Shidou Ryusei's ultimate performance plunged the Shohoku team into deep panic.
So much so that Shohoku's subsequent offensive plays were riddled with mistakes.
When it was Kaijo's turn to attack, Shidou Ryusei didn't even call for the ball anymore. He lazily wandered around beyond the three-point line, occasionally throwing a half-smirk at Rukawa Kaede and the others. His posture seemed to say:
"Look, I don't even need to try anymore."
Facing Shidou's provocation, Mitsui Hisashi's breathing grew heavy, veins bulging at his temples. His defense became increasingly aggressive, nearly committing fouls several times.
On the court, Miyagi was burning with anxiety as well. He almost lost the ball several times while dribbling, unable to help the team—Mitsui was standing on the edge of a cliff right now.
And Shidou Ryusei quietly enjoyed it all.
In the stands—
"Daiki… that move Shidou-kun just made…"
Momoi stared at Shidou in disbelief.
At that moment, Aomine Daiki was no longer sleepy. His eyes were fixed on Shidou Ryusei. What Shidou had just used was one of Aomine's moves, a shot Aomine had used during one of their one-on-one matches.
"Shidou Ryusei… you really surprised me."
Aomine finally understood what Shidou meant before taking the court.
"Aomine, I'll show you something interesting later."
Beeeeep—!
Shohoku called a timeout.
Miyagi and the others walked toward the bench with almost no fighting spirit… only Rukawa Kaede still had a shred of will left.
"How do you feel, everyone?"
Coach Anzai showed no frustration, remaining calm as ever.
Sakuragi grabbed Anzai's chin anxiously. "Old man, what do you mean how do we feel? Can't you see we're behind? Think of something!"
"Ahem… alright, Sakuragi."
Thump!
Akagi headbutted Sakuragi.
"Gorilla, why did you hit me?"
"Let the coach finish!"
"Ahem… I think you've all realized it. Number 7, Kise Ryota, and number 12, Shidou Ryusei, are both genius players with special talents. So the outcome of this match was decided the moment they stepped onto the court."
Miyagi, Akagi, and Mitsui looked at Anzai in disbelief. At a time like this, he said something so discouraging.
Sakuragi even climbed onto Anzai. "Old man, do you even know what you're saying?"
"Wait, I haven't finished yet, Sakuragi."
Sakuragi got down.
"Precisely because there are genius players like them, this match is even more valuable for you. If you don't want to stop here, throw yourselves into the game. Don't wander around like zombies."
"Besides, basketball is a sport played by five people. It relies on teamwork."
"The coach is right! The game isn't over yet. We've worked so hard to get here—we're just one step away. How can we give up now?"
Akagi, as captain, was the first to encourage everyone.
"Right! The game isn't over yet!"
"Then I'll clear the path with Lightning Speed!"
"And don't forget this genius, Sakuragi Hanamichi!"
Rukawa walked onto the court silently.
"Damn it, he's showing off again!" Sakuragi muttered.
Kise watched Shohoku return with renewed energy. "They're tough… even after all that, they're still fighting."
"Weaklings always cling to empty fantasies," Shidou said lazily. He just wanted to finish quickly and eat a lollipop.
Shohoku's possession.
Miyagi dribbled low and fast, shook off Kasamatsu with a crossover, and threw a no-look lob.
A huge figure appeared—Akagi slammed it in.
The Miyagi–Akagi combo.
"Nice pass!"
"It was nothing."
They retreated on defense together.
Shidou still didn't attack. He inbounded to Kise and squatted in the corner.
Kise drove past Sakuragi with ease. Akagi tried to steal, but Kise tossed the ball up—
A pink figure soared in.
Akagi tried to block, but Shidou exploded with strength, forcing the ball through the hoop over him.
Bang!
The crowd erupted.
"Shidou! Shidou!"
The gym hit its peak.
Akagi sat stunned. Miyagi and Mitsui pulled him up.
Beeeeep—! Technical foul on Shidou for hanging on the rim.
Akagi missed the free throw, shaken.
Shohoku's ball. Miyagi passed to Rukawa, who pulled up.
Swish.
Aomine muttered, "Oh? Interesting."
Momoi asked why.
"His release is faster and smoother," Aomine said. "We'll know more in the third quarter."
Shidou noticed too—but didn't care. He switched onto Rukawa.
With eight seconds left, Rukawa pressed him. Mitsui doubled. Akagi joined—triple team.
Shidou leaped from behind the backboard at an impossible angle.
The ball arced high.
Swish!
The arena exploded.
"Sorry," Shidou said lazily. "I can see the hoop from anywhere."
Kaijo's bench went wild. Shohoku fell silent.
Six seconds left. Akagi launched a full-court pass. Mitsui caught and shot.
Swish!
Buzzer-beater three.
Shohoku celebrated—until Shidou said lightly, "50–30 is worth celebrating, I guess."
They looked at the scoreboard.
The whistle blew.
End of the second quarter.
Kaijo walked to the locker room relaxed, leaving Shohoku staring at the score in silence.