and handed off to No.56 who drove into the paint. Reiji rotated to cut the path, forcing the pass back to Lucien.
Lucien faked a spin, then jumped for a shot. But Reiji was there, reading every move.
Reiji: Denied!
He blocked it clean, sending the ball soaring to Ryota. Ryota sprinted downcourt, flicking a one-handed pass to Shi.
Shi caught it midair, twisted under Lucien's arm, and banked it off the glass.
Announcer: Tenkuu takes the lead! What teamwork!
Score: Home 21 – Visitor 19
Time Remaining: 0:26
The gym exploded in cheers. The energy rippled through every player. Silver Vortex attempted one final push. Leo dribbled from half-court, spinning past Yoshito, and went up for a quick jumper, but Jung leaped beside him. Their bodies collided midair, the ball slipped, bouncing off the rim.
The buzzer sounded.
Announcer: That's the end of the 1st Quarter! Tenkuu takes the lead, 21 to 19! What an explosive finish!
The crowd erupted into chants and applause.
Yoshito: Great defense, everyone! Keep it tight!
Shi: They're strong, but we can still match them. Don't let your guard down!
Reiji leaned against the bench, breathing heavily. Across the court, Lucien stood tall, calm, wiping his sweat with a towel.
Reiji (Thinking): He's not even tired. That's not just height or strength... that's control. Next quarter, I'll have to go beyond what I know.
Lucien looked back, meeting Reiji's stare with a faint smirk.
Lucien: You've got instincts, but the wall hasn't even cracked yet.
Reiji smiled lightly, confident.
Reiji: Then I'll bring the hammer next.
The whistle blew for the timeout break. Both benches huddled, preparing for the next quarter. The Tenkuu players' spirits were high.
Ryota: Let's keep the rhythm! Fast passes, smart plays!
Jung: Our spacing worked. Reiji's reads are sharp. Let's lock the wings harder.
Sheena: Perfect. You've broken their tempo. Control the next one. Reiji, expect a double-team soon.
Reiji nodded, tightening his shoelaces, fire in his eyes.
Reiji (Thinking): If Lucien's the wall, then I'll break him piece by piece.
The buzzer sounded again. Both teams rose, eyes locked, hearts pounding, ready for the second quarter to begin.
To be continued...