(overall Episode 39), titled "Useless Effort" ( MudanaAgakicap M u d a n a cap A g a k i

Kuroko debuts a more powerful, spinning version of his Ignite Pass designed to be unblockable.

The Winter Cup has officially begun, and Seirin faces their toughest rival, Tōō Academy, in the first round. Aomine Daiki immediately asserts dominance, giving Tōō an early lead with his "formless shots". Seirin fights back using Teppei Kiyoshi’s and Kuroko’s brand-new technique, the Ignite Pass Kai . Despite these upgrades, Kuroko struggles as Aomine’s overwhelming speed and instinct allow him to intercept the new pass, leading to Kuroko being benched to regroup. Key Highlights & Techniques

), covers the high-intensity beginning of the Winter Cup rematch between Seirin High and Tōō Academy.