"It was an amazing game, wasn't guys?" Tsuchimikado asked all his companions as they all sat down in their seats while waiting for the next game. After receiving a text coming from Kmaijou Touma, Fukiyose insist that they stay for another game. "Kami-yan really knows how to make everyone in their team better. In a wide sense, he made them monsters."

"Don't tell me what I already know." Fukiyose huffed as she fixed her hair. "Besides, no matter how idiotic he is, our former classmate is a monster on his own right as well."

Tsuchimikado smirked. "Big words, Fukiyose. Big words, nya."

"Tsuchimikado, Fukiyose?" A voice called.

The two were startled, so they turned around to see Kamijou and Kiyoshi coming to sit behind them. It was the former who had called out to them. The two seemed to be the only ones who stayed behind to watch as their other teammates are visibly not with them for obvious reasons.

"Touma…" Fukiyose greeted with a smile. "And Kiyoshi-senpai is here as well…"

"Touma-kun. Congrats for winning a seat in the finals." Himegami blandly greeted him.

"Kami-yan! Congratulations for not letting your bad luck crept up to your win!" The two blue and blonde idiots said in jest as the spiky haired boy only ignored them.

When they had taken their seats, Aogami started up a conversation.

"Your match had me at the edge of my seat! I didn't expect Kami-yan to actually even up with a veteran professional!" The bluenette was sounding too belittling. "You've come a long way from—" He was cut off by a quick sock into his jaw, courtesy of Fukiyose.

"Thank you I guess even if I don't know if you're being sarcastic of what." Kamijou replied as Kiyoshi then took out a pack of coffee-flavored candies.

"This should be an interesting match." The Seirin big man commented.

"What do you mean, Kiyoshi-senpai?" Fukiyose asked curiously.

"Up until the last Olympics, Russia really isn't a traditional power despite regularly competing in this event." Kiyoshi began to explain. "But with the addition of Shpagin, it looks like they're defense would be a threat not only to Unites States but also to us if they were going to win. But right now, I can't tell whose team is prevailing since it's pretty much equal. In other words, it would be Jason Silver's offense versus Aleksandr Shpagin's defense. Either way would be a worry for us. Kamijou, do you have an idea who Nash Gold Jr. will face?"

"I have no idea." Kamijou replied. "Not that I wanted to either way."

"But to tell you honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if Russia steals this one from America." Kiyoshi added, earning a raised eyebrow from his kouhai. "Remember the elimination round? We all heard that Shpagin didn't play and yet, America only defeated them by single digits. The addition of Shpagin only made the win of the Americans look like a fluke, as much as I hated using that term."

"Well…that's logically sound but until the buzzer sounds, we won't really know who will win." Kamijou replied as he gets a water bottle from Himegami, who offered it to him. "Oh look, there they are now!"

Down the court, the US and Russian teams had made their way onto the court with the crowd from those two nations cheering on both. On both sides of the entrance way there were cameras and journalists, but one person stood out the most, strangely.

Jason Silver.

Even though he had his jogging pants on, he also had on what looked like a fishing shirt underneath his oversized US jacket. Most pictures snapped were of him, and one pretty frmale journalist even stopped him and asked him about it.

"Why do you have a fishing clothes in it?" She wore a smile.

His fellow American players halted in their tracks, wondering how he will answer it.

"Well…because I went for a little fishing trip hehehe." The Jabberwocks center responded in jest. "Besides, we believe we can win this easy and so easy!"

Most of the reporters whispered at his somewhat prideful attitude.

"Silver, now's not the time." Surprisingly (or not), Gold isn't anymore the same arrogant guard that Akashi (and to some extent, Kamijou) had faced in their previous encounters although he still had that aura that commands respect. Yet, he must have told Silver to shut up since for just the fourth time since he had begun his streetball career in Jabberwocks, he knew the Russians aren't someone to be looked down right now, especially with one of the NBA's best center being here.

Yet, it was a bit too late as some of the Russian players heard him.

"Tsk, too cocky." Russian point guard and captain, Nikolai Stakhanov, said to himself as he rolls a ball in his hands. "Besides, we know your movements now, Americans. Especially those two Jabberwock players."

"You're talking to yourself and it looks ridiculous." Shooting Guard Fedor Ivanov joked around as he follows their captain. "But you sure you can handle Gold's Belial Eye?"

"Idiot. Nikolai's Vulture's Eye is more than enough." Small forward Ivan Andropov chided their shooting guard. "Besides, he mentioned to me that he would like to actually battle Japan's number four and number three guard."

"Number three? Ah that boy with spiky hair?" Power Forward Oleg Borodin said as if he remembered a certain boy. "Well, I was actually surprised to see him stop Shin Dong-il in that match a while back so I might understand why captain wants to meet him."

"Whatever. We need to beat this US team first." Finally, their center and star, Aleksandr Shpagin said as they finally made their way into the court. The two teams then went to their warm-up drills as the seats in the audience are filled up. After the five minute pre-game ritual, the buzzer was sounded, signifying that the game was about to start. Both teams then went to their benches as Russia would be donning the Home jerseys which are white with red linings while the Americans will be wearing their dark blue playing uniforms with the letters "USA" emblazoned on the chest.

"I'm sure you all know that today's opponent is America and we have already dropped one against them." Russian coach and former national player Dmitry Lavrov addressed his boys who were sitting on the bench. "Half-measures won't work against them. Give them everything you have out of the gate! If you need to pass to Shpagin, to so. We'll be using a two-three zone defense so Shpagin and Stakhanov, I trust that you can put Silver and Gold Jr. in their places."

"All right, coach. This would be little work." Stakhanov said and shouted. "Let's go, Russia!"

"You're a little stiff, captain." Borodin said. "Relax. The game hasn't even started."

"I know that." The brunette point guard replied.

"I expect that I can expect great things from you." Andropov tried to make a pun as a way to lessen the tensions within them.

"Don't distract us with lame jokes of yours, Ivan." Shpagin said in a deep voice. Stakhanov looked as though he would have murdered their young small forward but he quickly held it in as he needed everyone's will and power for this match. They then huddled together and did their cheer.

"Let's go, Russia!"

"Yeah!"

The scoreboard then displayed the starting line-up.

Russia – United States

Nikolai Stakhanov (G) Nash Gold Jr.
Fedor Ivanov (G) Allen Holts
Aleksandr Shpagin (C) Jason Silver
Ivan Andropov (F) Nick Forrester
Oleg Borodin (F) William Howell

The two teams then made their way onto the court. All of Russia's players looked very intimidating over America's much innocent-like line-up, with the obvious exceptions of the two Jabberwocks players. After they had bowed, each player got into his position with the German referee preparing to throw the ball into the air.

Silver and Shpagin faced each other, not only because they were they were the ones who will jump for the first possession but because they were the tallest of their teams.

"So you're the Aleksandr Shpagin that I'm hearing? Too bad you look like a gorilla." Apparently, Silver is trying to get under the skin of his counterpart, although it looked like the taller and much well-built and bulkier Russian was simply giving him the stink eye blatantly. Although to Silver's defense, he does look like a taller and Caucasian version of Okamura. "You don't mind if I dunk on you later in this game?"

"Idiot." Shpagin simply replied, much to Silver's surprise, and asked. "And who are you even?"

"Me. Tsk, you don't know?" Silver began to get enraged at what he perceived is an insult.

"You're a player in a streetball team? Not that I care." Shpagin then added, "And I don't bother remembering people that I didn't even played in the past." Silver then tried to slap away Shpagin's right arm which was motioned forward but when he did, he was stunned, albeit for a second. What was that? For the first time since he began playing streetball, he looked nervous. His hands felt like metal. No…I won't lose. I'm not afraid.

When the US players heard that, they didn't know how to react. Shit. This is the first time Silver got that reaction. Gold said to himself.

The referee then blew the whistle, and threw the ball into the air, with both Silver and Shpagin jumping for it. To the surprise of Gold, the Russian managed to whack it into the hands of Stakhanov, who immediately went to full-sprint. But as expected, the help defense was fast. But seeing Shpagin asking for the leather, he threw an overhead pass into the waiting hands of the Russain slotman, who was facing off against Silver in the post.

"No, you don't!" Silver shouted as Shpagin gets the ball. But as soon as the former brings out his muscles to try and stagnate his opponent's move, he was suddenly caught off-guard as Shpagin dribbled the ball once in two-hands as he quickly pounds Silver's defense with unexpected results. "No way! Silver got pushed back!" Nick said in stunned expression as Shpagin was prepared to dunk the ball.

Silver, though, managed to recover, and tried to block the ball with his two hands but to his total surprise, Silver managed to slam over him even with the ball getting in contact with his two hands. This brute show of strength had claimed its first victim as Silver crashes into the floor as he holds into his wrists.

"Foul, black number 8!" The referee touched his wrists as a sign of a foul. "One throw!"

Hearing the he got his first foul, Silver got enraged as he attempted to go after the referee but Nash luckily hold him back. "Silver, I don't think you can win over Shpagin right now. But you can score back!"

Silver only nodded as he lines up in the free throw circle. Shpagin manages to complete the three-point play.

Gold was then dribbling but Stakhanov came to stop him. He then swerves to the right but the brunette guard was able to follow. Gold then tried to fake his move quickly by going to the left then quickly switching to the right but even Stakhanov was able to read it. Now using his Belial Eye at full-power, Gold tried to find an opening but he quickly realized that they are in a situation that he didn't anticipated.

No one's free and this guy in front of me is able to tail me even after that shake-and-bake dribble! Gold had to calm down as he saw Silver and Shpagin hustling for position. Then he's the best option here! He quickly makes a no-motion pass before Stakhanov can react. Silver caught it mid-air and landed his feet first before making a fade-away shot. "Take that!" He taunted to Shpagin as the latter retrieved the ball.

The Russian only shook his head.

Quickly, it's Russia's ball again as Stakhanov had the possession. He then bounces it to Shpagin, who is now getting locked down by Silver. "I'll bring the pain for that dunk earlier!" Silver said as he tried to push off Shpagin. The Russian didn't answer as he gets the ball. Instead, he quickly made a spin move and was about to make a skyhook but Silver jumped high to stop it. However, the latter noticed that Shpagin's feet weren't even air-borne as the ball was still in his hands.

This fucker…

Silver then brought down the ball in his knew level and quickly leaped up again as Silver was going. Due to their opposite directions, Silver decided to intentionally knock down Shpagin rather than the humiliation of getting pump faked as the Russian big was about to dunk the ball. He then slapped his wrists, unmindful of the consequences he would get, but to his shock, Shpagin still managed to make the basket while getting fouled hard in the rim.

"Foul, Black number 8!" The referee blewed his whistle. "One throw!"

"Seriously, that's Silver's second foul already!" Howell said in panic as he watches their center satdn up on his own while he looked to be already losing his concentration. "And that's the second and-1 for Russia!"

Gold bit his lip as he assess the situation that he hadn't face up to now. Russia's totally different with Shpagin right now. He then came into a realization which he never thought he would make. Silver might be more powerful in terms of raw strength but he was simply being outmatched by Shpagin in terms of flexibility and post moves.

"You seemed to understand it…"

Gold turned to Stakhanov, who is speaking to him.

"Silver might be strong but against a refined opponent, he had no chance." The Russian guard smirked. "Such a shame for his body but the reason it didn't look evident is because your center's opponents before are all too weak or inexperienced. In short, he's only a big man with strongman tactics."

"What did you say?!" Gold got offended as Stakhanov walks away while Shpagin complete another And-1 opportunity.

Gold then got the ball and quickly dribbled fast. Not wanting to risk passing to Silver, he then passes it to Holts, who made a jump shot at the perimeter.

"Wow that shot was so fast!" Aogami said. "Even that Shpagin guy wasn't able to block it!"

"You don't need to block all of them as long as you limit down their choices." Kiyoshi corrects Aogami's simple-minded thinking. "The fact that Gold was forced to passed it to the perimeter shows that they're beginning to take precautions. And it does look like Silver is struggling against Shpagin."

"Obviously that's the case." Kamijou pointed out. "He already got two fouls and it's only seven minutes in the first quarter. I'm pretty sure they don't want him to get kicked out of the court immediately."

Andropov then passed the ball to Stakhanov and they then made their way back into America's half of the court. They retaliate as Ivanov makes a three pointer five feet away from the line. Forrester then passed the ball to Gold and they then made their way back into Russia's half of the court. But this time, all of the Russian players were there and the pressure all the Americans felt were evident. If their heads weren't screwed on right, they would have probably forfeited the whole match.

Gold continued to bounce the ball, until Stakhanov came up to block him. The moment he done so, he passed the ball to Howell who then immediately passed it to Silver. The center was forced passed it to Forrester who tapped the ball into Holts. He then received it with ease and jumped to make a three. But Shpagin came up on him so quickly that the shooting guard was frightened.

You won't get any points.

He's too tall! Holts thought as he had already shot the ball. Shpagin slammed it back down onto the court as Holts still couldn't believe it. I thought I had enough space. He's unbelievable. He makes France's Bernard de Gaulle look cute. Stakhanov then caught the ball and then dashed down the court with Russia's players going into America's half. He then passed to Ivanov, who due to his quick release was able to make a shot.

As the match progressed, America began to found it the hard way that it was difficult to score from up close. Seeing that Silver's own temper was getting the best of him at this crucial moment, Gold was forced to make a quick release three pointer of his own as the score moved at 19 – 17, in Russia's favor. As soon as Stakhanov made an error, Gold eventually swooped down as he then lays it up to tie the score.

Shit, I can't believe we're getting cornered. At this rate, it would end up so bad.

The match continued with both teams going at it. However, it was clear that America was struggling against Russia's defense. Anytime Holts tried to make a three, Shpagin or Borodin would stop the shot. Only the timely baskets of Gold and the lucky bounces of Silver were keeping them afloat but it was draining everything from the blonde point guard. By the time the second quarter ended, Russia is tied with America with 50 points as Gold was seen in the bench already drinking lots of water since he had already lost much of his stamina.

"The second quarter is over. There is a ten minute intermission." The female announced said from the table of the officials as both teams retreated to their locker rooms. As the crowd watched performance of Tokyo University's female cheerleading squad, Kamijou can't help but feel bored and yet, he was unwilling to go home.

"The game's pretty much tied up." Tsuchimikado initiated the conversation. "But that monkey-looking guy is really a tough nut to crack for America."

"Shpagin reminds me of J*n U*z*m* from Sl*a* D*n*and it's awfully close." Kamijou said as he remembered a certain basketball character from an old manga. "Nash Gold's doing everything he can and yet, he looks pretty exhausted right now."

"It was because it's taking all his energy in making those shots." Kiyoshi explains. "I don't understand why he was taking all of those shots when he had someone to pass on. Well, I guess that's because he instinctively was trying to keep the team intact in face of Russia's wall-like offense. But with Silver getting clamped down in the post, their chances are getting smaller as the other three US players doesn't seem to look like a threat."

"But still, Japan will win it all!" Aogami looked like a fool as he proclaims. "Kami-yan, when you win, remember us!"

"Sit down, Aogami!" Fukiyose forced the bluenette to restrain himself as their attention was diverted to the court as the crowd roused up. The two teams had made their way back, sitting on their benches. They then took off their shirts and walked onto the court.

The buzzer then sounded with America having the ball. Russia were in their defensive positions, trying to stop the United States from scoring.

"They didn't bench Silver even though he's playing badly?" Kamijou asked. He noticed that the Jabberwocks big man was still in the playing five. "Are they running out of options or what?"

"It seems that they don't have any other center that can compete with Shpagin's height." Kiyoshi scans the bench of the US before replying. "If anything, Gold Jr. must have used the ten minutes to take Silver back to his senses."

"I see…"

Gold then passed the ball to Forrester, who suddenly attacked the basket. Shpagin felt a sudden chill run down their spine. In all the videos that they watched, Six hasn't done much apart from making shots occasionally. But right now, he both could feel that he's got something up his sleeve. He then bounced the ball thrice and upon the fourth, they saw him step back and made a dash around Borodin, driving to the net.

Everyone was left awestruck.

Shpagin was the first to snap out of his reverie, and followed behind the Forrester. However, he then passed it back to Silver, who managed to free himself and dunked the ball with authority.

When Russia regrouped, Stakhanov decided to try something.

"Guys, let's change gears." He then turned to Shpagin. "Shpagin, Silver must have taken some words from Gold so be on watch. His animal instincts might be showing now."

When America got into their defensive position, the Russian players noticed that even before Shpagin could prepare himself, Silver was already blocking him in the three point line. Shpagin then shifted to the right, so did Silver. As a matter of fact, no matter where Shpagin moved to, Silver was there blocking his path. He wasn't able to do what he wanted but somehow, he was able to keep cool.

That's right, Shpagin. Stakhanov said as he faces off against Gold. He's got three fouls now. You're on the initiative. Silver is merely reacting to it.

Going with his plan, Stakhanov made an aerial pass to Borodin, which the forward caught. However, he didn't immediately shoot. Seeing that Howell had the capability to stop his shots, he stepped back, taking the redhead by surprise. Then he made the shot. Howell had reacted a bit late, so only the tip of finger managed to graze it. The ball landed on the rim of the net, and the spun around it until it went in.

Forrester had then passed the ball to Gold, who made two dribbles and stopped at the top of the circle. Forrester was across from him, close to the edge of the court, while Holts and Howell were in their usual spots. Silver was in the paint area, busy outhustling with Shpagin.

Swiftly, Gold passed the ball to Forrester, who tapped it to Holts. When he did so, he shouted, "Captain!" Hearing the shout, Holts quickly passed the ball back to Gold who was waiting at the three-point line. When he received the ball he went into shooting form, but as quick as ever, Shpagin separated from Silver and was in front of him.

Holts had then run closer to their captain and when Gold saw his point guard coming from his blindside, he made a bounce pass to him in his back. Holts tapped it to Silver and seeing this as the only choice, he made the shot himself before Shpagin could recover.

"That was a close one." Kamijou said. "They're lucky that Holts dude had reacted fast enough."

"But to think United States would be playing catch-up." Fukiyose said. "From what I've seen, their offense isn't weak, but Shpagin is able to stop them like that. He's scary."

"It's not just Shpagin." Kiyoshi added. "The other four are stopping them as well. Due to their build and emphasis on defense, America's three-point attempts have a higher percentage of being blocked, and shooting from the inside is futile as long as Shpagin is left to do what he wants. In all honestly, we have Aomine to break their defense but actually, the best player that could to face those Russians would Midorima alone."

"Why is that, Kiyoshi-senpai?" Kamijou asked.

"Because his shooting range is one of the only few options that can counter a defensive team like that." The Seirin center explains. "As long as Shpagin is occupied in the paint and doesn't move from the net, four other teammates can always handle the other four while Midorima had the free hand and because his threes have such a high arc, no matter how tall a center is, he'll never be able to reach it."

It was then that they saw Howell intercept the ball and then passed it to Gold who had sprinted away. Holts was close behind and within no time, the shooting guard was by the line. Gold passed to Forrester. He then passed it to Holts who made a three.

Without even celebrating, the US team made their way back to their net. Instead of keeping the ball too long, Stakhanov gave the ball to Ivanov, who made a retaliatory three.

"Don't mind!" Gold shouted. "We'll keep this pace!"

"Yeah!"

Silver then gets the ball bounced the ball as he walked towards Russia's net. He then drove for the basket and using his athleticism, he finally managed to blow pass Shpagin, who was late in getting back to defense. He then slams it against Borodin, who was forced to mark him.

"Yeah! Silver managed to finally go past Shpagin!" The US crowd cheered as America goes back to defense. Russia seemed pretty slow as Stakhanov then wait for everyone to regroup. As the latter began to dribble down with the ball, he then saw Shpagin signaling him to give him the ball. Nodding, he then flung the ball to where their center is and when he got the ball, he was air-borne.

An alley-oop?! Kamijou thought as suddenly, Silver reacted to block the shot but he didn't realize that he was about to experience one of Shpagin's painful attacks.

"No, you don't!" Silver shouted.

Unfazed, Shpagin slammed the ball into the net against Silver's two hands and the latter ended up crashing into the floor. Then, as the gorilla-like giant released the hoop, it creaked.

"Basketball isn't just about strength. It's the way you play." Shpagin started. "You can never beat me with only instincts alone. I get that you're strong but you're sorely lacking in strategy." The hoop then tilted as its screws loosened although it never completely fell.

The entire gymnasium was in silence. Howell and Holts covered their mouths in shock.

"That's not even funny." Aogami said as he looked on.

"That surprised me too." Himegami added.

"Honestly, I've never been gladder that we didn't play them early on." Kamijou admitted.

After a couple more minutes, the hoop was restored and the game restarted with the US team in Russia's court. Holts went to his spot, while Gold stayed close to the centre circle. The others were concentrated in the paint area as they are trying to clog the paint to support Silver, who is shaken up without a word as he clutches in his left knee. He then passed to Forrester, who managed to sink a perimeter shot.

Russia quickly retrieved the ball and once Shpagin got it, he thundered down the court, pushing past the US players as though they weren't there. When he reached to the net, Silver and Forrester jumped to block him, but his dunk had too much force. They were blown away yet again.

The Jabberwocks center tried to get up but ended up on his fours, he couldn't believe what was happening.

"This is reality." Shpagin said as he stood beside Silver, shadowing him. "Whatever you do, America will lose and we will win. With my defense, even your agility can be stopped once I clamp you from dribbling."

Silver was pissed. So he ended up doing one thing that he didn't even do in the their game versus the Vorpal Swords.

He quickly punched Shpagin, who was a bit stunned but remained calm as he took the fist with ease.

"Flagrant Foul number 1! Black, number 8!" The referee suddenly whistled as all of the US players were now straining Silver, who was trying to get back at Shpagin, who was merely smiling at his antics.

"Oi…oi…this is the first time I saw a flagrant foul being called." Kamijou said to himself as he watches Silver kicking the bench and this time, security bouncers were now forced to intervene as Silver was going on a rampage after the referee that called the first flagrant foul. As the US coach was forced to finally remove Silver from the playing five, Shpagin completes two free throws and they even retained possession as part of the FIBA rules of flagrant foul.

From there, team USA just went downhill.

On offense, Gold was forced to carry the burden of the scoring duties with the benching of Silver and nevertheless, he was superb as he then switched to his streetball capabilities to weave around their defenders and score on layups and floaters. But in defense, even the blonde had a hard time as Stakhanov has his less-powerful but reliable Vulture Eyes to keep the ball away from the blonde and it resulted with their offense circulating and coming from their three other players. With the Russian five all contributing with Shpagin now controlling the boards without any opposition, it was no wonder that the entire US crowd has seen the writing in the wall.

By the time the buzzer ended as the time in the final period had winded down to zero, the score was 112 – 98, in Russia's dominating win.

The Russian and American players converged on the court. As they fall in line, Stakhanov celebrated as Shpagin showed off a small smile while showing a thumbs-up sign to the bench.

"Game Over! One hundred and twelve to ninety eight. Russian reaches the finals!" The female announcer said.

"Thank you very much for the game." The two teams from the former Cold War rival nations said as they separated. Gold was seen weeping in shock as this was the first time in a decade that America won't reach the finals in the Olympics.

Up in the audience, Kamijou looked at Stakhanov with calculating eyes. So that guy would be my opponent in terms of position.

"That was a fierce match, nya." Tsuchimikado said.

"Yes it was." Kiysohi said before turning to Kamijou. "It looks like he'll be your final opponent, Kamijou."

"It doesn't matter as long as we work together, right?" Kamijou smiled as he is confident that they would be able to bring home the trophy.

Just then, Fukiyose felt her phone vibrate so she had to pull it out. When she read what looks like a message, she was shocked. It seemed that whatever the message is, it's something she wasn't expecting.

"Is there a problem?" Kamijou saw her facial expression.

"When is the final game between your team and Russia?"

"Uh…Thursday…" Kamijou felt like something is wrong with this.

Fukiyose sighed as she typed a message before replying to him. "It looks like half of Academy City would come here to support you."

It took ten second for those words to process into the head of the spiky haired boy and when it did, he had an amusing look in his face.

"Ehhhhhh?!"