Yamashita Shio chose to hand over the most important position in the basketball club to Yuuto at this crucial moment.
This wasn't fair to Tsutomu Iwamura, but...
"This is a decision made after discussing with the coach." Iwamura also spoke up at this time. "I hope to unload all burdens and go all out for the last Nationals of my high school career."
Winning the championship as captain is certainly glorious.
But Iwamura chose to let go at this time, hoping to discard all burdens and play this most important match with full strength.
"Yuuto, you said before that a King without a crown is like the Emperor's New Clothes, just a ridiculous clown indulging in his own world."
"You were right, so I hand this burden to you now. Everyone in our basketball club hopes you can accept it."
While speaking, others also aimed expectant gazes at Yuuto.
This first-year student, although only a first-year, had become the most indispensable existence among them.
"Okay."
Yuuto nodded without hesitation. Completing the "heritage"-like transfer of power before such a critical match could effectively stimulate team morale.
Seeing this, the third-year players all breathed a sigh of relief.
In this way, they could face what might be the most important match of their lives without any psychological burden.
Iwamura's rigid face showed a smile as he gently patted Yuuto's shoulder.
Others followed, putting their hands on his shoulders as if handing everything over to him.
Yuuto felt as if he was carrying the entire weight of Seiho.
"Give the order, Captain." Ryuhei Kasuga was also smiling. Then he heard Yuuto say, "Rest for 20 minutes, then proceed to the second practice match."
"Yes!" Everyone responded loudly and went to prepare.
Thus.
Seiho completed the transfer of power between new and old; Yuuto became the veritable King of Seiho.
"Don't blame me for giving you the pressure at this time. Seiho, this ship, needs a helmsman like you." Yamashita Shio walked to Yuuto's side after the crowd dispersed.
However.
He believed this was the best timing. He believed in Yuuto's magnanimity, fearless of pressure.
Yuuto was a genius rising from a place like Okushirazome; he had overcome bigger difficulties.
He was strong enough, his shoulders broad enough to carry Seiho's heavy weight.
Most importantly, Yuuto was the strongest player; what Akashi Seijuro could accomplish, Yuuto would only do better.
"You look more pressured than me, Coach." Yuuto patted Yamashita Shio's shoulder, speaking disrespectfully (playfully), "Remember to wear a nice suit on the day of the match; we will stand on the podium."
"I will." Yamashita Shio smiled too.
Then.
A new round of practice matches began.
...
Time passed unknowingly to mid-June.
The Nationals entered the most important final stage.
These days, discussions about the final between the two teams could be seen everywhere on the Internet.
Local newspapers in Tokyo and Kyoto were also tracking reports, conducting match previews.
However.
Seiho and Rakuzan both chose closed training, not letting any outsider in, fearing leakage of their preparations.
But the powerful reporters still discovered the movements of the two teams.
Many former players of Rakuzan and Seiho who had entered university gathered in Kyoto at this time.
No need to guess to know they came to help their alma maters prepare for the final.
"Even university players were called back."
"This is the heritage of the King and the Emperor."
Seirin people were also paying attention to the final. Reading the newspaper, they sighed at the deep heritage of these powerhouses, casually pulling a group of powerful sparring partners.
"After all, it's Seiho and Rakuzan. Players coming out of their basketball clubs are elites among elites; they are equally valued in university."
"How about we go to the scene to watch the game later?"
"Final..."
Watching live and watching on TV are very different.
Although lacking funds to stay in a hotel, Seirin still had money for a round-trip ticket.
Others looked at Riko Aida. The latter was equally moved; she nodded without thinking too long.
"Great!"
Seirin people cheered; Kagami's thoughts had already drifted to that arena in Kyoto.
...
Kanagawa Private Hospital.
Kise applied for early discharge.
"Your foot hasn't healed yet."
"Don't worry, Senior, it won't affect anything. For that match, no matter what, I want to witness it personally."
Witness the result of the first confrontation between the Generation of Miracles and Yuuto in high school.
Would Yuuto have the last laugh again, or would Akashi redeem the face of the Generation of Miracles?
"And I have this." Kise raised the crutch in his hand, as if he had recovered from the match loss.
"In that case, alright. I'll go with you."
"That's really appreciated, Kasamatsu-senpai."
...
Day of the final.
Midorima returned to his room after lunch. For today, he specially bought a pair of disguise sunglasses.
After putting them on, he went out specifically to ask his family.
"Kaa-san, do I look unfamiliar like this?"
Midorima's mother looked up at her son a few times, then lowered her head to continue clearing the dishes.
"Shintaro, if you want to make mom laugh, you succeeded; your joke is very humorous."
His sister was also powerless to complain about her brother.
"Brother, if you want to watch the game, just go directly. Why play such a boring disguise game? Also, no one goes out with a sharp pair of scissors; you'll be arrested as a dangerous element."
Midorima gave up completely. When going out, he honestly switched back to his original glasses, without any disguise.
"I'm heading out."
...
At the same time.
All Seiho members had made final preparations.
Their match was scheduled for 5:00 PM, allowing most fans time to watch.
Yuuto and the others arrived at the arena an hour early.
Register.
Go to the locker room.
Walk onto the court for a simple spot check, then return to the locker room for final preparations, waiting for the match to start.
Unknowingly, time reached 5:00 PM.
At this moment.
The arena was already packed with over 20,000 enthusiastic fans from all over the country.
"Little Midorima, long time no see."
"Eh, you actually didn't disguise yourself today; so magical."
Kise recognized Midorima from afar; that green hair was particularly eye-catching.
Walking closer and finding his old teammate exceptionally normal today, he felt incredible.
Midorima's mouth twitched, thinking of that damn memory from the afternoon.
"Clearly studied hard, why was I recognized so easily?"
...
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