I'm not sure Aominecchi
should be playing games whether he comes to practice or not.
I don't know what the coach is thinking, but I'm hesitant to agree.
About that...
If we don't have to practice as long as we win,
I don't want to practice anymore.
Don't be stupid.
He'll never allow it.
But I can't lose.
Besides, I've only been listening to you because I thought I couldn't beat you.
But lately, I think that might not be the case anymore.
I don't want to listen to someone weaker than me.
What did you say?
What are you talking about?
You're joking, right?
Move.
If I have to do it by force, I will.
Don't flatter yourself.
One-on-one.
First to five.
What?
No way...
I didn't think it'd be this one-sided...
Akashi Murasakibara
4
Honestly, I'm pretty disappointed.
I can't listen to you anymore.
Whatever.
Once I make this, I'm doing what I want.
I, Akashi Seijuro, lost?
That's impossible.
It cannot be.
I must win, no matter my opponent.
No matter what.
Winning is everything.
Winners are validated and losers are denied.
Because I always win, I am always right.
What just happened?
I don't know.
Something's different.
Akashi-kun's not his normal self.
You're pushing your luck, Atsushi.
Don't make me so angry.
I never forgive those who defy me.
Not even my parents.
What was up with Akashicchi?
He was like a different person.
A different person...
He's exactly right.
There's another, different Akashi inside him.
I can hardly believe it myself.
But...
They're out!
The veterans of 11 consecutive appearances!
The veteran kings, Shutoku High!
They're here!
The strongest high school team!
The emperors since the beginning of time, Rakuzan High!
Since they're so strong, I thought they'd be more uptight.
They're pretty normal, though.
What are you talking about? You're going to get burned.
There's nothing normal about them.
No. 4 is their captain, Akashi.
No matter how amazing a first year is, that almost never happens.
At the very least,
you can't call someone who leads so naturally "normal."
What a pain in the ass.
If you want to watch the game, watch it yourself, Murochin.
Don't be that way, Atsushi.
It's starting.
I'm going to win, Akashi.
That's impossible, Shintaro.
Because I always win, I am always right.
Yeah!
Just kidding.
Crap! Already?
You're always right?
Don't make me laugh, Akashi.
Don't talk like you know everything when you've only ever won!
It didn't even touch the hoop!
He's like a high-precision machine!
He's got an aura around him.
Sheesh. Is he really a first year?
He's fast! But...
Nice pass!
Shutoku
Rakuzan
The first quarter's over!
Neither the kings nor emperors are giving any ground!
What's going on?
He's definitely good.
He's got the skills, and he has a broad field of vision.
He's as good as you'd expect a point guard to be.
But he's not so good that I can't keep up.
Is this really the captain of the Generation of Miracles, Akashi Seijuro?
The game's going well.
No changes to our game plan.
I'll leave the detailed game-making to you guys.
If you need to fix anything, listen to Akashi.
Yes, sir!
Don't underestimate me, Akashi.
It was rather leisurely of you to so obviously watch and wait during the first quarter.
Surely you don't think you can win without using your "eye."
I don't underestimate you, Shintaro.
One must be careful how they play their trump card.
However,
at this rate the game may end before I even play it.
What did you say?
If you had trouble understanding me earlier, allow me to rephrase.
How is he dribbling like that?
My eyes can't keep up!
I don't need to do anything myself.
That's all.
Damn it!
A double clutch!
He made the shot!
Damn it!
We're managing to score with Shin-chan, but the difference is too great.
Miyaji-san's not the only one.
They're completely overpowering Otsubo-san, too.
They're leaving Kimura-san open
by double-teaming Shin-chan, but he's struggling, too.
Akashi hasn't done anything yet.
He's just passing effectively.
But we can barely keep up.
Sorry, but the rest of your team is just holding you back.
Crap!
You're not going anywhere!
Weak!
Damn, damn, damn!
When did he...
He's so fast getting back!
Nice!
Holding me back?
What are you talking about?
A screen!
You're not taking this shot!
I don't know of anyone who holds me back
on this team.
He dunked it!
Shutoku's keeping up!
Nice pass.
There it is!
The high trajectory three!
Yeah!
Shutoku
Rakuzan
Midorima Shintaro's not easy to handle.
What should we do? Should we put another man on him?
No, that's not necessary.
Putting more men on him would be counterproductive.
We'll put one man on him in the second half.
What?
I will take on Shintaro.
Shutoku
Rakuzan
I knew you would do this.
Come, Shintaro.
They're challenging each other already.
It's a one-on-one with both teams' aces.
Whichever team wins this is sure to take control of the game.
What?
He's going for a three without a fake?
Impossible!
I can't believe he intercepted the ball before he jumped!
His reactions are too fast!
He's not fast.
He just sees it.
What?
Akachin's eyes make both offense and defense powerless.
You're not passing me!
Pass you? I don't need to.
You're going to move for me.
He did a crossover during the second I was reacting!
Crap!
I never allow those who oppose me to look down at me.
Lower your head.
He can predict every movement with his eyes.
All abilities are rendered useless.
People can't even remain standing.
Akashi Seijuro can predict the future movements of his opponents.
It's no use. I can't get into a shooting stance.
Hey!
He even saw through that pass fake?
You're not going anywhere!
No. My orders are absolute.
Is he passing behind his back?
Nice pass!
Yeah!
Emperor Eye.
As long as he has those eyes,
I can't imagine Akachin losing.
Damn it.
I'll just have to...
Hey, don't forget about us!
Akashi!
Shintaro, you are strong.
But you will lose.
Who do you think commanded the Generation of Miracles?
Not even you can stand against me.
Shutoku
Rakuzan
A 20 point difference...
This is the true strength of Rakuzan and Akashi.
Come on, Shin-chan.
How long are you going to keep sitting there?
I'll break your glasses!
Hey!
Can't you see those characters?
Pull yourself together!
Indomitable
Make the shot, Midorima!
Go get them, Miyaji!
Go, Takao!
Midorima, Takao. We still have time.
Don't give up before the game's over.
Let's get a basket.
Let's go win.
Hey, Shin-chan.
Miyaji-san was really scary during practice, wasn't he?
Yes.
Otsubo-san was serious and strict, too.
Practice was hard enough already, but they never let anyone relax.
I thought I would die during our training camp.
But the watermelon Kimura-san brought us was really good.
Yes.
we could keep playing basketball with them.
Yes.
The game isn't over yet.
Because Midorima-kun and his team haven't given up.
They haven't given up?
No. He's trying to do something.
This is a gamble.
I must trust my teammates more than I trust myself.
It's not enough for me to do everything I possibly can.
But I am certain.
There isn't a man on this team who hasn't done everything humanly possible!
He's entering his shooting motion.
Without the ball?
These guys...
What is he doing?
Could it be?
He caught the ball mid-air and shot a three-pointer?
Is that even possible?
Yeah!
From that height, even if Akashi could see the future,
he couldn't intercept the shot.
But that was more than just difficult.
Rebound!
Fast break!
He made it!
That's three in a row!
Shutoku
Rakuzan
Shutoku's closing the gap!
Their style is different, but they're like you.
They're like the light and shadow of Shutoku.
Shutoku's not dead yet.
The game is just getting started.
This is more than I expected, Shintaro.
I couldn't ask for more.
This is pointless.
Move!
My orders are absolute.
Midorima!
More!
Don't give up!
There is no shame in falling!
The only shame is in not getting up!
Akashi!
Otsubo!
Otsubo-san, you're the best!
You're not going anywhere!
They're double-teaming Takao this time!
What?
Takao!
Such incredible pressure!
It's impossible for him to pass accurately into Midorima's hands now!
We knew you'd do this.
You think I'd be Shin-chan's partner if I lost my cool over this?
Don't underestimate me!
He got past them!
And Midorimacchi's entering the motions!
He started moving just before Takao did.
He believed Takao would make it past them!
Go!
I told you.
I am absolute.
Your shot has a weakness.
Because you're left-handed, he has to pass from your left side.
In other words, I can easily predict
the timing and path of the pass even without my Emperor Eye.
I used my eyes for only a moment
so I could get a head start on him at the moment of no return.
But I used my Hawk Eye to confirm Akashi's position.
He shouldn't have been able to reach it even if he got a head start.
Could it be?
Did he intentionally slow himself down during the first half?
Just barely enough so Shin-chan wouldn't notice?
I hadn't realized you already made your opening move.
He doesn't just rely on his physical or mental capabilities.
He also has frighteningly well-design strategies.
This is the captain of the Generation or Miracles, Akashi Seijuro!
Damn! Damn!
Does this mean Akashi was in control of everything that happened?
Not yet! It's not over yet!
You're not taking that shot!
Wait, Takao!
A fake!
He made a three while drawing a foul...
You're kidding, right?
It's over, Shintaro.
Akashi!
I must express my respect for all of you, Shintaro and Shutoku High.
Not a single one of you lost the will to fight until the end.
But you fell short.
Sleep now, veteran kings.
With a score of 86 to 70, Rakuzan High wins!
Bow!
Thank you!
Rakuzan is kind of quiet.
More than happy, they seem relieved this critical game is over.
Of course. They expect to win.
Anything but victory is failure.
The pressure of being the best exceeds imagination.
Hey. I haven't seen you since the opening ceremony, Tetsuya.
Yes, Akashi-kun.
Hey. You haven't forgotten me, have you?
You pulled some dangerous crap on me then.
I'll beat you.
Of course I remember you, Kagami Taiga.
I should warn you.
Only those who serve me are allowed to look me in the eye
when they speak to me.
I never allow those who oppose me to look down at me.
Lower your head.
What?
Kagami!
Kagami-kun!
Tetsuya.
If you intend to fight me, you must prepare yourself.
I'm the one who discovered your power.
You will come to realize what that means.
The top four, huh?
It's about what I expected.
We did pretty well against Rakuzan.
Huh? Shin-chan, are you heartbroken?
But...
Sorry.
I can't
console you right now.
I know.
Me, too.
Losing is frustrating.
Huh?
Huh? What?
It's gone!
What's gotten into you?
I lost my ring!
What?
I'm... I'm going to go look for it!
Hey, Kagami!
It's not here!
Where is it?
Looking for this?
Yeah, that's it!
Where did...
Midorima?
I didn't think you'd reach Akashi.
Men's Final
Rakuzan High (Kyoto) Seirin High (Tokyo)
You've done well.
Why are you acting so high and mighty?
Why are you here, anyway?
No reason.
I was in a pensive mood.
What? Aren't you playing for third tomorrow?
It doesn't matter.
I'll watch your game when it's over.
Are you rooting for Akashi?
Of course not, idiot.
What?
I don't intend to or need to.
Akashi is strong.
I know.
But you can't be sure until you try.
Hey! What are you doing here?
Takao-kun...
Huh?
Is Kagami with Shin-chan?
I think this happened last summer, too.
But I don't feel like watching and laughing today.
I'm leaving. Good luck tomorrow.
Thanks.
Give me a break, Shin-chan.
Let's go.
Kagami, let me tell you something.
There are two Akashi Seijuros.
What are you talking about?
What does that mean?
Later. Do your best.
It's so cold...
I can't believe we're watching the finals together.
Is it going to snow later?
Shut up.
You weren't really studying for exams, anyway.
Nonsense.
We're a hundred times smarter than you.
I can't believe you're watching the finals with us.
Is it going to snow later?
Shut up already, butt chin.
That's a butt chin.
Sure is.
Are cleft chins that bad?!
Well, well.
Hello, Yosen.
Imayoshi...
Who do you think will win?
You mean the third place match or finals?
Both.
Third place is already decided.
They can't manage without him.
I don't know about finals.
Isn't that why we're here?
Rakuzan and Seirin, please begin warming up.
Yeah!
The day has finally come.
Honestly, I'm surprised.
I thought it unlikely that you'd make it this far.
Then show me your basketball.
No.
I won't be showing you my basketball.
It's our basketball.
I see.
I accept your challenge.
The Winter Cup final between
Seirin High and Rakuzan High will now begin.
Bow!
Let's have a good game!
Huh? Wasn't Kiyoshi supposed to jump so Kuroko and Kagami could score?
I'll let them decide.
If Teppei switched, he probably felt it was for the best.
It's starting.
The final tip-off!
He's fast. Could this be...
I want to win with Kuroko and the guys!
Meteor Jam?
Kagami...
I thought he could only do that when...
Interesting.
The Zone, huh?
What? Again?
Damn. Is Kagami stronger than Midorima when he's in the Zone?
We can't touch him.
We'll keep offense as is.
On defense, Kotaro, we'll switch marks.
Akashi...
You're getting carried away,
Kagami Taiga.
I knew it.
It's a clash of the aces.
The results will affect the flow of the game.
The Zone versus Emperor Eye!
Kagami's speed beat Emperor Eye?!
Beat Emperor Eye?
Don't underestimate me.
I let you pass me.
Unbelievable.
Kagami-kun took a larger step forward to avoid Akashi-kun.
His drive went wide, taking him slightly farther from the hoop.
It just goes to show...
Akashi isn't unbeatable because he has Emperor Eye.
He's unbeatable because of how he uses it.
Whoops.
Why are you doing that now?
Sorry.
It's okay.
Huh?
He avoided Kuroko?
Go, No. 11!
The fans see him, too...
That can't be right.
Normally nobody notices him.
There it is! No. 11's miracle pass!
You touched the ball?
Yeah.
But that's not the problem.
Something's not right.
Kuroko hasn't been able to shake the defenders.
Is Kuroko's lack of presence weakening?
Coach, um...
The ball's free! Get it!
They intercepted Tetsu-kun's pass?
I can't bear to watch this folly.
How could you abandon your greatest strength?
The Vanishing Drive, the Phantom Shot.
How could a player who uses such flashy moves not stand out?
The last nail in the coffin was your buzzer beater in the semifinals.
When you learned to shine dimly, you ceased being a shadow.
No longer the Phantom Sixth Man,
you're worth less than the average player.
And you didn't notice until now.
You disappoint me, Tetsuya.
Rakuzan
Seirin
Good job tying them after the first quarter.
But you're out again, Kuroko-kun.
Okay.
We know Seirin's strength.
We'll stick to the plan in the second quarter.
Got it, Akashi?
Yes, sir.
All that's left is to destroy them.
Akashi failed his pass?
I got it!
What?!
Was that...
Misdirection?!
You're joking...
Is he just like Kuroko?
He's a little different.
He is like Tetsuya, but his fundamentals are all stronger.
Tetsuya is the old model.
Mayuzumi Chihiro is the new Phantom Sixth Man.
Yeah!
He made it!
Rakuzan's on a roll!
I know! Why not put Kuroko on him?
He's familiar with Misdirection, so he won't lose track of him!
No, that's impossible because...
Mitobe-senpai!
He predicted its trajectory based on its target and path!
Then I won't pass.
I'll shoot instead.
Kuroko-kun may be able to prevent his Misdirection.
But in a one-on-one, he doesn't stand a chance.
See that? That's my style.
I'm nothing like you.
He's looking at me...
No, he's observing me!
Rakuzan
Seirin
A seven point difference...
One basket! Let's get them back!
Yeah!
Rebound!
Yeah!
Yeah! Vice Claw!
Kiyoshi!
Yes! Nice shot, Captain!
Nice!
Yeah, of course!
Hyuga-san should start making threes once they're on offense.
Rakuzan's going for threes, too.
No you don't!
I've changed my mind about you.
You're a far better shooter than I thought.
So to thank you, I'll show you something special.
He's seriously going for it?
Mibuchi has two common shots.
Evading his opponent while making the shot, or "Heaven."
Then there's making the shot while striking his opponent, or "Earth."
But there's actually one more.
It's an ordinary shot?
There's no way I'll let him—
I can't jump?
Why?
A shot his opponents can't respond to.
"Void."
Mibuchi "The Demon" Leo has three kinds of shots.
It's no use!
He's completely adjusted to the Barrier Jumper's timing!
Oh my.
Kiyoshi!
Nice!
Hyuga messed up. He backed off.
It wasn't wrong, though.
He passed, and they scored.
For the team, it was the right choice.
But it's now clear
Mibuchi is the better shooter.
Defense, black No. 4!
Basket counts, one free throw!
He made the shot and drew a foul!
And it was a three!
That's a four point play!
No worries, Hyuga!
We'll get them back!
I know!
Izuki, pass me the ball.
Kiyoshi...
I'm in an attacking mood, too.
What's wrong? You suddenly feel like playing?
Let's go, Nebuya!
He's so heavy!
He won't budge!
Out of bounds!
Muscle Screen Out!
What's up with centers? Do they all have to be loud?
What?!
Muscle Rebound!
Could you stop saying "Muscle Whatever" every time?
Muscle Dunk!
I won't let you shoot.
Damn!
Come on! What's wrong?
Kagami and Kuroko are strong rookies.
But they're not the only reason they made it this far.
It's because they had the second-years.
Hyuga and Kiyoshi in particular are the pillars of their outside and inside.
Breaking them is like breaking the team's legs.
Make it!
He made the Middle Jumper!
Well, it's bound to happen.
Even against Rakuzan, they're sure to score some points.
But that's all.
The weaklings can make a last-ditch effort.
But ultimately they'll be pushed out by a stronger power.
Crap, a screen!
Switch!
Not even this timing worked!
That's unusual.
Is he excited?
No, he's showing off.
What?
It's too late.
Kurochin can't recover from the loss of his lack of presence.
Even if he does, they're too far behind.
Both in points and strength.
Miracles don't happen.
They can't even win with one.
The third quarter will now begin.
Let's go, Seirin!
Fight!
Yeah!
They're really hyped up.
They're behind, but they haven't given up.
Don't be so sure.
They're just desperately trying to shake off
the dark despair that will envelope them any moment now.
Defense, black No. 4!
Hyuga!
Damn. That's his third.
It wasn't long, but I had fun, Junpei-chan.
He faked a Heaven shot into an Earth!
No, wait! I didn't hit him!
This can't be happening now!
Not when we're so desperate!
No. 4, raise your hands!
Seriously? I didn't hit him!
Hyuga-kun!
Raise your hands!
He lost his balance! I didn't do anything!
Hyuga!
Please, I...
Technical foul, black No. 4!
That's four. They'll have to sub him out.
Yikes.
We came because someone threw a tantrum over watching the game, but...
It wasn't a tantrum.
You can't be doing that, Hyuga-san.
Since they beat us to reach the finals, I was rooting for our rivals.
But this is the end for them.
Rakuzan
Seirin
Black, time out.
The finals aren't always dramatic.
Sometimes the favorite wins all too soon.
Their spirits are completely broken.
Their lights of hope have been extinguished.
Seirin can't recover anymore.
No.
I want to win.
Kuroko?
I want to win!
Even if it's impossible, I want us to become the best in Japan!
Coach, please.
Rakuzan
Seirin
When you're this far behind,
no sport is more boring than basketball.
But that's only if
the game ends here!
He's been nothing but selfish.
Does he have any idea how crazy it would be if we won?
But the second-years can't lose heart while the first-years still have hope.
We can't give up yet.
We will win.
Fight with only winning on your mind!
You can do it, guys.
You can do it, Kuroko.
Kuroko versus Mayuzumi!
Don't act like you can stop me.
You can't possibly do that!
No, you don't!
Kagami!
Rakuzan
Seirin
They closed the gap a little.
Mayuzumi versus Kuroko again?
I won't fall for it again.
Kagami's on the other side.
I can handle anyone else who comes.
He passed him! Kiyoshi's going to...
He's not moving!
I'll show them what I can do!
Rakuzan's No. 5 made another basket!
I'll say it again, old sixth man.
You can't beat me.
This reminds of something Takao-kun told me.
What?
Sorry, but I still consider myself the Phantom Sixth Man!
What?
Where did he come from?
I lost him... Impossible!
What did he do?
Run!
Has his lack of presence returned?
That's impossible!
But if it is, this situation...
Is it the Vanishing Drive?
Nice, Kagami and Kuroko!
We're just getting started, Rakuzan!
Has Kuroko's lack of presence returned?
No.
No! That's impossible!
There's nothing you can do about your own presence!
Here he comes! It's Rakuzan's No. 5, Mayuzumi!
It's a one-on-one!
Did you
overwrite
me?
Overwriting.
He made Mayuzumi stand out more than himself.
That's why he kept letting Mayuzumi pass him.
A dim light is overshadowed when a brighter light appears.
Similar to the old one, but better.
That's how he dug the new model's grave.
Kuroko, you're amazing.
If you hadn't stood back up,
I may have given up.
I won't let your ray of hope go out this time!
Bring it on, Akashi!
He backed off?
Did he stop marking him? Why?
Impossible.
He can reach from there?
He's even deeper in the Zone.
I feel like I'm sinking through water when I enter the Zone.
The deeper I sink, the sharper my skills get.
The Zone is deeper still.
Mibuchi!
A three without a fake?
No, this is...
Void!
He jumped during Leo's Void?
Damn it!
Mayuzumi's still functioning.
The effects of the overwriting aren't complete yet.
Now that I know, I won't pass you.
Once I return to the shadows, you can't overwrite me.
There's nowhere to pass!
He thinks I won't pass him.
There's no one behind him.
What an obnoxious kid.
But I won't fall for it.
Until I find my target...
What? Why did I pass...
Crap!
Kurochin created a huge opening just before he started dribbling.
Yeah. It was a moment's opening under great pressure.
Mayuzumi reflexively took it
even though he knew he shouldn't.
That's the extent of his abilities.
Returning to the shadows. Easier said than done.
It takes an ironclad rationality capable of suppressing instinct.
The new Phantom Sixth Man may be more skilled,
but there's one way in which he can't beat Kurokocchi.
His history as the sixth man and his will to fight for the team.
In other words...
Damn it!
That strengthened his overwriting!
The weight of his resolve to be a shadow.
What?
A dunk!
When did Kiyoshi get the ball?
The pass went through before I knew it!
Rakuzan
Seirin
Kagami's stopping Akashi on defense,
and they're scoring with Kuroko's passes on offense.
They can't let their guard down yet, but there's hope
with the power of the shadow and light.
Hyuga, you're coming in?
Yeah. I know the risks.
But this time I'll beat Mibuchi.
Sorry, Hyuga. I wasn't strong enough.
What are you talking about?
You're the reason I can fight.
I'll crush him for you, too.
Yeah. I'm counting on you, Hyuga.
It's finally the fourth quarter.
This will determine the Winter Cup championship.
Can Seirin make up a 20 point difference?
Who knows?
But they haven't given up.
When it comes to killing giants, attitude matters more than strategy.
A three already?
He's already on him!
He's fast.
Yeah!
Nice, Captain!
Rakuzan
Seirin
Yes! Let's go, Rakuzan!
With four fouls, I thought he'd barely be able to play.
You can do it, Junpei.
No matter how strong you are, I'll stop this shot!
Yes!
Hyuga!
No you don't!
Yeah!
Leo!
Crap!
Kuroko!
Kiyoshi, how long have you been a center?
Don't let that musclebound moron beat you!
He stopped.
Even at full power, Kiyoshi-san can't beat Nebuya-san.
He doesn't have to win.
He just needs enough to compete to stay in the game.
We're ten points behind!
Rakuzan
Seirin
Damn.
Mibuchi, the four of you will go during our next attack.
What? Sei-chan, what do you—
Run.
They broke through in a second.
Crap! Go back!
He's not moving?
Think later! Focus on defense!
I'll make the shot.
He can't stop my Meteor Jam like he did in the first half.
Take this, Akashi!
Akashi-kun?
I will demonstrate my superiority
to everyone here.
Akashi's Zone.
Wait, Akashi!
No way!
Stop him!
He changes speed so quickly!
He's too fast!
You have defied me.
It's not enough for you to sit.
Kneel.
A fake!
Witness my sublime form and realize
your defeat is absolute.
He made it!
He took the ball from hoop to hoop!
They called for a time out.
But is there anything they can do to stop him?
I'll do it.
Kagami! You mean you'll do it by yourself?
We're counting on you, then.
What? Don't you think you agreed too quickly, Captain?
It's a valid verdict. Yeah, nice.
You, too, Izuki-senpai?
You heard them, Kiyoshi.
Okay.
Why is everyone agreeing?
Why are you objecting?
What?
It's how we've always played.
Against the Generation of Miracles, we always face this situation.
Eventually we have to rely on our ace.
If we didn't have one, we'd be screwed.
But we have Kagami.
That's good enough.
Kagami-kun.
You know what this means, Kagami-kun.
This fight will determine who wins and who loses.
Win, Kagami!
Yeah!
A steal into a fast break!
Stop him!
Kuroko, Kagami!
Right!
What? Impossible...
How did you get there before me?
How did he do it?
Kurochin wasn't looking at Akachin.
How, then?
Kuroko was looking only at Kagami.
He predicted Kagami's movements.
And he moved in the opposite direction.
It allowed him to catch up to Akashi, who predicted Kagami's movements.
Yes!
All right!
Go!
A turnover?
And I...
I let it happen?
What?
Tetsuya?
An alley-oop?
Don't be absurd. I am absolute!
I must not lose!
He made it!
No way.
Sei-chan...
I've never seen Akashi like this.
He's less composed than he's ever been.
He's unsettled, which means he's distracted.
He's leaving the Zone.
You're at your limit.
Don't be absurd! I can't lose!
Give up. You can't win anymore.
Shut up! I will win.
I have until now, and I always will!
He made it!
We're down ten points!
Rakuzan
Seirin
We can do it! We can win!
He made it!
We finally caught up to Rakuzan!
We're just one basket behind!
One basket behind!
Rakuzan
Seirin
White team timeout.
Kuroko?
I don't believe it.
Is Akashi this fragile a player?
You're out, Aka—
Wait.
You're embarrassing yourself.
Did you think I'd console or encourage you?
I'd never do that.
After everything you said, this is all you can do?
I don't think so.
In fact, who are you?
You are my weakness.
You stay here forever.
I meant to.
But the scent of defeat is making you crack.
You know nothing!
You allowed yourself to be weak!
Yes. I didn't understand.
I was trying to save it by winning.
Something irreplaceable.
I didn't know what else to do.
That weakness gave birth to you.
Desiring only victory and abandoning all else,
I lost sight of why I wanted to be stronger.
And now you're about to make the same mistake.
Our guilt will stay with us forever.
I thought it couldn't hurt to lose.
But it seems I was wrong.
It's because we're playing Kuroko.
We can't suppress our impulse to win.
How dare you ask who I am?
You're...
Rakuzan
Seirin
Defense! Defense! Defense!
Let's stop them! No matter what!
Yeah!
Let's go, Kagami-kun.
Yeah.
What is this? Akashi's changed in some way.
He's coming. Focus.
I can't beat Akashi unless I focus completely.
It's been a while,
Kuroko.
What?
That pass told me everything.
Those are the passes we received.
Which means...
Akashi is back to his old self.
What? Seriously?
Now that the true Akashi-kun's awake, he's almost certainly stronger than before.
Yeah!
At first glance it looks like Akashi's making assists, but that's not all.
As Akashi's teammates receive his passes, their movements improve.
Perfect passes create perfect rhythm.
Akashi's Emperor Eye sees opponents and allies alike.
He easily makes what should be impossible passes,
drawing out the full potential of his teammates.
No way.
All five of them are in the Zone?
It's not over yet!
It's no use.
I can't play any better in my current state!
I've entered the Zone and reached the bottom, but...
I can't open the new door I see there.
I need to move the guy standing in front of it.
It'll never open if I just wait!
What am I supposed to do?
Kagami-kun...
Kuroko.
Why don't you give up?
Why would you say that now, Kuroko?
I'm not telling you to give up on the game.
I mean give up on fighting alone.
I said I was counting on you, but it could be too heavy a responsibility.
If that's the case, let me help you carry it.
I can handle it myself!
I'm almost...
No, you're wrong.
Fine. I accept your help.
Do you have a sec?
Rakuzan
Seirin
Seirin was discussing something amongst themselves.
Is there something they can do to stop Rakuzan?
They're running a tight man-to-man defense with Kagami on me.
Nothing has changed.
It's the same for the other four.
They're moving, but they're not faster than before.
But...
What is this mysterious pressure?
Not even their quick passes are enough to make their defense crumble.
It feels like they're matching their movements to something else.
Sei-chan!
What?
That was good!
Kagami?
Was he prepared for this?
A double clutch?
They stopped him!
What was that?
We caught Seirin off guard, but they all reacted immediately.
Regardless, how are they able to coordinate with Kagami's movements?
They're matching Kagami.
Could it be that the true Zone is...
That's right. It's not fighting alone.
It's fighting as a team!
They're synchronizing their movements with a second of eye contact.
Super high-speed teamwork matching Kagami's Zone speed.
The Direct Drive Zone!
Go, Kagami!
Rakuzan
Seirin
Defense!
Give them everything!
Yeah!
Defense! Defense!
What?
Run!
Let's go!
Kagami!
Damn it!
Izuki!
This pass...
A coincidence?
But it was equal to Akashi's passes.
They'll make it.
For sure.
There's a way.
Not just to retaliate, but to win.
Could it be?
Rakuzan
Seirin
Basket counts, one free throw!
He made the three!
And he gets one free throw.
It's a miraculous four point play!
Sorry, guys.
Don't apologize.
Now isn't the time to blame yourself.
The next rebound will be the moment of truth.
Leave it to me. I'll get the ball.
I'll jump for it, too.
Getting rebounds is my job.
So
don't accidentally make the shot, Hyuga.
You're one to talk.
Let's have some fun.
This is the final play.
One free throw!
Rebound!
My entire being rides on this play!
He did it!
Stop them! Don't let them shoot!
Piece of crap! I knew.
I was keeping an eye on him!
But the moment I thought someone might shoot, I forgot about him!
Go!
Akashi!
It's over, Kuroko!
No, not yet.
I am a shadow.
Time's up!
Seirin High
wins the Winter Cup!
All right!
I lost.
So this is defeat.
This is awful.
It's hard to describe this pain in my chest.
I don't think I can stay composed until we line up.
But
that's why...
I'm glad I played basketball.
And I'm glad I met you.
You...
No, your team won.
Congratulations.
And prepare yourselves.
Next time, we'll win.
Yes.
Let's play again.
And again and again and again.
Yes.
Again and again.
This isn't the end of everything.
In fact, this is just the beginning.
We will fight by playing the game we love again
and again.