Chapter Summaries

Ryonan continued to dominate Shohoku as Chi Tong’s tactics widened the lead into double digits, leaving the game near its final moments. Chi Tong intercepted Miyagi Ryota’s pass and broke past Rukawa, Miyagi Ryota, and Sakuragi Hanamichi, driving toward the basket as all three fell.

• Sawakita Eiji left the stands with Kazunari Fukatsu, eager for a possible finals meeting with Chi Tong and Sendoh.
• Hainan’s players watched Shohoku’s offense and defense collapse under Ryonan’s tactics, while Maki Shinichi realized Chi Tong had sealed off the entire team’s options.
• Shohoku kept resisting despite exhaustion, but Ryonan’s counterattacks steadily expanded the score gap into double digits.
• In the final stretch, Chi Tong intercepted Miyagi Ryota’s pass and activated the Eye of Heaven and Ankle Breaker to evade Shohoku’s defenders.
• Chi Tong’s crossovers sent Rukawa and Miyagi Ryota tumbling, and his behind-the-back dribble and feint made Sakuragi Hanamichi fall as Chi Tong sped away.

Ryonan defeated Shohoku 107–80 to advance to the final, while Sakuragi Hanamichi awakened Wildness at the end of the game. Shohoku accepted the loss, and Akagi and Liu Chuanfeng resolved to grow stronger.

• Chi Tong evaded Akagi's block and dunked as the referee blew the final whistle, giving Ryonan a 107–80 victory over Shohoku.
• Sakuragi Hanamichi appeared beside Chi Tong and awakened Wildness, but his late breakthrough came after the game had ended.
• Shohoku's players froze in disbelief as the final score confirmed their defeat by Ryonan.
• Takenori Akagi accepted responsibility as captain and resolved to become strong enough to lead and protect his teammates.
• Liu Chuanfeng stared at the scoreboard, then let go of his clenched fists as his fighting spirit grew stronger.

After Ryonan defeated Shohoku, Rukawa, Miyagi, Mitsui, and Sakuragi struggled with the loss while Ryonan celebrated reaching the National Tournament final. Hainan watched the celebration and began preparing to face Shohoku for third place.

• Rukawa exchanged a silent look with Sendoh before deciding he would defeat Sendoh and Chi Tong next time.
• Miyagi, Mitsui, and Sakuragi broke down in tears over Shohoku's defeat, with Mitsui grieving his final chance to reach the National Tournament pinnacle.
• Chi Tong stayed calm as the rest of Ryonan celebrated its first appearance in the National Tournament final.
• Hainan's players watched Ryonan's rise with envy and concern, and Jin Soichiro warned them that Shohoku would be a difficult opponent.
• Mu Shenyi urged Hainan to stay alert and vowed that they would secure third place by defeating Shohoku.

After Ryonan reached the National Tournament finals, the news spread across Japan and brought intense attention and support from Kanagawa. As Ryonan prepared to face Sannoh Industrial High School, most fans still expected the powerhouse Sannoh to win.

• Tiangang Maoyi received the finals schedule, which gave Ryonan and Sannoh one day to rest before their game two days later.
• News of Ryonan’s finals appearance spread rapidly, and high school basketball clubs across Kanagawa rallied to support the team.
• Lingnan High School’s principal ordered a school-wide announcement and a grand welcome ceremony for Ryonan.
• Fans and insiders across Japan discussed the final between Ryonan and Sannoh Industrial High School, with most favoring Sannoh because of its long record of dominance.

Chi Tong trained alone at the streetball court and entered a mysterious vision where an ancient gate opened before him. After emerging with his power fully mastered, he felt confident about tomorrow’s final and was joined by Sendoh and the Ryonan players.

• Chi Tong practiced dribbling, shooting, and dunking alone at the streetball court near White Egret Manor.
• Chi Tong entered a weightless trance and found himself before an ancient gate in endless chaos.
• Chi Tong activated the Words of Heaven and Earth, and the ancient gate opened to reveal a world beyond it.
• Chi Tong stepped through the gate, then opened his eyes back on the court with crimson lightning flashing from them.
• Chi Tong realized he had completely mastered his power and thought that tomorrow’s final would not be a problem.
• Sendoh, Yu Zhu, Koshino, Hong Ming, Fukuda Kicchou, Ikegami Ryoji, and Uekusa arrived at the court and called out to Chi Tong.

Chi Tong challenged his teammates to face him alone in a practice game before the final against Sannoh, saying he wanted to make tomorrow’s game more secure. By sunset, the exhausted players stared at Chi Tong in shock while he remained composed.

• Yueye Hongming, Sento, Yu Zhu, and the others found Chi Tong at an outdoor court and said they had been looking for him to discuss tactics.
• Chi Tong asked five teammates to play against him, and Sento accepted the challenge.
• Taoka Moichi learned that the key players had gone to the court and decided to let them relax instead of calling them back.
• The teammates played Chi Tong, and Shishang Liang'er joined in, turning the matchup into one against six.
• At sunset, the other players lay exhausted across the court while Chi Tong stood calmly in the center.

Chi Tong revealed his overwhelming hidden strength to Ryonan’s players, warning that using it in a game would mean he had given up on relying on them, though he still said he believed in them. That evening, Ryonan began preparing for the national final against Sannoh as Xiangtian Yanyi introduced Sannoh’s key players.

• Chi Tong overwhelmed Yueye Hongming, Uekusa Tomoyuki, Shishang Liang'er, and the others in a one-against-five practice, leaving them stunned by his ability.
• Chi Tong told Sendoh and the others that his hidden trump card was a final warning: if he used it in a game, he would take control himself and abandon relying on his teammates.
• Chi Tong softened his tone and told the team he still believed in them and hoped they would not let him down.
• Chi Tong and the other Ryonan players returned to White Deer Manor Hotel and kept the practice match to themselves.
• Taoka Moichi gathered Ryonan in the living room to discuss the next day’s final against Sannoh Industrial High School.
• At Taoka Moichi’s request, Xiangtian Yanyi began introducing Sannoh’s players, including captain Kazunari Fukatsu and center Masashi Kawata.

Xiangtian Yanyi briefed Ryonan on Sannoh’s formidable lineup, and Chi Tong said they would need greater strength and coordination to score against them. At Sannoh’s hotel, Domoto Goro asked his players for their impressions of Ryonan, and Kawada Masashi began assessing Yu Zhu.

• Xiangtian Yanyi outlined Sannoh’s key players and identified Sawakita Eiji as their ace and the player Ryonan needed to fear most.
• Ryonan’s players fell silent under the pressure of Sannoh’s strength, while Chi Tong and Sendoh remained composed.
• Taoka Moichi asked how Ryonan would face Sannoh, and Chi Tong said they needed to be stronger and more coordinated.
• Sannoh’s players reviewed detailed scouting materials and game footage of Ryonan under coach Domoto Goro’s supervision.
• Domoto Goro asked the team to share their impressions of Ryonan, and Kawada Masashi said Yu Zhu was somewhat weaker but still a top-tier player.

Sannoh prepared to focus on Ryonan’s Chi Tong and Sendoh as the National Tournament final approached. On game day, Ryonan’s players arrived at the packed gymnasium, where they watched the third-place match between Kainan and Shohoku while awaiting the final.

• Nobe Masahiro said Ryonan’s main threats were Chi Tong and Sendoh, and Sawakita Eiji confidently agreed to guard Sendoh.
• Ryonan’s players woke early at White Egret Manor after a restless night before the final, while Chi Tong calmly left for breakfast.
• Thousands of spectators filled Hiroshima Central Gymnasium for the finals, and Ryonan and Sannoh’s players took their seats to watch the third-place game.
• Yueye Hongming asked who would win between Kainan and Shohoku, and Chen Sheng noted Shohoku’s improved lineup.
• Uekusa Tomoyuki said he was focused on the final, and Sendoh Akira predicted Shohoku had the better chance of winning.

Ryonan discussed Shohoku’s chances against Hainan before the National Tournament third-place playoff began. Shohoku and Hainan traded baskets in a fierce opening stretch, with Mitsui Hisashi scoring from beyond the arc.

• Sendoh argued that Shohoku’s two Wildness users, Liu Chuanfeng and Sakuragi Hanamichi, could challenge Hainan despite Maki Shinichi’s experience.
• Hainan and Shohoku entered the arena, warmed up, and lined up for the third-place playoff.
• Akagi won the opening tip for Shohoku, and Miyagi Ryota passed to Mitsui Hisashi, who scored a three-pointer.
• Maki Shinichi set up Muto Tadashi for a layup through Sakuragi Hanamichi’s foul, and Muto made the free throw to tie the score at 3–3.
• Both teams traded attacks over the next few minutes as Mitsui Hisashi continued hitting three-pointers.

Shohoku broke open a close third-place game with Rukawa’s three-pointer, fast breaks, and Mitsui’s long-range shooting, building a 35-22 lead over Hainan. After a timeout, Maki Shinichi activated Wildness, knocked Miyagi Ryota off balance, and drove toward the basket for a layup.

• Jin Soichiro matched Mitsui Hisashi’s three-pointers as Shohoku and Hainan traded baskets in a tight first half.
• Ryota Miyagi passed to Rukawa, who hit a three-pointer over Kiyota Nobunaga and sparked Shohoku’s defensive surge.
• Sakuragi Hanamichi stole Muto Tadashi’s pass and missed a fast-break dunk, but Takenori Akagi grabbed the rebound and slammed it in.
• Mitsui Hisashi hit two consecutive three-pointers while Rukawa helped Shohoku score, stretching the lead to 35-22.
• Coach Takato Riki called a timeout and told Hainan to tighten its defense and slow the offense, while Mu Shenyi and his teammates regained their resolve.
• Maki Shinichi activated Wildness, knocked Miyagi Ryota backward, and drove toward the basket for a layup.

Hainan erased Shohoku’s lead as Maki Shinichi and Liu Chuanfeng battled to a 45–45 halftime tie. In the second half, Sakuragi Hanamichi awakened Wildness, blocked Maki Shinichi, and helped Shohoku take control of the game.

• Maki Shinichi used Wildness to power Hainan’s comeback, while Jin Soichiro and Takasago Kazuma scored as Shohoku’s offense faltered.
• Anzai calmed Shohoku, and Liu Chuanfeng activated Wildness and challenged Maki Shinichi, but Maki disrupted his shot.
• Sakuragi Hanamichi grabbed the rebound, and Akagi passed it back to Liu Chuanfeng for a duel with Maki Shinichi that ended with the first half tied 45–45.
• Sakuragi Hanamichi awakened Wildness in the second half and pinned Maki Shinichi’s layup against the backboard for a block.
• Sakuragi Hanamichi dominated the rebounds and disrupted Hainan’s passes, while Liu Chuanfeng led Shohoku’s attack as the team took control.

Shohoku and Hainan traded baskets in a frantic run-and-gun finish after Shohoku built a lead, but Mu Shenyi rallied Hainan and cut the gap to two points. With twenty seconds left, Hainan began its final charge as Mu Shenyi advanced against Rukawa.

• Shohoku’s defense and offense surged, pushing its lead over Hainan to 78-65 midway through the second half.
• Mu Shenyi steadied Hainan with controlled playmaking, helping his teammates regain their rhythm and force a close exchange of attacks.
• Shohoku maintained a five-point lead, 92-87, with one minute remaining.
• Mu Shenyi broke through Miyagi Ryota and Mitsui Hisashi, scored through Akagi’s foul, and made the free throw to bring Hainan within two points.
• Muto Tadashi disrupted Mitsui Hisashi’s three-point attempt, and Takasago Kazuma secured the rebound and passed to Mu Shenyi with twenty seconds remaining.
• Mu Shenyi advanced on Shohoku’s final possession as Rukawa retreated and positioned himself in front of him.

Shohoku defeated Hainan 92–90 when Sakuragi Hanamichi blocked Jin Soichiro’s potential game-winning shot, securing third place. Ryonan and Sannoh prepared to meet in the national final, with Chi Tong confident in victory while Sendoh recognized the challenge Sannoh posed.

• Sakuragi Hanamichi blocked Jin Soichiro’s three-point attempt as the final whistle ended the game, giving Shohoku a 92–90 win over Hainan.
• Chi Tong led Ryonan toward the passageway as Shen Jinyichen led Sannoh, and the teams exchanged determined looks before entering the arena.
• Spectators debated whether Ryonan could stop Sannoh, the three-time reigning national champions.
• In the locker room, Sendoh noted that Sawakita Eiji had grown stronger since their last matchup, and Chi Tong said Ryonan would still win.
• Sendoh worried that few Ryonan players could match Sannoh, but felt reassured by the formidable strength Chi Tong had shown in practice.

Ryonan and Sannoh prepared to face each other in the national championship final, with their players managing their nerves and focusing on the coming game. Chi Tong urged Ryonan to follow the plan and reclaim victory, while Sawakita Eiji looked forward to defeating her as both teams headed out.

• Xiangtian Yanyi, Shishang Liang'er, Uekusa Tomoyuki, and Ikegami Ryoji steadied Ryonan's nerves by trusting Chi Tong and Sendoh.
• Yueye Hongming trembled with anxiety, and Uozumi encouraged him to take extra warm-up shots while revealing his own nervousness.
• Tiangang Maoyi asked Ryonan if they were ready, and Chi Tong told them to follow the plan and take back victory.
• Domoto Goro entered Sannoh's composed locker room and told the team it was time to leave.
• Sawakita Eiji anticipated facing Chi Tong again and vowed to defeat her.

Ryonan and Sannoh emerged before a packed arena for the national final, drawing deafening support from both sides. The two teams faced each other across the court, their rival fighting spirits colliding as the match was about to begin.

• Fukatsu Kazunari led Sannoh’s players toward the locker room as the crowd and visiting teams filled Basketball Gym No. 1.
• The packed arena fell silent when the player-tunnel doors opened and both teams prepared to emerge.
• Chi Tong led Ryonan onto the court, followed by Sento, Yu Zhu, Fukuda Kiccho, Koshino, Hong Ming, Uekusa, Haruji, and their teammates.
• Fukatsu Kazunari led Sannoh onto the court, with Sawakita Eiji and the rest of the team following in formation.
• Fans erupted into cheers for Ryonan and Sannoh as reporters photographed the finalists.
• Ryonan and Sannoh exchanged looks across the court, their opposing fighting spirits seeming to collide.

Ryonan prepared for the finals against Sannoh as Chi Tong adjusted the starting lineup and Xiangtian Yanyi accepted her assignment. During warm-ups, Sawakita Eiji challenged Ryonan with a powerful dunk, and Sendoh answered with one of his own.

• Chi Tong named Xiangtian Yanyi as a starter in Koshino's place, explaining that her skills could catch Sannoh off guard early.
• Xiangtian Yanyi accepted Chi Tong's plan, and Tiangang Maoyi reminded her to move quickly, pass accurately, and avoid chasing personal glory.
• Ryonan and Sannoh began warm-ups with both teams keeping quiet and focused.
• Masashi Kawata passed the ball to Sawakita Eiji, who charged to the basket and dunked to challenge Ryonan.
• Chi Tong lofted a precise pass toward Ryonan's hoop, and Sendoh caught it in midair and dunked in answer to Sawakita Eiji.

Ryonan and Sannoh began the national tournament final after Sendoh impressed the crowd with a dunk and Yu Zhu exchanged challenges with Kawata Masashi. Kawata dominated the opening jump ball, giving Sannoh the first possession.

• Sendoh stunned the crowd with an explosive dunk that drew a fierce response from Sawakita Eiji.
• The teams announced their starting lineups, and Yu Zhu and Kawata Masashi challenged each other before the tip-off.
• Fukatsu Kazunari considered how Sannoh would contain Xiangtian Yanyi, while Shen Jinyicheng and Chi Tong briefly exchanged calm looks.
• The referee tossed the ball to begin the final, and Kawata Masashi leapt far above Yu Zhu to tap it to Sannoh's side.

Sannoh mounted a fast attack, but Xiangtian Yanyi intercepted Kawata Masashi’s pass and launched Sendoh on a breakaway. Sendoh drove toward the basket, where a white-clad Sannoh player blocked his dunk and sent the ball out of bounds.

• Fukatsu Kazunari drove past Ryonan’s defenders and passed to Matsumoto Minoru, who fed Kawata Masashi inside.
• Kawata Masashi tried to turn past Yu Zhu, then passed toward Nobe Masahiro beneath the basket.
• Xiangtian Yanyi intercepted Kawata Masashi’s pass and redirected the ball upcourt to Sendoh.
• Sendoh sprinted into Sannoh’s paint and leapt for a dunk.
• A white-clad Sannoh player rose beside Sendoh and swatted the ball out of bounds.

Ryonan and Sannoh traded rapid attacks as Chi Tong and Xiangtian Yanyi worked together to create another opening for Sendoh. Sendoh raced toward the basket for a layup with Sawakita Eiji chasing close behind, and the chapter ended before the shot.

• Sawakita Eiji chased down Sendoh and blocked his fast-break layup, sending the ball out of bounds while Ryonan retained possession.
• Chi Tong faced Shen Jinyicheng and then passed toward open space, where Xiangtian Yanyi redirected the ball to Fukuda Kicchou.
• Nobe Masahiro stopped Fukuda Kicchou’s drive, but Fukuda passed behind himself to Xiangtian Yanyi, who redirected the ball again.
• Sendoh caught Xiangtian Yanyi’s pass and sprinted toward Sannoh’s basket as Sawakita Eiji chased him.
• Sendoh rose for a layup with Sawakita Eiji close behind.