Volume 8: "A New Angelic and Harmonious Era in Ōta" | Chapter 158: “The Return to Kuoh: Qualifiers for the Basketball of the Kurenese East Asian Games”
Part 2
On the third day of the qualifiers, the fifth and final round of the group stage are held in separate venues and this is Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf’s chance to sweep their group.
At the bench, Xenovia talks to the girls of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf about the strategy she had worked on last night.
“Okay, everyone! This is it. We should be more confident to win this last game of the eliminations, so that we’ll make it to the quarterfinals as the top team of the East Nikurenai Group. I finally made a strategy when we’re battling against the Kunokarai Hearts. It’s called the Excalibur-Durandal Formation.”
“What a nice name you made, Xenovia-san, but I have question. What that formation does?” said Irina.
“It’s the formation where all players must stand guard against their opponents with the power of striking moves in basketball-style. That means, we can defuse their opponents’ acceleration as well as their stamina, so that they won’t be able to break us down. It will be the solution to make defensive stops against opponents like them” said Xenovia.
“So, if we are on offense, we need to pattern our moves while they are using that barrier?” asked Asami.
“Yes, of course, Asami-san. I decided to make it sparked with this new formation, so that it will break down their defense all in one swoop” said Xenovia.
“It’s more like your Durandal, Xenovia-san! I’m sure that we can make destruction on those girls from Kunokarai” said Irina.
“You got it, Irina-san!” said Xenovia with a wink on her left eye. “Now, for the lineups, it will be composed of Asuna Misugi (PG), Asami Shimizu (SG), Kozue Murayama (SF), Irina Shido (PF) and Lint Sellzen (C).”
When her name was mentioned by Xenovia, Lint was surprised about the new lineup for the last game. “Me, as a center?”
“Yeah, Lint-san. Since you have been a great shooter and a defender when you came out from the bench for the first four games, I decided to give you a chance to be in the lineup for this game” said Xenovia.
“I would be glad to, Xenovia-san. Even I’m not a sixth woman, I hope that it will work for me to stop our opponents for sure” said Lint.
“You got it, Lint-san! Just make sure that you make me proud!” said Xenovia.
“Okay, I will, Xenovia-san! I promise!” said Lint, which makes Xenovia smile.
Elmenhilde and Gapser would add some information about the Kunokarai Hearts.
“Girls! There are other things about the Kunokarai Hearts. One, they are not good in on-ball defense in the paint, which means you must use the double team to make sure that they can’t shoot the ball or steal it without committing a hard foul” said Elmenhilde.
“And two, when those girls have weakness in their pace and space play. You can commit any of their players a turnover by using any move that is related to either the Excalibur-Durandal Formation or the Angelic Lightning Synchronization. That way, you have the advantage for you to shoot easily” said Gasper.
“Okay, we understand, Elmenhilde-sensei and Gasper-sensei!” said the girls of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf.
“Now, let’s make that match another win for us!” said Xenovia.
“Yeah!” said the girls of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf as they are finally ready to battle against the Kunokarai Hearts for their last game of the group stage.
After bowing before the referee Kunihisa Wakabayashi, Irina and Lint would walk with each other before the game starts.
“Wow. I can’t believe that Xenovia had given me a spot to be the starting center for this match. I can’t wait to see what I can do with you to work together!” said Lint.
“Well, I’m happy with your new role that you have part in the lineup, Lint-san. Also, while I’m using my special moves, you need to focus on your opponent. If you want to use your Shield of Sellzen, it’s up to you. I want you to make sure that you and I will make destruction against those girls from Kunokarai” said Irina.
“Of course, I would, Irina-san! Shall we work together as a team?” said Lint.
“You got it!” said Irina.
The referee Kunihisa Wakabayashi releases the ball before both Lint and Miyuki jump from the center circle. Lint tips the ball, making her team gets the possession for the first quarter.
During the game, Irina and Lint are trying to work together in defeating the Kunokarai Hearts. Irina battles against Minae Shibasaki while Lint takes on Miyuki. When Irina dribbles the ball, Lint is sensing on Minae.
“That opponent of Irina-san is very good in taking the ball easily. I don’t think that’s going to happen” said Lint. A few seconds later, Minae tries to steal the ball with the jab, but Irina sways the ball quickly.
“Darn it! That girl was so fast!” said Minae Shibasaki.
“Told you that I’m so good with my speed!” said Irina before she steps back before doing the escape move to get away from Minae. Irina looks at Lint, who was running through outside the three-point line. “Here you go, Lint-san! Shoot!”
“Okay, Irina-san!” said Lint as she is trying to shoot the three-point shot, but Miyuki tries to block that shot. However, Lint goes for pump fake to get away from Miyuki and then, shoots the ball with the jump shot in the perimeter and the ball drives to the basket.
“You made it, Lint-san! You have made that shot, thanks to my angelic assist!” said Irina.
“Yeah, Irina-san! Looks like we have just started our combination” said Lint.
“You got it right, Lint-san! Now, let’s make some more moves, so that we’ll both shine!” said Irina.
“Yeah!” said Lint.
The next scene shows Irina guarding Minae, who is holding the ball. Minae uses her own pattern, trying to drive past Irina, which was successful. When Minae reaches to the paint, she tries to shoot the ball with the floater, but Lint blocks that shot easily.
“Get that shot out of here!” said Lint while her hustle had been increased through her stamina.
Irina grabs the ball for the rebound before passing the ball to Asami. Asami drives her way to the other side of the court before she goes the crossover move on Hisayo Nakamura. Asami accelerates herself to drive past Hisayo before seeing Lint.
“Lint-san! Catch!” said Asami.
Lint would go for the stomp to increase her acceleration before grabbing the ball in one second.
“Wow! That looks like she’s using the stomp!” said Murayama.
“That move makes her acceleration going up in one stage!” said Katase.
“I believe that it’s getting real for that girl!” said Millarca.
“Yeah, Millarca-san! I’m sure that Lint had been a good wielder when she is using her swords, but when it comes to the game of basketball, she’s not berserk to scare her opponents down way” said Elmenhilde.
“I agree, Elmen-san! I’m going to say that there are a lot of good players who can take care of the court while coming out from the bench. It really fits the role for Lint to play hard” said Millarca.
“Yep!” said Elmenhilde.
Lint would go for the floater instead of the dunk and the ball drives to the basket. Lint is not good in making dunk moves because she doesn’t want to lose her acceleration as well as her hustle.
Irina calls Lint for the screen on Minae, which allows Irina to get away from Minae before passing the ball to Asuna. Asuna would shoot the three-point shot and it’s good to go.
“Wow! Even she was called to get the screen on Minae, she was very fast to post her up!” said Murayama.
“That’s because her acceleration boosted her use of screen, which allows her to get more hustle to stop her opponents impromptu” said Katase.
“Well, I guess that we need that girl who has great speed and acceleration, Katase!” said Murayama.
“Yeah!” said Katase.
The next set of scenes continue with Lint and Irina working together in both offense and defense. In the defense, Lint posts up against Miyuki before blocking the latter’s hook shot. After that, Irina takes the rebound by grabbing the ball before she passes it to Kozue. In the offense, Irina calls Lint for the screen on Minae just like earlier. Lint was so fast in guarding Minae while Irina quickly dashes in through the paint to shoot the ball with the layup.
The combination of Irina and Lint makes the match more dominating for the girls of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf as they were able to score many points against the Kunokarai Hearts. When it reaches the fourth quarter, Irina and Lint came back from the court, continuing to dominate with their combination. After Lint forced Minae to miss the shot and Irina grabbed another rebound, the members of the Kunokarai have finally enough of being trailed by more than 20 points as Minae calls her teammates to form their barrier.
“Everyone! Let’s fight them back with our barrier!” said Minae.
“Okay!” said Asami Kanzaki, Hisayo, Kuni Ōtani and Miyuki. Minae and her teammates would form their barrier known as the Arch of Kunokarai.
Irina and Lint are finally prepared to battle against the Arch of Kunokarai.
“This is it, Irina-san. Just like what we watched their videos last night” said Lint.
“Yeah, it feels like this is the great time to use both Angelic Lightning Synchronization and Excalibur-Durandal Formation” said Irina.
“I feel your aura, Irina-san. I think that it’s time to do that” said Lint.
“Okay!” said Irina. Irina would call her teammates to activate their Complete Synchronization Skill and the Excalibur-Durandal Formation. “Let’s activate our Angelic Lightning Synchronization, girls!”
“Okay!” said Asuna, Asami Shimizu, Kozue and Lint. The yellow auras are glowing in the bodies of Irina and her teammates as the Angelic Lightning Synchronization had been activated.
Then, Irina and her teammates shout together. “It’s time to counterattack that barrier!” The yellow auras would be combined with the silver auras, which is the part where the Excalibur-Durandal Formation had been generating. Once both auras have been merged, the Excalibur-Durandal Formation would be formed.
“Whoa! Irina and her teammates are now ready to go on fire!” said Yuto.
“Looks like they’re ready to go to make sure that they’ll break that barrier that we watched last night” said Ravel.
“I hope that they will finally make it. That barrier really scares me for a moment” said Koneko.
“Yep. And now, this is going to be more interesting to see that battle, everyone. It’s barrier versus sword. Who will win this duel?” said Issei.
“We better find out, Issei-kun. This is going to be more like a clash of two teams that have their own pride and honor” said Yuto.
“Yeah!” said Issei.
Irina passes the ball to Asami Shimizu, who would run through the other side of the court. Asami would clash against Hisayo with both girls have shown their patterns at the same time. Hisayo tries to steal the ball, but Asami sways the ball away before doing the crossover spin move to get away from Hisayo.
“What the?!” shrieked Hisayo.
“You gotta be kidding me!” said Asami Kanzaki.
“Don’t let her enter to the paint, Miyuki-san!” said Minae.
“Okay! I’m on it!” said Miyuki as she’s about to stop Asami Shimizu from going to the paint.
However, Lint comes to the rescue. “Oh no, you don’t! You can’t stop her!” Lint would strike the barrier, getting the screen on Miyuki.
“What?!” shouted Miyuki.
“Gotcha!” said Irina.
Miyuki was trapped by Lint as the latter had used her arms to increase her hustle in screening the former.
“Great screen, Lint-san!” said Asami Shimizu while Lint smiles on her face to the former. “Now, it’s time to bring more destruction with this pass!”
Asami Shimizu passes the ball to Asuna before Asuna steps back away from Asami Kanzaki. When Asami Kanzaki tries to grab the ball, Asuna runs through the right before passing the ball to Kozue. Kozue would step up with the jab before doing the between the legs move on Kuni.
“Oh, look at that! Kozue had been shining through her own style of play!” said Ravel.
“Kozue had eased her way to break the barrier down by creating her own pattern to power up her acceleration” said Koneko.
“This might be fantastic to see that pattern to make sure that the barrier will be broken soon” said Le Fay.
“Yeah, we agree!” said Koneko and Ravel.
Kozue would go for the pump fake on Kuni, who tried to snatch the ball badly. Then, Kozue passes the ball to Irina, who is outside from the paint, and Irina shoots the ball with the jump shot.
Nice shot, Irina-san! It feels good to have that formation going on fire!” said Lint.
“Yeah! Now that we have that formation going up, we should be good enough to take care of our opponents” said Irina.
“You got that right, Irina-san!” said Lint.
The match continues with both teams are using their strategies to see which strategy proves to be better. Kozue calls Lint the screen on Kuni before driving away through the other side, passing the ball to Asami Shimizu. Asami would shoot the ball with the fadeaway shot and the ball drives to the basket. Irina guards against Minae, who tried take her away. Then, Minae tries to pass the ball to Hisayo, but Asuna tips the ball, allowing Kozue to get the ball for the steal.
“Nice steal, Kozue-san!” said Asami Shimizu.
Kozue would run through the other side of the court before passing the ball to Asuna. Asuna does the fake on Asami Kanzaki and then, nails the Cherry Blossom Striking Jump Shot, a variant of a jump shot, in the free throw to score two more points.
“Nice shot, Asuna-san!” said Irina as she gives Asuna a high five.
“Thanks, Irina-san! My speed is getting better than I had played in the last four games” said Asuna.
“Good for you, Asuna-san! We’re not done yet because we still have more minutes left to play and let’s make sure that we’ll walk away with the win” said Irina.
“Yeah, we should keep on dominating!” said Asuna.
“You got it!” said Irina.
Kuni passes the ball to Hisayo before Hisayo would be guarded by Asami Shimizu and Irina.
“Oh, crap! They trapped me!” said Hisayo.
“I’ll take care of this!” said Asami Shimizu as she tips the ball from the hands of Hisayo before taking the ball for the steal. Asami Shimizu would run through the other side of the court before seeing Lint in the paint.
“Pass the ball to Lint, Asami-san! She needs that!” said Irina.
“Okay, Irina-san! You should be happy for this!” said Asami Shimizu before passing the ball to Lint with the Spherehead Pass.
“Nice pass, Asami-san!” said Lint before shooting the ball with the close layup.
“Alright! Nothing but net!” said Asuna.
“Looks like we’re still in the lead, folks! We should walk away with the win for sure” said Kozue.
“Yeah, Kozue-san! But I don’t know if they’ll be trying to take us again” said Asami Shimizu.
“Don’t worry, Asami-san! We got us!” said Lint.
“So, you should be patient and let make them judged on their sins!” said Irina.
“Yeah!” said Asuna, Asami Shimizu and Kozue.
The members of the Kunokarai Hearts are now on offense, trying to score a single point after they got 9 points in the two minutes. Asami Kanzaki tries to ‘break’ the ankles of Asuna, but Asuna’s Brave Dragon Simulator ability doesn’t want to allow her to be stumbled.
“Oh, wow! You’re not tumbled, aren’t you?” said Asami Kanzaki.
“Yep. I’m not going to let you get past though!” said Asuna.
“Hmph! Then, I’ll show you what the real Devil is, girl!” said Asami Kanzaki as she makes her pattern, trying to get past Asuna. Later, Asami finally drives past Asuna with the acceleration drive before seeing Kuni without an opponent. “Catch, Kuni-san!”
Kuni grabs the ball with her right hand before shooting the ball with the fadeaway shot, but Irina goes for the shot contest, making sure that the shot of her opponent misses.
“I’m not gonna let you shoot, Kuni-san!” said Irina while stretching her right arm for the shot contest. The ball doesn’t drive into the basket as the ball bounces off from the rim and out.
“I’ll take care of this!” said Asami Shimizu as she grabs the ball before passing the ball to Lint. Lint runs through her acceleration before passing the ball to Irina.
“Irina-san!” said Lint as she passes the ball to Irina with the Purplish Silver Incinerate Pass.
Irina grabs the ball while draining her stamina out. “Nice move, Lint-san!” Irina would shoot the ball with the Pure Angelic Shot, a variant of a jump shot, and the ball drives to the basket.
Miyuki battles against Lint, who is posting up against the former. “I don’t want to get pissed off if you try to lay a trap on me!”
“Oh, yeah, then I’ll make sure that you don’t score more!” said Lint as she uses her hands to make more hustle for her. Miyuki would step back before doing the crossover move on Lint. Miyuki performs the escape move on Lint before trying to shoot the ball with the hook shot.
However, Lint doesn’t want to give up now. “I told you that there’s no way you can score, Miyuki-san!” Miyuki growls in anger after her shot was blocked.
Kozue grabs the ball for the rebound before running through the other side of the court. Then, Irina and Asami Shimizu run together to the paint. “Irina-san!” Kozue passes the ball to Irina with the Freezing Heat Pass.
Irina quickly gets the ball before doing the crossover move on Minae through her pattern. Irina would go for the turnaround move to get away from Minae before Miyuki stops her.
“Not so fast!” said Miyuki.
“Darn it! You’re so good! But you know what, I got someone on my back!” said Irina.
“Yes, it is!” said Lint as she gets the screen on Miyuki.
“Oh, my goodness! That freaked me out!” said Miyuki.
“That’s right, Miyuki-san!” said Irina while shooting the ball with the Pure Angelic Shot once again. The ball drives to the basket. “There’s nothing you can do to stop us now!”
“Yeah! You better through us first before you go for another trick!” said Lint.
Miyuki grabs the ball and heads to the baseline to pass the ball to Asami Kanzaki. “Ah, geez. I can’t believe that you two are too strong! I can’t handle those two and I’m running out of my stamina.”
“Yep. That’s because our strategy will run your stamina out if you can’t handle us!” said Lint.
“Oh, yeah. I’m not done yet!” said Miyuki as she grabs the ball, thanks to the pass by Kuni, who got the ball earlier with the pass by Asami Kanzaki.
“Well, then. I hope that you’re going to the paint, but my shield is coming” said Lint.
Miyuki would run faster through the free throw line, but Shield of Sellzen triggers, which means Lint blocks the line between the paint and the mid-range, so that she’ll not let Miyuki pass through.
“Alright! She uses her special move!” said Asia.
“That will give Lint more strength to increase her hustle” said Yuto.
“I’m so happy to see Lint on fire now” said Angela.
“That’s right, Angela-san. With the combination of strength and hustle, our team would be in good shape to walk away with the win” said Xenovia.
“Yeah, Xenovia-san!” said Asia, Yuto and Angela.
Miyuki tries to get out of the shield, but Lint keeps blocking the former.
“My hustle can’t be stopped, Miyuki-san! So, try if you want to shoot the ball often!” said Lint.
“Gah! It makes me so mad! Then, I’ll finish you!” said Miyuki as she goes with the jab step before creating her own acceleration drive. “I won’t lose this duel with the likes of you!” Miyuki would drive past Lint, but the shield wasn’t destroyed yet.
“Heh. You think that you’re going to drive past me. No way, Miyuki-san!” said Lint, smiling on her face that is resembled to Freed, but she’s very light-hearted. Miyuki tries to shoot the ball with the hook shot, but Lint blocks the shot at the same time.
“Ah, you got me!” said Miyuki.
The ball would be caught by Kozue before shouting at Lint. “Nice defense, Lint-san!”
“Thanks, Kozue-san!” said Lint, giving Kozue a thumbs-up. Kozue would pass the ball to Asami Shimizu before Asami makes her way to dash through the other side of the court.
“We should be fine right now, Asami-san” said Irina.
“Yep. I would say that we’re going to win this match, so that we’ll become the top team in the group” said Asami Shimizu.
“That’s right, Asmai-san!” said Irina before Asami Shimizu passes the ball to Irina with the Spearhead Pass. Irina would dazzle her way to drive past Minae one more time before shooting the ball with the Pure Angel Layup.
The ball drives to the basket, which is the last shot made by Irina before the match is about to end.
“Nice shot, Irina-san!” said Asami Shimizu.
“That will end the match with another win!” said Lint.
“You got that right! We just judged their sins with our strategy! I think that it’s mission accomplished, girls!” said Irina.
“Yeah!” said Asami and Lint.
A few minutes later, the buzzer was sounded, and the referee Kunihisa Wakabayashi announces the final score of the match. “Game over! Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf wins the match!” The scoreboard was displayed as the final score is 100-72.
“Alright! We won the last match of the eliminations!” said Irina.
“Yeah! That’s win #5!” said Asami Shimizu.
“Which means, we’re going to the quarterfinals as the top team of our group!” said Lint.
“Yeah!” said the other girls of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf.
“Great job, girls! Now that we’re going to advance to the quarterfinals, we should be ready for some more challenge” said Xenovia.
“Yeah, Xenovia-san! It’s better that we have made some good efforts to fight off against our opponents every single match. That way, we’re surely to be blessed. Right, girls?” said Irina.
“Yeah, we agree, Irina-san!” said the members of the girls’ team of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf.
“Congratulations with your team’s win! I guess that your team is ready to get more destruction when they’ll clash at the knockout tournament” said Issei.
“That’s right, Issei-kun. By the way, your team will be up against the team from Sagiyama known as the Sagiyama Archers. They’re mostly ferocious with their defense, but also they’re good in using their stamina at the same time” said Xenovia.
“They were also undefeated, just like your team, Issei-kun” said Asia.
“So, this is your chance to sweep your group just like how Irina and her teammates did right now” said Gasper.
“It will be delighted to make the double win for today, Issei-kun. Just make us proud!” said Elmenhilde.
“Okay, I got it! I’ll make sure that my team will win our last match in the eliminations before we’re moving on to the next round!” said Issei.
“That’s my boy, Issei-kun! I’m sure that you’ll have your guts to show up in our next match later. Let’s make sure that you will lead your team to another victory” said Yuto.
“You bet, Yuto-kun!” said Issei.
Later, the match between Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf would be taking on the Sagiyama Archers. Both teams have been undefeated since they have won four straight games since the first day, which means they’re going to the quarterfinals. However, in order to determine the Top 2 teams, both Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf and the Sagiyama Archers must face each other to see who the strongest team in the East Nikurenai Group is.
The montage shows the players from both Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf and the Sagiyama Archers are showing their moves in the court. Both teams have battled for the lead, which Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf started on a hot run before the Sagiyama Archers would manage to grab the lead towards the end of the second quarter. In the third quarter, both teams run neck-and-neck with lead changes being made six times. Then, in the fourth quarter, both teams would still score more points, but the game is still tied. Issei was able to keep his stat sheet comfortably without committing a turnover or a foul.
The scene changes with only 4:03 left in the game with the score is now tied at 81. During the timeout by Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf, he players from both sides are keeping their energy while giving the bench players to rest.
Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf: Reiji Matsutomo (PG), Yoshiaki Tatsumi (SG), Issei Hyodo (SF), Keisuke Ōtsuka (PF), Kyō Ōshima (C)
Sagiyama Archers: Nobuhiko Suginami (PG), Yūta Okamura (SG), Mitsuhiro Furusawa (SF), Atsuya Nakajima (PF), Yoshitaka Kanematsu (C)
After the shot from the Sagiyama Archers missed with the shot clock winding down, Kyō Ōshima grabs the ball for the rebound and runs alongside with his teammates including Issei.
“This has been taken so long. Why they didn’t use their Complete Synchronization Skill? I don’t understand what’s going on” said Murayama.
“Yeah, I didn’t know that they haven’t glowed their auras yet” said Katase.
“That’s a good question, Murayama-san. You see, Issei and his teammates were dealing with their own troubles during the mid-game. It means that they didn’t glow their crimson auras yet” said Rias.
“But the good news is that they were able to escape the third quarter by regaining the lead with the backup players doing their great job in making the rally” said Akeno.
“I would be more honest if they’re about to glow their auras while keeping their teamwork meter going up. When they will finally make it?” said Ravel.
“Well, Issei said that there’s only determination that he can keep on, so that he’ll play like a Blazing Red Dragon. He said that once the teamwork meter is made, they’ll glow their auras to create the Complete Synchronization Skill” said Xenovia.
“And when that happens, they’ll finally have their chance to fire it up to finish the game like the way the Devils do in the Rating Game” said Issei.
“I believe that they’ll have a hope, Rias-chan. I’m not sure when Issei will finally fire it up. It makes me worried about the fact that his team got struggled early on, but they’re still in a good shape though” said Koneko.
“That’s true, Koneko-san. This is his challenge to get their fifth win and being on top of the group. I’m sure that things are about to be shocking when Issei finally bring his flames out” said Rias.
“Since they don’t have their style combination, then it should happen right now” said Rossweisse.
“You’re right, Rossweisse-san! I think that Issei knows about his opponents because of his own sense. That way, he’s ready to blaze it out to show his powers” said Asia.
“The way he boosts and attacks, he’s going to be unstoppable with his force” said Orphis.
“I’m sure that it will happen, Orphis-san, but we don’t know if the auras are coming out or not” said Elmenhilde.
“Then, let’s just wait and see if Issei and his teammates will finally bring their auras out. I would be happy if the blazes are coming out too” said Yuto.
“Once he boosts his Scale Mail, he’s ready to roll” said Gasper.
“Yeah!” said the members of the Occult Research Club.
Kyō passes the ball to Reiji, who had his crimson aura glowing after getting the ball. Reiji finally keeps an eye on Nobuhiko.
“What’s your body doing?” asked Nobuhiko Suginami.
“You don’t know what I’m doing? My auras are about to come out. We’re not going to give up until we finally have our own style combination” said Reiji.
“Style combination? I see. Well, it would be a pleasure to use that move, but I’m not always going to let you get easy on me!” said Nobuhiko.
“Then, I’ll show you how it is done!” said Reiji as he shows his pattern by doing the between the legs move on Nobuhiko. The pattern shows the symbol of a claw of a dragon.
“Nice move, Reiji-san! Just keep it up!” said Issei.
“Okay!” said Reiji as he steps back before doing the Shining Light Drive, a move that combines the acceleration drive and the jab step. With that move activated, Reiji drives past Nobuhiko while the crimson aura is glowing for more.
“Oh! Would you look at that?” said Kozue.
“Reiji is ready to go on fire!” said Asami Shimizu.
“That will make Reiji more powerful just like Issei-kun!” said Aika.
“It feels like Issei and his team are about to fire it up!” said Murayama.
“I believe so, Murayama-san. All efforts are going to be contributed by every player, so that they’ll create their own style combination” said Katase. While Katase was explaining to her fellow schoolmates, the scene shows Issei and his teammates had their crimson auras glowing up.
Reiji passes the ball to Issei with the Lightchrome Sword Pass.
“You rock, Reiji!” said Issei before he goes for the fake on Mitsuhiro Furusawa. “It’s time to go to work!” Issei would dunk the ball with the Flame Blaze Clutch, a variant of a contact dunk. [Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf 83, Sugiyama Archers 81]
The crowd has gone crazy after Issei made the dunk.
“Nice shot, Issei-kun!” said Yuto.
“That dunk made us shocked!” said Asia.
“Looks like you’re powering up!” said Koneko.
“I can’t believe that your aura been glowing while creating more power with that dunk” said Akeno.
“That one was the best move you had!” said Rias.
Issei closes his eyes before thanking his friends. “Thanks, everyone! It’s been a while that I’m the Red Dragon Emperor of the Blazing Truth. I would be more delighted that I should play more to make myself shine like a red dragon.”
“It sure is, Issei-kun” said Rias.
“Now that your aura is in your body, you can now activate the Complete Synchronization Skill” said Xenovia.
“That way, you’ll be able to walk away with the win against the Archers” said Irina.
“You got it!” said Issei. Issei boosts his own power with his Boosted Gear while calling his teammates to power up. “Everyone! Let’s gather the flames and auras to form the Complete Synchronicities Skill!”
“Okay!” said Reiji, Yoshiaki, Keisuke and Kyō.
Issei and his teammates shout together to start activating their Complete Synchronization Skill, Magic Circle of Blaze. “Complete Synchronization Skill, activate!” The crimson auras and the blazing flames have finally merged together, which gives Issei and his teammates more power.
“Looks like he’s about to be stronger now!” said Ravel.
“Yeah, Ravel-san! I can’t believe that they’re ready to take over the court for real” said Le Fay.
“I’m sure that this is going to be much excited than just a climax of the movie” said Kunou.
Issei finally puts the blazing aura into his Sacred Gear before speaking to Ddraig. “It’s working, Ddraig. I finally activate that skill.”
Ddraig’s voice would be heard from Issei’s Sacred Gear. “Very fantastic to power it up, Issei. Now, do whatever you want with that skill. Make sure that you have to defeat them with your new moves you will create.”
“Okay, I got it” said Issei.
“Now, what are you gonna do now? Your opponents are now on offense. Your team will go on defense” said Ddraig.
“Well, I think that it’s time for us to rally up with the blazing auras we have. We’ll form our defensive force” said Issei.
“Good. Then, do it, Issei” said Ddraig.
“Okay!” said Issei.
The game continues as the members of the Sagiyama Archers are on their possession. Issei would run through the other side of the court and so do his teammates. When Nobuhiko passes the ball to Yūta, Yoshiaki calls Keisuke to form the double team on Yūta.
“Oh no, you gotta be kidding me!” said Yūta.
“That’s right, Yūta-san! Now, you can’t escape with our formation!” said Keisuke.
“You better give up or else!” said Yoshiaki.
“Oh no, no, no, you idiots! I’m not going to give up! So, take this!” said Yūta as her dazzles his own pattern by doing the behind the back move. He even switches his use of hands. Yūta would run through the paint before Yoshiaki and Keisuke chase him.
“Now, go get that ball, boys!” said Issei.
“Okay!” said Yoshiaki and Keisuke.
Yūta tries to pass the ball to Yoshitaka, but Keisuke tips the ball and Issei grabs the ball for the steal.
“Wow! Nice tip, Keisuke-kun!” said Issei before he runs away to the other side of the court.
“Crap! Don’t let him shoot that ball!” said Mitsuhiro.
“Okay!” said the members of the Sagiyama Archers as they’re chasing Issei.
“We’ll teach them a lesson!” said Kyō.
“Right!” said Reiji, Yoshiaki and Keisuke.
When Mitsuhiro blocks the paint, Issei would stop running as he reaches the paint before he goes for the between the legs move on Mitsuhiro. Then, Issei sees Yoshiaki, who is running to get away from Yūta.
“Now, Yoshiaki-kun, catch!” said Issei as he passes the ball to Yoshiaki with the Crimson Dragon Rush Pass. Yoshiaki manages to catch the ball before he performs the ankle breaker move on Yūta and Yūta stumbles to the ground. Yoshiaki would shoot the ball with the Groundbreaker Three-Point Shot and the ball drives to the basket. [Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf 86, Sugiyama Archers 81]
“You rock, Yoshiaki-kun! You nailed the three-point shot!” said Keisuke.
Yoshiaki was delighted as he had been flanked by his teammate Keisuke. Keisuke gives Yoshiaki a high five before Yoshiaki thanking Keisuke. “Thanks! I’m feeling so good that I have my blazing auras working on my moves!”
“That’s because we powered up, thanks to that Complete Synchronization Skill. We’ll make sure that we’re going to keep rolling until the end of the match” said Keisuke.
“Ah, yeah! I think that you’re right about that new skill. Well, I’m going to say that we should be more determined to be brave, Keisuke-kun. We got this” said Yoshiaki.
“Of course!” said Keisuke.
The Sagiyama Archers are on offense once again as they’re trying to score a single point after missing their early shot. Nobuhiko passes the ball to Yūta and then, Yūta goes for the pick and roll move, allowing Yoshitaka to get the screen on Yoshiaki.
Yūta would be stopped by Issei. “Oh, you! You’re trying to get easy on me?”
“Yep” said Issei.
“Whatever. You’re going down!” said Yūta as he goes with the ankle breaker move, but Issei dodges that move by not tumbling to the ground. Issei posts up against Yūta while increasing his strength.
“Whatever you’re trying to dare to shoot that ball, I don’t want to let that happen” said Issei. Yūta steps back, trying to shoot the ball with the fadeaway shot, but Issei blocks the shot with his special move, the Crimson Breaker.
“Alright! Issei blocked that shot!” said Akeno.
“Issei had not given up right now!” said Rias.
The ball would be caught by Keisuke, who would pass the ball to Kyō a few seconds later. Kyō would run like a Komodo dragon before passing the ball to Reiji. Reiji would do the crossover move on Nobuhiko before dashing away with his acceleration drive to drive past Nobuhiko.
Reiji would prepare the alley-oop as he passes the ball to Kyō with the Lightchrome Sword Pass. “It’s time for the alley-oop, Kyō-kun!”
“Okay, Reiji-san!” said Kyō before he jumps high to grab the ball for the dunk. [Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf 88, Sugiyama Archers 81]
“Nice shot, Kyō-kun!” said Nobuhisa.
“That alley-oop was so powerful!” said Hiroshi Ozato.
Later, Keisuke goes for the shot contest to successfully miss Mitsuhiro’s jump shot. Yoshitaka tries to block Issei’s shot, but he fails to do so as Issei goes for the fake before doing the Longinus Arch Shot, a variant of a fadeaway shot. Reiji steals the ball from Nobuhiko with the help of Issei and then, runs through the other side of the court where he shoots the ball with his special layup move, the Shining Star Layup. Atsuya tries to shoot the ball with the hook shot, but Keisuke blocks that shot. Yoshiaki takes the opportunity to grab the ball before passing the ball to Issei. Issei would make his own pattern while battling against Mitsuhiro.
“You can’t underestimate the power of the Blazing Dragon Emperor!” said Issei as he drives past Mitsuhiro with the Juggernaut Drive before shooting the ball with the Crimson Aura Layup. The score is now 94-81 with only 1:18 left in the game.
“Issei’s taking over the court with his teammates!” said Motohama.
“He’s now boosting his moves to make sure that he gets the job done” said Matsuda.
“Yeah, Matsuda-san. The Complete Synchronization Skill had been penetrating the performance of the Sagiyama Archers” said Murayama.
“When Issei boosted his power, he had the right time to step up like a dragon and he had to be smart in making his own strategies to win a match” said Katase.
“A challenge like that would be a piece of cake for Issei because he’s very determined to win” said Asami Shimizu.
“That’s right, Asami-san. I believe that the Magic Circle of Blaze had been a great strategy to take out their opponents with the strength and acceleration. Also, when they drained their stamina with that strategy, they can often boost their own power through their auras” said Kozue.
“Yeah, that’s true, Kozue-san. It’s going to be interesting to make Issei playing like a Harem King with his own opportunity to be the Blazing Dragon Emperor and I know that he’s ready to do whatever it takes to make his team getting the victory” said Lint.
Motohama, Matsuda, Murayama, Katase, Asami and Kozue nod their heads to agree with Lint. “We agree, Lint-san!”
“With only a few minutes left in the game, our team will be walking away with the win to sweep our group” said Tosca Giardiniere.
“Yeah, Tosca. I’m sure that my boys are going to make their match more important, thanks to that magnificent strategy. I believe that their auras won’t die out after the struggles they commit” said Yuto.
“Well, that would be great to make your team heading to the next round. I’m sure that we will face a new opponent once we’re going to the quarterfinals” said Tosca.
“Yeah, Tosca, I agree” said Yuto.
The Sagiyama Archers are trying to have their last chance to stop the Complete Synchronization Skill. However, Keisuke and Kyō are double teaming one of the members of the Sagiyama Archers, Mitsuhiro.
“You’re doing down, Mitsuhiro!” said Kyō as he tries to tip the ball against Mitsuhiro.
“Oh no, you don’t!” said Mitsuhiro as he steps back before doing acceleration drive to drive past both Keisuke and Kyō. “I’m not going to waste my time after my team will be losing this match!”
“Well, you should deserve this, Mitsuhiro!” said Issei as he blocks Mitsuhiro’s last-ditched effort layup.
“And that seals the match with that block by Issei! What a way to make their fifth win for his team!” said Irina.
“Yeah, Irina-san! They’re going to walk away as the top team of the group once the buzzer will be sounded” said Xenovia.
“I agree, Xenovia-san! Issei had been performing like a real dragon and hopefully, he’ll be blessed to show his determination for his team” said Irina.
“You got it!” said Xenovia.
After the last shot was made by Reiji, the buzzer was sounded and the match is over with Issei and his team have defeated the Sagiyama Archers, 97-81.
“We won the match, boys! That’s our fifth win!” said Issei.
“Hooray!” said the boys of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf as they’re celebrating with joy and happiness after completing the sweep in their group with the win over the Sagiyama Archers.
After thanking the referee Toshiaki Matsumoto, Mitsuhiro and Issei with each other.
“That was a wonderful performance, boys! I never got surprised that when you have shown your true formation. I believe that you have finally got your style combination in your team” said Mitsuhiro.
“Yeah, Mitsuhiro-kun. I got stuck on using my Boosted Gear when I was about to drive past you, but you surprised me when you have some formidable defense. Still, I defeated you without losing my power” said Issei.
“Well, you surprised me too, Issei-kun. I guess that I will say that your team is on the top. I conceded my team’s defeat, so that you’ll have more blessings to earn with” said Mitsuhiro.
“Yep. You got that right, Mitsuhiro-kun” said Issei.
“Hopefully, we’ll meet each other again, probably in the final if we’re lucky enough to make it” said Mitsuhiro.
“Okay!” said Issei as he shakes his hands with Mitsuhiro as a sign of sportsmanship between the leaders of their respective teams.
Later, in the evening, at the Hyodo Residence, the members of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf are taking their rest after the final round of the eliminations.
“Look at that standings, everyone!” said Issei as he calls the members of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf to show the standings.
Standings for the East Nikurenai Group
Boys’ Tournament
Kuoh (Ōta) [5-0]
Sagiyama (Saitama) [4-1]
Mitosugi (Maebashi) [3-2]
Yonakumuro (Yokohama) [2-3]
Harakuro (Hachioji) [1-4]
Kurehana (Shinagawa) [0-5]
Girls’ Tournament
Kuoh (Ōta) [5-0]
Maegawa (Kawasaki) [4-1]
Kyuremuro (Shibuya) [3-2]
Kunokarai (Tochigi) [2-3]
Ekunabara (Funabashi) [1-4]
Marasagi (Kawaguchi) [0-5]
“Wow! We’re now on top of the group!” said Irina.
“Yeah, Irina-san! We have won five straight games, which is very nice” said Lint.
“I believe that we’re finally ready to face off against the opponents from the North Nikurenai Group” said Asami Shimizu.
“Yeah, Asami-san! The knockout tournament will be held in two days, which will start by tomorrow with the quarterfinals” said Reiji.
“The quarterfinals will be held tomorrow in the morning and the afternoon while the semifinals will be held in the evening” said Kyō.
“That’s right, Kyō-kun. We’ll be ready to see who will be battling in the quarterfinals. I should say that we have some good opponents out there” said Issei.
“Well, you’re right, Issei-kun. When the eliminations have been finished, the draw was revealed right now” said Yuto.
“It’s just been released a few minutes ago. Look at the screen” said Xenovia.
The members of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf look at the quarterfinal pairings for the knockout tournament. The left side is for the boys’ tournament while the right side is for the girls’ tournament.
Tournament Bracket of the Qualification for the Basketball at the Kurenese East Asian Games
Boys’ Tournament
(EE1) Kuoh (Ōta) vs. (NE2) Fusekita (Akita)
(CE1) Aretoya (Shizuoka) vs. (WE2) Hainemoto (Tsu)
(NE1) Kururami (Fukushima) vs. (EE2) Sagiyama (Saitama)
(WE1) Kyumito (Kyoto) vs. (CE2) Tosukarai (Nagoya)
Girls’ Tournament
(EE1) Kuoh (Ōta) vs. (NE2) Mayemine (Aomori)
(CE1) Kakatsue (Nagano) vs. (WE2) Sokuno (Hiroshima)
(NE1) Yakurai (Sendai) vs. (EE2) Maegawa (Kawasaki)
(WE1) Chusugu (Nara) vs. (CE2) Azukunote (Toyama)
“Oh, good! We’re going to battle against both representatives from Fusekita (Akita) and Mayemine (Aomori) in the quarterfinals!” said Reiji.
“That would be much better to have the pairings like this, but when the next round goes, it’s going to be different” said Asuna.
“Yeah, Asuna-san. That means, we’re going to need two wins to enter the finals and then, whoever wins the finals will make it to the Kurenese East Asian Games” said Irina.
“I believe that we got the advantage to beat those guys, everyone. They are not much known about them when we heard about their performance, but I’m sure that we’re going to see what they are up to” said Yoshiaki.
“Yeah, Yoshiaki-kun. The other teams such as the Fukushima Crimsons, the Legion of Reniveus, the Yellow League of Chusugu, the Sagiyama Archers and the Tigers of Kyuremuro have made it to the knockout tournament as well” said Issei.
“Not all the participants have been lucky after the eliminations such as the Young Stallions of Osaka, who were defeated in their last game by the Hainemoto Lightbombers” said Motohama.
“Yeah, that’s a shame for them. They aren’t good enough to qualify to the quarterfinals after they worked hard” said Katase.
“I think that they have run out of their chances when they tried to get their wins against some tougher teams like Kyumito, Yakurai, Chusugu and Kururami” said Murayama.
“Yeah, that’s true, Murayama-san. I hope that they’ll have their luck running again next time” said Mizuho.
“Yeah!” said Katase and Murayama.
“So, what the schedule would be looked like, Hyodo-kun?” asked Matsuda.
“Since Kuoh is the host city, our matches will be held in the afternoon. This will be the great time to give us more strength to prepare for another match for tomorrow” said Issei.
“Yeah, Issei-san! It will be awesome to make us stronger, so that we’ll make it to the Kurenease East Asian Games!” said Irina.
“Hopefully, this will boost our chances to prepare for the Interhigh prefectural tournament!” said Kyō.
“Yeah!” said some of the members of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf, who were part of the Kikuchiba Academy High School basketball team.
“Well, you can do whatever you want right after the tournament, but hopefully, you’re all set for the Interhigh prefectural tournament” said Akeno.
“Akeno’s right, everyone! All of you will get incentives once your team will win the qualifying and the main proper of the basketball of the Kurenese East Asian Games. Hopefully, you’ll work well in the next set of matches” said Rias.
“Okay, we will, Rias-san! We promise!” said some of the members of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf, who were part of the Kikuchiba Academy High School basketball team.
“Lint-san, what are you going to plan right after the qualifying tournament?” asked Irina.
“I want to stay with you, Irina-san. I have been interested to see more of your friends out there in Ōta” said Lint.
“Well, that would be better, Lint-san. You see, in Tokyo, there are a few residents who were foreigners, which means that there might be some other bigger cities that have foreigners out there” said Irina.
“Yeah, they treated very well like common residents in Japan, which is why they have their own personalities based on their expression” said Xenovia.
“Kuoh is in the crimson world while Ōta is in the real world. They said that Kuoh is resembled to Ōta because Kuyō is our world’s Tokyo” said Asia.
“The prefectural names are the same as in real life Japan, but it has different names in Nikurenese” said Yuto.
“So, why are you staying in Japan?” asked Lint.
“Because we’re having an internship year where we will be planning to live in Tokyo for a year. Since then, it’s been a while that Rias had wanted to be with Issei for a long time” said Koneko.
“We have been staying in Kuoh for a long time, but we haven’t stayed in a real world. The coincidence is that in the crimson world, some areas have some names being related to the Earth’s Japan” said Rossweisse.
“Since you are part of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf, we believe that we want you to be part of the Occult Research Club” said Le Fay.
“I think that I would be interested to be part of it. Not only that you have a lot of friends they have been part of that club, but also they’re also friends to both Rias and Issei” said Lint.
“Yeah!” said the members of the Occult Research Club.
“Well, then, I’ll be joining with you” said Lint.
“Alright! Welcome to our team, Lint-san!” said Irina.
“We would be proud to be part of our team!” said Xenovia.
“Just make sure that you’ll be able to contribute for our upcoming projects we’re planning” said Yuto.
“Okay, I will, everyone!” said Lint.
“It’s great that we will have a new member to be part of the Occult Research Club” said Elmenhilde.
“Yeah, Elmen-chan! I believe that there will be a lot of plans to work on, especially to the new members such as Valerie, Kunou, Bennia and Le Fay” said Gasper.
“I agree, Gasper-san! I would be imagined if we’re going to make some progress in some projects we’re planning and then, we’ll partner with different groups within in real-life Japan and in Nikurenai” said Elmenhilde.
“Well, that would be great to see that, Elmen-san! I’m sure that there will be some groups that have been interested in making co-habitation with us where they’ll be more cooperative and more helpful” said Valerie.
“It’s going to be great that we’ll be working with the other people who are not with us before, but anyway, it’s nice to welcome a new member in the club” said Le Fay.
“Yeah, I agree, Pendragon-chan!” said Gasper.
“Speaking of which, Bennia will be with us once we’re going back home. She said that she’s researching about the people in the underworld” said Ravel.
“I wonder if she’s busy for something” said Kuroka.
“Right now, she’s with Sona for her team. I’m sure that they’ll be with us for tomorrow’s gathering” said Kunou.
“Oh, I see, Kunou. I hope that we’ll be making some plans in cohabiting with the friends in Ōta” said Kuroka.
“Yeah!” said Kunou.
“I hope that we’ll be able to make this vacation in Kuoh going to be awesome since the competition is ongoing and hopefully, you’ll be able to walk away with the ticket to the Kurenese East Asian Games” said Koneko.
“Yeah, I feel it, Koneko-san. Our friends are very determined to win because they want to make sure that they’re going to be blessed with their strength and power” said Issei.
“Your friends have been great in contributing your team to make sure that your team will make it to the Kurenese East Asian Games if you keep up the good work” said Akeno.
“That’s right, Akeno-san. I know that there are a lot of days have been worked hard for my friends to be strong just like us and when it comes to the game of basketball, it’s gotta be them to shine. We worked together in the Rating Games and it feels like we need our friends to get earned as well” said Issei.
“I agree, Issei-kun” said Akeno.
“Don’t get overexcited about tomorrow, Issei-kun. We’ll make sure that your friends are ready for the next match and hopefully, your team will be making it to the finals” said Rias.
“You got it, Rias-san!” said Issei.
“Yeah! It’s going to be awesome to have our determination and willpower being kept on and that’s why we’re always going to dominate with destruction and power” said Irina.
“Yeah, Irina-san, I agree!” said Issei with a smile on his face. Then, Issei would say to his friends, giving more hopes for his team to lead for a ticket to the Kurenese East Asian Games. “Let’s continue to work together as a team, everyone! We’ll win the qualifiers and then, head on to the Kurenese East Asian Games!”
“Yeah!” said the members of Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf. The determination and pressure have been paid off for Issei and his team, Team Hyodo-Burnt Leaf, as they were able to sweep the group phase of the qualification tournament for the basketball at the Kurenease East Asian Games. Issei believes that the determination is the key to win for his team because his friends were able to work together to dominate every game. Hopefully, they’ll win the qualifying tournament and represent Nikurenai in the basketball at the Kurenease East Asian Games, which will be held in two weeks from now.
[ENDING: High School DxD HeRO ED Single: 「モテないくせに(`;ω;´)」 by Tapimiru]
UP NEXT: Chapter 159: “Training Guts with the Brains and Pinks”
Ever since I had been following High School DxD for a long time, I wanted to make Issei’s mission in Rooks, Knights and Bravehearts to be one of the main focus on trying to make his basketball career booming because he’s the Harem King after all. He can do whatever he wants, so whenever he’s trying to chase for a victory, he’ll do whatever he takes to do for the pride and honor of him and his girlfriends. I had to admit because after the announcement that the possible fifth season of High School DxD had been cancelled, I decided to take less priority of that anime, but one day, I might buy the English version of the light novel of High School DxD if I had enough money to buy it. So, fingers crossed to have future updates with the characters of High School DxD soon. The next update will be all about the training as the Bravehearts are returning to their varsity teams to attend the training. I’ll see you on January 15 (Wednesday) for the next update!
