Why? Ryota Kudo wondered. If not for the ultimate victory, what else could make them so invested and happy in the finals?
They were down by 20 points. Shouldn't they feel desperate?
Though he couldn't fully understand it, Ryota Kudo had no intention of letting up.
His desire to win would not allow him to go easy on them just because he held the lead. He didn't want to give his opponents even the slightest hope of a comeback.
He continued to give his all on defense, offense, and playmaking.
Meanwhile, a subtle shift came over the spectators in the stands.
Though most were still cheering for Shohoku and applauding Ryota Kudo's brilliant performance, more and more voices began cheering on Hakata Shodai Affiliated.
"Hakata Commercial! Let's go!"
"Don't give up!"
"Hang in there!"
The Hakata Commercial players' exceptional teamwork, their never-say-die resilience, and their attitude of enjoying the game even at a huge disadvantage touched those equally ordinary people who worked hard in their own lives.
This was a story of effort and perseverance, one that often resonated more deeply than a genius's overwhelming dominance.
The players on both sides poured all their attention into the game, forgetting the score and the time, leaving only competition in its purest form.
Sweat flew, muscles collided, passes whistled, and the nets rippled...
Until-
"Tweeeeeeeeeet!!!"
The long whistle signaling the end of the game rang throughout the gymnasium like a final verdict.
The fierce exchanges of offense and defense stopped instantly, and the running players slowly came to a halt.
They braced their hands on their knees and gasped for breath, sweat streaming down their faces and bodies like little rivers.
Ryota Kudo raised his head in a slight daze and looked at the enormous scoreboard hanging high above the court.
Shohoku