"Seirin hasn't noticed, right?"
"No way!"
"Hard to say… let's just try it and see."
While Seirin was celebrating and boosting morale, Seiho grew wary, unsettled by Seirin's clever one-on-one, one-break tactic from the previous play.
On the next possession, Seiho advanced cautiously.
Kasuga Ryuhei dribbled outside the three-point line, circling around as if teasing Shun Izuki. Yet every time he tried to break through, Izuki seemed to anticipate his move, positioning himself perfectly ahead.
"…So, Seirin has discovered Seiho's weakness."
Not only did the Seiho players realize it, but Yukio Kasamatsu's eyes flickered with sharp understanding.
"Weakness?"
"Yes." Kasamatsu's expression turned serious. "Seiho's ancient martial arts style isn't flawless. Like every coin, it has two sides. Their 'martial arts' built a strong defense but also left a fatal flaw."
"I don't know the specifics, but once exposed, this flaw isn't something they can fix quickly. And it's bigger than the flaw Seirin found before…"
Kasamatsu hadn't finished when Kise Ryouta's expression suddenly brightened. "So… does this mean Seirin's win is guaranteed?"
Kasamatsu glared. "Fool, nothing's certain until the last second. Seiho is a nationally renowned powerhouse. Seirin is still behind in basic stamina and skill. And don't forget, the monster under the basket hasn't even acted yet."
Kise deflated instantly. "So the situation's basically unchanged?"
Kasamatsu shook his head. "Not entirely. To master this running style, most people need two years of practice, only reaching proficiency in their third year. That's enough time to turn it into a habit."
"In other words, Seiho's fatal weakness has been exposed. Seirin at least can see a path to victory now."
Kasamatsu paused, then smiled wryly. "Although… you seem pretty eager for Seirin to beat Seiho, huh?"
"Of course! I'm looking forward to avenging that previous loss at nationals!"
"Hmm… fair enough."
Kasamatsu found no retort and shifted the topic. "Anyway, Seiho revealing that weakness is bad news for them. Seirin will probably go all-out now… unless…"
Before he could finish, the court erupted into chaos.
Seirin exploited the weakness, dominating Seiho for two consecutive possessions.
Then, on the third possession, the tide suddenly turned.
Omuro Yoshikasu held the ball, facing Hyuga Junpei again.
Hyuga's gaze seemed fixed on the ball, but he was actually watching Omuro's feet. Over the previous plays, Seirin had painstakingly analyzed Seiho's "Phantom Step" and discovered a subtle flaw: unlike most players who shift weight from their upper body, Seiho players shifted from the feet first.
This tiny detail allowed Seirin to anticipate Seiho's movements, but it took them two and a half quarters to adapt.
With the weakness identified, Seirin was determined to press forward and even the score.
But then…
A sudden whoosh! of air brushed past Hyuga. Omuro had slipped behind him in an instant, and Hyuga couldn't react.
"Eh?"
Hyuga froze, turning around just in time to see the basketball dropping through the hoop.
SWISH!
50–38.
After two possessions of Seirin's advantage, this shot widened the gap again to 12 points.
Hyuga's mind raced, a chill running down his spine. "What just happened? Why didn't I see his weight shift? Could it be…?"
============
The third quarter neared its end.
Though Hyuga failed to stop Omuro this time, Seirin remained composed. Even spotting weaknesses didn't guarantee success every play, Seiho's superior physicality was still a factor.
When Izuki controlled the ball for another one-on-one against Kasuga, his expression changed subtly.
"No… that's impossible."
"Are you trying to look for the flaw under our feet?"
Then, Kasuga, smiling innocently, spoke.
"…Flaw? That was two weeks ago, already fixed."
Izuki's heart sank.
Kasuga continued, still grinning: "We actually left it exposed deliberately, planning to trick other teams later, but you fell into the trap first. Lucky or unlucky, I'm not sure…"
Izuki froze, horrified.
Kasuga swiftly intercepted the ball, CLAP!, and Seiho launched a fast break, scoring again.
52–38.
The lead widened once more.
=============
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