In an instant, Shūtoku's defense was shattered.
Tendou sliced through the defense, almost simultaneously crossing past three defenders to reach the basket for an easy layup.
His powerful and overwhelming presence left everyone's eyes glued to him.
A summer had passed.
This leader of Kirisaki Daiichi High hadn't just evolved a little —
He had become even stronger, even more unstoppable.
Shūtoku wouldn't collapse so easily, but at this moment, their spirits were undeniably heavy.
The "infinite screen" tactic had been developed specifically to counter Tendou's Six Eyes —
Sacrificing the entire team just to create open looks for Midorima.
Midorima had executed well, draining six three-pointers in a single quarter.
But it wasn't enough...
"Damn it, just how far is that guy going to evolve before he's satisfied?!"
Miyaji Kiyoshi clenched his fists.
Tendou's bottomless potential —
That was something so distant, so unattainable to him.
How many countless nights had he spent imagining himself one day unleashing that kind of power?
But this wasn't a movie or a novel.
There would be no sudden "unlocking of hidden potential," no sudden enlightenment overnight.
And so he understood all too well—
In front of true talent, hard work could seem overwhelmingly pale.
...
Tweet—
The referee blew the whistle, halting the game.
The second quarter ended.
Shūtoku had fought desperately to bring the point gap back to single digits.
Yet by halftime, the gap had widened again to a soul-crushing margin.
48:64!
Shūtoku had performed efficiently, scoring 30 points in the second quarter.
But Kirisaki Daiichi had been even more explosive, putting up a terrifying number.
Tendou alone had gone 11-for-12 from the field, including 3-for-3 from three-point range, erupting for 25 points in the quarter.
Midorima had also scored heavily, going 7-for-7 from three-point range for 21 points.
In terms of raw points, they were evenly matched.
But in terms of dominance on the court, Midorima had clearly fallen short.
Most of Midorima's points had come during the first half of the second quarter,
Relying on the team sacrificing everything to create seven shot opportunities for him.
But by the second half of the quarter, he was frozen again — unable to find clean looks under Tendou's relentless pressure.
He had suffered greatly in his direct duel against Tendou.
...
In the Locker Room
Despite the difficult situation, the Shūtoku players weren't downcast.
They actively prepared for the next half.
This team, known as the "Battle-Hardened Kings,"
Had lived up to their reputation — enduring countless trials and tribulations.
They were one of Tokyo's oldest basketball teams, having existed since the earliest national tournaments.
Their deep basketball heritage allowed them to push forward bravely in the face of adversity, never hesitating.
Midorima watched his teammates and coaches busily strategizing, feeling a deep pride that he could be part of Shūtoku.
"What are you spacing out for?!
Now's not the time to hang your head!"
"Get over here and let me smash some sense into your stubborn brain!"
Miyaji Kiyoshi barked at Midorima when he noticed him momentarily dazed.
This senior, cold on the outside but warm inside, was absolutely ruthless when scolding teammates.
Midorima hurried over, obediently listening to the coach's new arrangements.
No matter what—
They had to find a way to win.
...
Halftime quickly ended.
Both teams returned to the court.
Kirisaki Daiichi had possession to start.
Right away, Tendou took the ball, facing both Midorima and Takao Kazunari head-on.
He had already seen the future.
He began his breakthrough.
He effortlessly passed both of them—
Midorima gritted his teeth, unable to stop him even slightly.
Takao, realizing the double-team had failed, quickly turned and reached out from behind.
His Hawk Eye caught sight of Tendou's shifting frame.
"Too small!"
Thud!
Tendou pounded the ball into the floor, letting it bounce to his other hand, evading Takao's reach with ease.
"Damn it!"
"You're not getting through!"
"Stop him!"
Kimura Shinsuke, Otsubo Taiga, and Miyaji Kiyoshi all swarmed toward Tendou.
They couldn't allow the gap to widen any further.
They had to defend this possession!
Tendou's eyes flashed sharply, golden electricity dancing at his feet, his entire presence boiling with tension.
He pounded the ball on the spot, then twisted his body sharply, using his elbow to propel the ball outward.
The fake was so convincing that Shūtoku's defenders couldn't tell if he was going to pass or continue driving.
By the time they realized the ball had passed between them—
It was already too late.
But...
"It's not over yet, Tendou!"
Midorima, unexpectedly, had sprinted back to the basket.
Leaping high—
With a "swoosh," Midorima grabbed the ball out of the air with both hands.
"Fast break!"
He shouted loudly.
Takao Kazunari, sensing it instinctively, had already turned and was sprinting ahead, crossing half-court in an instant.
"Go, Takao!"
Shūtoku's players roared from behind.
Takao received the pass and buried his head, charging straight for the basket.
However, Otsubo and the others noticed something—
Tendou had bent his knees again.
"What's he doing?!"
"What is he trying to do?!"
Questions screamed silently in their minds.
The next second, they heard Tendou's whisper:
"Thunderclap Flash!"
Whoosh!
With barely any charge-up time, Tendou exploded forward again.
The Shūtoku players nearly lost their minds.
Even the spectators watching the screen were left with mouths wide open.
The outrageous special effects made it look as if Tendou had kicked up a full-blown storm.
Even the hair of nearby players was whipped wildly by the wind.
When the camera finally caught up to him, everything around Tendou appeared blurred, wildly retreating behind him.
Then—
Just as Takao was about to finish his layup, Tendou's terrifying figure cut him off, slamming both feet onto the ground, coming to a violent, screeching halt.
"How fast... was he moving just now?!"
Takao felt like he was watching a horror movie.
What kind of speed would force someone with Tendou's supreme physical ability to take so long to stop?
"No, this isn't the time to think about that!"
Takao instinctively wanted to escape —
Even he wasn't arrogant enough to challenge Tendou one-on-one now.
Especially with their team already trailing — every possession was too valuable.
Too late!
"You're not getting away, Hawk Eye boy!"
The audience, still stunned by Tendou's insane speed, suddenly burst into laughter hearing that line.
Only Tendou could still crack jokes mid-game while demolishing opponents.
"Dismantle!"
Swipe!
Tendou's right arm shot out, poking the ball cleanly out of Takao's hands.
Without hesitation, he snatched the ball back and surged across the court at full speed.
"I won't let you through, Tendou!"
Midorima intercepted him.
Among the Generation of Miracles' outside players, Midorima's static physical attributes were arguably the best.
At 195 cm and 79 kg, he had no mismatch issues—
Able to hold his own against almost anyone.
But—
"You will step aside."
Tendou couldn't help but think of a certain chūnibyō noble in the stands, blurted it out unconsciously.
"Dismantle!"
The basketball seemed to go berserk.
Tendou pressed forward—
And Midorima instantly felt crushing pressure, forced back involuntarily.
---
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