65:40
This was the score when the third quarter reached the 9-minute mark during the original Winter Cup finals between Rakuzan and Seirin. Why did Tendou remember this so clearly?
Because such a comeback, even in the world of professional basketball, had very few successful examples.
At the same time, this was also one of the three most impressive comebacks in all of Kuroko's Basketball.
Facing Rakuzan with the strongest lineup in the nation, Seirin chased down 25 points in 19 minutes and completed the reversal at the final moment.
Aida Riko, who had been silent for a long time, finally found her voice again.
"When you're far behind in score, there's no sport more agonizing than basketball."
"But that's only the thinking of those who accept defeat!"
She waved her hand decisively and substituted Kuroko back into the game.
"What unreasonable creatures," Tendou muttered, wiping away his sweat. After tossing his towel aside, he stepped back onto the court.
...
Koganei Shinji was subbed out, and Seirin's starting five took the court once again.
"So, is victory still important, Kuroko?" Tendou's first words upon returning rendered Kuroko speechless.
After a pause, Kuroko finally spoke: "I want to win until the very end with people who share the same aspirations!"
'So no matter what, you're always in the right?'
Before Tendou could say anything, the real world's perspective was already complaining internally.
Not everyone could pull off smooth talk, and when done poorly, it easily provoked audience backlash.
Hypocrisy and double standards were two things that absolutely had to be avoided.
And Kuroko had just exhibited both.
Clearly, Tendou's verbal prowess was superior to his, leaving Kuroko with no other options.
"No matter what the outcome, I won't run away anymore!"
What exactly were you running away from?
Tendou was speechless and decided not to argue further. These incomprehensible words were simply bewildering.
"Fine, say whatever you want."
"Anyway, I know you really want to win right now."
Tendou took his position, waiting for Seirin's offense.
Izuki Shun brought the ball to the arc, and Kuroko actively came over to set a screen for him.
Izuki took the opportunity to get past Hanamiya Makoto but didn't dare drive further inside, instead pulling back for a reasonable three-point attempt.
His luck was good—the basketball hit the backboard and went in.
For the current Seirin, this was already the best shooting opportunity they could get.
With their main scoring options locked down and their intelligence leaked to Tendou by that female spy from Touou, Seirin's current situation couldn't be more difficult.
It was Kirisaki Daiichi's turn.
Tendou took the ball from Hanamiya Makoto and personally dribbled across half court.
He still remembered that in the original decisive battle, Kuroko, whose misdirection had clearly disappeared, used a method to restore his miracle.
At that time, Kuroko had directed all attention toward Mayuzumi Chihiro.
The method was somewhat bizarre, but achievement was achievement.
"Kirisaki Daiichi doesn't have a sixth man, so logically speaking, such an unexpected turn shouldn't occur."
"However..."
Too many incomprehensible things had happened with Seirin, and Tendou had stopped trying to count them all.
To be safe.
"I'll crush you personally!"
Bang!
Tendou forcefully dribbled the ball, took one step, and flashed to Kagami Taiga's side.
Giving no opportunity, after getting past his defender, he pulled up for a mid-range shot near the free-throw line.
Phantom Shot!
But the next second, a crimson lightning bolt suddenly erupted in his field of vision.
"If you hadn't bravely stood up at that moment, I might have already given up."
"So this time, I absolutely won't let the light of hope you ignited be extinguished!"
In that breathing moment, various memories of his time with Kuroko flashed through Kagami Taiga's mind.
These memories propelled him into the Zone.
At this point, Tendou could no longer pull back his shot.
With a loud "bang," his supposedly unstoppable Phantom Shot was swatted down from the air by Kagami.
"Let's settle this, Tendou!"
He roared as he landed, immediately rushing forward to grab the basketball and sprint toward the front court.
"He entered it again, so easily!"
Momoi covered her mouth, looking surprised.
"At this rate, he'll completely master the Zone sooner or later!"
Aomine could see that Kagami was becoming more and more skilled at entering the Zone.
As long as someone around him provided the right push, Kagami could open that door.
Seirin's counterattack!
After unleashing his full potential, Kagami's movement speed more than doubled.
Haizaki had just moved over, wanting to delay for a moment, but Kagami flashed past and left him behind in an instant.
"Get lost, you counterfeit!"
Kagami threw back at Haizaki the same words Tendou had once said to him.
Haizaki only saw a deep crimson streak flash before his eyes, and then Kagami vanished from sight.
"Kagami!"
The Seirin supporters finally felt hope rising within them.
This was how they had defeated Touou and Yosen—relying on this almighty Kagami!
In the animation, the BGM suddenly became intense, but then abruptly cut off.
This strange scene was as if even the production team didn't understand what was about to happen next.
Because when the camera followed Kuroko's perspective, shifting from Kagami to Tendou...
He saw Tendou land and immediately assume a charging stance—one that lasted longer than any previous preparation.
In that moment, Kuroko seemed to see lightning rising from beneath Tendou's feet, and even the breath from his mouth sparkled with electric light.
"Thunder!"
"Flash!"
As the fourth word fell, Tendou's body shot forward like a projectile.
Simultaneously, he used his Six Eyes to control every part of his body, breaking through the 80% limit and unleashing his physical potential to 90%.
He ultimately didn't enter the Zone.
But this made Kuroko even more terrified, because even without entering the Zone, Tendou was still this formidable!
Both moved at incredible speed, and in their crossing paths, they had already reached inside the three-point line.
Kagami was completely focused. He noticed that Tendou hadn't entered the Zone yet was still keeping pace with him.
While marveling at how strong Tendou truly was, he also saw an opportunity to break through Tendou's defense.
"Right here!"
During his mad dash, Kagami suddenly stopped the ball and took off from just inside the free-throw line.
"Hmph."
Tendou let out a soft snort, his eyes flashing with cold light as he positioned himself one step ahead at the center of the free-throw line.
Kagami instinctively dodged, then leaped high, fully extending his body in the air like a great eagle spreading its wings.
Finally, he raised his right arm, eyes staring straight ahead, and slammed the ball down with everything he had.
"It's the Meteor Jam!"
"Defeat him!"
"Kagami!"
The Seirin supporters had clenched their fists, staring intently at the basketball's trajectory.
But some people noticed that Tendou, who clearly could have jumped to contest, stood quietly in place without moving.
Akashi's mind frantically recalled the details of that moment, then his eyes suddenly widened.
He said, "This shot won't go in."
"What?"
"CLANG!"
Mayuzumi Chihiro and the others didn't understand, but the next second they heard a tremendous crash in their ears.
The ball that Kagami had slammed down with all his might didn't pierce through the net, but instead hit the rim and bounced out.
"What?!"
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