Capítulo 72: Win
"The final match of the Nationals, Teiko Junior High versus Kamata West Junior High, is about to begin!"
"This is the last game. Winning means we'll be champions and successfully defend our title. Anything you'd like to say?" Akashi asked his teammates, his sharp gaze sweeping over them.
"Just make sure to sink more three-pointers" Midorima said confidently, adjusting his glasses with a determined look.
On the other hand, Aomine seemed uncharacteristically lazy and indifferent, as if he had lost the fire he once had. He replied listlessly, "No, I've got nothing to say" It was clear he had little enthusiasm for the game.
"Me? I just want this over with so I can eat something good" Murasakibara muttered absentmindedly, clearly more interested in snacks than the game.
By contrast, Shiro's expression was calm, but his eyes revealed a fierce desire for victory. "Let's give it our all and win this" he said resolutely.
Finally, Akashi, the team captain, stepped forward, raising his voice, "We all share one goal: to win this game!"
Meanwhile, Kuroko found his thoughts drifting back to a conversation he had a few days ago. Back then, Coach Shirogane had advised him, "There's no need to do anything special for Aomine. Just stay the course, as you've been doing. Over-encouraging or comforting him might backfire, so if necessary, I'll handle it personally"
Now, as Kuroko watched the unstoppable and invincible Aomine dominate the court, a sense of helplessness crept in. He couldn't think of any way to help Aomine escape his inner turmoil.
Beep!
The first quarter ended with Aomine sank another shot, and the players headed to the bench.
"Aomine, stay back for a moment!" Coach Shirogane called out to the sweat-drenched ace.
The two sat down on the bench. Coach Shirogane broke the silence. "I owe you an apology" he began. "From the moment I realized your extraordinary potential and love for basketball, I knew this day would come — the day your talent would isolate you"
Aomine said nothing, listening quietly as Shirogane continued.
"Even though I saw it coming, I never addressed it. I couldn't bring myself to say the words. I prioritized harnessing your talent over considering how it might affect you emotionally. For that, I'm sorry. But I also urge you: don't waste this remarkable gift."
Shirogane's words made Aomine glance at him, his eyes showing a flicker of surprise.
"What's troubling you won't be solved overnight" Shirogane added, "but maybe one day, you'll find the answer. Don't reject it outright. I won't say that not giving up guarantees success, but giving up means you'll definitely get nothing!"
Aomine froze, startled. The coach's words echoed advice he had once given to Kuroko.
As Shirogane stood up, Aomine called after him, puzzled, "Wait… that line just now—?"
Shirogane nodded, hands behind his back. "Yes, I borrowed it from you."
"You heard that, huh?" Aomine stood as well, a faint but resolute smile forming on his lips. "I get it now. Things can't go back to how they were, but I still want to win"
"One more thing" Shirogane added. "If you ever feel lost, don't hesitate to learn from Shiro. Not just about basketball skills, but about his passion for the game. His goal has always been to make it to the NBA, and that's why you see him training harder than anyone every single day"
Hearing this, Aomine's gaze shifted toward Shiro. "The NBA, huh? Ha! That's exactly the kind of rival I'd expect from someone I want to beat. But next time we face off, I won't lose!"
With Aomine's fighting spirit reignited, Shirogane nodded, satisfied.
As the game resumed, Teiko began to dominate. The team played with unmatched precision and coordination, delivering stunning offense and airtight defense. Kamata West found themselves overwhelmed, and the score gap widened relentlessly.
As time wound down, the final score settled at 93:46. Teiko claimed a decisive victory.
"We did it! Ha ha ha!" Kise cheered loudly, throwing an arm around Kuroko in excitement, his joy impossible to contain. He practically danced with exhilaration, pumping his fists wildly.
Midorima let out a long sigh of relief, as if the weight of the game had finally lifted. A rare smile broke through his usual stoic demeanor, his tension melting away.
Meanwhile, Murasakibara turned to Midorima with curiosity. "So, can I eat my snacks now? Want to join me?"
Midorima blinked, momentarily stunned, then smiled and nodded. Murasakibara's eyes widened in shock — he couldn't believe Midorima, who normally avoided junk food, had agreed.
As the final whistle blew, Momoi wasted no time rushing toward Shiro. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she threw her arms around him. "Shiro, we won!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with happiness.
"Yeah, we did" Shiro replied with a gentle smile. Gathering his courage, he tilted her chin upward and, under the gaze of their teammates, leaned in to kiss her.
Momoi's eyes widened in surprise, her face flushing bright red. She hadn't expected such a bold move, especially in front of everyone.
The crowd erupted into cheers and playful teasing, though many girls in the audience felt their hearts shatter — they had lost their beloved idol to someone else!
Aomine, standing apart, stared blankly into the distance until Nijimura came up behind him, giving his head a playful smack. "Why the long face? Go celebrate!" Nijimura nudged him toward the others.
Finally, Aomine smiled — a rare, genuine smile — and walked over to join his teammates.
The group of boys stood together on the court, sharing a moment of triumph and joy, their camaraderie shining brightly.
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