Akagi stood like a wall under the hoop. He didn't believe for a second that this red-haired delinquent could score.
"Come on!" Akagi roared.
Sakuragi began to move. His speed was unnatural. He didn't dribble like a beginner; the ball seemed glued to his palm. With a sudden burst of power, he drove to the right.
[System: Skill 'Iron Wall Defense' converted to 'Offensive Momentum'. Speed +20%.]
Akagi shifted his massive body to block him, but Sakuragi did something nobody expected. He stopped dead in his tracks and jumped straight up.
"A jump shot? From him?" Haruko whispered.
No. It wasn't a shot. In mid-air, Sakuragi changed his mind. He used the backboard to lob the ball to himself—a self-alley-oop! He caught the ball at the highest point of his jump, looking down at the Gorilla's stunned face.
CRASH!
The rim screamed under the pressure. Sakuragi had dunked it right over Akagi's outstretched arms. The silence in the gym was heavy. Even the birds outside seemed to stop chirping.
[Ding! Main Quest Completed: Win the Duel.]
[Reward: Skill 'Power Rebounder' Unlocked.]
[Experience: +200 EXP. Level Up! Current Level: 3.]
Sakuragi landed on his feet, his breathing steady. He looked at Akagi, who was still staring at the vibrating hoop.
"Like I said," Sakuragi grinned, "I'm a genius."