Slam dunk, hit 100% of the three-pointers at the beginning!

"Why is Shohoku calling a timeout after Akagi and their No. 10 have been on the court for less than two minutes?"

"They've cut the lead by six points in that short time, and Ryonan has been scoring too!"

"Looks like Coach Taoka is feeling the pressure."

The spectators couldn't take their eyes off Ryu as he walked back to Shohoku's bench.

In less than two minutes, he had scored 10 points single-handedly, completely suppressing Ryonan's offensive momentum.

Coach Taoka glared at his players, his frustration palpable. "What was that just now? You let a first-year tear you apart! If we lose this game, everyone's training schedule will double!"

The Ryonan players froze, their expressions stiffening.

"That little punk!"

Breathing heavily, Uozumi shot an angry glance at Ryu, who was laughing and joking with his teammates on the other side.

The entire Ryonan team glared at Ryu, their anger almost visible.

Ryonan's training regimen was already known as one of the toughest in high school basketball. They trained to exhaustion daily, pushing their bodies to the absolute limit.

This rigorous routine was one of the reasons Ryonan consistently ranked among the top four teams in Kanagawa.

Despite his scolding, Taoka knew they still had a 10-point lead. As long as they maintained that cushion, winning the game shouldn't be too difficult.

"Yoshino, Ikegami! After the timeout, double-team Ryu the moment he crosses half-court. Don't give him any space!"

"And since we're ahead, use up as much time as possible on every possession. Stick to delay tactics."

"Yes, Coach!"

Sendoh frowned slightly, clearly displeased.

Coach Taoka is giving this kind of treatment to a first-year? Not even Maki Shinichi, the top player in the prefecture, received this level of attention.

On the other side, Shohoku's bench was brimming with excitement.

Kuwata and the others stared at Ryu with admiration. "Your three-point shooting is insane, Ryu. You forced Ryonan to call a timeout!"

Coach Anzai watched everything with a serene smile, nodding in approval at Ryu. He couldn't help but recall that incredible deep three-pointer.

This kid really is a game-changer.

Akagi clapped his hands, pulling everyone's attention. "Ryu, keep it up in the next phase. Leave the rebounds to me—just focus on your shooting."

"Yeah! Let's close the gap and tie this game!" Mito chimed in enthusiastically.

But Ryu, deep in thought, shook his head. "No, I don't think that's a good idea."

Everyone turned to him in surprise.

"After the timeout, Ryonan will probably double-team me. I won't get many good looks. We should spread out the offense."

Ryu's gaze shifted to Rukawa. "Are you ready, Rukawa?"

Without a word, Rukawa tossed aside the towel on his head and stood up. "I'm never tired."

"Let's go with Ryu's plan," Coach Anzai said warmly, agreeing without hesitation.

Suddenly, Sakuragi dashed over, grabbing Coach Anzai's double chin. "Coach! Let me play! I, the great Sakuragi, will lead Shohoku to victory!"

"Shut up, Sakuragi!" Akagi barked, landing a heavy fist on Sakuragi's head. A large lump immediately formed.

"This is a critical moment. Putting you on the court? We'd be better off playing four-on-five!"

"What?! Why does that stupid fox get to play while I, the genius, sit on the bench?" Sakuragi whined, sulking.

"Sakuragi, you're our secret weapon," Coach Anzai said, his voice calm and soothing.

"Secret weapon?" Sakuragi's eyes lit up instantly. "That's right—I am the secret weapon!"

He strutted over to Rukawa, puffing out his chest. "Hey, dumb fox, just play for a bit. When the genius secret weapon enters, I'll lead us to victory!"

Rukawa shot him a deadpan glare. "Idiot."

"What did you say?! Stupid fox!"

"Idiot."

"Enough!" Akagi's stern voice silenced the bickering. His intense gaze shifted to Ryonan's bench. "It's time to get back on the court!"

In the stands, quiet laughter rippled through the crowd.

"If Sakuragi gets on the court, he'll probably flip that spiky-haired kid over."

"Did you see how Akagi hit Sakuragi just now? He looked like a little chick next to him!"

"Sakuragi, go for it! Play some smash-mouth basketball and take down Monkey Captain!"

Sakuragi's "Army" cheered loudly from the stands, though their voices couldn't reach him on the court.

"Achoo!" Sakuragi sneezed, looking around suspiciously. "Someone must be talking about me."

"Stop laughing! Stop laughing!" Yohei Mito whispered urgently to the group. "You'll just make Sakuragi mad again."

The others suppressed their laughter, remembering all too well Sakuragi's infamous "iron headbutt."

The referee's whistle blew, signaling the end of the timeout.

The game resumed.