After a short break, the second half of the game began.
Neither team made any substitutions.
Ryonan didn't need to—their strategy was working perfectly.
Kainan had no new tricks left to play, so their only hope was for the players to dig deep and perform. The only emphasis from the bench was to attack the paint more and move the ball around.
Akagi pointed at Fukuda and reminded his teammates,
"Keep an eye on number 13. Tomorrow, you'll likely be facing him directly."
Sakuragi raised an eyebrow, eyeing the energetic Fukuda.
"Got it. I won't let him score that easily!"
"Instead of only defending, why not go on the attack?"
Everyone turned toward Nango, curious about his suggestion.
Kano, sitting beside him, shrank slightly, feeling as if everyone's stares carried over to her as well. Nango gently squeezed her small hand before explaining,
"Fukuda's defense is a huge weakness. Without Uozumi and Sugadaira's help, Kosuke would've blown past him long ago. So instead of passively guarding, it's better to pressure him on the other end."
Akagi frowned.
"So you mean… tomorrow's plan is to make Fukuda our target?"
Nango smiled.
"Not only that. Tomorrow, let Sakuragi attack more."
"Sakuragi?"
Everyone was shocked. They hadn't expected Nango to put such responsibility on him. Although Sakuragi had shown glimpses of brilliance before, relying on him still felt too risky.
Only Sakuragi himself rejoiced.
"Well said, Nango! Tomorrow I'll—hmm!"
Akagi quickly clamped him in a bear hug before he could run his mouth.
"Fukuda already has 26 points this game. If Sakuragi only defends, the pressure on him will be overwhelming. Offense and defense balance each other. If Fukuda is forced to exert energy on defense, his scoring efficiency will drop."
"But isn't that too dangerous? What if Ryonan pulls ahead even further?"
"Captain, you've seen his defense. He falls for the simplest moves. Don't worry—Sakuragi can hold his own. And if things go wrong, we'll adjust immediately."
Nango's gaze settled on Sakuragi.
"I'll get you the ball. All you need to do is put more pressure on Fukuda than he puts on you. Can you do it?"
Akagi loosened his grip in surprise. Sakuragi broke free, cracked his neck, and roared,
"Hmph! Of course I can! Tomorrow, this genius will show you all my true power!"
I have to succeed!
Kiyota once again drove hard at Fukuda, trying to score before Uozumi could close in. He scooped the ball high—
"Clang!"
It bounced off the rim. The rebound was snatched down by Sugadaira.
"Damn it! Still no good?"
Kouzu's paper fan had already been tossed aside. Things were getting worse by the minute, and he stood frowning on the sideline, searching for answers.
Maki knew he had to act.
He had conserved his stamina precisely for this moment, learning from past mistakes. Shooting wasn't the solution—driving was.
Glancing at the scoreboard—35:51—he took a deep breath. Uozumi already had two fouls, Sugadaira three.
Now or never.
His eyes sharpened, his whole aura shifting.
Sendo immediately picked up on it.
He still has gas left in the tank?
Maki lowered his stance and exploded forward. His drive was sharper, faster, more decisive than before.
Sugadaira stepped up, ready to wall him off again. But this time, Maki didn't avoid him—he went right at him.
If you won't come to me, then I'll come to you!
Miyagi exclaimed, "Maki's serious! He's going to force his way in!"
"At this point, if he doesn't, it's over," Nango muttered, watching intently. "This is the monster's last stand."
No way! Even if it costs me a foul, you're not scoring!
Sugadaira threw his full weight at Maki.
"Beep!" The referee's whistle shrieked.
But Maki powered through, shoving Sugadaira aside with one arm while tossing the ball at the glass with the other.
It banked in.
The head referee raised his hand and called loudly,
"Basket counts! And one!"
"Miss Aida, is he even human?!" Nakamura gasped, slapping his own cheeks as if he were dreaming.
Aida Yayoi's eyes narrowed.
"Maki Shinichi… he really is terrifying."
Kano gulped.
"Nango, how can he still make shots like that?"
"That," Nango said quietly, "is talent—something you can't learn no matter how hard you try."
Miyagi wiped sweat from his brow.
"No matter how many times I see it, it's terrifying. He really is… Maki."
Akagi nodded.
"He's both admirable—"
Mitsui finished, "…and frightening."
You're not going to give up, are you? Even trailing this much…
Sendo's lips curved into a smile.
Hikoichi, notebook in hand, shouted,
"Coach! Sendo-senpai, he's—"
Coach Taoka rubbed his head with a sigh.
"Yeah. He's being willful again."
Though his words sounded helpless, his eyes betrayed hope: if Sendo unleashed his full talent, Ryonan would secure the win.
After Maki sank the free throw, Sendo immediately brought the ball up. This time, he wasn't thinking assist. He was going to take over.
Maki recognized the shift in his eyes instantly.
So… you're serious too, Sendo?
"Right wing?" Rukawa murmured.
Maki crouched low, keeping perfect balance. You won't pass me.
But Sendo had no intention of driving. He had other weapons.
He stopped short, dribbled between his legs, pulled back, and rose smoothly for a long jumper.
"Swish!"
The net snapped cleanly.
"Woohoo! That was amazing! Sendo-senpai!"
"Let's beat Kainan like this!"
The Ryonan bench erupted in cheers, already dreaming of the Nationals.
Maki only chuckled, shaking his head.
That's not my style. But even so, I'll drag Kainan into the Nationals if I have to carry them myself.
He clenched his fists, locking eyes on Ryonan.
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