The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the first half. Shohoku was trailing by only 4 points, a miracle considering they were facing Ryonan.
Inside the locker room, the air was thick with the smell of sweat and deep breathing. Sakuragi collapsed onto a bench, his legs shaking. Using 'Ghost Step' and jumping for every rebound had drained his stamina to the red zone.
[System Warning: Stamina at 15%.]
[Warning: Physical fatigue may lead to skill failure.]
'I'm... I'm exhausted,' Sakuragi thought, his head hanging low. 'If I stay like this, Sendo will destroy us in the second half.'
Suddenly, the System screen flickered gold.
[Ding! Achievement Unlocked: The Heart of a Warrior!]
[Condition: Maintain high intensity against an S-Rank opponent for 20 minutes.]
[Reward: One-time use - 'Instant Recovery Drink' & Permanent Passive: 'Second Wind'.]
[Second Wind (Passive): When stamina falls below 10%, automatically restores 25% energy once per game.]
A small, glowing bottle appeared in the System's inventory. Sakuragi didn't hesitate. 'Drink it!'
A surge of cold, refreshing energy rushed through his veins. It felt like he had just woken up from a ten-hour sleep. His muscles stopped aching, and his vision became razor-sharp.
"Hanamichi? Are you okay?" Haruko asked, handing him a real towel. She looked worried about his pale face.
Sakuragi jumped up, nearly hitting his head on the ceiling. "Okay? Haruko-san, I feel like I could jump over the school building right now! The second half is mine!"
Coach Anzai, watching from the corner, noticed the sudden change in Sakuragi's aura. He smiled. "Ho-ho... the real show is about to begin