Kuroko no Basuke Ch257 Summary
I'm a little late this week, but here is the summary of the Chinese scanlations of Chapter 257.
Link to the scanlations on Baidu here: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2973202988
The chapter begins with the end of the 3rd quarter. Seirin is exactly 20 points behind.
The audience once again asks the obvious questions by wondering whether Seirin can catch up to that 20 point difference in the last 10 minutes.
Hayakawa overhears and is shocked that there is a 20 point difference. Kobori agrees with his shock, and goes on to point out that Seirin had the advantage in the second half of the 3rd quarter - with them going strong ever since Kuroko's revival, and Kagami in the ZONE sealing Akashi, and the matured Izuki fending off Hayama, even the sub Koganei did very well against Mibuchi - and yet the point difference was still bigger than expected.
No matter how bravely they fought, the point gap is unceasingly increasing. No matter how much advantage they have, they cannot lessen that difference. At every single moment, they can feel the difference in ability between them and Rakuzan. No matter what strategy Seirin brings out...
But Seirin hasn't given up, Kasamatsu says, cutting in to Kobori's long speech. The most important thing when going after big fish isn't strategy but willpower, he says to the background of Hyuuga tying his shoelaces resolutely.
Hyuuga...you're going on the court!? Izuki asks concernedly as everyone gathers around.
Four fouls and we're on the last ten minutes, I know how big the risks are, Hyuuga says. But this time I will definitely...defeat Mibuchi myself!!
Sorry, Koganei apologises, it's all because I'm not strong enough...
What are you saying, Hyuuga dismisses Koganei's apology. It's the opposite, it's thanks to Koga that I can fight. I'll include Koga's share when I teach them a lesson.
Koganei looks down and smiles resignedly, then faces forward and says, I'm counting on you, Hyuuga!! He turns to Kawahara and asks for some Pocari. (Not just the drink of Teikou and Rakuzan, but Seirin as well it seems)
Sorry, Kawahara apologises, looking harried with a towel in his arms, Sempai's share is still in the box... Koganei reassures him, it's okay I'll get it myself.
Taking a drink, Koganei tries to reassure himself this time. I did good! Even though it was impossible for me to defeat an uncrowned after all...but I managed to help the team! And in the finals of a national competition...I've done remarkably well for someone like me! But if I was just a little taller...can I do even better...? If I'd started basketball a little earlier, can I do even better...? I'm really glad I managed to fight for the team, this definitely isn't a lie. But precisely because of this, I want to stay on that court more, even more, just a little more.
Mitobe tosses a towel over Koganei's head and smiles compassionately. He keeps a hand on Koganei's shoulder, but looks away and keeps guard as Koganei starts to cry.
On the other side, Shirogane stands over the Rakuzan team and tells them, there's 10 minutes left, no need for alarm. Even though the opposition's counter-attack was beyond our expectations, the damage we received is not. Just keep playing as you have. But don't misunderstand, when I say keep playing I mean keep up the offensive. Don't think about trying to protect the current point gap. This is actually the most dangerous mindset when playing against Seirin. Don't stop attacking until the end, make sure to stop Seirin in their tracks completely!!
Reo, Akashi says, it looks like the opposition will put Hyuuga back on...but don't be off your guard just because he has four fouls. Eikichi, the look in Kiyoshi's eyes hasn't died yet, you need to be as careful as Reo. Kotarou, how long do you plan on passing docilely. We still need you to get points.
Hayama huffs and says, of course! Then the panel moves to Mayuzumi, and the heavy expectation from him before he looks away. So I'm still being put on the court, he thinks. Gonna keep using to the end while you still can. You're pretty diligent and thrifty, young master.
Let's go, Akashi says, unaware of Mayuzumi's sarcastic thoughts. The winner will be Rakuzan. I am absolute. (No the Chinese scans do not tell us what pronoun he uses, though I guess it was probably boku otherwise the scanlators would have mentioned it.)
But...what's this? Mayuzumi thinks in confusion. Even though it's not very clear...but the Akashi just now feels...wrong. (Wow Mayuzumi, you sure know Akashi very well >.>)
The last quarter starts and Seirin get ready to go on as Hyuuga shouts encouragement. Koganei says teasingly, the atmosphere is just different when the Captain is here. We're counting on you for the slogan! Hyuuga grumbles at him, don't mock me, Koga.
There is a large panel of both Kagami and Kuroko smiling at Hyuuga. Laugh or cry, this is the last 10 minutes, Kuroko says. We are counting on you, Captain.
Don't keep saying that, Hyuuga complains. It just makes it harder for me to say it. Then there is a collage of every Seirin member, including Nigou, as Hyuuga shouts, we have to win!! Seirin, FIGHT!! And the team replies in kind, even Nigou - though Alex hushes him immediately.
There is a shot of Kagami taking a deep breath as Kuroko comes up to him, ...Kagami-kun, he says firmly.
'Leave it to me!' ...is what I want to say, but the situation's not looking good, Kagami admits with his back to the audience. Like Akashi said, it's just a question of time. It's impossible for me physically to last until the end. But the opponent is Akashi, so I definitely have to go all out, he says determinedly with ZONE still leaking from his eyes. Anyway, I'll just go as far as I can with all I've got.
There is yet another panel of Akashi and his half-lidded eyes to add to the ever-growing collection from this match. And then a shot from the stands as the last quarter of the finals of the Winter Cup finally begins.
There is a panel of Takao shouting, it's here, his signature move... And then a panel of Kise saying, starting off with his speciality! Then finally over half a page of Kuroko and his Ignite Pass.
Hyuuga gets the ball and Mibuchi is immediately there. There is a panel of Hyuuga's pained face as he flashbacks.
...so Coach...I need you to do something for me, he says. My hands are shaking really heavily...can't you think of something?
Riko is shocked by the change in attitude, didn't you just shout really loudly just now!?
This and that are different!! Hyuuga protests. I have four fouls! The pressure's so big I think I'm gonna pee my pants!!
Why are you being so loud!? Riko protests. Count this as me begging you! If you get taken off the moment you get up there, even a winnable match becomes impossible, right?
So stop giving me more pressure! Hyuuga wails as Riko sighs in exasperation. She smacks him hard on his back and tells him to look. A shot of his hand tells us that it has stopped shaking. Go, Riko says confidently.
The flashback ends and Hyuuga takes the shot too quickly for Mibuchi to react. The Seirin 1st years cheer happily but tiredly, and there is a final panel of Hyuuga saying, good. Come at us, Rakuzan!!