After scoring, Reo Mibuchi didn't fall back on defense—and neither did Rakuzan's power forward.
The two of them went straight to Shintaro Midorima, cutting off any chance for him to receive the ball.
Off the court.
Satsuki Momoi's eyes shifted as she glanced at the notes in her notebook.
Then she looked back at the ongoing game and said:
"Shūtoku looks like it's in trouble."
Miyamoto Tokima leaned back with his hands behind his head and replied casually:
"Yeah. The [Uncrowned Kings] have improved a lot."
Even he hadn't expected their growth to be this significant compared to before.
First was [Herculean Strength] Eikichi Nebuya—his power was obvious at a glance.
His physique was even more exaggerated than before, like that of a professional bodybuilder.
Then there was [Thunder Beast] Kotaro Hayama. No need to say much—just being able to use [Lightning Dribble] at full speed showed how much stronger he'd become.
Lastly, Reo Mibuchi. He hadn't shown many obvious changes yet, but the range of his [Heaven]—his fadeaway—had clearly increased.
With just these three, they were already overwhelming the rest of Shūtoku.
If Shintaro Midorima couldn't step up, Shūtoku would quickly fall into a passive position.
As for who would win…
You can guess.
On the court.
Kazunari Takao prepared to use their usual tactic—pushing into a 4-on-3 in the frontcourt.
He sprinted forward, breaking past Rakuzan's point guard with two quick dribbles. Seeing that Eikichi Nebuya didn't step up to help, he immediately pulled up for a jump shot.
From behind, Shintaro Midorima, who was being double-teamed, instantly sensed something was wrong.
"Takao! Watch out!"
Hearing the warning, Kazunari Takao didn't hesitate. Using his [Hawk Eye], he redirected the ball to Kiyoshi Miyaji on the perimeter.
But the pass was intercepted by Rakuzan's point guard.
The next moment—
A figure flashed past Kazunari Takao.
"Ah, what a shame. How'd you notice me?"
Kotaro Hayama shook his head, sounding slightly disappointed.
Kazunari Takao's pupils shrank, his voice trembling.
"Why… my [Hawk Eye]… can't see you…"
"You mean this?"
Kotaro Hayama smiled, his sharp canine teeth showing.
Behind him, a phantom image appeared.
A beast.
A cheetah.
"Don't forget… my Animal Instinct is a cheetah."
A cheetah—an apex predator, capable of blending into its surroundings and avoiding detection.
In the past, his Animal Instinct couldn't escape [Hawk Eye].
But now—
It could.
Clearly, Kotaro Hayama's Animal Instinct had evolved.
Cold sweat dripped down Kazunari Takao's forehead as a chill ran through him.
He could still see Kotaro Hayama with his own eyes—
But within [Hawk Eye], Kotaro Hayama had disappeared.
Completely.
'Damn it… how is this possible?'
While the two were speaking—
The play had already developed up front.
After the steal, Rakuzan's point guard passed directly to Reo Mibuchi.
Reo Mibuchi drove straight to the basket.
Just as Shintaro Midorima tried to follow, Rakuzan's power forward stepped in and blocked his path.
With no one left to contest, Mibuchi finished easily at the rim.
After scoring, he and Kotaro Hayama immediately returned to Shintaro Midorima—
Double-teaming him again.
They had no intention of letting him touch the ball.
Off the court.
On Tōō's side.
Kosuke Wakamatsu watched the game and said:
"Shūtoku's in trouble."
Shoichi Imayoshi's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as his tone grew serious.
"This year's Rakuzan is terrifying. Even without Akashi, they still have the strength to compete with top-tier teams."
As he spoke, he glanced at Daiki Aomine.
"This might be sudden, but didn't you say Akashi called you before?"
Daiki Aomine nodded casually.
"Yeah. Told me not to play in the Summer Cup."
Shoichi Imayoshi continued:
"If he told you that, then he must've told the others too."
"Is it possible… that he wants all of you from the [Generation of Miracles] to stay out, so his current team can win the championship?"
"And then, in the Winter Cup, he shows up and defeats all of you…"
At this point, his gaze sharpened.
"Wouldn't that prove he's always been above you?"
"In both judgment… and strength…"
Daiki Aomine fell silent for a moment.
Then he spoke.
"I don't know what Akashi's really thinking."
"But you're forgetting someone."
Shoichi Imayoshi paused, then his expression changed.
Kirisaki Daiichi.
Even without Miyamoto Tokima and Atsushi Murasakibara, they were still terrifyingly strong.
If Rakuzan faced them—
No one could say who would win.
Seeing that Imayoshi understood, Aomine continued:
"So Akashi's plan probably isn't what you think."
"As for what it is… only he knows."
"Anyway, just watch the game."
.......
On the court.
Shintaro Midorima was completely locked down.
When he moved left, they followed.
When he moved right, they mirrored him.
And whenever the ball shifted, they adjusted instantly, cutting off every passing lane to him.
The double team was airtight.
After failing to break free again and again, Midorima's expression finally darkened.
He stared at the two of them.
"You two… are getting a little too full of yourselves."
...
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