Uozumi had clearly anticipated it.
He jumped almost at the same instant.
But this time—it wasn't a block.
It was a full-on suppression—man and ball together.
"PA!"
His massive palm slammed down on the basketball, the sheer force driving it straight downward.
Akagi, still mid-air, lost his balance completely under that brutal impact.
"Not good!"
His heart jolted.
His body tilted backward uncontrollably.
When he landed, his ankle twisted at a horrifying angle.
"BANG!"
Akagi crashed heavily onto the floor, a muffled groan escaping his lips.
Silence.
The arena, moments ago roaring with energy, fell into a deathly stillness. Even breathing sounded loud.
"O–Onii-chan?!"
In the stands, Haruko shot to her feet, hands clamped over her mouth. Tears welled instantly, her voice trembling.
"Akagi!"
Kogure rushed to the sideline, glasses nearly slipping off his face in panic.
The referee's whistle finally pierced the silence.
"BEEP!"
"White #4! Shooting foul!"
The referee pointed at Uozumi.
Uozumi stood there, looking down at Akagi.
"Hmph."
He flicked his wrist.
"I didn't think this level of force would send you flat on your back."
"Sorry about that, Akagi."
"Looks like after a whole year… you haven't improved much. Still just as fragile."
Akagi's body trembled.
Not just from pain—but rage.
"Y–you bastard…"
Veins bulged across his forehead as he grit his teeth.
He tried to stand.
"Akagi! Don't move!"
Ayako rushed in with the medical kit, panic written all over her face.
"I'm fine!"
Akagi shoved her hand away with a low growl.
Bracing himself on both hands, he forced his body upright—inch by inch.
Every movement sent a bolt of agony through his ankle, like electricity shooting straight to his skull. His vision darkened.
But he couldn't fall.
Not here.
Not in front of Uozumi.
"Ha… ha…"
He finally stood—like a crumbling tower.
But his left foot barely touched the floor. His weight shifted heavily to the right, his steps uneven, like walking on blades.
"Captain…"
Miyagi and Mitsui watched his trembling back, their expressions heavy.
Anyone could see it—Akagi was badly hurt. He was forcing himself to stand.
"Free throws."
His voice was hoarse as he pushed Sakuragi aside and limped to the line.
The referee tossed him the ball.
He inhaled deeply.
Adjusted his rhythm.
But the pain kept interfering, making his hands tremble.
"CLANG!"
First shot—off the front rim.
Miss.
Akagi shut his eyes, shook his head hard. Sweat dripped down his face, splashing onto the floor.
He raised the ball again.
"CLANG!"
Second shot—off the back rim.
Missed both.
For someone as fundamentally sound as Akagi, this was almost unthinkable.
Which only proved how serious the injury was.
On the Shohoku bench.
Coach Anzai's eyes, hidden behind reflective lenses, flickered.
But he wasn't looking at Akagi.
Instead, he slowly turned to the boy beside him—who was just about to throw a towel over his face and sneak in a nap.
"Makino Juro."
His voice was calm, yet carried undeniable authority.
Juro froze mid-yawn.
Behind the glasses, Anzai's eyes curved slightly.
"Akagi won't be able to hold on much longer."
"Get ready."
Juro stood up, shrugging off his jacket to reveal the Shohoku jersey underneath.
He rolled his neck—crack, crack.
His gaze swept across the court, landing on the arrogant Uozumi… then briefly on the struggling Akagi.
The lazy aura around him shifted—subtly, but unmistakably.
"What a hassle…"
He muttered as he walked toward the scorer's table.
"I was planning to be a quiet, handsome guy and maybe get a full attendance award."
"And now you're making me work overtime."
He lifted his head.
The sleepiness was gone.
"Guess I'll have to… get a little serious."
"BEEP!"
The sharp whistle cut through the tension.
In just a minute, Ryonan had already scored twice in the paint.
Akagi was being supported by Ayako and Kogure.
Each step made his tough, resolute face twitch from the stabbing pain in his ankle.
But he didn't make a sound.
His jaw clenched so tight it formed rigid lines.
"Akagi…"
Even Uozumi hadn't expected the injury to be this severe.
"I'm fine. I'll be back."
As he passed the sideline, Akagi stopped.
He didn't look at Haruko.
Didn't acknowledge the crowd.
Those bloodshot eyes locked directly onto Makino Juro, who was about to step onto the court.
"Juro…"
"I'll leave the rest to you."
That rough, heavy hand landed on Makino Juro's shoulder with a loud smack—almost tearing his jersey off.
"Ow, ow, ow—let go, let go!"
Makino Juro bared his teeth exaggeratedly, shrugging the hand off.
"Alright, Captain Gorilla, just go rest."
"You're making it sound like you're handing over your last will or something."
"Anyone hearing that would think you're passing me the throne."
Akagi's eyelid twitched violently.
The solemn atmosphere shattered instantly.
He shot Makino Juro a glare—but didn't have the strength to argue.
With a heavy snort, he was helped toward the infirmary.
"Phew…"
Makino Juro turned around, the playful grin vanishing.
His gaze lifted—locking onto the towering figure of Uozumi in Ryonan's half.
A flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.
"Such a pain… gotta do physical labor now."
Coach Anzai pushed up his glasses, a flash of light reflecting off them.
Holding the tactics board, he spoke casually, as if discussing dinner.
"Makino Juro, you'll mark Fukuda."
"As for Uozumi…"
He turned toward the red-haired monkey.
"Sakuragi, your jumping ability and strength are our only tools to match him right now. The paint is yours."
"Ohhhh! Leave it to me, old man!"
Sakuragi instantly revived, thumping his chest like a war drum.
"This genius is gonna send that gorilla flying!"
"I'll show him who the real king under the basket is!"
Just as Makino Juro stepped onto the court—
Ding!
A crisp mechanical sound exploded in his mind. A pale blue panel popped up.
[Emergency Mission Triggered: The Pride of a Center]
[Mission Description: As a top-tier slacker, nothing brings more joy than standing under the basket doing nothing]
[Now that the starting center is down, take over the paint until Akagi returns]
[Mission Objective: Use the "Center Template" to face Uozumi head-on and crush him completely]
[Mission Reward: +5 Attribute Points]
[After winning the match: Akashi Seijuro Template Unlock Progress +50%, Skill Point +1]
[Generation of Miracles Center: Murasakibara Atsushi (Unlocked)]
"…Again?!"
END OF CHAPTER
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The King Of Slacking Off - MrBehringer's Secret
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