"I can't believe it. Hachioji Academy is a whole lot better than we thought," whispered one of Chizuru's teammates.
"That girl in number four really did a number on Chizuru. I hate to admit it, but she's better than her," mumbled another girl.
"I never could have imagined that Hachioji had gotten this good. What surprised me the most, though, was that girl. She's an all-around player and a great leader.
She excels at defense, passing, and—on top of that—her handles are beyond your average junior high school player. Not only that, but I think she might even be a better shooter than Chizuru. I'm not sure if we can win this game," said Coach Yamaoka as she walked over to Chizuru.
"Hold your head up, Chizuru. I underestimated Hachioji, which is why we're behind now. But don't worry—I'm giving you permission to take over this game and play selfishly. Everyone, make sure the ball gets to Chizuru and try to free her up every time. If you're in a good position, you're allowed to shoot.
As for that girl in number four, I want both you and Chizuru to double-team her," Yamaoka instructed.
"Yes, Coach!" the players responded.
"Coach, is it alright if I guard her alone? I want to stop her with my own strength. We will not lose—trust me," said Chizuru with determination.
"I see. If that's what you want, then do as you wish. However, if you lose, you'll bear all the responsibility."
"I know. Thank you, Coach," said Chizuru.
The girls on Hachioji Academy's team sat on the bench, breathing heavily, while some drank water.
"At the end of the first quarter, the score was eleven to sixteen. In the second quarter, we were down by one point at twenty-four to twenty-five, and then we overtook them in the third quarter, leading thirty-nine to thirty-one. Haruko might not realize it, but she's the one who turned this game around," thought Coach Maeda.
"Listen up! Get the ball to me, everyone. I'll score us some points so we can go home as victors," said Haruko.
"Haruko has really changed overnight, hasn't she?" Kazue thought to herself with a smile.
As the fourth quarter commenced, Suzume passed the ball to Haruko, who was guarded by Chizuru.
Haruko faked a shot, causing Chizuru to jump. She then dribbled past her and shot a two-pointer that swooshed.
"Damn it! I won't lose!" Chizuru said to herself.
On the next possession, a screen was set for Chizuru. Utilizing it, she ran into an open space and received a pass from her teammate, then scored a three-pointer.
Suzume, now finding it easier to score without Chizuru guarding her, easily made a two-point shot for Hachioji.
On the next play, Chizuru drove to the rim but was cut off by Haruko, so she pulled up and shot a two-pointer that swished through the net.
With no one guarding her due to her height, Kotone easily made another layup, maintaining the gap.
On the next possession, Chizuru's teammates freed her up, allowing her to shoot another three-pointer that swished.
To respond, Haruko got a screen from Kotone and shot a three-pointer that swooshed.
Without hesitation, Chizuru came back down and sank another three-pointer.
Immediately after, Kotone scored a layup.
Before Haruko and the others could set up their defense, Chizuru passed the ball to her teammate, who scored a layup.
"Only fifteen seconds left. I know we've already lost, but I need to score one more basket," Chizuru thought to herself.
Suzume passed the basketball to Haruko, and Chizuru stepped up to guard her, determined to stop her.
Haruko remained calm, dribbling cautiously as she called for a screen. However, as soon as Kotone attempted to screen, Chizuru jumped past it and continued pressuring Haruko.
Haruko crossed the ball behind her back, stepped back, and shot a three-pointer just as the whistle blew. The ball swished through the net, bringing the game to an end.
"We won!" screamed Sayaka happily.
"Yay! We did," said Suzume with a blank expression.
"Come on, Suzume, at least act happy, you emotionless robot," said Kotone, grabbing Suzume and squeezing her into a hug.
"Get your sweaty self off of me!" Suzume said angrily, trying to shove Kotone away.
"Now that's more like it," said Kotone.
"You really were awesome out there, Haruko," said Kazue.
"Yeah, she was! And it's all thanks to Kawaguchi-senpai. I should take him out on a date as thanks. You have no problem with that, right, Haruko?" asked Kotone.
"Do as you please," said Haruko bluntly.
"You're so cute when you get flustered," Kotone teased.
Chizuru, still catching her breath after the match, walked over to Haruko.
"You're really good. We gave it our all, and we still lost," said Chizuru.
"We won this game, but your skills were impressive. You're a great shooter," said Haruko.
"Right back at you. Say, what high school do you plan on going to? If you're unsure, how about attending our high school so we can play together?" asked Chizuru.
"I plan on enrolling at Toshigawa Academy and starting a high school basketball team there. You can join me if you want, but I've made up my mind about this," said Haruko.
"That's okay. I understand—you've made up your mind. But is there any special reason you want to attend that school?" asked Chizuru.
"Yes, there are a few reasons."
"It's definitely because of Kawaguchi-senpai. You really do like him, don't you?" teased Kotone.
"Will you please stop? That's not why I want to go to Toshigawa," said Haruko, blushing.
"I'll be rooting for you. All the best in your matches. Next time around, we will win," said Chizuru with a smile as she lined up with her team.
"The game between Hachioji Academy and Misono Girls' Junior and Senior High School ended fifty-three to forty-four, with Hachioji Academy as the winner," declared Coach Yamaoka.
"You girls did well today—especially you, Haruko. I expect great things from you this season," said Coach Maeda with a smile.