Toyotama attacked, and Minami took the ball straight to Nango—his intention crystal clear: to take him out of the game.
Trying to mess with me? Not so easy.
Nango wasn't surprised, nor was he afraid. The reason Toyotama had often succeeded with their dirty tactics was simple—there was only one referee on the court, and his vision was limited. If there had been three, Toyotama wouldn't have gotten away with half their fouls.
Nango tilted his head slightly, checking the referee's position. He knew he couldn't rely on the official to protect him. He bent down, maintaining a defensive stance, keeping a deliberate half-step distance from Minami.
That small gap was key. His 9 cm height advantage allowed him to both contest Minami's shot and guard against his drive, while also keeping clear of any elbows to the face.
Minami also glanced at the referee's location—perfect. He could now confidently play dirty.
Standing beyond the three-point line, Minami suddenly faked a shot. Nango raised his long arm to contest but made no further move.
If Minami had gone for the shot, it might have been slightly affected, but nothing major.
Instead, Minami pulled the ball back, faking again. His three-point and mid-range accuracy were both elite, and he typically used those to break defenses. But now, he wasn't aiming to score—he wanted to draw Nango closer.
Yet Nango didn't budge. He stayed half a step away, his long arm extended, quietly observing.
What's this kid playing at? Is he really letting me shoot?
Minami frowned, unable to read Nango's thoughts. Fine then—he'd take the shot, show this rookie just how sharp his aim was, and set up his next trick.
"Wham!"
The moment Minami rose for the jumper, Nango stepped forward and leapt, cleanly swatting the ball away.
How… how did he predict that?!
Shock rippled through Minami. He couldn't understand how Nango, who had barely moved moments ago, reacted at the perfect instant to block him. It had been a long time since someone had read him so precisely.
Recovering quickly, Minami turned and shielded Nango off to retrieve the ball.
Nango didn't chase. He backed up half a step, reassuming his stance, smiling inwardly.
That month of training wasn't wasted. I can see through this guy's movements! His actions are too deliberate—too focused on playing dirty. By the time he decides to shoot, it's already too late.
That single month hadn't transformed him completely—but it had sharpened him immensely.
To Nango now, Minami's shot preparation and motion looked painfully slow, giving him all the time in the world to react.
"This number 13's defense is terrifying…"
"Minami can't even move under that kind of pressure!"
"Toyotama's dirty, but they've still got skill… and yet, they look completely helpless. These Shohoku guys are monsters."
"If we face them tomorrow… what do we do?"
In the stands, Daiei Academy's players broke into a cold sweat watching Shohoku's defense. Their own team prided itself on half-court execution—but Shohoku's defense was even tighter, and their fast breaks were something Daiei couldn't replicate.
Minami couldn't find a way through Nango's flawless defense, and the shot clock ticked down mercilessly.
Nango smiled faintly.
"Captain! Sakuragi! Get ready to box out for the rebound—I'll handle this guy!"
Minami's eye twitched. This brat… is mocking me.
Provoked so brazenly, Minami—nicknamed the Ace Killer—snapped. He dropped his stance and charged forward, head down, straight into Nango and the restricted area.
Nango shifted sideways, giving him just enough space, trailing closely behind.
Minami wasn't reckless—he had his own plan. Controlling the ball with his left hand, he suddenly jabbed his right elbow toward Nango's stomach.
He'd used this move countless times. No one had ever taken it cleanly.
But Nango did.
What the hell?!
Minami was stunned. His signature blow had no effect.
Nango chuckled to himself. Compared to the iron elbows from those Nittaidai monsters, your hit's nothing. My abs aren't for show.
Minami was now trapped—too deep in the lane. If he didn't shoot, he'd be double-teamed by Nango and Akagi.
He jumped for a pull-up shot.
"Wham!"
Before the ball could even rise, Nango smacked it away again.
Tsuchiya Atsushi sighed in the stands. "That kind of drive isn't even Minami's strength. He got too emotional."
The ball bounced toward the perimeter. Mitsui saw his chance for a fast break—Rukawa and Sakuragi were already sprinting ahead.
But as Mitsui planted his left foot, his right was swept out from behind—he hit the floor hard.
That bastard!
Mitsui glared as Toyotama's shooting guard, Yazakigyouhei, scooped up the loose ball and immediately rose for a shot.
"Dream on!"
Nango roared, lunging forward. He leapt, seized the ball out of midair, and controlled it effortlessly.
Yazakigyouhei froze—he had never seen anyone catch a shot like that before.
Nango accelerated past him in a blur.
Behind him, Kishimoto chased in vain, cursing under his breath.
This guy's even more insane than the magazines said! Minami—it's all on you now! You have to stop him!
Ahead, Minami stood alone in the paint, waiting. On Nango's wings, Rukawa and Sakuragi ran in tandem—three-on-one.
Nango charged full-speed, his eyes locked on Minami.
This guy's really coming at me one-on-one?! You arrogant bastard!
Minami clenched his teeth. If he was going down, he was dragging Nango with him.
Nango took off just past the free-throw line, ball raised high, ignoring the danger.
Good! You asked for it!
Minami swung his right elbow forward, aiming straight for Nango's abdomen.
Sakuragi's eyes widened. He saw it coming instantly. That bastard's aiming for him!
He accelerated, desperate to cover—but he was a step too late.
Just as Minami's elbow came forward—
"Wham!"
Nango's left hand smashed into Minami's face midair, sending him crashing to the court.
But Nango's motion didn't stop.
He soared past Minami's falling body—
—and slammed the ball through the hoop with his right hand.
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