Let me higher, get me higher
Moeru mi no atsusa wa
Nanto naku no kyou demo
Burnin' up, we love shinjite
Rock me baby, show me baby
Misete kure motto
Ore to kimi to de tsukuri agerunda
Densetsu wo other self
The lyrics of the famous Japanese rock band Granrodeo were blaring off the sound systems as whole place of the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was dimly-lit yet was brightened by the large neon lights and the colorful pyrotechnics that dominated the sky. Every people cheered as the crowd was in a frenzy.
In short, the Tokyo Olympics has started.
These Games will mark the return of the Summer Olympics to Tokyo for the first time since 1964, the first city in Asia to host the Olympics twice, and the fourth Olympics overall to be held in Japan, following the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo and the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. The official logo for the 20XX Games, titled "Way of the Torii", featured a stylized calligraphic symbol of the Torii, a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred.
"Woah! Can you see Touma?!"
The familiar voice of Kamijou Touya was being drowned by the people surrounding him. He had reserved some of his days so that he can bring his wife and Index (who is secretly carrying Othinus) into this place to watch their son's games.
"Ara, ara. There are so many people out there. I do hope my son is fine with this." Shiina smiled sweetly as she was already comfortable in her seat. After making themselves available for the three-week event, they were able to secure their seats among the crowd and waited as the opening ceremony was about to start for the basketball event.
"Neh…neh…why I can't see Touma here?!" Index cried, trying to jump in vain in her seat as her view was being blocked by some tall guy in front of her. The guy who heard her protests merely sighed and ignored her while uttering incomprehensible words. Nevertheless, there is one feeling that is mutual to all of the people who are here right now.
It was the day for Japan to strut her wares.
Finally, it was the day of the Summer Olympics Basketball. A flood of people could be seen continuously walking in the gymnasium while hundreds more of those who were already here were already seated. Inside, chatter and laughter were rampant in the air due to people conversing, but more so, everyone could clearly see the happiness on the players' faces.
Down in the hardwood, twelve teams is already in line and Japan was no exception. For the guys who used to be in the national team years back, they were the most excited, as four years ago, they hadn't managed even get a single win, let alone get into the quarter-finals. This time, they were confident that the new generation of Japanese players was determined to make it to the finals.
And if possible, win it all.
"Yo Akashi, there's no need to be so stiff." Aomine said, placing a hand on the captain's shoulder. "Relax; it's just the opening ceremony. The war hasn't started yet." It's heartwarming to see that the usually-cold ace of Touou is making their captain feel alright.
"With Aomine's incompetence to tell Akashi to calm down aside, I feel we shouldn't really be much worried." Midorima pretended to push up his glasses to hide the growing smile in his face. "We'll give all we got."
"Sounds like a pain in the ass…" Murasakibara drawled, though the seriousness in his eyes tells everyone that he was excited to meet players that can match or surpass his strength.
"Neh, I'm excited!" Kise unashamedly let out his high-pitched voice and ended up being kicked by Nijimura to quiet him down.
Akashi sighed at this ridiculous scene. "Let's have some fun, shall we?" He unintentionally stole Kiyoshi's cataphrase though the Iron Heart didn't mind.
"Good day everyone…"
The two looked up to see a man, dressed in a suit that had a joyous look on his face speak into the microphone. "Thank you all for turning out today. This year, the Olympics basketball is bound to be a spectacle as…"
"Who's that guy?" Kamijou asked to no one in particular. He was feeling a bit itchy in his black-and-white jogging pants and long-sleeved shirts, which was issued to all of them.
"He's the chairman in the Olympic Committee, Touma-chan." Mibuchi, being the nearest to him, replied as Kamijou ignored the latter part. He was already used to hear the Rakuzan shooting guard call him by his first name. "He's the one who's responsible for getting the whole tournament in order."
"Oh." Kamijou then looked around to see if he could spot USA, who had both Gold and Silver in their lineups, as well as Shpagin, who is playing for Russia. Team Japan were grouped in the bracket Team B, which would mean they would face African powerhouse and first-time Olympic Basketball appearance in Senegal. Russia and United States were bracketed in Team A which would mean that the only possible time that Japan faces them is either in the finals or semi-finals. And that would mean having to conquer our first assignments first. Such misfortune.
He then turned his attention back to the stage and the chairman as the audience had riled up.
"And now, the Olympics Basketball Tournament officially begins!"
Colourful lights flashed, and music played. The teams then slowly mobilized off the court with some teams walking up to the stands to get a view of the first match since their match wasn't until five o'clock this evening.
"I can't believe that we're here." Okamura said, still in awe. "We actually made it." He was sitting on one of the benches in their dressing room, leaning his back on his locker.
"Well, this is just the tip of the iceberg." Kiyoshi said as they are all removing their sweat shirts to begin their warm-ups.
"Man, I can't wait to play." Hayama said as he spun a basketball on his index.
"Aren't you eager?" Kise joked.
"Of course we are all eager!" Aomine said, standing up. "I really want to put that Silver bastard in his place!"
Upon hearing the name of the Jabberwocks captain, the temperature seemed to drop.
"You really are an Ahomine." Kise chuckled as he rose up off the locker.
"What?! You little―"
"Aomine, this is the Olympics, not the Interhigh. Not only is there a chance that we may face Nash Gold Jr. but there is the possibility of facing other strong players as well. Plus, there are other countries with teams that may give us a hell of a time. Remember Greece in one of our tune-up games?" Akashi paused, letting that question sink in. He then continued. "Did they have a miracle on their team? No, they did not. Did they give us a hard time? Yes they did. So, if we should have it in our heads that Nash Gold Jr. and Jason Silver is who we should look out for, then we'll end up having to faces coach's wrath."
"Fine, captain…" Aomine murmured to himself as he seemed embarrassed while the rest of the players were snickering.
"Plus…" Akashi continued. "Gold, Silver or Shpagin is the least of our problems. The greatest enemy that we will face is not the opponents but ourselves. If we don't pull it from here, then don't expect that victory would be easy to attain."
No one said anything after that. They knew that what Rakuzan point guard said was right.
"That's right, Akashi…" Kiyoshi exclaimed, getting pumped up. "Every one of those teams out there is in the top three of their continent and so are we. With every match, we're going to go out there. We'll put Coach's training to good use and play like our lives depend on it. And of course, let's have fun."
"Yeah!" the others chorused.
"It seems that you all are brave." Shirogane chuckled. "Okay, so here's the plan…"
Meanwhile, Fukiyose, Kumokawa, and Himegami managed to secure their own seats amidst the crowd, as none of the girls would even want to stand in the blechers for the whole forty minute-game, which can last for an hour. It was worth it, after Kumokawa has been a little late in meeting up with the other younger teens, who came to the city via bus. The Forehead Deluxe scowled at this but she had to endure the presence of the Beauty Senpai for now.
"Who will my cute kouhai and his band of merry fighters go up against?" Kumokawa asked. She was seated in the middle while
"Senega, I think." Fukiyose answered curtly.
"Hmmmmph…they aren't that well known for their basketball globally but to make it here means that they've got some power going on for them." Kumokawa rested her hands in her chin. "So I believe this match is going to be interesting."
"Indeed but compared to Japan's offensive power, Senegal doesn't stand a chance once they start their run-and-gun." Since having started their relationship, they've been exchanging texts and this has been one of their subjects. "This match would be theirs."
"Supportive, aren't we?" Kumokawa teased the younger Fukiyose and was close to pinching her cheeks before the latter slapped it away. "Stop it." Fukiyose growled lowly.
The moment she said that, the two teams then entered the court. The audience went into a frenzy as many persons had heard about the Seirin vs. Touou match. Within a minute or two, the starters were already changed into their jerseys and headed out onto the court. After what seemed like an eternity of boringness, the games could finally start.
The two teams were warming up now and Fukiyose immediately spotted the spiky haired boy, wearing his number 3, receiving a pass from Kuroko and immediately making a leaner shot against Midorima's defense. "Touma's more…stronger than before." Himegami noticed how fit and quick his former classmate is.
"For the first time, he used his brain and put his training to good use." Fukiyose sounded like she was insulting him but she was deeply proud.
Down below, the Senegal and Japan teams were all finishing their pre-game drills. But more than that…
"Who could have known that we'll be facing Otō-san (Dad)…" Kuroko muttered as he points to a certain number seven guy, who was dunking the ball.
Unfortunately, Aomine of all people heard him.
"Tetsu, your dad is in the Senegal team?!" He yelled, earning him the looks from their fellow teammates.
"Shhhhh. No that's—" Kuroko tried to explain but Aomine was adamant.
"It's true?"
"No—"
"Hahahahahahahahaha Aomine you are such an Ahomine!" Kagami laughed. Of course, since he was against this Otō-san before, he knew who Kuroko was referring to, unlike a certain dark-skinned bluenette.
And to be fair, even Kamijou doesn't know who he is. Otō-san?
"Oi, don't call me that!" Aomine yelled.
Sighing, Kuroko just explained to them who Otō-san was a fight can even break out. Now Aomine was embarrassed one more time, feeling very dumb as he realized he was referring to Shinkyo Academy's Papa Mbaye Siki, who fought Seirin a year back. "Alright. So here's the plan: We won't use the all of the Teiko veterans in the starting line-up to minimalize whatever things we can show out to our opponents. That would mean some of the players here would have to play in different positions. Kamijou, for now, you'll be the starting point guard. You and Akashi will alternate every game, Got it?"
The spiky haired boy nodded.
"Midorima, play the small forward for now." Shirogane said, stunning a few of them.
"What? Can that three-point obsessed megane even do that?" Aomine remarked and in response, was kicked in the head by Momoi.
"Ignoring that. Mibuchi will take care of the shooting guard position. Kiyoshi will be the power forward and Murasakibara will be manning the center position." Shirogane has completed his strange five for this game. "If we're trouble, that's the time the others will be subbed in. Undersdtand? Now go!"
"Hai!"
After a few more minutes, the two teams then lined up facing each other. Japans's starters were Kamijou, Mibuchi, Midorima, Kiyoshi and Murasakibara. Senegal's starters' build were similar to Papa's height. Number Nine was center and he was an inch shorter than the Yosen big man but he was just as wide. That would mean that Papa would face off against Kiyoshi, who wasn't even intimidated by the difference in their heights. Their captain was a shooting guard like Midorima and Mibuchi but judging from the videos that they had watched, he's nowhere near their level. Their point guard wore number Six. However, he was abnormally tall as he towered over Kamijou but the spiky haired boy was never intimidated by his presence.
After all, he had fought stronger players in the past.
"I didn't expect this one. So Touma's starting but more importantly…" Fukiyose can't help but shift her brown eyes towards the other Seirin player and one of the Uncrowned Kings in the starting line-up. "Kiyoshi-senpai's starting as a power forward? I don't even know that he can play that position." She had that first-hand experience to see Kiyoshi play when their school had that match against Seirin and just by seeing him move in the court, she can tell that him being one of the best outside of Teiko's prodigies isn't a fluke.
"He's too undersized to even play center at international level." Kumokawa narrowed her eyes. "Of course, here in Japan, you play according to your height but we're not a race of giants. Besides, I think he's more suited to that role. His abnormally big hands would be of help to him." She noticed how the Iron Heart can palm a ball in his giant hands with ease.
"Let the first match of Round one between Japan and Senegal begin!" The female announcer said in the sidelines with the other officials as she announced their line-ups.
"Let's play a good game!" They chorused.
The referee then threw the ball into air, both Murasakibara and Nine facing for the tip off.
Akashi turned to stare at the tealnette who was sitting beside him on the bench. Since the start of the game, the bench has been shaking and the red head can't help but feel curious. "Kuroko, is there something wrong?" The redhead asked.
Kuroko followed his gaze down to his shaking legs. "It's nothing, Akashi-kun
"You sure?"
"I'm just excited. Momoi-san said that we can only play in limited minutes onwards at most." Kuroko answered, eyeing the players on the court.
Akashi and Aomine, who was seated beside the Phantom Sixth Man, chuckled at the tealnette's antics. They could not blame him, since they themselves were also excited to play. But at the same time, they knew that coach knew better so they decided to go for what their bench tactician thinks is the best route for the team.
Currently, it was already the dying moments of the fourth quarter between the Akatsuki Five and Africa's best nation in the sport. So far, the Japanese team was already far ahead with a wide gap between the two teams.
Murasakibara's physical prowess allowed him to mark their center and anyone for that matter who was trying to shoot. Kiyoshi's skill and his Right of Postponement fooled a lot of their opponents and they were able to score a lot because of that. Midorima and Mibuchi ponded the outside with their amazing three-pointers that essentially could not be blocked. Of course, they were subbed out in some parts of the second and third quarter but overall, they were the ones who did the damage.
But most of all, Kamijou's Falcon Eyes and his dribbling allowed him to set up their play very well and even get past every opponent who came to mark him.
Right now, Kamijou passed the ball to Mibuchi who was already waiting by the three point line.
"Nice pass, Touma-chan!" He shouted as the ball went perfectly into his hands and he was in a good position as well. He then went to sink a perfect three, and as the ball made it through the net, the buzzer sounded.
Senegal's players looked distraught, and almost automatically their eyes drifted over to Seirin's bench, where Kuroko and the rest of the Generation of Miracles were seated.
"Game over!" The referee announced. "One hundred and thirty-one to fifty-three. Japan wins!"
"Thank you very much!" The two teams lined up in the center circle and bowed to each other.
Both teams then made their way to their benches, where they took up their belongings and headed off to their dressing rooms. Even up in the audience, Fukiyose could feel the happiness radiating from the Japanese team, who were seen laughing and enjoying themselves.
"They're pretty good and entertaining as well." Kumokawa started with a smile planted in her lips.
"And their best players didn't even play. They'll be a threat to the defending champion of this tournament." Fukiyose nodded.
"Those resilient bastards won't go really go down, especially my lovely cute kouhai!" Kumokawa added with a grin. "Speaking of which, where is Tsuchimikado and Aogami? Didn't they know that their best friend here is playing."
The Iron Wall Girl's eyes twitched. "They do know but of course, Komoe-sensei won't let them go if they didn't even finish their summer class assignment. If I'm not mistaken, they intentionally didn't do it again."
"Is Komoe-sensei also going to watch as well?" Himegami asked.
"I'm pretty sure even Yomikawa-sensei would be here as well." Fukiyose replied
"Yay! We've won our first game for the round!" Kise cheered as he was celebrating like a madman before tripping into Midorima's chunk of bronze and he ended up crashing into the floor flat-faced.
"Now all we have to do is wait to see who our opponent will be next." Kiyoshi said.
They were all sitting on the benches, eating honey-soaked lemons that Nijimura made. Strangely, it was Momoi and Aida who were the managers and thus, they're the ones who was supposed to be making the lemons but knowing how their cooking level, even Akashi had to secretly beg the former Teiko standout to make them some lemons. She looked at her Seirin boys, but then noticed that Kagami and Kuroko were quiet. When her eyes locked onto the two, she saw the tealnette happily nibbling on his lemons with a serene smile on his face while Kagami was beside him, looking a bit peeved and seemed to be grumbling something.
"Kagami-kun, what's wrong?" She asked.
"Nothing," he mumbled.
"He really wants to play." Kamijou, who had just came out from the shower room, answered for him in a casual way.
"Kamijou, teme!" The redhead barked. He made an attempt to grab his spiky hair but the Imagine Breaker wielder swiftly avoided his huge hands.
The entire dressing room erupted in laughter. Seeing the three and their antics reminded them of their training in the past. In a few minutes, they were all outside of the locker room now and proceeded to the bleachers to watch the games for possible opponents in their own next game tomorrow. But as Kamijou was trailing behind, his vision saw something from the shadows.
Or rather, someone.
Curious, the boy then excused himself from the group and when he did walked near to the man, he was more than surprised to see who he is.
"Stiyl?!"