Murasakibara managed to whack the ball to Kamijou, who was facing off against Shin Dong-Il. He bounced the ball for about three to four time before Midorima, who faces off against Hong. The former then raised the ball up and Hong jumps early to try and block the shot. However, he passes it back to the spiky haired boy, who then redirects it to Aomine. The latter breaks free of his marks and immediately made a tomahawk dunk before Kim could stop him.
"Yes! Aomine scores the first point!" A spectator in the crowd cheers as the Japanese team managed to take the first lead.
Kamijou merely smiles as they ran back to defense.
With the ball in his hands, Shin then brings it up as he tries to counter but with Kamijou meeting him at the rainbow line, he had to delay it. He then passes it to Grayson, who is waiting in the shaded lane. Unfortunately, Murasakibara was waiting for him and the purple head was already blocking him, causing the tall naturalized center to grumble.
This guy looks good at defense than he looks like. Grayson thought to himself as he then passes to the waiting Hong in the corner. Midorima saw this and tried to stop him but to the latter's shock, Hong flung the ball up quickly.
Dammit, it's a quick release! The Shutoku ace thought. And it's very fast.
South Korea then went to defend their net while Okamura retrieved the ball. The power forward/center the passed the ball to Kamijou while the others ran off to their markers. When they were all in position, Kamijou then passed the ball back to Okamura who immediately went into his shooting form for a wide jump shot in the perimeter. When Yeun Myung-bak, hos counterpart, saw this, he made an attempt to block the ball but the moment he moved, Okamura bounced the ball through his legs where Midorima was waiting. He then redirected it to Aomine, who surprisingly shot a normal three and landed it.
"Defense! Let's stop them!" Okamura said.
"Yeah!" They chorused.
Kamijou made his way back as well. So far, so good. Once more, the players got into position. By the free throw circle, Midorima was blocking Hong and Murasakibara was hustling with Grayson for the position under the basket.
Kamijou blocked Hong who had the ball. The two were by the centre circle.
"Let me ask you one thing, kid." All of the sudden, Shin initiated a short conversation with the Imagine Breaker wielder in English.
"Huh?" Kamijou was caught off-guard.
"You don't look like a teen at all judging by your moves." Shin smirked as he pounds the ball harder on the floor. "I heard that you're all teenagers. Think you can handle older players like us."
"Well, I don't see why we can't if we can, sir." Kamijou replied. "There's no reason why teenagers shouldn't be allowed to play here." He then smirked. When Shin realized it, he noticed that his counterpart's defense was good.
Shin bounced the ball continuously, and then switched his hands. In that moment, he threw the ball seeming as though it was a pass, but he caught it back in time to pass Kamijou. What the! Aomine saw this and was flabbergasted. It's the same move as mine!
When the raven shifted to his left to block Shin, in the space of a split second, Shin switched yet again and passed by.
That didn't faze Kamijou. Quickly, the latter moved in front of Shin, stopping him in his tracks. Shin was surprised a little that for the first time in this tournament, someone was able to keep up with his speed but then he made a step backwards and shot the ball. It was a fade away shot.
Unfortunately, Shin missed the determination on Kamijou's eyes.
The moment he shot the ball, after a second, Kamijou jumped and slammed it down on the floor, leaving everyone except team Japan shocked.
"Seriously?" Aogami didn't know what to say.
"He completely stopped that guy!" Tsuchimikado's mouth lay open said.
"Shin Dong-Il, 27 years old. A professional player in Europe." Fukiyose began to read an article about the guy Kamijou is facing off in her phone. "But to think Touma stopped him…"
"Touma-kun's unbelievable…" Himegami muttered.
Kamijou shook his head.
Back on the court, Grayson looked at team Japan. I'm impressed. That's the first time I've seen anyone stopped Shin in a one-on-one. The tall American thought as he inbounded the ball.
Kamijou was returning while Shin wiped off his sweat. "I didn't actually think you'd stop me."
What's this guy's problem? Was all Kamijou could think off before walking off without even looking at Shin Dong Il.
With the game resuming, Kamijou had the ball but he was unable to pass it to anyone due to South Korea's tough defense. Midorima then broke pass Hong and Kamijou called out to him.
We won't fall for that! Shin thought with a smile. You're going to fake a pass and go for the drive! We've scouted you before! Don't take me lightly, kid!
The moment Kamijou did just that, Shin was there to block him but the former made a quick spin but Shin knew what was coming next.
A fadeaway jump! He though as he raises his hands. But this didn't faze Japan's starting point guard. He jumped anyway, leaving Shin stunned. Kasamatsu then shot the ball although Shin managed to recover and his fingers managed to graze it.
"Rebound!" Kamijou shouted. Murasakibara was ready and waiting. Against the duo of Kim Myung-jun and Yeun, the Yosen center got the rebound and without a hitch, passed it to Midorima. Doing what he does best, he sank another high-projectile shot, earning another three points for Japan.
The game progressed, the two teams going at it. For Japan, they mostly used Midorima and Aomine to make shots, as they are the strongest scorers on the floor currently and that all of the players had agreed to let them control the offense. Kamijou hardly did anything as he was keeping Shin at bay, blocking him so tightly that the Korean got frustrated and he had no choice but to take the game slower. With that said, he did become the team's stabilizer as his level-headedness and accurate passes prevented Japan from falling into a number of errors. Murasakibara did nothing much on offense as well but he was instrumental in slowing down Grayson, who was beginning to get stressed from having to deal with Murasakibara's long arms and wide body.
After a while, the buzzer sounded, signalling the end of the first quarter with Japan was at 28 while South Korea is on 23.
Up in the audience, the four students from Academy City were completely astounded.
"Japan completely took control of the first quarter." Fukiyose started.
"Seiri, have you already foreseen before that Kamijou-kun would turn to like this? It just seemed he become a strong players within a short player." Himegami inquired.
"No. In fact, when I first found it out, I thought he's going to fail." Fukiyose grimaced as he fizes her hair. "Guess I just assumed too much and ended up becoming wrong all along."
"Kami-yan and his teammates are playing very well." Aogami began to speak. "To be honest, it's surprising of him."
"Yeah. I didn't expect it out of Kami-yan." Tsuchimikado agreed as he slouches on his seat.
As the five minutes interval drags on, Hiemgami then taps her best friend in the shoulder. "Seiri, can I ask something? Is this his best state to play?"
"Hah?" Fukiyose didn't understand her question at first but after a few minutes, she got what she was implying. "Well…I don't know…how he plays up to now is pretty much the same."
"Kami-yan aside, the other four are extremely good." Tsuchimikado observed.
"He's in the same line up as the Generation of Miracles. What'd ya expect…" Aogamis shrugged his shoulders.
Fukiyose raised her eyebrows. "You sound like you're telling that he's lucky to play with strong teammates."
Tsuchimikado shushed Aogami shut and whispered. "Wrong timing, nya. You know the soon-to-be-girlfriend's is with us and you wouldn't want us to get killed here."
On the Japanese bench, the boys rehydrated themselves. Kamijou drank a mouthful of water as Shirogane began to talk and sat down with them.
"Good job everyone! Kamijou, you're doing good too."
"But, damn, Akashi's right." Aomine groaned as he chucks his Gatorade. "They know all our movements and such. This is going to be a hard match."
"Woah, are you feeling discouraged, Aominecchi?!" Kise shouted like a madman as he made a terrible misunderstanding.
"Kise, you're stupid." Aomine said in irritation.
"Waaaah! Aominecchi!"
"Right, let's continue with our plan." Shirogane ignore the two and took out a white board. "Since Shin Ding-il is too much focusing on Kamijou, we'll have to shake up the playing five. Kamijou, take a seat. Akashi, get ready."
The Rakuzan guard nodded as he ties up his shoe laces.
"Okamura, out for the game. Kiyoshi take his spot." Shirogane barked. "Kagami, replace Aomine for this quarter. Even if they researched far enough, Kagami still have to showcase his jumps yet so they'll be slightly caught off-guard. He and Murasakibara would be holding the freethrow key like a fortress. Let's go!"
"Hai!"
The buzzer then sounded, signalling the start second quarter started as both teams made their way back onto the court.
"Coach, when will I play?" Kuroko suddenly asked as the playing five reenters the court. His hands and legs were trembling with unease—a sign that he cannot wait for his turn to play.
Shirogane saw through this and chuckled. "We'll see. But we'd need you for the finals game. Your passes would be more crucial against whoever we go up against."
Hearing this, some of the South Koreans snorted.
"That guy really thinks low of us. We have to crush them." Shin said to Hong.
"Well…it isn't exaggeration to say that you're like that as well." The South Korean shooting guard said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"What?!" The point guard can't believe what he heard.
"We heard your talk with number 3." Yeun said looking at Kamijou, who is wiping off his sweaty face.
"Well, I get it." Shin said as he began to dribble the ball. "It's no fun watching your opponents celebrate." He held the ball in his hands. "Let's take it slow shall we?" he smirked.
The game started with Shin had the ball bouncing. He and Akashi were by the centre circle. He then passed it Hong who then passed to Kim. He then passed it back to Shin, who went into a stance to shoot a three. Midorima pulled in to try and swat away hi shot but in that instance, he redirected to Grayson who was behind. He then made a perimeter shot.
"Let's get them back!" Akashi said as he bounced the ball. Shin came upon red headed captain before he could go to his new marker, but he didn't mind.
"I heard you're one of this so-called Generation of Miracles of Japan." Shin snarled as he raises his arms. "I know you're fast so I'm not letting you go."
Akashi couldn't help but shook his head with disappointment. You have no idea how fast we really can be, Shin-san. You're a veteran but don't belittle us teenagers. He then passed the ball to Kagami but when his fellow red head saw Grayson's face, he knew he was in for a warm time.
Kagami had to step back as the pressure reached him, his arms and legs started to shake. Inhaling and exhaling, Kagami quickly regained his composure, and assessed the naturalized center. H's almost the same height as Murasakibara but he can shoot threes as well. If I recklessly do something, I would end up getting stuffed here. I need to calm down.
Kagami then looked around and saw where Japan's players were positioned. It was only the second quarter, so they couldn't let themselves relax even if they are in the lead. We're still in the lead but the Koreans are determined. Then…
Then, Kagami made a right to left crossover, and seemed to have made a drive to pass Grayson. The big man blocked him but that was the least of his problems. Murasakibara then ran up to the two and created a screen, allowing Kagami to escape. He then sped down the court, but Grayson stunned Murasakibara as he had quickly broke pass the purple head and followed Kagami. The moment they he passed Midorima, Grayson was already in front of him, but Kagami couldn't help but grin.
He passed the ball behind his back to the shooting guard who caught with ease. Going into his high projectile shooting form, he then shot the ball and scored for Japan.
Muttering invectives, Kim then retrieved the ball, and passed it to Shin. The point guard bounced the ball until he reached the centre circle, and then he passed it Yeun. Kagami was ready to block the small forward, but swiftly, Yeun dashed away from Kagami, with the Seirin ace chasing after him. But when they reached into the free throw circle, he stopped when Murasakibara blocked him.
"No! That's a fake, Murasakibara!" Akashi shouted upon realizing what would happen. But it was too late as the Japanese centre bumped into Yeun while the latter managed to make a floater shot.
"Basket counts! One free throw!" The Indian referee announced.
"Damn!" Kagami mumbled as he bit his lip. The South Korean audience erupted in glee.
"Sorry, Akachin…" Murasakibara said to Akashi as they lined up in the free throw key. He looked sad as well.
"Don't worry about it. Get ready for the next play." Akashi consoled him up. Kagami then walked over to them with Midorima and Kiyoshi, and then the former high-fived Murasakibara.
"It was a good defense, Murasakibara." Kagami started. "It's just bad that he made that lucky shot."
Yeun then completed his three-point play, raising South Korea's points to 28.
Kiyoshi then grabbed the ball and passed it to Midorima who then passed it to Akashi. As soon as he got the ball, Shin reached in front of him. Akashi then shifted to the left and then to right, and then when he reached on his left again, he made a drive to the basket. The ball was in his right hand, so the moment he brought it down; he passed it behind him to Midorima who ran pass. Shin was surprised at this high-level combination.
In this moment of distraction, Akashi slipped pass to retrieve the ball from Midorima. He continued towards the net, while Midorima got into position. However, Shin caught him back quickly, and since the latter was behind him, he stopped to use his Emperor Eyes to accurately determine his next course of action. He then passed the ball through their legs into Kiyoshi's waiting arms. The centre then flung it one-handed and overhead to Midorima who sank a three.
Everyone except Japan was surprised. Up in the audience, Fukiyose was amazed with their perfect play.
"A pass between two pairs of feet?! How is that possible!? And that's bold of him to do that!" Tsuchumikado shrieked. "It's too clogged in that lane and yet, Akashi doesn't hesitate to pass."
"Well, it's a given that he's a Generation of Miracle so he would be capable of doing that." Fukiyose said.
"You knew he could do that." Himegami asked.
"Nope. It's actually my first I'm seeing something like that." The Forehead Deluxe replied. "But considering he's at the same playing position as him, he would definitely go for it."
The South Korean crowd roused up again, seeing Grayson with the ball, but the strange thing was that, Murasakibara was nowhere near him. It was the shorter Kiyoshi who blocked his path but that was when Murasakibara finally jogged towards him. The two of them stood in the center's way.
"Ah, this is a pain in the ass." Murasakibara groaned. "Just having to cooperate with Kiyoshi is irritating me. I understand if it's to win though but…"
"Can't we just cooperate in silence?" Kiyoshi smiled like a loon.
The black American got furious as he was holding the ball with his back facing the board.
"Double teaming me?" He said in terse Southern California English. "Is that how you're afraid of my strength? This can't―" He broke off when he felt the weight of the ball disappear from his hand.
"Idiot. Who said we're afraid of you?" Akashi said as he swoops down to scoop the ball into his own hands. Quickly, the captain made an outlet pass to a running Kagami who then passed the ball to Midorima. Once more, the shooting guard landed a perfect three. It was another high-arc three pointer.
"Nice Midorima!" Akashi said when they were heading back. "You're making a lot of shots today."
"Of course, nanodayo." Midorima said proudly. "My lucky item for today is the mini statue of Date Masamune. My shots won't miss for today."
The two teams continued their bout with shots from both camps being made. Midorima, Akashi, and occasionally, Kagami, made their shots from the rainbow territory well, Kiyoshi making layups and dunking when he had the chance. Murasakibara kept up his good defense while holding down the inside by himself, with good results.
For South Korea, Shin mostly had the ball so he made most of the plays. The latter constantly blocked Akashi while Hong was shut down tightly by Midorima so he couldn't make his threes often.
The game went on like that until the end of the second quarter with Japan on 55 while South Korea was on 50.
"The second quarter is over. There will be a ten-minute intermission before the match resumes!" The female announcer said.
The two teams made their way to their changing rooms, and without hitch, Shirogane started.
"So far, everything is going fine. But if we don't prepare ourselves, it won't take long before they overtake us." He said. Everyone nodded. "We can take this up a notch. For this quarter, Kamijou would be the guard and he'll be ready for a run-and-gun attack and I mean steals and fast passes. Mibuchi, we'll play you so Midorima would get some rest. Get ready to sink as much threes as possible. Hayama, you'll play the small forward and Kise will handle the power forward. We're going small ball."
"Yeah! I'm finally playing longer minutes." Hayama was more than elated to learn he'll finally get some minutes after always being made to play in the dying minutes of the fourth quarter in their first six games.
"Coach, in the middle of the third quarter, we'll increase our speed." Kamijou then requested something from Shirogane. "But what is more, let me try to cop any move from Shin Dong-il." Of course, those who have seen him play more closely know this isn't completely impossible.
"Can you do that, Kamijou?" Shirogane asked.
"I can't really promise you. But their manager won't see it coming." The spiky haired boy explained. "In that way, I'll wear him down by stressing him. Even if I do miss, I have Murasakibara and Kise to pick the ball, right?"
"Got it, Kami-chin." Murasakibara nodded as he eats his pocky.
"Sure, Kamijou-cchi!" Kise responded cheerfully.
"Oi, Kise. You're the power forward." Aomine then butted it. "If you drag us down, I'll really kick your ass."
"Hidoi, Aominecchi!" Kise made his crocodile tears. "I'll do my beat so don't worry!"
Meanwhile, Momoi was preparing her own version of honey lemons though the moments they saw how she made them, all of them had to bully Kagami to share his lemons.
"We'll just have to hold it down until we win, right?" Kamijou said with determination. "I'll make sure of it. I want to see everyone going home with a smile in their faces." He then got up and asked. "Coach, can I go outside for a bit?"
"Yeah, just come back soon." Shirogane nodded.
Kamijou leaned on the railing, enjoying the cool breeze of the wind. He wanted to clear his head so that he can focus more in the last two quarters of the game and to removed the tension and pressure of his mind. Strangely, he doesn't feel nervous anymore and actually, he couldn't wait to get back into the game. I want to see everyone going home with a smile in their faces. He thought with a smile.
"Aren't you happy?" He heard a voice say.
"Of course," He answered. He knew the feminine voice anywhere. He wouldn't forget it in the first place. "Why wouldn't I be, Seiri?"
Fukiyose shrugged his shoulders. Kuroko then asked, "So, what are you doing here? And who are you with today?"
"Tsuchimikado and Aogami finally got out of the classroom so they figured to watch with us." Fukiyose explains. "We went to buy drinks but I lost the others and they lost me, so I just wandered until I ended up out here."
"Oh….I see." Kamijou said nothing else. They were his friends as well anyway.
"By the way…" Kamijou added. "That Shin Dong-il guy is something else. I may not have heard of this guy but I can tell his a veteran from how I felt his aura. I guess I'll just have to keep up with him. Such misfortune." He said the last part with a whisper.
"I take it that the second half is going to be a lot more intense than the first?" Fukiyose went closer to Kamijou and leaned on the railing beside him.
"Yes. After all, we have yet to increase our speed. Midorima and I have yet to do our that aerial pass shot and such. Plus, coach's plan is only beginning." Kamijou smiled. "But even if a wrench is thrown, I believe we can work around it."
"Exactly idiot…" Fukiyose nodded as she poked his forehead. "As long as you don't give up, anything could happen."
"I'll do my best…" He then chuckled while scrubbing the back of his head. After a few more seconds, he asked.
"What is it?"
"I'm realizing that you're growing taller."
"Well, it looks like your health product doesn't help you with height, then." Kamijou carelessly countered with a pout but hearing her knuckles crack, he shut his mouth immediately. He then bent his knees slightly so that he'll be on Fukiyose's level.
"Is that better then?" He asked.
He didn't receive an answer. Instead, he felt Fukiyose's lips on his lips. Being unable to keep his balance, Kamijou pulled Fukiyose into an embrace and then stood up, still holding the slightly shorter girl firm. Fukiyose then snaked her arms around Kamijou's neck and upon realizing that he was tipping, Kamijou pulled Fukiyose upwards and off the ground. He then placed him on the railing to sit, all while not breaking the kiss. The two seemed to be lost in their own world (because the boy might be too happy that he experienced such thing for the first time of his life), not even caring if people spot them. Luckily, none did.
Just then, they heard a ringtone, which caused them to stop. Both blushed furiously as Kamijou turning away his head while Fukiyose fished her pocket for the phone. When he saw the caller I.D, she swore.
"It's Tsuchimikado…" She almost crushed the phone in her hand. Just then, Kamijou's phone then vibrated as well then he pulls it out. In an instant, he almost fainted at the text Kuroko sent to him. "Kamijou-kun…" Kamijou read the tealnette's test. "Please, stop going all too sweety-sweety with Fukiyose-san now. You can do that when we capture the finals."
That Kuroko is something else as well. Fukiyose felt like the Seirin passing specialist is a psychic.
"Yeah, I probably have to get back too…" Kamijou smiled nervously. Fukiyose then took a few steps and then Kamijou said. "We'll definitely win this match. We'll reach the finals…"
The girl then spun on her heel and dashed to Kamijou, grabbing his Jordan undershirt and pulling him downwards, giving him a quick kiss on his lips. "You better. Let's do this again after you win the finals." She purred.
Hearing Fukiyose's voice like that, Kamijou got goosebumps. The girl with the large forhead then dashed off, hoping to avoid having to punch Tsuchimikado if the latter annoys the hell out of her. Kamijou then followed, remembering that he had a match to finish.