"There are roughly 4,000 middle school basketball teams across the country," Shirogane Kōzō began, explaining the basics of the Inter-High tournament to everyone. "But only 60 teams make it to the final national tournament."
It was truly like thousands of troops trying to cross a single-log bridge.
Most players never even get one chance to compete on the national stage in their entire lives.
So unless they have strong personal beliefs or loyalties, most talented players aim for powerhouse schools—places that give them the best shot at making it to Nationals.
From middle school to high school and on to college, each stage lasts only three to four years. And there's only one Inter-High tournament per year.
Which means a middle school player gets at most three chances to qualify for Nationals and chase the title.
That's why, in Slam Dunk, Kogure cried when his team finally made it, and why the players from Ryonan broke down after their elimination—the road to Nationals is that intense and cruel.
Shirogane continued, "And Tokyo is the most competitive region of all."
"The qualifier is divided into four groups, and only the top team from each group advances to the final round-robin."
"Before the round-robin, the group stage follows a single-elimination format—one loss and you're out."
It matched what Tendou Kageyoshi already knew.
Both Slam Dunk and Kuroko no Basket used the real-life structure of Japan's Inter-High tournament.
"Then let's just win every game," Tendou said confidently.
And immediately got a glare from Nijimura Shuzō. "Tendou, take off those damn sunglasses!"
"…Oh." Tendou had, in fact, worn his shades on purpose to the meeting.
He'd noticed the cameras were pointed their way.
Most likely, this scene would be used to explain the Inter-High system to the viewers and show the challenges Teikō was about to face.
『Of course it's you—wearing shades even during a strategy meeting!』
『I get it now.』
『Get what?』
『The sunglasses are his true form!』
『…』
"The structure is simple," Shirogane summarized. "To reach the national tournament, we must first survive the group stage and then place in the top three in the final round-robin."
"What about our opponents?" Aomine asked, only interested in one thing.
Shirogane gestured to Momoi Satsuki, who passed out printed materials to everyone.
Each opponent was rated by difficulty, from one to five stars.
"What do the stars mean?" someone asked.
"They represent team strength," Momoi explained. "Five-star teams are the seeded powerhouses. For example, we are a five-star team."
"So there are seven teams on our level just in Tokyo?" Midorima looked surprised.
After spending time at Teikō, he'd come to understand just how absurdly strong their team was.
Not to sound arrogant, but with his skills, he could start on any other team.
Yet here at Teikō, he was on the bench.
Among the first-years, only Murasakibara and Tendou were starters.
One inside, one outside—the core of Teikō's defense.
Thinking of that, Midorima and Akashi couldn't help glancing at the two of them.
Murasakibara was munching chips like the whole thing had nothing to do with him.
Tendou, at least, was slightly more present.
He was looking at the comment stream—clearly spaced out and barely paying attention to the meeting.
"Why them, of all people…" Midorima thought sourly as he adjusted his glasses.
"Do your best and leave the rest to fate"—that was his life motto.
He was meticulous about his preparation—taping his fingers, caring for his nails, following strict routines.
To him, even strategy meetings were part of the game. Tendou's carefree attitude grated on his nerves.
Compared to those two, even Aomine seemed normal.
"Oi, Midorima, why are you looking at me like that?" Aomine noticed the stare and frowned. "Do you think I'm an idiot or something?"
"That's just your imagination," Midorima replied coolly.
The guy might not be too bright, but his instincts were terrifyingly sharp.
Tendou, Murasakibara, Akashi—each had personality quirks, but their talents were undeniable.
"No distractions," Nijimura snapped, and everyone immediately quieted down.
As club captain, his authority was absolute. Disobedience usually ended with punches—just ask Tendou.
"Forget about the final round-robin for now," Shirogane said. "Every year, dark horses emerge from nowhere."
"Even five-star teams get knocked out early. That includes us. We can't afford to let our guard down."
He pressed a button on the remote, and the projector lit up.
It displayed several schools—teams that Shirogane believed were Teikō's main roadblocks to Nationals.
For a powerhouse like Teikō, the group stage was often the most dangerous part.
There was no room for error. One loss and you were out. Ironically, the round-robin at the end had more margin for mistakes.
First: Kaisei Middle School
Founded in 1871, an all-boys institution with a prestigious history in athletics.
Their sports teams consistently performed at a high level across multiple disciplines.
Momoi rated them four stars.
That meant they were strong contenders for a ticket to Nationals.
Second: Musashi Middle School
Established in 1922, another all-boys school with a strict self-discipline culture.
They had reached the round-robin stage last year.
They had no standout stars and focused heavily on team-oriented play.
They were a "grinder" team, known for their iron-blooded defense.
Momoi gave them a 4.5-star rating.
The strength of teams like Musashi was that everyone contributed, and they fought as one.
The weakness? They lacked a true ace who could take over the game.
Third: Kaijō Middle School
A private, international-focused school.
Unlike Musashi, they followed a "star player" model.
It wasn't uncommon to see players from Europe or America on their roster.
Each player had a specific role: scorers scored, defenders defended.
Momoi gave them a full five-star rating.
There were only seven five-star teams in Tokyo.
And Teikō's group—Group C—had two of them.
No wonder everyone's expressions were so grim.
This… was the true Group of Death.
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