1 Chapter 1: Last Tournament in the Philippines.

Date: February 16, 2019

Location: Eiko High School, Machida City, Tokyo, Japan

In a small and average high school located in the southern part of Machida City, Tokyo, Japan, called Eiko High School, there is a small office with two sofas placed in the corners of the room and a long brown table in the middle. On top of the table, there is a laptop playing a live stream of the Philippine National High School Championship Tournament.

[Sports Commentator: Welcome back to the Philippine National High School Tournament. We are now in the fourth and final quarter of the game between Regetta Academy and Colegio De San Juan Marie, ranked number 5.] said the commentator in Tagalog.

[Sports Commentator #1: This is an exciting game to watch, as it features the two players who represented our country in the last Fiba U16 tournament.] added the other commentator in Tagalog.

[Sports Commentator: That's right! We're referring to the super aces of both schools: Danny Manzano, the skilled power forward, and Leon Arcana, the high-scoring machine.]

[Sports Commentator #1: Danny is having a tremendous impact on this game, with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks. He's been a key contributor for CDSJM.]

[Sports Commentator: Absolutely, he's the focal point of their offense in this game.]

[Sports Commentator #1: Danny receives the ball on the right side, deep in the paint. He starts to dribble, fakes out his defender, takes a hop step towards the middle, and nails a right-hand hook shot! Excellent play by Danny Manzano, who now has 19 points.]

[Sports Commentator: Regetta might need to double-team Danny.]

[Sports Commentator #1: You're right. They should consider double-teaming him because stopping Danny with good positioning is nearly impossible.]

[Sports Commentator: Regetta has possession, and they are moving the ball around. CSJDM is defending Regetta all over the court. Leon receives the ball, gets a screen, attacks the basket, and with Danny closing in on him, he pulls up for a floater that bounces on the rim a few times before finally dropping in.]

[Sports Commentator #1: Probably because the ball bounced off the rim a few times, hahaha.]

[Sports Commentator: Hahaha! Danny receives the ball on the left elbow, faces up his defender, fakes to the right, then shoots a mid-range jumper. The ball banks off the backboard and goes in.]

[Sports Commentator #1: Danny now has 21 points. He's in the zone right now. Regetta needs to find a way to stop him before the lead widens.]

[Sports Commentator: You're right. CDSJM is currently leading 65-59.]

[Sports Commentator #1: Regetta needs another scorer besides Leon. Leon has scored 30 out of Regetta's 59 points.]

[Sports Commentator: Here comes Leon, tightly guarded on the left wing. He starts his move, attacks the left side, pulls up, and shoots a fadeaway jumper that goes in.]

[Sports Commentator #1: Leon is exceptional at creating his own shots.]

CDSJM: 65

REGETTA: 61

4th Quarter

[Sports Commentator: Leon tends to be a ballhog; he needs to create opportunities for his teammates as well.]

What was supposed to be a game focused on offense and defense has turned into a legendary matchup between Regetta's super scorer, Leon Arcana, and CDSJM's smooth power forward, Danny Manzano.

Both players have engaged in a back-and-forth scoring battle, bringing the game down to the final possession. With Danny defending Leon, the two players exchange words, adding to the intensity of what may be remembered as the greatest high school basketball game in the Philippines.

[DANNY: Let's finish this, Leon. We have another game tomorrow.]

[LEON: You mean, we have a game tomorrow.]

Leon swiftly dribbles, attacking the right side while Danny shadows him closely. Suddenly, Leon stops and spins to his left, causing Danny to lose his balance. Seizing the opportunity, Leon elevates for a mid-range jumper that rolls around the rim but ultimately misses.

Leon falls to the floor, feeling defeated and frustrated. He untucks his jersey and gazes around, observing the jubilant CDSJM players celebrating their victory. Danny approaches Leon and extends his hand to help him up.

[DANNY: Good game. I'll see you at the camp.]

[LEON: Likewise, Danny. It's been a pleasure.]

The crowd applauds both players, showing their appreciation for the thrilling game they just witnessed. The excitement lingers as everyone eagerly anticipates the next game. However, Colegio De San Juan Marie is set to face Holy Child Christian Academy—a dominant team that has won the Philippine National High School Championship and the Asian High School Championship for five consecutive years.

Holy Child, which had previously recruited Leon, aims to pair him with the legendary Caliente Brothers, forming a formidable trio.

On the sidelines, three players donning white jackets with powder blue stripes and "Holy Child Basketball" printed on the back engage in a conversation.

[SAI: If only Leon played with us, we would be unstoppable.]

[EFREN: Absolutely. Once we graduate, Holy Child Dynasty will be in trouble if he's the only one left.]

The player they refer to is their youngest brother, Mohan, known for his laziness and preference for playing defense while avoiding offense.

[MOHAN: Well, maybe I'll give it my all once you guys graduate. But it would be easier if Leon joined Holy Child.]

[SAI: Easier? It seems you lack the motivation to play offense.]

[MOHAN: Yeah, playing offense and defense is tiring. I prefer defense, blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. It's satisfying to see opponents' expressions when their shots don't go in. It's top-tier entertainment.]

Sai and Efren shake their heads, feeling irritated as they recall their unsuccessful attempts to bypass Mohan's defense.

Meanwhile, Leon exits the arena, feeling disheartened by his consecutive tournament eliminations. Over the past three years, he had led Regetta to the Elite 8 in the National Championship and secured two Manila Championships and one Regional Championship. During his time at Regetta, Leon was named the National Rookie of the Year, earned a spot on the All-National First Team for three consecutive years, won the Manila High School MVP award three times, and was selected to the All-Manila First Team. Additionally, he won the NCR MVP once and made the All-NCR First Team for three consecutive years.

The journey has been remarkable, but Leon is determined to overcome his setbacks and continue striving for greatness in the sport he loves.