Were you able to sleep well last night?
Yeah.
After hearing Kuroko's story and going home, I calmed down for some reason.
I fell asleep right away.
I see.
Even watching the videos this morning, we re-acknowledged that Rakuzan is ridiculously strong...
But, for some reason, I'm not fretting at all.
All right, I'm done.
How's this looking, ma'am?
Yeah, perfect! Thanks!
- As expected from the son of a barber! - Don't say "barber"!
Let's win today. Go for it, Captain.
What's wrong?
You know, Riko...
If we win today...
If we can win the national championships, then...
Achoo!
HYUGA BARBER SHOP So filthy! Hey!
Oh, sorry! But boy, it feels a bit cold! My neck feels cold!
How is it? Do you like it?
Yes! It's very tasty!
Oh, good. Would you like some tea?
I'd love some!
Wait, why are you eating with us at my place, Kiyoshi?
We're all going to go cheer for you today.
It's the finals (kessho), so we're wearing makeup (kesho)!
Big Sister, Mom said that already.
That's a good one!
Thank you for that meal!
Are you fine being here?
Oh, sorry. I'll get going soon.
No, I mean what about your grandparents?
I had a leisurely breakfast with them. They told me to do my best.
They coming to cheer?
That's probably a bit tough, because they're pretty old.
But I did mention the game, and they listened as if it was about them.
I see...
So, if I'm going to talk to them about it, it has to be telling them that we won, of course.
Yeah!
Do your best, Satoshi-kun! I'm cheering for you!
Thanks. Though, I'm sure I'll mostly be warming the bench...
Don't worry! I don't know much about sports...
...but if there were no bench players, I think those playing in the game would be uneasy.
So, even if you're not saving the day in the game, it won't be at all like you're unwanted.
You're right. I'm sorry. I'll do my best!
That's amazing! You win the national championships if you win today?
Yeah. So Big Sis, if you're bored tonight, come and watch.
Will you be in the game?
Who knows? I have no clue 'cause I'm not on the starting lineup...
You've changed a bit.
Huh? What's up with that?
You know, when you played tennis in middle school.
I went to go watch with Mom. But, you didn't get to play and pouted the whole time.
I forgot all about it! Did I ever?
Mom totally yelled at you afterwards.
"What gives you the right to not cheer for your teammates just because you weren't in the game?"
Of course everyone wants to play in the game.
But more than that, I want to win together with the guys for now.
Leave it to me! I'll grab Dad, Mom, and all our relatives to cheer for you!
No, you don't have to go that far!
Ta-dah!
We made this together.
We're all going to cheer!
Do your best, Big Brother Rin.
I'm sorry I called you out so suddenly, Tatsuya.
I wanted to settle everything before the finals.
I know.
I'm really sorry about what happened in the States. But, after everything, I want to, as before...
We don't need to talk about that anymore.
I should be the one who apologizes. I'm sorry for everything until now, Taiga.
Let's play again... No, I'd want you to play again.
Tatsuya...
As a rival, and as a brother...
I'll go cheer for you in the finals.
Do your best.
"Let me see you become the number one player... Bro."
Number one...
"'Course!"
Alex-san will be here in a while. Until then, please be a good boy.
Um, excuse me. I'm Kuroko.
I'm really glad... that I played basketball.
Tonight, I will hit you with all of those feelings, Akashi-kun.
67Q. FINAL TIP-OFF!!
Man, so cold!
But I didn't think you'd watch the finals with me, Aomine. It's so unusual maybe it'll snow!
Shut up. Bet you haven't finished your exam studies either.
Hush.
He's a hundred times smarter than you.
Heh.
Murasakibara being obedient and watching with us is so unusual, it might even snow!
Shut up, chin.
Yeah, chin.
Is it that wrong to have a split chin?
Oh, hey. It's the Yosen guys. Nice seeing you.
Imayoshi... First time since summer, huh? It's been a while.
We both already lost though...
Well true, we didn't get to play each other.
Yo. We just saw each other at opening ceremonies, but it feels like forever.
Indeed...
Aren't you missing a guy? That guy that hides one eye...
Muro-chin? He's got something to do so he's coming a bit late.
Hey, Mine-chin.
Huh?
Who do you think will win?
What do you mean? The third place match or the finals?
Both.
Third place is already decided.
KAIJO With him sitting out, spirit alone won't be able to do anything.
And I have no idea about the finals.
That's why we're all here to see it through, right?
KAIJO - SHUTOKU
We will now have a 10-minute break before the second half begins.
Rakuzan High School and Seirin High School members, please start your warm-up.
Thanks!
Captain, is something wrong?
Look at that... We're in trouble.
They're just passing the ball into a layup?
Wait... a minute...
They're always moving at the exact same rhythm... and never miss.
A layup is the most basic shot with the highest success rate.
But no matter how good the team, I've never seen them hit 100% of the shots.
These guys don't just have the basics down.
It's seeped into their bones so deep it's scary. That means they've practiced innumerable times.
This is the first time I've gotten goosebumps just watching people shoot layups.
That's way too long! Isn't that your longest ever?
Yeah, I ate to the max today!
I'm matched up against Kiyoshi, right? I have a score to settle with him!
I can't help my muscles from flaring up!
Big Sis Leo?
Junpei Hyuga. Boys who lack fashion sense aren't my type...
...but I will make sure to give him some tender loving care.
Anyway, I'm totally more worried about you. You're against Kagami, right?
Yeah, I'm in trouble! But well, I'm sure I'll make something of it.
Right, Mayuzumi-san?
You're light-hearted as always... Do you understand our situation?
Of course I understand!
Bottom line, we just gotta crush Seirin, right?
Then, you're fine.
Akashi, you're gonna be starting, right?
Of course. They are strong, so we cannot let our guard down at all.
But I am the absolute.
And the winner will be Rakuzan.
Our basketball is the absolute.
This day has finally arrived.
To be honest, I am quite surprised.
I thought the probability of you arriving here was very low.
Found the answer you were seeking?
Yes.
Then, show it to me. What you call your basketball.
No. I won't be showing you "my" basketball.
It's "our" basketball.
I see...
Challenge accepted.
It's over!
Shutoku ends Winter Cup in third place!
Kise.
Our showdown is on hold.
Next time, we will surely go against each other at full strength.
Midorima-cchi...
Of course we will! We would have won if I was in the game!
In fact, I'll take you down before you can get revenge.
Well, we're both at a loss.
Hate to say it, but we're only the pre-game show.
We're going to leave the good parts for the main characters.
Here they come...
Seirin High School and...
...Rakuzan High School!
Kuroko.
If you don't mind... Can you use this for today's game?
This is...
It's filled with our thoughts.
We may not be able to play in the game, but we want to fight together with you guys.
Thank you very much. I'll put both on for this fight.
The one from Ogiwara-kun, and the one from Seirin.
It's time. Let's go.
We're gonna win! Seirin, Fight!
Yeah!
Before we start the game, let us introduce the two teams.
First, in the black uniforms, Seirin High School.
Guidance faculty, Kenji Takeda.
Coach, Riko Aida.
Seriously? A high school girl? That's amazing!
Is that possible?
Introducing their starting members...
#11, Tetsuya Kuroko.
It's the phantom sixth man!
He's starting today too!
He's totally become one of the more noticed players...
#10, Taiga Kagami.
All right!
Made it in time.
Muro-chin.
I got slightly lost. Made me panic a little.
Go for it, Taiga!
#7, Teppei Kiyoshi.
We're finally all the way up here...
We'll do it... I'll make sure to leave no regrets!
Do your best, Kiyoshi!
#5, Shun Iduki.
Big brother's out there!
Go get 'em, Shun!
He's got a huge responsibility today.
He's guarding Akashi of the Generation of Miracles. If he can't do anything himself, it won't even be a joke.
#4, captain Junpei Hyuga.
All right!
Once he starts landing shots, he's a shooter that should scare even Rakuzan...
He's definitely the focal point of the team, not only on the offensive front but also mentally.
Next, in the white uniforms, Rakuzan High School.
Coach, Eiji Shirogane.
And introducing their starting members...
#8, Eikichi Nebuya.
All right!
#7, Kotaro Hayama.
#6, Leo Mibuchi.
The Five Uncrowned Kings, huh? Meaning they're all at Kiyoshi and Hanamiya's level?
That would still be tolerable...
Now that they're in Rakuzan, it wouldn't be strange if they went above and beyond.
#5, Chihiro Mayuzumi.
The only third-year...
Even in warm-ups, his level is really high.
But somehow, he seems to have an aura of his own...
...similar to someone I know?
#4...
Here he is.
So that's...
Captain, Seijuro Akashi.
We will now begin the Winter Cup Finals between Seirin High School and Rakuzan High School.
Bow!
Let's have a good game!
RAKUZAN - SEIRIN
Um, senpai... Can you let me jump for the tip-off?
Why so suddenly? It's true that you can jump higher, but the timing...
Please.
All right. Then, I'm counting on you!
Huh? I thought Kiyoshi was jumping, then Kuroko and Kagami blitz for the first score?
I leave it to the judgment of the players.
Teppei swapping spots means he felt that it was the better choice.
This feeling from Kagami... I've seen it before.
He's full of fighting spirit, but is very calm.
No doubt, he's in his best condition mentally as well...
If so, then I think it's a possibility.
Maybe. If anyone can pull one from Aka-chin...
...it's gonna be him, even though it's improbable.
It's about to start.
The final tip-off!
Ignite Pass Kai!
Kai? I can't catch that!
Kuroko, you idiot, you got way too much spirit!
You would have landed that if you didn't fumble. Too bad.
We're taking the first basket!
You again?
Nice, Kagami!
- All right! - Gimme!
Last night...
I thought about it after hearing Kuroko's story.
What if I was in his shoes... What would I have done?
I said that you were at fault, but that can't be the only reason.
Even if you did punch them, maybe nothing would've changed.
In the end, I couldn't find an answer... I just thought I want to blow away this murky feeling.
That's why I'm going to jump!
Are you serious?
This is so early... Impossible, this is...
Hey...
I want to win... with Kuroko and all the other guys!
Meteor Jam?
Is this for real?
He slammed it from above Akashi!
Wha...
Kagami...
When he can use that shot is...
What I taught him... as the trigger for him to get into that realm...
But still, would you actually start the game in it?
For him, the trigger is...
...the will to fight for his teammates.
Interesting.
ZONE, huh?
WE WILL BE THE BEST IN JAPAN.
Concentrate. Grab the ball.
Concentrate. Everyone on the team is supporting me.
I just have to keep moving forward.
68Q. ISN'T IT THE BEST? Akashi, no matter what tactics you decide to use... We will make sure we win!