NBA Skills: Dominating Kuroko no Basket

As the two teams entered the court, the atmosphere grew tense. Cheers and shouts from the audience echoed throughout the gymnasium, as if the energy could tear the roof off.

Numerous spectators from other schools had also gathered, eager to witness this highly anticipated match.

Some came to learn and gain experience, while others were basketball enthusiasts simply seeking an extraordinary game. Among them were the players from Seihō High, who had just been defeated by Seirin. They stood on the sidelines with serious expressions, watching Seirin and Shūtoku intently.

Although they had lost, they weren't discouraged. Instead, they approached this opportunity with a mindset to learn. They knew that challenging stronger opponents was the only way to improve.

In Shūtoku's side, the team gathered in a huddle. Their captain and center, Taisuke Ōtsubo, stood at the center with arms crossed, addressing the players with a stern expression:

"Not many would have expected Seirin to cut through their competition and reach the finals! The defeat of the King of the North was a major upset, but it means nothing to us. Whether the opponent is a tiger or a rabbit, a lion has one job: crush them completely. Just like always—victory is the only option!"

Ōtsubo's commanding tone lit a fire in Shūtoku's players, who raised their fists and shouted in unison: "Yes!"

Meanwhile, on Seirin's side, exhaustion was evident. They were breathing heavily, as if they had just finished an intense battle. Their match against Seihō had drained much of their energy, and now they had to face another formidable opponent — a team with a member of the Generation of Miracles, Shūtoku High. The weight of the challenge was palpable, an invisible pressure bearing down on them.

"Ugh, I'm so wiped out!" Hyuga complained with a grimace. "This schedule is ridiculous. We just finished a tough match against Seihō, and now we're up against a powerhouse like Shūtoku. During the last game, all we thought about was winning to make it to the next round. But now, this is it — our final match!"

His tone grew heavier, realizing the importance of the game. However, a spark of determination flashed in his eyes.

"There's no more saving strength for the next match or worrying about what comes after. All we need to do is give it everything we've got and fight to the very end for the win!"

His voice rang with resolve, and a confident smile spread across his face. He encouraged his teammates to push forward and never give up.

"Yes!"

Seirin's players matched their captain's energy. They were determined, filled with fierce fighting spirit, ready to claim victory in the finals.

"Whistle! Teams to the court!"

Both teams calmly took their positions, each player locking eyes with their opponent.

"I didn't think you'd actually make it to the finals. But this is as far as you'll go. All that talk about 'even a small, unknown school can succeed if they work together' — it's just naive fantasy. Let me show you how foolish your choices really are" Midorima said, his tone cold as he adjusted his glasses, gazing disdainfully at Kuroko.

Kuroko remained expressionless but firmly retorted, "No one can predict if a choice is right or wrong. My decision isn't based on fantasies. And if I may argue back, Seirin isn't weak at all. We won't lose."

Midorima's sharp gaze grew even colder, but he said nothing further. He believed that the game would make Kuroko face reality.

The announcer's voice echoed: "Now, the Group A finals of the preliminaries, Seirin High versus Shūtoku High, officially begins!"

"Is that all? Aren't you going to greet Kagami?" Takao teased with a smirk.

Midorima replied indifferently, "There's no need. A player who performed so poorly in the last match has nothing worth acknowledging. If he wants to speak, he should do it through his performance."

Not even sparing Kagami a glance, Midorima turned his back on him. Kagami, standing behind, heard the remark and momentarily lowered his head. But then, his mouth twisted into a grin.

"Same here! I was so frustrated I could've slapped myself for that performance" Kagami declared with determination. He raised his head, his eyes ablaze with confidence. "But that's all behind me now. I'll channel every bit of that frustration into this game—to beat you. I can't wait any longer!"

Midorima's expression darkened as he snapped back, "Oh? Bring it on, then!"

With that, the game began.

"Will Seirin pull off another miracle and take down their second king, or will Shūtoku defend their throne?"

This question echoed in the minds of every spectator in the stands.

"Who do you think will win, Shiro?" Momoi clung to his arm, looking up at him with a curious, eager expression. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she leaned closer, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness.

Two others leaned in, listening intently for Shiro's answer.

Shiro smiled faintly, gently ruffling May's hair as he replied, "Most likely Shūtoku"

"Why?" The trio asked in unison, their faces full of curiosity.

Shiro furrowed his brows slightly and explained, "On paper, Shūtoku is stronger. Plus, Seirin just came off a grueling match, while Shūtoku is relatively fresh. Lastly, while Seirin has great players like Kuroko and Kagami, stopping Midorima from scoring will be incredibly difficult"

Shiro pointed out that Midorima was one of the most diligent players in the Generation of Miracles and that his skills must have significantly improved over time.

The tip-off began with Kagami and Ōtsubo jumping for the ball.

The referee tossed the basketball high into the air, and both players leapt simultaneously. Kagami, with his superior jumping ability, managed to tip the ball to Izuki, securing Seirin's possession.