"CLANG!"
Kise Ryouta slammed the ball into the basket with style. Fukuda Sogo's team was unstoppable. Without Haizaki Shogo defending, Kise was untouchable, dominating the court with sheer audacity.
For Haizaki Shogo on the court and Ichiro Kudo on the sidelines, this outcome was expected—but it was exactly the outcome they wanted.
If Fukuda Sogo couldn't stop Teiko Junior High from scoring, why bother trying?
And if Teiko could score freely, why let them score three points when two would suffice?
That was Shogo and Kudo's ultimate strategy: allow the two points, and if needed, Shogo could always return the favor.
Once Shogo had the ball, it was either two or three points, and the team would never fall behind.
If the game continued this way, the balance of victory might eventually tip in Fukuda Sogo's favor.
This strategy was immediately noticed by Teiko's coach, Shirogane Kozo. He saw through it at a glance—but it was an open plan, and there was nothing he could do about it.
As long as Shogo guarded Midorima Shintaro, it didn't matter who scored—whether Murasakibara Atsushi, Kise Ryouta, or even Teiko's second-team members—the result was irrelevant to Fukuda Sogo.
Another thing that made Shirogane frown was Kuroko Tetsuya on the court, doing nothing. What is going on?
At that moment, Satsuki Momoi spoke up.
"Coach, Tetsuya-kun is being nullified. Fukuda Sogo's number 11 is the problem."
"Nullified? What do you mean?"
Momoi flipped open her notebook, checking the stats of Fukuda Sogo's captain, Sasaki, number 11, and said in disbelief:
"Coach, number 11 on Fukuda Sogo is average in skill, awareness, basketball sense, and physicality—only stamina is excellent."
"Then why can he nullify Kuroko Tetsuya?"
Momoi closed her notebook, shaking her head.
"Coach, I never imagined Tetsuya-kun could be shut down like this."
"What's wrong with number 11?"
"Coach, Fukuda Sogo uses a man-to-man defense. This formation is perfect for neutralizing someone like Kuroko, who operates subtly and quietly. Their players are so ordinary that they can't react to nuanced plays—but that's exactly why it works against him."
In simpler terms: imagine a master gamer facing a predictable opponent—they can anticipate every move. But a clueless beginner with random, unpredictable actions becomes impossible to read.
The court now mirrors this situation. Fukuda Sogo's players, too limited in overall ability, fail to react to subtle cues. Yet they stay fixed on their mission: guard the opponent in front of them.
And Kuroko Tetsuya now suffers from this exact situation. No matter what, he can't shake Sasaki off his side.
Momoi then added in astonishment:
"Coach, watch number 11's gaze carefully."
"Hm?"
Shirogane frowned, looking at the ordinary Fukuda 11. This player probably wouldn't even make Teiko's second team.
"Coach, number 11 has never focused on basketball itself. His eyes see only Tetsuya-kun. He doesn't think about passing, dribbling, or shooting—only Tetsuya."
"Coach… I never thought such a player could exist. Is this even basketball?"
Shirogane's frown deepened. In a sense, the playstyle of Fukuda 11 mirrored Kuroko's.
Kuroko focused on passing; Fukuda 11 focused entirely on defense.
My god… how did Fukuda Sogo produce such a bizarre player? This is utterly illogical.
Meanwhile, ignoring the discussion in the sidelines, Haizaki Shogo had already crossed into Teiko's half.
Everyone watched, eager to see if Shogo would take another three-pointer.
He smiled slightly, planted his feet, crouched, and jumped.
The ball arced high through the air, landing cleanly in the net.
Midorima Shintaro, Murasakibara Atsushi, Kise Ryouta, Satsuki Momoi, Shirogane, Kuroko Tetsuya—all froze, jaws agape, eyes wide. Pure astonishment.
And in their hearts, all of them felt one thing: Pillage.
"How is this possible?"
Midorima's pupils shrank to pinpoints. Is this really the same Haizaki Shogo? The Shogo with less talent than Kise Ryouta?
Red-haired Akashi Seijuro… what kind of eyes are those? This Haizaki Shogo has no talent?
Shogo turned back to defense, ignoring the astonished and fearful Teiko players.
Of course, the astonished were the Generation of Miracles players, while the fearful were second-team members.
"Hey hey hey!! This is getting tricky! Shogo is terrifying right now! Right, Midorima?"
"It's tricky, yes, but that won't stop us from winning."
Kise dribbled past halfcourt and passed to Midorima again. Shogo followed closely.
Feeling Shogo's presence, Midorima knew he could not ignore him and shoot freely.
Then, a tall figure pressed close, blocking Shogo's advance.
Midorima seized the moment, crouched, and released a shot. The ball brushed the rim lightly and fell in. Cheers erupted from Teiko and the audience.
But Midorima stood stunned, raising his left hand in disbelief, staring at Shogo. How is this possible?
That shot counted as three points—but it didn't land cleanly; it grazed the rim. Such a subtle difference, unnoticed by anyone else, but Midorima knew exactly what had happened.
Shogo has stolen my three-point skill. I can still shoot, but now I'm under his rhythm… I can't perform at my true level.
=============
40+ Advance Chapters Available on Patreon.com/Veltoria
100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
Add to Library to support