The score was tied. The sweat was pouring down Sakuragi's face, but his eyes were glowing with a strange intensity. The "Lightning Reflexes" buff was about to expire. He had one chance.
Rukawa had the ball. He was calm, looking for a gap to finish the game. He went for a crossover, the same move that broke Sakuragi's ankles earlier.
[System: Time slowed. Target Weakness Detected.]
[Skill 'Lightning Steal' Triggered!]
In a blur that no one—not even Akagi—could follow, Sakuragi's hand didn't just swipe at the ball; it seemed to anticipate exactly where the ball would be.
Clack!
He ripped the ball right out of Rukawa's hands. The "Super Rookie" froze, his hands still shaped as if he were dribbling air.
"What?!" Rukawa gasped.
Sakuragi didn't wait. He charged toward the other end of the court. With one massive leap from the free-throw line, he slammed the ball into the hoop.
CRASH!
[Main Quest Completed: Outshine Rukawa.]
[Rewards: 100 System Points, Skill: 'Lightning Steal' (Permanent), +500 EXP.]
[Level Up! Current Level: 4.]
The gym was dead silent. Haruko was covering her mouth in shock. Akagi looked like he had seen a ghost. Even Rukawa was staring at his empty hands, a shadow of frustration finally crossing his cold face.
Sakuragi landed, pointed a finger at Rukawa, and grinned. "Who's the moron now, Fox-face?