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Chapter 5 - CHAPTER 5 — FIRST WHISTLE, DRIP ON THE COURT

Seirin High School — First Official Game

The days between Joshua's arrival and Seirin's first official game folded into a tight, electric routine: morning conditioning, classroom sprints, afternoon drills, evening film sessions. Every session sharpened their teamwork and timing, but outside the drills, one thing set Seirin apart: their look.

For the first time, Seirin didn't just play like a team—they looked like one. Their jerseys were crisp white with bold, teal trim running asymmetrically along the sides, forming a subtle gradient that shimmered under the gym lights. The numbers were outlined in metallic silver, catching even the smallest movement, while the fabric itself was breathable but sleek, hugging muscles without restricting motion. Each jersey had a faint constellation pattern stitched into the fabric—a nod to Joshua and Kuroko—visible only when the light hit just right.

Joshua's jersey was flawless. White with a black gradient creeping from the shoulders, the teal trim highlighting his long, precise frame. His number, 12, glinted silver under the lights. It fit him perfectly: slim, clean, with just enough stretch to allow his signature fluid movements. Even the hem and sleeves were subtly reinforced, designed for his ghostlike misdirection and swift pivots.

Kuroko's jersey was quieter, but no less stylish. The same white base, soft teal gradient, faint constellations across the chest—his jersey almost seemed to fade into his body, perfectly matching his subtle movements. Unlike Joshua, Kuroko didn't need flashy details; his calm presence made every slight shift stand out.

Kagami's outfit screamed energy and confidence. His jersey was tighter across the chest, showing his raw power. The teal trim ran diagonally, cutting like streaks of lightning across white fabric. The metallic numbers reflected light when he jumped, giving him a larger-than-life aura on the court. Paired with matching shorts with clean, angular patterns, Kagami looked ready to explode the moment he touched the ball.

The rest of the team matched the aesthetic—Hyuga's jersey emphasized his sharpness and intensity, Izuki's accentuated agility, and the first-years' outfits, although simpler, carried the same modern edge. Seirin had transformed from just another school team into a squad that looked as good as they played.

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FIRST OFFICIAL GAME

When the team arrived at the gym for the season opener, the crowd immediately noticed. Flashing cameras, excited chatter, and murmurs about Seirin's stylish uniforms filled the stands. Joshua and Kuroko moved together like twin echoes, their jerseys glinting subtly under the overhead lights. Kagami's broad shoulders cut through the crowd as he warmed up, the diagonal teal stripes on his jersey catching every movement like lightning.

Riko gathered the team before tip-off. "Remember, this is about teamwork, not just individual talent. Play smart, trust each other, and remember the rhythm."

Joshua's eyes scanned the court, taking in opponents, teammates, and the game's pulse. "We'll take it one play at a time," he said quietly. Kuroko nodded, the two sharing a brief glance that needed no words.

The referee tossed the coin. Tip-off. The game began.

Joshua immediately demonstrated why he was Seirin's hidden weapon. Moving in perfect sync with Kuroko, he used subtle gestures and micro-adjustments to control the flow. Kagami cut with explosive power, his jersey catching the gym lights every time he leapt. The opposition tried to block, to anticipate, but Seirin's style—both in play and in drip—was too fluid, too calculated.

Every play felt precise. Joshua set the rhythm; Kuroko answered; Kagami and the others executed with perfect timing. Passes curved just enough to reach hands that appeared in the blink of an eye. Each movement highlighted the design of their jerseys—the flowing lines accentuating speed, the shimmer on numbers catching eyes as the ball arced perfectly through the hoop.

Even when the opponents tightened their defense, Seirin adjusted. Joshua's subtle gestures and Kuroko's ghostlike presence created openings. Kagami's explosive moves, outlined in metallic teal streaks, tore through the defense. The final minute was a test of nerves: Seirin executed a perfectly timed play, Kuroko passed, Joshua subtly shifted the defense, and Kagami scored the winning basket.

The crowd erupted. Cameras flashed, capturing the perfect combination of skill and style—Seirin's jerseys gleaming under the lights, their movement almost choreographed, a statement of their new identity.

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AFTER THE GAME

In the locker room, celebration was high. Sweat glistened on the sleek fabric of their jerseys. Joshua's quiet smile met Kuroko's small, satisfied grin. Kagami pounded his fist on a locker, still fired up.

"You guys look as good as you played," he said, grinning. "These jerseys are sick!"

Riko nodded, proud. "They're more than jerseys. They're a reminder that you're a team—focused, coordinated, and confident. And yes… they look damn good."

Seirin had won their first game with style, precision, and rhythm. But more than that, they had identity. From Joshua's calm control, Kuroko's seamless shadowing, to Kagami's raw power highlighted by every line and shimmer of their jerseys—they had arrived. The game had ended, but Seirin's story, like the streaking lines on their uniforms, was just beginning.

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End of chapter

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