Akashi Asuka's head hurt.
In today's match between Yosen and Seirin, he saw what he wanted to see, but the outcome was just a little… unexpected.
Even in a sci-fi world, do they have to cheat so unreasonably?
In the early stages, Yosen almost completely dominated Seirin. But in the latter half of the third quarter, Seirin suddenly "exploded" without any warning.
Then Kagami activated the first door of the [Zone] again, fully sinking his consciousness, combining the [Zone] with his Animal Instinct.
And at the final moment, Kuroko too unleashed an eruption of skill, helping Kagami touch the key to the second door of the [Zone].
This was an experience Akashi Asuka had never had in his previous world.
In the old world, the protagonist team also had a certain aura, but it was nowhere near as strong as the protagonist team in this world.
"Looks like I'll need to be extra careful this time!" he thought.
·····
The next day.
The spectators arrived unusually early.
If yesterday's Seirin vs Yosen game had everyone thrilled, then today's opening match of the qualifiers had already set the crowd's expectations sky-high before it even started.
Because today's opening match was none other than:
Shutoku High, the team with the top shooter of the Generation of Miracles.
Against:
Seiho High, the Interhigh champions.
Such a showdown…
Even ordinary spectators couldn't miss it. And neither could Seirin or the other Generation-of-Miracles onlookers.
·····
Shutoku Locker Room
Next to Midorima Shintarou sat a huge stuffed doll, carefully and meticulously removing the hand wraps.
"Wow~~ is this today's lucky charm? It's huge!"
Takao Kazunari just walked in and jumped back at the sight of the stuffed doll, taller than a meter, beside Midorima.
"Of course. Today's lucky charm can only be bought from a shop owned by someone I know, and it wasn't cheap."
"Looks like you're taking today's match seriously!"
"That's only natural. Don't forget, today is a revenge match!"
Midorima removed the last hand wrap and looked up, his eyes shining with unprecedented excitement.
In a way…
Each member of the Generation of Miracles sought a true opponent, just like Aomine Daiki, but unlike Aomine, who simply craved a strong opponent, the others hoped to find a true equal.
Just like Atsushi Murasakibara, who, during the summer battle with Akashi, would erase his [Safety Line] out of excitement, yet didn't do so in yesterday's match with Seirin.
Murasakibara longed for a center who could match him in strength and physique. Only such an opponent could let him truly savor victory.
Midorima's case was similar.
As the Generation of Miracles' top shooter, he secretly longed for a guard capable of challenging him directly.
Akashi wasn't a pure shooting guard, but even Midorima had to respect his three-point skill.
"Let's go! Today, we avenge our last defeat!"
·····
BEEP~~~
The dull electronic whistle signaled the start of the game.
The tip-off at midcourt went exactly as expected: Akashi won it easily. As Kasuga Ryuhei secured first possession, Akashi dashed past everyone and sprinted toward Shutoku's court.
Before anyone could react, Kasuga launched a long-distance pass, flinging the ball forward.
Outside the three-point line, Akashi received the pass and shot immediately.
SWISH!
BEEP~~~
Three points.
3:0.
Seiho scored first.
And it had only been 2.41 seconds since the game started.
The spectators blinked in shock, then erupted into a thunderous roar.
"Waooo~~"
"Score!"
"What a smooth fast break! Does Seiho really have this kind of firepower?"
"Seiho! Seiho! Seiho…"
Perhaps because Seiho had relied on a stable, defensive style in previous games, this sudden switch to offense felt like a massive contrast.
"Strange… did they change tactics to an offensive formation today?" Momoi Mutsuki asked.
To ordinary spectators, Seiho's tactics might seem strange or exciting, but for professional players, this sudden change was risky.
Seiho's strength already surpassed Shutoku's. Changing their playstyle recklessly at the start could backfire.
Normally, they should have focused on steady defense and controlled offense.
"Who knows? But that guy won't do anything foolish."
Aomine Daiki watched Akashi on the court. Akashi was already returning to defense and passed by Midorima Shintarou, greeting him with a friendly smile:
"Yo! Taking it slow?"
Midorima gave a glance but said nothing. A few seconds later, Akashi launched a shot that spanned the entire court, a counterattack straight at Shutoku's basket.
The ball soared like a comet from Shutoku's side to Seiho's hoop, and the crowd erupted again.
Kasuga Ryuhei and others had just returned to the paint, only to witness the ball descending. They stopped, shaking their heads in helpless amazement.
"Seriously… no matter how many times I see that shot, I still can't get used to it!"
Even though Seiho had faced the Generation of Miracles multiple times, Midorima's three-point shooting remained the most unreal technique among them.
Completely defying logic!
"Alright, stop complaining. Time for our counterattack."
Iwamu Tsutomu passed the ball from the baseline to Kasuga, and Seiho launched their second-round offense.
This time, Seiho's approach was completely different from usual. Instead of a steady advance, they used a full-court no-ball offense, passing rapidly until they reached the three-point line…
=============
Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria