Reporters' Section
Aida Yayoi's fingers trembled slightly as she pressed the shutter, capturing the scoreboard along with Ryonan's celebrating players. "It's incredible… a 19-point lead. Ryonan actually… suppressed Kainan."
In her memory, Kainan had never been behind by such a margin in the first half of a prefectural qualifier.
This "Emperor's Team," long-dominant in Kanagawa and frequent National Tournament contenders, was always known for stability and resilience. Yet today, against Ryonan, even their most skilled counterattacks crumbled like paper.
Kamishiro Ruri, sitting nearby, was in stark contrast. She calmly organized her notes, occasionally raising her camera to snap a picture of Akashi, her expression serene. Not surprise—certainty.
Aida, noticing this, leaned closer. "Aren't you surprised?"
Kamishiro blinked, tilting her head. "Surprised about what?"
Aida's voice rose involuntarily. "Ryonan is crushing Kainan! This is Kainan—the team that's reached the National Tournament 16 consecutive years, the team that made it to the national top four last year! And they're being dominated in a prefectural match!"
"Oh, that? No, I'm not." Kamishiro's calm tone was almost casual. She glanced at the Ryonan bench. "With Akashi-kun on the court… isn't this normal?"
Aida froze, speechless. She blinked at Kamishiro, trying to grasp the logic. "Normal? He just continuously stole from Shinichi Maki and even assisted Sendoh with… an elbow pass. That's normal?"
Kamishiro smiled faintly. "It's a bit different. When I say 'full power,' I mean Akashi-kun still has moves he hasn't used. He wasn't even giving everything just now."
Aida's eyes widened. "Not full power? After that?"
Kamishiro shrugged, a hint of uncertainty crossing her features. "I haven't seen him reach that state yet… he mentioned it might only come after high school."
Aida frowned, utterly confused. "What state? What are you talking about?"
Kamishiro leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper, "But I can tell you a little secret… you mustn't tell anyone. Especially… don't let Akashi-kun know."
Aida's curiosity flared. "I won't. I promise."
Kamishiro's eyes glinted mischievously. "Akashi-kun… there are two of him. I discovered this by chance, but you have to keep it a secret."
Aida's jaw dropped. "Two? Twin brother? What are you saying?"
Countless impossible theories flashed through her mind. Could Ryonan's Emperor have a twin? It sounded absurd… yet Kamishiro's calm certainty made her hesitate.
Nearby, Nakamura watched, itching to eavesdrop. He caught snippets of "secret" and "Akashi," but that was all. Too awkward to intrude, he scratched his head, muttering, "Women… I'll never understand them."
Kainan Bench
The players sat in stunned silence. Sweat-soaked jerseys clung to their bodies, yet no one wiped them off. The 19-point deficit hung like a guillotine.
Shinichi Maki slowly walked to the sideline, a towel handed to him without a word. He draped it over his shoulder, eyes fixed on the scoreboard.
The red numbers stabbed at him: Ryonan 40 – 21 Kainan
The scenes of Akashi dismantling their offense played over and over in his mind. Heavy. Relentless. Almost playful in its efficiency.
Yet unlike his teammates, Maki's eyes didn't flicker with discouragement. He lifted his head, furrowed brows easing, and a sharp glint flashed. A chilling aura radiated from him, subtle yet undeniable.
Kiyota Nobunaga froze. Captain… what is this? His voice came out low, almost hesitant. "Maki… captain… what's… happening?"
Though relatively calm, Jin Soichiro, Muto Tadashi, and Takasago Kazuma could sense it too—this was Maki's true self awakening.
Jin murmured, "Looks like the captain's finally getting serious."
Muto nodded, a hint of excitement replacing disappointment. "The last time I saw him like this… National Tournament, Sannoh."
Takasago wiped sweat from his forehead. "As long as the captain shows his full strength… we still have a chance."
Kiyota leaned in, utterly bewildered. "Jin-senpai, Tadashi-senpai… what are you talking about? Isn't he already fighting at full strength?"
Jin turned to him patiently. "No, Kiyota… in regular games, Maki mostly controls the rhythm. What you're about to see… is his true self."
Kiyota's eyes widened, disbelief written all over his face. "True self? Isn't he already giving his all?"
Muto Tadashi's tone carried weight. "Shinichi Maki's true strength… it's far beyond what you've seen. In prefectural games, few teams have ever forced him to take them seriously. Only in the National Tournament, against top-tier opponents, does he reveal his full power. I never expected Ryonan this year to push him into this state so early."
"This state…" Kiyota Nobunaga muttered, trying to grasp the concept. Though he didn't fully understand, he sensed the significance: their captain usually held back, revealing his true strength only against formidable opponents.
Ryonan Bench
Akashi's gaze swept over Kainan's dejected players, calm as an ancient well.
A 19-point lead? Child's play, in his eyes. The second half would be about grasping victory completely.
Sendo walked over with a water bottle, handing it to Akashi with a faint smile.
"Thank you," Akashi said softly.
"The game's going even smoother than expected," Sendo observed, settling beside him. "What do you think?"
Akashi nodded flatly. "A bit surprising."
Sendo stroked his chin thoughtfully. "You think so too, huh."
Aida Hikoichi chimed in, excitement in his voice. "Thanks to captain suppressing Shinichi Maki, we led by almost 20 points in the first half. That's incredible!"
"Don't get careless, Hikoichi," Koshino Hiroaki said, tapping his head with mock severity. "Kainan isn't simple—they've been National Tournament regulars for years."
Ryoji Ikegami nodded. "Exactly. The 19-point lead came because the captain effectively countered Shinichi Maki, disrupting their offense. They'll adjust in the second half; we need to stay sharp."
Akashi set down his bottle, calm but firm. "Ikegami is right. Kainan is stronger than this. But confidence without arrogance—that's key."
He didn't rely on hot-headedness; the first half's dominance came from using the Emperor Eye to completely shut down Maki. He knew the captain wouldn't remain passive in the second half.
Second Half Begins
Halftime passed in a blink. Jump ball. Players took positions.
Everyone froze.
Shinichi Maki. Standing in front of Uozumi, ready to contest. His entire body radiated tension.
Uozumi's muscles tensed instinctively. "What…?" He felt danger, not fear, but raw instinct.
Akashi narrowed his eyes. Wildness? No… something different. He decided to test him.
The referee blew the whistle. The ball soared.
Uozumi readied himself, but Shinichi Maki moved first. He stomped his right foot; the ground seemed to tremble. With explosive speed, his body shot upward like an arrow, far exceeding expectations.
Uozumi froze, heart racing. Too early… too fast…
Yet Maki didn't just jump—he kept climbing, fingertips approaching the ball. At its apex, he hooked the ball gently, redirecting it perfectly to Kiyota Nobunaga.
Kainan had possession. Immediate attack.
Kiyota charged, sharp and light-footed, heading straight into Ryonan's half. Sendoh anticipated and blocked the central path. Kiyota flicked the ball to Jin Soichiro, perfectly timed.
Jin didn't hesitate. Feet bent, body rose, wrist flicked—three-pointer.
Swish. Ryonan 40 – 24 Kainan.
Ryonan Counterattack
Akashi dribbled into Kainan's half, encountering Shinichi Maki's oppressive presence. Calm as ever, Akashi prepared to break through.
Bang. Maki moved sideways in perfect synchronization, blocking Akashi's path. Observers murmured. His speed… has increased.
Akashi passed to Fukuda Kiccho, who surged forward—but Muto Tadashi intercepted, entangling him. Kiyota Nobunaga poked the ball free, and Muto Tadashi sent a long pass to the frontcourt.
Shinichi Maki anticipated, sprinting at full speed. Akashi retreated defensively, but Maki's physical advantage shone. Shoulder bumps sent Akashi stumbling repeatedly.
The moment Maki caught the long pass in Ryonan's paint, Akashi activated the Emperor Eye. Even so, he couldn't stop Maki this time.
Maki slapped the ball across to Jin Soichiro at the perimeter. Jin caught it and immediately shot.
Swish. Ryonan 40 – 27 Kainan.
Kainan Strikes Back
Shinichi Maki's tense expression relaxed into a slight smile as he met Akashi's gaze.
"This way… you have no choice, do you!" Maki said.
Akashi's composure remained. "Indeed. Even seeing through your movements, I can't stop them. Still… it won't affect the course of the game."
Maki grinned. "How will you know if you don't try!"
He turned, retreating to defense. Kiyota praised him, eyes shining, but Maki remained focused. "Pay attention. Don't hold the ball too long; pass quickly. Especially against Akashi, no one-on-one. Keep the ball moving."
Momentum Shift
Uozumi posted in the paint, attempting a slam, but Takasago's block just grazed it. Rebound? Snatched by Maki. He passed to Kiyota, who scored a layup.
Ryonan 40 – 29 Kainan.
Kainan started an 8-0 run, shocking the audience. Ryonan wiped sweat, watching their opponent with a complex mix of respect and caution.
Akashi's gaze met Maki's, calm but thoughtful. One thing was clear: this captain was no longer holding back.