Full-time comic artist

Akemi Akemi also lowered her head in shame.

After hanging up the phone.

Higashino felt that his injustice had been redressed.

He called Kazuhiko Torishima, hoping he could speak out for him through media channels.

Torishima Kazuhiko immediately agreed, but at the end, he asked curiously, "Is this true or false? Tell me quietly, I won't tell anyone."

Hibiki Higashino is angry. Why does everyone take it so seriously?

It sounds utterly absurd, something that's simply impossible.

"Of course not!" He angrily hung up the phone.

Seeing how resolute Higashino's attitude was, Akemi Akimiya completely believed him.

"I'm sorry," she said softly, taking Higashino Hibiki's finger in her hand.

Higashino Hibiki's heart was melting; what could she do when she liked her?

Sigh, the cat sighed.

He patted Akemi Akemi's head, wanting to say something, but then felt a wave of embarrassment and withdrew his hand, whispering, "It's time for class."

"Yes!" Akemi Akemi suddenly realized.

The two of them returned to the classroom, where the students whispered among themselves.

"It seems to be true; the teachers have already called them in for a talk."

What do college students talk about?

"They must be worried about affecting Musashino's reputation."

Hibiki Higashino returned to his seat, feeling more disheveled than he had ever been in his life.

……

Hibiki Higashino's teachers' dormitory.

Oda glanced nervously at the door, his heart pounding.

He originally wanted to take sick leave, but after thinking about it, he decided that instead of letting it accumulate, he should let Tori Akino beat him up to vent his frustration.

Oda only hoped to let Akira Yamazaki know about the influence of "Sailor Moon" through Easter eggs, but he created a huge hole instead.

It has the potential to become the most talked-about news story in the first half of the year.

"This morning, a viewer reported to us in Weekly Shonen Jump that there's an Easter egg in Mirai Toriaki's Slam Dunk series where a character who looks a lot like Sailor Moon is watching a basketball game."

News reports began on television.

Chapter 164 National Champion

Even TV stations are reporting on it now. Oda covered his face.

The door lock began to rattle, and two beads of sweat dripped from Oda's forehead. His Adam's apple bobbed as he nervously watched the doorway.

Hibiki Higashino pushed open the door and entered, and Oda closed his eyes in despair.

Tanaka was still watching TV. "Oh, is that so?"

He belatedly noticed the host's conclusion.

Tanaka then looked at Higashino and greeted her, "Teacher, so you like Naoko-hime."

Higashino Hibiki glanced at the television, his face darkening.

……

Late December, Tunghai University Gymnasium.

Yagami glanced at his teammates. "This is the last game. If we beat the Nippon Sport Science University basketball team, we'll have achieved national dominance!"

His voice rose in fervor, and everyone nodded and shouted, "Yes!"

Even Hua Chao's voice cracked with excitement.

His dream can come true!

Even though my body aches, this is the time when I'm most motivated!

Heading towards the national championship!

……

Hibiki Higashino walked out of the studio, his heart pounding with excitement. The moment had finally arrived, and he had decided to produce a national champion.

He hadn't attended any of the previous matches.

Whether it was about the comic strip or debunking rumors, he put a lot of effort into it.

Fortunately, the most exciting battle is about to begin.

Upon arriving at the stadium, Higashino Hibiki, another invited guest, was not recognized, but judging from his appearance, he seemed to be a politician there to make an appearance.

He smiled broadly, humbly shook hands with Higashino Hibiki, and kept a very low profile, but talked about all sorts of things except basketball.

Higashino Hibiki had no interest in golf or ice skating, and could only nod perfunctorily.

"Tori Akino-sensei!"

A loud shout suddenly came from above him; it was from an audience member who had entered the venue that day.

The other person excitedly asked, "Is there really anything going on between you and Naoko-hime?!"

Higashino sighed helplessly and raised his hands, crossing them to indicate that he didn't.

"That's such a shame, but I'll always support you! Go Slam Dunk!" he shouted.

Higashino gave him a thumbs up, then, feeling he had drunk too much water, said goodbye to the politician and headed to the restroom.

On the way, he also shook hands with many readers.

Fortunately, they were very polite and didn't cause any trouble.

As he approached the restroom, he suddenly encountered the Donghai basketball team.

"Higashino-kun, I will definitely win! Please watch my amazing performance!" Hana's eyes held the power of a lion and the fire of a flame.

He was already fired up before the competition even started.

"Yes! We will definitely win!" Baba shouted.

"After more than four years of hard work, I've finally reached this point!" Yagami straightened his back. "I will give it my all, burn myself out, and even if I turn to ashes, I will not give up!"

Higashino Hibiki watched this scene with a chill running down his spine. He didn't know whether he was excited or embarrassed, but looking at these passionate young people, he felt the charm of youth.

He suddenly realized that his brushstrokes were not capturing the content, but rather the subtle differences in the painting, lacking that youthful exuberance.

“I will be watching, without missing a moment!” Higashino Hibiki replied.

He turned and left, leaving behind a dashing silhouette amidst the admiring gazes of the Donghai team.

Halfway there, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't gone to the toilet yet.

Turning back halfway at this point would be too embarrassing.

He could only endure it and returned to his seat.

"Wow, that was fast, Mr. Toriakino."

Hibiki Higashino nodded and smiled awkwardly.

The competition officially began shortly afterward.

The two stood together and shook hands.

……

An hour later, Higashino looked at the bewildered eyes of the Tokai basketball team.

He glanced at the scoreboard again: Donghai vs. Sports, 56:87.

The score difference was quite large.

Higashino sighed.

The gap in ability cannot be bridged by willpower alone.

This year's Nippon Sport Science University basketball team is really amazing.

They easily defeated Meiji and crushed the previous champion Japanese university basketball team.

He saw the East Sea's struggle, their unwavering belief that they would not give up until the very end, even if it was just a tiny chance of winning.

Donghai possesses the same indomitable fighting spirit as Xiangbei.

They have repeatedly created miracles.

But in the end, they still lost.

Yagami and Baba shed tears, while Hana stood there in a daze.

The match was over, but Kanda Takehito was still in a daze.

He felt as if he were on a cloud, or on a cotton field. He staggered and knelt on the basketball court.

The Nippon Sport Science University basketball team was celebrating wildly, the players hugging each other, unable to contain their joy.

The entire stadium cheered, showering the champion with boundless glory.

But that would be too cruel for the losing team.

They seemed to have hidden themselves in a corner, and no one paid any attention to them anymore.

"Teacher Akino! We won the national championship!"

Higashino Hibiki was lost in thought when the basketball team members walked over side by side and excitedly said to him.

Higashino Hibiki was taken aback, then forced a smile and said, "Congratulations."

"Ok!"

"I was about to give up, but Slam Dunk gave me the strength to keep going," someone said.