The first quarter ended.
22–18, Yosen in the lead.
Murasakibara shrugged his shoulders and dropped onto the bench with all two-hundred-plus pounds of weight, crashing down like a cannonball.
Kota glanced nervously at the bench, half-worried it might collapse under him.
The rest of Yosen's team, however, was already used to it. Araki bit her lip before speaking up:
"Second quarter, we're changing tactics. Main offense shifts to Himuro. Everyone except Murasakibara should spread out to the perimeter, clear space inside."
"Himuro, you decide — go one-on-one or feed it inside to Murasakibara"
"I got it, Coach" Himuro replied with a nod, though he cast a worried glance at Murasakibara.
According to Araki's tactical plan, the entire first quarter had revolved around feeding Murasakibara.
But unlike the usual style of simply dumping the ball to him in the post, this time — thanks to Kota's suggestion — Araki instructed them to run more pick-and-rolls.
With Murasakibara's natural size and strength, their screens were brutally effective, and their scoring efficiency rose in tandem.
The only issue, of course, was Murasakibara's stamina.
Huff—huff—
Leaning back with both arms draped over the seat, Murasakibara tilted his head up, eyes closed, chest rising and falling as he caught his breath.
"Man, I'm tired…"
Since graduating from Teiko, this was the first time Murasakibara had to run so much in a single game.
"…Hey. You really think this is enough to beat Akachin?" he muttered, turning his head toward Kota. Even if Araki didn't say it out loud, the whole team knew — it was Kota who'd pushed for the change in their playstyle.
After all, this wasn't how Yosen usually played. And they'd never had an "assistant" like Kota sitting on the bench before.
The moment he spoke, all eyes shifted to Kota — that was exactly what everyone else wanted to ask too.
Following Kota's advice, Araki had changed Yosen's starting lineup drastically.
Originally, Yosen's "Triple Towers" — Murasakibara plus two other big men — turned the paint into a real no-fly zone, holding opponents to single-digit scores inside.
But now, Yosen's starting lineup had been reshaped. With only Murasakibara left as the lone big, the others had been swapped out for perimeter shooters.
Just like that, Yosen went from a towering squad averaging 190 cm across the board… to a classic "four-out, one-in" lineup.
Feeling the weight of everyone's stares, Kota scratched his cheek awkwardly. Before he could respond, Himuro stepped forward, placing himself between Kota and the others.
"I trust Kota."
He looked straight at Murasakibara, his tone firm and sincere. Seeing that, Murasakibara let it drop, shifting his gaze away to rest quietly.
As for the rest, if even Murasakibara didn't object, how could ordinary players dare challenge Araki's decisions?
Honestly, even if Himuro hadn't spoken up, as long as Araki was there, they couldn't complain. If she ordered Murasakibara to run until his legs gave out, none of them would have a say.
Still, Kota accepted Himuro's support with a grateful smile.
"…So? Did you manage to touch that Zone feeling yet?"
Kota glanced across the court at Akashi, sitting on the opposite bench, before directing the question at Himuro.
Himuro squeezed the towel in his hands, looking a little helpless.
"…Same as in practice. I don't really feel anything special."
"Same as in practice?"
Kota blinked. Even though his own first time entering the Zone had been different, it was obvious enough.
Practice and a real game were on completely different levels.
High-intensity sprints up and down the court, clashing constantly against tough defenders—trying to stay calm under those conditions was nothing like training.
"This kid's making progress and doesn't even realize it…"
Watching Himuro frown in frustration, Kota chuckled quietly and gave him a solid pat on the back.
"Chin up, kid—the game's only just getting started."
...
Second Quarter
Rakuzan had the first possession. Akashi brought the ball past half-court and immediately spotted a gap in Yosen's defense. With a flick of his right hand, he dished it out to Mibuchi in the corner.
Three-pointer—good!
Rakuzan's three-point basket was valid. Right at the start of the quarter, Akashi set up the play and pulled the score back to within one point.
"It's fine, it's fine! Take it slow!"
Cho shouted as he inbounded the ball. Though his overall ability was average for a third-year, he had a talent for lifting his teammates' spirits. On top of that, he had a reliable three-point shot. That was exactly why Kota had suggested to Araki to place him in the starting lineup.
Against stronger opponents, having someone who could ease the tension with words made a world of difference.
Akashi stood inside the three-point line, watching as Cho slowly dribbled forward. His feet didn't move an inch, and he simply waited there.
Even so, Cho couldn't muster the courage to attempt anything against him.
"Himuro!"
For Cho, Araki's tactical instruction before the second quarter wasn't just an order—it was a relief. Like tossing away a hot potato, Cho quickly passed the ball to Himuro. But this time, Akashi wasn't staying idle.
His pupils dilated slightly. The very moment the ball left Cho's hands, Akashi lunged at Himuro. His footwork and anticipation were so sharp that by the time Himuro caught the ball, the double team was already set.
If it were a normal player, that pressure would've forced a turnover. Fortunately, this was Himuro.
His expression shifted, but he quickly pivoted to shield the ball. Just as he was about to pass back to Cho, he realized Rakuzan had already switched defense. Mibuchi was glued to Cho, while Akashi crouched low, eyes locked on Himuro.
"What's wrong? Won't you take me one-on-one?"
Akashi tilted his head with a smirk, provoking him.
Himuro, who had been hesitating, immediately calmed down. Looking at Akashi, who seemed relaxed and unimposing, he still couldn't shake the feeling—
"If I try to take him one-on-one… he'll steal it."
Trusting his judgment, Himuro called for Murasakibara to set a screen.
Akashi raised an eyebrow, but when his gaze shifted to the bench where Kota sat, he instantly understood.
"Such a boring, conservative style… of course it's your doing."
Without a change in expression, Akashi allowed himself to be screened, letting Himuro find space.
Nebuya stepped up to help, but just like in the opening quarter, Himuro bounced the ball inside to Murasakibara.
Then, it happened.
Akashi, who seemed stuck behind the screen, suddenly appeared behind Murasakibara and snatched the pass clean.
At that exact moment, Hayama was already sprinting downcourt. Finally facing a team without strong forwards, Hayama couldn't contain his hunger to score. He unleashed his full speed.
Yosen's players turned pale and scrambled to retreat. Himuro hustled back too, glancing in disbelief at Akashi, who was still rooted in place.
What's he doing? With such a perfect fast-break chance, he's just standing there?
The next second, Akashi answered that question.
He raised the ball with one hand, eyes gleaming with disdain.
"Even if you use the same strategy, replaying the scene of Rakuzan's defeat is impossible."
With a sudden whip of his arm, the ball soared across the entire court, an orange streak flying toward Yosen's rim.
In front of the stunned crowd, Hayama leapt, caught it mid-air, and slammed it down with a thunderous alley-oop!
The arena erupted in applause.
Akashi showed no emotion, his golden eyes fixed on Kota on the bench.
Kota scratched his nose and grinned widely back at him. For a moment, it felt like time had rewound to last summer.
"Man… losing to us once, and he still acts all high and mighty."
Kota pouted as Akashi finally broke the stare.
Araki, however, wasn't in the mood to joke around. She frowned, worried for her players.
"Relax. It was just one flashy bucket. If you call a timeout now, it'll only shake their confidence" Kota whispered to her. She gave him a sidelong glance and nodded.
Just as Kota predicted, Yosen quickly steadied themselves. With Himuro and Murasakibara stepping up, they clawed back into rhythm.
Halfway through the second quarter—36–36. Tie game.
Akashi frowned at the scoreboard. He wasn't planning to let this pace last until halftime.
"Reo, switch."
With a simple order, Akashi took matters into his own hands.
This time, he directly faced Himuro.
"I'm curious. What exactly has Kota been teaching you? Care to share?"
Himuro froze mid-dribble, surprised at the sudden question.
"If my words sound strange, forgive me. What I mean is—you remind me of Kota, Tatsuya Himuro."
Akashi didn't attack. He looked almost casual, like running into an old friend.
"Me, like Kota? No way… we're nothing alike."
Suppressing his thoughts, Himuro replied politely,
"Sorry, I don't really get what you mean. Care to explain it better?"
Don't be fooled—he wasn't looking to chat. He was baiting Akashi while scanning for a gap.
Akashi went on. "Last Interhigh, I used my Emperor Eye to predict Kota. What I saw was nothing special—just an ordinary player, not someone with the talent 'we' have. And yet, I lost to him."
"Just now, I used it on you, Himuro. And the same thing appeared… an ordinary player."
"…Oh? Then I guess I'll have to disappoint you."
Himuro gave a dry response, signaling to Murasakibara for a screen. As soon as Murasakibara stepped up, Himuro drove hard, hoping to carve out space for a jumper.
"Pick-and-roll, huh."
Akashi's voice came out of nowhere. Himuro slipped past the screen, but strangely, Nebuya didn't close out.
"Wide open! One more step and it's mine!"
But that last step never came.
Smack!
The ball was gone. Himuro whipped his head around—Akashi was already at the arc on Yosen's side, ball in hand.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
Before he could process, Akashi casually pulled up. Swish.
Rakuzan three-pointer.
Yosen timeout.
On the bench, Kota clicked his tongue.
"Feels like this guy's even stronger than last year…"
Araki, meanwhile, could only watch as her team slumped off the court. If Himuro couldn't break Akashi's defense, then the only option left was…
Feeding Murasakibara, over and over.
Just as Araki was hesitating, Kota suddenly stood and grabbed Himuro by the neck in a half-joking headlock.
"Man, you're way too gloomy. What's with that sad pretty-boy act, huh? You trying to win MVP for most depressing face?"
Everyone froze. Even Himuro, locked in Kota's arm, was dumbfounded.
"…Pretty boy? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, right. Guess that doesn't translate." Kota slapped his forehead, then turned to address the whole team.
"Look at you guys. Is this really what last year's Final Four looks like? If this is the effort you're bringing, you might as well pack your bags and go home right now. Bunch of rookies."
He even spat on the ground for effect.
The Yosen players' eyes darkened. Even Murasakibara stood up, veins bulging.
Before he could bark his usual "I'll crush you", Kota cut him off.
"What're you glaring at, big guy? Don't worry, I wasn't talking about you. Or maybe I was. You've been playing softer than Kuroko out there, and at least he doesn't fold the second he sees Akashi."
"You bastard!"
Murasakibara lunged, dragging Himuro with him. The others quickly scrambled to hold him back.
Araki's hand slipped toward the sword she always carried, ready to protect Kota if things escalated.
The crowd noticed the commotion, leaning forward with popcorn faces.
Over on Kaijo's bench, Kise and Hayakawa were already at the rail, ready to jump in if needed.
Thankfully, Murasakibara stopped short, though his glare could have killed.
Kota, calm under pressure, pointed to the stands.
"Look around. I don't know how many people are in this gym, but I bet not one of them believes you'll win."
He continued, voice rising.
"Thousands online are watching too—experts, commentators, fans. And guess what? None of them think you've got a chance."
He looked Murasakibara straight in the eye, tilting his head back to meet his towering gaze.
"When the whole world thinks you've already lost, that's not the end. Even now, 36–38, you're only down by two. And even if it were 36–83, it still wouldn't be over!"
"Real defeat only comes when you believe you've lost. Until then… you fight!"