“Regardless, the negative impact is irreversible now. Daiei doesn’t need to participate in any more games.” The investor’s voice was firm and brooked no argument.
The Daiei Academy representative rushed forward, “Mr. Tanaka, please don’t make such a hasty decision, we…”
“No need to say more.” The investor cut him off, his tone full of disappointment, “Before the game, I repeatedly emphasized that the most important thing in a competition is sportsmanship.”
The school representative opened his mouth but ultimately fell silent. Before falling silent, he glared fiercely at Morita Masanobu—that look was icy, and Morita Masanobu understood it as an accusation and, even more so, complete dissatisfaction.
He knew what awaited him.
He felt as if all the strength had been drained from his body, and he stood rooted to the spot, his face ashen.
Yet, the unwillingness in his heart churned like boiling water.
Before coming here, the school had said, “Advance at all costs,” so why had everything changed now?
In Osaka, their style of play was commonplace. It was precisely this style that allowed them to defeat the former King of Osaka—Toyotama High School, known for its run-and-gun tactics.
But why was it wrong here?
Yes, it must be because they lost the game. Morita Masanobu clenched his fists, desperately trying to convince himself, it must be so.
Just as the atmosphere grew tense, Chairman Shenmu of Ryonan broke the silence, “The competition must continue. Too much money was spent on early promotion; it absolutely cannot be halted now.”
The investor also nodded—he wasn’t against continuing, but Daiei’s current controversial status made it unsuitable to remain in the competition.
“I have a suggestion,” Taoka Moichi interjected at the opportune moment.
Chairman Shenmu looked up, “Let’s hear it.”
Taoka Moichi nodded, “We can temporarily adjust the competition format, switching to a streetball format with two modes: 1v1 and 3v3.
At the same time, it will be clearly required that all participants must adhere to the principles of civilized competition, and players will register freely and form teams randomly.
Even players who frequently play pickup games can participate, but insulting moves in street basketball must be prohibited, while artistic moves can be retained.”
“That’s a good idea,” Chairman Shenmu immediately approved. “This way, not only can we set up awards for the championship team and the top three individual players, but sports media can also create player power rankings afterward, which could generate another wave of hype.”
One day later!
The Kanagawa Prefecture Sports Association officially released an announcement regarding the adjustment of the Public Welfare Cup basketball competition.
This announcement was not only delivered in written form to all high school basketball clubs in Kanagawa but also simultaneously appeared on local sports news pages and basketball-related media platforms, with a prominent headline— “Public Welfare Cup Format Revamped: Streetball Mode Activated, Everyone Can Play.”
The announcement began by stating the reason for the adjustment: “To uphold the spirit of fair play in the event and ensure the smooth progress of the Public Welfare Cup, after consultation between the organizing committee and all parties, adjustments are now being made to the event format.” It then clearly listed the core rules:
The format will change to street basketball mode, featuring 1V1 individual matches and 3V3 team matches;
Participation qualifications are fully open: high school players, street enthusiasts, and all basketball lovers can register, without requiring proof of affiliation with a team;
Competition rules are clear: visually appealing street basketball skills are retained, but any insulting or dangerous moves are strictly prohibited, and violators will be disqualified;
Schedule: A showcase exhibition match (Daiei vs. Ryonan (already concluded)) will be held first, followed by the official start of the competition after the exhibition match;
Awards and follow-up: Team champions and the top three in 1V1 will receive Public Welfare Fund awards, and the Sports Association will collaborate with media to release official player rankings.
As soon as the news broke, the entire basketball community in Kanagawa buzzed with excitement.
The bulletin board outside the Ryonan Basketball Gymnasium was already crowded with people—students from Ryonan itself, and young people who played pickup games, who had come from neighboring blocks.
“High schoolers can register, and so can we?” A boy in a loose jersey patted his companion, “We absolutely have to form a team! That kid I told you about last time, the one with the deadly accurate shot, we can bring him in as a teammate.”
Someone nearby, looking at the board, muttered, “There’s even an official ranking? If we can get ranked, we’ll have bragging rights at the court later!”
A long line quickly formed in front of the registration desk, and the sound of pens scratching across registration forms was filled with barely contained anticipation.
Meanwhile, inside the Hainan Basketball Gymnasium, Coach Takato held the association announcement he had received from the school office, waving it at Maki Shinichi, who had just finished training.
“The Kanagawa Sports Association sent this; the Public Welfare Cup has changed its format.”
Maki Shinichi took the announcement, and his steps paused as his gaze swept over the words “1V1” and “Player Ranking.”
“The Association said high school players can register freely.” Coach Takato walked to the sidelines, looking at the basketball still bouncing on the court, his tone lighter than usual, “I won’t stop you all—not just you, anyone on the team who wants to go can go.” He turned to Maki Shinichi, his eyes filled with expectation, “There will be official rankings afterward, which is not something school competitions can compare to. You young people can’t just stay in the Kanagawa circle; you need to test the waters.”
At this point, he paused deliberately, his gaze falling on Maki Shinichi, with unconcealed confidence: “You’ve always been called ‘Kanagawa Prefecture’s Number One,’ but that reputation was given to you by others.
This event has a wide reach; good players from high schools and the streets will all come—this is an opportunity to solidify that title with your strength and earn everyone’s recognition.”
Maki Shinichi’s fingertips tightened slightly on the announcement, sweat trickled down his jawline, but a fighting spirit brighter than the lights ignited in his eyes.
At the same time, in Shoyo High School’s basketball club, Fujima Kenji and Hanagata Toru were looking at the newly delivered announcement.
“1V1 tests individual skill, 3V3 tests teamwork; it’s more interesting than traditional 5V5.”
Fujima tapped his finger on the words “random team formation,” and a flicker of interest crossed his eyes, “And since it’s led by the Sports Association, this ranking should carry a lot of weight.”
Hanagata Toru pushed up his glasses and nodded in agreement, “Perhaps we’ll encounter many opponents worth facing.”
From high schools to street courts, this announcement was like a gust of wind, awakening the passion of countless basketball enthusiasts—whether they were students in school uniforms or enthusiasts accustomed to sweating it out on street courts, everyone began to consider registering.
A competition that had initially been mired in controversy, ironically, became a highly anticipated basketball event throughout Kanagawa due to this adjustment.