Chapter 011: Mirai Can Even "Sense" the Airflow and Vibrations Caused by the Opponent's Attacks!
Excellent!
The new 'Advance On-Demand' has arrived!
This meant two things: first, that 'Advance On-Demand' would likely appear in every match, and second, that with his existing three-point shooting ability now complemented by this new defensive skill, he had instantly acquired the foundation to become a modern elite 3-and-D player.
This was precisely what Ōdai Middle School currently lacked most.
Thinking this, he proactively turned around:
"Coach, please let me take primary defensive responsibility for Mibayashi!"
It was Mibayashi Kōji's relentless sharp drives that had forced Ōdai to collapse their defense earlier, allowing Iwaori to get so many three-point opportunities.
If someone could contain Kōji's drives, Iwaori's three-point chances would definitely shrink by more than half!
Coach Akira was somewhat surprised, because he clearly understood that although Mirai's three-point shooting had dramatically improved, his athletic ability hadn't increased much. His lateral movement speed wasn't particularly fast, which inherently limited his defensive potential.
Coach Akira hesitated momentarily.
However...
After meeting Mirai's determined gaze, he relented.
"Alright, I'll give you three possessions."
"If it doesn't work, we'll switch back..."
"Don't push yourself too hard."
"Yes!"
Mirai clenched his fists tightly, his gaze fixed on Kōji from the Iwaori side, looking very much like a hungry wolf that had spotted... well, a lamb.
...
On the court.
Ōdai was now on offense.
After the ball advanced to the frontcourt, Shinshu controlled it at the top of the key.
The Iwaori players maintained their tight zone defense formation.
Basically daring you to shoot from outside!
Shinshu scanned the Ōdai players, his eyes finally settling on Mirai.
"Hoshiumi!"
He called out, passing the ball to Mirai, who caught it without any hesitation. His release was extremely quick, yet despite the speed, his touch remained remarkably soft!
Under these virtually uncontested conditions...
Swish~!
The three-pointer found nothing but net!
The crisp sound of the basketball brushing through the net was clearly audible throughout Ōdai's gymnasium, and cheers suddenly erupted from the Ōdai students in attendance!
"There it is!"
"Three-pointer!"
"From Mirai!"
Hearing the cheers, Mirai closed his eyes slightly, savoring the wonderful moment.
Shinshu came over and high-fived Mirai:
"Beautiful shot!"
Center Ōbokigi Tarō, who had been frustrated by the zone defense all day, also approached excitedly: "Still as reliable as ever, Hoshiumi!"
On the sidelines.
The Iwaori coach watched Mirai's three-pointer with complete composure.
Just one three-pointer.
Clearly.
Even the Iwaori coach didn't pay it much mind.
Naturally, the Iwaori players on the court didn't either.
They had certainly done their research on their opponents, but actually, that was all based on last year's information. Therefore, they hadn't made any specific adjustments for Mirai.
When it was Iwaori's turn on offense.
Mirai directly matched up against the offensive core, Iwaori's third-year captain Kōji. With his previous physical attributes, completely stopping the taller, longer-armed Kōji would have been impossible.
However...
'System!'
Buzz~
The familiar interface appeared before his eyes once more. This time, occupying the center of his vision was a new On-Demand Material that had replaced the previous one, while the already completed "Strive to Avoid Airballs" had been recorded in the collection list.
[Advance On-Demand Details...]
[Spider Step: During the first 10-minute playback period, your 1v1 defense success rate will average 80%]
[Begin Playback?]
'Yes!'
The next moment, Mirai felt his footwork become noticeably lighter, his entire body relaxed and powerful. A top-tier defensive ability far beyond his current level was infused into him, making him feel as if he had touched an entirely new realm that a player could reach!
At that moment, Tomoki dribbled past half-court and passed the ball to Kōji.
And standing in front of Kōji...
Was Mirai!
The Ōdai students in the audience couldn't help but express surprise at the sight.
"Huh?!"
"Hoshiumi is going to guard Mibayashi?"
"He's half a head shorter than Mibayashi and looks much thinner. Having him guard Mibayashi probably won't work, right?"
"Only Captain Imatsu can barely match up with him..."
...
"Daring to space out in front of me?!"
Kōji dribbled closer, but when he looked up, he noticed that Ōdai's number 12 had a somewhat... distant look in his eyes?
"Spacing out?"
What a joke!
This is called being completely at ease!
After all, even I don't know how strong my defense is right now!
"Bring it on!"
Mirai sank into a low stance, extending one hand forward and beckoning to Kōji!
"Hmph!"
"I hope you can still be this arrogant later!"
Facing the shorter Ōdai number 12, Kōji didn't opt for a long-range shot. Unlike his teammates, long-range shooting wasn't his preferred scoring method. What he loved most was driving halfway then pulling up for a mid-range jumper—closer range, higher accuracy!
Immediately...
Kōji lowered his body and charged forward!
But Mirai's reaction was unbelievably fast! He maintained an extremely low center of gravity, his feet moving with a bizarre yet rapid footwork that instantly sealed off Kōji's driving lane!
Kōji: "!?"
The defense Mirai displayed made Kōji's pupils contract slightly!
Changing his dribbling rhythm, he tried to force his way through the right side, but Mirai's feet quickly shuffled sideways again, blocking his path. Seeing he couldn't break through, Kōji immediately pivoted on his left foot, spinning around to attempt a drive from the left side.
However...
Tap~
Tap~
Tap~
The dribble moves Kōji displayed...
Couldn't get past!
Having settled into his defensive stance, Mirai's mind suddenly entered a state of intense focus, his entire being as quiet as a venomous spider waiting for prey to take the bait!
The lower defensive stance instead brought swifter movement, his beautiful defensive footwork almost seeming to dance in rhythm with Kōji's dribbling!
Focus...
More focus...
Mirai: "!"
The three-point ability from the previous Advance On-Demand was already astonishing enough, but the 'Spider Step' brought by this current Advance On-Demand was even more incredible!
With his current abilities enhanced, Mirai could even "sense" the airflow and vibrations caused by his opponent's attacks. His neural reaction speed had skyrocketed, completely overwhelming Kōji's breakthrough attempt!
Whether it was the excitement accumulated in his heart or the effect of his abilities, an aura seemed to condense around his entire body, manifesting as pupils that dilated even wider and an almost overflowing darkness spreading from within them!
"Mibayashi..."
"Faster!"
Mirai's tone carried an icy quality that perfectly matched his cold appearance, his deep gaze almost seeming to devour his opponent!
"Don't get too arrogant, kid!"
A sudden burst of speed!
Kōji accelerated with all his might toward the right side of Mirai's horizontally outstretched arms, attempting a breakthrough!
However...
This time, Mirai didn't even move his feet, maintaining his defensive stance without even turning his head. His left hand shot out like sudden venom!
Smack~!
An incredibly crisp sound brought Kōji's swift movements to an abrupt halt. The wind from the sudden stop ruffled Mirai's badminton-like hair, while the ball that should have been in Kōji's hands during the breakthrough now abruptly appeared in Mirai's grasp!
"Huh?!"
"No... way?!"
"Mibayashi... got stripped clean?!"
"This..."
"How did he do that??"
"Hoshiumi's suddenly revealed defense was impressive, but how did he just... stand there, casually reach out, and steal the ball?!"
Kōji whipped his head around in disbelief!
Meanwhile, Mirai, having completed the steal right where he stood, immediately glanced toward the figure streaking toward the opponent's frontcourt like an arrow released from its bow!
Imatsu Shinshu!
With a sharp flick of his left hand, Mirai passed the ball to the frontcourt.
Shinshu caught the ball, dribbled once, and took three steps before leaping.
Slam~!