At Eiji Sawakita's words, the Sannoh Industrial High School players nodded emphatically. They were ready to throw themselves into extra training once they returned and seek revenge against Shohoku next year.
Eiji Sawakita took one last look at Ryota Kudo, who was surrounded by his teammates, then turned and led the way toward the Players' Tunnel.
The Sannoh Industrial High School players followed close behind, slowly leaving the court with dejection and resentment, but also with a burning desire to fight again next year.
The wave of celebration on Shohoku's side finally began to subside.
A dizzy Ryota Kudo felt as though he had been taken apart and put back together. Even when his feet touched the floor, he still felt unsteady.
He had just caught his breath and was about to get a towel and some water when he glanced around and discovered that Eiji Sawakita had returned at some point. He stood quietly near the bench, apparently having waited for a while.
Sawakita did not interrupt Shohoku's revelry. Only when the cheers began to fade did he approach with a smile.
There was no shadow of defeat on his face. In its place were pure excitement over a thrilling contest between strong opponents and motivation born from a trace of lingering frustration.
"Ryota," Sawakita called, naturally opening his arms and giving Ryota Kudo a tight hug.
"Congratulations, Ryota.
"I lost to you in middle school, and even in high school, I still couldn't get past you."
His voice carried heartfelt admiration and a little helpless, self-deprecating humor.
Though physically exhausted, Ryota Kudo was in excellent spirits. He returned the embrace of his close friend and formidable rival, then teased him with a grin. "Of course you couldn't. Why else would you have had such a firm grip on