"So that's it… the so-called dual-personality clutch three-pointer?"
Watching Hyuga Junpei sink two long-range threes in a row from that spot, Seirin's morale skyrocketed.
Yet, Seiho's side seemed completely unfazed. Not only were they calm, but they appeared almost as if they had anticipated this situation all along.
"Looks like that's right."
Kasuga Ryuhei wiped the sweat from his forehead with his collar and nodded. "I have no idea where Akashi got this information, I actually thought he was joking!"
It wasn't hard to see why Seiho's players found it hard to believe. The intelligence on Seirin was bizarre, to say the least.
A key shooter with dual personalities…
The phantom sixth man of the Generation of Miracles…
A returning overseas student with talent rivaling the Generation of Miracles…
And the "Uncrowned Kings" and Kiyoshi Teppei, currently hospitalized but expected to return after the national preliminaries…
Looking at this team, it hardly seemed like the roster of a newly established school!
============
"Everything we knew about Kagami and Kuroko has been verified so far. Akashi's intelligence is accurate. From here on, follow the prearranged tactics."
Tsutomu Iwamura said flatly.
"Understood," Kasuga Ryuhei nodded.
"Also…"
Iwamura turned to Tsugawa Tomoki. "Tsugawa, you need to watch Kagami closely in the coming plays. And don't say any more foolish things, you must have felt his strength just now."
"Don't worry, senpai. I won't let him break through our defense easily."
Even though he had been beaten once before, Tsugawa's spirit didn't falter. In fact, his determination burned even brighter.
Maybe being bald gives some kind of morale buff!
"As for that boy with no presence, let him do whatever he wants, screening, passing… we don't need to pay him any mind…"
============
The game resumed.
Seiho had possession, and their formation remained unchanged: Akashi Asuka stationed under the basket while the other four spread out to attack.
Kasuga Ryuhei faced Junpei and Izuki's defense, pulling left and right to break through successfully. But just as he drove into the paint, he abruptly stopped.
A defender he hadn't expected had appeared directly in front of him.
Kuroko Tetsuya.
"Hey hey~ what's this sneaky trick?"
Before the game, Akashi had warned that the phantom sixth man lacked offensive and defensive ability but could occasionally pull off unexpected maneuvers. Everyone at Seiho was told to be cautious.
Kasuga's vigilance was at its peak, yet he kept a cheerful smile on his face.
"Well, let's see if I can break through!"
With that thought, he powered forward. Surprisingly, he sailed past Kuroko's defense with ease.
But the instant he crossed past Kuroko, Kagami appeared out of nowhere, standing directly in his path.
Oh, so that's the real threat.
Kasuga exhaled in relief. He had kept his guard up and avoided being intercepted by the sudden appearance of Kagami.
Yet before he could fully relax, something struck the basketball in his hands, sending it flying.
"What?"
Kasuga's heart leapt.
In the next second, the ball landed in Kagami's hands. With a swift throw, Kagami sent it far down the court.
Kasuga sprinted back, furious. Damn it! Using Kagami as bait while Kuroko swoops in from behind… what an unexpected and sneaky play!
============
Seirin launched a fast break, Hyuga and Izuki leading the charge. Hyuga dribbled toward the three-point line, preparing to shoot.
But before he could release the ball, Akashi was suddenly in front of him…
I knew it. I knew I couldn't beat this monster alone. That's why we came as two!
The instant before the ball was blocked, Hyuga converted the shot into a pass, flicking the ball to Izu, who had already cut toward the basket.
Yet, just as the pass left his hands, a giant hand swooped down, smack!, intercepting the ball.
"How… is this possible?"
Hyuga froze, stunned.
Akashi, having tossed the ball back, looked down coldly. "Your intentions were too obvious. Such a clumsy trick, I could see through it without even using my eyes."
SWISH!
Seiho's counterattack succeeded, scoring another two points.
21:6.
Seirin's relentless offensive momentum screeched to a halt with Akashi's interception.
Once again, both sides fell into a tense stalemate…
============
"Strange… Seiho hasn't changed formation, so why is Seirin's previous offensive method suddenly ineffective?"
Kise Ryouta, watching Seirin struggle to advance, frowned in confusion.
"Because Seiho's defense is just that solid."
Beside him, Yukio Kasamatsu stared at the court seriously. "Every strategy aims to disrupt the opponent's rhythm.
"The more chaotic their formation, the more openings appear. But Seiho's setup is so stable that even with consecutive points from Seirin, there's barely any disorder."
"Of course, stable formations still have flaws, but even the same flaw can vary in magnitude."
"Without a doubt."
"Against such a stable defense, Seirin can find openings, yes, but scoring efficiency will shrink, not grow…"
"Moreover, though Seiho is defense-oriented and Seirin offense-oriented, you've probably noticed: Seiho has had far more offensive opportunities than Seirin so far. Do you know why?"
Kise Ryouta thought back over the game. Hesitating, he said, "Because… of the rebounds?"
Kasamatsu nodded, his gaze unusually grave. "Exactly. Many people probably haven't realized it, but from the first quarter until now, Seiho has not lost a single defensive rebound."
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